Jerusalem Season of Holidays

What a glorious week in the neighborhood!

The Jerusalem, Israel, streets were lined with fall flowers bursting with color.

After a surprise early rain on Shabbat the air is clear under a blue sky.

Yemin Moshe fall flowers

The streets of Yemin Moshe are more marvelous than usual.

Yemin Moshe tourist walking down steps Jerusalem I

I hope all those tour groups appreciated the beauty as they walked.

Pomegranates and flowers near Herzl in Beit Hanasi garden

After so many times at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, for the first time, this week I noticed the pomegranates growing next to Herzl.

Jerusalem Valley of the Cross

What a view from the new lookout point over the Valley of the Cross!

Shana tova on Jerusalem street sgn

Shana Tova! Have a Good Year! say the signs over Jerusalem streets.

Music in the Sultan’s Pool, music in Kikar Safra, and musical selihot and songs in so many locations.

Tens of thousands filled the Kotel, Western Wall, plaza and the entire area for the annual midnight selihot before Yom Kippur. 

Selihot at Beit Hanasi 2019 with 500 people

For the sixth year, President Rivlin hosted a selihot service with music. Bigger every year, this event had 500 guests in the back garden next to the synagogue.

Selihot at beit hanasi 5780

IDF soldiers, students in pre-military programs, and members of the daily morning prayer group were all invited.

Music before the selihot prayers with Shai Tsabari and Akiva Tourgeman.

Music for selihot at Beit Hanasi

The crowd clapped and often sang along.

Large screens showed those outside what was happening inside the synagogue, and the President came out also.

By the end of the service and singing, it was close to midnight

Yom Kippur this year starts the night of October 8 and goes until nightfall on October 9.

According to IDI surveys, 60.5% of Jewish Israelis plan to fast on Yom Kippur, a significant drop from 73% in 1994.

Only around a quarter of Jewish Israelis (23%) plan on attending all the synagogue services.

But the streets should be quiet with no buses, trains or vehicles, only cyclists.

Jerusalem Israel holiday signs

New signs are up for the holiday season in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem on Sukkos signs on street

Too many concerts and activities to list now.

Holiday Parade signs on Jerusalem streets for Sukkos

The Jerusalem Parade, with thousands of international marchers and hundreds of colorful costumes, will fill the Jerusalem Streets.

So much happening in Jerusalem, Israel, this season of holidays.

7 thoughts on “Jerusalem Season of Holidays

  • October 8, 2019 at 7:30 am
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    loved it all
    as usual
    yu get so much of interest and importance recorded for us to share
    judy clark

    Reply
    • October 8, 2019 at 7:35 am
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      Thank you for taking the time to read and comment today! Gmar Hatima Tova, may you and your family have a healthy and good year.

      Reply
  • October 8, 2019 at 10:10 am
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    We so miss being in Israel at this time; your pics are a poignant and beautiful reminder of how special yerushalayim and Israel are.
    גמר חתימה טובה

    Reply
    • October 8, 2019 at 10:26 am
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      Thank you and gmar hatima tova! Hope to see you here again soon.

      Reply
  • October 8, 2019 at 11:18 am
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    May everyone learn to see the wonder and beauty of Jerusalem as you do — and as you capture it. May you and yours have a very a wonder filled and beautiful year.

    Reply
  • October 11, 2019 at 7:50 am
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    Shabbat Shalom, Gmar Tov and Chag Smeach.
    Please send our regards to your mother. Tried calling and emailing.
    Eddy and Yehudit

    Reply
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