current-events – Page 69 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

14 Jerusalem Scenes Past and Future

January 14, 2016rjstreets

Last week in Jerusalem, Israel,

during the rainy weather days

it was possible to take a color photo of the new String Bridge,

that looked like it was black and white.

But then the sun came out,

Jerusalem’s street cats returned to bask in the sun,

and this cat was back on guard at Beit Hanasi,

the Israeli President’s residence.

Families with school-age children

are busy trying to find the best school

for their child’s education, and space is limited.

But for others,

there was time to go by Teddy Park

and watch the water in the fountain rise and fall.

The weather was sunny,

cool enough,

no one went into the water,

but nice enough to just sit on the ground and relax,

in this new park across from the Old City walls.

Cloud formations this time of year make for interesting photos.

The views of Jerusalem are constantly changing:

this large fenced-off cleared area

and construction site across from the Central Bus Station

are signs of work well under way.

Posters are up announcing plans for

drastic changes to the entrance of Jerusalem,

with multiple building towers and a new fast rail system.

City construction goes on deep underground

long before it is obvious to passers-by above.

Meanwhile, a walk along Jaffa Road

shows new construction rising from the old

and some familiar old scenes.

Jerusalem of old

is constantly changing.

When the sun shines,

it is time to get out and get around.

Isn’t it time for you to see it for yourself.

Shabbat Shalom

January 8, 2016rjstreets

The weather has turned,

cold, damp and very windy, grey sky and air full of sand.

So I decided to share a much prettier picture.

from earlier in the week,

the roof of the bird sanctuary next to the Knesset,

green from the winter rain and sky clear blue.

שבת שלום

Jerusalem Darkness to Light

November 19, 2015rjstreets

From Jerusalem will come forth light,

from the Jerusalem light festivals to Hannukah lights,

it is an old, if not ancient theme.

However, this week we saw some unique lights.

Those red, white and blue lights on the Walls of the Old City

and on the Knesset building, where the Israeli flag flew at half mast.

After Shabbat, the flag was lowered

to symbolize the link with France after the terror attack in Paris.

Israeli flags over Beit Hanasi were lowered as well,

while French flags were unfurled over major Jerusalem streets.

I found it ironic that new signs were posted

for a new App for Jerusalem night life–

who knows what will happen next?

When I see new signs like this one,

I snap photos of them,

only after did I realize, it was posted for the filming of a TV movie.

Make sure you know whether what you see is real or not.

The Jerusalem municipality posted hundreds of large and small signs

asking MK Kahlon “Do not forsake Jerusalem”

in the new budget in the Knesset.

This week in Jerusalem, while the weather is cool,

the roses are blooming

and the oranges are ripening.

However, I want to share

one other very special light coming out of the darkness.

My friend Varda wrote of the horrific terror attack last erev Shabbat.

We know the Rav of Meitar and his family,

and we have many friends there and visit occasionally.

We have driven the road from Meitar to Otniel.

Such darkness,

to drive to a simcha and get ambushed by murderers.

But, from Jerusalem, came forth light.

On Tuesday night, in the wedding hall,

at the time the wedding of the daughter of the victim was to take place,

an overflow crowd of women and girls

filled the hall with prayer and music, and words of unity.

Tears inside during the sad, slow Shabbat song

and crowds of girls outside.

The Litman-Beigel wedding is rescheduled for next week,

and this time everyone is invited.

If you want to participate, check this out.

To help the Litman family, you can donate here:

https://www.gofundme.com/bwaq2zbd

Am Yisrael Chai!

May lights continue to come forth from Jerusalem

to shine and inspire the world.