A lavish buffet of English trifle, scones with whipped cream and jam, sandwiches (no crusts!) and other delights greeted the more than fifty Raanana volunteers who gathered in the garden of Rosie and Hillel Bick.  Organised by the Raanana group, the garden party was an opportunity to say a big thank you for the work of the city’s Esra volunteers.  It was a wonderful opportunity for English tutors, befrienders, second-hand shop workers, knitters, office and bookshop volunteers (and many others) to mingle and socialize in an out-of-hours relaxed setting.

The program included updates of the vast number of cultural activities available in the coming months, Esra’s welfare committee’s work offering aid to families in crisis and a summary of how they, the volunteers, are impacting on those in Raanana.  Liz Trakeniski, Esra’s director, offered her insights on volunteering and especially on the challenges facing tutors who need to make sense of the English language. Rachi Gutman provided a medley of Hebrew, Yiddish, Italian, English and Spanish songs to which feet tapped, hands clapped and voices sang.

Thanks to our hosts, the Bicks, and to all those who made the event so warm, friendly – and tasty!