Chanuka may be a mere month away, but with the warm days we’ve been enjoying in Jerusalem lately, one might forget that October is drawing to a close. Around Jerusalem lately, it seems that somebody forgot to set the weather machine to autumn mode. But hot days call for hot times, and like the cool other side of the blanket, Jerusalem has got you covered.
- Have you noticed the extra Renaissance fair-like atmosphere in the Old City on Thursdays this month? If not, then it’s time to head inside the walls for the city-sponsored Knights in the Old City, with heroes (and other archetypes) of the Middle Ages roaming the Christian Quarter and Jaffa Gate areas, putting on free shows of juggling, dance and pyrotechnics. If old-time handicrafts is your thing, then today is also the last chance to check out the Malcha Mall’s Clay and Ceramics Fair.
- Izhar Ashdot’s music swings wildly from soulful crooning to rocking out. Hear the man’s full range Friday at a solo concert at the Jerusalem Theatre. Just down the block, the Museum of Islamic Art’s new Embroidered Dreams exhibition of ornate Ottoman weaving stays open on Fridays until 16:00.
- Saturday is a great day to visit quaint Ein Kerem, both because it’s the most tranquil part of the city on the most tranquil of part of the week and because Saturday is when the Eden Tamir Music Center holds its annual Excellence contemporary classical music concert, showcasing new compositions by students.
- Israelis often bemoan their nation’s bloated bureaucracies, but a Department of Funk is currently not among it’s many bureaus and divisions. Luckily, a Jerusalemite trio by the same name has filled the gap, and seeing them is likely worth waiting in line. The DOF plays with Austrian fusion band (is there any other kind?) The Merry Poppins at Ha’amabada on Sunday.
- You may want to head back to HaMa’abada on Monday for the season-opening Shahobrela (pictured), a huge party with bands, art and more, put on together with the Khan Theater and the Cinematheque under the guidance of the New Spirit student organization.
- The newly opened Jerusalem Sound Gallery is one part artsy gallery where noise, not visual art , is king, and one part edgy nightlife experience. On Tuesday, the gallery hosts multi-disciplinary artist Aharon Manor for his show Rumors.
- On Wednesday, check out the offerings of the Eco Film Festival, at the Cinematheque from the 26th until the 30th of October. On tap Wednesday, movies about trash, recycling, gas and medicine.
That’s just a taste. Head to our full events section for listings of everything happening around town.
