Summer nights in Jerusalem when the streets come alive

Israel is in the midst of a heat wave.

During the Middle Eastern summers, Jerusalem is usually cooler at night.

Staying in during the day and venturing out at night is how I see the Jerusalem streets.

The lights of the Old City illuminated in the distance over the Sultan’s Pool are a favorite.

Turn around on the footbridge over Hevron Road and see

the lights of the Scottish St. Andrew’s Church towering over the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.

Another interesting interview in the Begin Center Prime Ministers series was held Sunday night.

Herzl Makov not only worked with Begin but also served as the Center’s founder and CEO.

Look for the recorded informative series online.

Summer in Jerusalem and it’s festival season again. Too many events to attend them all!

Leaving the Wolt delivery motorcycle in the photo of the construction on the new entrance to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens.

As slow as the construction seems, that is how fast and frequent those food deliveries are.

The Botanical Gardens is hosting another summer-themed event for families – Magic in the Forest.

The pond is filled with lilies,

and as temperatures rise, even the birds are slowing down.

The Jerusalem Botanical Garden has expanded greatly over the years.

Another location that has changed over the years is the old Shaare Zedek Hospital on Jaffa Road.

Not in use as a hospital for decades, it has now temporarily become a home for the Jerusalem Biennale art exhibits.

Wednesday was opening night for “Only Briefly.” Mindy Weisel is curator of the solo exhibition by Amy Gelb.

This piece with three layers of soft fabric hangs close to the wall, so it was difficult to photograph.

People gathered to support the American artist with her show in Jerusalem.

I had not been back in a while and also noted the restored ceiling of the former synagogue of the hospital, which has been given new life as a cultural center.

The highlight of the week was our family celebration of 20 years in Israel at the Shalva National Center.

The Shalva entrance lobby is full of color, butterflies, hearts, and messages.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.”

Our excellent dairy dinner did not disappoint; everything was spotless and spot-on.

“Memory and hope light the way” – Lianne, Noiya, and Yahel Sharabi – new in the lobby, where Eli Shrabi participated in the dedication.

Shalva is one example of improving the world from a personal challenge.

Written on the walls are words of wisdom: When you love what you have, you have everything you need.

When nothing goes right… go left.

Good things take time.

Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on.

I caught one little guy in the hallway.

They all have a long way to go.

May they and we all go, building better and stronger, in good health.

10 thoughts on “Summer nights in Jerusalem when the streets come alive

  • August 2, 2026 at 1:02 pm
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    Loved this! Thank you dear Sharon!
    20 years! לחיים

    Reply
    • August 2, 2026 at 1:35 pm
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      Thanks! Need to see you all here again soon!

      Reply
  • August 2, 2026 at 1:43 pm
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    I loved this. There’s such an energy to the city at night b”h.

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    • August 2, 2026 at 1:52 pm
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      Thanks! And this was a week when my energy was so low.

      Reply
  • August 2, 2026 at 5:08 pm
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    20 years. Wow. So many life events you all have experienced in that time. Wishing you the next 20 of s’machot and good health.
    Now tell me what they have done with the birthing room at the old Shaarei Zedek? Our eldest was born there!

    Reply
    • August 2, 2026 at 5:39 pm
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      Thanks. Where was it located? One year, the rooms were filled with art and artists.

      Reply
  • August 3, 2026 at 6:35 am
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    How wonderfully exciting to hear the upgrading of so many Yerushalayim historical places!
    Of great interest to me is the reopening of the original Shaarei Zedek Hospital, for a different, but amazing cultural event. The summer, immediately prior to The Yom Kippur War, I was a volunteer there, on Rechov Yafo. It was an awesome experience!
    But most pleasing, of all, was the cause for your family celebration, Baruch Hashem, at the energizing environment at Shalva. MAZALTOV, with unending tons of good health and nachat, with Hashem’s help❣️

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    • August 3, 2026 at 9:03 am
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      Thank you!

      Reply
  • August 3, 2026 at 3:26 pm
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    I love being able to hear about what is going on in Eretz Yisroel, and you surely give us wonderful coverage of all aspects of life there. Keep up the good work in sharing this with us. Hope you have a great summer.

    Reply
    • August 3, 2026 at 3:28 pm
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      Marcia, how wonderful to hear from you! With the perfect words of encouragement I needed.Thank!

      Reply

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