Shushan Purim Day in Jerusalem

On Monday Shushan Purim schools were closed, 

 the Jerusalem Theater had a special musical program;

 the Purim songs were loud and lively, the entertainers tried their best,

but at times there were more tall people than short people in the lobby.

The busy streets of Jerusalem were quieter than usual, as many businesses were closed, and the rainy weather kept people indoors. It was hard to guess how many late night party-goers were off to a slow start on Shushan Purim.

A major afternoon celebration was organized at the new Mamilla Mall,

next to the Old City.

 Street entertainers were popular with the crowd.

If you look above the street,

you’ll see that Peter Pan traded in his regular hat for a warmer one.

 Photographers were trying to capture the moment. 

             It was a great day for hot chocolate or coffee.

Ben Yehudah Street had its share of people for celebrations

and a bit of smoke from firecrackers.

                                                                                             

 

 Machane Yehudah Market, the shuk,

as always, had its share of colorful customers.

  There were some scary looking

characters on the sreets,

but for the most part…

the day was about princesses and butterflies, color,

                                                                and of course, hats.

Rosh Chodesh Adar 5773, updated for Purim 2013

Not Quite a Blizzard

News broadcasts most of the week were predicting snow in Jerusalem.  

Salt trucks were ready, extra milk was in the house,

children had planned their day off from school,

the temperature dropped,

it rained most of the night and then this morning…

there was some hail

and for a few minutes it looked like it might be snowing…

but the skies cleared again. 

It is cold, and every few minutes the weather changes,

but so far no blizzard and no new snow photos.

How Safe is Jerusalem from Earthquakes?

  Built between the hills of Judea, it seems that no part of Jerusalem is flat.

Israel sits on top of the Dead Sea Rift, a serious fault line.

 In 1995,  a 7.1  offshore earthquake occurred  south of Eliat.

The most serious threat is to the northern part of the country,

but after the tragic results of another serious earthquake one has to wonder;

how safe are we?

 

What about those houses on the hilltops?

Certainly with stricter codes the new construction  should be safer.

  Many older building are supported by pillars.

The addition of elevators to apartment buildings,

not only increases their value and accessibility,

but also strengthens the structure making them much safer.

Updated, April 27 

after Nepal earthquake:

 5 years since the earthquake in Haiti

some good news to see some progress,

slow but progress has been made.