November clouds in the sky over Jerusalem, Israel,
after pure blue skies all summer,
picture perfect days.
שבת שלום
Shabbat Shalom.
attractive tourist destination
Jerusalem Biennale: Unusual Museum & Arts
“Watershed” is theme of 3rd Jerusalem Biennale,
an international collection of Jewish Contemporary art,
comprised of 26 exhibitions in 9 venues,
running from October 1 – November 16.
One venue is the old Bezek Building on Chopin Street
across from the Jerusalem Theater.
Homelands, reflections of the Jews of Islamic Lands,
was fascinating.
One descendant of Jews exiled from Arab lands,
Shy Abady, named his piece “Racial Profiling”
(or Uncle Ezra, Father and Gamal Abdel Nasser.)
Another fascinating venue was the
Museum of the Underground Prisoners,
which was built in the 1860s, as part of the Russian Compound.
The sign above the entrance says
“Marinskoe podvorie or Maria’s Court.”
During the British Mandate,
with its bars and cells, this place
was known for its harsh treatment of Jews.
What a striking contrast with these
works of contemporary art.
No complaining about kitchens after seeing this one,
or dorm mattresses either.
This was the infirmary.
One of the exhibit’s “Watershed” moments
was the Balfour Declaration,
of November 2, 1917,
which was projected as part of this art piece.
It was located next to this
replica of the British Mandate office.
The contrast of old and new
is always a major theme in Jerusalem,
but here it goes further as the isolation cells were
used to show various videos of watershed moments.
In this former prison a room is dedicated as a memorial to
those fallen in establishing a state in the Jewish homeland.
The words of Hatikvah are on the wall
behind the hanging gallows,
and their photos are a few meters away.
Outside in the prison yard,
a corner designated for Muslim prayer.
The former prison, being used as an art gallery,
held some of my favorite pieces
made by Jewish Artists in America,
Jeffrey Brosk, Barabara Hines and George Tobolowsky.
Talking with them was also a pleasure,
as they explained their work.
It was recently announced
that this former prison will become the home of Galatz,
the IDF military radio station.
Please notice the construction fence on the left,
that leads to the new Bezalel Arts Campus.
So much more, but all there is time for now.
For more check, RJS Facebook photos
and link to full Biennale website.
And still more,
the 9th year showcasing Jerusalem contemporary art
is the Jerusalem festival called Manofim
The Shabbat Project held multiple events,
and the annual Oud Festival is beginning.
Another week of too much happening
on the Jerusalem, Israel streets
What’s Happening on Jerusalem Streets after Holidays?
After the chagim, after the holidays.
The holiday visitors have gone.
Now what? Plenty.
The universities are finally starting.
The Knesset is back in session after long break.
Way too much is happening in Jerusalem to keep up.
The imposing Tower of David (ToD)
was open for the launch of its new Innovation Lab.
These old statues were being relocated,
and over 20 technology startups in augmented reality/virtual reality,
AR/VR, were being presented.
Click and see history of 3000 years unfold!
With glasses like these,
one day you will be able sit at home
and feel as if you were in Herod’s old fortress.
And with these glasses,
eye movements can operate a robot.
Much more is happening and planned for AR/VR.
It all sounds like science fiction,
but is being developed daily to enhance the museum experience
and improve quality of life.
Oh the contrast of old and new!
Outside those walls of the Old City, near Jaffa Gate,
these Christian tourists were singing and dancing,
while across the street a woman was sorting
the olives she had just taken from this olive tree.
Olive harvesting is nearly finished for this year.
However, new festivals are beginning.
Here are 3 favorites of new Hebrew signs.
Until I saw it in English,
I had hard time understanding,
the Lev Smadar Theater is hosting “Eclectic Jerusalem” cultural films.
Then there is this sign for an illustration and poetry,
“Out-Line Festival.”
And how about an International Animation Festival
in Jerusalem, at Cinematheque?
Not enough?
Houses WithIn, now called “Open House”
starts on Thursday, with 117 interesting and free tours.
Some are fascinating sites open to public,
some are announced as free access,
others were fully booked at warp speed.
Poor Folks’ Cemetery or the Har Herzl military cemetery,
famous private homes
or the Jerusalem home of the Electric Company, are a few options.
The Pillbox in Rechavia was opened last year.
It was less than comfortable inside and a worse photo op,
but it was interesting to hear about.
Photos from the International Jerusalem
Jewish Contemporary Art Bienalle will have to wait for next time.
Oh and soon, Open Restaurants – 5 days, 100 options!
More next time,
will see how many I can get to.
So much is happening on the Jerusalem streets.