One view I never get tired of seeing,
Yemin Moshe and the Walls of the Old City.
שבת שלום
Shabbat shalom to all.
Yemin Moshe
Jerusalem, Look up and See the Details
When we moved to Israel 11 years ago,
one building in the neighborhood stood out,
or rather stood lower and different than the others.
Beit Kedima, Kedima House, was built
by the British in 1945 to house its officers’ families.
The Jerusalem streets are lined with history.
These old Yemin Moshe streets are a favorite.
Next to it is Mishkanot Hashaananim.
Look up and see
this row of houses was built in 1865
under auspices of Sir Moses Montefiore.
For details of Jerusalem architecture,
this man, David Kroyanker,
literally wrote the book, or books, to be more precise,
“Jerusalem Design: God is in the Details.”
Jewish Design Identities,
also Christian, Muslim and Modern.
Did you know that the Scarab was a symbol of resurrection,
or that in Templer houses swastikas were used in floor tiles?
Or those colorful paintings on Muslim houses
were added after pilgrimages to the Haj in Mecca?
So what better way to learn about Jerusalem,
than with the man who wrote the books.
From the grounds of St. Andrews, the view of the Old City,
and these lovely gardens are for all to see.
One year, Mayor Nir Barkat chose this location to launch
the Jerusalem Marathon.
However,
how many Jerusalem visitors have gone inside
and noticed this intricate tiled fountain,
as we did on a Jerusalem Press Club sponsored tour.
Around the corner and down Emek Refaim Street,
look up.
Is that Einstein over this entrance?
No.
It is another Jerusalem lion carved in stone.
How many have walked by and noticed the Biblical passages
carved on these old Templer buildings?
“The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Psalm 87:2
Down the other end of Emek Refaim Street
look for one, “Always tip the Guide,”
Ethics of our Fathers REVISED edition.
An informational sign was posted at Beit Kedima
explaining its significance.
In August 1947,
UNSCOP delegates worked on their recommendations
for the future governance of Palestine here.
It is hard to imagine this was a secluded location at the time,
now the area is so built up, it is hard to find parking.
Some buildings are impressive.
Some have signs explaining their history.
When you walk the Jerusalem streets,
be sure and look up,
and see the details.
Jerusalem in August, Everything but Singing in Rain
Jerusalem, Israel in August.
While it does not rain in Israel,
the humidity makes for interesting colors at sunset.
Of course, some sights are colorful at any hour.
Four new Ambassadors to Israel presented their credentials
this past week at Beit Hanasi, to the Israeli president.
The IDF band plays the national anthems of each country.
Time for one last minute rehearsal, before
the new Ambassador from Australia arrived.
Chris Cannan brought along his two sons.
The King David Hotel was also busy with international visitors,
US Congressmen and the head of the Organization of American States,
joined the ranks of thousands of summer tourists.
Out in back of the hotel behind the pool,
in the Bloomfield Gardens,
you will find the annual Shakespeare in Motion.
Taming of the Shrew is being performed in English,
August evenings before the sun goes down.
I still have not found the story behind this song and dance,
happening in Yemin Moshe,
near the Montefiore Windmill.
As the sun was setting,
I was walking through Yemin Moshe,
to see the International Arts & Crafts fair.
The set-up for international booths
seems to be the same as usual.
Fewer people seemed to be on the main path,
yet tens of thousands attend this annual end of summer event.
During holiday time, Jerusalem parks are popular.
As the sunset sets on Teddy Park,
with the walls of the Old City and Tower of David in the background,
the park fills with families on outings.
Segways have become a common sight.
But watch out in Mamilla Mall,
for these contraptions racing through
the hundreds of people walking and shopping.
Musical events in Kikar Safra, Municipal Square.
are held every summer,
but this year in honor of 50 years of Jerusalem unification
3 major musical events are set for August 17, 28 and 31.
Then, there is the Oud Festival
and Mekudeshet, which starts in August and ends September 15,
and there is dancing at the Jerusalem Theater,
plus Hansen House has evening events.
Festivals, singing and dancing…but no rain.
When you see security out dressed in heavy protection,
a reminder that singing and dancing in the rain
was only found in old movies.
Meanwhile, there is so
much great stuff happening in Jerusalem,
I will have to save more for next time.