• SENIORS ACTIVITIES* EXCLUSI\T. UOL'TIQUES* TENNIS . WORLD CLASS SKIINC! • TOL'RS
Precarious position: The mushroom rocic, one of the most recognized sites from Timna Parl( \ooks like it might l<eel over any second.
Timna Park - tourist site and survival camp
BAILA LA2ARUS STAFF REPORTER
While many aboriginal groups around the world may send adolescent men out on hunting expeditions to prove their manhood, Israel has another way of having the new adults cut their teeth.
In Timna Park, on the edge of the Arava region of the Negev Desert, special week-long camps are held where recently bar-mitz-vahed boys learn the ways of the world.
Tlie special program, which is open to North-American boys as well, is billed as a "survival" camp and can last up to five days. The 13-year-olds camp out overnight in the desert and learn everything from astronomy to unarmed self-defence.
This is no Outward Bound, however. Timna Park, 25 kilometres north of Eilat is 60 square kilometres of tame, groomed, desert parkland.
Developed by the Jewish National Fund, the Eilot Regional Council and the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the park boasts some of the most spectacular desert scenery and oldest archaeological sites in Israel.
The park is surrotmded by the Timna Moimtains which enclose the grounds in a semi-circle. Formed of sedimentary rock, the cliffs, which rise up hundreds of metres over the valley floor, are made of sandstone, dolomite, lime and granite. These latter rocks are believed to date back more than 500 million years. The red sandstone, which can
be seen throughout the park, brings brilliant color to the valley, especially in the afternoon.
Rock formations such as the "mushroom," Solomon's Pillars and the "arches" attract visitors by the thousands. Some of the geological formations are the result of water and wind erosion, others a combination of erosion and the movement of the Afro-Syrian rifl.
For those more interested in history than geology, Timna Park is well known for its ancient legacies. The 6,000-year-old copper mines, cave drawings showing chariots in battle and the remains of a temple where Egyptian miners made their pleas to tlie mining Gods are all accessible by car and foot.
Approximately 10,000 aricient mine shafts have been found in the Timna area. Parts of ancient clay ovens can be seen all over the valley — remnants of the Egyptian era, 14-12 B.C.E., when the ovens were used for smelting copper.
Though guided tours are available, routes are also marked so hilcers can set off on their own.
At the end of a hot day of desert trekking or survival camp, as the case may be, visitors can take a dip in 'Hmna Lake — an artificial lake fed by a pump which brings water from an im-dergroimd aquifer.
Aroimd the lake, tourists can partake of food at the resaimmt or tea at a nearby Bedouin hospitality tent. □ ■
PESACtl
5 '»
The Scholars
Tlie Chief Rabbi of England, Rabbi Dr. Jonatlian Sacks, guest of hnnnur and senior scholar in residence, will be joined by other distinguished scholars and prominent personalities.
The Leisure Choices'
Skiing to tennis, exclusive boutiques
to Torah classes, programs for children, teens, singles and seniors - a stunning range of recreation options, and every luxury you and your family could wish for
The Cuisine
prepared by world-class chefs, from traditional Pesach delicacies to innovative gourmet cuisine, is all Kosher L'Afeltadrin, Shmura, Glatt, Cholov Ytsroel, and entirely non-Gebrokts. making every meal memorable on the mountain.
The Entertainment
led by the world renown singer Avrt)lu)m Fried, Pesach on the Mountain features daily live entertainment by world class performers, crafts, day trips to Vancouver and so much more to fill your miraculous days and nights on this gorgeous mountain resort.
' yThe Setting:
The Chateau Whistler Re.sort in Whistler B.C. olfirs ■ uncompromising; ciegancc and luxury, breathtaking scenery and European scr\ ice. It is rated as one of the . top 25 hotels in North America, anil among the top iOO hotels in the world by CJrtnde Nast ' • Traveller.lNIagazinc.
im r
PESACH on the HOUNTAIN
m\m M J^^ U'. U" 1 i.j i-j    ^1-1 If ^. I I t" u K .'IS     . *' !< D I. •--Jj u u I ■ - « «■'• "J' ^ '    5 -|„ ;^ s^2i^
For details and a full colour brochure and video call Toll free in North America 1-888-878-8389 Telephone: (604)266-3946 Fax: (604)263-1143 Write: Sea to Sky Kosher Tours. 5750 Oak Street, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6M 2V9
Email: sskt@rogers.\vavc.ca Visit our Web Site: www.pesachonthemountain.com .
• SPA FACILITIES • SNOWMOBILE TOURS • smMAUNG • HELICOPTER TOURS
See the Jeuuist) euOstin
WcsrJ^EWISH
Bulletin
CO
o
CO
>-
oc <:
=3
9