Jerusalem hotels, restaurants, attractions, tours & events. Helping since 2008

Today's Jerusalem is a thriving contemporary capital, so spending time here can often make it hard to picture the entire Holy City going up in flames - which it did twice, as two Judean dynasties fell. But the somber fast day of Tisha B'av, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, begins this Monday evening, helping lovers of Jerusalem to remember how broken the world still is.

The nine days that lead up to Tisha B'av are marked by mourning customs, such as refraining from enjoying live music and meat, so not much musical or otherwise festive is happening around the city this week. But just because the tone gets taken down a notch doesn't mean Jerusalem will be sitting at home and crying. Here's a list of interesting, and yes, fun things happening around town this week.

• In this new exhibit, Travels to Yemen 1987 to 2008: Photographs by Naftali Hilger, accomplished photojournalist Naftali Hilger takes visitors on a spectacular journey across Yemen through the camera lens. Hilger exposes a way of life is not commonly seen. The exhibit opened at The Museum of Islamic Art yesterday.
  
  On Thursday Night, Beit Avi Chai hosts a production of the play Pursue Justice, exploring the themes of revenge and righteousness. The timing, during the nine days and also during a time when the country is seeing intense calls for social justice, couldn't be better. Stay after for a discussion with actor Shay Zaviv.

• The musical and meat eating prohibition do take a break for the weekend, so bring in Shabbat with a concert by a musician and a poet at Ben-Ami Café on Emek Refaim. This Friday, Shmuel Klein and Michal Halad host Ilan Kenan of the mellow Ilan Kenan Trio.
  
  For those who don't mind a bit of revelry this time of week and this time of year, Ein Kerem's Brasserie hosts a festive opening Friday night for artist Sharon Dorani, whose paintings are showing there for the next few weeks.

• Many people refrain from drinking wine during these days, but nobody said anything about beer and liquor. Nobody we heard, anyway. Head to central Jerusalem's Blaze Bar for a boozy good time with a roots rock live set from the Nighthawks.

• Don't let the out-of-school kids languish. Plenty of Jerusalem museums are hosting special kid-friendly exhibits and activities for the hot summer months, including the Tower of David (pictured), the Museum for Islamic Art and as always, the Bloomfield Science Museum.
  
  Or, the entire family can learn about Israel's history with Mini Israel's guided tours. These entertaining themed tours lead visitors around the park's 385 models of historical, religious, archaeological and modern sites, illustrated with explanations and anecdotes.

• No meat. No problem. Lots of restaurant are cooking up special fish-emphasizing or vegetarian nine days-friendly menu options, like Angelica and Hachatzer. Get it in before the fast starts Monday night.

• Not much will be going on Tuesday, which marks what is considered by many to be the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar, but progressive community center Beit Avi Chai helps those refraining from food take their minds off things delicious and focus on things serious with a variety of films and talks on hatred and conflicts. You know, those things that led to all this mourning.

• By Wednesday, Jerusalem ought to be back to its good ol' self. Head to Birman to celebrate with some great brews, drinks and music.