Jerusalem Erev Shabbat Chanukah 5781 (Video & Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 12/11/20

Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 11, 2020 - Erev Shabbat Chanukah Parshas Va'Yeshev in Yerushalayim was quieter than most years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions. The usual international holiday crowds were missing. Streets usually filled with restaurant diners were empty as only take out food is allowed.

However, city parks have been improved and outdoor seating expanded in multiple locations. New and familiar large Chanukah menorahs are also to be found in public areas. Mamilla Mall is ready for the 10th year of public Chanukah lighting at night. Lines for shopping in stores are not as long as the first week the stores were allowed to open with the loosening of coronavirus restrictions.

Tour groups are allowed again and seen back on the streets. Chanukah has traditionally been a popular time to tour in Yerushalayim. With the return of the limited tourists and shoppers, street musicians and theater groups were performing again. 

Safra Square near the Municipal Building was mostly empty. A young couple was taking photos. Giant dreydels and holiday signs were decorating the plaza. 

From the public outdoor piano came the sounds of beautiful music. Boaz the talented young pianist had stopped on his way home from work to play. Boaz told BJL he is employed as a tiler. His job today was tiling a new mikvah in a private home in a Yerushalayim neighborhood.

Even during a pandemic with restrictions, in Yerushalayim, there are things of beauty to make you smile. 

Chanukah sameach!