From Jerusalem streets to Galilee for Hanukkah

There never seems to be enough time on Hanukkah.

Even with eight days, there is so much to do in Jerusalem, Israel.

Tours fill the streets to see the lights, from the Old City to Machane Yehuda Market and beyond.

This year, on the first night, one flame, and the local Chabad was eerily quiet.

One Chanukiah in a building lobby was simple but elegant enough to stop and admire.

The second night was not quiet for the candle lighting at the Ramada Hotel.

Kesher Yehudi honored Nova survivors to light the candles as the rabbis and hundreds of guests watched.

A Torah has been dedicated in honor of the group of Nova survivors who began keeping Shabbat.

Three lights on a car for the third day of Hanukkah.

Now, time for some good news delivered on Hanukkah.

It’s been a while since I attended a press conference at the King David Hotel.

Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat and German Economic Affairs and Energy Minister Katharina Reiche spoke of positive agreements between Israel and Germany.

There was time allotted for two questions.

The Israeli journalist spoke in German, as the translator concentrated on relaying his question.

An important announcement of a gas deal with Egypt also added to the positive economic news.

The King David Hotel lobby had an impressive flower arrangement, but no Chanukkah menorah near it.

Notice that across King David Street, the Christmas decorations were up at the YMCA.

On Thursday morning, I headed north to the Western Galilee with a special JNF-USA tour.

Driving two hours, with wonderful views, and beautiful green growth after the heavy rains of Storm Byron.

The idea was to learn about the Western Galilee Winter Festival, where the diversity of cultures connects.

There are impressive Muslim villages lining the roads to the North.

Our first stop was in Moreshet, where a food workshop is held in a Jewish woman’s home. She partners with a Druze woman, who is also a professional chef, delivering a fabulous dairy meal. The brownies were in the oven for dessert. Sorry, no photos, they disappeared too quickly, and we were on our way.

The view as the sun set quickly was colorful and majestic when we arrived at Mi’ilya.

The holiday lights were on in the Christian village of Mi’ilya as the sky went dark.

On our tour was Chateau du Roi – the King’s Fortress – now a restaurant, not kosher, but full of history.

An archaeological excavation was conducted at the site, finding remains of pottery from the time of the First Temple.

The owner and developer of the restaurant told of the vast quantity of wine that was produced here.

Outside, the light display was ready near the church for the holiday season.

Fascinating tour of a place I had never heard about, and certainly not been before.

It was the fifth night of Hannukkah, and the lights were lit on the security fence.

The third stop, “When Art Lights up the Night: A Celebration of Light & Movement in the International Dance Village,” was written on the schedule. We saw artistic lighting on the Kibbutz Ga’aton grounds.

Then, the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, youth division dancers, performed.

I had not read to the end of the itinerary to see “with audience participation.”

I declined, but others, young and not so young, improvised and moved with the young dance troupe.

The Western Galilee has been under rocket fire for years. For the past two years, many were evacuated, and businesses and the economy suffered. The Western Galilee Now collective is encouraging people to come back, to taste, experience, and explore a beautiful part of Israel once again.

After a restful Shabbat, it was time to check out the Jerusalem streets on the next-to-last night.

Seen in windows, usually shuttered at night, were displays as this one.

Then, President Isaac and Michal Herzog lit the chanukiya at Beit Hanasi with Marc and Chantal Belzberg at a special OneFamily event, connecting the first candle victims in Sydney with Israeli victims of terror.

However, it’s time to end a long post with my new favorite this year at Jerusalem’s Nayot Park.

חנוכה שמח

Hanukkah Sameach