Architect should have been credited 

The article about the Ralli Museum was most interesting (ESRA MAGAZINE 168). Having visited this museum complex a number of times I can certainly say that Lydia Aisenberg described very well the experience of visiting such an interesting and unusual museum. However, a very important subject was left out of the article: the name of the architect, and it is certainly important to name the architect. Mr. Saul Schcolnik, a personal friend, who is the architect, building engineer, building contractor and a senior member of the site and museum board of directors, created this most unusual museum.

A credit to him . . . the Ralli Museum at Caesarea, designed by architect Shaul Shkolnik

Discussing such an interesting museum complex with its unique art collection without mentioning the name of the architect is like discussing a famous painting without mentioning the name of the artist. Perhaps had Ms. Aisenberg contacted Saul Schkolnik she could have gained some insights into the concepts, general and architectural, upon which this fine museum was designed.

Melvin Farris

Kfar Saba

Brenda Katten, ESRA Chairperson, will be the featured speaker at the annual reunion of Bogrei Habonim, Great Britain and Ireland, on May 30 at Yad Tabenkin, Ramat Efal.

The program will also feature a new film by British-born, Jerusalem-based film maker, Alan Rosenthal, titled "The First Fagin". It is the true story of Ikey Solomon, said to be the inspiration for Dickens' famous character in Oliver Twist.

All former Habonim from the British Isles are invited.

For more information visit BogreiHabonim.com or call me at 054 815 7529.

Frank Farbenbloom

Raanana

The healthy wonders of Nordic Walking

For generations I have heard that walking is the gold standard for maintaining good health. But more recently I learned that walking with poles, known as Nordic Walking, is much more beneficial.  

I read that 13 million people across Europe walk with poles today – it's their way of life.  The Web explained that by using two specially designed walking poles, nearly 90% of the major upper and lower body muscles contribute to this aerobic and strength-building activity.

What is hard to believe is that Nordic Walking boosts the heart rate (15 - 25%), improves oxygen intake (by about 40%), improves heart-lung endurance and increases calorie burn (up 22 - 48%). It's practically like running without giving the feeling of any extra perceived effort. 

Apparently Nordic Walking also helps one to stand taller, so that breathing is easier, lengthens the walk stride and improves walking motion, relaxes tight shoulder and neck muscles, reduces body stress on lower back and leg joints, and helps reduce balance problems and improve coordination. The poles assist wherever you walk. It's also more efficient: 30 minutes is the same as 50 minutes of regular walking.

I would be interested in meeting people who believe that the benefits of Nordic Walking could help them to enjoy a better life.

Yehuda Zelenko

Raanana

Tel:  052 274 2696

Email:  julian.zelenko@gmail.com

On a sunny winter's morning, we went on a four-day trip to the Dead Sea. This is probably the best season to go there and explore the area. I have been to the Dead Sea many times before, but this time it was different.

Joining the ESRA group has given me an opportunity to see Israel through fresh eyes and with a different perspective. I had a chance to meet a group of wonderful and enthusiastic people who had chosen to come and live in Israel. I was surrounded by English 24/7, and for someone whose English is her second language and who works constantly on improving her spoken English, this intensity was great. I also had a chance to share my stories and my knowledge of Israel as someone who was born and lives here.

I want to thank Val Kantor, the organizer, for a wonderful experience and wonderful hospitality. Until the next time.

Rachel Navok,

Thank you ESRA Community Fund

-For giving of your time, for taking an interest in our troubles and for your great assistance in our time of need. Thanks to you, our daughter, Batsheva, is so happy that we have been able to fulfill her desire to function like other children her age. There is no way to describe the pleasure that this has brought to the whole family who have been aware of our financial problems and worried about the funding for the necessary medical equipment. And you with your generous hearts have helped us enormously. Let us hope that everything will work out. We bless you in our names and in the names of our children and of all our family who appreciate you and pray for you. May G-d shower on you uncountable blessings of happiness, prosperity, health, satisfaction and success. And may He grant all your wishes, for goodness and happiness. Amen.

Shimon and Ruchama F., Beit Shemesh

-For the grant you have given me from the Breast Cancer Emergency Relief Fund. It warms my heart and soul and helps to get me through this difficult time. Thank you.

Alona S., Ramat HaSharon

-For your student scholarship to Bracha. We greatly appreciate all the efforts that the ESRA Caesarea/Zichron Yaakov branch has made on her behalf. We are grateful that we can turn to you in a time of need in order to better serve our clients. Thank you for all that you do.

Esti Friedman, LCSW

Welfare Department, Zichron Yaakov

Certificate of Appreciation awarded to ESRA Caesarea/ Zichron Yaakov  

Thank you for the generous donation of two computers to the Meir Panim clubhouse.

We are proud to know you and to have you as a friend and are ever grateful for your generous donation that gladdens our hearts, bringing precious moments of happiness to the children in the clubhouse who, thanks to you, can smile even during difficult times.

 Ilanit Hafuta, ManagerMeir Panim Or Akiva Branch

You are our cover girl

I love your magazine and read each edition cover to cover.

Mindy Ajzner, Raanana

Median Israeli salary "is less than average"

Thank you for publishing my article, "How to live well on Israeli salaries," in issue 168.

I would like to clarify that on November 12, 2012, the Israeli business newspaper Globes published the gross median Israeli salary as NIS 6,555 for August 2012.  The average or mean Israeli salary is published monthly in newspapers and is about NIS 8,935. According to Tel Aviv University economics professor Eran Yashiv, cited in the Globes article, the Israeli median salary has averaged only 80% of the average salary during the last 40 years. What this means is that many more than 50% of salaried workers are earning far less than NIS 9,000 per month and decidedly less than a reasonable living wage for a household with two or more dependent children. Hence, of course, most families have two working parents and many live in constant overdraft and financial worry. 

Judy Shafarman, Netanya

Proud to have you as a friend, and for making the children smile

THANK YOU for the generous donation of two computers to the Meir Panim clubhouse. We are proud to know you and to have you as a friend. We are ever grateful for your generous donation that gladdens our hearts, bringing precious moments of happiness to the children in the clubhouse who, thanks to you, can smile even during difficult times.

Ilanit Hafuta, Manager, Meir Panim, Or Akiva Branch