Editor’s note: Due to the ongoing security situation, events listed below may be postponed or canceled. Check before booking, and stay safe.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Take a morning stroll to the Knesset Museum and enjoy One More Beat. Curated by Gilad Seliktar, the cartoonists and illustrators who show their works in this exhibition marvel at the strong pulse of Israel’s vibrant democracy.
From Michel Kichka’s hens, that carry cardboard signs advocating for drumsticks a sly nod to the often-used phrase “Chickens for KFC”), to ballot papers used by Ilana Zeffren to illustrate imaginative, witty, reflections – this exhibition is a wonderful nod to the recent elections.
NIS 10. 24 King George St. Friday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit museum.knesset.gov.il/en/ to book.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Step into the Jerusalem Theater Gallery and delight your eyes as well as your ears. View printmaker and painter Ya’akov Boussidan’s From the Future to the Past, from Egypt to Jerusalem. Curated by Dr. Batsheva Goldman-Ida, the exhibit features a monumental oil painting of Jerusalem that is worthy of a special mention (shown until the end of the year).
After enjoying the artworks, take a seat and enjoy a concert with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Gergely Madaras.
The program begins with Dances of Galánta by Zoltán Kodály, moves to a fresh work by Naama Tamir Kaplan – Episodes for Horn and Orchestra, and concludes with Symphony No. 4 by Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
NIS 285 to NIS 510. 20 David Marcus St. 8 p.m. Two hours, one intermission. To book, call *3766.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Visit the Jerusalem Cinematheque and watch the latest film by Nicolas Winding Refn. Starring Sophie Thatcher, Her Private Hell is a visually stunning sci-fi/horror movie that blends a legend (a mist covering a futuristic city) with a quest (there is a killer on the loose).
NIS 43. 11 Hebron Rd. 8:15 p.m. In English. Call (02) 565-4333 to book. Not for minors.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Watch a free screening of Esther, directed by Shaked Goren, which is a documentary in Hebrew exploring the life of one of Israel’s greatest singers – Esther Ofarim.
Born in Safed in 1941, she rapidly ascended to stardom in the early decades of Israel’s existence to sing with Frank Sinatra and establish an international career. The success had a darker side, as many of her fans criticized her decision to live in Germany.
The screening is followed by a discussion between the director and Dr. Ofri Ilany.
6 p.m. One-hour long. The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. 43 Jabotinsky St. To preregister, visit vanleer.org.il
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Mark the 250-year US anniversary with a screening of Blade Runner (1982). Lauded as one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time, it stars Harrison Ford as a detective tasked with the grisly task of finding out who is a human and who is a runaway android.
A group of such androids is attempting to locate their maker in a futuristic Los Angeles with the intent to ask him to extend their lives.
Adapted from the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, the movie includes an iconic scene often referenced in pop culture in which one of the androids, played by Rutger Hauer, discusses how sad it is for one to die and know all one’s memories will dissolve like tears in the rain.
NIS 25. 3 Menora St. 8 p.m. In English. Visit cinema.jsfs.co.il to book.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Enjoy an English-language discussion between Rabbis Irving Greenberg and Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy at the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies.
Known for his deep work in the field of post-Holocaust Jewish theology and interfaith dialogue, Greenberg’s 2024 book, The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism, offers a much fuller understanding of what he refers to as “the third age of Judaism.”
Patrons will also hear Hammer-Kossoy – a famous scholar of Talmudic criminal justice – in response.
Free. 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. 29 Pierre Koenig St. To register, visit pardes.org.il
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Enjoy the latest dance performances, a drink, and electronic music at the concluding night of the Fluorescent Festival – Vertigo Jerusalem.
Curated by the Vertigo Dance Company, the evening begins with a festive reception and moves on to two dance shows – A Part of Us and Going Solo, ending with a live electronic music performance.
NIS 80. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 11 Bezalel St. To book, visit shorturl.at/3q3x5 (Hebrew website).
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.