Carol Smith displaying her quilt

ESRA's Olim Coffee Group has just ended their 4^th successful year of social meetings for new Anglo immigrants, and not so new ones.

Meetings take place in private homes on a monthly basis, our aim being to create friendships and help ease the transition into Israeli society and culture.

At our meetings, participants introduce themselves, followed by a speaker on subjects of interest. An ESRA representative is present to explain different aspects of the organization. The meetings are informal, with drinks and light refreshments and plenty of time for socializing.  Many of the immigrants have very interesting careers and hobbies, so in the spirit of our self-help group, they agreed to give talks which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. This year's subjects included: Israel and the Press, Volunteering in Sarel, All you need to know about Medicines, immigrants stories, Staying fit over 40, and lastly a fascinating insight into the Love and Art of Quilting, by Carol Smith (see photo).

Our new session will start in September with a reunion for all those immigrants who have attended our meetings during the last four years. Other monthly meetings will include speakers on archaeology, art photography, the Israeli health service, porcelain restoration, discovering Israel and dance therapy.

At the request of one of our immigrants we formed a separate American style book club (everyone reads the same book) which has been operating successfully for the last three years. This is open to all ESRA members.

We would like to thank Val Kantor, ESRA's Volunteer & Services Coordinator, for all her advice and encouragement throughout the year. 

Chag Sameach. 

Linda Epstein and Jennifer Bell are ESRA’s Olim Outreach Coordinators.