Winter and Holiday Lights in Jerusalem

Oh, what a week in Jerusalem, Israel!

A new survey stated that 57% of the Israeli public is unhappy with their existing work-life balance.

However, in response to various initiatives to shorten the workweek in Israel, 62% of the employees prefer leaving the situation as is – vacation on Friday and working on Sunday.

Wonder what the results of a survey asking about having three elections in a year would be?

Israeli Knesset at night with lights on

The lights of the Knesset were burning brightly Wednesday after midnight, as another government fell. Or did never get started?

Photo on King George Street in Jerusalem of future Knesset Museum

The only thing taking more time is the future Knesset Museum. Though it appears little is happening inside, the outside got a new construction fence.

Road work on Jerusalem Israel street

Construction seems to be everywhere, with streets and sidewalks closed.

One never knows when traffic will come to a stop or when you will have to walk in the street.

Road work and street closings seem to pop up as often as pre-holiday sales.

Winter morning on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem Israel

It is winter. Even Jaffa Road starts slowly on cold mornings.

New building in Jerusalem across from the Jerusalem Theater

With the short winter days, construction goes on as the sun sets.

Jerusalem is getting a new look.

Jerusalem rubbish truck

New signs for a pretty Jerusalem are displayed on the garbage trucks.

Water for fire emergency

Fire hydrants got a fresh coat of paint.

Lion of Jerusalem near Montefiore Windmill

The Lion of Jerusalem looked freshly painted and regal over the empty flower bed across from Liberty Bell Park near the Montefiore Windmill.

Cleaning the notes from Kotel in Jerusalem Old City

Record numbers of tourists in Jerusalem and visitors to Kotel, the Western Wall, means more notes to remove before the holiday crowds next week.

Jerusalem Education Week

It’s Jerusalem Education Week from December 15 -20. The opening event was held at the Jerusalem Cinematheque with the Mayor and Education Minister attending.

However, though I planned to go, I skipped that one.

Jerusalem Israel final of Talmud Israeli Hiddon participants

The same evening, in the Jerusalem Theater, Rebecca Crown Auditorium the first International Israeli Talmud competition was held.

Talmud Israeli international competition at Jerusalem Theater

From over 1000 participants, the final round winners posed with Education Minister Rav Rafi Peretz.

Mayor Moshe Lion and the Education Minister went from the Jerusalem Theater to the Jerusalem Cinematheque for the Education Week event. I decided to go home for some hot soup.

Winter festivals and events included a sports morning at First Station.

Ethiopian music festival at First Station and other Jerusalem locations

The 10th Hullegeb Festival Jerusalem is at the Jerusalem Theater and other locations from December 19-24. Ethiopian Music from the “golden age” to hip hop is to be featured.

Van Leer Institute sign for winter programs in Jerusalem Israel

The Jerusalem Van Leer Institute has a full program for December.

The 21st Jewish Film Festival is on from Dec 19-26 at the Jerusalem Cinematheque.

The International Chess championships are at the Notre Dame Center.

Chanukiah on Jerusalem street

It’s official. The winter holiday season has begun – the first Habad Hanukia popped up on a street corner.

Haunkka in Jerusalem Israel Old City

It’s almost Hanukkah – however you want to spell it this year.

Fruit in Jerusalem shuk, Makane Yehuda Market

Fruits in the Machane Yehudah Market, the shuk are plentiful and colorful.

Hanuka donuts in shuck in Jerusalem

American style donuts are out along with traditional Israeli ones

Chanuka donute Roladin

and more exotic sufganiyot.

One way to burn off some of the holiday food calories is the Jerusalem Crossroads 6th annual Night Run, which is set for December 26.

Shuk fresh strawberries in winter Jerusalem

And a favorite in Jerusalem for winter – strawberries are piled up in the shuk.

Jerusalem Snowman

This snowman was looking rather sad and worn.

Jerusalem Christmas decorations at YMCA

But the YMCA is decorated for a month of holidays.

Holiday lights in Jerusalem Armenian Quarter

In an Old City Armenian Quarter restaurant, the lights burn brightly all day.

And holiday lights will line the Jerusalem streets.

The list of events, tours and Hanukkah holiday lights of the nights – too long for now.

Jerusalem Holiday of Lights

Jerusalem Happy Holiday of Lights.

4 thoughts on “Winter and Holiday Lights in Jerusalem

  • December 18, 2019 at 11:40 am
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    loved it all
    thnx for all the great pix
    judy clark who enjoyed the Jerusalem scenes on her computer screen in Hollywood Florida

    Reply
    • December 18, 2019 at 11:49 am
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      Thank you. I bet it is much warmer inside by your computer screen than my computer here in cold old Jerusalem building.

      Reply
  • December 18, 2019 at 3:51 pm
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    Great “visiting” with you in Jerusalem.

    Reply
    • December 18, 2019 at 5:04 pm
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      Thank you, Happy Hanuka!

      Reply

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