Jerusalem after Shavuot – Festival Season

Oh, time seems to fly in Jerusalem, Israel.

One holiday and major event goes into another on the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem Day sign in Hebrew

Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, with its multiple events, is over.

Only a few leftover signs and flying flags remain.

Rainbow colors for Pride Parade at Jerusalem Israel e First Station with Italian travel bloggers

Italians were here for an international travel bloggers summit and posed in First Station.

They did not realize the colorful shades were for the Jerusalem Pride Parade.

Pride Parade in Jerusalem Israel and religious men say mincha before start

Before the parade began, near the Liberty Bell Park starting point, I saw this group of security personnel gather for afternoon prayers.

Jerusalem American Center lit at night with colorful lights, Gay Pride month

The American Center is still lit with rainbow-colored lights at night.

Learning for Shavuot night in Jerusalem

There were tens of thousands of visitors in Jerusalem for Shavuot. Synagogues and streets were filled day and night. In this photo, you can see a few of the hundreds of lectures and classes offered.

Israel Festival

Though it’s called the Israel Festival, the decades-old festival is held in Jerusalem, in various venues. This year it runs from May 30 to June 15, with enough programs to fill a newspaper supplement.

I want to share one production by the Elad Theatre held at the Museum of Natural History.

Jerusalem Museum of Natural History entracne

This was the main entrance, back in days of the protests to save the Nature Museum. 

Museum of Natural History in Jerusalem in evening

Coming up the stairs from the parking lot near Emek Refaim as the sun was setting, lights were on at the Jerusalem Museum of Natural History.

Jerusalem Museum of Natural History grounds and pond

Was there always a pond on the grounds? For sure there wasn’t special catering.

The Nature Museum was best known for its large live snakes and tortoises.

Israel Festival Elad Theater setting for Romeo and Juliet

But on the grounds this night there was a table set for a banquet dinner. Dining, dancing with live music, and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was on the menu for this Israel Festival event.

Israel Festival production of Romeo and Juliet

Here was Juliet on the balcony of the Nature Museum for the Masquerade Ball.

Romeo and Juliet outdoor in garden of Jerusalem Natural History Museum

At the opening scene, the audience donned masks and mingled with the actors. After drinks, the party was getting going with enthused production extras.

Stage for Romeo and Juliet in the garden of Natural History Museum

Romeo and Juliet met at the ball, but the main scenes were held as the audience dined on the catered food and more wine.

Romeo and Juliet in Jerusalem Israel Hebrew adaptation

The actors used the entire area, including on the tables. There were no bad or back row seats. There was interaction with the audience throughout this Hebrew language adaptation of the Bard.

Romeo and Juliet stage in grounds of Jerusalem Natural History Museum

Shakespeare is not routinely taught in Israeli schools. So in case, you do not know the conclusion of this famous story, I will end with one photo of the fight scene.

The location and weather were fabulous.  It was a great production, even if I did not try the food or drink. I hope this is not the last production of this type.

Sign for Tzamid Festival in Jerusalem Israel

But as soon as the Israel Festival is over, Tzamid Festival, Arts without Boundaries, begins.

Design Week at Hansen House at night

Design Week at Hansen House looks to be bigger than ever.

And the annual Shavuah Hasefer, Hebrew Book Week starts tonight at First Station.

Hebrew Book Week at First Station Shavuah Hasefer

I tried to get a photo of the new signs on the other side near the entrance from the parking lot. But an overly conscientious security guard would not let me get close enough after I walked all the way around.

Graduations and end of year performances, an International Freedom of Press Conference at the Jerusalem Press Club and a Camera event on antisemitism in the mainstream media were all happening last night, along with a concert at the Tower of David for the Israel Festival.

"picture Damascus Gate", "pinball photo", "image of Damascus Gate"

And the annual Jerusalem Light Festival is coming soon.

Amazing and diverse things happening on these Jerusalem streets!

More Romeo & Juliet – The Last Supper – photos HERE

 

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