Decking the Halls in Jerusalem

The holiday season is one that we always look forward to. Very recently, we put up 7 trees on the 8th level of the Jerusalem Center.

We worked very hard so the students would be surprised when they returned from their 10 day Galilee trip. We used what decorations we had on hand but overall, I think the trees look nice and are prettier at night when the lights are turned on.

Having the halls decorated certainly adds to the spirit of the season. The non-Christian visitors enjoy coming with the halls decked out when they take tours and attend the concerts.

Since I took these photos, we have added more decorations and additional lights to the trees. On December 9, we will have a special lighting of some gigantic pine trees at the entrance of the Jerusalem Center.

As I was walking out of the auditorium today, I looked out the window and this is what I saw.

The arches of Jerusalem Center will be lined with lights that will stay in place permanently and also the dome. It will be a beautiful sight that will be seen from all over the city.

Photo: Today is a beautiful day and this is the view from the terrace.
 
The lighting of the trees & building will include special music (bagpipes) and directly afterwards, my student choir will present their first of two Christmas concerts presented this weekend. Anyone who has planned a concert or has been involved in any type of concert will appreciate the preparation that goes into a program. Our Friday night concert will be presented to a Christian audience and the Sunday concert will be for the mostly Jewish and non-Christians who attend our weekly concerts. We are expecting a full house provided our weather is good! A few years ago, there was a bad snow storm the night of their concert so very few were able to attend. We are crossing our fingers the weather cooperates.

The night after the students returned from Galilee, we had a Thanksgiving dinner prepared by the chefs. We don't have cranberries in Israel so they served cherry sauce for the turkey. Photo: Garth couldn't be happier when served a turkey leg!

The cooks went to great effort to roast turkeys, to make what they called "dressing" and prepare their version of an "American Thanksgiving." Photo below: This was dressing . . . no comment.

Photo: These are candied yams. Hmmmmm . . . interesting twist but we were hoping for mashed potatoes and gravy.

Instead of green beans, we had carrots so beautifully displayed. The middle dish was a complete mystery. The dish with the orange slices was supposedly "waldorf salad."

The connection of fruit loops, corn chips, marshmallows and pretzels with Thanksgiving was puzzling but perhaps we were supposed to dip them in the chocolate pudding?

As you can see, there was a grand display of desserts and snacks. Sweets seem to be a high priority in Israel and everywhere we go, there trays of many varieties for sale. We were very grateful to celebrate Thanksgiving with the students, professors and service couples.

Sunday we played the carillon bells and were pleased to find a big tree outside and decorations inside.

When we walked inside, we couldn't resist having our photo taken in front of the Christmas tree.

Since Christmas day falls on a Sunday, it will be fun to play "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and other Christmas carols on the carillon.

On our way to the car, we passed by some gorgeous orange roses. Whenever I see roses, I am reminded of my mother and Garth's mom.

We left and headed to a market place, the Shuk, where we bumped into JC students. The students always lift our spirits and make us feel young again.

It is always fun to be with the students and wherever we went, merchants asked if they were our daughters. I said, "Yes, adopted daughters!"

Photo: Look at the size of these!!

The pomegranates are plentiful this time of year and are getting huge.

Photo: Not only were the pomegranates huge but look at these kiwi!! The persimmons are also in season.

Photo: Beautiful strawberries!

Photo: Garth and Kelsie were trying some gelatin (pistachio flavor) candy covered in powdered sugar. I tried one and it was so gummy & thick that my teeth almost stuck together . . . no thanks!

Photo: A popular candy bar in Israel.

Photo: An artist at the Shuk.

There is a great place to get fish and chips so we ordered some for the students and ourselves.

Photo: Yummy fish and chips. After the bells and shopping, we headed back to prepare for the Sunday night concert of a Baroque Ensemble. (They brought their own harpsichord)

May the true meaning of the holiday season fill your hearts and homes with many blessings.