Tu Beshevat – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Tu B’Shevat in Jerusalem

Tu B’Shevat in Jerusalem

February 8, 2017Sharon A

Tu B’Shevat,

the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat,

is often called the “New Year of Trees,”

and marks the beginning of spring in Israel

and the birthday of the Knesset.

Growing up in the United States,

I remember receiving dried, hard, brown carob pods

called buxor to chew on, or rather to try and chew.

How different is Tu B’Shevat celebrated in Jerusalem!

Thousands of carob pods fall to the ground untouched.

Stores are filled with many varieties of dried fruit.

Every year I have tried a different spelling of Tu B’Shevat,

so I know language translations are not simple,

but “Dried Plums without a nucleus”?

In honor of Tu B’Shevat,

along with almond trees bursting into bloom,

let us see a bit of what is new for this year.

President Reuven and Nechama Rivlin hosted

a Tu B’Shevat seder for agricultural growers

and representatives of OneFamily.

Orphans who had lost both parents to terror participated with

red and white wines, wheat, figs, pomegranate, almonds

and more, and in the blessings, readings and song.

But that was a small and private gathering,

as for the real streets,

Liberty Bell Park, foliage has been cut back.

This old sculpture was painted bright yellow,

but I hope they used better quality paint than this blue.

The new walking trails along the old train tracks

will be filled with pedestrians and bikers.

New neighborhood gardens are being planted,

similar to this new community garden in Baka.

Long awaited, this improved play ground

is appreciated for its play and climbing features,

and also for its accessibility features,

such as this swing.

A new and important addition are these shade covers

and the fitness equipment.

It took months,

but this improved park will be busy soon.

For years, Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,

was the main green space,

then Gazelle Park opening two years ago.

Gan Haatzmaut, Independence Park

has seen its share of picnics and protesters.

Teddy Park became one of the most popular for its fountain,

but for photographers there is always a new angle.

Near by in Yemin Moshe,

old olive trees were in dire need of re-potting.

And finally there is a serious effort trying to keep

these wonderful green spaces clean.

There is much more happening, but for now,

Happy Tu B’Shevat from Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, Tu BiShevat Traditional and New

February 4, 2015rjstreets

Spring-like weather

warmed the Jerusalem, Israel, streets this week.

Birds stopped to rest on their migrations.

The almond blossoms did indeed burst out,

and roses opened.

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was the spot for school outings.

People could be found in the sunshine,

upside down

and bowing down.

It was perfect weather for a photo walk

to find the traditional mixed with new.

All perfect for Tu Bishevat,

the 15th day of Hebrew month of Shevat,

the Jewish New Year for agriculture,

the birthday of trees.

At Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence,

the holiday fruit baskets overflowed,

with special Israeli treats.

A seder hosted by President and First Lady Rivlin

was set for students and farmers to celebrate.

Early arrivals had time for a selfie.

No, Stevie Wonder did not drop by to entertain,

but there were Hebrew songs by Israeli singers.

This photo was taken last month while waiting for

John Baird to arrive on his official visit.

US Senators led by John McCain were to come in the afternoon.

US flags were ready and we, well, just had fun doing this.

Even Shimon Peres was back at Beit Hanasi,

not for a Tu Bishevat seder,

but his likeness is now on display in the gardens

along with the other former Israeli presidents.

At least one of the men in this small old cemetery in town

did not want his photo taken,

and it was sushi week at cafe in Mamilla Mall.

So while we were watching the snow scenes in US,

all this and more

was happening on the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.

Hope you enjoyed Tu BiShevat too.

Tu B’Shvat, Jerusalem Transitions

Tu B’Shvat, Jerusalem Transitions

January 15, 2014rjstreets

This week was one of transition in Jerusalem, Israel.

It started with the funeral of a former Prime Minister.

The blue and white draped casket of Ariel Sharon was

surrounded by floral wreathes in the plaza of the Knesset.

The gates were opened allowing the public inside.

As it got dark,

the crowd lingered after the announced closing time.

Holding an Israeli flag was a good way to get attention.

A few familiar faces were in the crowd.

This woman insisted on lighting a candle and looked so sad.

While this man became very emotional after he saluted the casket.

What impressed me most was how different it was

to the memorial of Yitzhak Shamir.

There was very little Jewish about this event.

The Knesset honor guard was in step when they changed shifts,

but no one was saying Tehilim, Psalms, out loud.

Thousands of Jewish Ethiopians came to farewell Shamir.

Here a colorful wreath was on display from an Ethiopian church.

Outside at night, in winter, with memorial candles spelling Arik Sharon,

but there were no family members present to accept condolences.

Shamir’s memorial was run to the minute,

while this one dragged quietly into the night.

For two days traffic was a mess.

A security blimp hovered over the Knesset.

Jerusalem was on high alert with dignitaries arriving from all over the world.

Meanwhile, this woman sat in a park not far away,

but that is a whole other blog post for Israellycool.

And then,

there was an amazing sunset,

some of it seen here over the Israel Museum.

The 65 birthday of the Knesset was celebrated,

with the public invited to a slew of activities.

The African protesters of last week went back to Tel Aviv.

The snow storm clean up will be going on for some time,

but it was warm enough today to go without a coat.

The lemons are looking ready to pick.

Fancy fruit baskets are ready to deliver.

In the flower shop I was asked to take a date to eat

in honor of Tu B’Shvat, The New Year for Trees.

The transition from the funeral at the beginning of the week,

can really be felt today

on the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

Spring, renewal, rebirth are in the air.

Tu B’shvat is coming.