The Streets of Jerusalem

Mount Zion Parking Lot

2010-12-10T09:02:00.000+02:00

Entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem has been nigh near impossible as of late due to the changes in the traffic rules. The Jerusalem Municipality decided that private cars (except for local residents) could not enter the Old City.

Whether this is a good idea or not is up for debate.

This of course made things very difficult for drivers in Jerusalem, as there was no where near enough convenient parking for people trying to get into the Old City or to the Kotel.

The Givati Parking lot is lot smaller these days ever since they discovered the palace underneath it.

And the Mamilla parking lot is excellent, but it can be a long walk if you are trying to reach the Jewish Quarter.

The Jerusalem Municipality finally did something very smart to handle this problem - they rezoned the Mount Zion parking lot.

For years, the Har Tzion parking lot had space for about 20 cars, and the rest was designated for buses. Lot of buses.

Archive Photo

Yesterday when visiting the Old City, I decided to chance it and see if I could find parking on Mt. Zion. To my surprise, there were no buses parked there at all, and the entire parking lot was converted to parking for cars.

Rumor has it they are planning on building a multi-level parking lot on the site.

While 100 new parking spots may not be much for convenient access to the most important city in the world, it's better than the 20 we had before.

I'm happy to see that the Jerusalem Municipality made a positive change for Jerusalem drivers - something they haven't done in a long time.

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SL

Choo-Choo

2010-08-01T20:53:00.000+03:00

The light rail, waiting to go through some testing on Road 1.

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Herod's gate to be re-inaugurated

2010-06-28T11:36:00.000+03:00

Herod's Gate, more commonly known as Sha'ar haPrachim (the Flower Gate), will be re-inaugurated tonight (June 28, 2010) as part of a larger conservation plan of the Old City.

The gate was first inaugurated in 1539 CE.

The gate was was named Herod's gate either due to a mis-attribution, or alternatively in Herod's honor.

(Picture courtesy Wikipedia)

SL

Jerusalem of Lights

2010-06-17T11:50:00.000+03:00

It's been the Jerusalem of Lights festival all week, and the Old City of Jerusalem of Jerusalem was lit up, outside, inside, and even underneath (in Tzidkiyahu's Cave).

Enjoy the photos.

This is a video projected on the wall near the Jaffa Gate:

A crooked city near the Rova parking lot:

A big shoe of lights:

Hanging Laundry:

Men climbing the walls:

A projection on the Hurva:

The Churva - Opening Soon

2010-03-12T15:09:00.000+02:00

We've been following the progress of the rebuilding of the Churva Synagogue in the Old City on this blog.

I took a number of beautiful closeup shots of the detail work, but unfortunately the files got erased.

The synagogue will be officially opened this Monday, March 15 in a big ceremony.

Arutz-7 has a video on their site where you can see what this amazing shul looks like.

SL

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Chanukah in Mamilla

2009-12-15T09:34:00.004+02:00

The Mamilla Mall opened its indoor section and for Hanukah holiday they filled it up with artistic (and even musical) Chanukiahs (Menorah).

SL

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World's Tallest Lego Chanukiah

2009-12-15T09:12:00.005+02:00

Hidden in Shaarei Chesed is a quiet street called Narkis Street.

Hidden on Narkis Street is the Mayanot Shul, and hidden in the Mayanot Shul is the largest Lego Chanukiah (menorah) in Jerusalem - and possibly the entire Land of Israel. Built with over 5000 pieces of Lego by the children of Jerusalem and one very tall Rabbi (standing on a chair).

SL

Sponsored by Talk'n'Save:

Going to Israel?
Now get 2 phones for the price of 1 (and free calls too) with Talk'n'Save
Also cellular modems, and virtual US numbers.

Street Activity on Emek Refaim

2009-08-21T00:44:00.003+03:00

Emek Refaim Street in the German Colony (near Baka) took on new life at night, as performance artists lined the streets this past week.

I think everyone knows this ragtime band.

Modern dance.

Music.

Probably the youngest performers on the street.

SL

Sponsored by The Second International Jewish Bloggers Convention

In Mamilla

2009-08-14T01:11:00.003+03:00

Went to the Mamilla outdoor shopping arcade today. It's much better than when it first opened. More stores have opened, the indoor mall is starting to shape up. A lot of people are walking around.

The Steimetzky's has a great childrens section.

The only thing missing is a meat restaurant!

SL

Sponsored by The Second International Jewish Bloggers Convention

Jerusalem Day

2009-05-22T13:03:00.005+03:00

The Jerusalem Day parade was yesterday, but today is actually Jerusalem Day - the celebrations are moved a day earlier so that the Parade doesn't happen on Friday (right before the Sabbath).

The Parade began on King George Street and ended at the Kotel by way of Agron Street.

All these pictures are from Agron Street.

I don't know how many people marched, but the parade took nearly 2 hours for everyone to walk on by. The entire road was packed from top to bottom (and on King George, Mamilla, all the way to the Kotel).

Many of the marchers in the parade held up signs supporting a united Jerusalem (and against a 2-State solution) as they passed the American Consulate on Agron Street.

The US Consulate, at the start of the parade

The bottom of Agron, where it intersects with Mamilla

The bottom of Agron, looking up to King George Street

Dancing during the Parade

A policeman breaking open and checking a suspicious vehicle alongside the parade route

I've been working on the (light) railroad....

2009-03-29T17:15:00.002+03:00

The section the light rail being built near Kikar Safra on Yafo Street.

SL

Sponsored by Warm the Needy

Another reason to get a street named after you

2009-02-18T12:33:00.002+02:00

The Jerusalem municipality plans to replace all the Jerusalem street signs named after famous people with new signs featuring the person's picture and their story, especially what they are well-known for.

The idea for the new signs was recently proposed to Mayor Nir Barkat by Zion Turjeman, director-general of the Ariel company, a subsidiary of the Jerusalem Municipality. The mayor loved the idea and appointed artist Yotam Kuperberg and entrepreneur Maya Fogel to be in charge of preparing the new street signs.

What an interesting idea. We can't wait to show them to you.

Now, perhaps he can next require that all buildings post their building numbers.

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

I've got a secret

2009-02-10T00:51:00.000+02:00

One of the most familiar sites connected to Jerusalem is the Tower of David Museum, which among other things used to be a fortress.

I haven't been there in a while, and I was happy to see that they uncovered yet another secret tunnel.

You can really get lost in this place with all the different passageways.

Another new edition to the museum is this recently discovered model of Jerusalem made in the late 1800s!

SL

Sponsored by Warm the Needy

Hurva update

2009-02-06T00:22:00.000+02:00

The Hurva reconstruction is coming along quite nicely...

SL

Sponsored by Warm the Needy

Tuesday Night Live

2009-02-04T11:30:00.005+02:00

At the beginning of King George Street, next to the Great Synagogue and opposite the Sheraton Hotel is the Heichal Shlomo building. Heichal Shlomo is the former seat of the Chief Rabbinate.

The building serves a few different purposes these days, but the most interesting occurs once a month on Tuesday nights when they film Tuesday Night Live in Jerusalem.

It’s been years since I was in the old theater on the top floor of the building, but there it is, and packed to the gills.

Last night it was a political evening with the Religious-Zionist leaders running for Knesset: Yaakov “Katzaleh” Katz (Ichud Leumi), Moshe Feiglin (Likud/ManhgutYehgudit), and Prof. Daniel Hershowitz (Bayit Yehudi/Mafdal).

I won’t discuss politics, but all the speakers spoke well and the evening was extremely entertaining.

The token NIS 20 entrance fee means this is a great way to inexpensively have a very fun evening in Jerusalem.

SL

Sponsored by Warm the Needy

Tolerance

2008-11-23T00:43:00.002+02:00

While many people have heard about the controversial Tolerance Museum, most people have not heard about the new Tolerance Park and Monument (no connection to the Museum).

Located immediately past the UN Headquarters just after the Tayelet in Talpiyot, this is nicely laid out little park and a stunning monument at its center.

And of course a great view of the Old City of Jerusalem.

SL

Yes, we have a new mayor!

2008-11-12T10:47:00.003+02:00

What a strange race for mayor of Jerusalem that was.

It primarily pitted the Ultra-Orthodox Meir Porush against the Secular Nir Barkat.

As neither candidate had enough votes from within their natural constituency to win, both heavily courted the swing National-Religious vote who did not field any candidate of their own at all.

Barkat won with 52% of the vote to Porush's 43% (Gaydamak got 3.6%).

Barkat, who made his money in some well known hi-tech ventures and was running for the second time around, has some large and grandiose visions for Jerusalem. In fact he was the candidate who most explicitly laid out his plans for this city.

In his victory speech Barkat said, “Tonight Jerusalem, Israel and the Jewish People have won.” Barkat went on to thank his associates, supporters and families.

Barkat thanked all for the “privilege to be Mayor of Jerusalem.” He called Jerusalem Israel’s eternal capital. He said that the victory belongs to all of Jerusalem’s citizens, those with knit yarmulkes, those with see-through yarmulkes, and those with black yarmulkes. “I will be mayor for all of Jerusalem’s citizens, Jews and Arabs alike,” Barkat said.

Good Luck Mr. Mayor.

SL

Voting from Israel - the event!

2008-10-23T10:33:00.002+02:00

Now, even from the Streets of Jerusalem it will be easy for Americans abroad to vote in the US elections thanks to VotefromIsrael.org.

Tel Aviv
Residents near Tel Aviv can submit your US absentee ballot and vote:

When: Sunday, October 26.
6:00 p.m. till midnight

Location: The Dancing Camel
HaTaasiya #12, Tel Aviv - Corner of HaMasger near the Central Bus Station

Jerusalem
Residents near Jerusalem can submit your US absentee ballot and vote:

When: Tuesday, October 28.
5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m.

Location: The OU Center
22 Keren HaYesod, Jerusalem

If you have questions, just contact VotefromIsrael.org at: 052.569.7236

SL

2008-10-22T16:48:00.003+02:00

As always, the Liberty Bell park was packed with thousands of people celebrating the end of the Sukkot and Simchat Torah at the annual "Hakafot Shniot" bash with the sponsors, Mr. and Mrs. Gluck.

President Shimon Peres spoke to the audience as did both Chief Rabbis.

SL

Sukkot Street Theater and Fair

2008-10-16T23:11:00.004+02:00

I think its unfortunate that some of the political candidates for mayor like to say that Jerusalem is a cultural wasteland. Ever since Lupolianski became mayor I’ve found that there are far more interesting cultural events happening in Jerusalem.

And I for one appreciate that the various summer festivals (particularly the music intensive ones) were moved away from the 9 days (preceding Tisha B’Av – a period of national mourning) in understanding that a significant portion of the city’s citizens are not able to participate in those kind of events during that time.

One of the great ideas that was introduced is the Sukkot Street Theater and Fair.

Every Sukkot the residents of Jerusalem are treated to a major street fair festival in the Liberty Bell Park. There is an acrobatic circus, magicians, clowns, mimes, booths, food, music, and more.

It’s a lot of fun, and a great opportunity for this alternative art form to be presented to an interested and appreciative audience.

SL

Express Mail

2008-09-10T17:18:00.006+03:00

In Israel, many common services are done at the Post Office. There is a Post Office Bank. You can pay your taxes and utility bills. You can even send mail.

The only problem are the lines. You can wait for a while just to pick up a single phone card or stamp, especially if it's around the time of the month when everyone's paying bills and taxes.

I was just in the Post Office in the Achim Yisrael Mall in Talpiyot. I needed to get a battery for my EasyPark, and to fill up my balance (EasyPark is a personal digital parking meter, that allows you to pay to park anywhere in the country).

I looked in dismay at the long line, until I noticed the vending machine in the corner!

Stamps, batteries, phone cards, all the small individual items you need but hate to stand on line for.

Now that's progress.

International Jewish Bloggers Convention

2008-08-20T03:02:00.000+03:00

The Convention is tonight!

Dear Bloggers,

I am thrilled to announce the First International Jewish Bloggers Convention – Hosted by Nefesh B’Nefesh, and Powered by WebAds.

The theme of the convention is “Taking JBlogging to the Next Level”.

This convention will be a great opportunity to meet other Jewish bloggers from all around the world, to network, to learn, and just have fun.

There will be panel discussions with leading Jewish bloggers from around the world on issues such as how to be a more influential blogger, how to increase your traffic, and blogging on issues related to Israel and Aliyah.

The keynote speaker will be Zavi Apfelbaum, Director - Brand Management Team, Foreign Ministry of the State of Israel.

Zavi is in charge of a new initiative by the Government of Israel, to promote pro-Israel branding and PR on the Internet, particularly in interactive forums such as blogs.

Among the bloggers on the various panels will be Treppenwitz, Jewlicious, Hirhurim, My Shrapnel, and others (see the website for all the name).

Also offering a special guest performance, direct from America, and right off the special Nefesh B'Nefesh Blogger flight, will be the comedy of FrumSatire.

As it’s a convention (of Jews), there will also be great food.

The convention will be on Wednesday, August 20^th from 5pm to 9pm (Israel time) in Jerusalem.

Space is limited and registration is required, you can register to attend in person, or watch it all by webcam and forum.

Registration Here:

This promises to be an exciting event and we look forward to seeing you all there.

If you have any questions, just email me.

And please, feel free to forward this to other Jewish bloggers who may be interested in attending.

Walk Around the Walls of the Old City

2008-08-03T09:36:00.002+03:00

-- Advertisement --

Saturday evening, August 9, and the 9 of Av, there will be a public walk around the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Thousands of people do this walk every year.

Reading of the Book of Eichah will begin at 9:30pm at Kikar Safra and walk begins at 10:30pm.

It is an interesting way to see nearly the entire wall around the Old City.

Caveat: There is a political orientation to this organized walk.

For more information click here.

Under the Streets of Jerusalem

2008-07-13T08:40:00.004+03:00

As you already know, not all the action in Jerusalem is above the ground. The other day I went exploring in Ir David – the City of David. The entrance is at the top of Ir David, opposite the Givayi parking lot and just below the Dung Gate of the Old City.

It’s been years since I was there (in fact I was there when they first opened the museum and all that was there were a few walkways). In another post I will show pictures from the museum, but now I have something just as interesting.

Part of the museum is Warren’s shaft, a Canaanite tunnel and Hizkiyahu’s tunnel – in which runs the Gihon spring and ends in the Shiloach pool.

The water is only deep at the very beginning, but the tunnel gets very tight and low at various points, so if you are going to do this hike take that into account. If you go during a rainy period, the water in the tunnel is going to be very high. If you didn't bring water shoes, they sell cheap ones at the kiosk.

At the end is copy of the original inscription left by the workers from the period of King Hizkiyah and the Shiloach pool.

Warren's Shaft

Canaanite Tunnel

Surprised tourists, not expecting that flash to go off

The Gihon Spring in Hezekiah's Tunnel

The inscription at the entrance to the tunnel

Kids wading in the Shiloach Pool

Shiloach Pool from above

Inauguration

2008-06-26T16:00:00.003+03:00

The Great Toothpick in the Sky was officially inaugurated yesterday in Jerusalem.

Here are some pictures from the Jerusalem Municipality site.

If they keep the Bridge of Strings regularly lit up like that at night, it will actually look nice.

The Glow of Jerusalem

2008-06-16T10:24:00.007+03:00

I was driving around Jerusalem and a bit suprised to see this sign.

If you haven't figured it out, the sign says "Warning! Radioactive Waste"

Which I guess is OK, because radioactive waste has to go somewhere, except it was posted next to dozens of stacked barrels probably full of the stuff, and right next to the road I was driving on.

This picture was taken at Hadassah Hospital and is obviously from their nuclear medicine treatment facilities which are among the best in the world.

While the contaminated radioactive waste from nuclear medical treatments tends to be at very low-radiation levels, I still wonder what happens to it next.

SL

Jerusalem Day - Hip Hip Hurray

2008-06-02T14:53:00.004+03:00

It's Jerusalem Day today - Hip Hip Hurray.

Jerusalem Day celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967 after the city was divided in 1948 and the Old City Jewish residents killed, captured or expelled.

Did you know that the origin of the phrase "HIP HIP Hurray" might very well be related to Jerusalem?

A number of sources have it that after the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70CE, they toasted with the phrase "Hierosylma Est Perdita" or "Jerusalem is destroyed" and the response to the toast was Hurrah. H.I.P. being the initials for Hierosylma Est Perdita.

So after 2000 years, Jerusalem is rebuilt (as you can see in this blog), and Latin is a dead language, and the Romans are long gone.

Hip Hip Hurray.

Source: http://ohr.edu/ask_db/ask_main.php/261/Q1/
SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Bonfire of the Jerusalemites

2008-05-23T09:49:00.003+03:00

Today is Lag BaOmer, the Jewish holiday where elaborate (even multistory) bonfires are built, and then burned. Kids love it (adults too).

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Bridge of Strings

2008-05-18T15:13:00.004+03:00

Don't look ~~down~~ up.

This is the view of the Bridge of Strings from directly under the bridge.

Here you can see a closer view of the overlapping strings.

Here is where the strings connect to the base of the bridge.

And here the bridge stands alone.

You would think that if they were building something so tall, they would have also built an elevator and allowed tourists to go up to the top for a fee.

But when they rushed this project through they didn't really consider all the potential possibilities.

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Out with the Old, In with the New

2008-05-14T10:39:00.005+03:00

For as long as I can remember the Terem Emergency Clinic, founded by Dr. David Applebaum, was located on HaMem-Gimmel Street, sharing the building with Mada (Magen Dovid Adom).

Mem-Gimmel is equivalent to 43, and it is named after 43 people who drowned making their way to Israel.

But, Terem outgrew the building a long time ago, and now they recently managed to find new, more suitable housing just up the block on the corner of HaMem-Gimel and Yirmiyahu Street, still at the entrance to the City.

I haven't had the opportunity (or need) to check it out yet, but I hope to see visit and see their new digs soon.

Across the street is the Center-1 mall.

Once this was a failing mall, with a decent movie theater. Management turned it around, shut the theater and turned it into a very successful Chareidi (Ultra-Orthodox) mall.

Behind Center-1 is the Gates of Jerusalem (Sha'arei Yerushalyim) Hotel.

And of course from HaMem-Gimmel street you can see the bridge (lots more closeup pictures on that next week).

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Lighting Up in the Old City

2008-04-24T23:21:00.005+03:00

While there were signs up everywhere that the Old City would be closed and to use the free, public transportation to get there during the Passover holiday, the municipality forgot to mention that the roads around the Old City would be, for the most part, closed too, and just to avoid those areas if you were going out.

After some fancy maneuvering, we parked under Kikar Safra.

Every night, the city offered a spectacular lights and fireworks display all evening along the walls near Jaffa Gate (Sh'ar Yafo). People filled up the entire area to watch.

Even the tunnel alongside the Old City (between Mamilla and Jaffa Gate) was closed up and filled to capacity with people watching the extravaganza.

And of course, here is our regular update on the progress of the rebuilding of the Hurva synagogue.

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Nofei HaPark - The ParkView

2008-04-14T22:28:00.008+03:00

--Paid Advertisement--

It's not in Jerusalem, but you see Jerusalem from there, and it is less than 15 minutes away from Gilo.

The A. Barkan company is building a new, high quality, apartment complex in the Zayit neighborhood of Efrat.

Zayit is a young, religious, but open neighborhood where approximately 60% of the residents are native English speakers.

The apartments (4, 5, or 6 rooms) will be situated in 3 buildings overlooking a neighborhood park. Some Apartments are available with gardens, or as penthouse duplexes.

For more information, to request pricing info, or to speak with a sales representative, go to the Nofei HaPark(ParkView) website.

SL

Sponsored by A. Barkan

What's this?

2008-04-14T13:33:00.003+03:00

I was in the bus station and saw this strange automatic kiosk standing there.

Can anyone figure out what it is selling?

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Cracks in the Bridge

2008-03-31T11:32:00.002+03:00

Cracks have been found in the Jerusalem "Bridge of Strings" currently being built at the entrance to Jerusalem.

My recommendation is that the first people to ride the train over that section be the engineers themselves.

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

Update on Hurva Reconstruction

2008-03-28T10:02:00.005+03:00

The Jerusalem Post has an article about the Hurva shul nearly being completed.

Original Building before 1948

Symbolic Reconstruction after 1967

Convenient timing that article, as I was just there and took an updated photo.

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

What's under the Kotel (Plaza)

2008-03-24T17:05:00.003+02:00

I'm sure you've heard about the many amazing archeological finds that have been found lately in the Old City of Jerusalem and the City of David.

Some of those finds from the First and Second Temple periods have been found under the Kotel Plaza itself.

Here is a picture from the Kotel dig site (the Western Wall is to the far left outside the picture frame).

SL

Sponsored by The House in Ein Karem

The Good Life

2008-03-16T09:58:00.007+02:00

While writing the Streets of Jerusalem, I don't think we've never actually taken you inside a house.

If you're rich, or just have rich taste, theb this villa is for you.

This is a private house for sale in Ein Karem.

Ein Karem is an old neighborhood located in a valley at the edge of Jerusalem. It's a very unique village with a lot of history behind it.

There are a lot more pictures on their house on their site, as well as blueprints, and contact information.

SL

The Missing Menora

2008-03-13T00:50:00.002+02:00

In case you were walking in the Cardo of the Old City and couldn't find the solid gold Menora, don't worry.

It wasn't stolen.

It was just moved to the stairs leading down to the Kotel.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Lions, Tigers, and (no) Bears, oh my!

2008-02-16T19:04:00.005+02:00

Turns out that bears hibernate during the winter, so we couldn't see them at the zoo, but the penguins were having a great time.

No zoo is complete without safari train.
Great park for kids too!
Don't forget the pink flamingos!

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Moving to Jerusalem

2008-02-11T17:46:00.000+02:00

You've been reading the Streets of Jerusalem blog for at least half a year now.

You've got to be interested in moving here.

Not sure how?

Nefesh b'Nefesh is offering online Webinars and local Seminars on the subject of making Aliyah - the issues, the options, and how Nefesh b'Nefesh can help financially and in other ways.

Convinced? You can apply here for more info.

And if you are a doctor, NbN is offering grants and financial assistance of up to $60,000.

See you here soon.

Imaginary Residents

2008-02-11T17:42:00.000+02:00

There are a number of beautiful murals painted around Jerusalem (yes that's a painting, look closely).

Here is one from (the top of) Ben-Yehuda Street.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

The light at the end of the tunnel...

2008-02-06T05:34:00.000+02:00

The tunnels of Kvish 9...

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Getting Lost

2008-01-16T12:52:00.000+02:00

Sorry, I was distracted by the real world for a little while. But lets get back to business.

I accidentally made a wrong turn and suddenly found myself on Kvish 9 - the new road that links up the entrance to Jerusalem with all the old roads. As I wasn't familiar with the road, I wasn't at first sure where it was going to take me, but the scenes on the roadside were all familiar, so I wasn't overly concerned.

This road is nice. I can't think of a better word to describe it. Take a look at this first series of pictures and see for yourself.

That is the Har Hozvim Technology Park in the background.

Exits, Exits Everywhere

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Queen Helena Slept Here

2007-12-05T19:16:00.000+02:00

Back in October I discussed the Shiloach, or the City of David.

If you've tried parking in the Givati parking lot at the entrance to this neighborhood any time in the past half year you've noticed the construction site that made this small parking lot even smaller. Actually it is an archeological dig.

It turns out, according the Jerusalem Post report, that they found a major 2nd Temple period palace believed to be the palace of Queen Helena (who also has a street named after her in Jerusalem - though not one we've looked at just yet in this blog).

The discoveries lately in the City of David have been amazing.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Har Nof Revisited

2007-11-28T10:30:00.000+02:00

It was pointed out to me (quite correctly) that Har Nof isn't completely a concrete jungle, as the joke goes. After all it is surrounded by a forest. I guess that would make it more like a concrete oasis.

Below are pictures from HaAdmor m'Boyan Street. I believe this is the only street in Har Nof with private houses.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Praying in Har Nof

2007-11-27T09:38:00.000+02:00

One of the many neighborhoods we haven’t had a chance to visit yet in this blog is Har Nof.

Many like to joke that Har Nof is a concrete jungle, but personally I think Har Homa has taken that title away from them.

I wanted to present pictures of what I think best encapsulates the spirit of Har Nof.

I’ve decided to show you just of a few of the myriad of shuls (synagogues) that fill this neighborhood (though in reality, I would probably have to show many of the residential buildings too, as many have small synagogues built into their lobbies and bomb shelters).

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Jerusalem Divided/United

2007-11-25T06:35:00.000+02:00

Where Yafo Street and Shivtei Yisrael meet, and Shlomo HaMelech Street turns into Road 60 is a corner of the Old City as well as the Jerusalem Municipality - it is also known as Kikar Tzahal.

40 years ago, when Jerusalem was divided, this street was a border of divided Jerusalem.

Below you can the new (square) and old (rounded) sections of the Jerusalem Municipality buildings.

If you look close up, you can see the remains on the older section of the building from when Jordanian snipers used to shoot at the people inside the building from the Old City, just across the street.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Bikur Cholim Hospital

2007-11-23T10:52:00.000+02:00

~~Yesterday~~ Two days ago, I mentioned the savior of the Bikur Cholim Hospital.

Today it is only fair that I show the Bikur Cholim Hospital. The hospital is located at the corner of HaNeviim Street and Strauss Street (both sides of the street).

The hospital itself is one of the oldest running hospitals in Jerusalem. It was founded in 1826!

SL

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Facing the Future

2007-11-21T10:29:00.000+02:00

As you probably heard, Arcadi Gaydamak recently won a tender for the purchase of the Bikur Cholim Hospital (I'll put up pictures of the hospital tomorrow or Sunday).

The hospital was sold in order to save it, and it looks like Gaydamak actually will save it.

But in case you didn't hear about this, then surely you saw the poster hanging at the entrance to the city.The sign says:

"Jerusalem, you deserve more.
The Renewed Bikur Cholim Hospital - With a face to the future."

Does anyone recognize the face of the 4-story tall doctor in the photo?

SL

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Jerusalem's Miracle Mile

2007-11-18T12:16:00.000+02:00

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and describe Kanfei Nesharim Street in Givat Shaul, as Jerusalem's version of the Miracle Mile.

Starting at Shderot Herzl and extending all the way to Har Nof, this road begins as a residential area, but quickly transforms into a long stretch of shops, supermarkets, and offices once you reach the landmark Angel's Bakery factory.

Unusual for Jerusalem, it is quite surprisingly designed with multiple rows of parking on each side of the street (perhaps difficult to see in the photos), as well as underground parking. Of course, it's not always easy to find a spot, but I will give them an A for effort.

SL

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Radio West

2007-11-15T23:23:00.000+02:00

This used to be the secret entrance to the secret location of what was once the only English speaking radio station in Israel - Radio West, until despite their best efforts to acquire a radio license they were eventually and unfortunately shut down.

SL

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Bridges to the Sky

2007-11-13T15:12:00.000+02:00

Everywhere you go in Jerusalem you see construction and building.

At the entrance to the city they are building a cantilever bridge for the light railway.

Here it is, reaching skyward, in the process of being built.

SL

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A Study in Contrasts

2007-11-08T10:32:00.000+02:00

Here is one of the new streets in Gilo.

And here is an old house, near the Paz gas station, but I can't find a name for its street (but it appears to be #12).

SL

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The Walls of Jerusalem

2007-11-07T15:36:00.000+02:00

Of course, everyone visiting Jerusalem has seen the walls of the Old City, but there are some lesser walls that most people are not familiar with.

Not to scare anyone away from Gilo (which is a really beautiful and affordable neighborhood), but around 6 years ago, the neighboring residents of Beit Jala took it upon themselves to shoot at the residents of Gilo in a most unfriendly way, or at least at those homes that were at the border of Gilo.

In response, the IDF built a wall that goes (for miles) around Gilo to stop the bullets from flying through the homes.

Perhaps not the best response (but that is a political question, and not at all the point of this blog).

Meanwhile Gilo’s border residents were not particularly happy with the tall gray concrete pillars that now blocked their view.

Therefore, they took it upon themselves to spruce them up a bit with artwork. Each section of wall is painted with a different motif and by different artists.

So, I now present to you the (Other) Walls of Jerusalem.

SL

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Park Gilo

2007-11-06T18:42:00.000+02:00

That's it! I've found what must be the best park in Jerusalem, perhaps all of Israel.

Hiding at the end of Gilo, is the Gilo Park.

To begin with, after driving around Gilo, I am convinced that it must be one of the largest neighborhoods in Jerusalem.

Make your way to the end of Gilo, passed the UpTown mall and you find yourself in a forested park.

This park is loaded.

Shoots and ladders, basketball court, climbing challenges, rollerblade paths, picnic tables, hiking paths, swings, observation points, and a ton of trees that make up the forest.

If you hike to the end of the forest you can see Malcha, the Zoo, and other parts of South-West Jerusalem.

I’m not sure how well known this park is to Jerusalemites outside of Gilo. I almost hesitate to mention it here, out of fear that it will suddenly become too popular.

SL

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On Exits

2007-11-05T08:47:00.000+02:00

There's still plenty more to see in the Old City, and we'll be revisiting there in the future to photograph more streets and track the progress of the reconstruction of the Hurva Synagogue.

In the meantime, here is (temporarily) one last picture of Jaffa Gate (Sha'ar Yafo) and the Old City walls at night (with Mamilla village at the bottom).

SL

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Out with the Old, In with the New

2007-11-01T23:37:00.000+02:00

For many years, the south end of the Old City was kind of ignored. There was some archaeological digs left open, such as in this picture, but for the most part not to much was done with that section.

A few years ago it was decided to build a playground over there, and so they did. A nice one with courts, and a children's play area.

In the background we see the ancient Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of Olives. An interesting contrast between new and old, and living and dead.

SL

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Archways and Stairs

2007-10-31T10:01:00.000+02:00

I saw this street of archways and stairs and simply had to take a picture of it. Stunning. The name of the street is Shonei Halachot.

And this street is a continuation of Misgav Ladach Street that we discussed the other day.

SL

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Time Travel

2007-10-30T21:55:00.000+02:00

Lying half hidden between Chabad Street and Hayehudim Street in the Old City is the Cardo.

Back when the Romans were still around, they used to build a main thoroughfare, called the Cardo, in cities they controlled. The Cardo ran North-South, and often a secondary road that went East-West intersected with it, but I am unfamiliar with any East-West road in the Old City, so we’ll leave it at that.

The Cardo itself was lined and filled with shops.

After Jerusalem was reunited in 1967, the Cardo was uncovered and refurbished. The section in the pictures below was left exposed. The rest of the Cardo was covered over by residential housing to create an enclosed semi-underground mall.

Parts of the Cardo are again lined with shops.

The columns you see below are designed in the Corinthian style.

In this picture we see the solid gold Menorah located in the Cardo.

Further down the road you can look down some tunnel and see even older and deeper parts of the road.

SL

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The Rova Revisited

2007-10-29T23:29:00.001+02:00

Taking a look at the reconstruction of the Churva Synagogue we can see that the dome is progressing nicely since the last time we looked at it.

And here is a picture of the Rova, the central square in the Jewish Quarter.

SL

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The Dividing Line

2007-10-29T08:37:00.001+02:00

Starting off at Jaffa Gate (Shar Yafo) the quickest way (though debatable by some if it is the safest) to the Kotel, the Tunnel Tours, and the Temple Mount is by going straight ahead.

This road is known as David Street and turns into the Street of the Chains (Bab al-Silsilah Street in Arabic). Most people simply know it as the Arab Shuk.

It is the road that divides the Christian and Arab Quarters on one side of the city with the Armenian and Jewish Quarters on the other.

Though before the Jews were driven out of the Old City in 1948, when Jerusalem was divided, the definitions of the quarters were mostly irrelevant as Jews lived in all the quarters and apparently made up the majority of residents of the Old City.

Turning right on this street towards the end of the Shuk we find ourselves at an upper entrance to the Kotel on Misgav Ladach Street.

Misgav Ladach Street is the street where the original Misgav Ladach hospital was located when it was founded in 1854, until it was destroyed in 1948. You can learn more about the intersting history of the Misgav Ladach Hospital while it was in the Old City here.

Today, the rebuilt building, houses the dormitories for the Sephardi Center.

SL

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The City of David

2007-10-28T11:07:00.001+02:00

There is no way that a simple post can do the City of David justice, so I recommend you go here for more information.

Known as the Shiloach, Silwan, and the Lower City, the “City of David” was Israel’s capital after King David captured it from the Jebusites some 3000 years ago. Buried underneath this city lies the amazing history of the Jewish people.

Today it is a layered congestion of slums, new buildings, and amazing archeological finds.

Below is the Ir David Archeological Museum where the uncovered remains of the Palace of King David has been found and can be seen.

SL

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Mother Rachel

2007-10-23T15:39:00.000+02:00

If you happened to look at the Hebrew Calendar today you would have noticed that it is the 11th of Cheshvan, the anniversery of the Jewish Matriarch Rachel's death.

As this is a blog about Jerusalem, we aren't going to show you Rachel's Tomb as it lies just outside Jerusalem's municipal's borders in Bethlehem.

But, we will show you the road that leads to the tomb, Derech Hevron.

It has always been a mystery to me as to why the road that leads to Bethlehem is called Derech Hevron, while the parallel road is called Derech Beit Lechem (which if that road didn't end in a junction it would go straight onto Hevron).

The buses were lined up all the way down the road for those that wanted to visit.

And the buses were packed.

Rumor has it that 60,000 people visited Rachel's Tomb today.

Here is a visitor tent that was set up on the road.

SL

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Its fun to stay at the...

2007-10-22T19:04:00.001+02:00

Now that we are back on King David Street, and having toured all around it, let's take a quick look at the YMCA itself. The YMCA was built in 1933.

The angle is a little different, but it doesn't look like its changed much.

(Old photos from the Jerusalem YMCA website)

SL

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George Washington Slept Here

2007-10-20T18:35:00.001+02:00

Continuing on Moshe Hess Street, going passed Abraham Lincoln Street, you can see Keren Hayesod Street to the right.

As we keep going counter-clockwise with this road we now find ourselves on George Washington Street.

At one time, GW was a quiet, sleepy little street that could best be described as the street behind the other buildings.

But with all the new upscale construction going on, it's now going to be a very active street (at least during the holidays when the foreign residents show up).

Continuing on down the street, we find ourselves back on King David Street and this beautiful building.SL

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President Abraham Lincoln

2007-10-19T07:22:00.000+02:00

Moving along Moshe Hess Street, if we look to the right we see a street named after one of America's greatest presidents, President Abraham Lincoln.

It’s a rather unassuming, quiet residential street, but its location is excellent.

SL

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Moshe Hess Street

2007-10-17T10:01:00.001+02:00

Turning off busy King David Street we enter the surprisingly quiet, and mostly residential Moshe Hess Street.

Looking back, we can see the David’s Citadel Hotel and some of the massive construction going on in this area.

Below is the office of the JCC Association.

You probably best know them for their Ben Yehuda Mall Street Fairs – where they brought Ben Yehuda storeowners (and their products) to different US cities to help them when their businesses were faltering on Ben Yehuda Street due to terrorism.

It’s a nice looking building.

Further along, Hess St. meets up with the back end of the YMCA.

Someone creatively painted a castle door on (the door in) the wall that surrounds what was once a YMCA (track?) field, and now soon to be private residential housing.

SL

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A Passage Through

2007-10-15T21:25:00.000+02:00

As I’m driving down Emek Refaim Street, I was trying to figure out, when (and why) did they put up a guardhouse to the entrance of that particular courtyard.

And what a strange guardhouse it was. There was no gate to block the way - people could walk right through it. And people were hanging out all around the guardhouse, even sitting on chairs someone had conveniently placed there.

I looked again, and realized that the “guardhouse” was actually a café that they built right in the middle of the entrance. Definitely different. I’m gonna have to check it out.

SL

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King David's Throne

2007-10-14T21:23:00.000+02:00

King David Street is known for its upperclass art stores, car rental agencies, the YMCA, DadyGPS, and of course the famous King David Hotel.

Here is the David's Citadel Hotel...

And the newest addition to this famous road is the "King David's Crown" - a new commerical and residential project for the wealthier people among us.

SL

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Going in Circles

2007-10-12T15:41:00.000+02:00

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “Talpiot Industrial Zone”?

For some people it’s the car garages, others it’s the supermarkets, the malls, bowling, discos, small industry shops, hi-tech companies (if you were around for that period of time), or the wedding halls.

For me, and don’t laugh now, the first thing that comes to mind is traffic circles.

Whether you are on Yad Harutzim Street, or Pierre Koenig Street, guaranteed you’ve been stuck waiting at one of the many traffic circles concentrated in the 3 three block radius that includes 3 4 5 I don’t know how many traffic circles.

And either you’re stuck waiting to get onto one, or your trying to get safely off it without hitting the car forcing his way in, in front of you.

To paraphrase the Talmud: 10 portions of traffic circles were allocated to Jerusalem, Talpiot took 9 of them (figuratively speaking).

SL

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The Churva

2007-10-08T21:28:00.000+02:00

In 1267, the Ramban (Nachmanades) founded his Shul (Synagogue) in the Old City of Jerusalem. In 1589 the Ottomans closed the shul. In the 1700’s on the courtyard next to the Ramban shul a new shul was built. In the mid-1800s it was finished.

This shul was destroyed by the Arabs in 1948 and became known as the Churva.

In 1978 the commemorative arch for the shul was built.

And now in 2007, the construction has begun to rebuild the entire shul in all its glory.

Photographs and Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurba_Synagogue
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramban_Synagogue

(Except for the last photo of the reconstruction process).

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Finishing Up Sukkot in Mamilla

2007-10-07T23:41:00.000+02:00

This (or maybe one more post) will finish up our Sukkot round-up for this year.

As always, you can send us an email if there is a specific Jerusalem street you'd like to see pictures of.

Here are 2 Sukkas in the new Mamilla shopping mall (which by the way, just opened a new section up that happens to have a great store for kids educational toys).

You should see the views from their Sukkahs.

SL

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Sukkot of the Old City of Jerusalem

2007-10-05T00:17:00.000+02:00

Sukkot may be over (until next year), but we still have a ton of pictures. We present to you the Sukkahs of the Old City of Jerusalem. (We’ll do a more comprehensive review of the Streets of the Old City of Jerusalem another time).

The Sukkah on the Stairs

Look on the roof.

Look to the left.

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Hakafot Shniyot

2007-10-05T00:08:00.000+02:00

The Liberty Bell Park seems to be playing a prominent role on this blog lately. But what can you do when so much seems to happen there?

We just returned from the annual (post Sukkot) Hakafot Shniyot celebration, sponsored by Mr. And Mrs. Eugene Gluck. Thousands of people participated filling up the park, and it was a veritable who’s who of Ohavei Tzion. Here are some pictures.

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Food, Glorious Food

2007-10-02T01:21:00.000+02:00

You gotta hand it to the Mayor.

Since he took over, he has made Jerusalem a fun (and tasty) place.

Again the city hosted the Annual Sukkot Food Fair at the Old Train Station. All the latest restaurants were hawking their wares (OK, selling their food). Music filled the air alongside the aroma of tens of different types of ethnic food - all kosher, of course.

SL

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Send in the Clowns

2007-10-02T01:08:00.000+02:00

There’s nothing like a Street Fair for the Streets of Jerusalem.

Once again, Jerusalem hosted their annual Sukkot Street Fair in the Liberty Bell Park. There were booths, and clowns, and shows, and clowns, and music, and of course the circus (presented by the Jerusalem Street Performer School), and did I mention the clowns. It’s over though, so if you missed it, you’ll have to wait for next year.

It was really nice.

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Where did they hide Emek Refaim?

2007-09-30T18:54:00.000+02:00

Emek Refaim is the SoHo of Jerusalem. Restaurants, cafes, and artsy stores intermingling all along this super-busy main street of the German Colony. But this week it is impossible to see any restaurants or cafes as their sukkas took over all the sidewalks in front.

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Eating Out – In Style

2007-09-28T14:32:00.000+02:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned that there are some very upscale restaurants on a quiet street just off the beaten path, but never got around to writing about the street.

I happened to stop by the other day, just before the holiday began and took some pictures of this street as they started to get ready for the Sukkot holiday.

Located just off of the main hangout streets, Shimon Ben-Shetach Street used to be best known as the location of one of the main Bituach Leumi (Social Security) branch offices. But recently this street was transformed into a low (car) traffic street and more of a pedestrian walk.

A number of upscale (Glatt Kosher) restaurants opened there. I haven’t had the chance to try them out yet, but they look good from the outside. So if you have a chance, get there during Sukkot. It gives new meaning to “eating out – in style”.

Also on this street is an antique store, that for some reason, has the telephone number of Carl Marx in the window, and a synagogue for Iranian expats.

SL

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Sukkah-riah

2007-09-27T23:39:00.000+02:00

The Jerusalem Municipality is calling it a Sukkah-riah (su'ka'ria is a candy in Hebrew).

The hype said it was a Sukkah made out of 2 tons of candy. A dentist’s delight. Personally I wondered what would happen if it rained.

The reality at Kikar Safra (the Jerusalem Municipality) was somewhat less overstated.

It was more along the lines of a large Sukkah built out of normal materials, decorated quite nicely, and where they are giving away some 2 tons of candy inside (while outside are some very long lines pushing to get in at get at the free candy).

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The most colorful streets in Jerusalem

2007-09-25T23:43:00.000+02:00

It's no drab black and whites for these streets.

With the holiday of Sukkot starting Wednesday evening we decided to take a tour around the most happening streets of Jerusalem, inside the neighborhoods of Meah Shearim and Geulah.

These streets of Jerusalem were packed with buyers and sellers; booths and stores were crowded - in fact many stores were transformed into Lulav and Etrog centers, and people were forced to walk in the middle of the road to get anywhere (OK, not fair, because in Geulah and Meah Shearim, people usually walk in the middle of the road regardless of the season or the crowds).

Enjoy the pictures and happy holiday.

Meah Shearim:

Geulah:

SL

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Holiday Posts

2007-09-24T21:28:00.001+02:00

Some holiday related posts coming up soon!

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Chorev

2007-09-20T10:58:00.000+02:00

The Chorev Synagogue in Rechavia on Ibn Givrol Street.

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It's All Right (Nachon)

2007-09-19T01:51:00.000+02:00

You're probably asking yourself, 'S.A. Nachon Street'?

Where is that? Is it even on the map?

You'd be surprised to learn what a busy little street this is.

To begin with, it is the home of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center. Well worth the visit and tour (make an appointment in advance).

Then, there is the famous Bnei Brith Bridge which crosses over Derech Hebron.

And of course, you want to cross over the bridge, because on the other side is the Cinemateque (in the Kidron Valley).

And looking up at the bridge and at the continuation of S.A. Nachon Street you see the part of the neighborhood of Yemin Moshe known as Mishkanot Sha'ananim.

In the background are some hotels, and the famous Montifiore Windmill (right side, in front of the King David Hotel).

Still not sure where it is, or why you should visit?

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Just above the bus station

2007-09-17T23:37:00.000+02:00

A few weeks ago a(n anonymous) reader wrote in response to the post "Behind the Bus Station" that I forgot to mention "the monument marking where the Turks surrendered to General Allenby a bit up the street".

So here are the pictures of the monument.

A closeup of the text at the bottom.

The monument itself is in a children's park at the top of Hatzi Street. It's a nice park if you ignore all the broken glass on the floor. I called the 106 hotline and complained. Hopefully they'll deal with it.

Happy New Year

2007-09-12T15:20:00.000+03:00

Happy New Year and come back after Rosh Hashanah for more pictures and stories on the Streets of Jerusalem.

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Getting around Jerusalem

2007-09-11T11:23:00.000+03:00

Make a left at the corner, go right until the third traffic light, at the alley behind the tree turn right again, whoops, dead end.

Driving around Jerusalem can sometimes be challenge. Obscure street names, unfamiliar neighborhoods, road changes, narrow streets, friendly people giving you wrong and unclear directions, etc.

If you're visiting Israel, one of the best ways to make your vacation less stressful is to get yourself a GPS from dadyGPS. Why get lost?

dadyGPS has a special price for readers of any blog in the WebAds network. Mention WebAds and you can rent a GPS for just $50 for the entire week (or $12/day).

Well worth it, and they are conveniently located on King David Street, right near the King David Hotel. Call: 02-624-0447 and mention WebAds (and the "Streets Of Jerusalem").

Unusual Homes

2007-09-09T23:14:00.000+03:00

At first glance, when driving to Hanoch Kalai Street (named after a former leader of the Irgun) in Old Malcha you see a somewhat incongruous minuret (or somewhat incongruous now) rising up over the homes in the area.

As you get closer, you realize that the homes seems to have been built around this minuret.

I don't think it is in use any more.

And check out this home on the same street!

That's Teddy Stadium down below in the background.

Name this Consulate

2007-09-06T09:13:00.000+03:00

Whose consulate is this?

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Genesis 22:4

2007-09-04T20:22:00.000+03:00

I once heard a tour guide say that when Abraham went to Jerusalem, he stood on what is now the Tayelet in Talpiot and looked out at what would one day be the City of Jerusalem and Mount Moriah.

Having just stood there and looking at this amazing panoramic view of the entire city - I would say, it could very well be true.

UNTSO Headquarters is also located here.

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Women's Zionist Organization

2007-09-04T00:10:00.001+03:00

Take Road 396 (which starts off as Henrietta Szold Street, conveniently named after the founder of the Womens Zionist Organization, aka: Hadassah) and at the western edge of Jerusalem you’ll find the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem.

Sitting on a wooded mountain overlooking a beautiful valley underneath of the neighborhood of Ein Kerem (with Mevassetet Tzion in the distance).

Just so you know, Hadassah opened a new “Eim v’Yeled” or post-birth recuperation center. I hear it’s like a hotel.

SL

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Betzalel

2007-09-02T22:16:00.000+03:00

Betzalel is a main road that links the City Center with two main roads, one (Shderot Ben-Tzvi) from the entrance to the city, and the other, the government center (Shderot Yitchak Rabin).

This is the famous Pargod theater on Betzalel Street.

Nahar Prat Street, just off the main road.

SL

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For Sale in Jerualem (Mamila)

2007-08-30T12:21:00.000+03:00

Property ID: 1060
Type: Penthouse
Neighbourhood: Mamila
Built Surface: 250 Sq. Mtr 2,691 Sq. Ft.
Rooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5
Sale Price: $5,300,000
Contact: Yossi Ben-Haim
Tel: +972-(0) 2-561-1611

Click for more info

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Touring Latin America

2007-08-30T09:48:00.000+03:00

Hola!

We spent a few hours the other day touring Latin America.

In the space of a few hours we went to Chili, Mexico, Panama, Brazil and other ~~countries~~ streets. There is an entire neighborhood (Kiryat Menachem) and a half (Kiryat HaYovel) dedicated to Latin America in Jerusalem.

There’s even a reason for this. I just don’t know it (yet – can anyway help here?).

We start off our tour on Chili Street, best known in Jerusalem as the site of the “Mifletzet” (the Monster). This monster children’s slide was extremely controversial when it was first built, but now it has become a most loved part of the landscape.

Continuing to drive around we see Nicaragua and Panama Streets.

But it’s when we reach the corner of Mexico and Colombia does this neighborhood get really interesting.

Here we find the Mexico Park with one of the nicest children’s outdoor “shoots and ladders” structures I’ve seen in Jerusalem.

Finally, on this tour we have Brazil Street. Some of the buildings here reminded me of the movie with the same name.

Other streets we passed by included: Uruguay, Venezuela, Guatemala, and Bolivia.

Adios.

(I apologize, we won't be able to get to see the upscale restaurant section in Jerusalem this week like I originally planned).
SL

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Bifurcated Roads (2)

2007-08-28T20:05:00.000+03:00

I still haven't found another bifurcated road like Shderot HaMeiri in Kiryat Moshe, but here is Shalom Aleichem Street (between Keren HaYesod and Jabotinsky) in Talbieh. It's a good try, but no walking path in the middle.

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The Malcha Technology Park Elevator

2007-08-27T22:21:00.000+03:00

Last week I mentioned Free Things to Do with your Kids in Jerusalem and mentioned the elevators in the Malcha Technology Park Tower. But because we were having so much fun going up and down I forgot to take pictures.

This time I didn't forget.

That's the Malcha Train Station, and that is an actual train in Jerusalem (I'm not sure what it is doing there)!

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Things to do in Jerusalem at Night (3)

2007-08-26T17:55:00.000+03:00

Rivlin Street is nice with its restaurants, clubs, and cafes, but later this week we plan to show you a different street, if you are looking to really go upscale.

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Behind the Bus Station

2007-08-25T23:49:00.000+03:00

For all the hustle and bustle in front of the Jerusalem Bus Station, HaTzvi Street, behind the bus station, is surprisingly pastoral.

SL
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Things to do in Jerusalem after dark (2)

2007-08-23T22:00:00.000+03:00

This is the "Lev Talpiot" Mall on HaUman Street in Talpiot. Half the mall closed down a while ago. There are lots of theories why this particular mall failed, when most other Jerusalem malls are doing so well. My wife thinks that it has to do with calling yourself an "Outlet Center" and then being priced exactly the same as the stores in the Malcha Mall. But that's her theory.

It recently reopened it's top floor with a gorgeous 18 lane bowling alley...
and billiards room (soon to also have a disco).
I don't know why this mall failed, but if they don't start running the elevators during the day I suspect they may fail again.

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Free Things to do with your Kids in Jerusalem (1)

2007-08-23T00:28:00.000+03:00

I’m not sure management would approve, but my kid sure did.

Rising high over the Malcha Technology Park and Malcha Mall, is the Tower.

It has the most amazing glass elevators.

Starting from the 1st or 4th floor (depending where you come in from) these super fast elevators are a kids delight (as long as your kid isn’t afraid of heights).

The elevators start off inside the building, but just a few flight up and you are suddenly climbing the 17 story tower from the outside. Reminded me of Willy Wonka and the Glass Elevator.

The trips up and down are worth a good 15 minutes of free fun (OK, I enjoyed it too).

We were having so much fun in the elevator I forgot to take pictures from the top. I'll try to get one next week.

SL

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Saadiah Gaon

2007-08-21T00:01:00.000+03:00

Saadiah Gaon Street isn't in Kiryat Moshe with all the other Gaonim, instead he found himself in Rechavia with the Rashba, Radak, and others.

Tucked away on Saadiah Gaon Street is this nice little park and garden.

SL

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