Winter Noise – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem Winter Nights of Noise

February 20, 2019Sharon A

Jerusalem, Israel, winter nights are long and the temperatures are low.

The old narrow streets can be dark, cold, and quiet.

To bring people to the city streets on winter nights, a street festival שאון חורף – Shaon Horef, or Winter Noise was started over seven years ago.

Shaon Horef is held in a different location each Monday night in February.

The free cultural festival features varied and often “out of the box” entertainment.

On February 11, Ben Shetach and Shlomzion Streets were featured.

Each week maps and information of the approximately twenty locations are available in Hebrew, English and Arabic.

Music and bands perform in multiple locations. An opera singer was singing in this shop.

Art was on sale at a market set up along Ben Shetach Street.

Actors in costume arrived for street performances.

At least I assumed they were entertainers, and she was not really the Iranian Ambassador from LA.

There were heaters to warm your hands, however, everyone was not outside in the cold.

This group who preregistered enjoyed a baking demonstration with special breads.

I went early to get photos before the crowds came to party until the sound curfew at 11:00 pm.

February 18, Shaon Horef moved to a new location, the Old City at Jaffa Gate.

The light projection on the Tower of David wall is called, ” The Tree of Life.”

It was inspired by Armenian ceramics, and the animation was by Yavin Ben Reshef.

Inside Jaffa Gate musical performances attracted visitors of all ages.

“Sounds from the Box” a street singer and a magical music box that plays French chansons was outside Jacob’s Pizza, near the Latin Patriarchate.

Inside the Tower of David, several venues were readied for multiple musical performances to last all night long. For this Shaon Horef, an after-party was to start at 11:00 pm!

Of the unusual off the main street events were those in this museum in the Christian Quarter.

A workshop in”slang in sign language” in Hebrew and Arabic was all set up and ready to go.

With eighteen locations on the program, there was no time to stop and sit. I went to see what was happening on the streets.

This street performer outside the Tower of David was getting ready and trying to stay warm.

This week everyone could be an artist and were invited to paint.

These festivals provide an opportunity to see Jerusalem streets from different angles and perspectives. Do you recognize the entrance to the Tower of David in this photo?

Not everyone wanted their photo taken! Not really. These actors were actually inviting people get in their act and sit at their table which was set up by Jaffa Gate.

Shaon Horef was inside the walls of the Old City near Jaffa Gate.

I think the area outside is lovely to photograph any night.

I am ending with a couple of short videos, as music is an important aspect of Shaon Horef.

From week #2 at Shlomziyon HaMalka and Ben Shetach Streets.

From week #3 at Jaffa Gate, the light projection with Armenian theme.

For the last Monday in February, Shaon Horef moves to Talpiot and HaUman Street.

Fifteen locations are on the map. Winter Noise, with an art market, loud music and entertainment, is for all those brave enough to venture out on the cold Jerusalem streets.

I won a Facebook contest and got this Shaon Horef bag.

I do not remember the last time I entered a contest and won anything.

I am one of thirty people who won this prize, so look for us out there on the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem Noisy February Nights

February 15, 2017Sharon A

Life in Jerusalem, Israel,

is unpredictable.

No one knows for sure what will happen next.

This week, for example,

the weather changed so many times

it was impossible to keep track.

Starting on Sunday, rain was on and off.

Jaffa Road was wet and deserted.

The red urban installation Varda hung deflated,

like a soggy, wilted flower.

Inside Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk,

there were rows of closed shutters,

but umbrellas were out for sale in many places.

A few years ago, the Municipality came up with a plan

to attract people to Jerusalem at night in the winter

with a festival called – שאון חורף – Winter Noise.

Monday nights in February,

in a different center city location,

people were to come to fill the streets and be entertained.

Last week was the first of the series

held on Shushan and Horesh Streets.

This was a clever projection,

the player was on the sidewalk,

but his screen was many stories high on the wall.

Can find me here on this screen?

Winter Noise starts at 7:00 pm and goes to 2:00 am.

I like to go early before the crowds

to take photos of these light projections,

and live music in multiple locations.

Actors performed in this store,

while the audience watched from outside.

Across the street, a new boutique hotel called

The Post, in the old post office building,

had live music, food and drink,

and was a great place to sit and warm up.

But most of the Winter Noise takes place

outside on the streets,

with free concerts and entertainment.

Alcohol and food are part of the fun in most locations.

At Sobar, there was coffee and music,

since it is a new alcohol and drug-free venue.

I spotted a former Jerusalem Deputy Mayor

listening in the audience.

How do I describe the way to Sobar?

Go to the end of Shushan Street,

through the gate, to the right and then left.

I often walk around Jerusalem, Israel, at night,

but never on these streets in the dark.

I was really glad I had asked a friend to come along.

Now do you see us here?

I never would have never ventured in alone

and seen this art gallery and artists’ center.

The first week of Winter Noise was fun.

I discovered and saw many new locations.

But, I am glad I did not post this last week.

Winter Noise was on Shammai and Hillel Streets this week.

There were to be 6 more locations than last week,

but there seemed to be far fewer.

The “entertainment” was not good.

I could not find one thing to photograph and share.

At a conference this week,

City Councilman Aryeh King expressed disgust

with some of the “culture” and entertainment,

and how the city spends its money.

This second week of Winter Noise,

proved him to be all-too correct.

It was reported that he resigned in protest.

I have often questioned what is considered culture here.

I agree with King, this event was tacky and trashy,

and I am relieved I did not encourage anyone to go.

Only good thing I saw,

was that due to the inclement weather, fewer people came.

Each week is different,

I hope next week Winter Noise gets back on track.

When the rain stops,

day or night,

you will find someone running on the streets,

in training for the Jerusalem Marathon.

Signs are up.

On March 17, come rain or shine,

the streets will be filled with tens of thousands of people,

running and cheering them on.

Welcome Presidents to Jerusalem Winter Noise

February 19, 2014rjstreets

February,

it was so warm outside that I could not walk in the morning sun,

yet inside this afternoon I need boots, a sweater and to put on heat!

The US had Presidents Day,

but we also had our share of Presidents this week.

Flags were flying for Peru President Ollanta Humala’s visit.

The annual Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations

held its 40th Mission this week in Jerusalem, Israel.

Not just presidents attended the main dinner event.

US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro was welcomed by

Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference.

After Shapiro spoke and left,

Hoenlein and PM Benjamin Netanyahu put their heads together.

I already blogged about that speech on Israellycool in a lite way,

but today showed we can make a difference.

I wondered what Moshe Arens was thinking as he listened.

The size of the gift from Hoenlein to the Prime Minister was a joking matter!

UPDATE:

Later in the week President Shimon Peres got the same gift.

With intense security precautions and not full ballroom,

that dinner was worlds away from what was happening right outside.

Every Monday night in February, in a different site is

a Jerusalem street festival called שאון חורף – Winter Noise.

This week all of Azza Street,

starting across from the Prime Ministers’ residence was the happening.

Along the way were several musical groups,

illuminated buildings,

and street acts, many hard to describe or photograph.

Sorry I did not get in all of the skis, but think I got all the flags.

Just please do not ask me what this was supposed to be,

and I will spare you of more

‘I have no idea what this is supposed to be’ acts.

I am sure that I have that graffiti face in other street photos.

The mikvah for women located in Yad Tamar finally reopened,

after it was shut for a very long time for repairs.

I could not help feel sorry for some young tourist using it that night!

Usually boring and quiet, the building was bright

and people were dancing in street outside.

Hundreds of people were out and many were drinking beer.

Trying to control drinking, at one main site

signs were posted for 18-year old entrance and IDs.

Who knows what these two men must have thought?

Perhaps like they had found themselves in another planet!

The next morning the street was clean.

This the only sign of Winter Noise,

though I imagine at least a few people had some dark circles

under their eyes from lack of sleep.

Watch out Ein Kerem, it is your turn next week.

Never know what you will find next on the Jerusalem streets.

I would like to mention that

photos are available for purchase.