Signs of Spring on the Jerusalem Streets

The Jerusalem, Israel, weather is slowly changing. Sometimes many times in one day.

Spring wildflowers are popping up around the Jerusalem streets as nature continues and seasons change.

Citrus fruits are full on the trees, like these seen walking through Yemin Moshe.

The U. Nahon Museum of Jewish Italian Art in Jerusalem has a lovely courtyard.

The splendid ornate synagogue in the same building is worthy of a tour.

But going on a media tour of the new Spring Biennale made it all the more special.

This is one of 20 locations of the 30 exhibitions of contemporary Jewish art.

One highlight was Andi Arnovitz’s What We Bring. The talented artist used her wedding dress and laser-cut names on the bookbinding fabric of women from biblical times to the present.

Jews on Paper, curated by Hillel Smith and Eli Kaplan-Wildmann, line the walls of Heichel Shlomo’s lobby.

Upstairs the rooms are lined with various contemporary artworks.

A Palace in Time, the first architecture exhibition at the Jerusalem Biennale, has a Dresden relief showing the consequences of the destruction during Kristallnacht.

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem is another location for the Biennale.

Upstairs the Splinter from the Storm exhibition is still running.

Downstairs the Spring Biennale had its opening on Wednesday night.

Former head of the Israel Museum James S. Snyder arrived and was given a private tour.

Yes, I followed him until Jerusalem Biennale Founder and CEO Rami Ozeri escorted him out.

The theme of this 6th Biennale is a literal translation of the Hebrew phrase Tzon Barzel, Iron Flock, which gave voice to serious recognition of Jewish and Israeli women artists.

Curator Rachel Verliebter and artists, including performance artist Alana Ruben Free added an extra dimension to the opening night event.

Also at the opening of Ayelet Hashahar, or The Doe of Dawn, was former BLMJ director Amanda Weiss.

Friday in the Artist’s Colony, there was just enough time to catch a few minutes of the Biennale at Ha Ott.

Friday was the first of a month of special Ramadan prayers in Jerusalem, Israel.

Notice how thousands of Muslims were leaving the Old City by Jaffa Gate, and security was light.

After Shabbat a big basketball game was held at the Pais Arena Jerusalem.

Before it began fallen soldier Michael Gal was remembered by the Jerusalem fans.

My favorite action shot from the stands of Jerusalem players in red against Tel Aviv in white.

At half-time, the game was exciting with the teams almost tied.

Tel Aviv took the second half in a big way, but the projection overhead caught my attention.

Being a good sport, and a good person, is most important, as the coaches shook hands after the game.

Some construction has restarted after months of delay.

Flags are still flying and people are meeting at outside cafes.

Hamentashen are being served, as little princesses, brides, and multi-costumed young children walk the Jerusalem streets already, over a week before Purim.

Purim is coming. Jerusalem is planning to celebrate the holiday.

However, along with the signs of spring and the anticipation of Purim celebrations, the days of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are over 160 and counting and hard to ignore on the Jerusalem streets.