Tu Bishvat, Israel’s Arbor Day, which started on Wednesday night, is a great excuse to get out into nature, with green activities afoot all week long in Jerusalem. But if you’re pining for more urbane good times, then Jerusalem also has what you need this week, with concerts, exhibits and a vintage festival to boot.
- Winter may seem a strange time to celebrate trees and nature, but on the Jewish calendar, the 15th of Shvat, or today, is the day, with tradition arguing that the saps of spring begin to flow now. Some mark the occasion by planting trees (pictured), while others concentrate on eating symbolic fruits. In Jerusalem, there are many ways to observe the holiday, from eating a special Tu Bishvat meal at Kedma, to visiting the Botanical Gardens for a special look at nature (including a giant tree fossil shipped in from Madagascar), to nature-themed tours of the Bible Lands Museum’s collections all weekend long, too.
- Even better than gazing at trees or eating from them is planting a few. On Friday, a much more convenient day for activities for the working public even though it’s not properly the holiday any more, the city, the Jewish National Fund and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel collectively host an event to further blanket the Jerusalem Park, a forested area around the city, with trees. Downtown, meanwhile, has its own green celebrations too, with ceremonies, ethnic liturgical chants, street theater, dancers and special deals on plants.
- Saturday in Jerusalem sees the battle of the Amirs. Fighting for supremacy are Amir Lev, who has been described as Israel’s answer to Leonard Cohen (although who hasn’t?), at Beit Avi Chai, and balladeer Amir Dadon rocking out at HaMa’abada. Whose corner will you be in?
- When you name your photography exhibit Intentional Randomness, you’re just asking for questions – which isn’t necessarily a criticism of the management over at the Mishkenot Sha’anamim Dweck Gallery. For once you get past the oxymoronic quality of the name and into Ruth Agassi’s photos, the only query on your mind might be, “How awesome is that?” One might also end the day Sunday with a swanky Mexican special meal event at Colony (not kosher), in the presence of international celebrity chef Josefina Santacruz and the Mexican ambassador to Israel.
- Who says classical music is just for the elder generatons? Grab the kids and take a journey into the world of young Beethoven at the Gerard Bechar Center on Monday.
- Retro is cool again (when hasn’t it been?) at Malcha Mall, where a groovy vintage festival takes place Tuesday through Thursday, with special shops, old cars and vintage Michal Negrin wares.
- The old adage dictates that it takes two to tango, but it helps to have some tango music in the mix too. Put on your dance-watching shoes and enjoy some impressive moves at the Ticho House on Wednesday night, for a tango performance. Admission comes with a free glass of wine and deep discounts on the restaurant’s menu.
There is plenty more too at our full events section.
