Jerusalem, Israel – what is really happening
In Jerusalem, Israel, it finally feels like spring today, as we prepare for Shabbat and the new month of Nissan. Passover is in two weeks.
Time does seem to fly.
Hard to remember it was only last week we were in the freezing rain in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park for the 11th Jerusalem Marathon.
שבת שלום
חודש טוב
Neither rain, cold, wind, and mud,
nor the slippery stones of the Jerusalem streets in the Old City stopped the running of the Jerusalem Winner Marathon 2022.
The International Jerusalem Marathon 2020 was canceled after its launch due to the pandemic, but the miserably wintery weather of late March did not stop the March 25, 250,000 runners.
Sub-optimal conditions may have slowed down the full marathon times and kept spectators away, but the people of all ages, both at the starting and finish lines, were enthusiastic.
At the Tower of David the night prior to the Jerusalem Winner Marathon 2022 the foreign press launch was held.
The focus of the event, besides getting your press pass, was to meet Valentya Kiliarska, the Ukrainian marathon runner.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion welcomed her to Jerusalem, Israel, at the Tower of David reception, on the night before the races .
I decided to let Valentyna tell you her story. Yes – did win, coming in first.
The signup and registration for the Jerusalem Marathon and EXPO were at Cinema City, the same as in October 2021.
The silver-studded dancer downstairs was new to the event this year, it was good to see him partying again.
He was jiving at what has become the annual Jerusalem Marathon Pasta Party at Cinema City, the night prior to race day.
Walking home through Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, my boots got covered with mud, in spite of these rolls of fake grass.
The park looked ready. Already wet, I was lucky to be able to get home before more rains soaked the grounds yet again.
My day started off with LOVE, the medical clown on a bicycle who, after posing for a photo, led a group of young staff at the barriers in exercises to warm up while standing long hours in the winter weather.
At corners and main Jerusalem street intersections, there was water and medical assistance and yellow raincoated marathon support workers.
I focused on the full marathon this year as they started on the long run around on the Jerusalem streets closed to traffic.
Some Jerusalem streets are blocked to pedestrians for the full marathon runners to pass without hindrance. Not everyone is happy about that.
Full marathon runners kept coming as I stood off the road.
Enthusiastic runners some dressed in costumes,
some with a shirt for a cause they were supporting,
and others in vivid colors.
Entering the park near the starting line, was one group meeting place.
Every year it is hard to find people, this year in the harsh and changing weather it was even more difficult.
This year a group with Ukrainian flags was at the starting line.
There were large puddles just past the starting line near the Knesset and Israel Museum.
Fewer spectators were in the park this year as supporters stood clustered in spots with less mud.
After completing the races, other than the full marathon, runners had to enter the soggy park grounds from the street and go through the mud to get their medallions.
Mayor Moshe Lion and his wife got a ride to the starting line. In my opinion, anyone who ran in this year’s weather deserves a medal!
The full men’s Jerusalem Marathon winner was Ageze Guadie, 33 years old, from Israel, with a time of 2:37:17.
In past years, I also loved sharing photos of groups of runners for good causes. This year it was too difficult to cover the entire park.
So I was happy to find these smiling young ladies,
and these colorful guys from South Africa and Australia.
Serious supporters stood at the full marathon finish line.
Watching for favorites to run those last meters and cross the line.
Standing with Ukraine at the start and finish line this year.
Also, receiving less attention than the full marathon winner was Masha Radko, also originally from Ukraine, who came in 2nd place for the women’s half-marathon.
Full marathon runners were headed to the finish line,
with more determined runners still coming,
as we headed home to warm up after hours in the rain.
When I prepared and posted this video, I had no idea who Tali was, but thanks to social media, I found out she is the daughter of long-time friends.
Never know what will happen on the Jerusalem streets.
I am looking forward to the warmer weather predicted soon.
Next week, will we be complaining about the heat instead of the cold?
This year, Jerusalem celebrated Purim officially Thursday night and Friday. While the rest of the world moved on, Jerusalem neighborhoods came alive on Thursday night with Shushan Purim celebrations.
In a new touch, birds flocked to Jaffa Road across from the Tzahal Square. The colorful avian visitors landed the week before Purim.
Remember what was there last year? No? Don’t feel bad, I had to check.
The Purim 2021 RJS post written during Covid lockdowns is linked at the end of this blog. Oh, those corona blur events.
Those birds reminded me of the expression ‘shouting from the rooftops’ which is apparently a very old one.
I wonder if it came from the proclamation of the onset of Shabbat in Jerusalem from the Temple precincts. Remember the cornerstone found in the Israel Museum?
The monster was back over Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence.
However, today Purim is over and it was taken down.
Kikar Safra, Safra Square, was lined with Purim posters early in the week.
Celebrations were held by the Municipality from 11-2:200 pm with planned entertainment. On Friday Purim celebrations are complicated because of Shabbat. When to read the megillah, when to eat the meal, and more?
I decided to make hamantashen this year, peanut butter and chocolate, blueberry jam, and homemade strawberry jam. They came out great and quickly disappeared.
I liked how the synagogue was decorated for Purim and the megillah reading when we entered at night.
And how the people came ready to celebrate in style.
Readings of Megillat Esther were too numerous to count, at night, and every hour during the day in multiple locations in many Jerusalem neighborhoods, both inside and outside.
The costumes that appeared on the Jerusalem streets were as varied as could be imagined.
At this popular Jerusalem spot, a large group crowded in for a megillah reading.
I wondered how many knew that women were reading the megillah before they came?
But the crowd stayed, and quietly paid attention, making noise only to blot out the name of evil Haman.
In the morning as I was watching for cute costumes, the first colorful couple I saw turned out to be people I know!
Our annual morning family reading has grown over the years.
In Jerusalem, I have a thing I call – Purim or not Purim? – all year long it is hard to tell what some folks are wearing. For example, one young woman had her long hair dark brunette on one side and blond on the other – and it wasn’t Purim, just a regular day on a regular street.
United Hatzalah has been working overtime with the war in Ukraine and refugees fleeing to the borders and needing assistance. This family has United Hatzalah vans parked outside regularly- not just Purim.
But their Purim mishloah manot wins my prize as most clever this year.
Pizza came in handy to serve for dinner on these Purim preparation upside-down days.
And one guy decided he was Pizza Man?
Across the street, this guy thought he could avoid getting captured?
Two couples I know in one day, double jackpot Purim fun.
Hansen House was supposed to be filled with costumed Purim celebrants, but on Friday the weather was too wet and dreary to be outside. But downtown people did come to see the colorful and varied entertainers.
As I was racing along to beat the rain and get to my Purim meal, this guy was impressive enough to get us to stop. Not only was he colorful enough for a second glance, so was his companion.
The Purim feast was a great one. The sushi was almost gone, but with enough cold cuts left over, we had some for Shabbat lunch. A good idea when there is not enough time on Friday for the usual Shabbat preparations.
Next week we have to change the clock on Friday and it’s time for the Jerusalem Marathon. Flags are up over the Jerusalem streets.
Are we really back to normal?
That’s it for now, and until next year – Happy Purim!
פורים שמח
Here’s to hoping we really are post corona and we will see you all soon on the Jerusalem streets!