Jerusalem's top events for the week of October 6th

> Jerusalem's top events for the week of October 6th

Holy days are on the schedule for this week in Jerusalem, but between fasting and tabernacle-building, it's important to make time for good old merry-making. There's plenty of it afoot this week.

Just 24 hours before the Day of Atonement, experience the atmosphere during the Slichot period tonight in the alleyways of the Old City. Guided tours start immediately after The Night Spectacular sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum.
Having solidified its place as one of the Holy City's leading sushi brands, Sushi Rechavia celebrates its fourth birthday all October long, with special deals - including Tabor wine discounts and multi-course combo meals - at all of its branches.
Jews the city over find themselves begging for heavenly forgiveness come Friday night and into Saturday, as they have been doing during these Ten Days of Repentance. The theme is picked up by the Andalusian Orchestra, which plays a concert of Jewish liturgical poems connected to the Days of Awe at Safra Square Thursday night.

An ancient atonement ritual performed by Jews between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, Kaparot involves waving a chicken above one's head while chanting a prayer. Following a few years of outcry from animal rights activists, the Jerusalem city government has this year initiated some new measures to ensure extra-humane treatment of the chickens. Those interested may observe or participate in the ritual on Friday at veterinarian-supervised stations, one of which will be located right outside Machane Yehuda.

It only follows that once you've been forgiven, you should celebrate by putting up a temporary dwelling and shaking some leaves and fruits, natch. Machane Yehuda's Four Species Market, one of the biggest in the country, features more palm fronds, myrtle branches, willow leaves and citrons than you can shake a ...well, you get the idea. The ritual produce bazaar is open Sunday through Wednesday.

Projected October rains are expected to bring out a new crop of mushrooms, and Cinematheque-housed eatery Lavan is celebrating with fresh fungi-centric menu offerings all this month from chefs Michael Katz and Sagi Azoulai.

We'll have a new list of fun things happening around town ahead of the Sukkot holiday on Tuesday. Until then, be sure to check out our full events section.

Jerusalem City Guide

2000+ tips and recommendations

Top things to do in Jerusalem this winter

Alright, we'll be the first to admit it. Jerusalem's often chilly and often damp winters don't exactly exude...
The top five ancient landmarks in Jerusalem

In a region known for being one of the first in which early humans settled after leaving Africa, and in a city populated...
Breakfast Buffet at the American Colony Hotel

Looking for a place to begin your morning in luxury and style? Look no further than the American Colony Hotel, which offers...

The top five luxury hotels in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the city where kings ruled and sultans sat is no stranger to luxury. Today, even the visiting yeoman can find...
The top five underexposed hotels in Jerusalem

Jewish tradition holds that in the times of the First and Second Temples, all the Jewish people would gather in Jerusalem...
The top five hotels near the Old City of Jerusalem

Technically, it's possible to visit Jerusalem without going to the Old City, but it would be hard to say you'd...

Breakfast Buffet at the American Colony Hotel

Looking for a place to begin your morning in luxury and style? Look no further than the American Colony Hotel, which offers...
40 things you have to eat in Jerusalem

The faithful may rhapsodize about the spiritual highs to be reached in the Old City; culture cognoscenti groove on the...
Top Five Desserts in Jerusalem

Once upon a time, options for eating out in Jerusalem were limited to local common phenomena such as falafel and schwarma,...