Not the usual week on the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.
The period before Tisha B’Av is known as the Nine Days.
Each year RJS is here to share something new along with the old.
In Jerusalem, it is a time for a colorful sky in the evening as the sun sets.
Building construction is often halted during the Nine Days.
Street construction continued, and Ramban Street was closed for repaving.
Finally, the long-delayed Knesset Museum is showing some progress.
If taking out windows and putting up new signs are signs of progress.
President Isaac Herzog held a diplomatic work meeting with President Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere of the Republic of Fiji this week.
Wonder if the official motorcade noticed the colors of the Jerusalem streets?
The brilliant reds in the hot midday sun,
or the bright whites in the evening hours.
The flowers were blooming off of Ben Yehudah Street.
But I went out from my airconditioned space to see the new street installations off Ben Yehudah in town.
There were birds,
balloons,
and colorful clothing over the streets.
Some refrain from shopping for clothing during the Nine Days,
but tourists are here and the shops had signs to welcome the teen tourists.
The water was off from this installation but it has been painted in new pastel colors.
And then there were these big balloons over the street to entice youngsters.
The colorful lion at Kikar Safra stands across from the I Love JLM display.
Not all is as it appears at Safra Square, these colorful pillows are cement.
A reminder that not all coloring is considered a good idea.
The colorful crowds were back at Jaffa Gate of the Old City.
With a large family outing, matching colored tee shirts are a good idea.
And ice cream is a good idea any time in Jerusalem in the summer.
As Tisha B’Av ends, the end of summer festivals begin,
International Klezemer is 8-14, and Jerusalem Puppets at Train Theater,
the long-running Arts Festival with musical performances each night,
and the Dinosaurs at the Botanical Gardens.
The ads are up again for a variety of events,
including a Festival with books and music, and food in the neighborhoods.
The Summer marathon in Jerusalem is splashed at a Jerusalem bus stop.
The pomegranates are reminding us of summer’s end approaching.
But it is still hot enough during the day for Jerusalem cats to do nothing.
In Jerusalem, as the Nine Days and Tisha B’Av come to an end the crowds assemble at the Kotel, Western Wall. At night the scene can be a surprise. Thousands of people sing slow sad songs, while others appear to be at a massive party.
All prayers conclude with the blessing of peace in Jerusalem.
