Most 62nd birthday parties are less than exciting affairs, usually involving a cake, some candles, a slideshow, and the playing of some old favorite tunes for a sing-along. That may be a caricature, but the fact remains that no party for Uncle Morris could compare for the bash Israel is planning on throwing itself for its 62nd birthday this week, especially in Jerusalem. And as usual, the run-up to the event will not disappoint, either. Here are our top events in Jerusalem this week.
- Age 62 is getting up there, but a 300th birthday is something altogether different. Join Beit Avi Chai tonight at 8 for a musical journey through the world of physician Tobias Cohn, known during his time as ‘Tobias the Magician,” in honor of the 300th anniversary of the publication of his book, Ma’aseh Tuvya, which covered anything from astronomy to botany, and his wide-ranging travels at the time. No visa required.
- Next week may be all about Israel, but you can spend Friday celebrating another culture, Italy, with a tour and concert from the Tower of David Museum.
- Whatever type of music you dig, chances are the Shem Tov Levi Ensemble, who will appear at the Yellow Submarine Saturday night, plays it.
- Sunday night marks the beginning of Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s memorial day for fallen soldiers. Mark the date in the most Israeli way possible, with an evening of melancholy tunes in honor of the dead. You have a choice of get-togethers at Binyanei Hauma, the Underground Prisoners’ Museum and the Gerard Bechar Center.
- Monday night, on the other hand, marks the transition of Israel’s day of mourning into an annual massive birthday celebration. Hit downtown for mayhem, fireworks and music or head to boogie in the German Colony for a no-less exciting night of dancing and Israeli music. The city’s various neighborhood community centers are also planning more localized celebrations, while the Jerusalem Theatre is also offering a symphonic gala.
- On Tuesday, every Israeli with a match and some meat will be out grilling, especially in Gan Sacher. Check out the park and then head over to the Mamilla mall for this year’s “Living Museum” attraction, marking the 150th birthday of Theodor Herzl, who stayed at the nearby Stern House for several days in 1898. Actors, singers, and dancers will recreate Herzl’s era in song, short dramatic performances, and there will be all kinds of food available as well. If you wish yourself over at 15:00, you won’t miss anything of the celebration of the man and his dream, which lasts till 19:30. Otherwise, if you prefer your nationalism served up highbrow, there’s a late-morning classical concert at Mishkenot Sha’ananim.
- Now that you’ve seen the celebration, get a little context by taking a tour with Rotem Mor’s Jerusalem Reality Tours on Wednesday.
Don’t even think that that’s it in such an event-packed week. Check out our full event listings for everything we couldn’t cram in here.
