Erev Yom Kippur in Jerusalem

What perfect timing for Clean Up the World Day!

If there was one thing that everyone agreed upon this week, 

it certainly was not what to do in Syria or Iran,

but emptying the trash dumpsters 

after a long three-day holiday weekend!

The cats, however, enjoyed the over-filled bins’

and contents that spilled on to so many streets

Sounds of song and early morning prayers filled the streets.

I did not get to the piyut festival this year, 

but last year the traditional melodies

could even be heard outside on King George Street.

This is the season of honey and apples, sweet foods,

and large quantities of delicacies at all the holiday meals.

Rimonim, pomegranates, are still piled high in the markets.

As Yom Kippur approaches,

once again the custom of the Kaparot ceremony 

with its use of live chickens is a topic of controversy.

At the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk, 

where one can find most anything.

these rubber chickens were on display. 

But my favorite during the week before Yom Kippur, 

is the bus sign with my wish for everyone, 

may you be “Sealed for a good year.”

“Well over the fast”

is what they say Down Under for Yom Kippur.

 Traffic is increasing, 

 and tourists are arriving on the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.

The holiday season has started.