Chol Hamoed Sukkot In Yerushalayim (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 10/13/22

Jerusalem, Israel - Oct. 13, 2022 - Tens of thousands of people have gathered in Yerushalayim for Sukkot 5783. After years of the borders closed and travel difficulties during the pandemic, families, and international groups are excited to be back in Yerushalayim.

The Birkat Kohanim at the Kotel, followed by the Remembering Hakel ceremony Wednesday night attracted tens of thousands to the Old City each time filling the Plaza.

On Thursday morning there were three routes of various difficulty for Israelis doing the Jerusalem March. Teeshirts stated the 85th Jerusalem March.

As in the past, the Israeli President opened Beit Hanasi to the public. President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal greeted people in the Beit Hanasi sukkah, which was again decorated in cooperation with Israeli agriculture. Fresh vegetables and fruits of spectacular colors lined the Sukkah wall.

But this year humans were also costumed as vegetables to entertain the guests. As well as the usual historical actors such as Chaim Weizmann who walked around the garden area. The various exhibits and stations on the Beit Hanasi grounds were primarily aimed to entertain and educate children, but the first couple from the public to enter appeared to be senior citizens. 

BJL went in the morning, to photograph before the crowds arrived inside the gates, as the President went around to see and pose at the various exhibits.

A climbing wall was for children ages 6 and above, but there were water bottles near the entrance gates for all the children to receive as a gift.

Security checks were required of the visitors and special canine units were around the grounds, but the atmosphere was of fun and excitement to meet and greet the President and his wife - and take a selfie with them.

Moadim L'Simcha!