Passover activities in Jerusalem: Enjoy yourselves with this guide
Quit loafing around - Get out there and enjoy yourself this Passover with this definitive guide to holiday activities.
By JOANNA SHEBSONFOOD! MUSIC! Ice skating! It’s spring but you can still take part in the iceskating festival.(photo credit: Courtesy)SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALSIce.Eat - Ice Skating & Culinary FestivalFood, music and ice skating in Jerusalem. Skating sessions are one hour. Skate and “onesie” rentals available.When:• April 19 and 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.• April 20, One hour after Shabbat to 11:55 p.m.• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.Where: Mitchell Gardens - next to the Artist’s ColonyPrice: NIS 30 Child, NIS 40 Adult
Ice.Eat Cooking Workshops for Kids, Inspired by Classic BooksWhen: April 21 to 24, 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.Price: FreeTrain Theater performance for kidsWhen: April 21 to 24 at 4:30 p.m.Info: www.ice-eat.comSpring Festival at Ein YaelWalk down an ancient Roman street, meet the craftsmen and take part in hands on workshops including pottery, mosaic, fresco, and basket weaving.When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April 25 till 2 p.m.)Where: Ein Yael Living MuseumPrice: NIS 45 Child, NIS 35 Adult“A Taste of Shabbat” (“Tavlin shel Shabbat”)With Sarit Zusman – A performance that will tell the story of Caesar Antoninus having an especially good Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi’s home.When: April 21 to 25, 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.Price: NIS 5Info: einyael.co.il/Passover Scavenger HuntsRace through the streets and alleyways of the Old City as you solve missions and look for clues. A fun and interactive way to learn about the history of Jerusalem.When:• April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Nachlaot• April 23 10:30 a.m. at Jaffa (the city)• April 25 10:30 a.m. at Old CityPrice: NIS 95 Adult, NIS 85 ChildInfo: (052) 835-8072, scavenger@funinjerusalem.comAnnual Kol HaOt Haggadah Fair & Kol HaKolot Singing EventThis year featuring “The Song of the Hagaddah.” Join hundreds of people in a group-singing event of the greatest hits of the Hagaddah. View breathtaking illuminated Haggadahs. Advance registration required.When: April 22, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Jerusalem Artists ColonyPrice: NIS 25 (group rate NIS 100 for 5 tickets)Info: www.funinjerusalem.com/hakolotEli Lebowicz Israel Comedy TourCome out for a night of laughter with American comedian Eli Lebowicz, an up-and-coming face in the Orthodox Jewish comedy world. Doors open half an hour early.When: April 22 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.Where: Terminal, First StationPrice: NIS 70 in advanceAdditional shows in Efrat April 23 and Beit Shemesh April 24.Info:Play FestivalA games and technology festival for families including a gaming hall, joint workshops for parents and children, molecular cooking for children, music, a light and sand animation room, a special wooden games room, machines that draw paintings, mysterious puzzle rooms and the magical puppet show by Efrat Hadani and the Train Theater!When: April 23 and 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Where: Hansen HousePrice: FreeInfo: www.hansen.co.ilBasketball Camp with Amar’e & TamirLearn incredible basketball skills at a Basketball Camp led by Amar’e Stoudemire & Tamir Goodman.When: April 22 to 24, 9 a.m. to noonWhere: Jerusalem YMCAInfo: tamir@funinjerusalem.comFind the Afikoman at Yad SarahAn interactive, empowering and emotional English tour of the Yad Sarah headquarters with a Passover theme. Ages 12+.When:• April 22, 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon• April 23 and 24, 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.Where: 124 Herzl Blvd, Yad Sarah HeadquartersPrice: NIS 18 per personInfo: yadsarah@funinjerusalem.comOpen Studio Art Workshops at First StationWood staining and glass painting with Avigayle AdlerWhen: April 21 to 25, Noon to 6 p.m.Where: First StationInfo: openstudio@funinjerusalem.com, 054-626-8496Kakadu Passover Family FestivalChoose from a variety of wooden art pieces to decorate in the Kakadu style. Great activity for kids of all ages and adults. Reservations required.When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.Where: Moshav Tzafririm (near Beit Shemesh)Price: NIS 50Info: 052 862-5271, kakadu@funinjerusalem.comHallelujah Night ShowThis unique state-of-the-art 3-D show appearing on the Old City walls, tells the story of ancient Jerusalem in the time of King David and our return to rebuild the ancient city.When: April 21 to April 24, 7:30 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:45 p.m.Where: City of David – free shuttle from First Station parking lotPrice: NIS 51 Child, NIS 62 AdultInfo: www.cityofdavid.org.ilNight Experiences at the Tower of DavidThe Tower of David offers two incredible sound and light shows projecting the history of Jerusalem and King David on the ancient citadel walls. 45 min.When: April 20 to 24, 27• King David 8 p.m. (April 20, 9:30 p.m.)• The Night Spectacular 9 p.m. (April 20, 8:30 p.m.)Where: Tower of David MuseumPrice: NIS 55 Child, NIS 65 AdultInfo: (02) 626-5333, https://www.tod.org.il/en/MUSEUM EVENTSHagigaRovaExperience the Rova attractions with a special family ticket - Burnt House (newly revamped), Hurva Synagogue Tour, Herodian Quarter & the Rova Rhythm Family Game.When: April 21 to April 24, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.Where: Jewish Quarter, Old CityPrice: NIS 97 Family TicketInfo: Call *4987, www.rova-yehudi.org.ilHerzl MuseumMeet historical figures in Israel’s history. Learn about the early years of the state as you follow the characters around Har Herzl. Advance registration required. HebrewWhen: April 21 to April 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.• “Herzl Says” Dramatic (Theatrical) Tour (ages 6+) at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. NIS 25• “Im Tirtzu” Dramatic (Theatrical) Tour (ages 9+) at 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. NIS 25• Zionist Comic Workshop (ages 9 +) at 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. NIS 20• Great Zionist Family Race at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (every half hour) NIS 40 per familyWhere: Mount HerzlInfo: herzl@funinjerusalem.comBank Hapoalim FREE Museums“The Mosaic of Israel” – Bank Hapoalim invites you to enjoy over 30 museums for free across the country on Chol Hamoed. Jerusalem museums include the Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, City of David Aqueduct and Latrun Yad L’Shiryon.When: April 21 to April 25Where: Museums across IsraelTower of David“Jerusalem through All Five Senses” – Activities for kids with taste, smell, hearing, sight and touch.“Virtual Reality Step into History” - Guided tour of the Citadel, the Moat and the Kishle combining Virtual Reality (VR) technology that gives a unique archaeological and historic perspective on the Herodian buildings in Jerusalem in the days of the Second Temple.When: April 21 to April 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Tower of David, Old CityPrice: Free for Child, NIS 40 AdultInfo: (02) 626-5333, tower@funinjerusalem.comOld Yishuv Court MuseumFamily-friendly activity. Self-guided scavenger hunts and guided tours at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.Playing with nuts and games of the past, and more surprises.Plus: 12:30 p.m. – a theatrical performance for the whole family: “The Choice of Nissimiko” – Help Nissimiko find a profession in Jerusalem.When: April 21 to 25 (closed on Shabbat & Chag), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1 p.m. on April 25)Where: Jewish Quarter, Old CityPrice: NIS 40 Family TicketInfo: oldyishuv@funinjerusalem.comIsrael MuseumPainting on the Museum Walls – Come draw graffiti on white museum wallsWhen: April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Price: NIS 15Dance the Dabke with the Machya EnsembleWhen: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.Where: 11 Derech RuppinPrice: Children FREEAn animated film: Time Travel: The Story of the Dead Sea ScrollsWhen: Screens every half hourInfo:https://www.imj.org.ilWild PharaohsWith virtual reality glasses, enter Pharoah’s magnificent burial chamber where you will discover magic spells, hieroglyphs, ancient traditions and more...When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (April 25 till 2 p.m.)Where: Bible Lands MuseumPrice: Museum entrance is FreeInfo: biblelands@funinjerusalem.comFind the Afikoman at Beit Levi EshkolAn interactive experience for the entire family. Learn about the life and work of the third prime minister, Levi EshkolSpecial activity in the courtyard for Passover. Hebrew. Movie is in Hebrew with English subtitles. Ages 7+. Pre-registration requiredWhen: April 21 to April 24, 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.Where: Beit Levi Eshkol, RechaviaPrice: NIS 25 Adult, NIS 20 Child, Senior CitizenEnglish Museum TourWhen: April 24 at 4 p.m.Info: (02) 631-3091, beiteshkol@funinjerusalem.comThe Virtual Reality Bible ExperienceInteractive games based on biblical stories including an Escape Game, Virtual Monopoly, Virtual Time Travel, and a Navigational Game in the Old City. Ages 5+. Hebrew & English.When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (April 25 till 1 p.m.)Where: The CardoPrice: NIS 45 Adult / Child in advance , NIS 60 at the doorInfo: (072) 394-0564, tbe@funinjerusalem.com, www.tbe.org.ilDramatic Tours at Shai Agnon’s HouseDramatic family tour with actorsWhen: Passover Museum Hours April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.April 24 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.Where: Agnon House, ArnonaPrice: NIS 15 Child, NIS 20 AdultInfo: (02) 671-6498,office@agnonhouse.org.ilNew Exhibit at the Museum on the Seam“Even the Trees Bleed: The Connection Between Man and Nature – Environmental, Social and Political.”When:• April 22 and 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.• April 23, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.Where: Museum on the SeamPrice: NIS 30Info: (02) 628-1278, http://mots.org.il Museum for Islamic ArtSinbad the Sailor – An interactive show in the museum’s galleries, based on the popular tale from A Thousand and One Nights. Art, costume and photography workshops daily.When: April 21 to 25 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. (except for Erev Hag April 25 )Where: 2 HaPalmach St.Price: Free Child, NIS 45 AdultInfo: (02) 566-1291, www.islamicart.co.ilMuseum of Italian Jewish Art“Strength & Splendor in the Passover Haggadah.” Self guided tours & VRWhen: April 21 to 24, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Where: 25 Hillel St.Price: NIS 15 Child, NIS 25 AdultInfo: (02) 624-1610, italianjewishart@funinjerusalem.comHebrew Music Museum “Experience Hebrew Music and Musical Instruments from Across the World” - Self-Guided Tours daily with ipads or request a guided tour. VR of The Temple Music.When: April 21 to 25, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (April 25 till 1:30 p.m.)Special interactive musical tour (Hebrew)When: April 21 to April 24, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.Where: Music Square, Nachlat Shiva 10Price: NIS 45 Child (5yrs.+), NIS 60 AdultInfo: (02) 540-6505, kikarhamusica@funinjerusalem.comBotanical Gardens“Poets in the Garden” poetry tours, meeting poets and art activities.When: April 21 to 24 at 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (April 25 till 3 p.m.)Where: Nayot, JerusalemPrice: FreeInfo: (02) 679-4012, botanic@funinjerusalem.com, www.botanic.co.il“Plastecology”The World is in Our Hands… Come and discover the advantages and disadvantages inherent in plastic thru art workshops, scientific demonstrations, an original show and art exhibits.When:• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.• April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.• April 26 to 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.When: Bloomfield Science MuseumPrice: NIS 45 (5yrs.+)Info: (02) 654-4888, www.mada.org.il/enCONCERTSFestive Passover Chazanim Concert The show will feature Cantors Schachat, Hershtik & Stark accompanied by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.When: April 24 at 8 p.m.Where: Jerusalem TheaterPrice: NIS 100/130/150Info: www.jso.co.il or *6226Israeli Folk Song FestivalIn celebration of Passover and the 20th year of Milah Choirs, your family will enjoy the Israeli Folk Song Festival at Ammunition Hill.When: April 23 to 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Ammunition HillPrice: NIS 10 Entrance feeInfo: *2967 or (02) 582-9393, www.g-h.org.il, ammunitionhill@funinjerusalem.comYonina Passover ConcertWhen: April 23 at 8 p.m.Where: Jaffa St 34Price: NIS 80 In advance, NIS 90 at the doorInfo: www.yoninamusic.comPASSOVER THEATERTrain Theater Passover Shows• Moustache the Cat: A story about Moustache the cat who lives in a circle, and has the world’s most special moustache! An interdisciplinary show combining plastic art and dance-design theater. The show is performed without words. For ages 3+.When: April 21 and 22, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.• No Dragon: Based on Jack Kent’s book, “There is no such thing as a dragon.” For ages 3+. Hebrew.When: April 23, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.• Why Did the Fish Cry?Take a journey through the witch-fairy’s candy garden with Mick and Tino the dwarf. This journey is about dealing with our fears and even befriending them. Children are actively involved through song, simple music and the magic spell. For ages 3+. Hebrew.When: April 24, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.• Night Journey: The Train Theater presents “Night Journey” – an entertaining performance for children about dreams, fears and playful beings. For ages 3+. Hebrew.When: April 27, 11 a.mPrice: NIS 45Info: www.traintheater.co.ilJerusalem Theater Passover Shows• The Little Prince: The classic story of “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. A magical performance accompanied by beautiful music, video art and a unique theatrical language that will touch your hearts.When: April 23, 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.Price: NIS 60• The First King: The story of King Saul. Meet kings, prophets, donkeys as you learn about King Saul. Ages 6+When: April 23 and 24, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Price: NIS 59Info: www.jerusalem-theatre.co.il/engART TOURS Dead Sea Graffiti TourExplore the outdoor graffiti gallery at the old Jordanian army base at the Dead Sea. Tour is interactive and includes AR and a scavenger hunt for families.When: April 21, afternoonWhere: Dead SeaArtesana Hot Glass Fusing WorkshopsDiscover the magical world of glass and create beautiful pieces of art. Create plates, bowls, trays, mezuzot, jewelry, and pictures. Reservations required.When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (April 25 till 4 p.m.)Where: Mevo HoronPrice: NIS 150Info: (052) 388-1654, glassart@funinjerusalem.comGlass Blowing WorkshopHands-on family workshop where you will learn flameworking and glass blowing.When: April 21 to 25Where: Bethlehem Road, behind the Paz Gas StationInfo: glass@funinjerusalem.comHadara Ceramic WorkshopsBook a Passover 1.5-hour workshop for your family & create your own ceramic pieces w/ stencils, stamps and laces. Great for all ages 3 to 120.When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Emek Refaim - Across from AromaPrice: NIS 90Info: hadara@funinjerusalem.comThe Workshop Gush EtzionCreate handmade pieces of Judaica with a Passover theme at this incredible wood workshop!When: April 21 to 25, 27, 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.Where: Rosh Tzurim, Gush EtzionPrice: 230 NISInfo: theworkshop@funinjerusalem.comACTIVITIESTour AdumimAn exciting tour with Shelley including a Judean Desert Lookout, meet local Beduin on hilltop overlooking Judean Desert, Good Samaritan Mosaics Museum, Mitzpe Yericho Lookout, Stained glass art studio of Gila Koppel, Mezuzah Making Workshop, Ptil Techelet Factory, ATV in the Desert, and Moshe Castel Museum scavenger hunt.When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April 25 till 1 p.m.)Info: (054) 527-5404, adumim@funinjerusalem.comDig for a Day Archeology ExperienceLearn how to look for artifacts, sift through dirt from the Second Temple Period and go caving in an un-excavated cave. Reservations are required.When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April 25 till 1 p.m.)Where: Beit Guvrin National ParkInfo: (02) 586-2011, dig@funinjerusalem.comATV Gush Etzion - RegushOff roading in an ATV Tour in the hills and valleys of Gush Etzion with an experienced tour guide. Reservations required.When: April 23 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Alon ShvutInfo: regush@funinjerusalem.comGush Etzion Wineries (The Yekev)Learn more about wine-making as you explore the vineyards and winery in the heart of Gush Etzion; wine tasting available. Reservations required.When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Gush Etzion JunctionInfo: yekev@funinjerusalem.comExotic Animal ExperienceEnjoy a pastoral experience with a special collection of exotic animals from around the world See large turtles, anaconda snakes, tarantulas and more. No reservations required.When: April 19 and April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Sde Bar Farm, Gush EtzionPrice: NIS 25 Per PersonInfo: (055) 666-0897, animals@funinjerusalem.comZomet Techno-Halachic ExperienceCome and find out how rabbis and engineers solve techno-halachic problems with lectures and activities for children.When: April 23 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. English Tours 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.Where: Alon ShvutPrice: NIS 35, NIS 30 per child (from 2-6 years old)Info: zomet@funinjerusalem.comHorseback Riding & Pony RidesFamily horse riding trails in the Jerusalem Hills. Pony rides in the stables for younger kids.When: April 21 to 25,Where: Yad ShmonaInfo: kdstables@funinjerusalem.comKif Tzuba Amusement ParkKiftzuba is an amusement park for kids of all ages with climbing playzones, bumper cars, a roller coaster, game arcades and more.When:• April 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.• April 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.• April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.• April 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.• April 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Kibbutz TzubaPrice: NIS 89 Child (age 1-14), NIS 54 Adult, NIS 360 Family (up to 5 people)Info: tzuba@funinjerusalem.com, http://www.kiftzuba.co.ilGalita Chocolate WorkshopLearn to make special kosher for passover treats at the Galita chocolate workshops. No Kitniyot. Reservations required.When: April 21 to 25Where: Kibbutz TzubaPrice: Depends on items chosenInfo: galita@funinjerusalem.com, www.galita.co.ilFalcon Laser Tag in LatrunEnjoy a challenging game of Laser Tag or Water Tag with your family in a uniquely “Israeli” setting among tanks, bunkers and camouflage. Open at night! Reservations required. Ages 8+.When:• April 19 and 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Where: LatrunPrice: NIS 90 per hourInfo: (052) 645-3158, lasertag@funinjerusalem.comBLOC Climbing300 sq.m. of bouldering for all ages and levels! Shoes available for rent.When:• April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.• April 20, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.• April 21 and 25, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.• April 22 to 24, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.• April 23, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.• April 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.• April 27, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.Where: 7 Yitskhak Elisar St (near Ben Yehuda St)Price: NIS 45Info: (052) 539-8991, bloc@funinjerusalem.comATV in the Jerusalem HillsWhen: April 21 to 25Where: Yearim Hotel, Maale HachamishaPrice: NIS 350 – 1 hour; NIS 550 – 2 hours (discount for tourists with passport)Info: atv@funinjerusalem.com, (050)773-3335Montefiore Windmill Complex ActivitiesEscape Park – Using clues and maps you will need to unlock the mystery as you explore Mishkenot Sha’ananim.When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Segway Tours of Mishkenot Sha’ananim for ages 16+When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Montefiore WindmillInfo: windmill@funinjerusalem.comRopes Course at Ammunition HillLearn about the bravery of the soldiers who fought at Ammunition Hill as you conquer the Omega zipline, climb the rope ladder and swing in the sky swing.When: April 21 to 25Where: Ammunition HillInfo: ropes@funinjerusalem.com, (052)893-8921For a full listing of events in Jerusalem, check out the Fun In Jerusalem Passover Guide: www.funinjerusalem.com/PassoverJoanna Shebson is the founder of Fun in Jerusalem (www.funinjerusalem.com) and Party In Jerusalem (www.partyinjerusalem.com). She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and three kids; joanna@funinjerusalem.com
