Jerusalem Darkness to Light

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

Knesset lit at night flag at half mast

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.

half mast Israeli flags

Israeli flags over Beit Hanasi were lowered as well,

French flags in Jerusalem

while French flags were unfurled over major Jerusalem streets.

I found it ironic that new signs were posted

Jerusalem sign hebrew

for a new App for Jerusalem night life–

who knows what will happen next?

When I see new signs like this one,

sign for move set

I snap photos of them,

video production on streets

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

Kahlon budget protest

asking MK Kahlon “Do not forsake Jerusalem”

in the new budget in the Knesset.

This week in Jerusalem, while the weather is cool,

Jerusalem roses bloom in November

the roses are blooming

photo oranges

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,

hall for wedding

an overflow crowd of women and girls

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

Litman Beigel wedding postponed

Tears inside during the sad, slow Shabbat song

Binyunei Hauma

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.

Jerusalem Autumn Colors

Autumn means beautiful photos of fall foliage

  from the northeastern United States.

There is nothing like that in Jerusalem, Israel.

unusual tree

 This year I found one tree with some fall colors.

But, as those US multi-colored leaves fall to leave bare limbs,

dates on palm tree

Jerusalem palm trees fill with ripe dates,

Israel fall flowers

and fall flowers burst out over the sidewalks

Flower beds are being planted,

flowers planted at Beit Hanasi

and a new flower bed has been added outside

of Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence.

Yemin Moshe

The fall flowers of Yemin Moshe are always a favorite.

With a sandstorm this week,

Montefiore Windmill

the Montefiore Windmill was turning briskly,

but hard to see against the white sky.

emek rafaim street

Some streets have been too quiet since tourism has been down.

The German Colony is sponsoring special events

every Monday evening in November and December.

tourists from Australia near Begin Center

Australian tourists were enjoying a free day to see sights.

Not far away a female tour guide was injured in a terror attack.

walking with stroller in Jerusalem

 A friend was out walking a grandchild

with her whistle handy in case of trouble.

People are more wary and careful going about their business.

Jerusalem cat

But oh, those cats, 

While I pass women walking with pepper spray

 in hand ready for whatever might happen,

Jerusalem black cat

Jerusalem cats have a special chutzpah.

Those cats hold their ground no matter what.

And in the fall,

 Jerusalem cloud formations,

with the blue and white sky at sunset.

sunset Jerusalem sky blue rays showing

Ten measures of beauty descended to the world;

nine were taken by Jerusalem.

Talmud Kiddushin 49b

Autumn in Jerusalem,

the seasons change.

Days are shorter and cooler,

the dark hours of night longer.

The cycle of life goes on.