For the Israeli elections, the campaigning is over. Phone calls have stopped.
The President will meet with the official parties to try to put together a coalition government.
However, other things were happening on the Jerusalem streets besides politics.
On a sunny, quiet afternoon, I walked to the Jerusalem Theater.
The vast lobbies were empty, and it was easy to view the art in the various galleries.
Large pieces were on display here,
and on the other side of the main lobby were Helmets 4 Chayalim.
I had missed the opening of this exhibit in September, but got there just in time before it was removed.
The galleries are rotated regularly, and this one was already being prepared for a November opening.
There is no fee to enter and wander around to see the art. A perfect location for a quiet day.
What a contrast to the loud events on the night before the October 27 elections.
No, not campaigning on the Jerusalem streets
But rather two Torah dedications in the same location.
One Hachnasat Sefer Torah was in memory of fallen soldiers Ben Zussman, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Aner Shapira, Yitzhar Hoffman, Michael Gal-David, Elyashiv Eitan Wieder, Eitan Oster, Yuval Shoham, and Hagai Lev HYD.
The Children’s Flag Parade went from the corner of Tchernichovsky and Rav Chen Streets to Luria School in Katamon, Jerusalem.
Family members and friends carried the Torah under the talit canopy, walking to music and a drum.
Young families and supporters proceeded up the stairs to the school where the newly dedicated Torah would be read in their Shabbat services. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion arrived near the end of the celebration to speak.
And right across the street, the doors of Chabad were wide open for their new Torah dedication.
The scribe carefully finished off the last letters.
The sponsoring family gathered around the table where the silver crown and new mantle (cover) were waiting.
For this one, the celebration van was lit up and led the Torah procession.
Carrying the Torah under the canopy to the Chabad synagogue.
Not alone, the two Torahs came out to greet the new one.
Shofars joined the procession as it proceeded inside.
Here’s a short video that photos could not capture.
Torah dedications often take place on the streets of Jerusalem.
However, two in the same location, at the same time, was a first.
The new signs are up for the November events.
From a Jerusalem International Animation Festival to a pop-up on Shushan Street.
You never know what will happen next on the Jerusalem streets.