Out and About: Top 10 things to do

It's not too late to join the fun at kibbutz Sde Boker, with a four-day festival of music including Hadag Nahash and Coolooloosh.

By SHAWN RODGERS
Coolooloosh 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Coolooloosh 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
1. FILM
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4
Blamed for a terrorist attack on the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the entire IMF agency are disavowed by the US government when the president initiates the Ghost Protocol. Forced to go off the grid and left without resources or back-up, Hunt must somehow clear the agency’s name and prevent another attack. Also starring Simon Pegg, Paula Patton and Jeremy Renner.
At selected cinemas throughout the country.
2. FESTIVAL
DESERT SOUNDS
If urban life is getting you down, you may not be too late to join the fun at Kibbutz Sde Boker. Down south they’re having a four-day festival of hassidic music, klezmer, jazz and avant-garde. Artists include Hadag Nahash, Coolooloosh (pictured), Shlomo Gronich and Efrat Gosh. There are also day trips in the region.
Runs today through Sunday, www.tzlilimbamidbar.co.il
3. HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS
Every year, the Train Theater produces a Puppet Festival as part of Jerusalem’s Hanukka events. Whether hanging from strings or fashioned out of string, puppets make their way to the Jerusalem Khan Theater and the Train Theater, mixing just the right ingredients for entertainment, education and enlightenment. The festival also features giant outdoor puppets, creative workshops and an exhibition of theater puppets.
Runs today through December 28, www.traintheater.org.il.
4. THEATER ALL ABOARD
The Encore Theater Company will perform Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic operetta H.M.S Pinafore, providing audiences with a chance to enjoy a satirical take on class prejudices. The plot centers on a love triangle involving the daughter of the captain of the H.M.S Pinafore, the cabinet minister she’s betrothed to and the lowly sailor she’s in love with. In English.
Runs Tuesday through January 8, www.encore-etc.com
5. MIXED BAG
AN ENLIGHTENING TOUR
Get an insider’s view of Nahlaot, one of Jerusalem’s original neighborhoods outside the Old City walls. Encounter local personalities past and present as the lights of the Hanukkiot illuminate the neighborhood’s charming streets, alleyways and courtyards. End the night at a local café with hot beverages and doughnuts.
Tonight, 5, www.israelexplorations.com
6. MUSIC
SABRA SOUNDS
After sharing the stage this summer with Robert Plant and Bob Dylan and performing at the best of European music festivals, Asaf Avidan is back in Israel with a new show, accompanied by cellist Karni Postal. The show features new arrangements for some of his well-known music, as well as an exclusive peek into new material he is working on for a new album. NIS 100/110
Saturday, 10 p.m., Zappa Jerusalem, www.zappa-club.co.il
7. KIDS FUN DOWN UNDER
Spend some quality time in the company of several types of kangaroos, an assortment of cockatoos, flying foxes, laughing kookaburra, wallabies and emus, to name a few, as Gan Garoo Australia Park offers a wide variety of Hanukka activities for the kids. Included will be the traditional music and stories of Australia’s native Aborigines, as well as training on how to throw a boomerang.
Runs throughout Hanukka, Kibbutz Nir David. (04) 648-8060 or www.nirtours.co.il
8. FESTIVE FOLLY
The Tower of David Museum is organizing festive Hanukka activities for the whole family. Join costumed actors in search of the lost Temple treasures and hear the story of Hanukka during the Festival of Lights. Also see the ballista stones from the, times of the Maccabees. In addition, kids can enjoy Children’s Story Hour (in Hebrew) with Guy Alon, who tells stories and legends of light, magic and miracles.
Runs Sunday through next Wednesday, www.towerofdavid.org.il
9. OPERA
IF THE SHOE FITS
Some 100 residents of Kiryat Gat are participating in the Israeli Opera’s community Hebrew production of Rossini’s Cinderella. The soloists come from the IO, all the rest from the community – the chorus, dancers and the orchestra. Soprano Yifat Liskov is Cinderella, tenor Nimrod Grinboim is the Prince, and the director is Shirit Li Weiss. Entrance is free.
Runs Monday through Tuesday, www.israelopera.co.il
10. UPCOMING FESTIVAL
RED SEA SYMPHONY
If you enjoy classical music and relaxing on the beach, head to Eilat for the annual Red Sea Classical Music Festival. This year’s program, as always, was selected by artistic director and conductor Valery Gergiev, who will also preside over several of the concerts on the threeday roster. The Mariinsky Opera House of St. Petersburg provides orchestral and choral services for all the concerts at the festival.
Runs January 5 through 7, www.redsea-classic.co.il