culture – Page 34 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Signs and Scenes of Spring in Jerusalem

April 13, 2016rjstreets

Spring.

The Hebrew month of Nissan started on Shabbat,

and the signs and scenes of spring are visible on

and off the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.

The Valley of Cross is green from the recent rain.

These lime blossoms are bursting out in the sunshine.

Yemin Moshe is always a pretty sight.

One “rainy” and cold day, it rained dirt,

but one day was hot enough for a dip in Lion Fountain.

I am sorry I missed a Spring Fair at Hansen House,

but a nearby park is being replanted this spring,

with the Jerusalem Theater in the background.

Flowers are growing on trees,

while greens are taking over this abandoned structure.

Look up and see purple,

look down and see red,

and the colorful Bird-of-paradise is always a favorite.

But not all the color was from nature.

These lovebirds nest on a car decorated for a wedding,

and this bench adds color to Azza Street.

School is out for the Passover holiday.

Holiday camps for children have started.

Two young grandchildren arrived today to “help,”

and now it is time to start cleaning.

Sounds of the Old City

March 30, 2016rjstreets

Sounds of the Old City,

is an annual music festival

held at night in Jerusalem, Israel.

This year the weather was cold and wintry,

but at least the heavy rain stopped for opening night.

Walking to the starting point at Jaffa Gate,

Mamilla Mall was not busy as usual.

For the festival, musicians performed

on a large stage outside on Jaffa Gate Plaza,

and inside along the Tower of David wall.

There are nine large stages with various performances.

Traverna was inside the Tower of David – in the moat.

The musical styles and instruments were varied,

from Kelzemer and religious music to DJs and pop songs.

Along the route through the Old City,

musicians played alone,

or as a group.

The festival is free and open to the public,

but this harpist was looking for donations.

As every year,

one of the most popular performance locations is the Cardo.

Yitzhak Meir was singing

to an enthusiastic crowd.

Who could imagine on those streets of old,

that one day Jews would be singing and dancing to Hebrew songs,

and the powerful Roman Empire would be ancient history?

Next on to the plaza

by the Hurva Synagogue,

this large stage was dark between shows,

but I had to share with you the size of the crowd.

Thousands of people were out enjoying the music.

The sounds of music have now spread outside the walls of the Old City,

and for the first time a stage is located at Zion Square.

The festival runs from Monday to Thursday,

7:00 – 11:00 pm, so there is still time to see and hear.

As I went to leave, some streets were too quiet.

Though cold and damp weather and security concerns

may have kept some away,

it was still a beautiful sight,

as the sounds of music filled the Jerusalem streets.

Best of Jerusalem Marathon 2016

March 22, 2016rjstreets

The sixth International Jerusalem Marathon was run on Friday morning.

The loudspeakers from the starting line near the Knesset

made for an early morning wake-up in Jerusalem, Israel.

As the 2600 full marathon runners raced by,

one man waved,

some were already feeling the inclines,

and others not yet.

International and varied participants ran

along with Batman and Superman.

As every year, entertainers were at the starting line

wearing the colors of the runners’ countries and cheering.

Again the finish line for the full marathon was in

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, with hundreds lined up to watch.

But there were other races, a half marathon, 10k and more.

30,000 people were entered in the races

and many more times that number supported the runners.

In the park loud music blasted,

racers drummed,

or just fooled around.

The day started out cool and cloudy,

but the sun came out and the weather warmed up.

The marathon is so much more pleasant without rain.

The mud holes were appreciated by at least one young man,

but they were nothing compared to the first marathon.

The three winners of the men’s full marathon came from Kenya

and as usual were interviewed by press.

Their times were amazing when you consider the Jerusalem terrain

with its physically challenging hills.

However,

the participants of the shorter races were also impressive,

as for some this event is a chance to get up and out,

and show their abilities, not their disabilities.

Large sums were raised for dozens of good causes,

by organizations and supporters of all ages,

and the international goodwill – priceless.

Coming into the park after their shorter races were 27,000 runners.

Congratulations

and smiles,

runners in larger groups,

or smaller ones,

or going to the finish line alone,

filled the Jerusalem streets.

As I was finally heading home,

the 10k walkers were nearing the finish line,

very proud of their accomplishment.

But, my favorite from this marathon,

with 30,000 runners from all over the world,

was Bruno, from Brazil, the Tourist of the Week.

Bruno not only smiled and slowed to wave during the race,

but later shared that he and Adriana got engaged

at the Kotel, the Western Wall, before Shabbat.

Mazel tov to Adriana and Bruno,

and to all those who made this year’s event special,

bigger and better, even if it is exhausting.

For all those upset with street closings who stayed home,

sorry.

Here are links to more photos,

see what you missed:

Facebook photos Marathon 2016

Finish line 2016

Finally, take the time to compare:

Jerusalem Marathon 2014

Jerusalem Marathon 2013

I have seen them all and the half marathon before.

I think it is great so many of thousands also now appreciate,

the real Jerusalem streets.