culture – Page 87 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Tower of David Museum’s New Threads

May 29, 2013rjstreets

Even after a really busy day, I could not pass up a chance to attend

the opening of a new exhibit at the Tower of David Museum.

Summer of Inspiration: “Threads” exhibit is now on view

down inside the ancient fortress of the Tower of David.

Ten Israeli fashion designers have created

original costumes around the theme of ‘Women of Jerusalem’.

There are dresses for Queen Helena

and the Queen of Sheba.

Want to try to guess who inspired this red number?

This is an outfit for Salome Alexandra

and this one for Shira.

This black and white outfit is very prim & proper

as is the dress for Hemda Ben-Yeuhda.

But this one for Melisende

and this one for Roxelana are as unusual as the names of the women.

No matter what you think of these designer fashions and the show,

I think we might all agree,

that while it is impressive by day,

as the sun sets and the lights go on,

the Tower of David is even more magnificent!

These one-of-a-kind fashions and their photographs

will be on display in the museum until October.

New threads in an ancient fortress,

where else could this be happening,

but in Jerusalem, Israel?

Jerusalem: More than Riots

May 21, 2013rjstreets

The Shavuot holiday as celebrated in Jerusalem, Israel,

is so different from anywhere else in the world.

Tens of thousands of people went to the Kotel, the Western Wall,

to pray at sunrise, after a night-long marathon

of classes, lectures and programs that were

truly amazing and mind-boggling.

These posted ads are for only a few such learning events.

There was one thing very different this year – it rained at 8:30 am!

There have been protests against the new budget,

and new taxes have made for some very angry citizens.

New social protest signs can still be found in the city center

after last weekend’s demonstrations.

The Israeli Prime Minister is back from China

and a very quick visit to Russia to meet with Mr. Putin.

And I assume that most people have no idea that

the Foreign Minister of Finland Erkki Tuomioja and

Foreign Minister of Lithuania Lianas Linkevicius are in Jerusalem.

Also, who heard that at the Hebrew University

there is a conference being held called

Canada and Israel in a Changing World, New Trends and Directions?

When the Shavuot holiday is over,

on the real streets, it is wedding season.

Brides posing in parks for photos and decorated rental cars

are normal sights, though it will be hard to come close

to the traffic-stopping Belz wedding with 50,000 guests.

Wonder if any of their international guests will go into town?

If they do, they would see,

there is a sign for traffic changes on King George Street.

One big surprise, I found a moment with no buses or taxis.

For years, this large mural on Jaffa Street showed

the light rail train of the future.

Well the future is now,

and the train is running and people are returning to the city center.

The media always reports Arab and Haredi riots in great detail.

But there was no sign of trouble today or any sign of Apartheid

as this Muslim woman and Haredi Israeli man crossed Jaffa street,

and these women were sitting off Ben Yehuda Street in the afternoon sun.

Summer is finally here,

and it is time to head outside and to the parks.

It is also the time for the month-long Israel Festival Jerusalem,

with so many cultural programs, some in new exciting venues,

enough to keep everyone busy.

And my favorite festival, Light in Jerusalem is coming soon.

Remember last year?

There is so much to see and do in Jerusalem,

but what did you hear about?

Jerusalem Railway Station Grand Opening

May 6, 2013rjstreets

Threats from Syria and Iran prevail in the headlines.

The Iron Dome has been moved to the north.

Civilian air space in northern Israel has been closed.

In the days before aviation,

it was the railway that connected to Jerusalem to the north.

With the advance of air travel and opening of the modern Malha Station,

the historic Jerusalem Railway Station was closed

and for years, at best,

it was a showcase for colorful graffiti on boarded windows.

But this week in Jerusalem, Israel, the old railway station has reopened,

along with Milton’s Way, a walking and biking path

that finally emerged from behind the construction fences.

There is still more work to be done,

but the 8 kilometer trail is coming to completion.

First station is already a new site for wedding photos,

even as it is getting ready to roll.

The new Old Jerusalem Railway Station was lit up last week,

for a grand opening party.

After years

of neglect,

and construction

that seemed endless at times,

at last

the end of the railway and trail renovation is in sight.

Some interiors still have to be renovated,

but the main plaza is looking good

and the bike racks are ready.

It will be some time until walkers have any shade from the sun,

but even at mid-day the trails are already in use.

The Jerusalem Railway Station is to be open on Shabbat

with mostly non-kosher restaurants.

After this major face lift,

First Station is set to be the new major tourist attraction in Jerusalem.