Signs of Hanukah
Two days before Hanukah the red carpet at the President’s House was rolled out as the band played.
Five new ambassadors to Israel presented their credentials.
There was plenty of music this week, with schools closed for Hanukah, and activities for everyone.
In most of the world, for practical and historical reasons, the chanukiah, special Hanukah menorah, is lit inside, but in Jerusalem they are often displayed outside in special glass boxes, high and low,
simple and not so simple.
All the lights burning in some religious neighborhoods
make for great evening tours, both public and private.
On tops of buildings or in a city square, chanukiot are a sign of Hanukah in Jerusalem.
Other signs…
of new growth
and sadly the funeral for Rabbi Druck 
of the Rechavia neighborhood
and Great Synagogue was Friday
just before Hanukah began.
Signs filled the neighorhood.
Holiday is only half over,
much is going on,
there are too many photos;
more is planned for next week.
Chag samaech!
Protest Rally
Thousands and thousands of people came to Paris Square last night to protest the building freeze.
Route 1 into Jerusalem was slowed to a crawl, filled with vehicles from around the country.
The rally was called for 6:30 pm, 
but at 7:00 pm full buses were going
away from the area.
With many Jerusalem streets blocked off to traffic,
it was not a good night to be driving in Jerusalem.
The crowds included young and not so young,
and many enthusiastic groups of young people.
The cotton candy stand was so popular and crowded, could not get near to get a good photo,
and of course, plenty of speeches from the the large stage.
At 8:00 pm, people were still making their way
to Paris Square to join the protest.
Happy Hanukah to all!