Prayers direct to heaven

For the third year in a row, the National Parks Authority will be hosting "Afipolonia," a kite festival at the ancient site of Appolonia.

By ARIE HASIT
kites 88 (photo credit: )
kites 88
(photo credit: )
Rosh Hashana has some timeless traditions, nearly synonymous with The High Holy Days themselves. Who can imagine a Rosh Hashana dinner without apples and honey? And what would Rosh Hashana afternoon be like without Jews the world over gathering near lakes and streams to cast away metaphorical sins represented by pieces of bread? Today, Israel's Nature and National Parks Authority adds its own event to the long list of holiday traditions, by hosting a day of flying kites with personal wishes and blessings inscribed on them. For the third year in a row, the Authority will be hosting "Afipolonia," a play on the words "afifon," meaning kite, and the event site, Appolonia, which dates back to the Second Temple period, when it was a Phoenician settlement named Arshuf. It was subsequently conquered by the Greeks, followed by the Romans, and then destroyed at the end of Crusader rule, laying in ruins until Israeli excavations uncovered it in the 1990's. Today, Appolonia, also known as Tel Arsuf, is a national park that not only boasts an impressive history but also an incredible view, with cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. Only 15 minutes north of Tel Aviv, Appolonia is the perfect place for families from across the country to join together to send prayers to the sky, transforming the heavens into a sign of our hopes for 5769. The day begins with workshops on how to build, design, and decorate personal kites, though there will also be pre-made kites for sale. Guided by experienced kite flyers, children will then learn how to fly their own kites. While traditionalists sit in synagogue for the holiday, the Parks Authority strives to create this new tradition that appeals to the universal desire to reach new heights. And who knows, your child might discover a new talent, paving the way for an exciting life as a professional kite flyer. Afipolonia runs on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information go to www.parks.org.il