Fun In Jerusalem

Hechal Shlomo Wolfson Jewish Art Museum: “Jewish Identity”

58 King George St. 02-588-9010

 

Bank of Israel Visitors Center: 02-655-2828

Kiryat Memshala, Givat Raam (next to the Supreme Court and Knesset)

The Bank of Israel has a wonderful Visitors Center with exhibits and activities for adults and children ages 8+. There is a large exhibit hall which contains the history of Israeli Currency including samples and ancient coins. In the main exhibit hall there are 4 video games and there is a movie upstairs in the auditorium about the Development of Currency and Inflation. Exhibit information is in Hebrew and English. Special tour topics can be arranged for groups in English, Hebrew, French and Arabic. Visitors will leave with a souvenir of 3000 NIS (in shredded notes).

This is a great place to take teenagers who are interesting in finance, Israeli history and economics.

Computer Games: (On Non Holidays reservations are required to ensure all the games will be available) 
Money & Inflation: Trivia
Foreign Exchange Market: A game where the player must “Buy Foreign Currency”
Bank Supervision: Balancing the Scale
Identifying Counterfeits: A game that teaches visitors to spot the counterfeits

Bar/Bat Mitzva: The Visitor center can be rented out for a Bar/Bat Mitzva and special tours can be arranged for 1 hr. There is no food allowed in the Visitors Center.

Opening Hours:
9:00am-4:00pm (Call in advance to reserve space)
Pescah, Succot, Hanukka and Summer there are set tours and movie times (call for details)

Ticket Price:
Entrance is FREE

How To Get To The Bank of Israel Visitors Center:
By Car:Street Parking is available across the street from the Wohl Rose gardens and down the street from the Knesset. Parking is also available in the National parking lof and a shuttle runs to the Bank of Israel. Enter through the main security office of the Bank of Israel.
By Bus: 9, 28 from the Central Bus Station  

Castel Fortress on The Road To Jerusalem

There is no better way to teach children about the History of Israel than to be able to show them the actual locations of crucial battles. Today, the road to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv winds uphill, a black ribbon surrounded by trees, greenery and small villages dotting the landscape. Sixty years ago, it was the site of the most crucial battles during the War of Independence. The battleground for Jerusalem, it was said, was the width of that road.
 
The History:

The Castel overlooks the main road to Jerusalem.  The word Castel means castle, in French. French Crusaders, a thousand years ago, built a fortress on the top of the highest mountain in the area, giving them a military advantage over those who lived along the route of the main road. After the Crusaders left, Arabs lived in the area, in a village they called Castel. This village gave them the military advantage over the road.
 
Tel Aviv was, and still is, the main portal in the country, whether by boat or plane. During and after the Shoah, Jews arrived to the country from Europe and many moved to Jerusalem.  In order to prevent this, the Arabs tried to cut off Jerusalem from the main population clusters, on the coast. They did this by sniping at the Jewish drivers coming with supplies from the coast, to supply Jerusalem. Food, water, medicine and personnel were unable to come through, and hunger became a real danger for Jews in Jerusalem. Our Holy City was under siege!

The Tour:

Once you park and start walking up the path, you’ll find an outdoor “plaza” with different ’stations’ and signs about the battles, beginning in April 1948. The battle for Jerusalem started with Operation Nachshon. Nachshon ben Aminadav, according to our tradition, was the first to step into the Red Sea, which led to the great miracle of the parting of the Red Sea, during our exodus from Egypt. The Zionist leaders named this important operation after Nachshon Ben Aminadav because they realized that war was at hand and this could be the beginning of the  independence of the State of Israel. 
 
Keep walking up the hill, to the top. There are bunkers and trenches you can enter along the way, which will give you and your children a real feeling for how the Jewish soldiers felt at the time.

A Battle Story:

There is a story to be told here, about Abd El Khader El Husseini, the Arab army commander. He understood the importance of holding on to the Castel as an Arab stronghold, but the Israeli Palmach fighters captured it the night of April 5-6. The Arabs knew they had to get it back!  In the battle the next night, Abd El Khader el Husseini, himself, went to fight–and was never heard from again. It’s only later on that his soldiers realized that he had died in battle. They were very upset, and gathered their men to return and fight the Palmachnikim. In a very bloody battle, in which almost all the Jews were killed, the Arabs conquered the Castel again. When they did, they discovered the body of their leader, Abd el Khader el Husseini.  They quickly brought his body to Jerusalem, to be buried in a hero’s funeral on the Temple Mount. While they were all at the funeral, more Jewish fighters came and recaptured the Castel and the Castel has remained in Israeli hands ever since.
 
Activities:

Movie:There is a movie about the location and its’ battles in the cavelike bunker on the top of the hill.

Model: There is a model demonstrating the battles.

Views:From the top of the hill, you can see Har Nof, which is the area of Deir Yassin, the Arab village that was the site of the battle the next day. You can also see neighboring villages, Maaleh Hachamisha, Shoresh, Motzah, Har Adar, and more. Today, they are beautiful built up communities.

Getting There:Take Route 1 from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and turn off at the Mevasseret Zion junction, and follow the signs to the Castel. The roads are very narrow, and even if you think it can’t be thru there, it is!

Article Guest Author: 
Esti Herskowitz is a wonderful tour guide based out of Jerusalem. She is a great storyteller and has the most amazing Tanach (Bible) with thousands of post it notes in it. She brings a location ALIVE with stories, history and activities. Esti has led tours for adults but has a great knack for bonding with kids and knowing what they will enjoy. She led my family on a fabulous tour of Cesarea and kept the kids ages 9-1 entertained the whole time. You can reach Esti at st_tours@netvision.net.il

For a full list of activities for kids, please visit our daily Calendar of Events for the week of December 13-18. The following are highlights of the Hanukka activities in Jerusalem. This post will be updated each day with additional events. It’s a long list so feel free to print it. Happy Hanukka!

• Public Candle Lighting & Municipality Events
• Museums
• Theater
• Art,  Baking & Nature
• Toddlers
• Teens
• Mall Events
• Special Hanukka Events Outside Jerusalem

PUBLIC CANDLE LIGHTING & MUNICIPALITY EVENTS

Chanukah Candle Lighting at the Western Wall 
 
1st Night: Friday, December 11th at 3:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Rabbi Aharon Bina head of the Netiv Aryeh Yeshiva.
Interior Chanukiah: Rabbi Yehoshua Rachamim.
Upper Plaza: Chief Superintendent Ofer Shomer, commander of the Holy Sites Unit.

2nd Night: Saturday Night, December 12th at 6:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Rabbi Eliyahu Ben-Dahan, administrative head of the Rabbinic Courts.
Interior Chanukiah: Rabbi Nachman Kahanah.
Upper Plaza: Jerusalem district deputy police commander, Brig. Gen. Niso Shaham.

3rd Night: Sunday, December 13th at 4:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Israeli Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yona Metzger.
Interior Chanukiah: Rabbi Shimon Ziebled.
Upper Plaza: Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Nir Barkat.

4th Night: Monday, December 14th at 4:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Rohar, donor of the Central Chanukiah.
Interior Chanukiah: Oded Wiener, Director General of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
Upper Plaza: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, Rabbi Eli Yishai.

5th Night: Tuesday, December 15th at 4:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Chief Rabbi of the city of Be’er Sheva, Rabbi Yehuda Deri.
Interior Chanukiah: Rabbi Moshe Zelikowitz.
Upper Plaza: Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Eyal Gabai.

6th Night: Wednesday, December 16th at 4:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Rabbi of Migdal Haemek, Rabbi David Grossman.
Interior Chanukiah: Rabbi Avraham Bavyof.
Upper Plaza: Minister of Education, Mr. Gideon Sa’ar.

7th Night: Thursday, December 17th at 6:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Shlomo Amar.
Interior Chanukiah: Rabbi Israel Gafner.
Upper Plaza: Minister of tourism, Mr. Stas Misezhnikov.

8th Night: Friday, December 18th at 3:30 pm
Central Chanukiah: Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.
Interior Chanukiah: Rabbi Efraim Holtzberg.
Upper Plaza: Mr. Avi Roif of the Israeli Police – David region.

Torchlight and Flags – races and parades across the city  
 
The Jerusalem Municipality’s Society Department will host Hanukkah events across the city, including torchlight races with participation of soldiers, bereaved families, members of youth movements and IDF volunteers, under the title ”To the light of heroes in those days, at this time”.

The races will end at the Tower of David and at 17:15, where a ceremony will be held for lighting the second candle of Hanukkah, with honorable guest Mayor Nir Barkat, bereaved families, IDF soldiers and IDF volunteers.

Sunday, December 13, 2009
3:45pm – leaving from Giv’at HaTahmoshet, through Highway No. 1, Beit Israel, Haneviim Street, Museum of Underground Prisoners, Tzahal Square, Jaffo Gate and the Tower of David
3:30pm – leaving from San Simon, Mehalkey Hamayim St., Hapalmach St., Museum for Islamic Art, President’s Residence, Kakal St., King George St.,Ben Yehuda St., Jaffa St., Jaffa Gate and The Tower of David.
4:00pm – leaving from the Armon Hanatsiv promenade, Ya’ar Ha-Shalom, Naomi St, Hebron Road, Cinematheque and Jaffo Gate.
3:15pm – leaving from Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl, Shaare Zedek, Givat Mordechay, Botanical Garden, Azza St., Prima Kings Hotel, Mamila, Jaffo Gate and Tower of David.
4:30pm – leaving from the Western Wall Plaza, Jewish Quarter, Armenian Quarter and Tower of David
12:30pm – leaving from Kiryat Arba, Gilo, Hebron Road, Cinematheque, Valley of Hinnom and Tower of David
4:25pm – leaving from the Museum of Underground Prisoners, Safra Square, Tzahal Square, Jaffo Gate and Tower of David.

Pirsumey Nisa: An amazing performance of music and games about generations of Jewish heroism, with actor Haviv Mizrahi and musician Mordechai Zvi Shmerling.

Date: Saturday evening December 12, 2009
Location: Heichal Shlomo Auditorium, 58 King George St., Jerusalem
Time: 20:30 
Cost: Free

 

MUSEUMS

Israel Museum: Hanukkah in the Youth Wing December 13-17, 2009

Children enter Museum for FREE during Hanukkah

Pyromania in “Flashes of Light”: Live performance filled with humor, magic, and illusion. Watch two comic figures perform tricks with light and turn into illuminated puppets.
Time: 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm
Cost: 25 NIS
Book in Advance: 02-677-1302

From the Maccabbees to King Herod: The Shrine of the Book and the Second Temple Model come to life with actors, music and riddles. Workshops for an extra fee include making oil lamps, paint in the dark and more.
Time: 10:30am-2:00pm

The Jug’s Story: Object Theater in celebration of Hanukkah.
Time: 12:00pm
Ages: 4-8
Cost: 15 NIS
Location: Youth Wing Library

Recycling Workshop: Make Menorahs From Recycled Material
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Ages: 3-9
Cost: 10 NIS
Contact: 02-670-8963

Youth Wing Library Hanukkah Hours (Sun-Thurs)
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Cost: FREE
Contact: 02-670-8952

Due to construction at the Museum, the Youth Wing is not accessible by wheelchair and there are fewer parking spots than usual.

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Beit Avi Chai

“Heroes of Jewish History” Gameshow: Learn about Giborei Israel (Heroes of Jewish History) in this family gameshowwhich includes trivia, questions, music and prizes. The evening will end with candlelighting.

Date: Wednesday December 16, 2009
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Language: Hebrew
Cost: 10 NIS Per person or 50 NIS for family over 5 pple
Location:Beit Avi Chai, 44 King George St. 02-621-5300

Bloomfield Science Museum

Darwin Today: A Learning Experience for the Whole Family

Date: December 12, 2009-December 19, 2009
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm, Friday 10:00am-2:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm
Language: Hebrew
Price (Entrance includes all workshops): Ages 5+ 25 NIS, Family 125 NIS
Workshops: Finger prints, DNA, Understanding Darwin the Man, Art Workshop for Young Kids,
Live Show: Darwin’s Trip (additional 15 NIS)

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, Givat Ram

Light Festival: Music and lights after dark in coordination with the Electric Company and Magenta. The event will include a spectacular light show for the whole family that will illuminate the gardens. There will also be a workshop “The Path of Light” sponsored by the Electric Company which will teach visitors about safety and electricity, saving energy and how power comes into the house.

Date: Tuesday Dec 15- Thursday Dec 17
Time: 5:00pm-10:00pm
Price: 35 NIS (Adult) 25 NIS (Child 3+) 110 NIS (per family up to 6 people)

Flower Train: Train leaves each hour and takes visitors on a 30 minute ride around the gardens with a tour in Hebrew.

Treasure Hunt: Search for the treasure in the Botanical Gardens by answering questions/riddles and following clues around the Gardens. Family activity with questions for kids and adults. This is a self guided Treasure Hunt with instructions and clues in Hebrew and requires a cell phone to SMS each clue to a specific number. There is no additional fee for this event once you have paid admission to the gardens. For additional details call 02-679-4012.

Bank Of Israel
Visitors Center in open for Hanukkah: Givat Raam 2 Kaplan St. (wheelchair accesible) 
What did people use as money before coins were invented? What was the first series of money bills issued in Israel? What is the main role of the Governor of the Bank of Israel? What is price stability and inflation?
Date: December 13-17, 2009
Hours: 9:00-4:30pm
Ages: 8+
Contact: 02-6552828

Bible Lands Museum: December 13-17, 2009

“Magic & Wonders”: Follow James Bond around the museum as he searches for the oil lamp, Chanukahcelebration with Cagliostro, the magician and his magical friends, Creative Holiday workshops (make a Trojan horse, Make a Chanukiah out of clay, Chocolate coins) Wacky and Wild Menorah’s on display.
Entrance Fee: Free entrance for children
Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm
Date: Sunday Dec 13th – Thursday Dec 17th 2009

Cagliostro Magic Show at 12:00pm, 25 NIS, Reservations Required
Creative Art Workshops 15 NIS
Family Hanukkah Tours: Every half hour from 10:30am-1:30pm, FREE
* Ask for a self guided booklet for children ages 9+ in English*

City Of David
 
Archeological experience at Emek Tzurim

Look for the past buried in the ground. A sifting project for exposing ancient remains at Temple Mount.
Activity: 2 hour archaeological workshop which includes actual sifting.
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm
Ages: 5+
Reservations Required *6033

Ein Yael

Olive Oil Festival: December 13-17, 2009

Activities: Ceramics workshop, Ancient methods for lighting a fire, Bee Workshop, Candle Making, Olive Oil Making, Mosaic Fresco, Tour an old Roman Street. All events are weather permitting. Call ahead to confirm.

Price: 35NIS Child, 30NIS Adult
Contact: 02-645-1866

Museum of Islamic Art

Festival of Puppets and Objects: Sunday December 13 – Thursday December 17
Sunday: Rain Bird
Monday: The Best Collection
Tuesday: Gulliver in Lilliput
Wednesday: Shadow Theater (ages 6+)
Thursday: Grandma Knits Stories

Time: 5:00pm
Language: Hebrew
Ages: 5+
Tickets: Included in entrance fee

Creative Art Workshops: Sunday December 13- Friday December 18 (10am-5pm) 15 NIS
Find art projects for boys and girls. Choose to create jewelry boxes, swords, mirrors, shields and more. Additional Fee.

Contact: 02-566-1291
Location: Palmach 2, Katamon

Museum of Italian Jewish Art

“Cinderella” based on the Opera by Gioacchino Rossini.
Date: Sunday December 13, 2009
Time: 4:00pm
Ages: For the whole family
Price: 40 NIS (Includes menorah exhibit)
Location:Mercaz Tarbut next door to the museum 27 Rechov Hillel
Reservations: 02-624-1610

“Tarantula” a “commedia dell’arte” play performed by 16 actors and musicians from the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio.
Date: Dec 14, 15, 16
Time: 12:00pm
Ages: For The Whole Family
Price: 30 NIS
Location:Mercaz Tarbut next door to the museum at Rechov Hillel 27
Reservations: 02-624-1610

***Ask for the Yerushalmi Card Discount

Old Yishuv Court Museum

Games from Savta’s Time
Dreidel Contest
Enigma in the Museum: A game with prizes
Creative Art Workshops
Museum Tour at 11:00am

Date: Sunday Dec 13- Thursday Dec 17
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Location: Old City, Jerusalem
Contact: 02-627-6319

Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

New Exhibit “Wet Side Story”: Follow a drop of water as it falls in the North of Israel in the Hula Valley and continues on a worldwide journey, meeting fish and other animals from different habitats in Israel. At the end of the journey, the drop reaches the coral reef of the Red Sea. In its journey, the drop has to pass through human interventions such as dams, contaminated rivers, water pumps, agricultural water and more. This exhibit is contained within three huge water tanks. Location: Across from the Elephants

Sugar Dough Festival
Date: December 13-18
Time: Sun- Thurs 10:30am-2:30pm Friday 10:30am-1:30pm
Price: Extra Fee

“The Huge Chocolate Pudding” Joyful Street Show
Date: Monday December 14
Time: 11am-1pm (every 20 min)

Date: Thursday Dec 17
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm (every 20 min)

Chocolate Coin Race: Family Quiz
Date: Dec 13- 18
Time: 10am & 2pm, Friday 10am

Our Diet Starts Today: Interactive workshop at the ampitheater
Date: Dec 13-18
Time: 12:00pm

Daily: Animal Feedings, elephant shows and guided activities
BUGS 3D Theater (Extra Fee)

All events depend on the weather. Take a taxi or bus because parking at the zoo is usually very hard on a school vacation.
Contact: 02-675-0111

Beit Agnon

Children’s Storytime at Shai Agnon’s House.Includes an English Tour of Shai Agnon’s house and his local Talpiot neighborhood.
Location:Klausner , Talpiot
Bus: 7
Time:
Sunday December 13 10:00am-12:00pm
Monday December 14 2:00pm-4:00pm
Entrance Fee: 20 NIS Adult, 15 NIS Child
Contact: 02-671-6498

Tower of David Museum

Children’s Self Guided Tour of the Exhibit: Collect the special booklet at the entrance way that will help your children discover the history of Jerusalem through questions and challenges throughout the Citadel!
Ages: 6-10
Fee: FREE

Night Spectacular: Sound and light show of the History of Jerusalem on the walls of the Citadel. Wear warm clothes. This is not for young kids. Show is cancelled if there is rain.

Sunday Dec. 13: 8:00pm, 9:00pm, 10:00pm
Mon,Tue,Wed Dec 14-16: 7:00pm, 8:00pm (Evening also includes Musical Concerts In the Tower of David)
Thursday Dec 17: 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:15pm
Saturday Dec 19: 7:30pm, 8:30pm

Reservations Required: 02-626-5333

Museum of the Jewish Underground

Date: Sunday Dec 13 – Thursday Dec 17
Museum Hours: 9am-5pm
Location: Migrash Harusim (Behind the Iriya)
Tours: 12:00pm & 2:00pm (Includes Childrens plays in Hebrew)
Childrens Activities: Mystery in the Prison Hallway, a family game with missions. Engraving and weaving workshops,
Contact: 02-623-3166

Wolfson Museum at Heichal Shlomo

“Chanukah at Hechal Shlomo”: a holiday experience for the whole family.
 
Date: Sunday Dec 13- Thursday Dec 17
Museum Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm
Children’s Activities:
“The Hidden Light”: a scavenger hunt riddle throughout the museum (FREE)
Creative workshops for children (10 NIS)

FUN In Jerusalem Reader Recommended (see comments)

Date: Dec 13 at 11:00am & Dec 17 12:00pm
“The Pitcher That Opened His Mouth”: the story of Chanukah for the point of view of a child, Yonatan, who is caught between the temptation to become Greek and the desire to stay with his family and fight the Greeks.
Language: Hebrew
Tickets: 30 NIS per person (includes activities & Play) Family Ticket 100 NIS

Location: Hechal Shlomo, King George 58 
Contact: 02-588-9010

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THEATER

Annie- An English Musical for The Entire Family
Time: December 15 at 7:30pm, December 17 at 4:00pm & 8:00pm
Location: Hillel Hebrew University, Mt Scopus
Tickets: 02-581-7714 ext 101

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs- Wed. December 16, 2009
Time: 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Ages: 4-9
Cost: 65 NIS
Language: Hebrew
Location:Beit Shmuel Hirsch Theater 6 Shamai St (between the King David Hotel and the Citadel Hotel)
Contact: 02-620-3427

The Town in the Forest Clearing-Saturday December 19, 2009
Time: 11:00am
Ages: 4-9
Cost: Call for details
Language: Hebrew
Location:Beit Shmuel Hirsch Theater 6 Shamai St (between the King David Hotel and the Citadel Hotel)
Contact: 02-620-3427

The King & The Wizard: The Story of Balak & Bilaam-Thursday December 17, 2009
Time: 10:00am & 12:00pm
Language: Hebrew
Location:Cellar Theater, 7 Emek Refaaim (Corner of Patterson)
Price: 25 NIS per ticket
Contact: Theater Company Jerusalem 02-624-4585

Yeled Paam [Child of the Past] – Thursday December 17, 2009 
A musical show for children and adults starring seven actors, singing and playing all the songs from the record, combined with some light humor.
Time: 4:00pm
Price: 50NIS (40NIS if you bring the CD Yeled Paam)
Tickets: 1-700-700-920
Location: The Lab 28 Hebron Road (opposite the Ariel Hotel)
Theater Telephone:  02-6292000

Train Theater

Friday
1:30 Where is Mrs. Gabbai? Ages 4+

Saturday
11:00am Peter and the Wolf Ages 4+
11:30 Where is Mrs. Gabbai? Ages 4+

Sunday
10:00am A puppet of animation Ages 5+
11:00 “The miracle of Hanuka for the blue elephant” Story Theater, Ages 2-4
12:00 “The miracle of Hanuka for the blue elephant” Story Theater, Ages 4+

Monday
11:30 Amanili sings, Ages 5+
12:30 Where is Mrs. Gabbai? Ages 4+
4:30 ” The rolling doughnut” Story Theater Ages 2-4
 
Tuesday
10:00 A puppet of animation, Ages 5+
11:30 A Tale of Darkness, Ages 3-8
 
Wednesday
10:00 A puppet of animation, Ages 5+
11:30 Gulliver – the Journey to Lilliput, Ages 4+

Thursday
10:00 A puppet of animation, Ages 5+
11:30 Dreaming Animals, Ages 3-6

Friday
10:00 A puppet of animation, Ages 5+
11:30 A Tale of Darkness, Ages 3-8
12:00 Where is Mrs. Gabbai? Ages 4+

Saturday
11:00 The Adventures of the Dragon Pitz, Ages 3-8
11:30 Where is Mrs. Gabbai? Ages 4+
 
Contact: 02-561-8514 ext 8
Language: Hebrew
Location: Train Theater Gan Hapaamon

Jerusalem Cinemateque 02-565-4350

Movie: Howl’s Moving Castle
Date: Tuesday December 15, 2009
Time: 11:00am (119 min)
Sophie, an average teenage girl working in her late father’s hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept of her feet by a handsome, but mysterious, wizard named Howl, and is subsequently turned into a 90-year-old woman by the Wicked Witch of the Waste. Embarking on an incredible odyssey to life the curse, she finds refuge in Howl’s magical moving castle.
Language: Hebrew
Pre Movie Workshop:Illustration with Michel Kichka
Ticket price: 28 NIS (Child) 30 NIS (Adult)

Movie: Magic Tree
Date: Thursday December 17, 2009
Time: 11:00am (83 Minutes)
When the magic tree is chopped into pieces and made into furniture sold all over the world, the magic is spread throughout every piece, causing strange events to unfold all over the world. One day, three children find a chair, made from the tree, which will make any dream come true. They set off on a wild adventure, escaping those who want the chair’s power for themselves. Filled with imagination and fun adventure, this film is sure to amaze kids and parents alike
Language: Hebrew
Pre Movie Workshop: Film Stunts and Magic
Ticket price: 28 NIS (Child) 30 NIS (Adult)

Jerusalem Theater
“Hercules” – Sunday
“The Sixteenth Sheep” – Monday
“Sleeping Beauty Ballet” – Tuesday
“Jungle Book” – Wednesday
“Kofico” – Thursday
“Chana’s Shabbat Dress” – Friday
For performance details visit our Calendar of Events

TODDLERS

Yankuta: Hanukka Happening

Date: Sunday December 13
Time: 9:00am-1:30pm
Activities: Mischakiya (play area), Music Together, Baby Yoga, Ballet, Movement, Theater
Price: 50 NIS per child includes all activities
Ages: 6 months-5 yrs old
Location: 33 Jabotinsky
Contact: 02-563-3073

During Hanukka, yankuta will be open during its regular hours of 9:00am-7:00pm and 9:00am-1:00pm on Fridays.
Sufganiyot will be served!

TEENS

Hanukka Paintball Blast with Amitz Leadership and Challenge Sports
Date: Dec 16, 2009
Time: 1:00pm-3:30pm
Cost:99 NIS (includes 100 paintballs)
Ages: 12+
Reservations: www.amitz.biz/OpenDays

NESTO Chanukah Party: Murder Mystery Night
NESTO is the OU’s program for English speaking speaking teens

Ages: 7th – 12th graders
When: Dec. 17th
Time: 6:30
Where: OU Israel Center, 22 Keren HaYesod in Jerusalem
Cost: 20 NIS
Contact: Batsheva 052-566-5672 nestocenter@gmail.com

Bank Of Israel
Visitors Center in open for Hanukkah: Givat Raam 2 Kaplan St. (wheelchair accesible) 
What did people use as money before coins were invented? What was the first series of money bills issued in Israel? What is the main role of the Governor of the Bank of Israel? What is price stability and inflation?
Date: December 13-17, 2009
Hours: 9:00-4:30pm
Ages: 8+
Contact: 02-6552828

City Of David
 
Archeological experience at Emek Tzurim

Look for the past buried in the ground. A sifting project for exposing ancient remains at Temple Mount.
Activity: 2 hour archaeological workshop which includes actual sifting.
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm
Ages: 5+
Reservations Required *6033

 For other Teen activities check our FUN List

ART, BAKING & NATURE

Gheppeto’s Wood Workshop

Chanukah Baking Workshop

A great day for children during Chanukah Break where they can learn to bake and prepare a special lunch. Learn to make “sufganiot”. German Colony/Baka. Limited spaces. Reservations required.

Date: Sunday Dec 13 and Tuesday Dec 15
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Contact:Chaya 0526519053

Chanukkah Chug: The ICCC is holding chugim in English on Chanukkah. Three hours EACH DAY of painting and drawing, short perfomance theatre, singing, games (dreidle and others), storytelling, art history for kid, crafts and more presented by three experienced teachers, artists, and child-care specialists: Connie Duek, S. Kim Glassman and Ben Simon. Pre-registration really appreciated, drop-ins welcome.

Ages: 6-10yrs old
When: Sunday Dec. 13-Thursday Dec. 17 12:00pm-3:00pm
Where: ICCC – 12 Emek Refaim Street
Cost: 60 NIS per hour (includes some craft material)
Contact: Connie connied18@hotmail.com or Ben 054-521-6279

Jerusalem Bird Observatory

Birds of Jerusalem: Learn about Bird Ringing and how birds survive the Jerusalem winter.
Date: Dec 11, 16, 17, 18 at 8:30am
Cost: 15NIS (Adult) 10NIS (Child)

Gazelles in Jerusalem: A walk in the Gazelle Valley near Tzomet Pat.
Date: Dec 17 at 2:30pm
Cost: 25 NIS (Adult) 20NIS (Child)

Roosting Seedeaters in Tzora: 1 Hour tour of the birds communal evening roost in the orchards of Tzora Valley.
Date: Dec 17 at 3:30pm
Cost: 25 NIS (Adult) 20NIS (Child)

To register contact: 052-386-9488

MALL EVENTS

Hadar Mall, Talpiot: African Circus, Omer Adam Live Show, Shai The Magician, Song & Dance Show
Mamilla Mall: National Dove Exhibit, Children’s Menorah Exhibit & Competition.
Malcha Mall: Bakugan, Sweet Festival, Baking Workshop, Children’s Shows
HaPisga Mall, Pisgat Zeev: Baking Workshop, Dance Show, The Friend from the Land of the Chashmonaim, Hanukka Carnival, Magical Syvivon, and more.

All mall event details are listed on our Calendar of Events

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OUTSIDE JERUSALEM

 

 

 

Chai Farm-Moshav Mevo Modiin

Date: Sun Dec 13-Thursday Dec 17, 2009 (weather permitting)
Price: 50 NIS/Adult, 40 NIS/Child, 2 and under FREE
Location:From Jerusalem – Take Route 443 and drive 3 minutes past Tzomet Shilat. Look for the sign. Taking Route 1 take the Modiin exit and Moshav Mevo Modiin will be on your right. Egged Bus #465 to Emmanuel goes straight to the Kibbutz and leaves from the Central Bus Station. Call to confirm bus times.
Reservations Required Contact: Judy 054-428-3646 parrots@netvision.net.il

Kibbutz Tzuba
Family Torch Hike:Enjoy a beautiful family hike overlooking the mountains of Jerusalem with torches, light Hanukka candles, enjoy a live show “Gidi and The Macabbees”, Juggling Fire.
In case of rain the family hike will be cancelled and the light show will take place in the Main Hall.
Ages: Whole Family
Price: 40 NIS (Ages 3+)
Date: Thursday Dec 17 at 2:30pm

Reservations Required: 02-534-7000

 

Additional Events in Jerusalem can be found in our Calendar of Events for the week of December 13-18, 2009.