Jerusalem Photography – Page 100 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem Marathon: Ready, Set, Go

Jerusalem Marathon: Ready, Set, Go

March 17, 2017Sharon A

The Jerusalem Marathon for 2017 was on March 17th.

One finish line has been up for days,

but there are at least three of these massive arches,

two over the street and another one inside Gan Sacher, Sacher Park

for the full marathon runners.

Signs and more signs are posted,

but it is not always entirely clear which way to go.

However,

one outside Beit Hanasi, the Israel President’s house

wishing runners well is very clear.

International participants have arrived.

At a press conference the day before the race

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat was introduced to Milind Soman.

I do not follow Bollywood stars

but now I am now a fan of Milind.

Soman spoke so emotionally about his first visit to Jerusalem.

Maybe we here take too much for granted,

and need a visitor to remind us how special these streets are.

International marathon runners posed with the Mayor,

with the Old City and Tower of David in the background.

Some of them looked familiar from past marathons.

For seven years, I have tried to catch the Mayor running,

and on this warm up day I finally succeeded,

though the guy in red jacket got a much closer shot.

And while they were running,

these fellows were standing on the walls at the Tower of David.

Never know who or what you will see in Jerusalem!

The Mayor led a group of international runners

through Mamilla Mall.

I wonder if this guy ever looked up and noticed.

The streets were filled with 30,000 runners,

and some streets were closed all Friday morning,

but you have to stop texting to see them as they whiz by.

Running in Jerusalem has come along way in seven years.

The Jerusalem Winner Marathon 2017 was great,

best photos in next post.

This time I got the Mayor at the starting line and finish!

If you missed being in Jerusalem, Israel,

put it on your calendar for next year,

it is truly a special experience.

March 9, 2018.

שבת שלום

Shabbat shalom

12 Jerusalem Purim Favorites

12 Jerusalem Purim Favorites

March 14, 2017Sharon A

Purim on Sunday, was a beautiful day

in Jerusalem, Israel,

with blue skies and mild temperatures,

children were playing in the Teddy Park Fountain.

Larger than life figures waved from on top

of the walls of the Tower of David.

Down below on the streets it was hard to tell

who was in costume and who was not.

In Mamilla Mall, little princesses

appreciated the music man.

While this princess appreciated having her photo taken,

I also liked the folks sitting in the background,

costume or not costume?

Costume?

One double costumed couple entered Mamilla Mall.

Little people in costumes were ready for activities,

like at this spot located on Jaffa Road.

The Mamilla Mall balloon lady was in costume,

or was this her regular outfit?

Balloons filled Mamilla Mall,

and other shopping malls also held special activities for Purim.

Another Purim in Jerusalem favorite are

the store window displays with masked mannequins.

But there is more to Purim than dress up,

money is collected and delivered to the poor.

Costume or not costume at this synagogue?

Children are part of Purim celebrations.

Now there here is a hard job,

try judging a children’s costume contest,

this sad faced mime won.

A few more of my favorites,

best dressed family group,

worst hair,

and best Purim hair.

It is Purim hair, right?

Best not secret anymore Russian agents.

Thousands read Megillat Esther Sunday night,

and after hearing the story of Esther in ancient Persia,

attended parties until the wee hours.

Monday, was Shushan Purim, the official day to

celebrate in Jerusalem, Israel.

A large carnival was planned for Kikar Safra,

Safra Square, by the Jerusalem city hall,

First Station was starting the day with a

community megillah reading and more celebrations.

Zazza on Azza again had megillah readings all day.

It rained on and off,

all day on Monday, Shushan Purim.

A large party was also planned on Ben Yehudah Mall.

The weather this year for Shushan Purim,

was cold and wet, weather for coats and boots.

I spent most of time trying to stay dry while delivering

mishloah manot, gifts of food, and going out to eat,

others also stayed away from usual outdoor celebrations.

Oh well, until next year, one last time,

Purim sameach.

Jerusalem for Purim

Jerusalem for Purim

March 12, 2017Sharon A

Purim is a big holiday in Jerusalem, Israel.

Street signs are posted wishing Purim Sameach.

The variety of celebrations seems endless,

with Funky, Rave and Balkan Beat Box Purim events.

Maybe not three-rings, but the circus is coming too.

In Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk,

hamentaschen are piled high,

and costumes

and more costumes were out for sale.

The candy displays have been full for weeks.

Night time bars in the shuk are always ready to party.

Now the Azza Street wine bars include

one that is kosher and is open and ready for celebrating.

Too much wine and your eyes may play tricks on you.

Not a Purim prank, these cars are piled up,

in a new parking lot in town.

Jerusalem celebrates Purim this year,

from Sunday night, March 12, through March 13.

Happy Purim to all.

Best costumes and variety events next time…

A Jerusalem Marathon finish line is up,

and people are training and running.

I hope all recuperate in time for the March 17 races.