attractive tourist destination – Page 156 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

President Peres Open Sukkah in Jerusalem

September 25, 2013rjstreets

There is just too much to do in Jerusalem, Israel, during Sukkot.

Every year on Chol Hamoed the President has an “Open Sukkah”

and the public is invited inside Beit Hanassi,

the grounds of the official residence of President of Israel.

This year, a giant Elmo welcomed guests near the front gate,

then they walked past this sign near the busts of Israel’s former presidents.

The theme this year was on eating healthy.

While the President’s sukkah is plain white on the outside,

it is always very colorful inside.

People come to see

President Shimon Peres,

and also to enjoy the free entertainment.

The President joined in and played the tambourine during a song.

One guest actually got to shake hands with President Peres

and Health Minister MK Yael German,

but he did not spend much time mingling with the crowd.

Most were just happy to finally get in to the gardens.

When I left, the line was as far as one could see.

There were other events and sukkot to visit,

The Jerusalem March amazing photos will have to wait.

Now it is time to get ready for Simhat Torah

and more singing and dancing in the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

Hazan Shai Abramson started the President’s Open Sukkah

program with a song of the prayer “Shehecheyanu,”

hope you enjoy it to get into the holiday mood.

Moedim l’simha and chag sameach!

Moedim L’Simcha

September 22, 2013rjstreets

Sukkot is always a busy time on Jerusalem, Israel streets,

and in our house and sukkah!

But no matter how you spell it in English,

the buses sum it up the best..

Moedim l’Simcha,

whatever is going on around the region and world,

it is holiday time,

so enjoy the season.

Some people have been saying since June,

“after the Chagim,” after the holidays,

that time when everyone finally gets back to work next week.

Meanwhile,

now it is time to go for that tiyul and join the crowds.

Moedim l’simcha!

Erev Yom Kippur in Jerusalem

September 10, 2013rjstreets

What perfect timing for Clean Up the World Day!

If there was one thing that everyone agreed upon this week,

it certainly was not what to do in Syria or Iran,

but emptying the trash dumpsters

after a long three-day holiday weekend!

The cats, however, enjoyed the over-filled bins’

and contents that spilled on to so many streets

Sounds of song and early morning prayers filled the streets.

I did not get to the piyut festival this year,

but last year the traditional melodies

could even be heard outside on King George Street.

This is the season of honey and apples, sweet foods,

and large quantities of delicacies at all the holiday meals.

Rimonim, pomegranates, are still piled high in the markets.

As Yom Kippur approaches,

once again the custom of the Kaparot ceremony

with its use of live chickens is a topic of controversy.

At the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk,

where one can find most anything.

these rubber chickens were on display.

But my favorite during the week before Yom Kippur,

is the bus sign with my wish for everyone,

may you be “Sealed for a good year.”

“Well over the fast”

is what they say Down Under for Yom Kippur.

Traffic is increasing,

and tourists are arriving on the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.

The holiday season has started.