Editor’s note: Due to Operation Roaring Lion, this week’s column will mostly offer highlights that can be enjoyed from the relative safety of the nearest bomb shelter. Follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command and stay safe.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Say the “Birkat Ilanot” (blessing over new trees) during the month of Nisan at the Netzach Yisrael Synagogue courtyard, with its lovely tree and the Hebrew blessing that is hung on a placard for visitors to read.
22 Ibn Ezra St.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Enjoy an evening concert at Mazkeka and soak up the electric joy that is Madame Sousatzka. Borrowing its name from the 1962 novel by Welsh author Bernice Rubens (and later, a 1988 film starring Shirley MacLaine in the title role), the band’s guitarist is Lior Geckler, with one digital album already under his belt.
9 p.m. 3 Shoshan St. NIS 40. You can listen to, as well as purchase, the album here: madamsousatzka.bandcamp.com/album
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Attend the performance of Love and Miracles with the “Broadway Rabbi,” Yisrael Lutnick, as he delights patrons with great Jewish music, hits, and tunes to uplift the spirit even during these trying times.
In English. 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Israel Musicals. Beit Mazia, 18 Mesilat Yesharim St. Call (02) 533-4561 to book.
MONDAY, APRIL 6
Have some Dutch courage at Bottomless Monday, when Shoshana Bar offers an all-you-can-drink wine deal for NIS 60. After having had four cups of wine for the Seder, you can indulge and feel that much less under the yoke of the Egyptians.
7 Shoshan St. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Remember to drink responsibly.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
Grab a copy of The Healing Haggadah: Passing Over Trauma, by Rabbi Michael Friedman, and explore how the familiar themes of Passover can be seen through a fresh perspective of personal psychology and healing from past wrongs. One of the many holiday discount offers at Mosaica Press.
$19.99. It is possible to collect pre-ordered books in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Call (02) 545-4971 or visit mosaicapress.com for more.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
Visit the Educational Bookshop and get a copy of Off White: The Truth about Antisemitism, by Israeli-born British-Jewish writer Rachel Shabi. Buying a book about Jewish perspectives in a bookstore that is mostly focused on Arab history and culture may not end all wars, but it is a hopeful thing to do.
19 Salah Eddin St. NIS 120. Visit educationalbookshop.com or call (02) 627-5858 for more.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
Take advantage of the Uzi Wexler Hall at the Jerusalem Theatre, which serves as a safe space in case of a rocket attack, and watch the award-winning Chinese film The Sun Rises on Us All.
This is the tale of two lovers, Baoshu (Zhang Songwen) and Meiyun (Xin Zhilei), who part ways due to a terrible tragedy, only to reconnect years later. Xin won the Best Actress award for her role in this movie at last year’s Venice Film Festival.
6 p.m. at 20 Marcus St. In Mandarin, with English and Hebrew subtitles. About 2 hours. Call (02) 560-5755 to book.
Throwing a special event? Opening an art exhibition or a new bar? Bringing in a guest speaker to introduce a fascinating topic? Email hagay_hacohen@yahoo.com and let In Jerusalem know about it. Write “Jerusalem Highlights” in the subject line. Although all information is welcome, we cannot guarantee it will be featured in the column.