3 Suggestions to Enjoy Jerusalem in Stormy Weather

3 Suggestions to Enjoy Jerusalem in Stormy Weather

This time of year, in Jerusalem, Israel, with the beginning of the Hebrew month of Shevat and the approaching “New Year of Trees,” we anticipate new growth and spring.

First flower of spring in Valley of Cross

Walking yesterday toward the Knesset, I spotted the first wild flowers in bloom.

New paths are being prepared through the Valley of the Cross.

There are no blossoms on the almond trees yet, but new olive trees have been planted.

New benches in Valley of Cross bike path

New benches have been placed along the new walking and bike path under development.

Israel National Library cranes with Knesset in background

The Knesset rises beyond the construction site of the new National Library.

Fog in Jerusalem Israel so thick to obstruct view of Monastery, bird perched outside window.

But then the weather turned from sunny to rainy and cold. Thanks to this bird who perched outside my window, I had something else to photograph other than the grey foggy sky.

People ask, “What is there to do when it is too nasty to be out on the Jerusalem streets?”

Here are three of the easiest answers to this often asked question:

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem – BLMJ

Bible Lands Museum main entrance Jerusalem Israel

BLMJ main galleries take visitors back to the earliest civilizations.

Judea and Samaria archelogical finds

A new exhibit opened with pieces  looted from archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria and recovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Judea and Samaria finds on display in Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem Israel

Each piece has a story, going back many centuries.

 The Israel Museum 

Across the road from BLMJ, one sees the dome of the Shrine of the Book, the home of Dead Sea Scrolls.

Israel Museum antiquities menorah from synagogues

In the Israel Museum, the largest of Jerusalem’s dozens of museums, are collections of ancient Jewish life in the land of Israel.

Israel Museum mummy

Learn about ancient Egyptian Mummies on a audio-guided tour with the latest modern technology.

Israel Museum children's room

Of late, Jerusalem museums have taken a special interest in attracting and engaging children.

Israel Museum Jerusalem children's wing

Multiple exhibits provide young people opportunities to explore and learn.

 The Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem 

Science Museum sign Jerusalem Israel

The science museum had special exhibits on fire for Hanukkah, which were very popular the last days when it was raining.

Jerusalem Science Museum

Check in with information when you enter.

Science museum new exhibit

There are exhibits which are temporary

Safety equipment on display at jerusalem Science Museum

and are constantly changing to engage young minds.

Science Museum exhibit to make and launch paper airplanes

Makerspace was in the main hall on my last visit.

Jerusalem Israel Science Museum

Young people were encouraged to design and fly their own paper airplanes.

Science museum reading corner

There was a reading section called Challenge and Risk.

Science Museum exhibit Fields of Tomorrow

Notice that everything in these museums is in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

Science Museum in Jerusalem Israel colorful light

Colors and technology are used to attract visually,

Science Museum two boys at exhibit

though sometimes simple things can be made interesting too.

Outside area of jerusalem science museum

Outside areas are much more popular when the weather is pleasant.

Outside play area Jerusalem Science Museum

Play areas outside change regularly and are designed to teach basic scientific principles.

Jerusalem Science Museum dinosaur

This new age dinosaur can be found on the grounds outside.

Science Museum in Jerusalem Israel

I do not think this is the tree of knowledge.

Jerusalem Science Museum play area

But there is no better place to start for toddlers to explore and learn.

These museums, located near each other, have places to eat, and provide more than shelter.

But I must repeat my warning, if you are supervising young children,

do NOT try and do any of the amazing Jerusalem museums if you are a tired adult.

Another piece of advice: check museum hours before going, as they vary day by day.

If you do not have membership, there are days free for children, but costs vary and can be expensive.

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However, in honor of Space Week, the Bloomfield Science Museum is offering free entrance.

Even if Jerusalem is warm and the sun is shining, worth checking out.

Enjoy!

 

10 Favorites at Museum of Science

Many think of Jerusalem, Israel, and see images

 of the Old City and the Kotel and other ancient sites.

But near the Knesset and the Israel Museum is a special public place

founded with the Hebrew University and the Jerusalem Foundation,

which is a dynamic, innovative and attractive tourist destination.

There were so many things that I liked on my recent visit to

 The Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem, 

 it has been hard to get down to a short list.

1. Before you even go inside the building, 

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the color and the energy are impressive.

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2. Once in the front door, the diversity of the staff is clear.

All signs are in Hebrew, Arabic and English,

 as the museum targets all the diverse populations of Jerusalem

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with special educational activities.

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3. With so many hands-on exhibits, it was hard to pick one photo,

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4. No soft padding for little visitors, but real structures to explore.

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5. Before there was a book about Israel as a start-up nation,

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there were popular Hebrew children’s story books.

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 I love to see that from simple stories, science and culture can be linked

so that a scientific principle can be learned while having fun.

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 6. This week it has been especially hot in Jerusalem, perfect timing

   to explore the dynamics of water on the museum grounds.

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7. There is so much energy, you can feel it as you walk the halls.

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8. The museum staff is available in every section to guide and explain.

9. An Innovation display show cases 50 of Israel’s top contributions

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to modern technology.   I love that Israelis developed 

the “pill-cam from Israeli army missile technology.

10. I really enjoyed a chance to visit to the off-limits, 

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special workroom where everything in the museum is made.

 There was much more that I found impressive, 

 like the special science encounters to encourage girls,

  youngsters with special needs, and

  the Arab population to appreciate science and technology.

I studied Chemistry in college and worked in bio-chemical research,

this visit reminded me of how much I enjoyed those lab experiments.

  Next week there are special events planned

for the 20th anniversary of

 The Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem. 

Since this is only a small bit of what there is to see and do,

better to come and check it out for yourself

and be sure to see the new exhibition “Footprints of Light.”

An idea of Prof. Peter Hillman which started out in a small room

on the Hebrew University Givat Ram campus has grown to 

  a Museum has already attracted over 3,500,000 visitors.

However, one warning:

Adults beware of possible exhaustion.