Announcing the only From Backstage To Second Balcony nonstop from RUTH ROVNER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS box office that looks like a modern sculpture, a multi- level foyer, a glass elevator, an outdoor plaza — these are just a few of the unusual high- lights in the ultra-modern Tel Aviv Center for the Performing Arts. It is such a unique center that visitors come here just to see it or to take a tour of the facility, even if they're not attending a perfor- mance. "Tel Aviv never had this kind of center before, and we sensed that people were very interested in seeing the facilities," explains Sara Admon, public relations di- rector of the center, who is giving a sample of the tour which is reg- ularly offered to visitors. This tour proves to be a travel experience in its own right — an exploration of a site that has be- come the pride of Tel Aviv, the city which is considered the unofficial capital of culture in Israel. Chicago to Israel. Only I 1 V.2 hours. On a comfortable 747-400, no less. With flights every Monday and Wednesday, and a TV monitor for every seat with a choice of movies. And it's the only nonstop return, too. Call your travel agent or EL AL at 800-223-6700. EL J AL„„ ISRAEL The Airline of Israel NO ONE BELONGS HERE MORE -Ft RN YOU )10" 111h•111,• .06 is more like a contemporary sculp- ture than a conventional box of- fice. In another area is a performing arts space: a small amphitheater. Although it is not enclosed but a part of the entire foyer, it is a sep- arate and defined area complete with bronze steps which serve as a seating area. Here people can sit as they listen to informal concerts. Other facilities on the foyer lev- el include a music shop, a cafe with tables and chairs and space for changing art exhibits featur- ( ing Israeli artists. Located at #18 Shaul Ha Melech, the center is a dramatic sight when seen from the street— a soaring white structure with a boldly modern architectural de- sign. It is situated directly across from the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, with an outdoor plaza connecting the two sites. In the summer, free performances are given in the plaza twice a week. Imp: //www.ebti.te) ORDER FORM . • j ewisb Yes, I wish to subscribe for two years (12 issues) at $40 (20% off the regular price). I will also receive the 1997 Jewish Travel Guide (a $17.45 value) free. THE MAGAZINE FOR ALL JEWS WHO TRAVEL TRAVEL GUIDE! Enclosed is my check. Travel stories, dozens of Jewish and kosher tours, discounts on travel Sign up for two years, and get a free copy of the 1997 Travel Guide, or sign up for one year, and get a free subscription for a friend! (Offer expires Dec. 31) Name books, and much, much more!! Address Mail coupon to: P.O. Box 65299, Baltimore, MD 21209 or order today by calling toll-free (888) 499-1100 DONATE YOUR CAR Truck • Motorboat • RV • Motorcycle Almost any condition. • Tax deductible Call (810) 352-5272 A Jewish Association for Residential Care for persons with developmental disabilities 28366 Franklin Road Southfield, Michigan 48034 Bill me , RU TH_ ROVNER 1997 JEWISH 119 Whichever I choose, please also send a free gift subscription — from me to the enclosed 2nd address. Your Source for Jewish Travel News FREE Yes, I wish to subscribe for one year (six issues) at $25 ($35 overseas). The Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. City/State/Zip L Phone J The Comparison Shopper buys at HARPER Furniture 916 N. Main Royal Oak (N. of 11 Mile Rd.) 545-3600 First, we toured the backstage area, where Ms. Admon showed me the modern workshops where the costumes, props and scenery are made, including one area where women sat weaving hair to create wigs for the opera perfor- mances. We also saw the rehearsal rooms for the soloists and the spe- cial elevator used for loading the scenery — an elevator that can carry 30 tons of props and scenery to the stage. The spacious foyer was created by Israeli designer Ron Arad; it is a space that is full of swirls and columns and boldly sculpted forms. One unusual light fixture is a gleaming bronze band that looks like a golden ribbon stretched across the ceiling. The box office is a white circular_shape that is Eventually it will be a full-scale facility modeled on New York's Lincoln Center concept, with a cluster of performance spaces. Making it possible to have mul- tiple performances — theater, opera, dance and more — on any given evening. Right now, only the first phase is complete: a 1,500-seat concert hall known as the Opera House. Already this one site has become a virtual world of culture. Over 250 performances take place each year. About 150 are opera events, but they also include dance programs and varied con- certs. The concert hall is a spacious auditorium with high-tech fea- tures such as the special acousti- cal design of the chairs. In the foyer on this level, wide windows offer a panoramic view_