It’s transition time in Jerusalem, Israel.
The calendar page has turned from a very hot August to a more temperate September.
It’s the middle of the Hebrew month of Elul and we are approaching the New Year 5784.
The nightly musical concerts in the Sultan’s Pool will soon end, with the potential of cold nights and rain.
This week saw the rise of the Blue Moon over the Jerusalem streets.
Though not blue, the full moon appeared bright pink before rising further from the horizon into the sky. The second time for a full moon in August was what qualified it as a Blue Moon.
In the past, I chased Supermoons. But I have come to think every full moon over Jerusalem is impressive.
Every week, we see new construction going down and down,
while old structures are being renovated throughout Jerusalem.
Azza Street made the headlines again when the Netanyahus got new security bollards installed in front of their private residence. As you can see from a previous photo, it is hardly palatial from the outside.
It is amazing how many times you can walk past a property and not notice unless there is a new blue sign telling its history posted in front.
The public better take notice of the parking regulation signs that have gone up along Jerusalem streets.
And the newly painted parking restrictions, where people would have used this space to park.
And watch out for those new vehicles roaming the streets at night, not sure what they are called, going through Teddy Park toward the fountain on a pedestrian walkway.
The ice rink was closed one August evening last week, but the time was been extended into September.
The Ferris Wheel in First Station was being repaired and not running that night. Usually, it’s filled with young children at the end of their summer holiday time in the evening.
Chairs were set for the End of Summer Festival at the Jerusalem Theater. A guard blocked my entrance, saying no entry without a paid-for ticket. I remembered that they were free in the past.
However, he let me go into the lobby to see the art exhibit which was to change the next day.
I will have to go back and see what new art work lines the theater lobby walls for September.
I think some of the best colors and sights are found in nature as the seasons change.
So one more view of the Blue Moon rising above the trees and Old City.
One more renovation image with a Jerusalem small store getting a major makeover.
But the biggest transition is that 2.5 million students are back to school. The signs are up as the school begins for 5784 – and without the usual teachers’ strike.
Even businesses wish good luck and success in Kitah Aleph, or first grade.
I love the huge big deal made as youngsters enter first grade!
I wish all the students and teachers well as the year begins!
The transition from the start of school to the start of the New Year Selihot and tours begins next week.
The Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David announced a Selihot event that includes a tour of the Tower of David, connecting the new museum with the Old City, and ends with saying Selihot at the Kotel, Western Wall.
Tens of thousands will be on the Jerusalem streets late into the night for the sounds of Selihot.
Will you join us this year in Jerusalem?