Just before Rosh Hashanah, Jerusalem turned into a whirlwind of activity.
It seemed as though every postponed lecture, concert, and ceremony came rushing back at once. I found myself choosing between events, racing from one to another, while noticing the first hints of autumn in the cooler air as the seasons changed and visitors arrived for the holidays.
Construction in Jerusalem, near the city entrance, is ongoing and increasing.
Actually, those construction cranes can be seen almost everywhere along the Jerusalem streets.
Buildings towering over the streets are a surprise to those who have not been around for a while.
The contrast of old and new, a constant theme in Jerusalem, is seen here on Jaffa Road.
This is a special time of year in Jerusalem, Israel, before the High Holidays.
‘Jerusalem City of Selihot’ signs are seen along Jerusalem streets. Tours wandered through the Old City night after night to the Kotel, Western Wall, for the after-midnight prayers.
However, during the day, people were out and about, no matter how late the hours the night before.
The Living Financially Smarter in Israel annual conference was held again with Nefesh BeNefesh in the Jerusalem Campus. Cinema City was not busy on the Sunday of the conference when I arrived.
Rifka Leibowitz concluded the full day of speakers with a summary of the key elements of a financially smarter life. Live within your means, plan and grow your money, and prepare for that broken appliance or unwanted but necessary expense.
At the end of the day, the participants were still around to fill the large room to hear her presentation.
The Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference was held in the Friends of Zion Media Center.
Not the usual hotel venue for that conference, and attendance varied for each speaker or awardee.
Among the morning highlights was the interview of Mike Huckabee, United States Ambassador to Israel, by Zvika Klein.
One of the Jerusalem Post’s 50 influential people was Sam Grundwerg, World Chairman, Keren Hayesod, who spoke and posed with editor-in-chief Zvika Klein.
Another of the 50, Amir Avivi, Founder & Chairman, Israel’s Defense and Security Forum, was interviewed by Anna Ahronheim, Editor Defense & Tech, The Jerusalem Post
Politicians included Amichai Chikli, Minister of Diaspora Affairs & Combating Antisemitism, who was interviewed by Zvika Klein.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion arrived and smiled before he spoke briefly.
And always everywhere and smiling was Fleur Hassan Nahoum.
One of the few diplomats this year was the Ambassador from India, J. P. Singh.
The IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani was another of the 50 who attended, as was Yoel Zilberman, CEO and Co-founder, Hashomer Hachadash.
An all-female panel was moderated by the new Jerusalem Report editor, Ruth Eglash.
But the program ran late, and I left before Mosab Hassan Yousef, “The Green Prince,” and Dr. Dan Diker, President and Fellow, Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, were on the stage.
It was more important to me to be at the Jerusalem Theater for The Michael Levin Base gala event.
Friends Carol and Mark Goldberg were being honored as The Base Volunteers of the Year.
And yes, there was Fleur again – smiling.
The Rise of Global Antisemitism Panel was moderated by Michael Dickson, StandWithUs CEO, and included former Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan Nahoum, current Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz, and journalist Matti Friedman.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee was the opening keynote speaker. His patience and attention to those who stopped him on his way in the auditorium were impressive.
The Ambassador received a standing ovation as he reached the stage, and before he could say a word, affirming that the United States and Israel are more than allies – “we are partners.”
Of course, there was food and more awards that night.
Driving to Modiin on Route 443, one sees the new Arab buildings spread over the hilltops.
We went on Friday morning for a family event and service.
For a simhat bat – a celebration for a new baby girl in the family.
Celebrations continue – light and good, along with the darkness and bad of the past year.
The crowds have been large at the Kotel each night. I did not go this year, but even President Herzog went last night to support the hostages and their families.
However, the prayers at the Kotel are the same every year.
And the sounds of selihot resonate each year…differently for the Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions. But at least in Jerusalem, the tunes and customs are beginning to merge.
Also, in Kikar Safra, the Jerusalem municipal square, there is a large gathering to celebrate the New Year.
There are traditional foods,
as that fiddler on the roof, “Tradition.”
Gmar Hatima Tova is the traditional greeting of the season.
And as Yom Kippur ends, “Next year in Jerusalem” is said around the world – a tradition.
And the sounds of Sukkot will fill the Jerusalem streets.