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Jerusalem Photos: Colors of Winter

Sharon A

December in Jerusalem has been marked by cooler and shorter days, but gloriously sunny daytime hours.

After two weeks in the United States, it was good to be back out walking on the Jerusalem streets again. In New Jersey, I was one of the very few people who walked anywhere. I found most people just hopped into a car even to do short trips of a couple of blocks.

When I returned the skyline was different, as the Jerusalem Gateway project proceeds near the entrance to Jerusalem, Israel.

One massive construction site fills the area behind the old Shaare Zedek Hospital, with other large buildings going up on Jaffa Road in the distance.

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Not been to Jerusalem lately to see the structures rising to the sky?

The new building construction seems to be everywhere!

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Finishing details outside, but more to do inside this renovated apartment building.

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On Agrippas Street one does not have to look up to see new colors and activities or improvements. Last year this was still a run-down area,

as Coffee Powerworks was opening up in the spring after covid closings.

Walking on the Jerusalem streets, the contrast of winter colors from those in the US was what caught my eye the most.

The fall colors from the leaves on trees to brilliant hues are not quite the same in Jerusalem, but you can find a little of the fall colors under the tall palm trees.

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These leaves above caught my attention before I noticed the ripe grapes.

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In the two weeks I was away, fresh green grass had popped up in the yard in Jerusalem, unlike the northeastern US.

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A favorite view of the Israel Museum is over the Valley of the Cross, turning green under the blue sky dotted with soft white clouds, after winter rain.

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Purple! A favorite – purple is everywhere along the Jerusalem streets.

All shades, as thousands of flowers were planted for winter in Jerusalem.

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Oh my, what a sight! More work on Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, after years, and years, and the dedication of the new playground a year ago, now a whole large grassy section is dug up and under construction again.

And to conclude, you never know what you will find next on the Jerusalem streets.

Does anyone know what this is? Found along an entranceway on a busy street where people regularly walk near the center of Jerusalem.

Isn’t it time for you to take a stroll in Jerusalem to see what you find?

Capture your memories of people and places on a Jerusalem photo walk.

Back on the Jerusalem Streets

Sharon A

Eight years?

It has been eight years since I left Israel to go overseas. I, too, was one of the millions who decided it was time to travel again. It was good to go to the US for a happy occasion and see so many relatives and friends again.

However, I was even happier arriving safely back at Ben Gurion Airport.

Back on the Jerusalem streets in time to see President Herzog depart to the Kingdom of Bahrain, to be the first Israeli head of state to visit Bahrain, on a State Visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Oh, the things I saw in America during the shopping sale days

before Thanksgiving and Black Friday crowds.

Glitter and glitz and gifts galore, “Let it glow” next to “Mint to be” caught my eye in one of the bigger stores with endless merchandise.

While back on the Jerusalem streets, the new orange recycling bins are out.

Though with the World Cup Mondiale going on in Qatar – football or soccer – was much more important in many homes and on the Jerusalem streets.

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Plenty of Israeli flags and late-night youth events as “Chodesh Irgun” came to a close, a month of intense youth group activities kept families busy.

On a walk in the midday sunshine after a long flight and being away, I stopped to read all the new posters for some of the upcoming events.

Hanukkah is in two weeks and the preparations are underway.

In celebration of India’s 75th anniversary as an independent state, the Israel Museum is holding a new display, Body of Faith: Sculpture from the National Museum of India.

There is a ride available, but I like the long walk to enter the Museum.

There was Indian music at the opening night reception.

Kosher wine was served, with the kosher Indian food, which went too fast for me to get a photograph, but I was able to grab a few items to taste.

Celebrating India’s art and independence, President Isaac Herzog spoke to

the assembled guests in the museum’s theater auditorium.

The Ambassador of India, Mr. Sanjeev Singla, also spoke at the opening of the new display at the Israel Museum.

The Indian dancers who performed during the program posed near the exhibition upstairs as the exhibit was officially opened.

Going up the stairs quickly, I was able to get a photograph of the main room before it became crowded with visitors.

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Entitled, Body of Faith, Sculpture from the National Museum in India, these rare pieces exemplify ancient religious art.

“Shiva as the Lord of Dance” Tamil Nadu, Southern India, Chola dynasty, (ca.300 BCE-1279) 12th-century bronze piece is on loan from the National Museum in New Delhi.

Fourteen of these historic pieces are seen in Israel for the first time in this important diplomatic and cultural exchange.

India is celebrating 75 years as an established state. Israel’s 75th is coming up soon. There are many important partnerships.

Walking away from the upper floor of the Israel Museum on such a beautiful night I had to stop and take some photos.

As I walked outside down the stairs, marveling how others were missing the spectacular sights, but happy not to have them in my photos.

The Israel Museum any night is lovely and it was good to be home.

Then I noticed the dome of the Shrine of Book was lit purple, one of the Israeli sites marking International Day of Disabled People (IDDP), a global event to promote inclusion and advocate for the rights of disabled people.

Good to be back on the Jerusalem streets. But hoping to see the Jerusalem streets more inclusive. While the Old City is now wheelchair accessible, the elevator is still in the future. We still have a long way to go. I hope you can see for yourself soon.