Snow!
Snow in Jerusalem, Israel.
What is it about snow in Jerusalem that gets the world’s attention?
Wednesday night a blanket of white covered the Jerusalem streets.
After flurries during the day, the snow came down rapidly after dark.
Palm trees sagged under the weight of inches of snow.
I gave up trying to get clear images of people who were out walking.
The streets were full of sounds of excited children, many seeing snow for the first time, who ran out to play in the streets.
Thursday morning a significant amount remained, though not like my memories of snow storms in the northeastern US, and not as much as in Jerusalem in 2013.
But more than enough snow for the Middle East, and the cactus plant.
Friday piles of snow remained, this one in the park much to the delight of two little boys, was much prettier than the grey stuff left behind along the major streets.
What an upside-down week of weather in Jerusalem!
The beginning of the week it was warm enough to walk barefoot.
Young families still with no school could hike in the sunshine.
Spring flowers were popping up in nature areas.
The almond blossoms were out and already beginning to fall off the trees.
Work was proceeding on the roof of the new National Library.
It was a great time for letting the dogs out for a walk.
On the Knesset snow photo taken as the fog cleared, I noticed strange black things on top on the roof?
And along Hazaz Street, more lighting equipment was set up last week.
It’s for “Follow the Lights!” – February 21- March 3rd.
Special illuminated Jerusalem sites are planned to be viewed from moving vehicles. The huge projectors were placed along the road last week in preparation and I was told not damaged by the snow.
Get ready to follow the lights!
Will have to go and see if this is how it really will look tonight.
Most of the lighted sites are located where I usually walk.
The setup at the Israel Museum today was extensive.
Large structures are in place to be viewed from private cars.
Will see if everyone driving the route thru the Israel Museum parking lot really stays in their cars as instructed?
Near the Israel Museum, these bicycles line the bike path off the road across from the Knesset. Now they should be interesting lit up at night.
The snow was pretty while it lasted. But now it has melted.
Schools and malls and businesses are reopening. President Rivlin is to attend the Kahn Theater tonight to mark its reopening. The Prime Minister is headed to Eliat where hotels are to open.
The poppies were out again in Jerusalem in the sunlight.
Hopefully signs of spring and hope for a better year ahead.
Purim starts on Thursday, February 25th this year.
For one way to get into the Purim mode and mood, Tower of David has a program on Wednesday night.
Jerusalem Municipality neighborhood events are from February 22-28, not only Triple Purim – but a week, even though some coronavirus restrictions are still in place.
Dozens of Megilat Esther readings sponsored by various groups will be held. Already last year I avoided the large synagogue megillah reading for a small one, and downsized the holiday.
Hopefully next Purim we will all be back joyfully celebrating on the Jerusalem streets. But for now, you can come and enjoy the light shows.
