I grew up in Jerusalem, I lived there for 6 years as an adult – just goes to show, that cities are not like little villages – there is always something new to discover.
In my case, it is this wonderful little Park.
To be fair, this park probably didn’t exist when I was a child, it was probably an empty field. Still it’s interesting to come across something new to me. The sign on the gate has nothing to do with the park. These are death announcements and one finds them plastered all over the city. They do serve an important purpose, when my father died suddenly it was notices like this that alerted acquaintances of mine to come by and offer condolences. So it’s hard for me to see this as blight, or graffiti.
This is a lovely well designed park. Like most parks in Jerusalem, it was donated by wealthy individuals. In this case, Doris and Chaim Morrison – because they love flowers and the children of Jerusalem. Today it was rather empty of children, probably because they are back in school.
Cats, Jerusalem is full of street cats. I think the British brought a few over to combat the rodent problem. Just like the rabbits took over Australia, the street cats have taken over Israel. At least there isn’t much of a rodent problem.
I had to take a number of pictures of this large grassy area. This is a rarity in Jerusalem. First of all there aren’t enough parks, second of all, where there are parks, there often isn’t much grass. A real treat for sore eyes, since most of the city is buildings clad in Jerusalem stone – basically limestone. So green is very very welcome.
A touch of color. For people in the northern climes – the Hollyhock is a lovely garden flower. In hot dry Israel this is one of those rare flowers that reseeds itself like a weed, yet is very welcome once it blooms
A family set up tables and food under the arbor. Friday is like Sunday in Israel – weekend. The difference is that although most people don’t work, the schools still are in session on Fridays. So I’m guessing these kids were pulled out for a family gathering.
In the wall, this wonderful mosaic. I don’t read Greek, or is this the ancient Hebrew alphabet? Probably more likely. The images are of course the 7 branch candelabra that would have been in the Temple. The yellow fruit is probably the Etrog (citron) and the branch is the palm frond that together with the Etrog are used on the holiday of Sukkot, which is coming up very soon.
The pomegranate is ripening on the tree. This is the season for the fruit. It will be displayed proudly on peoples tables (mine included) next Wednesday night when we welcome in the Jewish New Year. One of the blessing is – may your year be as full of blessings as the seeds of the pomegranate.