FRIDAY, JUNE 5
Pick up a copy of Hidden Companions – Paranormals from the Old City by Ahmad Nabil (AK Press). Based in Beit Safafa, Nabil created the Fiction Council, a space for artistic creativity and fiction.
The stories he collected are illustrated by him. They span into our own times, with three Jerusalem-based witches who were discovered after the 1967 Six Day War, or a boy who attempts to speak with the ghost of the late Karl Marx.
Islamic tradition suggests that hidden companions (Qarin) exist in the form of jinns. Each person has such a supernatural being assigned to him or her. When Muhammad gained his revelation, his jinn also accepted Islam.
$29.95. The Fiction Council is located at 12 al-Zeitoun St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Attend an exhibition opening at the Jerusalem Artists’ House of Periodic Report – The Full Vessel, by Stav Rozental, the result of two years of personal study, the ceramics depict scenes from her life in the Jordan Valley during these very turbulent times.
Curated by Maya Muchawsky Parnas, this exhibition is one of four opened today. The others are The Dread of Isaac by Ronen Siman Tov, Fireflies by Guy L. Levy, and Forever by Tohar Gibber.
Shown until Saturday, August 8. Noon event. Free. 12 Shmuel Hanagid St.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Listen to Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter discuss “Two Unknown Fast Days in Chodesh Sivan.” This is a chance to hear a leading professor of Jewish thought and enjoy an intellectual evening.
8 p.m. Kehillat Ramban, 4 Amatzia St. In English. Free.
MONDAY, JUNE 8
Explore the Chaim Herzog Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II. This fairly new museum opened its doors three years ago and leads the visitor on a massive tour depicting the Jewish men and women who fought for civilization against the Nazis and their allies.
These include British master of spies, Vera Atkins, Maurice Rose of the US Army 3rd Armored Division, and – perhaps surprisingly – Chabad Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The revered Schneerson helped build the USS Missouri, on which the Japanese officially surrendered.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors must preregister by calling (03) 373-0444. The museum is located at Yad Lashirion, at the Latrun Junction. Be sure to take in the Jerusalem mountains from the balcony. English guided tours are offered.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
Attend an English-language performance of The Mikado. Created by Gilbert & Sullivan, this Encore production brings this side-splitting light opera to Jerusalem.
Under the guise of feudal Japan, where honor demands that at least some people lose their heads for appearances and others their teeth “extracted by terrified amateurs,” some very funny plot lines will eventually merit a happy ending.
Some splendid actors, such as Groucho Marx and William Danforth, shined in their respective roles; no doubt today’s talents will too.
7:30 p.m. Hirsch Theater, 6 Shama St. NIS 105 to NIS 125. Call 054-578-9006 to book. Last show on Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Celluloid ages with time, which is why film restoration is vital for movie lovers who want to have a deep understanding of the medium and its history. Today, the Jerusalem Cinematheque will allow visitors into the rooms where over a century of visual documentation of this land, and the movies made in it, is kept.
The Hebrew-guided tour will conclude with a screening of Life According to Agfa. The 1993 black-and-white film, directed by the late Assi Dayan, will be shown using such a restored reel.
7 p.m. Hebrew tour followed by 8 p.m. screening. NIS 25 per ticket. 11 Hebron Road. Call (02) 565-4333 for more.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Watch Margot at the Wedding, directed by Noah Baumbach, a comedy-drama starring Nicole Kidman and Jack Black in the lead roles.
Kidman, who plays Margot, is a writer who returns to Long Island to attend the wedding of Malcolm (Black), her brother who is a struggling artist.
Partly sweet and partly acidic, this slice of American life of the creative classes is a good choice for a well-spent evening.
8 p.m. Cinema by Sam Spiegel, 3 Menora St. NIS 35. In English. Visit cinema.jsfs.co.il to book.
Throwing a special event? Opening an art exhibition or a new bar? Bringing in a guest speaker to introduce a fascinating topic? Email hagay_hacohen@yahoo.com and let In Jerusalem know about it. Write “Jerusalem Highlights” in the subject line. Although all information is welcome, we cannot guarantee it will be featured in the column.