There is just too much to do in Jerusalem, Israel, during Sukkot.
Every year on Chol Hamoed the President has an “Open Sukkah”
and the public is invited inside Beit Hanassi,
the grounds of the official residence of President of Israel.
This year, a giant Elmo welcomed guests near the front gate,
then they walked past this sign near the busts of Israel’s former presidents.
The theme this year was on eating healthy.
While the President’s sukkah is plain white on the outside,
it is always very colorful inside.
People come to see
President Shimon Peres,
and also to enjoy the free entertainment.
The President joined in and played the tambourine during a song.
One guest actually got to shake hands with President Peres
and Health Minister MK Yael German,
but he did not spend much time mingling with the crowd.
Most were just happy to finally get in to the gardens.
When I left, the line was as far as one could see.
There were other events and sukkot to visit,
The Jerusalem March amazing photos will have to wait.
Now it is time to get ready for Simhat Torah
and more singing and dancing in the Jerusalem, Israel streets.
Hazan Shai Abramson started the President’s Open Sukkah
program with a song of the prayer “Shehecheyanu,”
hope you enjoy it to get into the holiday mood.
Moedim l’simha and chag sameach!
