In Jerusalem, Israel, as usual, it was another week with ups and downs.
The Jerusalem streets were warmer under the hot summer July sun.
The blue sky held occasional white clouds, but not enough to provide shade.
It was a good week to be inside and not out in the heat.
Monday at the Nefesh BeNefesh Campus in Jerusalem
‘On the State of the Jewish People’ was the title of a conference by the World Zionist Organization and others, including the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
OUIsrael Director Rabbi Avi Berman interviewed Rabbi Shmuel Eliahu.
Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein moderated several panels, including one on building bridges.
Education was a constant theme. I hope the sessions are posted online with English subtitles.
Tuesday at the Ramada Hotel
OneFamily’s annual Women’s Empowerment Day again featured Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi. Her opening talk was a great way to start the day.
Body-language expert Maayan Bashan concluded the formal program with an interactive session encouraging participants to pay attention to “the eyes.”
I wish I had taken notes on her explanations of facial expressions after watching NY Mayor Zohan Mamdani’s mouth in his anti-Bibi video.
The day started with a dairy buffet and ended with a seated dinner for the hundreds of women whose family members have faced violence due to terror.
Wednesday morning
Back at the National Library of Israel, where this view has become iconic,
to see the preview of the new exhibition “The Quest of Questions” to open July 31, 2026, to March 2027.
Newton’s Philosophy of Mathematics was on display.
Near the exit in the second gallery was a “family tree” in a Kurdish-Ottoman manuscript tracing back in time.
During the summer months, younger visitors can enjoy To Infinity, the activity designed for families.
Wednesday night
Wednesday night was the start of Tisha B’Av with the stones and lights in Jerusalem Old City by the Western Wall.
Thursday fast day, or rather slow day; better to stay in the air conditioning.
New signs are up for the ice skating and Opera Festival, along with Tisha B’av program at the Begin Center.
Friday morning early on the Tayelet.
A busload of teens from France arrived and were singing Jerusalem of Gold.
At the same time, the results of the end-of-year exams for Jerusalem Arab schools were published, accompanied by loud fireworks as usual.
All as our family gathered for morning prayers for a special event.
Joining Yakir for a mazel tov with breakfast treats in honor of his approaching bar mitzvah.
Of course, on the Tayelet, I had to stroll down to see the setup for Auto Ochal – Food trucks.
Preparing to open evenings this week, along the Tayelet. Food. Beer. Music.
And seats with a view…
Summer time in Jerusalem, Israel.
With ups and downs, always something happening.
Hope to see you soon on the real Jerusalem streets.