Arad On The Border of the Negev and Judean Mountains

ARAD

Arad was founded in November, 1962, the first planned city in Israel. It is located on the border of the Negev and Judean Mountains, 16 miles from the Dead Sea, 28 miles from Beersheva. It is ideally located for desert tourism as it has fresh air, stunning views, hiking, jeeping, bike tours, camping, rappelling and eco-tourism. Near Masada, Ein Gedi, the Ramon Crater, Ein Bokek, Tel Arad, the Israel Trail and Kfar Nokdim, lodging here is far less expensive than the Dead Sea and far more peaceful. There is an artist quarter, Midbar Winery, the Glass Museum, a new car racing track and great restaurants such as Muza (best burger in Israel),  Kaparuchka and Anna Ma.

Two of my English students: Budding actresses.

Lucky me to have made wonderful friends here with whom I visit as often as I can! I consider Arad my second home in the world. The people, the scenery, the ease of life all appeal to me. When one makes a friend here it is a friend for life. I like to spend my time not just visiting friends but volunteering to teach English. I usually take a small group of the most advanced kids out of the classrooms and converse with them in English. If you would like to visit Arad, as I just did in January,  and teach English there even for a few days, I suggest contacting michal@jfedgmw.org.il. She and her team are very responsive and helpful.

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Chen Pagliari who will teach his unique grilling techniques in Greater MetroWest community in NJ in 2018.

Chen Pagliari, my adopted Aradnik brother,  is the best grill master, bar tender and host I have ever known. He and his beautiful wife Yael will host you and your friends or family at his home.

Contact him at henpal2@walla.com for availability and pricing. 972-53-720-4183.

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Michal Perez, owner of Desert Bird Guesthouse.

There are many options for overnight stays in Arad. The Desert Bird Guesthouse is one of my favorites. Michal, my dear friend, gracious owner and excellent cook, is also a tour guide and will take care of your touring needs. www.desertbird.co.il. Desertbird2015@gmail.com. 972-52-5958833. She hosts all kinds of events here.

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Presentation on women’s Orthodox lifestyle at Desert Bird Guesthouse.

OFAKIM

Ofakim was established in 1955 with just 600 people from Morocco and Tunisia. Today there are about 30,000 residents of mixed ethnic backgrounds. Beersheva is about 20 km from here. Ofakim is about one hour drive from Arad and has rail transportation from Tel Aviv. The town is booming due to the rail transportation and affordable homes for purchase, unlike real estate in
 the center of the country.

The people of Ofakim are loyal, proud and devoted to the growth of their town. I had the great pleasure of staying with the hospitable Mayor and Mrs. Danino when I visited in January. I spent all my time teaching English to children and adults….and making new friends, going to the theater and learning about the community. I also spent time in Bayit Cham, which means Warm House. This is a national program for children at risk. I taught English and enjoyed wonderful lunches with the girls which was prepared by the “House Mother”.

Desert Eagles is a 24 member robotics team of Amirim High School students in Ofakim. Over half the team is female and they compete in 4 leagues throughout the year. There are 75 teams in Israel. Do we have this in our US schools? I was so glad to meet these passionate kids who use power tools, programming and sketch in 3D. They have an unspoken law of helping each other. They won a Tel Aviv national competition with a robot named Delta that took 6.5 weeks to build.

Teaching English in Ofakim is yet another place where volunteering is highly desired and  appreciated. Contact Michal Zur for this too. Her info is in the Arad part of this blog.
 
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