Oh, what a week this was!
It seems the extremes of highs and lows are a constant theme on the Jerusalem streets.
This week, both national and personal events added to the regular extremes of emotion.
Thursday was the annual Jerusalem memorial ceremony for those murdered on September 11, 2001.
Every year, for the September 11 ceremony, the names of the victims are remembered, some with flowers.
I did not go this year, but watched the live broadcast at home.
The week started with much excitement about a red moon event on Sunday night.
Knowing I would not be up and outside at 8:30 pm, I did get a photo of the pink sky at sunrise.
Not too bad an image through the dirty hospital room window. A bit of advice, do not try and call hospital staff during a lunar phenomenon when all are outside watching the moon.
I was glad to be out the next day and able to walk a bit in the neighborhood near the new bike paths.
They are not finished. The areas of work are often blocked, and traffic backs up. Honking is the norm.
I did see one person actually use the bike path and not ride on the sidewalk.
Being out on the local street, I liked this message for young children to hold a hand and not cross alone.
No forgetting the hostages, these yellow signs have been posted in many areas – “until the last hostage.”
I could include the protests and other low events of the week.
However, I decided to share the colors of the fall flowers I saw along Jerusalem streets.
White blossoms abound,
along with cacti full of fruit,
and multicolored flowers line Jerusalem streets this time of year.
As usual, Muslim young women were out sitting in a Jerusalem cafe.
And of course, those Jerusalem cats were out as the day cools off.
Being home for Shabbat was very good news.
As we go to the end of September and the year 5785, new “Jerusalem is the capital of Selihot” signs are lining the Jerusalem streets.
The prayers every year before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have become increasingly popular, accompanied by music, and are held in hundreds of venues.
I did not go this year, but I remember a highlight from 10 years ago.
Walking towards the Kotel, the Western Wall, I went out of my way to follow the sounds coming from the Old City.
Going along a small lane to discover Chizki Sofer leading a musical selihot service. I had no idea who he was at the time, but I found out quickly through social media. It can be good when it’s helpful.
May the New Year bring good news and good health for all.
Next year in Jerusalem!
