A happening Hanukkah - What to do over the eight-day holiday in Jerusalem
Keeping your kids entertained during the eight days of Hanukkah can be a challenge, but I have some great ideas your whole family will enjoy in Jerusalem.
By JOANNA SHEBSON‘The Mystery of the Hidden Pitcher’ at the Bible Lands Museum(photo credit: ODED ANTMAN)
Keeping your kids entertained during the eight days of Hanukkah can be a challenge, but I have some great ideas your whole family will enjoy in Jerusalem.SPECIAL EVENTSMarching with World Jewry – All Together Now – Hanukkah ParadeMarch of Solidarity with Diaspora Jewry. Participate in the march as a spectator or register to hold a float. Expecting over 5,000 marchers – soldiers, university students, high-school students, youth-movement members, Israeli government ministers and honored guests from Israel and abroad. The evening ends with a Matisyahu Concert in Sultan’s Pool. Produced by Keshet Educational Journeys.• When: December 3, 2 p.m., concert at 5:30 p.m.• Where: Liberty Bell Park to Sultan’s Pool• Price: Free• Info: togetherjerusalemparade.comOlim Spreading the Light – Hanukkah Volunteering50 volunteering opportunities – 8 days – 400 volunteers – 1 city
Be a part of this incredible event, as we send olim out to help a variety of worthy causes in Jerusalem.• When: December 2 to 10• Where: 50 locations (full list on FIJ Website)• Price: Free• Info: www.funinjerusalem.com/event/olim-hanukkah-volunteering/“It Happened on the First Candle” at Beit Avi ChaiA unique play about the first night of Hanukkah. Each ticket includes the show and two workshops. Tickets can be booked for workshops that take place before or after the show.• When: December 5 to 7, Shows at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.• Where: Beit Avi Chai, 44 King George Avenue• Price: NIS 30 child, NIS 10 adult• Info: (02) 621-5900; www.bac.org.il; bac@funinjerusalem.comBlack Fire on White Fire – Kol HaOt Hanukka EventArtist & Sofer Moshe Braun, the Kol HaOt artist in residence, will be hosting a special interactive event on Hanukkah for the entire family where you can come and learn about scribal arts. Write on parchment with a quill pen.• When: December 6 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and December 10 at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.• Where: Kol HaOt, Hutzot Hayotzer, Sultan’s Pool/Mamilla• Price: NIS 75, NIS 60 for groups of 5+• Info: (02) 990-5177, kolhaot@funinjerusalem.com; www.kolhaot.comCandle-lit Hanukkah Old City Scavenger HuntIsrael ScaVentures invites you and your family to enjoy fun and challenging game finding clues and solving challenges in the Old City Jewish Quarter. Learn about the history, the neighborhood and the people.• When: December 5 at 5:30 p.m.• Where: Starting point 1 Batei Mahase Street• Price: NIS 85 child, NIS 95 adult• Info: 052-835-8072; www.israelscaventures.com; scavenger@funinjerusalem.comHanukkah at Ein YaelEnjoy an olive harvest while you learn to make olive oil and tour the olive press. Bake pita on a bonfire to eat with your olive oil. Design oil lamps from clay. Prepare ancient Roman coins. Visit animals in the petting corner. Learn to play bow and arrow. Enjoy Hanukkah theater and stories.• When: December 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.• Where: Ein Yael, Jerusalem• Price: NIS 25 to NIS 35• Info: (02) 645-1866; einyael@funinjerusalem.com, www.einyael.co.ilHanukkalayim Festival in the Old City Enjoy a festive candle lighting each night at Jaffa Gate and then follow the trails on the walls of the Old City to meet costumed actors, hear live musical performances, listen to storytellers and see videos of candle lightings across the world on the Old City Walls• When: December 4 to 6, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.• Where: Jaffa Gate by the stairs leading up from Mamilla• Price: FreeMagical Jewish Quarter Hanukkiah Tours Visit the Cardo and explore the remnants of the Hasmonean walls! Light Hanukkah candles, sing holiday songs together and indulge in doughnuts in the living rooms of the richest houses of the Second Temple period. The tour ends at the Western Wall.• When: December 4 to 6 and December 9, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.• Where: Jaffa Gate by the stairs leading up from Mamilla• Price: NIS 55• Info: *4987Crossroads Janglo Night RunCrossroads and Janglo are teaming up for the 5K Crossroads-Janglo Night Run, an extraordinary event that has drawn hundreds of runners of all ages each year.If you don’t want to run then come and out and support the runners!• When: December 6, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.• Where: First Station complex• Price: NIS 50• Info: crossroadsjerusalem.org“Tasu Makom” (Place Making) in TalpiotYou are invited to celebrate the launch of the new Pierre Koenig Street in Talpiot thanks to “Tasu Makom” PlaceMaking. There will be live music, TED workshops, children’s play area and a bubble show.• When: December 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.• Where: Pierre Koenig between Rivka and Hatenufa Streets• Price: Free• Info: jlm-placemaking.com/he/homeHapoel Jerusalem vs Hapoel Tel AvivJoin fans dressed in red as you cheer on the Hapoel Jerusalem players, who include former NBA stars as well as local Israeli players. There will be a special event at the game in honor of Shalva.• When: December 8, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.• Where: Jerusalem Arena, David Ayalon Street, Malha• Price: NIS 40 to NIS 1,000• Info: hapoel@funinjerusalem.comHoliday Event at Yad LakashishJoin Yad Lakashish for a fun family happening with art workshops, festive candle lighting and booths with Yad Lakashish products.• When: December 4, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.• Where: 14 Shivtei Israel Street, behind City Hall• Price: NIS 10 per workshop• Info: Register info@lifeline.org.il; (02) 628-7829Hanukkah at the Montefiore WindmillSpend some time at the newly renovated Montefiore Windmill. Take a tour to learn about the history and how the windmill works. Challenge your group to a game in the Escape Park or enjoy some delicious wine tasting at the Jerusalem Winery.• When: Weekdays• Where: Yemin Moshe• Info: windmill@funinjerusalem.com; (02) 566-1441ART EVENTS & WORKSHOPSThe Workshop Gush Etzion – Hanukkah Judaica WorkshopUse the tools for woodworking to create unique personal pieces out of wood.• When: December 3, 9 and 10• Where: Rosh Tzurim, Gush Etzion• Price: NIS 230 per person• Info: theworkshop@funinjerusalem.comCreative Crafts Mosaic Date Night at the Beer BazaarCreate a glass mosaic in one session in a fun environment.• When: December 5, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.• Where: Beer Bazaar, Mahaneh Yehuda market• Price: NIS 125 (includes a drink & snack voucher)• Info: creativecrafts@funinjerusalem.comKakadu Hanukkah Festival for FamiliesMeet renowned Kakadu artist Reut Shachar in her studio as you create your own piece of art. Family and individual products available. Reservations required.• When: December 2 to 7, and December 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.• Where: Moshav Tzafririm (near Beit Shemesh), Route 38• Price: Starting at NIS 50• Info: 052-862-5271, (02) 999-8922; www.kakadu.co.il, kakadu@funinjerusalem.comNahlaot Art Tour with Caron GreenblattExplore the unique neighborhood of Nahlaot as you meet artists in their studios.• When: December 7 at 11:15 a.m.• Where: Nahlaot neighborhood• Price: NIS 90• Info: caron@funinjerusalem.comHadara Ceramic Art StudioEnjoy a hands-on ceramic building workshop that is great for all ages. The studio will have special hours for Hanukkah.• When: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Where: 4 Azarya Street, German Colony (across from Aroma coffee shop)• Info: hadara@funinjerusalem.comJClay Hanukkah Pottery Painting Studio A great family activity. Come and choose a Hanukkah or Jewish themed ceramic piece and paint it with your choice of custom colors.• When: Weekdays 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.• Where: 14 Yosef Ben Mattityahu Street• Price: Based on piece• Info: jclay@funinjerusalem.com; 02-678-6828 CONCERTSMagical MatisyahuIn a magical cave under the Old City, experience an incredible Hanukkah concert. Free shuttles from First Station parking lot from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.• When: December 2 at 9 p.m.• Where: Zedekiah’s Cave• Price: NIS 105• Info: bimot.co.ilShlomo Katz Live at ShalvaAn intimate night of soulful music to celebrate the Festival of Lights.• When: December 8 at 8 p.m.• Where: Shalva National Center, Shalva Street, Bayit Vegan• Price: NIS 80 in advance, NIS 100 at door• Info: theshlomokatzproject@gmail.com; www.eventbuzz.co.il/TSKP2018HCYoninaAcoustic Hanukkah performance by the world-renowned couple• When: December 4 at 9 p.m.• Where: Nocturno Cafe, 7 Bezalel Street• Price: NIS 75 in advance, NIS 85 at the door• Info: ticks.co.ilTHEATERWest Side Story – Beit Hillel TheaterThe Beit Hillel Theater presents its Hanukkah performance of West Side Story. Classical musical theater in English performed by students at Hebrew University and community members.• When: December 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.• Where: Hebrew University, Mount Scopus• Price: NIS 90• Info: 055-937-2156; beithillel@funinjerusalem.comJerusalem Theater Hanukkah Shows – HebrewAnnie – December 2 at 3 p.m. NIS 199The Return of the Macabees – December 3 at 6:30 p.m., NIS 129Mayoumana Circus – December 4 at 6:30 p.m., NIS 109Yuval Hamebulbal – December 5 at noon, NIS 99-105Jungle Book – December 6 at 4 p.m. NIS 99The Circus on Ice from Moscow – Snow Queen – December 7 at 11 a.m., NIS 145 to NIS 205Houdini – December 6 at 5 p.m., NIS 99The Sound of Music – December 9 at noon, NIS 129Following the Heart – December 10 at 9 a.m., NIS 99• Where: 20 Marcus Street, Talbiyeh• Info: www.jerusalem-theatre.co.ilTrain Theater Hanukkah Shows – HebrewThe Big Dreidel Surprise and workshop – December 3 at 4:30 p.m., NIS 20The One Man Driving Band – December 5 at 10 a.m., NIS 40The Singing City and workshop – December 6 at 10 a.m., NIS 40The Gift Train – December 8 at 10 a.m., NIS 40Yoel Says – December 9 at 10 a.m., NIS 50Goldilocks and the Three Bears – December 10 at 10 a.m., NIS 40The Naughty Sufganiya – December 10 at 4:30 p.m., NIS 20• Where: Train Theater, 1 Jabotinsky Street• Info: www.traintheater.co.il Grandpa Aaron and His RainBased on the story by Meir Shalev and performed by the Train Theater.• When: December 4 at 11 a.m.• Where: Beit Shmuel – Hirsch Theater at 6 Eliyahu Shama Street• Price: NIS 44 to NIS 55• Info: (02) 620-3463Special family movie event at Lev Smadar TheaterEnjoy a family movie at the Lev Smadar Theater in the German Colony.Here Comes the Grump – December 5 at 4:30 p.m.Leo Da Vinci: Mission Mona Lisa – December 7 at 11 a.m.The Little Vampire – December 9 at 4:30 p.m.Show Dogs – December 10 at 4:30 p.m.• Where: Lev Smadar Theater, 4 Lloyd George Street• Price: NIS 10• Info: *5155 MUSEUM EVENTSHanukkah at the Museum for Islamic ArtFive days of light with performances by the best Israeli children’s theaters based on well-known and loved children’s stories followed by creative workshops. Shows are at 12 noon.Five Witches went out for a Hike – December 4Button Soup – December 5The Neverending Treasure – December 6The Roll on the Mountain – December 9Shmulik the Hedgehog – December 10• When: December 4 to 6 and December 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Where: 2 Hapalmah Street• Price: NIS 20 to NIS 40 adults, shows are free for kids, additional fee for workshop• Info: islamicart@funinjerusalem.comHanukkah Family Adventure in Zedekiah’s CaveIn the cave where King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, fled and tried to hide from the Babylonians you will find activities and missions for Hanukkah. Inspired by Indiana Jones and The Da Vinci Code. Solve an historical riddle, participate in an “ancient” mine, enjoy crafts and puzzles and go home with a souvenir photograph and prizes for potters.Free shuttles between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from the First Station.• When: December 4 to 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Where: Zedekiah’s Cave, near Damascus Gate• Price: NIS 30• Info: (02) 627-7550; pami@funinjerusalem.com Tower of David Hanukkah“The Mystery of the Missing Treasure” – Using maps, go on a quest to find the solution to this mystery in the courtyards of the museum and the citadel. Ages 6-14. 90 minutes.“Oil Lamp Tour” – Magical nighttime tour of the Citadel and museum with costumed actors. 4:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. NIS 35. 90 minutes• When: December 4 to 6 and December 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Where: Tower of David, Jaffa Gate• Price: NIS 35 Oil Lamp Tour; museum entrance children free, including Mystery of the Missing Treasure• Info: tod.org.ilGames of Fire – Bloomfield Science MuseumThe first joint venture of its kind between the Jerusalem Science Museum and the Fire & Rescue Authority.Blazing Hanukkiah * Fire-Breathing Dragon * Scientific demonstration “On Fire” * Inter-galactic show – Planet Egg * Unique photo booth with a fire truck and firefighter uniforms * Meetings with firefighters * Tour for “brave” families * “Hot” construction workshops and many more activities for the entire family.• When: December 4 to 10 (including Sunday)• Where: Bloomfield Science Museum• Price: NIS 60 (child, adult), under 5 free• Info: (02) 654-4888; http://event.mada.org.il/en/The Mystery of the Hidden Pitcher – Bible Lands MuseumThe expedition is tasked with urgently locating a rare magical pitcher that disappeared long ago. The tour is full of thrills and spills, challenges and puzzles, with participants encountering a semi-embalmed mummy and a cunning wine god as they seek out the mysterious pitcher and ending with a creative workshop.Orna Porat Children’s Theater at the Bible Lands Museum December 4 at noon: Mr. Simon’s ShoesDecember 5 at noon: Friends on the BridgeDecember 6 at 2 p.m.: The City Mouse and the Field MouseDecember 9 at noon: The Golden SabbathDecember 10 at noon: Mr. Simon’s Shoes• When: December 4 to 6 and 9 to 10, tour and workshop at 10:30 a.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m.• Where: Bible Lands Museum• Price: NIS 35 (show) NIS 50 (tour, workshop & show)• Info: biblelands@funinjerusalem.comHanukkah in the Old Yishuv Court MuseumPlay games from the past as you learn about the life of the community living in the Old City through the ages. Explore the new Hanukkiah exhibit. Nissimiko’s Choice, a play for kids at 11 a.m. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.• When: December 4 to 6 and December 9 and 10• Where: Old Yishuv Court Museum, Or Hahaim Street, Jewish Quarter, Old City• Price: NIS 40 per family• Info: oldyishuv@funinjerusalem.comBiblical Museum of Natural HistoryLearn about the animals in Tanach and in the Land of Israel on this unique Hanukkah tour. Hebrew and English tours. Reservations required.• When: Weekdays• Where: 5 Hatzaba Street, Beit Shemesh• Price: NIS 40 adult, NIS 30 child• Info: biblicalnaturalhistory@funinjerusalem.com; 073-213-1662Levi Eshkol House – Beit EshkolTour the original house where former prime minister Levi Eshkol lived in Rehavia and learn about Israeli history. Enjoy an interactive AR game that takes you through the different rooms using interactive tablets. Enjoy a special family English tour.• When: December 6 at 10 a.m.• Where: 46 Ben Maimon Street• Price: NIS 25 adult, NIS 20 child, NIS 70 family ticket• Info: beiteshkol@funinjerusalem.comFor a full list of Hanukkah events in Jerusalem, visit the calendar at www.funinjerusalem.com/calendarThe writer enjoys inspiring family fun and is the founder of www.funinjerusalem.com and www.partyinjerusalem.com. joanna@funinjerusalem.com
