Shabbat Shalom
שבת שלום
Jerusalem flowers
Jerusalem Summer Colors
Summertime in Jerusalem, Israel, when it gets hot,
it is often hard to walk outside.
In the evening, sometimes it cools off.
A photo walk provides a great excuse to leave
my air conditioned room.
Though plants are drying out from the harsh sun,
there is new color to be found.
These British Mandate post boxes in
Yemin Moshe have been painted bright red.
The Rechavia Pillbox has British soldiers again.
I doubt the British army dressed like that
back in the summers of 1930’s in Jerusalem.
This live bird on top of Lion’s Fountain,
had gotten my attention.
The water has stopped flowing at the top,
but children still cool off in the fountain below.
However,
Teddy Fountain is more popular these days, and nights.
This view at sunset never tires,
always a new color reflected on the walls at sunset.
Also in Yemin Moshe,
windows with flowers,
and its stairs are always photo worthy.
The flowers this time of year,
I love the colors,
though the heat wave has faded many of these.
The light festival is over.
The Maccabiah sports events have concluded.
Thousands came from around the world.
Tens of thousands participated in the Night Run
racing through the streets of Jerusalem.
The annual Jerusalem Film Festival is going strong,
with new this year,
multiple community showings for children.
Families are encouraged to come out in the evening
for these free films.
Hot, but still,
so many things happening on the Jerusalem streets.
Jerusalem Opera, Genesis Prize and More
Hot.
It is hot in Jerusalem, Israel.
The pool at Jerusalem Dan Hotel looked so cool.
But Sharut HaDin was having a conference inside the hotel,
so we were inside listening to experts on panels
discussing the new cyber and legal battlefields Israel is facing.
When it gets hot,
the parks are quiet by day,
but every fountain is as good as the beach.
Even new graffiti was in a shady spot.
This was certainly the most random street scene,
getting ready for a trip to the beach,
but with a box of memorial candles?
End of June.
It is again the season,
of big people on little chairs.
The mandatory end of school year celebrations,
are at all hours of day and night.
But this week, there is another celebration.
Itzhak Perlman is in Jerusalem to accept the Genesis Prize.
A gifted musician whose abilities overcame his disabilities.
Through appearances on Sesame Street
he taught important values to a whole generation.
Born in Israel,
though he has lived in New York for decades,
he was surrounded by the Hebrew media and well-wishers
after a press conference at Mishkanot Sha’ananim.
Also, Dame Helen Mirren is in Israel
this week to present the Genesis Prize.
She only played a Queen in the movies,
but she is a regal act in real life too.
Her stories of good times spent in Israel – priceless.
She was evidently pleased to receive a membership card
to the Jerusalem Press Club.
Now I can say I have something in common
with Dame Helen Mirren.
But on some days,
not only on the Jerusalem streets is it hard to get by,
but there is so much happening,
it is hard to do it all.
That night was opening of the Jerusalem Opera Week,
with an Italian theme for Rigoletto.
People were warned to come on time.
Parking and picking up tickets for hundreds
of opera goers required planning,
plus because of Ramadan fast ending at that time,
a shortage of taxis were anticipated.
The huge stage was constructed in Sultan’s Pool,
with seating rising to street level.
As the sun was setting the audience
and Israeli Philharmonic prepared for the show.
Translations in Hebrew and English,
were provided on the top and sides of stage.
Magnificent music filled the air.
Even though the story line is one of tragedy,
it was especially exciting to see an Israel performer
excelling in the lead female role.
So everything may not always be as beautiful as a bed of flowers,
but as I walked home at night near midnight,
people were still at Shavuah HaSefer at First Station,
watching the football (soccer) match and drinking beer.
Hundreds more were leaving the Jerusalem Theater.
The signs are up for the new season at the theater,
but the Genesis Prize award is there tonight.
Then we will have to wait to see what
will be happening next on the Jerusalem streets.