See the ways Jerusalem celebrated Sukkot and Simhat Torah

The week of Sukkot is always busy on the Jerusalem streets.

Thousands of visitors arrive from around the world for the holiday.

Israelis take advantage of the week off from work and children out of school to discover the city.

Some Jerusalem streets were so crowded they were gridlocked as drivers were seeking a place to park their cars.

Other streets were unusually free of traffic as locals ventured out seeking adventure and nature trails.

One day a year at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, the gates are opened to the Israeli public for an ‘Open Sukkah’.

At the welcome desk, metal mugs were given not only as a souvenir but to use during their visit to drink water. There were multiple water fountains, but no plastic cups were available.

The Open Sukkah was indeed open,

with a theatrical theme, not agricultural as in the past, for the harvest holiday.

And also, sports were a theme.

During a media tour before the official opening time, sharing a few favorites:

From an old Israeli movie, a soldier raised his mug for a l’chaim.

A favorite scene set, with the only fruit on display this year.

The most aggressive actor records in his journal, with fellow actors and the President and Michal Herzog.

Paralympic athletes also posed with the President and his wife during the tour of the 10 activity stations.

This year, the activities were aimed at families with children.

Inside the line was to meet and take a selfie with the Herzogs in the Open Sukkah.

Meanwhile, music blasted to entertain those on the other side of the main hall.

Security has increased every year, with more levels to enter the official Presidential residence.

On my way home at the corner of Beit Hanasi Street, I passed a policeman.

Stationed near a sukkah with a chair, he had perhaps the best job that day.

I had to go over and tease him, and such a good sport he was; he smiled and waved.

Another favorite sukkah was in Mamilla Mall; one of several there for the restaurants to serve tourists.

This one, tucked away off of Derech Hevron, had an impressive meal prepared.

The views of Jerusalem, day or night, were impressive, with lights and sukkot.

Day or night, thousands filled the Old City and the Kotel, the Western Wall, not only for the two mornings of Birkat Kohanim.

With the holiday joy, a reminder with stickers of fallen soldiers stands near Jaffa Gate.

I was on my way to the Artists’ Colony.

HaOt gallery was one of the 22 locations for the 2026 Jerusalem Biennale.

This Jewish contemporary art exhibit theme was Tehilim, Psalms.

David Moss was one of the artists present to explain his work.

Here, stamps he designed were blown up especially for the Biennale.

More photos from the HaOt Tehilim exhibit HERE

Next to the Artists Colony in the park was a huge 20th-year celebration of United Hatzalah.

The Sultan’s Pool filled with supporters and music fans for a star-studded concert.

The music could be heard over the Jerusalem streets as I headed home.

RJS began with the Sukkot holiday, and each year I like to add new sukkot.

This new building is impressive every night, but even more so with the sukkot illuminated.

Clouds have formed; it’s feeling like autumn with cooler nights.

One of the very many Hakafot Sheniyot, or dancing with the Torahs, after Shabbat has returned to the Liberty Bell Park. We have fond memories as tourists years ago attending the lively event as the Torah scrolls were brought out for another night of celebrating.

Ambassador Mike Huckabee was there to honor the American sponsoring family. If he wore a kippah and left his security at home, he could easily walk down many a Jerusalem street as a local.

New buildings and new sukkot – one more impressive-looking to share.

One more special event to end this Sukkot holiday post.

For the third year, Kesher Yehudi has had a special event for Hakafot Hashniyot.

Nova Music Festival survivors remember their murdered friends.

This year, another 30 young men and women have become Sabbath observers.

The event was joyous, with their American sponsor coming to attend.

Also, former chief rabbi David Lau came.

Words of Rav Shlomo Amar were very appreciated and recorded.

Names of murdered friends are inscribed on the gold leaves.

Dancing with the Torah after Shabbat/Simhat Torah on 5787 was joyous in so very many locations.

Men and yes, women celebrated this year.

Along with the joy was also remembering. More photos HERE

Leaving David Castle event hall, the Tower of David was lit in vibrant colors to host another event.

One more new sukkah that caught my attention.

Sukkot 5787 is over. The streets are back to Jerusalem cats again.

And oye vey the next election is set for October 27, 2026.

Jerusalem street signs are up. Pre-election events have begun.

Hoping for good news and the best this year in Jerusalem!