Jewish holiday celebrations – Page 78 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Erev Yom Kippur in Jerusalem

September 10, 2013rjstreets

What perfect timing for Clean Up the World Day!

If there was one thing that everyone agreed upon this week,

it certainly was not what to do in Syria or Iran,

but emptying the trash dumpsters

after a long three-day holiday weekend!

The cats, however, enjoyed the over-filled bins’

and contents that spilled on to so many streets

Sounds of song and early morning prayers filled the streets.

I did not get to the piyut festival this year,

but last year the traditional melodies

could even be heard outside on King George Street.

This is the season of honey and apples, sweet foods,

and large quantities of delicacies at all the holiday meals.

Rimonim, pomegranates, are still piled high in the markets.

As Yom Kippur approaches,

once again the custom of the Kaparot ceremony

with its use of live chickens is a topic of controversy.

At the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk,

where one can find most anything.

these rubber chickens were on display.

But my favorite during the week before Yom Kippur,

is the bus sign with my wish for everyone,

may you be “Sealed for a good year.”

“Well over the fast”

is what they say Down Under for Yom Kippur.

Traffic is increasing,

and tourists are arriving on the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.

The holiday season has started.

Tisha B’Av Night in Jerusalem

Tisha B’Av Night in Jerusalem

July 16, 2013July 13, 2020rjstreets

Tisha B’Av night in Jerusalem, Israel,

is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Businesses are closed and restaurants shuttered.

Walking in front of me as I headed toward Jaffa Gate,

which was decorated with Ramadan lights,

were a group of Muslim men and boys out to celebrate.

Behind them were three Jewish men on their way to the Old City.

Entering Jaffa Gate I love to see the moon over the lights of the Tower of David.

Near the Kotel, the Western Wall, were thousands of people, many sitting on the ground.

The diversity of the crowd was obvious.

I did not stay too long because again ,

I wanted to see the 19th Walk Around the Walls of the Women in Green.

Security was stronger this year.

The crowd was large for the middle-of-the-night starting time.

Due to Ramadan celebrations again this year,

the group had to wait for several hours to start their walk.

The route goes around the walls of the Old City, and partially along the Light Rail tracks.

The Damascus Gate was busy and active with Ramadan celebrations.

At Herod’s Gate,

Israeli police, some on horses, observed to insure that the two crowds would not mix.

For the late hour, there were still a lot of people out.

At the Lion’s Gate there were speeches,

while hundreds of people sat and listened,

I decided to head home. It was already after 1:00 am.

While the rest of the Jerusalem streets were quiet,

the Old City, the Kotel, and the Jewish Quarter

were all filled with thousands of people.

While some left even more kept coming.

Tisha B’Av in Jerusalem looks like a big party.

Lag Ba’Omer is Bigger, but is it Better than Ever?

April 29, 2013rjstreets

In many places around the world a big community bonfire

for Lag Ba’Omer is considered a major celebration.

The thirty-third day of counting the Omer which started on Passover

has become a day of weddings, bar mitzvahs and musical celebrations.

However, this minor Jewish holiday

has escalated to gigantic proportions in Israel.

Meron was so over-crowded this year that the security services closed it off,

buses stopped running and many were stranded for hours.

And, this year it was hot, really hot.

Many photos were published of men standing

around large Lag Ba’Omer bonfires in religious neighborhoods.

However, in open spaces all around Jerusalem, Israel

thousands of people lit medurot, bonfires.

Some were tended by children,

while others were large family gatherings.

These modest sized fires were not lit just to burn any

and every bit of collected wood, but were also used for cooking.

This man used a long stick to remove dozens of cooked potatoes.

It was good to see that his water can was so handy,

as heavy winds this year caused sparks to fly and clothes to burn.

As always with so many small children around so many open fires,

the low number of serious accidents is nothing short of miraculous.

And this year we had two nights and two days for Lag Ba’Omer!

Since the real time fell out right after Shabbat, the Chief Rabbis

said to wait and celebrate instead on Sunday night.

So this year for two nights smoke filled the night air.

As you might have guessed I am not a big fan of these hot, smoky nights.

And school vacation was extended from one day to two days off!

While the Knesset is dealing with future school vacation days,

parents and children needed something to do on Lag Ba’Omer.

One activity was again organized by Chabad Rechavia.

This year their parade stopped traffic on Ramban Street.

Along with the marching drum band were this large Torah and candle,

as young and not so young,

marched to King George Street.

Rabbi Goldberg and so many cute kids were smiling,

as they gathered in the plaza of The Great Synagogue for music.

One small Lag Ba’Omer celebration, one small step.

“I love all Jews.”

What a feel-good event, in spite of the temperatures,

and I am not just saying that because the Rabbi’s mother is a fan.

For Lag Ba’Omer, one medura, bonfire, night is enough for me.

Now I must run,

as it’s time to get some cookies and milk ready,

no school today.

More parade photos HERE.