Gan Sacher – Page 12 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

In Jerusalem, Tu BiShevat Traditional and New

February 4, 2015rjstreets

Spring-like weather

warmed the Jerusalem, Israel, streets this week.

Birds stopped to rest on their migrations.

The almond blossoms did indeed burst out,

and roses opened.

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was the spot for school outings.

People could be found in the sunshine,

upside down

and bowing down.

It was perfect weather for a photo walk

to find the traditional mixed with new.

All perfect for Tu Bishevat,

the 15th day of Hebrew month of Shevat,

the Jewish New Year for agriculture,

the birthday of trees.

At Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence,

the holiday fruit baskets overflowed,

with special Israeli treats.

A seder hosted by President and First Lady Rivlin

was set for students and farmers to celebrate.

Early arrivals had time for a selfie.

No, Stevie Wonder did not drop by to entertain,

but there were Hebrew songs by Israeli singers.

This photo was taken last month while waiting for

John Baird to arrive on his official visit.

US Senators led by John McCain were to come in the afternoon.

US flags were ready and we, well, just had fun doing this.

Even Shimon Peres was back at Beit Hanasi,

not for a Tu Bishevat seder,

but his likeness is now on display in the gardens

along with the other former Israeli presidents.

At least one of the men in this small old cemetery in town

did not want his photo taken,

and it was sushi week at cafe in Mamilla Mall.

So while we were watching the snow scenes in US,

all this and more

was happening on the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.

Hope you enjoyed Tu BiShevat too.

Shabat Shalom: Bitter and Sweet

November 21, 2014rjstreets

Recently on Fridays,

there has been a simple Shabat Shalom poster,

but this was not a simple week,

this was a difficult week.

The walls in Har Nof were plastered with mourning posters.

On Thursday the streets were mostly empty and quiet,

the air was so clean, but it felt heavy.

Cars filled the street in front of the synagogue,

where five men were murdered.

The shiva houses were overflowing, with standing room only.

Those paying sympathy could only walk by the mourners,

and some who knew the families said a word or two.

Many who came did not know either victim or their family personally.

I could not look at the couch filled with young boys

who had just lost their father in such a horrific way.

Instead of revenge one widow told me,

“we cannot change the Arabs,

but we have to change ourselves.”

They want unity of the Jewish people

and an end of sinat chinum.

Then,

as we drove home past Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,

we saw a large group of young people who were enjoying a sports day.

The weather was perfect for a family outing.

A balloon hovered above the Begin Center,

where Yehudah Glick was recently shot,

as segway riders went by on their tour,

and the next tour was getting ready in First Station.

A new sign announced an organic food market to open in the tourist location,

but First Station was deserted at lunch time,

a sad sign of the events of this week.

But,

at the same time on Haas Promenade in Armon Hanaziv

tens of thousands of Ethiopians gathered for

their Sigd Holiday celebration.

Old

and young

and many more each year wearing IDF uniforms.

They enjoyed the weather and the day on the Tayelet.

A beautiful day

for many family reunions,

food and photos.

Thousands celebrated just being in Jerusalem, Israel.

To end this crazy week,

we were at a simhat bat brunch today,

to celebrate birth of a new baby girl.

Besorot tovot were everyone’s parting words.

שבת שלום

Shabbat shalom.

Seeking the Pope in Jerusalem

May 27, 2014rjstreets

With preparations fit for a king,

or maybe a US president,

Pope Francis arrived in Jerusalem, Israel.

The man wearing white shorts and I waited around to get a photo,

but this was as close as we came to seeing a Pope.

We talked long enough at New Gate for me to find out

that he was an Iranian studying physics in the US.

I cannot believe I forgot to ask him what his plans are after he graduates.

My plan to walk home through the Old City failed.

Inside and outside Jaffa Gate was shut tight, closed to the public.

Pretty lonely night, it was much quieter than usual all around.

Then Monday morning nice and early,

streets were shut.

This is a one-way street, want to guess which way?

Traffic was going out any which way, as this double bus blocked the road.

Credit to its driver who could maneuver that huge thing there.

But it worked, and this main street was clear of traffic.

And then King George Street,

where the Pope was going to meet the chief rabbis, was closed to traffic.

Though that meeting was not going to be for another hour,

these guys seemed serious,

and no way was I or anyone else going to get by.

I just wanted to go to Jewish Agency Building down the street,

but we had to walk around a different way.

Security had to stand in hot sun all day,

but we all had to walk around past this line of sitting cars.

Finally, I did get to here from there.

After the Pope and Rabbis and the very select guests left,

the Heichal Shlomo lobby was much easier to enter.

Then there was the area around Beit Hanassi, the President’s House.

Again I had to walk all around to get to where I needed to go.

Residents on the street had no parking for days.

I arrived to the spot where in May 2009,

I had been able to see the Pope’s limo leaving,

but this time a special reinforced bus was blocking the road.

Security was so tight that this is as close as I could get.

This man was holding a sign “Baruch haba Chaver,” Welcome my Friend.”

Pope Francis was given a red carpet welcome,

but certainly many sighed with relief when his visit ended

and he flew safely back to the Vatican.

But do not think all will be quiet for long.

לילה לבן

Tonight is White Night,

and music will blast all night in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,

as Yom Yerushalyim, Jerusalem Day

celebrations begin at sunset.