Author: Sharon A

Sounds of Selihot for Erev Yom Kippur

Sharon A

Musical Selihot, the late-night prayers before the Jewish New Year Holidays, have become increasingly popular in Jerusalem, Israel.

The Great Synagogue had a televised service mentioned two weeks ago in Getting Ready for New Season and New Year.

Also broadcast live on social media channels was the Selihot from the Synagogue at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence on Tuesday night. Rav Benny Lau’s Bible study program 929 again coordinated with President Isaac Herzog’s staff to combine Ashkenazi and Sefardi tunes in one program.

The Yagel Harousch Ensemble was so impressive, here is a longer version, 20 minutes of music for Erev Yom Kippur. Photos are HERE.

Over 2 million people participated in Selihot at the Kotel, Western Wall during the month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance. The Kotel had Selihot for 18 nights this year to try and accommodate the people who wanted to come to Jerusalem for the special prayers.

At midnight Erev Yom Kippur, at the Kotel beginning with Hatarat Nedarim, the annulment of vows, followed by the recitation of the traditional Selihot led by Cantor Moshe Havusha, with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and also the Chief Rabbis of Israel. Tens of thousands more filled the entire Plaza area and Old City, plus thousands more watched the live broadcast.

Driving in some areas of Jerusalem, such as near the Kotel is impossible on these nights, and difficult on a good day. It’s amazing to see the crowds returning to the Jerusalem streets.

Of course, more was happening this week with seven new Ambassadors presenting their credentials and the holiday season of Sukkot preparations beginning as soon as Yom Kippur ends.

I decided to keep this short on this short day, and wish all a Gmar Hatima Tova,

May you be sealed for a good and healthy year and enjoy the music.

Next year in Jerusalem!

Jerusalem Getting Ready for New Season and New Year

Sharon A

So many Israelis have already been to Dubai and Europe, and now they are booked to go to Japan.

While Israelis plan to travel during the holiday season, tourists are arriving to fill the Jerusalem streets.

New decorative lights add color to welcome all to the Jerusalem streets for the holiday season.

A quiet evening visit to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens was a great way to start a busy week.

Seeing people dining and admiring the lily pond with its change of season never gets old.

This year’s attraction of inflatables was a great source for a fun seasonal image.

Nefesh B’Nefesh hosted a “Shuk Olim” an event for new immigrant businesses to share their wares.

Businesses were happy about the opportunity. One friend said she sold out in the first hour!

The added attraction at this second Shuk Olim was a performance by Shlomo Katz.

The mostly English-speaking crowd, also immigrants, enjoyed his music and the food on the NBN roof with the view of Jerusalem a bonus. For many the summer started at another Nefesh BeNefesh Shuk Olim.

Bright and early the next morning, back to Nefesh B’Nefesh for the 2nd Jerusalem Business Conference. Along with AACI, Lesley Kaplan (center), and crew hosted a full-day program for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Former Ambassador Michael Oren and Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum were opening speakers for an entire day of expert advice for advancing business in Israel.

Over 200 people attended, not only from Jerusalem, but from all around Israel, and at least one friend from Australia. It was a great day to be back with live networking and the opportunity to photograph a conference again.

As always, it feels as if Jerusalem is one big building site. While people complain, and buildings go down, at least the trees are protected from construction as much as possible.

This new bike trail attracted a lot of comments on Facebook.

Also this week, before the holiday season, was a time for weddings.

This young bride had the most interesting footwear seen in a long time.

But of it all, the most exciting time was spent seeing the new National Library of Israel.

It is not finished yet and not open to the public yet. But what a tour inside! More on it next time.

I was too tired and did not get to the pro-reform rally on Thursday night to see thousands of people.

I saw the loud anti-government protest Saturday night but decided to spare you the sound.

I was on my way to see the Selihot at various locations – there were hundreds of choices.

Better to share a bit of the impressive sound of Chazan Weiss and the Choir of the Great Synagogue.

Tens of thousands more packed the Kotel, Western Wall Plaza for late-night Selihot.

Today the bee keepers made their annual appearance at Beit Hanasi, the President’s Residence for the traditional apples and honey.

Wishing everyone a sweet and healthy new year!