Jerusalem's top events for the week of May 12th
As any party aficionado knows, nothing cures a post-soiree hangover like a few more drinks. So it goes in Jerusalem, where the post-Independence Day period is marked by more of the same - as in, good times - including a day of free admission to museums, a wine-themed feast, delicious Belgian and Spanish beers, and the second annual Mediterranean Olive Oil competition.
- This year's so-called Arab Spring has set pundits and talking heads atwitter predicting and fulminating on what all the unrest means. But understanding what forces are at play takes more than minute-long soundbites and 140 character bursts. That's why the Museum for Islamic Art is hosting a five-part lecture series delving into the uprisings, with insights from Professor Rafi Israel, starting tonight.
Also taking place today, as with every Thursday this spring, the Tower of David Museum stays open extra late - until 19:00 - with afternoon activities for the whole family, including creative games, riddles and language puzzles as an extension of the Letters and More exhibit. As the days grow longer, spend an evening exploring inscriptions within the ancient Citadel, and along its turrets and walls.
- You don't have to venture out into the sticks or brave the crowds at Machane Yehuda to get fresh produce on Fridays. Starting this week and going through late June, the Botanical Gardens hosts an exclusively kosher farmers market (pictured) every Friday. The market features lectures on healthy lifestyle, kids' snacks, olive oils, wines, breads, sushi, cheeses and a bounty of produce.
- As part of its 42nd concert season, The Eden Tamir Music Center features a performance entitled The Best of Chamber Music this Saturday morning. Millennium, the center's ensemble-in-residence, is set to perform the cyclic forms of Franck's Piano Quintet in F Minor, as well as Ravel's Piano Trio, which the composer once noted that he had written "with the sureness and lucidity of a madman."
Also on Saturday, the Bloomfield Science Museum presents Dr. Water Molecule, an amusing and interactive piece of theater about the characteristics of water. During the course of the show, which takes place on a weekly basis at 13:00, Udi "Dr. Molecule" Weil sets fire to paper money which doesn't burn, pours water which doesn't spill and builds a tower of colors from various liquids.
- Legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham may no longer be with us, but on Sunday, you can be one of the first to check out a video installation documenting his award-winning body of work at the Specter Gallery of the Israel Museum.
Black Bar 'n' Burger has a series of short-term special deals running through Sunday.
The "dish of the month," sauteed chicken and artichoke with chickpeas,
carrots and onions, goes for just 65 NIS. In addition, post a "hungry"
status to Black's official Facebook page, show it to the waitstaff, and
receive a refreshing Leffe beer for free. This month, Black also
celebrates the addition of beloved Spanish beer Estrella Damm Inedit,
specially brewed to accompany meals, to its row of taps.
- Tuesday is a great chance to check out the second annual Terra Olivo Mediterranean Olive Oil Competition at the Inbal Hotel, running from Sunday through next Wednesday. The Terra Olivio 2011 events include a professional conference, tastings, workshops and a gala charity fundraiser dinner. Over 300 brands of the world's leading olive oils will be represented and judged by the industry's leading authorities - and by the general public.
- Wednesday is International Museum Day, one of the year's best Jerusalem traditions, ten of the city's best museums - from the Bloomfield Science Museum to the Israel Museum to the Old Yishuv Court Museum - open their doors to the masses for free. Viva la no charge!
And as always, check out our full events section for everything else happening around town.
Photo courtesy of the Botanical Gardens.
