Passover is almost here, which for Jews means a week of not consuming any leavened products, and alcohol distilled from grains. But restrictions aside, Jerusalem traditionally shines during Passover (possibly to make up for the whole no alcohol bit). From concerts and shows galore, to restaurants that meet the culinary challenges by serving such items as potato sushi and matza burgers, Jerusalem has always proven that it is the place to be on this holiday. In a tradition of making a holiday into a whole season, the fun has already begun. So while many Israelis are beginning their exodus to points north, south or abroad, here are seven good reasons to let your people go …to Jerusalem.
- Today is the 18th annual Jerusalem half-marathon, which should provide a relaxing break from Passover cleaning for many people. Join the fun for a good cause by running to support aid for lone soldiers. Later, cool down with a visit to counter-culture hotspot Uganda, where there’s always music and a good time.
- On Friday, let your inner child out, or your actual child in, to see a kid-friendly show called Once a Child, performed by a seven-piece ensemble at Hama’abada (The Lab).
- The moon will be large and bright Saturday night, but if you are in the Old City and look up you might see an even brighter object, the sound and light show at the newly rededicated Hurva Synagogue, running one week only on its outer wall. Check it out every half hour.
- On Sunday, get some pre-Passover shopping done and let the youngsters have some fun too at the Malcha Mall, which will be running a slew of special events this month for kids and adults.
- You can bet your bottom dollar that the sun will come out at the Gerard Bechar center on Monday, especially if you like plays about down-on-their-luck orphan girls pulling themselves out of the gutter. Check out Annie on Monday. It’s only a few days away.
- What better way to get you in the Passover mood than a show featuring two people who have the (Hebrew) name for the holiday as their own name. Avner and Keren Pesach put on the Flamenco dance show EntreDos at the Jerusalem Theatre on Tuesday.
- Jerusalem was recently in the news as Albert Einstein’s original paper describing his theory of relativity went on display. If you can’t get enough of the superstar scientist who changed the world, head over to the Bloomfield Science Museum for an exhibit on the work and genius of the man.
It doesn’t take an Einstein to figure out that next week, the Passover holiday will bring with it loads more events and activities than there are versions of the Haggadah. Until then, check out our full event listings for what’s happening this week.
