Blue sky, purple flowers, and ripe lemons,
some of the colors of Yemin Moshe,
to wish a
שבת שלום
Jerusalem
Yemin Moshe: Windmill Dash or Walk
This week I saw so many colors of Israel.
Sunrise on the Kinneret with the Swim4Sadna,
then sunset from the Carmel mountains,
where the blues of sky and sea blend together.
Along the Jordan Valley Road
were colorful packing grates.
But as wonderful it is to go and see the land,
back in Jerusalem, Israel,
the colors of Yemin Moshe are a favorite.
I love to share its color on photo walks.
But also fun was to meet up with friends
for a new amazing Israel ScaVenture!
I have walked Yemin Moshe countless times,
each time I see and say there is something new.
Families have stopped and posed for photos here,
but I had not noticed this bomb shelter sign.
Near the Jerusalem Press Club
was the “No climbing” sign we needed to finish our hunt.
But did Kate climb or not climb?
The Windmill Dash ends by the Montefiore Windmill plaza,
with an amazing view of the Old City.
I was so glad to have dashed back
from the beautiful colors of the North
to participate in this Blogger ScaVenture Hunt.
We did the Old City,
then Nahlaot,
last year Gush Etzion,
and now another favorite neighborhood.
What will Tali come up with next?
Most impressive is how these events are good
for families, all age groups and knowledge levels.
Dash around Mishkanot Shaananim and Yemin Moshe.
Then when you are ready to go slower,
see more and set up those photos,
There is always something new to see
on and off the Jerusalem, Israel streets.
Tosca at Masada
There are times that you just have to leave Jerusalem
in order to see something special.
A performance of Tosca at Masada
is really something to see.
Operas are usually about
the stars and their voices,
the music,
and the actors on stage.
Giacomo Puccini’s opera Tosca,
produced by the Israel Opera Company,
is being performed at Masada in the desert.
The seating is constructed in the desert sand,
and stands stories high.
The support pipes inside are amazing.
It is hard to show just how big the stage is.
Stage left, there are stairs.
Do you see them now?
They are under that giant statue.
The stars have a hard time hearing the music
since the stage is so large,
and use special microphones.
From the top of the seating area
there is a view of the Dead Sea overlooking the vast food court
and the huge parking areas for buses.
These are not jobs for those with fear of heights.
During the day workers have to be careful of the heat.
Operas are usually filled with drama.
Tosca, set in Rome in the year 1800,
is full of
intrigue,
murder,
and torture.
Floria Tosca, a celebrated singer, did not have an easy life.
But this stage is also filled with young faces,
and beautiful music,
led by talented Israeli conductor Daniel Oren.
At this dress rehearsal, he repeatedly interrupted
and sang as he conducted the precise way
he wanted this masterpiece to be staged.
The Italian lyrics of this tragic opera
are translated into Hebrew and English.
The production is big and beautiful.
But at the end of the day,
it is all makeup and make believe.
This “tortured” actor can smile in his dressing room,
while the audience winds their way back home,
slowly on the road along the Dead Sea.
More than a show, it is an experience.