Editor’s note: Due to the ongoing security situation, events listed below may be postponed or canceled. Check before booking, and stay safe.
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Step into the Israel Museum Jerusalem with young family members to enjoy the Pharaoh’s Animal Kingdom exhibition. Curated by Nir Or Lev, this is an innovative attempt by the museum’s Archaeology Wing to introduce children to the wonders of Ancient Egypt via the natural beauty of the Nile River and the various animals that live on its banks.
View reliefs, amulets, and jewelry – among them a statuette of a hippopotamus dated from the Middle Kingdom, and a coffin of a cat from the 4th century BCE.
In addition to the exhibition, the museum is offering Movie Monday for children. On July 21, the black-and-white 1925 comedy The Gold Rush, starring Charlie Chaplin, will be screened.
Pharaoh’s Animal Kingdom will be on display during the museum’s regular opening hours until February 15. NIS 62 per ticket for adults. NIS 31 for those between five and 17 years old. Free for minors on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and for Jerusalem children every weekday. The film costs NIS 25. Screening at 5 p.m. 11 Derech Rupin. For information, call (02) 670-8811.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
As part of the Jerusalem Film Festival, watch The Best Mother in the World. Directed by Anna Muylaert, this Brazilian and Argentinian film tells the story of how a mother runs off with her kids and transforms their harsh reality of being homeless into an outstanding journey.
10:30 a.m. screening; in Portuguese with English and Hebrew subtitles. NIS 48. Jerusalem Cinematheque. For more, visit jer-cin.org.il/en. The festival is being held until July 26.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Visit Holzer Books and pick up the fairly accurate historical novel, Sabbatai Zevi – The story of a Messiah, penned by Leor Holzer, the store’s owner. This limited-edition Hebrew novel (NIS 159) is one of the many wonderful books at the store, which is marking its 15th anniversary.
91 Jaffa Street. Weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; closed on Saturday. Call 076-543-3800 to learn about sales and events marking the store’s anniversary.
MONDAY, JULY 21
Take in a new dance performance by the Kolben Dance company at the Jerusalem Theatre. Sof Sof (“At Long Last”) is a chance to explore how the body and its movements respond to the series of collapses and new beginnings in Israel’s chaotic reality.
The narrative centers around a dancer named Ora, who represents the soul of the world, and must face various changes needed for life to exist.
8:30 p.m. 20 Marcus Street. NIS 119 to NIS 149 per ticket. One hour. Call 052-391-4930 to book.
TUESDAY, JULY 22
Looking for an evening working space to put the final touches on your novel, or maybe develop an idea for a home-based business? Chabad on Campus offers a learning space with Wi-Fi, coffee, and food.
Designed for university students during their exams, this is an open space that serves all. A workshop to reduce stress is also offered.
6 p.m. to 2 a.m. 4 Yavetz Street.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
Climb up to the roof of the Sam Spiegel Cinema to enjoy their summer night open-air screening of the 1995 romantic comedy Before Sunrise. Directed by Richard Linklater, the film stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy – two strangers who meet and fall in love on a train ride to Vienna.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. there will be a DJ set marking the sunset. Screening begins at 8 p.m. English-language film, with Hebrew subtitles. NIS 35. 3 Menora Street. Visit cinema.jsfs.co.il for more information.
THURSDAY, JULY 24
Enjoy a free outdoor street concert by the Jerusalem Street Orchestra, under the baton of Gaddiel Dombrowner, who will conduct a rich program that blends well-known pop hits and Israeli folk music.
Concerts at 4:30 p.m. and again at 6 p.m., on the corner of Jaffa and Heleni Hamalka streets.
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Attend a festive opening of Hugs, four video works by Ruti Sela, which will be shown in a new exhibition at Hansen House, curated by Sala-Manca. The heart of the exhibition is Hugs 2025, a recreation of the 1999 video-work Hugs, in which Sela asked strangers in the streets of Jerusalem to offer her an embrace.
Event begins at 7:30 p.m. On display until September 26. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 14 Gedalyahu Alon Street. Free.
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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.