Jerusalem Travel Blog

In the weeks leading up to the Jewish high holydays, synagogues all over Jerusalem become focal points for special prayers called piyutim or bakashot.  Using melodies handed down over generations, Jews whose origins are in every corner of the world, spend a couple of hours late at night and in the very...

It’s not to soon to report that the 28th Jerusalem Film Festival lives up to its reputation as one of Israel’s premier cultural events of the year. You still have time to catch some of the superb Israeli documentaries and features that will give you a glimpse into this complex and dynamic...

Looking for some free summer entertainment? Besides all the festivals that make up the summer cultural season in Jerusalem, the holy city is the place to be for free (or almost free) concerts to suit every taste.   Meir Banai performs in Jerusalem. © Judy Lash Balint The added bonus with Jerusalem’s...

As America gets set to whoop it up for July 4th, I try to explain to Israeli friends how Americans celebrate their Independence Day–parades, picnics, fireworks and yes, sales, but the thing that catches their attention most is the 3-day weekend.  Israelis count themselves lucky to get Independence...

What a week–no sooner were the Jerusalem Day celebrations over, when the Opera Festival started out on its series of fabulous events. With performances scheduled for Masada and  Jerusalem, there’s still time to snag tickets for one of the gala events, if you’ll be in Jerusalem over...

While everyone else is joining in the mass Rikudegalim (dancing with flags) to mark Jerusalem Day on Wednesday * (see below for details), you may want to celebrate another event that occurs on the same date.  The Hebrew date that marks the anniversary of the death of the prophet Samuel is the same as...

Jerusalem night life is pretty lively with clubs, cafes, art cinema houses, theater and concerts.  But during the summer, it’s the outdoor concerts in spectacular places that catch the attention and can cap off a visit to the holy city.   Outdoor concert in Jerusalem's Sultans Pool Over...

Strange Fruit–a performance art group from Melbourne, Australia, is the opening act for the 50th Israel Festival that kicks off in Jerusalem tonight. The theater, dance, circus act performers give two 20-minute free shows on Monday at 5 p.m and 7 p.m in Zion Square (Kikar Zion) downtown Jerusalem. Get...

Almost every museum in Israel will be taking part in International Museum Day that takes place on Wednesday, May 18 this year.  That means free entrance to the latest exhibits at 76 museums all across the country, including most of Jerusalem’s prime cultural outlets. Israel Museum, Jerusalem....

Have you ever been to a Philosophy Festival? If you feel like sharing ideas with some of the 21st century’s top leading minds from all over the world–then drop in on the What’s On Your Mind Philosophy festival in Jerusalem between May 18-20. Philosophy not your thing? Pretty much anyone...