Over the years “Yom Kippur is coming” has been an annual post for The Real Jerusalem Streets.
How was this year different?
I didn’t even remember to do a piece on the holiday approaching.
The umbrellas still stretch over Yoel Solomon Street, but fewer tourists walk under them.
This year the Yizkor, or remembrance of October 7 victims and hostages filled the Jerusalem streets.
Even on the poster for the various Selihot, there was one placed in the center.
On October 7, 2024, I walked into Jerusalem by the tent near the Prime Minister’s residence.
It was quiet on Day 367, but at night the area was filled with people.
Needing a bit of nature I found the new map of Geology of the Jerusalem Mountains.
You could see the large Israeli flag over the Knesset at half-mast from that vantage point.
In the outdoor garden at the National Library of Israel, the letters were impressive under the clouds.
Inside people were working as if it was a regular Monday.
But my goal was to see this video projection near the upper entrance of the new library.
To remember the murdered and fallen soldiers from October 7, too many faces.
At the lower entrance, those faces on posters on chairs with favorite books waiting for hostages to return. If you have not been – tours in English will run during Sukkot on Sunday-Tuesday (October 20-22).
- Tour duration: approximately an hour and a half.
- The group tour is suitable for ages 16 and up.
- Price: NIS 50 per person over 5 years of age. Discounts are available for seniors, soldiers, reservists, and displaced families (identification required).
- For more information about group tours in English and to buy tickets: https://www.nli.org.il/en/visit/tours/sukkot-tours
The restaurant will be open. A sukkah has been erected in the library garden for visitors.
For Sukkot “Poof Sipur” (“Bean Bag Stories”) for children ages 5 to 11 and accompanying adults is back.
Walking home on the path under the Israel Museum was a bit of hope for renewal – green growth under the trees and bushes in the seriously burnt area.
A Muslim woman walked alone along a Jerusalem street on October 7, and no one else seemed to notice.
Before Yom Kippur, the Israeli President hosted a Selihot program by the Beit Hanasi Synagogue with the musical ensemble of Yagel Haroush back again this year, coordinated by 929 organization.
In the Israeli President’s Residence back garden, the white chairs were lined up as in the past. Only the seats were filled with students and bereaved families instead of the many IDF uniforms in past years.
A bit of the powerful melodies of the Chazan during Selihot prayers.
I took a photo for you inside the Beit Hanasi Synagogue, which is not open to the public often.
However, at least one of the books on a small table looked well used.
This year the lead-up to Yom Kippur was filled with various October 7 memorial programs.
One event for fallen Israeli Police was held at the Friends of Zion Museum. In the first 50 hours of Operation Iron Swords, 59 police officers were killed.
Program moderator Dean Elsdunne, Spokesperson for Israel Police, supported and translated for the bereaved mother of Dan Ganot z”l, as she explained her new role to speak to school children about her son and the honor of police personnel.
The panel moderated by Avi Mayer with dedicated police who worked on and after October 7 was impressive. More to come on that soon, inspired by the stories they shared!
Walking home a new sign was up for Ushpizin – Sukkot begins Wednesday night October 16 – ready or not.
The Kings Hotel’s sukkah was ready for guests,
while the restaurant next door had the frame of their sukkah up before Yom Kippur.
On the Jerusalem streets, the few alert sirens of missiles approaching have not stopped the constant building projects.
The maze of construction for the light rail continues to confuse both drivers and pedestrians.
These Jerusalem street signs wish Shana Tova Jerusalem 5785.
May all have a better year!
As the Yom Kippur prayers ended – “Next year in Jerusalem”
And now – time to get ready for Sukkot and Simhat Torah.
