Succot family activities

No matter how you spend in the holiday, I suggest you plan ahead and make reservations in advance.

By JOANNA SHEBSON
Updated: SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 09:32
Experience Zomet in Alon Shvut (photo credit: COURTESY ZOMET)
Experience Zomet in Alon Shvut
(photo credit: COURTESY ZOMET)
With summer behind us and three weeks of school under our belts, it’s time for another family vacation.
This year most of Hol Hamoed occurs during the week, giving you time to explore Jerusalem's museums, art activities, extreme sports, culinary tours and special Succot festivals.
No matter how you spend in the holiday, I suggest you plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
Special Succot events
Priestly Blessings – Western Wall Thousands of people will come together on September 30 at 9:30 a.m. to receive blessings from thousands of kohanim at this special twice-yearly event. The festivities end with a celebration in the Jewish Quarter. Plan to walk into the Old City and to walk back. Free.
Beit Avi Chai Model Succot Exhibition- The annual Beit Avi Chai contest brings social messages alive through an exhibition of creative model succot contributed by locals.
September 29 through October 1: Exhibition 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; children’s activities (graffiti workshop, comic workshop, pantomime, music workshop) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Workshops NIS 10 to NIS 20 Info: 621-5900
Ammunition Hill Succot Family Challenge- Learn about the bravery of the soldiers who fought for Jerusalem’s independence in 1967, while challenging yourself to a rope course. There will be guided tours in the bunkers, children’s workshops and a 3D audio-visual presentation.
To avoid the crowds and long lines, book a private rope course or rappelling activity with Yaakov at snappling@funinjerusalem.com Info: 582-9393
Zomet Experience Succot Happening- Take a walk through the Zomet visitors’ center in Alon Shvut and learn about the technology one may use on Shabbat. There will be tours in Hebrew every hour as well as an engineering workshop for children (up to age 12), interactive exhibits in Hebrew and English and jumping castles. NIS 25 for ages 7+; NIS 20 for ages 3-7 Info: 993-2111
Old City Succot Scavenger Hunt and Succot Windmill Dash- The scavenger hunt (October 1 at 10:30 a.m.) is a fun way to see the historic sites of the Old City through missions and solving clues, as you meet the people living in the Jewish Quarter. The windmill dash (September 30 at 4 p.m.) is an entertaining and interactive way to learn about the first neighborhood built outside the Old City walls in Yemin Moshe. NIS 90 for adults; NIS 80 for children Info: Scavenger hunt – scavenger@funinjerusalem.com
Festivals and concerts
Ein Yael Harvest Festival- Travel through history to the Roman era and visit an ancient Roman street with craftsmen. Children of all ages will enjoy musical instrument workshops, ancient game tournaments, basket weaving, archery, children’s theater and more. NIS 45 for children, NIS 35 for adults.
September 29 to October 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info: 645-1866
Jerusalem Biennale Family Festival- Kol Ha’Ot invites families to enjoy art-inspired workshops and activities at the First Station in honor of the 2015 Jerusalem Biennale. The main activity, a hakhel family event, will take place on September 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Hakhel event is free, small fee for workshops Jerusalem March and Flag Parade On the annual pilgrimage and walk through the streets of Jerusalem, choose from routes including a nature trail from Park Jerusalem or the flag parade through the center of town.
October 1; Main kids’ activities at Sacher Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free.
Bethlehem Road Street Festival- The street will close to traffic and open to pedestrians for the Bread, Art and Wine Festival, with performers, food stalls, arts and crafts and more.
September 29, starting at 5 p.m.; free.
Ein Kerem Festival- The streets of Ein Kerem will come alive with local artists and live music in honor of Succot, on Hama’ayan Street.
September 30, beginning at 6 p.m.; free.
Kite Festival at the Israel Museum- A favorite among kids and adults, this is an all-day celebration of kites and kite flying. Take a taxi, parking will be difficult.
September 29, 10:30 to 7; free for children.
United Hatzalah Concert- This year’s annual concert will host Avraham Fried and Yaakov Shwekey at the Jerusalem International Convention Center. Their first performance together, it is sure to be a memorable event raising money for a great cause.
Price: Starting at $100 Info: 940-1401 Ohad Concert – “Segula” Ohad will be live in concert at the International Convention Center, with guest performances by the Kinderlach and David D’Or. Separate seating area for men and women, as well as a mixed area.
September 29, 9 p.m.; NIS 94 to NIS 204.
Tickets: *6226
Just Outside Jerusalem
Family Biking in the Eila Valley- A terrific way to combine nature and history this Succot is to take a guided ride through Adullam Park and explore caves from the time of King David. Bike rentals are available with options for young kids.
Info: 579-9268 Kakadu Succot Festival Meet renowned artist Reut Shachar as she welcomes you into her gallery in Moshav Tzafririm; hear her story and enjoy a hands-on art workshop painting wood ornaments. Advanced reservations required.
September 29 to October 1, 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.; NIS 50 per person (additional fee for place mats and floor mats) Info: 052-862-5271 Biblical Museum of Natural History, Beit Shemesh Are your kids crazy about animals? Would you like to hear stories about the animals mentioned in the Succot story? Take the Animal Kingdom family tour, where you can hold a snake, compare eggs from different creatures and see live exhibits. Reservations required; spots fill up quickly. Time: September 29 to October 1.
Info: 073-213-1662
Moshav Mevo Modi’in County Fair- The annual fair takes place at the moshav where famed singer Shlomo Carlebach lived. There will be live music, entertainment, kids workshops, arts and crafts and lots to enjoy.
September 30, starting at 11 a.m. and continuing into the evening. • Full event listing: www.funinjerusalem.com/calendar Listing of favorite activities requiring reservations: www.funinjerusalem.com/fun-favorite/ The writer is the founder of Fun In Jerusalem (www.funinjerusalem.com); she lives in Jerusalem with her husband and three kids. joanna@funinjerusalem.com.