AACI Ongoing Events: Sunday: Exercises for women with Orly Sasson. 8:45-9:30 a.m.Sunday afternoon Hebrew Literature class (call for details) Monday: Art with Gypsy Ron.9.30-12 noon Monday: Hebrew Conversation with Atara Hadad.9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.Monday: Conditioning Exercises for Women with Irene Burg.6:15 -7:15 p.m.Monday & Thursday: 12-1 p.m.Municipal Affairs at 2 Solomon St.(Moshe Shamir) Tuesday: Art with Gypsy Ron.9:30-12 noon Tuesday : Meet the Lawyer.9:30-11:30 a.m.Tuesday: Translations of documents and reports. 9:30-11:30 a.m.Wednesday: Netanya Philatelic Association 2-4 p.m.Wednesday: Diet, Healthy Eating & Living Group 9-10 a.m.Wednesday: Travel Day with Sharon Bergman 9 a.m. -12 noon Thursday: Caregivers Support Group. 10-11 a.m.ESRA • ESRA provides regular updates about its events, support groups, volunteering and activities.Let us keep you up-to-date. Email Ingrid at our Gan Rashal office, herzliyaoffice@ esra.org.il, with your name and e-mail address.• ESRA is looking for volunteers to form a computer committee who will consult and advise ESRA on its present and future hardware and software needs. If you have a background in information systems, or financial systems, or hardware configurations, and can spare a few hours for an occasional meeting, call Ingrid (09) 950- 8371) or send an e-mail to herzliyaoffice@esra.org.il • Esra’s professionally trained counsellors offer confidential help with loss, transitions and life challenges.One-to-one/ telephone/ group support. Counseling is free and is open to all. Contact Susan: Email kurnedz@012.net.il or 052- 698-9088; Esra office (09) 748-2957.• ESRA is planning the start of an English-Speaking Dementia Alzheimer Support Group. If you, as a family member, or as someone close to the family, is interested, please contact Ingrid 09-9567098.• May 8: ESRA in Tel Aviv welcomes finance writer and lecturer Suzy Kahati on the “Psychology of Money.” 10 a.m. Beit Ariela Public Library, 25 Shaul Hamelech Blvd.NIS 35 ESRAcards; NIS 30.Reservations: (09) 748-2957.• May 9: ESRA Modi’in Scrabble Club 7:15-9:30 p.m. Info: Mindy 052-487-1522 NIS 10; ESRAcards NIS 5.• May 14: ESRA Karmiel tiyul to Druse villages on the slopes of Mount Meron, including a walk of 4 to 5 km. NIS 60; ESRAcards NIS 50. Contact Frankie (04) 998- 2871 or esra.karm@gmail.com • May 15: ESRA Kfar Saba Open House welcomes senior reflexologist Oran Aviv who will explain how to help yourself, friends and family. 10 a.m. in the miklat at 11 Rehov Nachshon. NIS 15, refreshments.Info: Jean (09) 766-9223.• May 15: ESRA Rishon Lezion Quiz Eveningat 8 p.m. Info: Janet 054 733-5055.• May 16: ESRA and the Ra’anana Moadon Hazahav invite all English speakers to a series of lectures in English. Roi Aloni on “Edvard Grieg the Composer” at 9 a.m., and Dr.Moti Kedar on “ An In-Depth Look at the Middle East” at 10:30 a.m.Yad Labanim, Ra’anana. Register: (09) 761-0606 Tami.• May 17: ESRA Ra’anana invites you to a presentation of Al Jolson’s life and songs by Barbara Blum at 10 a.m. Light refreshments.Admission: NIS 60, ESRAcards NIS 50. Limited places.Register: (09) 748-2957.• May 23: ESRA bus to “Swan Lake” in Caesarea, with The Mariinsky Ballet (formerly the Kirov Ballet) from St. Petersburg will perform Swan Lake.Reservations: (09) 748-2957 NIS 550; ESRAcards: NIS 485.• May 25: ESRA Ramat Hasharon “East meets West” at 4 p.m., with speaker Dr. Jeremy Lange who will talk about Chinese and Western medicine. Beit Malinov, 21 Bialik Blvd. Info: Gitty (03) 540-9256.• May 26: ESRA Rehovot-area Chapter presents Nobel Laureate Prof. Ada Yonath on “The Amazing Ribosome and Its Tiny Enemies” at 8 p.m. NIS 25 ESRAcards; NIS 30 all others. Reservations required: Phyllis: (08) 945-6345.• May 26: Join ESRA Herzliya’s Annual bridge morning. Bridge 10 a.m Tournament director, Rami. WIZO Hall, 132, Rehov Hanassi, Herzliya Pituach.Donation to ESRA projects: NIS 75, ESRA cards: NIS 65. Limited space. Pre-registration by May 19: (09) 748-2957.• May 29: ESRA visit to Beit Hatefutsot at 10 a.m. includes guided tour in English of the exhibition “Light and Shadows: The Story of Jews in Iran,” followed by a screening of film by Ramin Faharani. Reservations: (09) 748- 2957. NIS 60; ESRAcards 50.• May 31: ESRA Ra’anana Cinema Club “Strangers No More.”Oscar-winning documentary by Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon about a Tel Aviv elementary school. 8 p.m. Limited seating – reserve early. Cost: NIS 60, ESRAcards NIS 50. Reservations: (09) 748-295.Ongoing events• Esravision – The TV program for English speakers in Israel: This month’s magazine: Israel’s First Arab Woman Plastic Surgeon; Agricultural Technology in Israel; The Daniel Rowing Centre Gvahim – helping immigrants realize their professional aspirations; Sentimental Journey – Guild Theatre performance; Your Health Matters: Allergies – Spring. Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.and Thursdays at 8 p.m. Find us on HOT and YES digital channels 98 (or HOT analog 25) and on METV alternate Thursdays at 3 p.m. You can also see selected items on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/Es ravision • ESRA Social Group for young adults with special needs: social activities, networking and support. Meetings once a month.Call Emma, 052-224-9069 or email: emnic80@hotmail.com • Difficulty focusing on your work or keeping organized? ESRA’s Adult ADD/ADHD support group can help inform, teach and coach adults with symptoms of the disorder.Contact us at: ESRA.Adult.ADHD.Group@gmail.c om or go to https://sites.google.com/site/esraa dultadhdgroup/ • Life’s Door – Tishkofet HaSharon, for people and family members living with illness (Beit Yad Sarah – Ra’anana). Mondays: Guided imagery 11 a.m.-12:15; Expressive Art 12:15-1:30.Wednesday: Gigong 1:15 -2:15 p.m. Advance registration required. For more information see www.tishkofet.co.il or call Sharon 054 665-6005.• Life’s Door – Tishkofet HaSharon: Photography with Sarah Raanan (in English) – “Explore the beauty of life” in this 5-session workshop. Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.• Life’s Door – Tishkofet HaSharon: Volunteer training program (in English) on May 15, May 29 and June 12, 9:30 a.m.to noon. Venue in Ra’anana to be arranged. Sessions will be run by a staff of professionals. Life’s Door – Tishkofet (a non-profit organization) has changed the way thousands of people have experienced the journey of illness. Through our unique programs, patients, family members and professionals have learned the skills to see opportunities for growth and greater fulfillment in life. Advance registration required. Info: Anna Whitefield: 052 608-9601.www.tishkofet.co.il • A new online Internet group is starting to bring non-Hebrew speakers from the Americas, England, Australia, South Africa, etc., together. The purpose of this group is to help new olim to adjust to life in Israel through networking, advise and just having someone listen. It is also an effort to join all non-Hebrew speakers into one forum (versus dividing into AACI, ESRA, TELFED, CICLA, etc). People interested in really helping one another and wanting to unite non-Hebrew speakers and help make life nicer, please contact this group and email NHS4BIsrael@yahoogroups.com.• If you are Jewish and don’t have any problems proving you are Jewish, but are having problems with local Interior Ministry not taking all kinds of official documents from your host country, contact us at NHS4BIsrael@yahoogroups.com.• English and Spanish conversational classes at Ohel Avraham and Sarah JCC in Rishon Lezion on Mohliver 16 Street. To register call (03) 950-7414 or write to the Sisterhood at SisterhoodOhelAvraham@gmail.c om NIS 20 per person, per class.Times to be announced.• Are you looking for cheap English books in good condition? Then come to the ESRA Charity Second-Hand English Bookshop in Ra’anana & help support ESRA’s numerous projects. Unbelievable selection of 1000s of English books in every category incl.thrillers, general, chick-lit, sci-fi, Classics, non-fiction, Jewish, Israeli authors translated, auto/biographies, self help, travel, health/cookbooks, etc. etc. & huge selection of kids’ books from tots to teens (suitable for school libraries), all at give-away prices.Sale of 100s of selected novels 3 for NIS10, 7 for NIS20, 12 for NIS30!! Buy 5 books @ NIS 8 each & get a 6th one FREE. Large selection of 2008/9/10 novels, also suitable for Bookclubs to take on sale/return. Book tokens. Happy to receive new paper backs in good condition. Open every day incl Friday 9.30-13.00. 5 Klausner St.(cnr Ahuza/Café Aroma), Ra’anana. More info and to reserve books, call (09) 748-0541.• ESRA Netanya is looking for volunteers who would like to help out in elementary, junior-high and secondary schools in Netanya.The volunteer work entails sitting with small groups of pupils once a week for two hours and helping them with their spoken English.The work is important to the pupils and very fulfilling for our volunteers. Phone Ros Ben Ezra for details at (09) 834 0937.• Would you like to become a befriender? We are urgently looking for both men and women to befriend housebound and lonely people in the Netanya, Ra’anana and Herzlyia areas. Call Glenis (054) 773-4392 or e-mail gbertfield@gmail.com • ESRA new pre-schoolers Parents Group led by child psychologist Dr. Ornit Freudenstein in which parents can share their experience and concerns about parenting pre-school children: eating, sleeping habits, emotional difficulties, fears, aggression, social difficulties, psychological difficulties and more. Mondays 8 p.m. To register call Judy, (09) 748-2957, mornings only.• ESRA support and counseling service for all English speakers affected by loss and difficulties.Counselors are trained and supervised by professionals and committed to confidentiality.E-mail Susan: kurnedz@012.net.il; 052-698-9088, or call the ESRA office (09) 748-2957.• ESRA folk dancing and line dancing on Thursday mornings at Beit Fisher, 5 Klausner Street, Ra’anana. Join our easy movement, folk and line-dancing class for seniors. Folk dancing 10-11:30 a.m.; line dancing for beginners and intermediate with experienced dance instructor Roni.ESRAcards: NIS 30; others: NIS 35. (09) 748-2957.• ESRA Duplicate Bridge Club meets at 8 p.m. every Monday in Ra’anana at Beit Fisher, 5 Klausner St. Info: Michael Belkin, 052-240- 1383. NIS 25 per session.• Volunteers required in Ramat Hasharon – English for Schools, in which native English speakers chat to high-school pupils in preparation for their exams. Call Ingrid at (09) 950-8371.• Volunteers required in Herzliya – English for Schools. Native English speakers chat to high-school pupils in preparation for their exams. Call 09-957-1170, Marise.• ESRA’s Community Cookbooks, Table Manna, Soups & Salads and Meatless Meals are on sale. NIS 50 plus postage. (09) 749-2957 or (09) 950-8371.SHARON/NETANYA Ongoing Events• AACI is forming a New Ra’anana Book Club with a Difference. We will all read and discuss the same book & meet monthly in members homes. Call AACI (03) 696-0389 or e-mail:telaviv@aaci.org.il if you are interested.• Bet Israel Masorti Congregation: 19 Yehuda Hanassi St. , Netanya: Religious Services Daily & Shabbat Shacharit 8 a.m. Friday evening Service begins 10 minutes after candle-lighting in Netanya (wintertime) and at 6 p.m. during summertime. Office: (09) 862- 4345 Sun.-Thu. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.• Monday at Bet Israel, 19 Yehuda Hanassi, Netanya: Duplicate Bridge, 9:15 a.m. and on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. NIS 25 incl. refreshments. Info: Judy (052-833-0488).• Sunday and Thursday at Bet Israel: Israeli Folk-dancing at 8 p.m., with Israel Amrani, in airconditioned hall. Incl. refreshments NIS 25. Tel: (09) 862-4345.• Wednesday: Bet Israel, 19 Yehuda Hanassi, Netanya: Women Only Israeli Folk-dancing at 9 a.m., with Hagar Leventhal, in airconditioned hall. Incl. refreshments NIS 25. (09) 862-4345.• Sunday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Henry Koor Library General Judaica Collection. Also English Torah Tapes, plus video and music tapes all available on loan.Public invited. New Synagogue, 7 MacDonald St., Netanya.• Sunday 8 p.m., Thursday 7:30 p.m. Beit Israel. Israeli Dancing.including refreshments. NIS 25.Sara (09) 862-4345.• Sunday 9–11 a.m.; Monday 10 a.m.-12 noon; Tuesday 2-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-12 noon; Thursday 10 a.m.-12 noon.English Speaking Municipal Volunteer Group at 4 Stampfer Street, 1st floor. Call first to check if there is a volunteer present.• Monday She’arim Noon-time Concert. 11, Kikar Atzmaut Passage, next to Bank Hapoalim, first floor. NIS 25. Doors open 11 a.m. (884-0534).• Monday. New Synagogue 7:30 a.m. Parshat Hashavua in English given by Dr. Yaakov Ulando.• Monday 7 p.m. Natan-ya Congregation Bible Class with Jordan Helfman. NIS.15. (077- 422-5272; 054-998-0032) • Monday 9:15 a.m. & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Hadassah Hadar & Beit Israel. Duplicate Bridge at Beit Israel. NIS 25. Refreshments (Judy, 052-833-0488).• Monday & Wednesday. 10 a.m.Laniado Ten Pin Bowling at the New Netanya Industrial Estate.Details Edith, (09) 861-6187.• Tuesday. New Synagogue.Weekly study with Rabbi Katz.Details Felix (09) 862-2765.• Wednesday 9 a.m. Bet Israel Women Only Israeli Folk-dancing with Hagar Leventhal in air-conditioned Hall, incl. refreshments.NIS 25. 862-4345 Self-Help • Alcoholics Anonymous English meetings in Ra’anana. For details please call Johnny 054-927-4133.• Alanon/Naranon meetings for relatives and friends of alcholics and substance abusers. In Ra’anana Tuesday evenings at 7:30. For further info please call (052) 614-9035 or (09) 746-2008.• Alanon/Naranon meetings for relatives and friends of alcoholics and substance abusers. In Netanya Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. For further info call: (052) 479-8285 or (09) 832-1574.• Ra’anana: Overeaters Anonymous meetings in English.Monday mornings, 10:30-11:30, Rehov Har Sinai. Contact Allyson for specific address details.(052) 655-9076.• Alzheimer’s English speakers support group meets every month.For more information please phone Paula: (077)324-0639.Other Activities • Services at Kehilat Yonaton, a Reform synagogue based in Hod Hasharon. Specially designed for children ages 3-10 and their families with Shabbat songs, Torah story and prayers, followed by a kiddush. Last Friday of each month 6 p.m. 1, Rehov Aliyat Hanoar, campus of Mosenson High School, Hod Hasharon. Details: 052-446- 2112 or 09-746-3447.• American C&W Line Dancing – Step-In Line™. Absolute Beginners 8-8:30 p.m. Learn basic steps and very easy dances.Continuing with Beginners & Advanced, learning new dances 8:30-9:30 p.m. (approx).Everyone dancing old favorites 9:30-10 p.m. NIS 30, payable on entrance. Kfar Vitkin, 10 mins.north of Netanya. Information: sandy@linedancing.biz , 052-545-7713 • The “Hebrew Order of David International” is recruiting Jewish gentlemen. We have Lodges in Ra’anana, Netanya and Jerusalem.If you like friendship, fellowship, social activities, formal meetings and charitable work, we want you! Michael: (09) 749-3293 or 050-594-6121 (Not Shabbat).• Kehilat Torat Hayim: The Masorti (Conservative) Congregation of Herzliya. www.torat-hayyim.org.il.Spiritual leader: Rav Ary Glikin.Merkaz Yom la-Kashish, Shammai 8, Herzliya. (Corner of Shammai and Bar-Ilan streets). Friday evening service starts at 6:30 p.m. in summer. Shabbat and holiday services begin at 8:45 a.m.Shabbat morning, after the service, members invite the congregation to Kiddush. Weekly newsletter (in English and Hebrew): Hamevasser: www.torathayyim.org.il:80/docs/ mevasser.htm. Activities: Preparation for bar and bat mitzva celebrations. Contact Rav Glikin for information: 052-736-6386; special monthly youth Shabbatot; activities for children and youth; special holiday events; active participation on kehila committees; study groups: Mishna: Mondays at 7 p.m. in Bet Yom LeKashish. Alternate Sunday evenings, 8:30 p.m., Pirkei Avot group at the Nof Yam Matnas • Every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.– certified instructor Jessica Cohen teaches horses and ponies and their riders show jumping.Shaded picnic tables for visitors, free of charge. 5 Pardes Meshutaf St., Ra’anana. Phone 052-598- 7789 www.farm4fun.com • Mountainbiking Group – Cyclenix – This is a social biking group riding regularly each Saturday. We also hold weekly midweek night rides. All levels of riders are catered for and it costs nothing to join. Call 050-942- 2788 or visit our Web site www.cyclenix.com • Weight Watchers, now in English! Weight Watchers group for English speakers, Wednesday mornings at 9. At the Mishkan, 2 Hapalmah Street, Ra’anana. All discussions and materials in English. More information from leader Yehudit Levine, 050-647- 7395 (after 7 p.m., please) • Anglo business networking group provides a forum for English-speaking businessmen in Israel, both established and new, to discuss and share their problems and air their new business ideas. Meets about once a month alternately in Tel Aviv and Ra’anana. Details of next meeting: anglobng@gmail.com • www.oddjobs.co.il provides free job postings in English for those seeking odd jobs, and temporary, seasonal, work at home, overseas, and foreign-language positions.Feel free to visit and submit your postings or answer job leads free of charge.• The Yad Yaakov center for Jewish Education is hosting a lecture series in English: Mondays at 9:30 a.m. – “Shivat Zion in the Eyes of Ezra and Nehemiah” with Rabbi Don Peterman; Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. – Jeremiah and the Destruction of the Temple, both at 4 Kahan St., Kfar Saba. Fridays at 10 a.m. – “Footsteps through the Bible, discovering the Unfolding Redemptive History of Israel” with Rabbi Leibowitz at Ohel Moshe Synagogue, Herzliya Pituah. Info (09) 745-4126.• Koleynu Choir meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Beit Issie Shapiro, Issie Shapiro Street, in Ra’anana.Men and women of all ages are welcome to join this mixed voice choir. Repertoire includes popular and traditional Western and Israeli music, vocal jazz, Broadway show tunes, gospel, light classics and more. Reading music is not required, just the ability to sing in tune and match pitches – and of course a commitment to learning your songs. For more information call Sharon: 050-314-5255 or Patrick: 054-660-7464.• Klabberjas – Kfar Saba – weekly card game. Please call: Michael (09) 749-3293 / (050) 594-6121.• Play in our Texas hold-em poker tournaments. Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 8 p.m. Info: 054-482-1706 • Coffee and Torah: The study of Tanach and lively discussion on its contemporary relevance, with Rabbi Stewart Weiss, Wednesday mornings, 8:15-9:45 a.m. at Bread and Breakfast Cafe, Giron Center, Jabotinsky and Ahuza streets, Ra’anana. In English, no prior knowledge necessary. Call 052-242-8508 for details.• Ra’anana Masorti (Conservative) Congregation. A warm, friendly synagogue with services Thur at 7 a.m., Fri at 6 p.m., Sat. at 8:30 a.m. Bar/Bat Mitzva, Community Services and Special Occasions. 8 Borochov Street, Ra’anana. For information call Colin Marks on 054-720-1911.• YINN Table Tennis Chug. Play on Sun., Wed. afternoons, 2:30-4:30. All welcome • Netanya Congregation Bible Class with Jordan Helfman.Mondays, 7 p.m. NIS 15.(077) 422-5272; (054) 998-0032.• Yad Yaakov center for Jewish Studies, weekly Tanach classes: Mon 9:30-11 a.m. “Kings & Prophets” with Rabbi Peterman; Wed 9:15-10:15 a.m. “The Classical Prophets” with Rabbi Leibowitz; Wed 10:30-11:30 a.m.“Kohelet-Wisdom Literature” with Rabbi Leibowitz Ohel Moshe Synagogue, 33 Aryeh Ben-Eliezer St., Herzliya Pituah: (09) 745- 4126. Gadi Hamburger gives a weekly shiur in English on interesting points in the weekly sedra.Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Men and women welcome – no fee. Venue: Becker Family, Rehov Ahad Ha’am 21/5, Ra’anana. Further info: Willie, (09) 741-4632 or 052-852-2029.• Classes and study groups: Hebrew Reading Class, Sundays 11 a.m. at Beit Israel Masorti Congregation, with Rita Green and Miki Schwartz. Details: (09) 862-4345 / “Prayer and Song” class on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.at Beit Israel Masorti Congregation, with Rabbi Yisraeli.Learn how to lead and participate in prayer services, including the traditional melodies. We are egalitarian, this is for everybody. (09) 862-4345. Torah Study and Discussion Group (English) on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., with Lenore Levin, at Beit Israel. (09) 862-4345. “Philosophical Issues in the Weekly Parsha” on Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. With Rabbi Yisraeli (of Congregation Beit Israel, Masorti, Netanya) at his home, 7/2 Ichilov St. Call office for details: (09) 862-4345.• Weekly cultural activities: Duplicate Bridge at Beit Israel, Monday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. NIS 25, incl. refreshments.(09) 862-4345.Free English Lending Library on Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. at Beit Israel. Librarian; Shiphra Davis.Info: (09) 862-4345.• The Henry Koor Judaica Library houses 8,000 books of 800 CDs and cassette tapes of Jewish and general interest in English, and is open 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Sundays – Thursdays. 7 Rehov Macdonald, Netanya. Contact: (09) 884-0458. There is also a program of monthly lectures.TEL AVIV/CENTRAL• AACI Tel AvivEvents held at AACI offices unless otherwise specified: 76 Ibn Gvirol (1st floor), Tel Aviv. (03) 696- 0389 for information and registration.Join AACI Central e-mail program & information update list: e-mail: telaviv@aaci.org.il with “email list” in the subject heading.Upcoming events: • May 16: AACI – Tai Chi with Tomehr, 7p.m. 5-week course.Each session: 11⁄2 hours. Roof of Gan Hair (outside Enav Center), 71 Rehov Ibn Gvirol, Tel Aviv.Members: NIS 50 per session; non- members: NIS 60 per session.Info: Tomehr 054 225 1311.Registration and pre-payment essential: AACI (03) 696-0389 • May 19: AACI Walking Tour of Rehov Bialik led by Yona Wiseman. Meet 10 a.m. corner Bialik and Allenby at the café.Members: NIS 40; Non-members: NIS 50. Entrance Fees NIS 10 per person Bialik Home; (optional) NIS 10 for visit to the Old Municipality Building Registration: AACI (03) 696--0389 or Yona Wiseman (03) 516-3387 or (050) 326-7277 • May 31: AACI at the Nalaga’at Center, Retsif Ha’aliya Hashniya, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv. “Not By Bread Alone” – 11 deaf-blind actors take the audience on a magical tour of their inner world. 8:30 p.m. AACI members: NIS 95; Non-members: NIS 105. Members: Seniors, soldiers, students & children (age 10- 18) NIS 75; Non-members: NIS 85. Registration & Pre-payment essential: AACI (03) 696-0389.Buses: Line 46, from Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station; Line 10, from Tel Aviv-Savidor Train Station.AACI Seniors • May 11: AACI Seniors, 10 a.m.Judy Cohen, writer, singer, guitarist, sings. Exercise; Brief Torah Commentary. Light refreshments, NIS 15. Beit Tami in Sheinkin Park, Rehov Sheinkin, Tel Aviv, Info: 696-0389.Other Events May 10: ESO (English Speakers Organization), based in Ramat Gan, invites you on an Independence Day trip to Zichron Ya’acov: visiting the Rothschild Park and a tour of the town; in Haifa: visiting the “Hecht” Museum and the Baha’i Gardens; and in Acco: a boat ride. NIS 120.Bookings: Audrey: (03) 672- 8653; Betty: 052-522-4914 • May 20-21: Hitachdut Olei Britannia (H.O.B.) Annual Convention, 2011 weekend at the Yitzhak Rabin Guest House, Givat Ram, Jerusalem. Guest speaker: British Ambassador, H.E. Matthew Gould. Also: Prof.David Newman of Ben-Gurion University and Prof. Sergio DellaPergola, Hebrew University.NIS 450 per person, NIS 99 single supplement. Non-members membership fee: NIS 50 (seniors, NIS 30). Booking and info: Ian Banks (02) 991-9056, 052- 438-1504 or ian4@bezeqint.net Walking Tours White City Tours and guide Paule Rakower invites you to the tour below. Cost: NIS 60 per person, please book in advance (03) 5464917. Email: krpaule@hotmail.com Most of these tours are suitable for the disabled. Mention your limitations: • May 26: The story of the 1st Jewish Olympics, the Levant Fair, classic culture in the city and much more… 5 p.m.Ongoing Events • Lod Community Foundation is looking for volunteer teachers for its English teaching project, “Yes We Can!” to teach both children and adults. If you can help, or know anyone who may be interested, contact: Ofra Savaldi (08) 927-0723 or 054-793-2518 o.savaldi@lodfoundation.org www.lodfoundation.org • Public speaking and storytelling for everyone at the Oppenheimer English Storytelling Center in Tel Aviv on the first Friday morning of every month. Contact Dvora Shurman at 054-766-5019 or email dvoras2@netvision.net.il.• The Educational Center for Games in Israel. Heritage Centre of Play. 32 Hatavor St. Tel Aviv.(near Nachlat Binyamin Mall).Play is not only for children.Lost Property: Mostly jackets.Please claim them. Visits to the center are by prior request. We continue with archiving our collections.If you would like to join in, give us a call, also to discuss which of our seminars and workshops are best for you.Contact ecgi.friends@gmail.com or 054-471-7314 • Ichud Olam Minyan invites you to a new lecture series every Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. Rabbi Nachman's Stories as an introduction to Hassidut, in English; 9 p.m.: Rambam’s Rationalist Thinking, in Hebrew, by Rabbi Dr. Raphael Shuchat of Bar-Ilan University. Pizza served.Ichud Shivat Zion Synagogue, 86 Rehov Ben-Yehuda, Tel Aviv.• Calling women of all ages, with or without experience: An American flag football team for women is being organized to play in the Sportech every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Free of charge. Call Esti at (054) 737-4841 or email: thecoolnurse@gmail.com • Home singing circle in central Tel Aviv, to meet once weekly. Male and female singers welcomed.Repertoire: classical – including Israeli. Please state note-reading ability and preferred weekday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.Email: gefen_e@012.net.il • TACT (Tel Aviv Community Theatre) – Want to act in English? Help backstage? Smell the greasepaint? Hear the applause? TACT is the group for you. Oldest established Englishspeaking community theater in Tel Aviv welcomes new members.www.tact-theatre.com or call Glenda, 052-525-8812 or Linda, 052-230-8833.• ESRA Books ’n’ Chat, first Sunday of the month.Information: Gill, 602-1008.• ESRA South African-style book club in Tel Aviv, first Monday of month. Info: Gill (03) 732-0194.• ESRA Short Story Discussion Group, Mondays. NIS 25; ESRAcards NIS 20. Info: Noah (03) 648-5575.• Tanach (Bible) Study Group, Wednesdays 9:45 a.m. An in-depth study of the Tanach with Rabbi Avraham Fischer of Yad Yaakov. NIS 50; ESRAcards NIS 45. Pre-registration necessary.Noah (03) 648-5575.• Support group being formed for seniors with/without family in Israel, to discuss and plan for the future. Please contact Valerie at (03) 602-0665 Self-Help • Alcoholics Anonymous English meetings held daily in Tel Aviv.Details: 054-492-9242 or email telavivaa@gmail.com • Tuesdays 8:30-9:30 a.m.Overeaters Anonymous – weekly English meeting in Tel Aviv.For venue and more information, call Ophelia, 052-427-9502.• Narcotics Anonymous, English meetings in Tel Aviv & Jerusalem.Hotline: 054- 211-7452.• Rediscovering Hunger: Conquering your Negative Body Image and Overcoming Emotional Eating. Offered in Tel Aviv. Info: Nomi 052-858-1028.• AACI Translation Service: An excellent translation service is available to all AACI members.We offer help with translating bills, driving licenses, telephone applications, Kupat Holim literature, bank communications and many other items. Service not available for medical reports and legal contracts. Mondays: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call AACI for an appointment: (03) 696-0389.• Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Israel) Herzl 159, Tel Aviv-Jaffa. (03) 513-6500. Healthy cats and dogs available for adoption, daily veterinary service, lowcost spaying. Strays and abandoned animals accepted at no charge. Open daily till 8 p.m., Fridays until 2 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. www.spca.co.il • English mother and baby group. Weekly meetings in Petah Tikva. Contact Tammy: 054-303-2063 / e-mail: tammyjanerednall@yahoo.co.uk • TACT play-reading: every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Beit Ariella. We prepare, read and discuss Shakespeare plays. On alternate Mondays we read other plays. Please call Mike: (03) 641- 5878 or Ida: (09) 955-0089 • Ramle Tissan Airmodel Club: English-speaking airmodeler looks for control-line airmodel enthusiasts to help found a club.Teaching kids and teens how to build and fly C/L, sailplanes, rubber-powered planes is also among greatest goals. Already has support from Ramle City Hall.Please call Eron Silva at (08) 930- 1161, ext. 113, or (08) 920-6408 (home), or write eron@morel.co.il (preferable) • Israemploy is a non-profit organization that helps new and veteran immigrants find work in Israel. Almost 2,000 new job postings each month, many of them with a requirement for English at a high level. For more information, please visit us at www.israemploy.net. Nominal fees required of users.• Anglo business networking group provides a forum for English-speaking businessmen in Israel, both established and new, to discuss and share their problems and air their new business ideas. Meets about once a month alternatively in Tel Aviv and Ra’anana. Details of next meeting: anglobng@gmail.com • The Institute for the Advancement of Education in Jaffa seeks volunteers to help Jaffa schoolchildren with English.Volunteers work with groups of 2- 3 children aged 10-12 once a week, for an hour and a half in the mid-afternoon. Materials and on-hand guidance provided, no experience necessary. Marc Schoen, 054-755-2014, 077-330-6788 (evenings) • Free Torah lessons in English.Sundays, 8:30 p.m. Hotel Devorah, Ben-Yehuda 87, Tel Aviv.Margalit: (03) 551-6652.• Play4Elderly meetings at The Educational Center for Games, 32 Hatavor Street, Tel Aviv. (Near Nahlat Binyamin Mall) are part of our Grandparenting Institute.Info: 054-471-7314. (03) 629- 4151. play4elderly@gmail.com CENTRAL • RESA Rishon Lezion English Speakers Assocation holds monthly social meetings; coffee mornings in a coffee shop and excursions to places of interest. Details: (03) 969-5693.• Yes, there is a Masorti /Conservative shul and community in Rishon Lezion! Everyone interested in being part of a truly egalitarian community with observance of Jewish traditions invited. Please send us your email address for our mailing list.Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m. (summer hours); Shabbat morning service at 9 a.m. Come and visit or call (03) 950-7414.• April 20 & 21: Jewish National Fund’s special one-day tour departs from Jerusalem and includes Beeersheba, Sderot, Haifa and the Carmel Forest. $50 per person, per day; $85 per person for both days; includes kosher-for-Pessah lunch.http://j.mp/gEIHIM Info: JNF Travel & Tours travel@jnf.org AACI Southern Branch • Sundays – “Your Baby Needs Music” – AACI Music Class for babies and children up to age 5.4-4:45 p.m. “Music Together,” a parent-child class in English for infants, toddlers and preschoolers up to age 5 on Sundays, at 5-5:45 p.m. With Sharon Meisels. All classes will take place at location TBA.Cost per child, full course: NIS 400 members; NIS 450 non-members Cost per 2nd child, full course: NIS 375 members; NIS 425 non-members.Accompanying book and CD: NIS 170, cash only. Register at (02) 993-8147 or 054-531-5990.Send an e-mail to this address: sharon@musicwithsharon.com To receive more information, e-mail www.musicwithsharon.com • Technical Writing Course in Beersheba. If you write well in English, are computer literate and enjoy learning and training others, this course is for you. Dates and times to be announced. Cost: NIS 9,000 or NIS 8,000 for AACI members, including those who join upon registration.For more information contact Our Best Words at (02) 656-3369 or (050) 529-0775 (evenings) or training@ ourbestwords.com Or go to www.technicalwriting.co.il/training/ tech-writing-course/ • Religious singles 60+ Group forming for social and cultural activities. More info (02) 560-9110 Ongoing Events • Join us for Shabbat services (Fri.5:30 p.m. winter, 7 p.m. summer, Sat. 9 a.m.) at Adat Shalom Emanuel, 6 Miller Street, Rehovot.We are a Masorti (Egalitarian) congregation with a vibrant bar/bat mitzva program, youth activities program (Noam), a choir, as well as a lecture and discussion series under the direction of our Rabbi Rubin. E-mail: adatshalom@ barak.net.il, tel/fax (08) 946-9180 • Emotions Anonymous Ashkelon.Osnat (08) 673-1258; Moshe (08) 673-4086.ASHDOD• The English Speakers’ Club of Ashdod (ESCA) gets together on Fridays at the Zohara Restaurant in the Ashdod Bus Station from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Info: Anita, 054-465-1327, or Chana (08) 855-7116.• The Conservative Synagogue “Etz Haim” in Ashdod assembles on Fridays for Erev Shabbat devotional services (20 minutes before sundown) as well as on Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The Etz Haim Synagogue is located at Public Shelter No. 25 on Rehov Yitzhak Hanassi in Ashdod. Info: Refael David, (08) 864-2482, or Anita Raymond, 054-465-1327 • Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung in the Ashdod area. Exercise for fun, balance, strength, energy.Wednesdays 9 a.m., 7 p.m.Classes in the park in good weather, sheltered area in rainy weather. Susan www.taichisusan.com; 054-237- 5512 • Parkinsons Support Group Ashdod (and for surrounding areas) meets Wednesdays 4:30-7 at the Bet Avot Ashdod, entrance Harav Nissim 17, next to Ashdod police station. Infomation 08- 8551051. Amutat Parkinson 077- 418-1900; English (08) 858-1151.ASHKELON• May 10: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Craft Chug at 10 a.m. Info: Vicky (08) 673-3742.• May 12: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Yom Ha’atzmaut Cheese & Wine Party at 7:30 p.m. Info: Vicky (08) 673-3742 • May 15: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Book Club at 8p.m.Info: Rachelle (08) 671-8619 • May 17: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Movie Night at 7:30 p.m. Info: Heidi (08) 678-0502 • Kehillat Netzach Israel (Masorti/Conservative Congregation) - Services: Fridays at 6:45pm and Saturdays at 9am - Bar/Bat Mitzva courses, Talmud/Torah classes, Adult Educational lectures, NOAM youth group, Pre-School Day Care Center and ongoing cultural activities. Rabbi Michael Even David; for info.call (08) 671- 1370/1 or e-mail: kehillat@zahav.net.il. Also see website: www.netzachisrael.org.il • Emotions Anonymous Ashkelon. Call Osnat (08) 673- 1258; or Moshe (08) 673-4086BEERSHEBA• Negev, Eilat, South e-mail list advice, events, what’s on, Eilat, Beersheba, Mitzpe, Arad and Ein Gedi. Festivals, theaters, concerts, find car rides, jobs available, jobs wanted, flat-hunting, business promos. www.groups.yahoo.com/group/NegevEilat.• Omer, Magen Avraham (Conservative) Congregation: Friday 6:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. Bar/Bat Mitzva courses, adult study, after-school program.Rabbi Gil Nativ (08) 646-0424; email efrat@magenav.org • The Flying Camels Ultimate Frisbee team would like to invite you to join them on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. Venue: the sports field next to Shomron St. in the Neot Lon neighborhood of Beersheba. For details, call Noam: 054-7739954 laskern@yahoo.com • Beersheba, Eshel Avraham (Masorti/ Conservative) Congregation – Fri. 5:30 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. Torah classes (Hebrew, English, Russian and Spanish). Talmud classes, activities, bar/bat mitzva, Noam youth, kindergarten ages 1-6.Israeli folkdance. (08) 642-1424; (08) 642-0989.• Beersheba English speaking Seniors Social Club – Thursday 4- 6 p.m. (08) 642-2915; 627-2593.• Beersheba Hadassah meets the fourth Monday morning of each month, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. Ganei Ye’elim, Shchuna Heh. Coffee, social, and always an interesting program/speaker. NIS 10. Info: Shirley, (08) 658-8262.• The AACI Southern Region Library at Matnas Yud-Alef in Beersheba has more than 6,000 volumes of fiction and non-fiction. Hours: Sun.through Wed. from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; Sun. Mon. and Wed.from 4 to 6 p.m.; and every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 11 Mordechai Namir St. Info: (08) 643-3953.• Beersheba Singles Club (25- 45), beersheva–singles @hotmail.comEILAT• Tagel Arava Masorti Community Eilat. Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. At former Allon School (in the caravans to rear of school). Please phone 050-579-3225 or (08) 633-4368 for more information.• Eilat English Speakers WIZO group meet at WIZO House, Jerusalem St. 10-12 a.m.Tuesdays. Winter Program incl.speakers (all welcome to submit request to speak on career, hobby etc.) Refreshments. NIS 10. Contact: Anne, (08) 633- 0323; Fay, (08) 637-2344.• ESRA’s unique Ethiopian embroidery products are on sale in Eilat. Kippot, mezuzot, hamsot embroidered on handtowels; coasters, placemats; greeting and gift cards, all at reasonable prices. Proceeds go to the Ethiopian embroiderers.To view and purchase, call Fonda: (08) 633-2205.• Pregnancy support in Eilat – Birth preparation, active birth, yoga and relaxation. Support after birth: mother and baby, help with breastfeeding, baby massage, yoga and relaxation.Small groups. Tues. mornings.Alison (08) 633-5024; 052-835- 1182.• Shirat Hayam Masorti/ Conservative Synagogue – Beit Wizo, Jerusalem St., Eilat. Fri at 6 p.m. Michelle, 050-421-1591.• Eilat – Kalooki players South African rules. Kaleen (08) 753-30705 or 050-529-1925 • Shira Hadasha (Masorati/ Conservative) in Arad – Friday (according to candle lighting time), most of the winter 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. Lior, 052- 545-3436. “What’s Up?” – An educational mobile observatory sets up our telescope every night on or near the promenade, showing passers-by the planets and the moon with detailed explanations and handout sheets. Info 052-535- 2933; 054-481-9973.• Arts and crafts market – Locally made leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, etc. Fridays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Park Hayovel, near Imax.Artists and street performers welcome to join (upon committee approval). Billie, 054- 584-1282; bilbi40@yahoo.com • Le Leche League Israel – Support for breastfeeding mothers. Monthly meetings throughout the country. 1- 599-525-821 • Scopus: The Center for Matchmaking in the Jewish World for singles age 20-45, across the observance spectrum.(02) 532-8435; us@scopus.org; Web site: www.scopus.orgHAIFA & NORTHOngoing Events • The Karmiel English Speakers’ Club is open every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Library, tea and coffee, board games, or just chat.For confirmation of ocasional Saturday evening opening, 7 pm. till throwout time, phone Gwenn at (04) 998-1925.Location: below the hotel, opposite the main post office.• Two New ESRA Branches in the North, for English speaking activities, lectures and volunteering. For the Karmiel/Misgav area, please contact Frankie (04) 998-2871 or email esra.karm@gmail.com.For the Nahariya/Northern Coast areas, contact Tonielle 054-787-1452 or email north.coast.esra.@gmail.com • Kehillat Emet VeShalom Nahariya (Reform/Progressive Synagogue) – Kabbalat Shabbat Services on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. (winter time) (6:30 p.m. summer time) with Rabbi Israel Horowitz in Matnas Mifal Hapayis, Rehov Keren Hayesod, Nahariya. Bar/bat mitzva preparation, weddings, conversion, holiday and communal activities; study groups and courses. Information, call office at 108 Rehov Weizman, Nahariya Tel/Fax: (04) 992- 9723; or email: EmeteShalom@ googlegroups.com; website: http://evsnewsletter.googlepa ges.com/home • HaMinyan HaMishpachti, Kfar Vradim. (Egalitarian, Masorti /Conservative Congregation) Kabbalat Shabbat Services 6:15 p.m.; Shabbat Morning Services 9 a.m. at Eshkol Haganim “Gefen,” Kfar Vradim. Bar/Bat Mitzva preparation, HALOM after-school program for gan hova and elementary-school children; NEW Youth Group for teenagers, ongoing Adult Educational Programs. Contacts: Rabbi Zvi Berger, 052-475-3870; Galit Haim, 052-688-1083; Ofer David 052-379-3448.• AACI Library – English Language, 55 Shimshon St, corner Moriah St. Mon., Wed. 9 a.m.-12 a.m.; Tues. 3-5 p.m.Rayla, 837-4744.• AACI is starting an Englishspeaking mothers and babies/toddlers group in Haifa.Casual chat, a place where your baby/toddler can play with others. Contact Rebecca, 052- 749-0227, or e-mail: ymusnikow@aaci.org.il.• An English-speaking singleparents group in Haifa. A social get-together sharing ups and downs of life in Israel.Interested? Contact: ymusnikow@aaci.org.il.• Gitit Choir, the veteran Haifabased a capella mixed choir, is looking for new singers.Rudimentary music reading helpful, Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7–10:30 p.m. at the Reali Elementary School in Ahuza. Call Yarden, 054-794-3333.• Carmel Choir (founded by Rhoda Keyson) a warm and friendly group, olim and vatikim, for amateurs and accomplished singers. Rehearsals Wednesdays 7:30-9:30 p.m. at The Dunie Weizman Conservatory of Music.For information call Annette (04) 825-1984 or Eve (04) 834-5572, e-mail annette@technion.ac.il.• Hadera: Learn quilt making, for English speakers. Call Darlene at 050-724-9770.• The Safed English Library – a one-of-a-kind lending library serving readers throughout Israel. Includes best-sellers, classics, health, magazines, nature, travel, Judaism, audio-books, DVDs and more. Extensive children’s library. We welcome good condition and unique books.Open Sundays (9-11:30 a.m.), Mondays (7-9 p.m.), Tuesdays (2-4:30 p.m.), Fridays (9-11 a.m.). (04) 692-1592.E-mail: edyth@kinneret.co.il • Valleys – Amakim notice board. Join the e-mail network for residents of Jezreel Valley, Beit She’an Valley, Jordan Valley, Nazareth, Migdal Ha’emek, Afula, Beit She’an, kibbutzim, Kinneret region. You may post Events, Offers, Advice, Personals, Services, Buy, Swap, Sell, etc.Send subscription request to gadi1960@gmail.com along with your name and email address.• Kehillat Moriah Synagogue Masorti / Conservative. 7 Horev Street, Ahuza, Haifa. Kabbalat Shabbat Egalitarian Services: winter 5 p.m. / summer 6 p.m.Light music until 15 minutes before Shabbat. Shabbat morning egalitarian services 9 a.m.Bar/Bat Mitzva preparation; Noam Masorti Youth Group; ongoing adult educational programs.Contacts: Rabbi Dubi Hayun, 050-438-9802.www.moriahaifa.022.co.il.Office: (04) 825-1495, Orit.Office hours: Sun.-Thurs.8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.• Voices Israel Group of Poets in English meets 3rd or 4th Tuesday each month in Haifa.Bring your own poems for discussion.Annual Anthology, workshops. For monthly newsletter or details, contact Susan (04) 838-1218 or Ezra (04) 982-8887 or e-mail: ezrabm@gmail.com • Haifa Chamber Choir – Tues.at 8 p.m. Cati (04) 633-1876 • Quilt Exhibit – Illusions.O’Sheehan Gallery, the only gallery in Israel dedicated solely to the art of quilting. Moshav Bustan Hagalil, near Acre. Every Saturday 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Call ahead to schedule a weekday visit. No charge. Maureen Nachmani – 054-472-3176.• Do you enjoy performing? The Haifa English Theater is looking for new talent – both onstage and backstage. Call Bertha at 052-365-6161 for more information.Self-Help • Haifa AA Group meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Call Jon at 052-379-0741 for more details.• The Western Galilee Serenity AA Group has begun meetings at Kehillat Emet VeShalom, 108 Weizmann Street, Nahariya.Meetings are every Tuesday, 7 p.m., in the back room of the synagogue. Contact: (052) 306-7082.• Codependents Anonymous English meeting, every Wed evening at 6:10 p.m. at the Karmiel English Speakers’ club. Info: (04) 980-0329.No charge. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships.• Karmiel: English meeting of Overeaters Anonymous, every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Karmiel English Speakers Club.For more information, call (04) 980-0329.• Emotions Anonymous – Safed chapter. Dan (04) 692-1092; 050-553-2890.• Emotions Anonymous in Pardess Hanna, evenings. Tina: (052) 640-2010
For your information
Join The ESO English Speakers Organization, based in Ramat Gan,on an Independence Day trip to Zichron Ya’acov.
AACI Ongoing Events: Sunday: Exercises for women with Orly Sasson. 8:45-9:30 a.m.Sunday afternoon Hebrew Literature class (call for details) Monday: Art with Gypsy Ron.9.30-12 noon Monday: Hebrew Conversation with Atara Hadad.9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.Monday: Conditioning Exercises for Women with Irene Burg.6:15 -7:15 p.m.Monday & Thursday: 12-1 p.m.Municipal Affairs at 2 Solomon St.(Moshe Shamir) Tuesday: Art with Gypsy Ron.9:30-12 noon Tuesday : Meet the Lawyer.9:30-11:30 a.m.Tuesday: Translations of documents and reports. 9:30-11:30 a.m.Wednesday: Netanya Philatelic Association 2-4 p.m.Wednesday: Diet, Healthy Eating & Living Group 9-10 a.m.Wednesday: Travel Day with Sharon Bergman 9 a.m. -12 noon Thursday: Caregivers Support Group. 10-11 a.m.ESRA • ESRA provides regular updates about its events, support groups, volunteering and activities.Let us keep you up-to-date. Email Ingrid at our Gan Rashal office, herzliyaoffice@ esra.org.il, with your name and e-mail address.• ESRA is looking for volunteers to form a computer committee who will consult and advise ESRA on its present and future hardware and software needs. If you have a background in information systems, or financial systems, or hardware configurations, and can spare a few hours for an occasional meeting, call Ingrid (09) 950- 8371) or send an e-mail to herzliyaoffice@esra.org.il • Esra’s professionally trained counsellors offer confidential help with loss, transitions and life challenges.One-to-one/ telephone/ group support. Counseling is free and is open to all. Contact Susan: Email kurnedz@012.net.il or 052- 698-9088; Esra office (09) 748-2957.• ESRA is planning the start of an English-Speaking Dementia Alzheimer Support Group. If you, as a family member, or as someone close to the family, is interested, please contact Ingrid 09-9567098.• May 8: ESRA in Tel Aviv welcomes finance writer and lecturer Suzy Kahati on the “Psychology of Money.” 10 a.m. Beit Ariela Public Library, 25 Shaul Hamelech Blvd.NIS 35 ESRAcards; NIS 30.Reservations: (09) 748-2957.• May 9: ESRA Modi’in Scrabble Club 7:15-9:30 p.m. Info: Mindy 052-487-1522 NIS 10; ESRAcards NIS 5.• May 14: ESRA Karmiel tiyul to Druse villages on the slopes of Mount Meron, including a walk of 4 to 5 km. NIS 60; ESRAcards NIS 50. Contact Frankie (04) 998- 2871 or esra.karm@gmail.com • May 15: ESRA Kfar Saba Open House welcomes senior reflexologist Oran Aviv who will explain how to help yourself, friends and family. 10 a.m. in the miklat at 11 Rehov Nachshon. NIS 15, refreshments.Info: Jean (09) 766-9223.• May 15: ESRA Rishon Lezion Quiz Eveningat 8 p.m. Info: Janet 054 733-5055.• May 16: ESRA and the Ra’anana Moadon Hazahav invite all English speakers to a series of lectures in English. Roi Aloni on “Edvard Grieg the Composer” at 9 a.m., and Dr.Moti Kedar on “ An In-Depth Look at the Middle East” at 10:30 a.m.Yad Labanim, Ra’anana. Register: (09) 761-0606 Tami.• May 17: ESRA Ra’anana invites you to a presentation of Al Jolson’s life and songs by Barbara Blum at 10 a.m. Light refreshments.Admission: NIS 60, ESRAcards NIS 50. Limited places.Register: (09) 748-2957.• May 23: ESRA bus to “Swan Lake” in Caesarea, with The Mariinsky Ballet (formerly the Kirov Ballet) from St. Petersburg will perform Swan Lake.Reservations: (09) 748-2957 NIS 550; ESRAcards: NIS 485.• May 25: ESRA Ramat Hasharon “East meets West” at 4 p.m., with speaker Dr. Jeremy Lange who will talk about Chinese and Western medicine. Beit Malinov, 21 Bialik Blvd. Info: Gitty (03) 540-9256.• May 26: ESRA Rehovot-area Chapter presents Nobel Laureate Prof. Ada Yonath on “The Amazing Ribosome and Its Tiny Enemies” at 8 p.m. NIS 25 ESRAcards; NIS 30 all others. Reservations required: Phyllis: (08) 945-6345.• May 26: Join ESRA Herzliya’s Annual bridge morning. Bridge 10 a.m Tournament director, Rami. WIZO Hall, 132, Rehov Hanassi, Herzliya Pituach.Donation to ESRA projects: NIS 75, ESRA cards: NIS 65. Limited space. Pre-registration by May 19: (09) 748-2957.• May 29: ESRA visit to Beit Hatefutsot at 10 a.m. includes guided tour in English of the exhibition “Light and Shadows: The Story of Jews in Iran,” followed by a screening of film by Ramin Faharani. Reservations: (09) 748- 2957. NIS 60; ESRAcards 50.• May 31: ESRA Ra’anana Cinema Club “Strangers No More.”Oscar-winning documentary by Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon about a Tel Aviv elementary school. 8 p.m. Limited seating – reserve early. Cost: NIS 60, ESRAcards NIS 50. Reservations: (09) 748-295.Ongoing events• Esravision – The TV program for English speakers in Israel: This month’s magazine: Israel’s First Arab Woman Plastic Surgeon; Agricultural Technology in Israel; The Daniel Rowing Centre Gvahim – helping immigrants realize their professional aspirations; Sentimental Journey – Guild Theatre performance; Your Health Matters: Allergies – Spring. Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.and Thursdays at 8 p.m. Find us on HOT and YES digital channels 98 (or HOT analog 25) and on METV alternate Thursdays at 3 p.m. You can also see selected items on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/Es ravision • ESRA Social Group for young adults with special needs: social activities, networking and support. Meetings once a month.Call Emma, 052-224-9069 or email: emnic80@hotmail.com • Difficulty focusing on your work or keeping organized? ESRA’s Adult ADD/ADHD support group can help inform, teach and coach adults with symptoms of the disorder.Contact us at: ESRA.Adult.ADHD.Group@gmail.c om or go to https://sites.google.com/site/esraa dultadhdgroup/ • Life’s Door – Tishkofet HaSharon, for people and family members living with illness (Beit Yad Sarah – Ra’anana). Mondays: Guided imagery 11 a.m.-12:15; Expressive Art 12:15-1:30.Wednesday: Gigong 1:15 -2:15 p.m. Advance registration required. For more information see www.tishkofet.co.il or call Sharon 054 665-6005.• Life’s Door – Tishkofet HaSharon: Photography with Sarah Raanan (in English) – “Explore the beauty of life” in this 5-session workshop. Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.• Life’s Door – Tishkofet HaSharon: Volunteer training program (in English) on May 15, May 29 and June 12, 9:30 a.m.to noon. Venue in Ra’anana to be arranged. Sessions will be run by a staff of professionals. Life’s Door – Tishkofet (a non-profit organization) has changed the way thousands of people have experienced the journey of illness. Through our unique programs, patients, family members and professionals have learned the skills to see opportunities for growth and greater fulfillment in life. Advance registration required. Info: Anna Whitefield: 052 608-9601.www.tishkofet.co.il • A new online Internet group is starting to bring non-Hebrew speakers from the Americas, England, Australia, South Africa, etc., together. The purpose of this group is to help new olim to adjust to life in Israel through networking, advise and just having someone listen. It is also an effort to join all non-Hebrew speakers into one forum (versus dividing into AACI, ESRA, TELFED, CICLA, etc). People interested in really helping one another and wanting to unite non-Hebrew speakers and help make life nicer, please contact this group and email NHS4BIsrael@yahoogroups.com.• If you are Jewish and don’t have any problems proving you are Jewish, but are having problems with local Interior Ministry not taking all kinds of official documents from your host country, contact us at NHS4BIsrael@yahoogroups.com.• English and Spanish conversational classes at Ohel Avraham and Sarah JCC in Rishon Lezion on Mohliver 16 Street. To register call (03) 950-7414 or write to the Sisterhood at SisterhoodOhelAvraham@gmail.c om NIS 20 per person, per class.Times to be announced.• Are you looking for cheap English books in good condition? Then come to the ESRA Charity Second-Hand English Bookshop in Ra’anana & help support ESRA’s numerous projects. Unbelievable selection of 1000s of English books in every category incl.thrillers, general, chick-lit, sci-fi, Classics, non-fiction, Jewish, Israeli authors translated, auto/biographies, self help, travel, health/cookbooks, etc. etc. & huge selection of kids’ books from tots to teens (suitable for school libraries), all at give-away prices.Sale of 100s of selected novels 3 for NIS10, 7 for NIS20, 12 for NIS30!! Buy 5 books @ NIS 8 each & get a 6th one FREE. Large selection of 2008/9/10 novels, also suitable for Bookclubs to take on sale/return. Book tokens. Happy to receive new paper backs in good condition. Open every day incl Friday 9.30-13.00. 5 Klausner St.(cnr Ahuza/Café Aroma), Ra’anana. More info and to reserve books, call (09) 748-0541.• ESRA Netanya is looking for volunteers who would like to help out in elementary, junior-high and secondary schools in Netanya.The volunteer work entails sitting with small groups of pupils once a week for two hours and helping them with their spoken English.The work is important to the pupils and very fulfilling for our volunteers. Phone Ros Ben Ezra for details at (09) 834 0937.• Would you like to become a befriender? We are urgently looking for both men and women to befriend housebound and lonely people in the Netanya, Ra’anana and Herzlyia areas. Call Glenis (054) 773-4392 or e-mail gbertfield@gmail.com • ESRA new pre-schoolers Parents Group led by child psychologist Dr. Ornit Freudenstein in which parents can share their experience and concerns about parenting pre-school children: eating, sleeping habits, emotional difficulties, fears, aggression, social difficulties, psychological difficulties and more. Mondays 8 p.m. To register call Judy, (09) 748-2957, mornings only.• ESRA support and counseling service for all English speakers affected by loss and difficulties.Counselors are trained and supervised by professionals and committed to confidentiality.E-mail Susan: kurnedz@012.net.il; 052-698-9088, or call the ESRA office (09) 748-2957.• ESRA folk dancing and line dancing on Thursday mornings at Beit Fisher, 5 Klausner Street, Ra’anana. Join our easy movement, folk and line-dancing class for seniors. Folk dancing 10-11:30 a.m.; line dancing for beginners and intermediate with experienced dance instructor Roni.ESRAcards: NIS 30; others: NIS 35. (09) 748-2957.• ESRA Duplicate Bridge Club meets at 8 p.m. every Monday in Ra’anana at Beit Fisher, 5 Klausner St. Info: Michael Belkin, 052-240- 1383. NIS 25 per session.• Volunteers required in Ramat Hasharon – English for Schools, in which native English speakers chat to high-school pupils in preparation for their exams. Call Ingrid at (09) 950-8371.• Volunteers required in Herzliya – English for Schools. Native English speakers chat to high-school pupils in preparation for their exams. Call 09-957-1170, Marise.• ESRA’s Community Cookbooks, Table Manna, Soups & Salads and Meatless Meals are on sale. NIS 50 plus postage. (09) 749-2957 or (09) 950-8371.SHARON/NETANYA Ongoing Events• AACI is forming a New Ra’anana Book Club with a Difference. We will all read and discuss the same book & meet monthly in members homes. Call AACI (03) 696-0389 or e-mail:telaviv@aaci.org.il if you are interested.• Bet Israel Masorti Congregation: 19 Yehuda Hanassi St. , Netanya: Religious Services Daily & Shabbat Shacharit 8 a.m. Friday evening Service begins 10 minutes after candle-lighting in Netanya (wintertime) and at 6 p.m. during summertime. Office: (09) 862- 4345 Sun.-Thu. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.• Monday at Bet Israel, 19 Yehuda Hanassi, Netanya: Duplicate Bridge, 9:15 a.m. and on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. NIS 25 incl. refreshments. Info: Judy (052-833-0488).• Sunday and Thursday at Bet Israel: Israeli Folk-dancing at 8 p.m., with Israel Amrani, in airconditioned hall. Incl. refreshments NIS 25. Tel: (09) 862-4345.• Wednesday: Bet Israel, 19 Yehuda Hanassi, Netanya: Women Only Israeli Folk-dancing at 9 a.m., with Hagar Leventhal, in airconditioned hall. Incl. refreshments NIS 25. (09) 862-4345.• Sunday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Henry Koor Library General Judaica Collection. Also English Torah Tapes, plus video and music tapes all available on loan.Public invited. New Synagogue, 7 MacDonald St., Netanya.• Sunday 8 p.m., Thursday 7:30 p.m. Beit Israel. Israeli Dancing.including refreshments. NIS 25.Sara (09) 862-4345.• Sunday 9–11 a.m.; Monday 10 a.m.-12 noon; Tuesday 2-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-12 noon; Thursday 10 a.m.-12 noon.English Speaking Municipal Volunteer Group at 4 Stampfer Street, 1st floor. Call first to check if there is a volunteer present.• Monday She’arim Noon-time Concert. 11, Kikar Atzmaut Passage, next to Bank Hapoalim, first floor. NIS 25. Doors open 11 a.m. (884-0534).• Monday. New Synagogue 7:30 a.m. Parshat Hashavua in English given by Dr. Yaakov Ulando.• Monday 7 p.m. Natan-ya Congregation Bible Class with Jordan Helfman. NIS.15. (077- 422-5272; 054-998-0032) • Monday 9:15 a.m. & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Hadassah Hadar & Beit Israel. Duplicate Bridge at Beit Israel. NIS 25. Refreshments (Judy, 052-833-0488).• Monday & Wednesday. 10 a.m.Laniado Ten Pin Bowling at the New Netanya Industrial Estate.Details Edith, (09) 861-6187.• Tuesday. New Synagogue.Weekly study with Rabbi Katz.Details Felix (09) 862-2765.• Wednesday 9 a.m. Bet Israel Women Only Israeli Folk-dancing with Hagar Leventhal in air-conditioned Hall, incl. refreshments.NIS 25. 862-4345 Self-Help • Alcoholics Anonymous English meetings in Ra’anana. For details please call Johnny 054-927-4133.• Alanon/Naranon meetings for relatives and friends of alcholics and substance abusers. In Ra’anana Tuesday evenings at 7:30. For further info please call (052) 614-9035 or (09) 746-2008.• Alanon/Naranon meetings for relatives and friends of alcoholics and substance abusers. In Netanya Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. For further info call: (052) 479-8285 or (09) 832-1574.• Ra’anana: Overeaters Anonymous meetings in English.Monday mornings, 10:30-11:30, Rehov Har Sinai. Contact Allyson for specific address details.(052) 655-9076.• Alzheimer’s English speakers support group meets every month.For more information please phone Paula: (077)324-0639.Other Activities • Services at Kehilat Yonaton, a Reform synagogue based in Hod Hasharon. Specially designed for children ages 3-10 and their families with Shabbat songs, Torah story and prayers, followed by a kiddush. Last Friday of each month 6 p.m. 1, Rehov Aliyat Hanoar, campus of Mosenson High School, Hod Hasharon. Details: 052-446- 2112 or 09-746-3447.• American C&W Line Dancing – Step-In Line™. Absolute Beginners 8-8:30 p.m. Learn basic steps and very easy dances.Continuing with Beginners & Advanced, learning new dances 8:30-9:30 p.m. (approx).Everyone dancing old favorites 9:30-10 p.m. NIS 30, payable on entrance. Kfar Vitkin, 10 mins.north of Netanya. Information: sandy@linedancing.biz , 052-545-7713 • The “Hebrew Order of David International” is recruiting Jewish gentlemen. We have Lodges in Ra’anana, Netanya and Jerusalem.If you like friendship, fellowship, social activities, formal meetings and charitable work, we want you! Michael: (09) 749-3293 or 050-594-6121 (Not Shabbat).• Kehilat Torat Hayim: The Masorti (Conservative) Congregation of Herzliya. www.torat-hayyim.org.il.Spiritual leader: Rav Ary Glikin.Merkaz Yom la-Kashish, Shammai 8, Herzliya. (Corner of Shammai and Bar-Ilan streets). Friday evening service starts at 6:30 p.m. in summer. Shabbat and holiday services begin at 8:45 a.m.Shabbat morning, after the service, members invite the congregation to Kiddush. Weekly newsletter (in English and Hebrew): Hamevasser: www.torathayyim.org.il:80/docs/ mevasser.htm. Activities: Preparation for bar and bat mitzva celebrations. Contact Rav Glikin for information: 052-736-6386; special monthly youth Shabbatot; activities for children and youth; special holiday events; active participation on kehila committees; study groups: Mishna: Mondays at 7 p.m. in Bet Yom LeKashish. Alternate Sunday evenings, 8:30 p.m., Pirkei Avot group at the Nof Yam Matnas • Every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.– certified instructor Jessica Cohen teaches horses and ponies and their riders show jumping.Shaded picnic tables for visitors, free of charge. 5 Pardes Meshutaf St., Ra’anana. Phone 052-598- 7789 www.farm4fun.com • Mountainbiking Group – Cyclenix – This is a social biking group riding regularly each Saturday. We also hold weekly midweek night rides. All levels of riders are catered for and it costs nothing to join. Call 050-942- 2788 or visit our Web site www.cyclenix.com • Weight Watchers, now in English! Weight Watchers group for English speakers, Wednesday mornings at 9. At the Mishkan, 2 Hapalmah Street, Ra’anana. All discussions and materials in English. More information from leader Yehudit Levine, 050-647- 7395 (after 7 p.m., please) • Anglo business networking group provides a forum for English-speaking businessmen in Israel, both established and new, to discuss and share their problems and air their new business ideas. Meets about once a month alternately in Tel Aviv and Ra’anana. Details of next meeting: anglobng@gmail.com • www.oddjobs.co.il provides free job postings in English for those seeking odd jobs, and temporary, seasonal, work at home, overseas, and foreign-language positions.Feel free to visit and submit your postings or answer job leads free of charge.• The Yad Yaakov center for Jewish Education is hosting a lecture series in English: Mondays at 9:30 a.m. – “Shivat Zion in the Eyes of Ezra and Nehemiah” with Rabbi Don Peterman; Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. – Jeremiah and the Destruction of the Temple, both at 4 Kahan St., Kfar Saba. Fridays at 10 a.m. – “Footsteps through the Bible, discovering the Unfolding Redemptive History of Israel” with Rabbi Leibowitz at Ohel Moshe Synagogue, Herzliya Pituah. Info (09) 745-4126.• Koleynu Choir meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Beit Issie Shapiro, Issie Shapiro Street, in Ra’anana.Men and women of all ages are welcome to join this mixed voice choir. Repertoire includes popular and traditional Western and Israeli music, vocal jazz, Broadway show tunes, gospel, light classics and more. Reading music is not required, just the ability to sing in tune and match pitches – and of course a commitment to learning your songs. For more information call Sharon: 050-314-5255 or Patrick: 054-660-7464.• Klabberjas – Kfar Saba – weekly card game. Please call: Michael (09) 749-3293 / (050) 594-6121.• Play in our Texas hold-em poker tournaments. Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 8 p.m. Info: 054-482-1706 • Coffee and Torah: The study of Tanach and lively discussion on its contemporary relevance, with Rabbi Stewart Weiss, Wednesday mornings, 8:15-9:45 a.m. at Bread and Breakfast Cafe, Giron Center, Jabotinsky and Ahuza streets, Ra’anana. In English, no prior knowledge necessary. Call 052-242-8508 for details.• Ra’anana Masorti (Conservative) Congregation. A warm, friendly synagogue with services Thur at 7 a.m., Fri at 6 p.m., Sat. at 8:30 a.m. Bar/Bat Mitzva, Community Services and Special Occasions. 8 Borochov Street, Ra’anana. For information call Colin Marks on 054-720-1911.• YINN Table Tennis Chug. Play on Sun., Wed. afternoons, 2:30-4:30. All welcome • Netanya Congregation Bible Class with Jordan Helfman.Mondays, 7 p.m. NIS 15.(077) 422-5272; (054) 998-0032.• Yad Yaakov center for Jewish Studies, weekly Tanach classes: Mon 9:30-11 a.m. “Kings & Prophets” with Rabbi Peterman; Wed 9:15-10:15 a.m. “The Classical Prophets” with Rabbi Leibowitz; Wed 10:30-11:30 a.m.“Kohelet-Wisdom Literature” with Rabbi Leibowitz Ohel Moshe Synagogue, 33 Aryeh Ben-Eliezer St., Herzliya Pituah: (09) 745- 4126. Gadi Hamburger gives a weekly shiur in English on interesting points in the weekly sedra.Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Men and women welcome – no fee. Venue: Becker Family, Rehov Ahad Ha’am 21/5, Ra’anana. Further info: Willie, (09) 741-4632 or 052-852-2029.• Classes and study groups: Hebrew Reading Class, Sundays 11 a.m. at Beit Israel Masorti Congregation, with Rita Green and Miki Schwartz. Details: (09) 862-4345 / “Prayer and Song” class on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.at Beit Israel Masorti Congregation, with Rabbi Yisraeli.Learn how to lead and participate in prayer services, including the traditional melodies. We are egalitarian, this is for everybody. (09) 862-4345. Torah Study and Discussion Group (English) on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., with Lenore Levin, at Beit Israel. (09) 862-4345. “Philosophical Issues in the Weekly Parsha” on Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. With Rabbi Yisraeli (of Congregation Beit Israel, Masorti, Netanya) at his home, 7/2 Ichilov St. Call office for details: (09) 862-4345.• Weekly cultural activities: Duplicate Bridge at Beit Israel, Monday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. NIS 25, incl. refreshments.(09) 862-4345.Free English Lending Library on Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. at Beit Israel. Librarian; Shiphra Davis.Info: (09) 862-4345.• The Henry Koor Judaica Library houses 8,000 books of 800 CDs and cassette tapes of Jewish and general interest in English, and is open 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Sundays – Thursdays. 7 Rehov Macdonald, Netanya. Contact: (09) 884-0458. There is also a program of monthly lectures.TEL AVIV/CENTRAL• AACI Tel AvivEvents held at AACI offices unless otherwise specified: 76 Ibn Gvirol (1st floor), Tel Aviv. (03) 696- 0389 for information and registration.Join AACI Central e-mail program & information update list: e-mail: telaviv@aaci.org.il with “email list” in the subject heading.Upcoming events: • May 16: AACI – Tai Chi with Tomehr, 7p.m. 5-week course.Each session: 11⁄2 hours. Roof of Gan Hair (outside Enav Center), 71 Rehov Ibn Gvirol, Tel Aviv.Members: NIS 50 per session; non- members: NIS 60 per session.Info: Tomehr 054 225 1311.Registration and pre-payment essential: AACI (03) 696-0389 • May 19: AACI Walking Tour of Rehov Bialik led by Yona Wiseman. Meet 10 a.m. corner Bialik and Allenby at the café.Members: NIS 40; Non-members: NIS 50. Entrance Fees NIS 10 per person Bialik Home; (optional) NIS 10 for visit to the Old Municipality Building Registration: AACI (03) 696--0389 or Yona Wiseman (03) 516-3387 or (050) 326-7277 • May 31: AACI at the Nalaga’at Center, Retsif Ha’aliya Hashniya, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv. “Not By Bread Alone” – 11 deaf-blind actors take the audience on a magical tour of their inner world. 8:30 p.m. AACI members: NIS 95; Non-members: NIS 105. Members: Seniors, soldiers, students & children (age 10- 18) NIS 75; Non-members: NIS 85. Registration & Pre-payment essential: AACI (03) 696-0389.Buses: Line 46, from Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station; Line 10, from Tel Aviv-Savidor Train Station.AACI Seniors • May 11: AACI Seniors, 10 a.m.Judy Cohen, writer, singer, guitarist, sings. Exercise; Brief Torah Commentary. Light refreshments, NIS 15. Beit Tami in Sheinkin Park, Rehov Sheinkin, Tel Aviv, Info: 696-0389.Other Events May 10: ESO (English Speakers Organization), based in Ramat Gan, invites you on an Independence Day trip to Zichron Ya’acov: visiting the Rothschild Park and a tour of the town; in Haifa: visiting the “Hecht” Museum and the Baha’i Gardens; and in Acco: a boat ride. NIS 120.Bookings: Audrey: (03) 672- 8653; Betty: 052-522-4914 • May 20-21: Hitachdut Olei Britannia (H.O.B.) Annual Convention, 2011 weekend at the Yitzhak Rabin Guest House, Givat Ram, Jerusalem. Guest speaker: British Ambassador, H.E. Matthew Gould. Also: Prof.David Newman of Ben-Gurion University and Prof. Sergio DellaPergola, Hebrew University.NIS 450 per person, NIS 99 single supplement. Non-members membership fee: NIS 50 (seniors, NIS 30). Booking and info: Ian Banks (02) 991-9056, 052- 438-1504 or ian4@bezeqint.net Walking Tours White City Tours and guide Paule Rakower invites you to the tour below. Cost: NIS 60 per person, please book in advance (03) 5464917. Email: krpaule@hotmail.com Most of these tours are suitable for the disabled. Mention your limitations: • May 26: The story of the 1st Jewish Olympics, the Levant Fair, classic culture in the city and much more… 5 p.m.Ongoing Events • Lod Community Foundation is looking for volunteer teachers for its English teaching project, “Yes We Can!” to teach both children and adults. If you can help, or know anyone who may be interested, contact: Ofra Savaldi (08) 927-0723 or 054-793-2518 o.savaldi@lodfoundation.org www.lodfoundation.org • Public speaking and storytelling for everyone at the Oppenheimer English Storytelling Center in Tel Aviv on the first Friday morning of every month. Contact Dvora Shurman at 054-766-5019 or email dvoras2@netvision.net.il.• The Educational Center for Games in Israel. Heritage Centre of Play. 32 Hatavor St. Tel Aviv.(near Nachlat Binyamin Mall).Play is not only for children.Lost Property: Mostly jackets.Please claim them. Visits to the center are by prior request. We continue with archiving our collections.If you would like to join in, give us a call, also to discuss which of our seminars and workshops are best for you.Contact ecgi.friends@gmail.com or 054-471-7314 • Ichud Olam Minyan invites you to a new lecture series every Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. Rabbi Nachman's Stories as an introduction to Hassidut, in English; 9 p.m.: Rambam’s Rationalist Thinking, in Hebrew, by Rabbi Dr. Raphael Shuchat of Bar-Ilan University. Pizza served.Ichud Shivat Zion Synagogue, 86 Rehov Ben-Yehuda, Tel Aviv.• Calling women of all ages, with or without experience: An American flag football team for women is being organized to play in the Sportech every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Free of charge. Call Esti at (054) 737-4841 or email: thecoolnurse@gmail.com • Home singing circle in central Tel Aviv, to meet once weekly. Male and female singers welcomed.Repertoire: classical – including Israeli. Please state note-reading ability and preferred weekday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.Email: gefen_e@012.net.il • TACT (Tel Aviv Community Theatre) – Want to act in English? Help backstage? Smell the greasepaint? Hear the applause? TACT is the group for you. Oldest established Englishspeaking community theater in Tel Aviv welcomes new members.www.tact-theatre.com or call Glenda, 052-525-8812 or Linda, 052-230-8833.• ESRA Books ’n’ Chat, first Sunday of the month.Information: Gill, 602-1008.• ESRA South African-style book club in Tel Aviv, first Monday of month. Info: Gill (03) 732-0194.• ESRA Short Story Discussion Group, Mondays. NIS 25; ESRAcards NIS 20. Info: Noah (03) 648-5575.• Tanach (Bible) Study Group, Wednesdays 9:45 a.m. An in-depth study of the Tanach with Rabbi Avraham Fischer of Yad Yaakov. NIS 50; ESRAcards NIS 45. Pre-registration necessary.Noah (03) 648-5575.• Support group being formed for seniors with/without family in Israel, to discuss and plan for the future. Please contact Valerie at (03) 602-0665 Self-Help • Alcoholics Anonymous English meetings held daily in Tel Aviv.Details: 054-492-9242 or email telavivaa@gmail.com • Tuesdays 8:30-9:30 a.m.Overeaters Anonymous – weekly English meeting in Tel Aviv.For venue and more information, call Ophelia, 052-427-9502.• Narcotics Anonymous, English meetings in Tel Aviv & Jerusalem.Hotline: 054- 211-7452.• Rediscovering Hunger: Conquering your Negative Body Image and Overcoming Emotional Eating. Offered in Tel Aviv. Info: Nomi 052-858-1028.• AACI Translation Service: An excellent translation service is available to all AACI members.We offer help with translating bills, driving licenses, telephone applications, Kupat Holim literature, bank communications and many other items. Service not available for medical reports and legal contracts. Mondays: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call AACI for an appointment: (03) 696-0389.• Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Israel) Herzl 159, Tel Aviv-Jaffa. (03) 513-6500. Healthy cats and dogs available for adoption, daily veterinary service, lowcost spaying. Strays and abandoned animals accepted at no charge. Open daily till 8 p.m., Fridays until 2 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. www.spca.co.il • English mother and baby group. Weekly meetings in Petah Tikva. Contact Tammy: 054-303-2063 / e-mail: tammyjanerednall@yahoo.co.uk • TACT play-reading: every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Beit Ariella. We prepare, read and discuss Shakespeare plays. On alternate Mondays we read other plays. Please call Mike: (03) 641- 5878 or Ida: (09) 955-0089 • Ramle Tissan Airmodel Club: English-speaking airmodeler looks for control-line airmodel enthusiasts to help found a club.Teaching kids and teens how to build and fly C/L, sailplanes, rubber-powered planes is also among greatest goals. Already has support from Ramle City Hall.Please call Eron Silva at (08) 930- 1161, ext. 113, or (08) 920-6408 (home), or write eron@morel.co.il (preferable) • Israemploy is a non-profit organization that helps new and veteran immigrants find work in Israel. Almost 2,000 new job postings each month, many of them with a requirement for English at a high level. For more information, please visit us at www.israemploy.net. Nominal fees required of users.• Anglo business networking group provides a forum for English-speaking businessmen in Israel, both established and new, to discuss and share their problems and air their new business ideas. Meets about once a month alternatively in Tel Aviv and Ra’anana. Details of next meeting: anglobng@gmail.com • The Institute for the Advancement of Education in Jaffa seeks volunteers to help Jaffa schoolchildren with English.Volunteers work with groups of 2- 3 children aged 10-12 once a week, for an hour and a half in the mid-afternoon. Materials and on-hand guidance provided, no experience necessary. Marc Schoen, 054-755-2014, 077-330-6788 (evenings) • Free Torah lessons in English.Sundays, 8:30 p.m. Hotel Devorah, Ben-Yehuda 87, Tel Aviv.Margalit: (03) 551-6652.• Play4Elderly meetings at The Educational Center for Games, 32 Hatavor Street, Tel Aviv. (Near Nahlat Binyamin Mall) are part of our Grandparenting Institute.Info: 054-471-7314. (03) 629- 4151. play4elderly@gmail.com CENTRAL • RESA Rishon Lezion English Speakers Assocation holds monthly social meetings; coffee mornings in a coffee shop and excursions to places of interest. Details: (03) 969-5693.• Yes, there is a Masorti /Conservative shul and community in Rishon Lezion! Everyone interested in being part of a truly egalitarian community with observance of Jewish traditions invited. Please send us your email address for our mailing list.Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m. (summer hours); Shabbat morning service at 9 a.m. Come and visit or call (03) 950-7414.• April 20 & 21: Jewish National Fund’s special one-day tour departs from Jerusalem and includes Beeersheba, Sderot, Haifa and the Carmel Forest. $50 per person, per day; $85 per person for both days; includes kosher-for-Pessah lunch.http://j.mp/gEIHIM Info: JNF Travel & Tours travel@jnf.org AACI Southern Branch • Sundays – “Your Baby Needs Music” – AACI Music Class for babies and children up to age 5.4-4:45 p.m. “Music Together,” a parent-child class in English for infants, toddlers and preschoolers up to age 5 on Sundays, at 5-5:45 p.m. With Sharon Meisels. All classes will take place at location TBA.Cost per child, full course: NIS 400 members; NIS 450 non-members Cost per 2nd child, full course: NIS 375 members; NIS 425 non-members.Accompanying book and CD: NIS 170, cash only. Register at (02) 993-8147 or 054-531-5990.Send an e-mail to this address: sharon@musicwithsharon.com To receive more information, e-mail www.musicwithsharon.com • Technical Writing Course in Beersheba. If you write well in English, are computer literate and enjoy learning and training others, this course is for you. Dates and times to be announced. Cost: NIS 9,000 or NIS 8,000 for AACI members, including those who join upon registration.For more information contact Our Best Words at (02) 656-3369 or (050) 529-0775 (evenings) or training@ ourbestwords.com Or go to www.technicalwriting.co.il/training/ tech-writing-course/ • Religious singles 60+ Group forming for social and cultural activities. More info (02) 560-9110 Ongoing Events • Join us for Shabbat services (Fri.5:30 p.m. winter, 7 p.m. summer, Sat. 9 a.m.) at Adat Shalom Emanuel, 6 Miller Street, Rehovot.We are a Masorti (Egalitarian) congregation with a vibrant bar/bat mitzva program, youth activities program (Noam), a choir, as well as a lecture and discussion series under the direction of our Rabbi Rubin. E-mail: adatshalom@ barak.net.il, tel/fax (08) 946-9180 • Emotions Anonymous Ashkelon.Osnat (08) 673-1258; Moshe (08) 673-4086.ASHDOD• The English Speakers’ Club of Ashdod (ESCA) gets together on Fridays at the Zohara Restaurant in the Ashdod Bus Station from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Info: Anita, 054-465-1327, or Chana (08) 855-7116.• The Conservative Synagogue “Etz Haim” in Ashdod assembles on Fridays for Erev Shabbat devotional services (20 minutes before sundown) as well as on Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The Etz Haim Synagogue is located at Public Shelter No. 25 on Rehov Yitzhak Hanassi in Ashdod. Info: Refael David, (08) 864-2482, or Anita Raymond, 054-465-1327 • Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung in the Ashdod area. Exercise for fun, balance, strength, energy.Wednesdays 9 a.m., 7 p.m.Classes in the park in good weather, sheltered area in rainy weather. Susan www.taichisusan.com; 054-237- 5512 • Parkinsons Support Group Ashdod (and for surrounding areas) meets Wednesdays 4:30-7 at the Bet Avot Ashdod, entrance Harav Nissim 17, next to Ashdod police station. Infomation 08- 8551051. Amutat Parkinson 077- 418-1900; English (08) 858-1151.ASHKELON• May 10: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Craft Chug at 10 a.m. Info: Vicky (08) 673-3742.• May 12: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Yom Ha’atzmaut Cheese & Wine Party at 7:30 p.m. Info: Vicky (08) 673-3742 • May 15: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Book Club at 8p.m.Info: Rachelle (08) 671-8619 • May 17: The English Speakers of Ashkelon Movie Night at 7:30 p.m. Info: Heidi (08) 678-0502 • Kehillat Netzach Israel (Masorti/Conservative Congregation) - Services: Fridays at 6:45pm and Saturdays at 9am - Bar/Bat Mitzva courses, Talmud/Torah classes, Adult Educational lectures, NOAM youth group, Pre-School Day Care Center and ongoing cultural activities. Rabbi Michael Even David; for info.call (08) 671- 1370/1 or e-mail: kehillat@zahav.net.il. Also see website: www.netzachisrael.org.il • Emotions Anonymous Ashkelon. Call Osnat (08) 673- 1258; or Moshe (08) 673-4086BEERSHEBA• Negev, Eilat, South e-mail list advice, events, what’s on, Eilat, Beersheba, Mitzpe, Arad and Ein Gedi. Festivals, theaters, concerts, find car rides, jobs available, jobs wanted, flat-hunting, business promos. www.groups.yahoo.com/group/NegevEilat.• Omer, Magen Avraham (Conservative) Congregation: Friday 6:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. Bar/Bat Mitzva courses, adult study, after-school program.Rabbi Gil Nativ (08) 646-0424; email efrat@magenav.org • The Flying Camels Ultimate Frisbee team would like to invite you to join them on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. Venue: the sports field next to Shomron St. in the Neot Lon neighborhood of Beersheba. For details, call Noam: 054-7739954 laskern@yahoo.com • Beersheba, Eshel Avraham (Masorti/ Conservative) Congregation – Fri. 5:30 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. Torah classes (Hebrew, English, Russian and Spanish). Talmud classes, activities, bar/bat mitzva, Noam youth, kindergarten ages 1-6.Israeli folkdance. (08) 642-1424; (08) 642-0989.• Beersheba English speaking Seniors Social Club – Thursday 4- 6 p.m. (08) 642-2915; 627-2593.• Beersheba Hadassah meets the fourth Monday morning of each month, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. Ganei Ye’elim, Shchuna Heh. Coffee, social, and always an interesting program/speaker. NIS 10. Info: Shirley, (08) 658-8262.• The AACI Southern Region Library at Matnas Yud-Alef in Beersheba has more than 6,000 volumes of fiction and non-fiction. Hours: Sun.through Wed. from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; Sun. Mon. and Wed.from 4 to 6 p.m.; and every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 11 Mordechai Namir St. Info: (08) 643-3953.• Beersheba Singles Club (25- 45), beersheva–singles @hotmail.comEILAT• Tagel Arava Masorti Community Eilat. Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. At former Allon School (in the caravans to rear of school). Please phone 050-579-3225 or (08) 633-4368 for more information.• Eilat English Speakers WIZO group meet at WIZO House, Jerusalem St. 10-12 a.m.Tuesdays. Winter Program incl.speakers (all welcome to submit request to speak on career, hobby etc.) Refreshments. NIS 10. Contact: Anne, (08) 633- 0323; Fay, (08) 637-2344.• ESRA’s unique Ethiopian embroidery products are on sale in Eilat. Kippot, mezuzot, hamsot embroidered on handtowels; coasters, placemats; greeting and gift cards, all at reasonable prices. Proceeds go to the Ethiopian embroiderers.To view and purchase, call Fonda: (08) 633-2205.• Pregnancy support in Eilat – Birth preparation, active birth, yoga and relaxation. Support after birth: mother and baby, help with breastfeeding, baby massage, yoga and relaxation.Small groups. Tues. mornings.Alison (08) 633-5024; 052-835- 1182.• Shirat Hayam Masorti/ Conservative Synagogue – Beit Wizo, Jerusalem St., Eilat. Fri at 6 p.m. Michelle, 050-421-1591.• Eilat – Kalooki players South African rules. Kaleen (08) 753-30705 or 050-529-1925 • Shira Hadasha (Masorati/ Conservative) in Arad – Friday (according to candle lighting time), most of the winter 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. Lior, 052- 545-3436. “What’s Up?” – An educational mobile observatory sets up our telescope every night on or near the promenade, showing passers-by the planets and the moon with detailed explanations and handout sheets. Info 052-535- 2933; 054-481-9973.• Arts and crafts market – Locally made leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, etc. Fridays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Park Hayovel, near Imax.Artists and street performers welcome to join (upon committee approval). Billie, 054- 584-1282; bilbi40@yahoo.com • Le Leche League Israel – Support for breastfeeding mothers. Monthly meetings throughout the country. 1- 599-525-821 • Scopus: The Center for Matchmaking in the Jewish World for singles age 20-45, across the observance spectrum.(02) 532-8435; us@scopus.org; Web site: www.scopus.orgHAIFA & NORTHOngoing Events • The Karmiel English Speakers’ Club is open every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Library, tea and coffee, board games, or just chat.For confirmation of ocasional Saturday evening opening, 7 pm. till throwout time, phone Gwenn at (04) 998-1925.Location: below the hotel, opposite the main post office.• Two New ESRA Branches in the North, for English speaking activities, lectures and volunteering. For the Karmiel/Misgav area, please contact Frankie (04) 998-2871 or email esra.karm@gmail.com.For the Nahariya/Northern Coast areas, contact Tonielle 054-787-1452 or email north.coast.esra.@gmail.com • Kehillat Emet VeShalom Nahariya (Reform/Progressive Synagogue) – Kabbalat Shabbat Services on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. (winter time) (6:30 p.m. summer time) with Rabbi Israel Horowitz in Matnas Mifal Hapayis, Rehov Keren Hayesod, Nahariya. Bar/bat mitzva preparation, weddings, conversion, holiday and communal activities; study groups and courses. Information, call office at 108 Rehov Weizman, Nahariya Tel/Fax: (04) 992- 9723; or email: EmeteShalom@ googlegroups.com; website: http://evsnewsletter.googlepa ges.com/home • HaMinyan HaMishpachti, Kfar Vradim. (Egalitarian, Masorti /Conservative Congregation) Kabbalat Shabbat Services 6:15 p.m.; Shabbat Morning Services 9 a.m. at Eshkol Haganim “Gefen,” Kfar Vradim. Bar/Bat Mitzva preparation, HALOM after-school program for gan hova and elementary-school children; NEW Youth Group for teenagers, ongoing Adult Educational Programs. Contacts: Rabbi Zvi Berger, 052-475-3870; Galit Haim, 052-688-1083; Ofer David 052-379-3448.• AACI Library – English Language, 55 Shimshon St, corner Moriah St. Mon., Wed. 9 a.m.-12 a.m.; Tues. 3-5 p.m.Rayla, 837-4744.• AACI is starting an Englishspeaking mothers and babies/toddlers group in Haifa.Casual chat, a place where your baby/toddler can play with others. Contact Rebecca, 052- 749-0227, or e-mail: ymusnikow@aaci.org.il.• An English-speaking singleparents group in Haifa. A social get-together sharing ups and downs of life in Israel.Interested? Contact: ymusnikow@aaci.org.il.• Gitit Choir, the veteran Haifabased a capella mixed choir, is looking for new singers.Rudimentary music reading helpful, Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7–10:30 p.m. at the Reali Elementary School in Ahuza. Call Yarden, 054-794-3333.• Carmel Choir (founded by Rhoda Keyson) a warm and friendly group, olim and vatikim, for amateurs and accomplished singers. Rehearsals Wednesdays 7:30-9:30 p.m. at The Dunie Weizman Conservatory of Music.For information call Annette (04) 825-1984 or Eve (04) 834-5572, e-mail annette@technion.ac.il.• Hadera: Learn quilt making, for English speakers. Call Darlene at 050-724-9770.• The Safed English Library – a one-of-a-kind lending library serving readers throughout Israel. Includes best-sellers, classics, health, magazines, nature, travel, Judaism, audio-books, DVDs and more. Extensive children’s library. We welcome good condition and unique books.Open Sundays (9-11:30 a.m.), Mondays (7-9 p.m.), Tuesdays (2-4:30 p.m.), Fridays (9-11 a.m.). (04) 692-1592.E-mail: edyth@kinneret.co.il • Valleys – Amakim notice board. Join the e-mail network for residents of Jezreel Valley, Beit She’an Valley, Jordan Valley, Nazareth, Migdal Ha’emek, Afula, Beit She’an, kibbutzim, Kinneret region. You may post Events, Offers, Advice, Personals, Services, Buy, Swap, Sell, etc.Send subscription request to gadi1960@gmail.com along with your name and email address.• Kehillat Moriah Synagogue Masorti / Conservative. 7 Horev Street, Ahuza, Haifa. Kabbalat Shabbat Egalitarian Services: winter 5 p.m. / summer 6 p.m.Light music until 15 minutes before Shabbat. Shabbat morning egalitarian services 9 a.m.Bar/Bat Mitzva preparation; Noam Masorti Youth Group; ongoing adult educational programs.Contacts: Rabbi Dubi Hayun, 050-438-9802.www.moriahaifa.022.co.il.Office: (04) 825-1495, Orit.Office hours: Sun.-Thurs.8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.• Voices Israel Group of Poets in English meets 3rd or 4th Tuesday each month in Haifa.Bring your own poems for discussion.Annual Anthology, workshops. For monthly newsletter or details, contact Susan (04) 838-1218 or Ezra (04) 982-8887 or e-mail: ezrabm@gmail.com • Haifa Chamber Choir – Tues.at 8 p.m. Cati (04) 633-1876 • Quilt Exhibit – Illusions.O’Sheehan Gallery, the only gallery in Israel dedicated solely to the art of quilting. Moshav Bustan Hagalil, near Acre. Every Saturday 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Call ahead to schedule a weekday visit. No charge. Maureen Nachmani – 054-472-3176.• Do you enjoy performing? The Haifa English Theater is looking for new talent – both onstage and backstage. Call Bertha at 052-365-6161 for more information.Self-Help • Haifa AA Group meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Call Jon at 052-379-0741 for more details.• The Western Galilee Serenity AA Group has begun meetings at Kehillat Emet VeShalom, 108 Weizmann Street, Nahariya.Meetings are every Tuesday, 7 p.m., in the back room of the synagogue. Contact: (052) 306-7082.• Codependents Anonymous English meeting, every Wed evening at 6:10 p.m. at the Karmiel English Speakers’ club. Info: (04) 980-0329.No charge. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships.• Karmiel: English meeting of Overeaters Anonymous, every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Karmiel English Speakers Club.For more information, call (04) 980-0329.• Emotions Anonymous – Safed chapter. Dan (04) 692-1092; 050-553-2890.• Emotions Anonymous in Pardess Hanna, evenings. Tina: (052) 640-2010