Jerusalem Biennale 2019 – For Heaven’s Sake!

Jerusalem Biennale 2019 – For Heaven’s Sake!

What a week in Jerusalem the weather was warm and wonderful.

Many things happened over the Sukkot holiday and even more after the holidays.

But the Jerusalem Biennale 2019,  לשם שמים – For Heaven’s Sake! with 500 pieces of art, by 200 artists in 13 locations began before Sukkot and is still going for another two weeks. The Jerusalem Biennale began in 2013,

grew in 2015,

and was bigger and better in 2017.

After posting a few Biennale photos, I received the following message from Hillel Smith, curator of the Jewish Street Art Festival at First Station:

Jerusalem First Station graffiti for Biennale

“As part of the Jewish Street Art Festival (more info at jewishstreetart.com) street artists from around the world painted 17 murals in three locations around Jerusalem. Besides First Station, we also painted at the Artists’ Colony and the Schechter Institute. All of our artists already work with Jewish themes in their art, and I wanted to highlight this effort by bringing them all together to paint at the Biennale. Unlike the other exhibitions, the art in ours was created on-site and will be permanently displayed, leaving a lasting mark on the city.”

Graffiti in Jerusalem First Station for Biennale

These murals are by artists Yitzchok Moully (reflective sukkah) and Solomon Sousa, of Machane Yehuda Market mural fame.

An 18th mural was being painted this week at First Station, by artist Bareket Kezwer. I didn’t get there to see her paint, but something to check out soon.

YMCA Jerusalem Israel

The Jerusalem YMCA is a new and prominent Biennale location.

Rafi Ozeri at YMCA for Jerusalem Biennale

The initial press tour began at the Y with founder and director Ram Ozeri explaining his vision.

Jerusalem YMCA art Biennale

Inside on one side of the old YMCA pool is an installation Waterfall’ by Marina Abramovic.

Jerusalem Israel 2019 Biennale art fish going against stream

Across from it are hundreds of hand-painted fish by Andi Lavine Arnovitz.

Art at YMCA Jerusalem Biennale

One fish flows in the opposite direction, in her installation titled ‘I’m Not’.

YMCA for Ziara Moroccan art Biennale

The main room in the YMCA hosts Ziara: Moroccan Common Wisdom.

Curator of Ziara at YMCA Jerusalem Biennale

Curator Amit Hai Cohen along with seventeen other artists of Moroccan descent display a wide range of contemporary pieces.

YMCA for Jerusalem Biennale

The Moroccan heritage of ziara, feeling of home, contrasts greatly with other Arab countries where Jews were persecuted and expelled.

Ziara Moroccan exhibition preparations

The day before the opening night, artists were busy at work.

YMCA Jerusalem Biennale exhibit

For the gala opening, it was colorful and ready.

Jerusalem YMCA Ziara Moroccan exhibit

Those glasses on the table filled with arak are not for drinking, but a piece by Marcelle Biton.

The smaller line of frames to the left are fascinating portraits. Check out the feature photo at top of this page for closer look.

There is still much more to share besides Ziara at the YMCA.

Heichal Shlomo for Jerusalem Biennale

The main lobby of Heichal Shlomo, by curator Dr. Shimon Lev, Evolve,

Heichal Shlomo Jerusalem Biennale

is a display of 100 works created over the past 3 years by Jean-Pierre Weill.

Jerusalem Biennale Israel artist Dahan

Upstairs in Heichal Shlomo is an exhibition on the life of Israel Dahan. His fifty years of work in creating Judaica and teaching Bezalel students are recognized.

Israelis are not the only ones featured in the Jerusalem Biennale.

Jerusalem Biennale Argentinian artists

Mirta Kupferminc curated Confrontation-Conversation with fellow Argentinian artists. Here she shows off the work of Jewish and not Jewish artists from Argentina with Dr. Ido Noy, deputy director of Biennale and editor of the impressive catalog for “For Heaven’s Sake.”

Heichal Shlomo Jerusalem Biennale artist used old encyclopedias

Also in Heichal Shlomo, everything from old Hebraica encyclopedias to

Rubber bands in "The Fall" art in Jerusalem Biennale

thousands of rubber bands are used to create unique pieces.

Art in Heichal Shlomo for Jerusalem Biennale

Female Waters curated by Rachel Verliebter is another exhibit in more traditional style.

Much more to see, in the other exhibitions in Heichal Shlomo, but we have to move along.

Jerusalem 2019 Biennale at Val Leer in Polonsky

As in the past, the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute – Polonsky Hall is an impressive site of Jerusalem Biennale, with Not in Heaven and Transcendence.

Jerusalem Biennale in Van Leer

Rachel Rotenberg has sculptures outside, plus this one inside Van Leer, as seen at the opening event.

Van Leer garden night of Jerusalem Biennale opening

Two boys caught my attention in the gardens filled with people, dancers, and art installations. I was wondering if an electronic game had captured their attention.

Oh my, all that and more we did in one afternoon!

Jerusalem Begin Center art for Biennale

The Menachem Begin Heritage Center has Hebrew Suffragists:100 Years.

Menachem Begin Heritage Center art for Jerusalem Biennale

Experiments with Truth curated by Gargi Seth is downstairs featuring Indian artists.

Jerusalem 2019 Biennale

Not far away at Mishkenot Sha’ananim are the pieces In the East, where Ram Ozeri curated with Vera Pilpoul.

Jerusalem North African Heritage Center

One of the new and most dramatic locations for Biennale 2019 is the Worldwide North Africa Jewish Heritage Center.

Of Wonder exhibition at North African Jewish Heritage Center in Jerusalem for Biennale

Attending the opening of Of Wonder, was special as the curator artist Mindy Weisel is a friend.

Jerusalem Biennale art

One of the more difficult venues to access, the works here are by Israeli and American artists.

Curator and artists in Jerusalem Biennale

For American Jewish artists to have their works recognized and displayed in Jerusalem, Israel, is a dream come true.

American artist in Jerusalem for Biennale

The Jerusalem 2019 Biennale For Heaven’s Sake! from the colorful pieces,

Artist with paintings in Jerusalem Biennale

to the darker Holocaust shadowed pieces of art at North Africa Heritage Center,

Moully reflective sukka at Heichal Shlomo for Jerusalem Biennale

to the reflective sukkah outside Heichal Shlomo –

only a fraction of the art and artists on display until November 28, check out the website for more information: www.jerusalembiennale.org

Browse art all day. There is an entry fee of NIS 45 to the Biennale, with the one ticket allowing access to each of the exhibitions.

Then too tired to cook?

Not to worry.

OPENRESTAURANTS™ JERUSALEM – THE URBAN CULINARY FESTIVAL  runs from November 19 – 23, 2019. Many of Jerusalem’s finest restaurants have special offers.

What could be next in art and culture?

Zero One, a digital art festival will cover the Tower of David in lights from November 27-28, from 7:00 pm to midnight.

As always so much happening on the Jerusalem streets!

Jerusalem Building Up and Out of Sight

Jerusalem Building Up and Out of Sight

I am a Stephen Harper fan.

When he was the Prime Minister of Canada, I admired his strong support for Israel.

Jerusalem, Israel visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife

In 2014, when he paid an official visit to Jerusalem, Israel, with his wife Laureen,

Cat under Israeli and Canadian flags for Prime Minister Stephen Harper visit

I arrived so early that only a cat was wandering around with me.

Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu at official reception ceremony for Stephen Harper of Canada

I don’t remember what Harper’s remark was that got the Israeli Prime Minister laughing.

But thanks to Stephen Harper’s inspiring pro-Israel speech at the Shurat Hadin conference, I now have a great quote to share along with these photos I have been saving.

Near the conclusion of his speech which came out strongly against BDS, Harper said of Israel, “Built from nothing to be one of the most successful countries on earth.”

While not many people are attending all the multiple conferences and various leadership meetings this week, it is hard to avoid the building going on in Jerusalem, Israel.

Building site in Jerusalem Israel

Construction sites around Jerusalem are similar to this one. First, earth-moving equipment digs down, down into the ground.

Jerusalem man on crane

Look up and you will see a crane.

Building crane in Jerusalem Israel

Cranes tower high above Jerusalem buildings.

New building for Jerusalem hospital under construction

This huge hole in the ground is to be the new Shaare Zedek Hospital building.

Photo of planned hospital at Shaare Zedek

An underground radiotherapy specialty unit is to rise on this site.

Jerusalem Israel National Library construction

These cranes, a lovely sight at night, are busy all day and late into the night, working on the National Library.

Jerusalem Israel construction new National Library

Earth moving equipment is now shoveling the huge pile of stones. The Knesset across the road is seen clearly in this image.

Sign with Jerusalem National Library on construction fence

A photo of the new library is on the construction fence.

Jerusalem Israel construction site of new national library

It is finally up to ground level and looks like this.

Old hotel in Jerusalem valuable property derelict

While there are still some of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the world in disrepair,

Shneller new buildings on property day man fell

other locations have buildings going up to new proportions. This housing complex is being built on the old Shneller grounds in Geula.

On the day this was taken a worker fell and was transported to hospital by ambulance. Building safety is a serious issue.

Construction site in Jerusalem Israel

The old Moment Cafe was hit by a suicide bomber in 2002 and the memorial is visible in this construction fence. In its last restaurant life, it was the site of Cafe de Paris.

Truck in building site former Moment Cafe

Now construction has begun on luxury apartment units.

Old Moment Cafe, Cafe de Paris new building as seen from street promotion

In one peephole was the image of the future building.

Old photo of Ben Maimon Street Jerusalem Israel

This is an image of how that corner looked in the past, an empty lot in old Jerusalem.

Jerusalem Israel First Station - Takana Rishona

And the old Jerusalem train station has been fixed up as a tourist attraction.

Jerusalem Takana Rishona

It is now called, Takhana Rishona, or First Station, note this piece of land and the tree.

Image cable car from First Station to Old City

The Jerusalem cable car line is to be located at First Station.

Jerusalem cable car

This cable car line is proposed to take thousands of visitors to the Old City.

No more sitting on buses in traffic? We will see if and when.

Talpiot Jerusalem Israel location to ear outside

In the shopping area of Talpiot, these red shelters were built for passers-by to have a bite to eat,

Jerusalem Israel Talpiot red structure

or perhaps to hang out while someone else shops.

Jerusalem Israel graffiti in Talpiot

Graffiti has been added in multiple locations to brighten up Talpiot.

Jerusalem Israel Getaway building project

But with all the building around Jerusalem, it is the Jerusalem Gateway project which is designed to bring the biggest change.

Jerusalem new entrance to city sign

Roads are closed and traffic has been redirected at the entrance to Jerusalem.

Construction in Jerusalem Israel

Construction is ongoing and the area looks different every time I see it.

new Jerusalem court building

The municipality published images of the new court buildings to be built along Jaffa Road.

Jerusalem new court building

With the housing and new business district to be built at the entrance to Jerusalem, the skyline of Jerusalem in the future will look very different than in the past.

Colorful umbrellas over Kikar HaMusica

At least the colorful umbrellas are again a familiar sight over Kikar HaMusica, Music Square.

Jerusalem lit on String Bridge at night

The Jerusalem Chord Bridge glows with lights at night.

Hi rise building in Jerusalem

Lights or flags, Jerusalem is going up and up and out of sight.

I heart Jerusalem sign

Even the Old City walls have a new-age ‘I Love Jerusalem’ sign.

As he ended his speech Stephen Harper said he admired the building and what had been accomplished in Israel in seven decades.

It is a wonder with all the outside and inside forces working against Israel, that so much has been built.

So much is happening on these Jerusalem streets.

Look down. Look up.

Building for the future while preserving the past.

Jerusalem Open Houses and Busy Streets

You can tell the seasons are changing in these old stone Jerusalem, Israel, buildings when the inside temperatures are lower than the outside temperatures.

Late Monday night it rained briefly and it was truly a big deal around here.

Yemin Moshe garden

In Yemin Moshe the grass is green, the flowers are in bloom, and the olives are ready to harvest.

As temperatures cool, it is so much more pleasant to walk around Jerusalem.

Batim MaBefnim, Houses from Within, are free open houses, with over 100 options in all parts of the city.

Volunteer in tee shirt for open house

Tens of thousands participate, and volunteers receive these special tee shirts.

Sign for Open House on King George Street for museum in Heichel Shlomo

The Art Museum in Heichal Shlomo was open without charge.

UN met in this building to work on partition plan in 1947

Beit Kedima had the yellow sign in front and tours inside.

Jerusalem Israel graffiti

One walking tour offered was Mamilla graffiti art.

Jerusalem Israel graffiti

Above the Miffal was one colorful example of Jerusalem graffiti.

Entrance to Miffal open house Jerusalem Israel

Great place, but I had already been to Miffal last year, when it was called HaMiffal.

Villa Mamilla open house door on Jerusalem street

I was going to just walk around, until more than one person pointed me to this door.

Villa Mamilla interior in Jerusalem Israel

They were correct, inside Villa Mamilla was a special experience.

Jerusalem Israel Villa Mamilla tree in courtyard

A tree was in the courtyard and stone stairway enticed visitors to go up.

Open house Villa Mamilla bedroom Jerusalem Israel

The redesigned home has 3 bedrooms that host 7-9 guests.

Jerusalem Israel villa Mamilla bedroom

While we were talking here a man passed by and told us that we should see the bathroom

Bathroom in Villa Mamilla

The tiles in the shower are so well placed we had to look again to find the drain.

Upstairs, visitors rested in the roof garden.

Jerusalem Israel courtyard in house

No way to tell how many people passed through and viewed this house.

Lounge room of Villa Mamilla open for HouseWithin Jerusalem Israel annual festival

On my way out a woman was taking a photo of herself in the first floor salon.

Door open with workers redoing house in Jerusalem

The building next door was under construction, not open for visitors, at least not this year.

Jerusalem Israel scene in a house

But down the alleyway, another door was open so I strolled in to find this scene.

Like something from an old Israeli movie with people sitting around and talking on a Friday morning.

Jerusalem Israel old house has 5 cent Coke Cola vending machine

As I turned to leave, this old Coke vending machine was in the passageway.

I’m so glad I was drawn into these open doors. You never know what you will find on the Jerusalem streets, and off the streets as well.

Jerusalem Israel annual creative art festival Manofim

The open houses were last weekend, but I remember my first visit to Hansen House eight years ago, when it was old, abandoned, and run down.

Now Hansen House is home to many events including the celebration of 10 years of the Manofim Contemporary Art Festival. See the details HERE

Pianos at Jerusalem theatre

The Piano Festival at Jerusalem Theater is back for the sixth year.

International Animation Festival sign in Jerusalem Israsel

Plus another Animation Festival this week!

No way to do it all.

Campaign signs for Elkin and Lion on side of Jerusalem Israel bus

Meanwhile signs for the municipal elections are hard to miss on Jerusalem buses.

I will not try to predict who will be the new the mayor, but we are down to a final 4 candidates.

Nor will I try to keep try to keep up with all the conferences this week.

Besides the Jewish Federations of North American General Assembly in Tel Aviv,

the fourth Israel-China Innovation Conference is at the Jerusalem Orient hotel.

Did you know Friday October 26 is International Walking Day?

So – tired or not, it is time to get out and walk again to see what is happening!