Mamilla Mall – The Real Jerusalem Streets

December Holiday Time in Jerusalem

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Sharon A

How is this December holiday season different than other years on the Jerusalem streets?

At night, walking near the Old City walls I saw signs of progress and innovation.

However, the new lighting also showed the lack of tourists for this time of year.

New lights installed along the wall near Jaffa Gate illuminate the stones, where a lone man was walking.

This man sat in his usual spot to collect charity from those who walked toward Jaffa Gate.

The stickers of fallen soldiers covered the metal doors.

The Santa Claus off of the plaza inside was back, perhaps larger than usual.

New Gate, the entrance to the Christian Quarter, is usually lit up for the holiday. I was disappointed to see it closed and dark inside, early in the evening, so close to December 25th.

In contrast, on the other side of the Jerusalem street were the lights lit at the French Hospital.

Is there another hospital in the world run by nuns, which serves only kosher food, with a big decorated tree out front?

The YMCA is bright with lights every night in December.

Mamilla Mall had lights overhead and people strolling.

The sufganiyot, Hanukkah donuts, have been displayed all month at bakeries, this one at Mamilla Mall.

These Hanukkiot, Hanukkah menorahs, were bright in the store window.

An annual Bar and Bat mitzvah event for children who lost a parent to terror was at Beit Hanasi again.

At the President’s Residence, the yellow chair for remembering the hostages was front and center.

These young people and their families need no reminders of what a difficult year this has been.

Neither do those on the Jerusalem streets who see bus stops covered with posters as a reminder.

Some of the Jerusalem streets have these colorful Hanukkah lights above during December.

Hanukkah and Christmas are to be celebrated at the same time this year on December 25th.

I wish more tourists were on the Jerusalem streets to appreciate the lights at night.

But it is easier to get a clear shot of the I LOVE Jerusalem sculpture at Tzahal Square near the Old City, without the usual visitors climbing over it and crowds taking photos around it.

Next year in Jerusalem – hope to see you here to appreciate the holiday lights.

How is this Passover Different than all others?

April 28, 2024April 28, 2024Sharon A

Passover, Pesach how is this Passover holiday 5784/2024 different from all others?

The new National Library of Israel was open and offered organized tours. This room is filled with unique volumes and ancient works in a modern technological setting.

There is an old colorful illuminated Haggadah used for Passover in the past.

This is the only surviving copy of the first Haggadah printed, in Spain in 1482.

There are also on display two printed in 1952 for the IDF. After 10,000 copies were printed, this secular version which removed Divine deliverance was suppressed at the last minute. Prime Minister Ben Gurion had them collected and destroyed, with only 20 copies surviving.

The National Library was not the only busy place over the holiday time, Mamilla Mall had new art pieces.

Extra security was visible in Mamilla Mall and at other popular tourist locations.

The sign near Jaffa Gate welcomed all with greetings for a Happy Passover.

Once again dozens of museums throughout Israel were open, including the Tower of David Jerusalem.

The Burnt House Museum in the Old City was also one open without an entrance fee.

It was good to be inside on the extremely hot intermediate days of Passover this year.

Despite the intense heat and security concerns, tens of thousands of people arrived Thursday morning for the Birkat Cohanim, Priestly Blessing at the Kotel, Western Wall.

The Kessim, Ethiopian religious leaders were easily spotted standing under their colorful umbrellas with a crowd of followers around them near the live cameramen and the stand for emergency medical care.

The women’s section was especially crowded in the few shaded areas.

However, people were standing in the sun on the rooftops all around the Western Wall plaza for the view.

One man found a quiet spot from the Aish building for a few minutes of private introspection and prayer.

The Chief Rabbis and dignitaries had their vantage point above the crowd.

This year at the end of the morning service with the Birkat Cohanim, special prayers were added for the safe return of the hostages and security in all of Israel.

The family of hostage Eliya Cohen had attended the service at the Kotel and were leaving as more people arrived by way of Jaffa Gate.

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Thousands of people kept coming and going all day and most of the night to the Old City of Jerusalem.

What was different this year was that the crowds were somewhat smaller. Some families who usually come did not. However, other families were in Israel many times, but their first time for Pesach!

This year a cloud hung over the festivities, wanting the hostages to be returned to their families so they too could enjoy the holiday of Pesach, of freedom from bondage.

Everyone is concerned for the safety of soldiers and civilians both north and south and civilians, under constant rocket fire.

Jerusalem 6 Months After Forced into the October War

April 14, 2024April 14, 2024Sharon A

Sitting down to do a weekly post it’s impossible today not to mention last night.

Iran’s attack on Israel overnight, 331 missiles were launched, including:

185 surface-to-surface missiles, 36 cruise missiles, and 110 ballistic missiles. Plus 180 drones for good measure.

All were intercepted except for 7 of the ballistic missiles.

Jerusalem, Israel had its share of interceptions, with one loud siren warning in the middle of the night..

So tired today that my watch ended up in the washing machine for a full cycle.

Surprisingly good news, it has the correct time and is still working!

Since October 7, the cloud formations at sunrise and sunset have been amazing.

A memorial event was held for Lucy Dee and her daughters murdered by terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Rabbi Shlomo Katz joined Rabbi Leo Dee in the new social hall in Efrat in memory of Lucy Dee.

Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi spoke brilliantly as usual.

The hall was crowded to the max with friends and family and for words of Torah, comfort, and song.

The military cemetery in Gush Etzion has grown too crowded these past 6 months.

The new bright colors of spring flowers in Jerusalem offer contrast to lives lost too soon.

Rosh Chodesh Nissan has long been a time for anticipating spring and new life.

This past week a special Women’s Rosh Chodesh event was held at the Yeshurun Central Synagogue.

Hundreds of women and girls filled the sanctuary to hear Sivan Rahat Meir speak.

And join the main event –the musical Women Unite in Prayer – Hallel Nissan – Ricka Razel.

For those who love to hear women singing and celebrating – YouTube HERE

Afterward, walking on Keren Hayesod Street I noticed a new sign for US offices,

and for a new place to eat (and drink) that just opened.

And while stopping to speak with a long-time friend, it started to rain!

Spring rain is good for the new flowers, this Jerusalem flower bed now has two yellow ribbons.

The lions were bright yellow on Friday in the Old City.

Hundreds of children, parents, and grandparents attended special events before the Passover holiday.

It was also Eid al Fitr and hundreds of Muslim families were out near Jaffa Gate on their way to Old City,

and in Mamilla Mall celebrating the end of Ramadan.

So life goes on in Jerusalem, shopping and preparing the Passover, but under the constant reminder of the hostages who are still in captivity to come home and the threat from Hamas and Iran.

Day or night, highlights and beauty abound on the Jerusalem streets.