Jerusalem's top events for the week of February 2nd

> Jerusalem's top events for the week of February 2nd

So, you've already seen the Superbowl ads pre-released, and the game is a rerun matchup anyhow. Skip staying up all night and ruining half your week and instead spend your time checking out new and exciting things around Jerusalem.

Grab your dancing shoes and tutus, because the Israel Ballet is celebrating 45 years with a gala evening of pirouettes and pas de deux. On tap: Hychristo, Mozart and a sequence of Leonard Cohen waltzes.

On Friday, check out the Voca People at Zappa for a special afternoon show of white makeup and a cappella trickery.

The weekly Friday Culinary Market Fair continues this month as the Malcha Mall, featuring a huge variety of specialty food items. This week, enjoy a free package of dried fruit in honor of Tu Bishvat when you spend 399 NIS or more anywhere in the building.

No snow? No way up to the Hermon? No problem. Mini Israel is making sure that Jerusalem dwellers too can enjoy a white February, with a healthy dose of the white stuff. They have non-mini loads of snow imported from up north, plus special Eskimo-themed activities, every Saturday this month.

The chefs at gourmet restaurant 1868 have created a new menu with items specifically suited to the cold Jerusalem winter. Starters and main courses include fish, chicken, beef, and lamb options alongside filling and hearty additions such as root vegetables, lentils and barley.

Tu Bishvat, the Jewish Arbor Day, falls later this week, and to get things started right, the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is saying "happy new year" to the trees with a special week of activities, including a walk through Mitzpeh Niftoah in search of gazelles and other flora and fauna.

Who says Mondays have to be boring? The city government's Youth Authority (the same team that brings us the Front Stage party series every summer) is sponsoring special events every Monday in February combining live music, DJs, food workshops, visual art events, discounts at restaurants and bars, literary events, film screenings and discussions. And all of it gratis.

On Tuesday, head back to Zappa for a performance by the raspy-voiced, and controversial, Amir Benayoun.

Wednesday marks Tu Bishvat. Grab some dried fruit and go to Hamartef Theater for a grown-up performance loosely based on The Jungle Book.

The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel's colorful Tu Bishvat menu specials are as pleasing to the eye as they are to taste. Enjoy delicacies such as French cookies filled with dried fruits and dried fruit terrine alongside the full menu at the Sofia restaurant for some seasonal festivities.

And be sure to check out our full events section for everything else happening around town.

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