Passover, Pesach how is this Passover holiday 5784/2024 different from all others?
The new National Library of Israel was open and offered organized tours. This room is filled with unique volumes and ancient works in a modern technological setting.
There is an old colorful illuminated Haggadah used for Passover in the past.
This is the only surviving copy of the first Haggadah printed, in Spain in 1482.
There are also on display two printed in 1952 for the IDF. After 10,000 copies were printed, this secular version which removed Divine deliverance was suppressed at the last minute. Prime Minister Ben Gurion had them collected and destroyed, with only 20 copies surviving.
The National Library was not the only busy place over the holiday time, Mamilla Mall had new art pieces.
Extra security was visible in Mamilla Mall and at other popular tourist locations.
The sign near Jaffa Gate welcomed all with greetings for a Happy Passover.
Once again dozens of museums throughout Israel were open, including the Tower of David Jerusalem.
The Burnt House Museum in the Old City was also one open without an entrance fee.
It was good to be inside on the extremely hot intermediate days of Passover this year.
Despite the intense heat and security concerns, tens of thousands of people arrived Thursday morning for the Birkat Cohanim, Priestly Blessing at the Kotel, Western Wall.
The Kessim, Ethiopian religious leaders were easily spotted standing under their colorful umbrellas with a crowd of followers around them near the live cameramen and the stand for emergency medical care.
The women’s section was especially crowded in the few shaded areas.
However, people were standing in the sun on the rooftops all around the Western Wall plaza for the view.
One man found a quiet spot from the Aish building for a few minutes of private introspection and prayer.
The Chief Rabbis and dignitaries had their vantage point above the crowd.
This year at the end of the morning service with the Birkat Cohanim, special prayers were added for the safe return of the hostages and security in all of Israel.
The family of hostage Eliya Cohen had attended the service at the Kotel and were leaving as more people arrived by way of Jaffa Gate.
Thousands of people kept coming and going all day and most of the night to the Old City of Jerusalem.
What was different this year was that the crowds were somewhat smaller. Some families who usually come did not. However, other families were in Israel many times, but their first time for Pesach!
This year a cloud hung over the festivities, wanting the hostages to be returned to their families so they too could enjoy the holiday of Pesach, of freedom from bondage.
Everyone is concerned for the safety of soldiers and civilians both north and south and civilians, under constant rocket fire.
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The Haggadah reminds us each year, that enemies arise, but ends with “Next year in Jerusalem!”
Hoping next year to welcome you all to the Jerusalem streets.