First Station

Hot.

It is hot in Jerusalem, Israel.

The pool at Jerusalem Dan Hotel looked so cool.

But Sharut HaDin was having a conference inside the hotel,

so we were inside listening to experts on panels

discussing the new cyber and legal battlefields Israel is facing.

When it gets hot,

the parks are quiet by day,

but every fountain is as good as the beach.

Even new graffiti was in a shady spot.

This was certainly the most random street scene,

getting ready for a trip to the beach,

but with a box of memorial candles?

End of June.

It is again the season,

of big people on little chairs.

The mandatory end of school year celebrations,

are at all hours of day and night.

But this week, there is another celebration.

Itzhak Perlman is in Jerusalem to accept the Genesis Prize.

A gifted musician whose abilities overcame his disabilities.

Through appearances on Sesame Street

he taught important values to a whole generation.

Born in Israel,

though he has lived in New York for decades,

he was surrounded by the Hebrew media and well-wishers

after a press conference at Mishkanot Sha’ananim.

Also, Dame Helen Mirren is in Israel

this week to present the Genesis Prize.

She only played a Queen in the movies,

but she is a regal act in real life too.

Her stories of good times spent in Israel – priceless.

She was evidently pleased to receive a membership card

to the Jerusalem Press Club.

Now I can say I have something in common

with Dame Helen Mirren.

But on some days,

not only on the Jerusalem streets is it hard to get by,

 but there is so much happening,

it is hard to do it all.

That night was opening of the Jerusalem Opera Week,

with an Italian theme for Rigoletto.

People were warned to come on time.

Parking and picking up tickets for hundreds

 of opera goers required planning,

plus because of Ramadan fast ending at that time,

a shortage of taxis were anticipated.

The huge stage was constructed in Sultan’s Pool,

with seating rising to street level.

As the sun was setting the audience

and Israeli Philharmonic prepared for the show.

Translations in Hebrew and English,

were provided on the top and sides of stage.

Magnificent music filled the air.

 Even though the story line is one of tragedy,

it was especially exciting to see an Israel performer

excelling in the lead female role.

So everything may not always be as beautiful as a bed of flowers,

but as I walked home at night near midnight,

people were still at Shavuah HaSefer at First Station,

watching the football (soccer) match and drinking beer.

Hundreds more were leaving the Jerusalem Theater.

The signs are up for the new season at the theater,

but the Genesis Prize award is there tonight.

Then we will have to wait to see what

 will be happening next on the Jerusalem streets.