This time of year, during the holiday season, the sounds and sights on the Jerusalem streets are unique.
Selihot at the Kotel, Western Wall, was huge many nights before Yom Kippur; more than once this year, the entrance was closed to avoid overcrowding, as seen HERE in 2017.
Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s official residence, has a small synagogue.
I started going to Beit Hanasi when President Rivlin began hosting a selihot service.
I enjoyed listening to various Israeli singers over the years, including those of 5779.
The program has changed over time.
Early on, President Rivlin had Yitzhak Meir lead the service inside the synagogue.
This year, the pre-selihot songs were arranged by 929, the Bible study program under Rav Benny Lau.
The synagogue was not used, President Herzog spoke outside to begin the program.
What was interesting to me was his mention of the Torah dedication that had taken place only a few hours earlier by the Hoffman family in memory of their fallen son, Yitzhar.
Rav Benny Lau also spoke at the program, which 929 has organized for President Herzog.
The crowd extended as in past years to the back of the garden area near the synagogue.
A yellow chair was placed front and center, as all wait anxiously for the hostages to return.
Yagel Haroush and Ensemble were back again this year.
Watch this short video for an example of their unique performance.
The President and Michal Herzog stayed for a short time to speak with participants.
No IDF uniforms were seen in the audience as in past years.
It was before Yom Kippur, and the Presidential sukkah was already under construction. This year, the theme is sports-related, not the usual agriculture. The Beit Hanasi gates are to be open to the public on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 10 am to 4:00 pm.
This time of year, it is not unusual to see palm branches for the top of a sukkah on top of a car.
I like to look up to see the flowers along the Jerusalem streets.
But now, if you look up, you will also see the Sukkot popping up on balconies.
From the top of apartment buildings, sukkot large and small.
Preparations were well underway for the start of the holiday of Sukkot to begin at sunset on Monday.
Colorful lights appear along some Jerusalem streets.
Our sukkah, be it ever so humble, is ready to decorate.
The Jerusalem March is to be on Thursday, October 9, with a big celebration in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park.
Thousands of visitors are arriving for the holidays.
If not this year, next year in Jerusalem, come for the unique sights and sounds.