Preserving the Past, Promoting the Future, and Anchors Aweigh Jerusalem

Preserving the Past, Promoting the Future, and Anchors Aweigh Jerusalem

Jerusalem offers a wide array of activities before the new school year begins.

Searching for a good quote for “circus” I found “preserving the past, promoting the future.”

What could be more appropriate for Jerusalem, Israel?

Jerusalem Tower of David end of summer event Circus

What could be more appropriate for the Circus at the Tower of David?

Jerusalem Israel Tower of David Circus sign

In the venue of historic ancient stones, the past is carefully preserved.

The Circus being held this August is especially aimed at young families.

Encouraging. Enriching. Exciting.

Providing educational and enjoyable activities that promote the future.

Tower of David view of tables set for Shesh Besh competition in Jerusalem Israel

From the Tower of David, you get panoramic and dramatic views of Jerusalem.

From the top of the Tower of David, we could see the area above Mamilla Mall across from the Old City walls near Jaffa Gate was set and ready for a shesh-besh tournament.  Backgammon players of all ages were invited to enter the public competition.

The plaza area near Jaffa Gate was not the only place that was busy this summer.

360 Degrees music festival in Jerusalem Liberty Bell Park

The Liberty Bell Park was one of the locations of the 360 Degree music and theater festival.

Muslim woman standing with Jewish man at music event in Liberty Bell Park Jerusalem

Diverse populations attended these events that were open to the public and free of charge. This was a drum circle, with standing room also.

Muslim women picnic in Liberty Bell Park in Jerusalem during a summer music festival

I took this photo of a young woman ready to do face painting for the children in the park.

If you look closely the women behind her are wearing hijabs and having a picnic dinner.

Jerusalem Israel Bloomfield Park scene from Measure for Measure - Shakespeare in Motion

In Bloomfield Park, Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure in Motion holds its last performances on August 25, 26, and 27. The annual theatrical event attracted the attention of Yiddish-speaking children who were in the park on family outings. Shakespeare is not taught in Israeli schools, and this is one fun way to preserve the Bard.

End of August summer activities at Hansen House in Jerusalem Israel

Hansen House, the old leper hospital, now the site of innovative programs, is presenting end-of-summer activities for families. Locals may be away, but a few children were doing activities in the Hansen courtyard. Sunday night was scheduled for a grand opening.

Sign for Sukkot 2016 Archaeological campus

Preserving the past, the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, had a grand opening almost three years ago.

Building of Schottenstein Antiquities Campus

The huge complex was meant to showcase Israeli archaeology.

Inside Antiquities Campus 2016

The innovative architectural designed building was to be home to researchers preserving the past. Visitors could watch work being done through glass walls.

Room in Schottenstein Antiquities Campus

Rooms were dedicated to each era and the ancient finds were to be on display.

valuable pieces in museum lower level Schottenstein Campus

Down in the depths, the most ancient and valuable pieces were to be preserved and displayed.

Archaeological Campus site near Israel Museum

The front still appears the same from the street as on our exciting initial visit, only now the doors are chained shut. It will take a huge new cash infusion to promote the campus in the future.

Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem Israel

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem (BLMJ) is next to the shuttered campus.

Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem main floor

BLMJ has rare antiquities carefully preserved and ancient relics on exhibition.

Exhibit at Bible Lands Museum on discoveries found preparing for new Beit Shemesh road

In the spring the Highway through History exhibit opened.

Beit Shemesh Road work halted because of major site underneath

Displays and photographs of the #38 Highway expansion are seen near the entrance.

Side of road where ancient site was found next to new road in BEeit Shemesh

However, driving by the site on the way to Beit Shemesh, was a very different experience.

Archaeological dig in Beit Shemesh where new road was to go.

I know they said it was big and close to the road, but as we drove by it was hard to capture how expansive the site is. Everywhere in Israel, preserving the past and promoting the future is a balancing act, as Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch and museum curators said at the opening of the Highway Through History exhibition.

The newest exhibit Anchors Aweigh opened this week.

BLMJ exhibit on Sea Ports of Holy Land

The exhibit is dedicated to seaports and is located downstairs in the museum.

Blue and white Israeli flag at Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem Israel

 Out of the Blue and with its blue threads was the previous exhibit on display in this space.

Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem exhibit on Ports 1800s

Fifty works of Holy Land seaports from the private collection of Yossi Gilben are on display.

Image of Ashdod port in 1839 BLMJ exhibit

This 1839 lithograph by D. Roberts is of Ashdod. What a contrast to the thriving city and port today.

Lithograph from 1839 of Gaza with soldiers near water in port

Troops heading north to Sidon are depicted in this D. Roberts lithograph, also dated 1839, in Gaza.

BLMJ image of Jaffa SeaPort in 1677

Jaffa was the closest port to Jerusalem. It was not a natural harbor and lacked deep water, so those arriving had to disembark onto small crafts to reach land. It was destroyed in the 13th century after the Crusade-era and remained in ruins for hundreds of years.

In the 15th century as more pilgrims came to the Holy Land they would spend a night or two in the ruins and head for Jerusalem. Finally, in the mid-17th century, the Ottomans allowed a small group of Franciscan monks to settle in Jaffa and care for European pilgrims. Later they were granted permission to establish a hospice.

This engraving by O. Dapper is from 1677 shows the port and citadel, along with some buildings, in German, Ioppen in Palestine.

The other seaports of Ashkelon, Haifa, and Caesarea are included in Gilben’s impressive lithographs and engravings collection which has preserved the past for us to enjoy now.

BLMJ old map that was printed in error with Mediterranean on wrong side

This map placed just outside the main room is from the collection of Batya Borowski.

Incorrect map of coastline of Holy land printers error

Jewish Holy Land with allotments of the 12 tribes in German is the title of the wood engraving by S. Munster (ca. 1550).

It was pointed out to us, that the map with the south on the upper area and the Mediterranean on the right side, was due to a printing error. It seems as back as the early days of printing, even those who honored and yearned for Jerusalem did not always get their facts straight, as they had never been to the Holy Land.

Leonardo DaVinci is featured at the Bloomfield Science Museum.

The Israeli Museum always attracts families during the summer holidays.

It is hot. Streets are almost empty of cars.

But as always good things are happening on and under the Jerusalem, Israel streets as the summer wanes.

 

18 New Photos of Jerusalem Diversity

18 New Photos of Jerusalem Diversity

A one-day heatwave was enough in Jerusalem, Israel.

Cooling off in the evenings with breezes as the sun sets is the norm for summer.

I love it when visitors from Tel Aviv and overseas exclaim, “Oh it is so much cooler here.”

Young people on trip to Israel pose at Western Wall for group photo

A favorite sight at a favorite site are the groups of young people on trips to Israel.

Jerusalem Israel Mamilla Mall diversity not apartheid

I hope they all stroll down Mamilla Mall, to see the diversity and the crowds,

Mamilla Mall Jerusalem Israel art piece with Arab girl sitting

and the artwork which is rotated regularly to showcase new pieces.

At the end of Mamilla Mall, near Jaffa Gate, a sports event was held.

Squash championship held near Jaffa Gate old city Jerusalem Israel

This time I could read the Hebrew that had stumped me in the past – סקווש – the annual Israel Squash Championship was held again near Jaffa Gate.

Tower of David Museum entrance for Overall fashion conference

I was on my way to the Tower of David Museum for a special event called OVERALL.

This first-ever fashion event was way more than a fashion show.

Dyeing by nanotechnology explained at OVERALL fashion event in Jerusalem Israel

One of the many participants was explaining how Israeli hi-tech was changing the dyeing of thread, saving liters of water and time with each digital process.

Jerusalem Israel Tower of David for Overall fashion event

The Tower of David is always a favorite photo op of mine.

Inside the Tower of David in Jerusalem Israel for fashion event

For OVERALL, there were 20 locations throughout the complex with special exhibits.

3D printed shoes at Overall fashion event in Jerusalem Israel

These shoes made by a 3D printing process were displayed next to the 4,000-year-old stones.

Jerusalem, where the ancient and the future come together in new ways.

Two women taking selfie at Tower of David Jerusalem Overall event

Headwraps were one feature. These two young women admiring a new look were standing next to the ice cream stand. The sign on the tree said only for 18 and over. After the second scoop of the alcoholic ice cream which was so good, I had to sit down.

Opening event of Overall at Tower of David Mayor Moshe Lion speaking

Good timing. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion was one of the speakers opening the program.

Jerusalem Tower of David fashion event woman wearing mask

As the sun was setting, more people came and costumes appeared.

Tower of David at sunset for Overall fashion event

The lights went on outside as it got dark and programs began inside.

Arab women sewing in Tower of David for Overall fashion event

Arab women were showing and sharing their embroidery skills in one exhibit hall.

Female Hebrew Instagram and blogging panelists in Tower of David for Overall

And up in the Innovation Lab, a panel of Jewish women were discussing their Instagram and social media successes.

Tower of David for Overall first Jerusalem Israel fashion conference and event

People climbed to the heights of the ancient fortress to see and participate in shoe-making, weaving, modeling, and much more. 

Jerusalem Israel July Festival sign

July 15-19, Herod’s Pub tavern featured food, drinks, and music in the Tower of David moat.

From August 12-24, the annual International Crafts Fair will be held nearby.

Full moon on flag pole of Jerusalem Cinematheque

As the full moon shone brightly overhead, the Jerusalem Film Festival sign was displayed at the Cinematheque.

But only this week did the international flags go up for this annual summer film event.

Pop up festival at Hansen House in Jerusalem Israel

Hansen House had a popup festival on July 16-19.

As I came home there were fewer cars parked near the Jerusalem Theater.

There are fewer musical events as the three week period of mourning before the Tisha B’Av fast day has begun.

But not to worry, it is Jerusalem so there has to be a festival.

Days of the Prophets at Jerusalem Israel Beit Avi Chai

This sign announced the “Days of the Prophets” at Beit Avi Chai from July 24-26.

Jerusalem Israel old city walls lit at night with colorful lighting

Israel was ranked in the top ten innovative countries.

Always something new and colorful happening on the Jerusalem streets.

From Jerusalem Firgun, Fun and Food

From Jerusalem Firgun, Fun and Food

It started in Jerusalem, Israel, six years ago.

July 17th is International Firgun Day.

Everyone is invited to join from anywhere in the world, sharing the spirit of #Firgun

(Hebrew: פרגון) an act of kindness performed solely to make another person feel good.

How do you celebrate Firgun Day?

You come up with a firgun, a compliment, a kind word, a small pat on the back for someone (person, business or group) and post it on any social network, adding a photo or video and the hashtag #Firgun.

Or just say something nice to someone you know to pleasantly surprise them.

“Say Something Nice, Make Someone Happy”

Whoever thought up ‘Windows’ for the September Mekudeshet Festival is really clever.

Structure called Windows for Mekudeshet Festival

This structure called ‘Windows’ has received attention since it went up last week in the center of Jerusalem. The house of windows is made out of 550 windows from all over Jerusalem, in a variety of shapes, and from various time periods.

Jerusalem Israel park with horse stature and Windows

The location is called Gan HaSus or HaSoos, Horse Park, well, because this horse is in this Jerusalem park.

The windows were collected and preserved for decades by the late Yoram Amir, an artist, photographer, activist, and lover of people and Jerusalem who recently passed away.

Windows Jerusalem Israel festival called Mehudeshet

These posters tell the story of the exhibit in three languages.  The Mekudeshet website promises that on every Wednesday from afternoon to dusk the place will be full of surprises.

Windows as seen from behind Gan Hasoos Jerusalem Horse Park

‘Windows’ is set back from King George Street, and is located near the water fountains. These rescued windows are from condemned or abandoned buildings. Just before his death, Amir joined forces with Mekudeshet, the Jerusalem Municipality through Eden, the Jerusalem Center Development Company, and artists Itamar Faluja and Lili Peleg to construct a structure filled with majesty and presence. Amir’s final gift to the city that he loved. #Firgun

sign for Jerusalem event Hebrew is in our blood

I missed an event at Beit Alliance on July 11 but liked this poster ‘Hebrew this is my Blood’ promoting the event.

Jerusalem Israel Mussara festival sign

Bogrim 2019 goes to the end of the month, with art and musical events for young people.

Front Stage performs at Ben Yehuda Mall this coming Friday afternoon. Last week hundreds of young people danced to live and loud pounding music on Friday afternoon. I am surprised I could only hear it on the municipality Facebook live feed.

Hebrew Jerusalem sign on street for good summer long holiday

Jerusalem street signs are up wishing children a pleasant summer holiday.

Jaffa Road Jerusalem Israel iced coffee in cate

Summer for me means it’s time to sit and enjoy an iced coffee.

Jerusalem Israel food truck at night

Food trucks are back in the Hinnon Valley near the Cinematheque on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights again this year.

Down dozens of stairs, people came to stand in line to buy sushi and three other food offerings. Every week there are to be four options, in addition to beer and wine trucks.

Jerusalem Food Truck Festival in Hinnon Valley at night with full moon

Under the full moon with live music, people sat at the few tables or on the ground. What a great view they had for the moon and its partial eclipse.

Jerusalem Israel at night from near Cinematheque toward Old City walls

OK, just for this Jerusalem view I am glad I went to check it out.

Jaffa Road sign for Overall at Tower of David

OVERALL is this week at the Tower of David Museum. Fashion and more in twenty locations throughout the expanse of the Mamluk monumental complex.

Events at the Tower of David are always a photographer’s delight. #Firgun

This one called OVERALL has everything from making lapel pins to a Met Gala (like in NYC) exhibit to designing with a 3D pen and more.

Tower of David where the very old past meets the very modern future.

Tens of thousands, record-breaking, numbers of tourists, have come to Jerusalem this year.

93% of tourists said they were happy with their visit.

I hope they had time to enjoy what’s happening on the Jerusalem streets,

Jerusalem full of fun and food and #Firgun.