Passover activities in Jerusalem: Enjoy yourselves with this guide

Quit loafing around - Get out there and enjoy yourself this Passover with this definitive guide to holiday activities.

By JOANNA SHEBSON
FOOD! MUSIC! Ice skating! It’s spring but you can still take part in the iceskating festival. (photo credit: Courtesy)
FOOD! MUSIC! Ice skating! It’s spring but you can still take part in the iceskating festival.
(photo credit: Courtesy)
SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Ice.Eat - Ice Skating & Culinary Festival
Food, music and ice skating in Jerusalem. Skating sessions are one hour. Skate and “onesie” rentals available.
When:
• April 19 and 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• April 20, One hour after Shabbat to 11:55 p.m.
• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Where: Mitchell Gardens - next to the Artist’s Colony
Price: NIS 30 Child, NIS 40 Adult
Ice.Eat Cooking Workshops for Kids, Inspired by Classic Books
When: April 21 to 24, 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.
Price: Free
Train Theater performance for kids
When: April 21 to 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Info: www.ice-eat.com
Spring Festival at Ein Yael
Walk down an ancient Roman street, meet the craftsmen and take part in hands on workshops including pottery, mosaic, fresco, and basket weaving.
When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April 25 till 2 p.m.)
Where: Ein Yael Living Museum
Price: NIS 45 Child, NIS 35 Adult
“A Taste of Shabbat” (“Tavlin shel Shabbat”)
With Sarit Zusman – A performance that will tell the story of Caesar Antoninus having an especially good Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi’s home.
When: April 21 to 25, 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Price: NIS 5
Info: einyael.co.il/
Passover Scavenger Hunts
Race through the streets and alleyways of the Old City as you solve missions and look for clues. A fun and interactive way to learn about the history of Jerusalem.
When:
• April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Nachlaot
• April 23 10:30 a.m. at Jaffa (the city)
• April 25 10:30 a.m. at Old City
Price: NIS 95 Adult, NIS 85 Child
Info: (052) 835-8072, scavenger@funinjerusalem.com
Annual Kol HaOt Haggadah Fair & Kol HaKolot Singing Event
This year featuring “The Song of the Hagaddah.” Join hundreds of people in a group-singing event of the greatest hits of the Hagaddah. View breathtaking illuminated Haggadahs. Advance registration required.
When: April 22, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Jerusalem Artists Colony
Price: NIS 25 (group rate NIS 100 for 5 tickets)
Info: www.funinjerusalem.com/hakolot
Eli Lebowicz Israel Comedy Tour
Come out for a night of laughter with American comedian Eli Lebowicz, an up-and-coming face in the Orthodox Jewish comedy world. Doors open half an hour early.
When: April 22 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where: Terminal, First Station
Price: NIS 70 in advance
Additional shows in Efrat April 23 and Beit Shemesh April 24.
Info:
Play Festival
A games and technology festival for families including a gaming hall, joint workshops for parents and children, molecular cooking for children, music, a light and sand animation room, a special wooden games room, machines that draw paintings, mysterious puzzle rooms and the magical puppet show by Efrat Hadani and the Train Theater!
When: April 23 and 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Hansen House
Price: Free
Info: www.hansen.co.il
Basketball Camp with Amar’e & Tamir
Learn incredible basketball skills at a Basketball Camp led by Amar’e Stoudemire & Tamir Goodman.
When: April 22 to 24, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Jerusalem YMCA
Info: tamir@funinjerusalem.com
Find the Afikoman at Yad Sarah
An interactive, empowering and emotional English tour of the Yad Sarah headquarters with a Passover theme. Ages 12+.
When:
• April 22, 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon
• April 23 and 24, 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.
Where: 124 Herzl Blvd, Yad Sarah Headquarters
Price: NIS 18 per person
Info: yadsarah@funinjerusalem.com
Open Studio Art Workshops at First Station
Wood staining and glass painting with Avigayle Adler
When: April 21 to 25, Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: First Station
Info: openstudio@funinjerusalem.com, 054-626-8496
Kakadu Passover Family Festival
Choose from a variety of wooden art pieces to decorate in the Kakadu style. Great activity for kids of all ages and adults. Reservations required.
When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
Where: Moshav Tzafririm (near Beit Shemesh)
Price: NIS 50
Info: 052 862-5271, kakadu@funinjerusalem.com
Hallelujah Night Show
This unique state-of-the-art 3-D show appearing on the Old City walls, tells the story of ancient Jerusalem in the time of King David and our return to rebuild the ancient city.
When: April 21 to April 24, 7:30 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:45 p.m.
Where: City of David – free shuttle from First Station parking lot
Price: NIS 51 Child, NIS 62 Adult
Info: www.cityofdavid.org.il
Night Experiences at the Tower of David
The Tower of David offers two incredible sound and light shows projecting the history of Jerusalem and King David on the ancient citadel walls. 45 min.
When: April 20 to 24, 27
• King David 8 p.m. (April 20, 9:30 p.m.)
• The Night Spectacular 9 p.m. (April 20, 8:30 p.m.)
Where: Tower of David Museum
Price: NIS 55 Child, NIS 65 Adult
Info: (02) 626-5333, https://www.tod.org.il/en/
MUSEUM EVENTS
HagigaRova
Experience the Rova attractions with a special family ticket - Burnt House (newly revamped), Hurva Synagogue Tour, Herodian Quarter & the Rova Rhythm Family Game.
When: April 21 to April 24, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Jewish Quarter, Old City
Price: NIS 97 Family Ticket
Info: Call *4987, www.rova-yehudi.org.il
Herzl Museum
Meet historical figures in Israel’s history. Learn about the early years of the state as you follow the characters around Har Herzl. Advance registration required. Hebrew
When: April 21 to April 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• “Herzl Says” Dramatic (Theatrical) Tour (ages 6+) at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. NIS 25
• “Im Tirtzu” Dramatic (Theatrical) Tour (ages 9+) at 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. NIS 25
• Zionist Comic Workshop (ages 9 +) at 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. NIS 20
• Great Zionist Family Race at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (every half hour) NIS 40 per family
Where: Mount Herzl
Info: herzl@funinjerusalem.com
Bank Hapoalim FREE Museums
“The Mosaic of Israel” – Bank Hapoalim invites you to enjoy over 30 museums for free across the country on Chol Hamoed. Jerusalem museums include the Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, City of David Aqueduct and Latrun Yad L’Shiryon.
When: April 21 to April 25
Where: Museums across Israel
Tower of David
“Jerusalem through All Five Senses” – Activities for kids with taste, smell, hearing, sight and touch.
“Virtual Reality Step into History” - Guided tour of the Citadel, the Moat and the Kishle combining Virtual Reality (VR) technology that gives a unique archaeological and historic perspective on the Herodian buildings in Jerusalem in the days of the Second Temple.
When: April 21 to April 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Tower of David, Old City
Price: Free for Child, NIS 40 Adult
Info: (02) 626-5333, tower@funinjerusalem.com
Old Yishuv Court Museum
Family-friendly activity. Self-guided scavenger hunts and guided tours at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Playing with nuts and games of the past, and more surprises.
Plus: 12:30 p.m. – a theatrical performance for the whole family: “The Choice of Nissimiko” – Help Nissimiko find a profession in Jerusalem.
When: April 21 to 25 (closed on Shabbat & Chag), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1 p.m. on April 25)
Where: Jewish Quarter, Old City
Price: NIS 40 Family Ticket
Info: oldyishuv@funinjerusalem.com
Israel Museum
Painting on the Museum Walls – Come draw graffiti on white museum walls
When: April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: NIS 15
Dance the Dabke with the Machya Ensemble
When: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: 11 Derech Ruppin
Price: Children FREE
An animated film: Time Travel: The Story of the Dead Sea Scrolls
When: Screens every half hour
Info:https://www.imj.org.il
Wild Pharaohs
With virtual reality glasses, enter Pharoah’s magnificent burial chamber where you will discover magic spells, hieroglyphs, ancient traditions and more...
When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (April 25 till 2 p.m.)
Where: Bible Lands Museum
Price: Museum entrance is Free
Info: biblelands@funinjerusalem.com
Find the Afikoman at Beit Levi Eshkol
An interactive experience for the entire family. Learn about the life and work of the third prime minister, Levi Eshkol
Special activity in the courtyard for Passover. Hebrew. Movie is in Hebrew with English subtitles. Ages 7+. Pre-registration required
When: April 21 to April 24, 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
Where: Beit Levi Eshkol, Rechavia
Price: NIS 25 Adult, NIS 20 Child, Senior Citizen
English Museum Tour
When: April 24 at 4 p.m.
Info: (02) 631-3091, beiteshkol@funinjerusalem.com
The Virtual Reality Bible Experience
Interactive games based on biblical stories including an Escape Game, Virtual Monopoly, Virtual Time Travel, and a Navigational Game in the Old City. Ages 5+. Hebrew & English.
When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.  (April 25 till 1 p.m.)
Where: The Cardo
Price: NIS 45 Adult / Child in advance , NIS 60 at the door
Info: (072) 394-0564, tbe@funinjerusalem.com, www.tbe.org.il
Dramatic Tours at Shai Agnon’s House
Dramatic family tour with actors
When: Passover Museum Hours April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 24 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Where: Agnon House, Arnona
Price: NIS 15 Child, NIS 20 Adult
Info: (02) 671-6498,
office@agnonhouse.org.il
New Exhibit at the Museum on the Seam
“Even the Trees Bleed: The Connection Between Man and Nature – Environmental, Social and Political.”
When:
• April 22 and 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 23, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Museum on the Seam
Price: NIS 30
Info: (02) 628-1278, http://mots.org.il
Museum for Islamic Art
Sinbad the Sailor – An interactive show in the museum’s galleries, based on the popular tale from A Thousand and One Nights. Art, costume and photography workshops daily.
When: April 21 to 25 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. (except for Erev Hag April 25 )
Where: 2 HaPalmach St.
Price: Free Child, NIS 45 Adult
Info: (02) 566-1291, www.islamicart.co.il
Museum of Italian Jewish Art
“Strength & Splendor in the Passover Haggadah.” Self guided tours & VR
When: April 21 to 24, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 25 Hillel St.
Price: NIS 15 Child, NIS 25 Adult
Info: (02) 624-1610, italianjewishart@funinjerusalem.com
Hebrew Music Museum
“Experience Hebrew Music and Musical Instruments from Across the World” - Self-Guided Tours daily with ipads or request a guided tour. VR of The Temple Music.
When: April 21 to 25, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (April 25 till 1:30 p.m.)
Special interactive musical tour (Hebrew)
When: April 21 to April 24, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Where: Music Square, Nachlat Shiva 10
Price: NIS 45 Child (5yrs.+), NIS 60 Adult
Info: (02) 540-6505, kikarhamusica@funinjerusalem.com
Botanical Gardens
“Poets in the Garden” poetry tours, meeting poets and art activities.
When: April 21 to 24 at 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (April 25 till 3 p.m.)
Where: Nayot, Jerusalem
Price: Free
Info: (02) 679-4012, botanic@funinjerusalem.com, www.botanic.co.il
“Plastecology”
The World is in Our Hands… Come and discover the advantages and disadvantages inherent in plastic thru art workshops, scientific demonstrations, an original show and art exhibits.
When:
• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• April 26 to 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When: Bloomfield Science Museum
Price: NIS 45 (5yrs.+)
Info: (02) 654-4888, www.mada.org.il/en
CONCERTS
Festive Passover Chazanim Concert
The show will feature Cantors Schachat, Hershtik & Stark accompanied by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
When: April 24 at 8 p.m.
Where: Jerusalem Theater
Price: NIS 100/130/150
Info: www.jso.co.il or *6226
Israeli Folk Song Festival
In celebration of Passover and the 20th year of Milah Choirs, your family will enjoy the Israeli Folk Song Festival at Ammunition Hill.
When: April 23 to 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ammunition Hill
Price: NIS 10 Entrance fee
Info: *2967 or (02) 582-9393, www.g-h.org.il, ammunitionhill@funinjerusalem.com
Yonina Passover Concert
When: April 23 at 8 p.m.
Where: Jaffa St 34
Price: NIS 80 In advance, NIS 90 at the door
Info: www.yoninamusic.com
PASSOVER THEATER
Train Theater Passover Shows
• Moustache the Cat: A story about Moustache the cat who lives in a circle, and has the world’s most special moustache! An interdisciplinary show combining plastic art and dance-design theater. The show is performed without words. For ages 3+.
When: April 21 and 22, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• No Dragon: Based on Jack Kent’s book, “There is no such thing as a dragon.”  For ages 3+. Hebrew.
When: April 23, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Why Did the Fish Cry?
Take a  journey through the witch-fairy’s candy garden with Mick and Tino the dwarf. This journey is about dealing with our fears and even befriending them. Children are actively involved through song, simple music and the magic spell. For ages 3+. Hebrew.
When: April 24, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Night Journey: The Train Theater presents “Night Journey” – an entertaining performance for children about dreams, fears and playful beings. For ages 3+. Hebrew.
When: April 27, 11 a.m
Price: NIS 45
Info: www.traintheater.co.il
Jerusalem Theater Passover Shows
• The Little Prince: The classic story of “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. A magical performance accompanied by beautiful music, video art and a unique theatrical language that will touch your hearts.
When: April 23, 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Price: NIS 60
• The First King: The story of King Saul. Meet kings, prophets, donkeys as you learn about King Saul. Ages 6+
When: April 23 and 24, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Price: NIS 59
Info: www.jerusalem-theatre.co.il/eng
ART TOURS
Dead Sea Graffiti Tour
Explore the outdoor graffiti gallery at the old Jordanian army base at the Dead Sea. Tour is interactive and includes AR and a scavenger hunt for families.
When: April 21, afternoon
Where: Dead Sea
Artesana Hot Glass Fusing Workshops
Discover the magical world of glass and create beautiful pieces of art. Create plates, bowls, trays, mezuzot, jewelry, and pictures. Reservations required.
When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  (April 25 till 4 p.m.)
Where: Mevo Horon
Price: NIS 150
Info: (052) 388-1654, glassart@funinjerusalem.com
Glass Blowing Workshop
Hands-on family workshop where you will learn flameworking and glass blowing.
When: April 21 to 25
Where: Bethlehem Road, behind the Paz Gas Station
Info: glass@funinjerusalem.com
Hadara Ceramic Workshops
Book a Passover 1.5-hour workshop for your family & create your own ceramic pieces w/ stencils, stamps and laces. Great for all ages 3 to 120.
When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Emek Refaim - Across from Aroma
Price: NIS 90
Info: hadara@funinjerusalem.com
The Workshop Gush Etzion
Create handmade pieces of Judaica with a Passover theme at this incredible wood workshop!
When: April 21 to 25, 27, 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Where: Rosh Tzurim, Gush Etzion
Price: 230 NIS
Info: theworkshop@funinjerusalem.com
ACTIVITIES
Tour Adumim
An exciting tour with Shelley including a Judean Desert Lookout, meet local Beduin on hilltop overlooking Judean Desert, Good Samaritan Mosaics Museum, Mitzpe Yericho Lookout, Stained glass art studio of Gila Koppel, Mezuzah Making Workshop, Ptil Techelet Factory, ATV in the Desert, and Moshe Castel Museum scavenger hunt.
When: April 21 to 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  (April 25 till 1 p.m.)
Info: (054) 527-5404, adumim@funinjerusalem.com
Dig for a Day Archeology Experience
Learn how to look for artifacts, sift through dirt from the Second Temple Period and go caving in an un-excavated cave. Reservations are required.
When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  (April 25 till 1 p.m.)
Where: Beit Guvrin National Park
Info: (02) 586-2011, dig@funinjerusalem.com
ATV Gush Etzion - Regush
Off roading in an ATV Tour in the hills and valleys of Gush Etzion with an experienced tour guide. Reservations required.
When: April 23 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Alon Shvut
Info: regush@funinjerusalem.com
Gush Etzion Wineries (The Yekev)
Learn more about wine-making as you explore the vineyards and winery in the heart of Gush Etzion; wine tasting available. Reservations required.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Gush Etzion Junction
Info: yekev@funinjerusalem.com
Exotic Animal Experience
Enjoy a pastoral experience with a special collection of exotic animals from around the world See large turtles, anaconda snakes, tarantulas and more. No reservations required.
When: April 19 and April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Sde Bar Farm, Gush Etzion
Price: NIS 25 Per Person
Info: (055) 666-0897, animals@funinjerusalem.com
Zomet Techno-Halachic Experience
Come and find out how rabbis and engineers solve techno-halachic problems with lectures and activities for children.
When: April 23 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. English Tours 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: Alon Shvut
Price: NIS 35, NIS 30 per child (from 2-6 years old)
Info: zomet@funinjerusalem.com
Horseback Riding & Pony Rides
Family horse riding trails in the Jerusalem Hills. Pony rides in the stables for younger kids.
When: April 21 to 25,
Where: Yad Shmona
Info: kdstables@funinjerusalem.com
Kif Tzuba Amusement Park
Kiftzuba is an amusement park for kids of all ages with climbing playzones, bumper cars, a roller coaster, game arcades and more.
When:
• April 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• April 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Kibbutz Tzuba
Price: NIS 89 Child (age 1-14), NIS 54 Adult, NIS 360 Family (up to 5 people)
Info: tzuba@funinjerusalem.com, http://www.kiftzuba.co.il
Galita Chocolate Workshop
Learn to make special kosher for passover treats at the Galita chocolate workshops. No Kitniyot.  Reservations required.
When: April 21 to 25
Where: Kibbutz Tzuba
Price: Depends on items chosen
Info: galita@funinjerusalem.com, www.galita.co.il
Falcon Laser Tag in Latrun
Enjoy a challenging game of Laser Tag or Water Tag with your family in a uniquely “Israeli” setting among tanks, bunkers and camouflage. Open at night! Reservations required. Ages 8+.
When:
• April 19 and 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• April 21 to 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Latrun
Price: NIS 90 per hour
Info: (052) 645-3158, lasertag@funinjerusalem.com
BLOC Climbing
300 sq.m. of bouldering for all ages and levels! Shoes available for rent.
When:
• April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 20, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• April 21 and 25, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• April 22 to 24, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• April 23, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• April 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 27, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 7 Yitskhak Elisar St (near Ben Yehuda St)
Price: NIS 45
Info: (052) 539-8991, bloc@funinjerusalem.com
ATV in the Jerusalem Hills
When: April 21 to 25
Where: Yearim Hotel, Maale Hachamisha
Price: NIS 350 – 1 hour; NIS 550 – 2 hours (discount for tourists with passport)
Info: atv@funinjerusalem.com, (050)773-3335
Montefiore Windmill Complex Activities
Escape Park – Using clues and maps you will need to unlock the mystery as you explore Mishkenot Sha’ananim.
When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Segway Tours of Mishkenot Sha’ananim for ages 16+
When: April 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Montefiore Windmill
Info: windmill@funinjerusalem.com
Ropes Course at Ammunition Hill
Learn about the bravery of the soldiers who fought at Ammunition Hill as you conquer the Omega zipline, climb the rope ladder and swing in the sky swing.
When: April 21 to 25
Where: Ammunition Hill
Info: ropes@funinjerusalem.com, (052)893-8921
For a full listing of events in Jerusalem, check out the Fun In Jerusalem Passover Guide: www.funinjerusalem.com/Passover
Joanna Shebson is the founder of Fun in Jerusalem (www.funinjerusalem.com) and Party In Jerusalem (www.partyinjerusalem.com). She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and three kids; joanna@funinjerusalem.com


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