Jerusalem's top events for the week of August 13th

> Jerusalem's top events for the week of August 13th

In Israeli politics and journalism, the slow time in the middle of August is derisively called cucumber season. Whether the term developed because journalists are forced to write about cucumber growth, or the blandness of politics during this time is reminiscent of the flavorlessness of the cucumber we are not sure. But we do believe the term is a misnomer, at least when it comes to Jerusalem. We hearby nominate a new name: jalapeno season, because despite the decepitvly green look, once inside the city is hot, hot, hot. And we aren't talking about the weather forecast.

Nothing washes down a jalapeno quote like a cold glass of malty brew. There's no need to wait for the beer festival later this month, to break out the pint glass. There are plenty of palces around the city that combine alcoholic and musical consumption on Thursday nights (and nearly every other night for that matter) like Bass, Birman, and Boogie. Not mention BYOB happenings at Mamilla-Alrov and just plain old public drunkenness about everywhere else.

On Friday afternoon, bring in Shabbat early with Neshama Carlebach, daughter of the late great rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, who pioneered the use of song in prayer. Neshama will be performing many of her dad's world-famous melodies along with some of her own stuff.

Saturday night marks the end of Chutzot Hayotzer, one last chance to browse the wares of craftspeople Israeli and Uzbekistani alike while hearing some top-shelf musical acts. If you've already made the rounds, don't sweat it. You can head over to Beit Avi Chai for a production of the Alayev Family (speaking of central Asians) perform the kind of Bukharian tunes that don't make it onto the radio.

On Sunday night celebrate your lack of coupleness with a singles night at Off the Wall Comedy Empire. It will be like Jdate, only with less typing, and in a basement.

Eviatar Banai's sickly-sweet voice will reverbate through Hama'abada Monday night, a night for fathers and sons. If you're part of the GLBT crowd, you're in luck Monday as the Jerusalem Open House hosts a beer and pizza social.

Everybody knows about a yiddishe mama (really, everybody) but yiddishe madre? Grab your closest amigos and amigas and get yourself down to Beit Avi Chai Tuesday for a performance blending Yiddish and Ladino cultures - the Jewish peas n' carrots.

Make Wedneesday about the kinderlach and take them to see The Jerusalem Theater's production of the Ugly Duckling, or even just visit the Bible Lands Museum, which is devoting August to the little ones.

Need more proof that this week is anything but cucumber-y? Check out our full event listings and decide for yourself.

Photo of Machane Yehuda courtesy of Flickr user David55king.

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