attractive tourist destination – Page 132 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

20 Signs of Rosh Hashana in Jerusalem

September 21, 2014rjstreets

The end of 5774 is in sight

and signs of the new year are everywhere.

The municipality has posted signs wishing a good year to Jerusalem 5775.

This morning, there are dark circles under many eyes of those

who stayed up late for Selihot prayers, and then woke up early this morning.

The Selichot prayers are scheduled almost non-stop,

and there are even tours to see those who recite the special prayers.

One is to be held in Kikar Safra, the Jerusalem Government Square.

These new signs are for free buses to the Old City,

I had to try one and not walk every time.

Many pre-holiday parties include “raising a cup” to toast the new year,

which makes it a perfect time for road stops to test vehicles and drivers.

But not all police were busy with ticketing or crime this week.

So much to do this short week before Rosh Hashana,

food shopping is crazy and time is stretched to limits.

This man is often seen on skate board walking dogs,

but for first time I saw him pushing a baby stroller.

I wondered ‘his own, or some family short on time?’

Friends who are visiting had time for brunch.

Signs were up for sales, but this restaurant got the first sukka photo for this year.

Every organization is looking for end-of-year donations,

this woman held a sign asking for charity in the Old City,

and this man on Jaffa Street had no sign.

He just held an empty cup.

But there are much prettier sights this time of year,

like these new limes on the tree ready to be picked,

and wonderful flowers, not just outside on the streets,

but inside

getting ready for holiday tables as well.

Public parks have been cleared and private gardens are ready,

since shmita, the year of not working the land, begins at Rosh Hashana.

The notes in the Western Wall,

were overflowing before the holiday clean up,

but no one was going to peek at this message wrapped tightly in blue thread.

New chairs were delivered, all ready for the holiday crowds on the plaza.

It is shofar time,

and after 5774 years

עם ישראל חי

Am Yisrael Chai,

Shana tova.

Shabbat Shalom

September 19, 2014rjstreets

As we approach end of year 5774

wishing all a Shabbat Shalom.

Did You Hear about Jerusalem’s Emek Refaim Street?

September 16, 2014rjstreets

It did not make headlines.

Afternoon traffic was heavy and slow Monday in Jerusalem, Israel,

with some streets like this one blocked to traffic for hours.

No one was driving onto Emek Refaim Street with this truck parked,

buses were rerouted and taxis blocked.

There was a large blue arch on the other side of the truck,

a blue man,

blue balloons,

and men in blue too,

as the police formed a brass marching band.

The US Embassy had a booth in red, white and blue.

It is estimated that as many as 30,000 people attended this community street fair,

where second hand goods were for sale.

Choirs performed,

many musical groups played,

and here one little dancer is moving to the music.

Actors on platforms,

standing on stools above the street,

and sitting on chairs performed to young audiences.

This group was learning about cooking.

Thousands of people took photos.

This usually busy neighborhood street

was full of barriers blocking side walks.

It was grid-locked by people and double strollers.

There are so many places in Jerusalem and on Emek Refaim Street

that are impossible and impassible for disabled,

it was great to see so many out for this event in wheel chairs.

Please let me know if you hear of anyone who actually

paid 50 shekels to sit in these chairs.

The sign asks for 50 shekels to sit.

That is what was happening on the real Jerusalem streets

and it all went on well into the night,

but no violence, not news,