Editor’s note: Due to the ongoing security situation, events listed below may be postponed or canceled. Check before booking, and stay safe.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Visit As Soon as the War Is Over, a new exhibition at the Bible Lands Museum that seeks to point to the complex and surprising relations between the ways wars were perceived in the ancient world and the ways we conduct modern, or even post-modern, warfare.
Heard of fake news? After the 1274 BCE Battle of Kadesh, both sides – Ramesses II of Egypt and Muwatalli II of the Hittite Empire – claimed victory.
Patrons are encouraged to look for the artworks of multidisciplinary contemporary artist Assi Meshullam, which are based on the Lachish reliefs. Years after the 701 BCE battle between Judah and Assyria took place, the original ancient artwork Meshullam refers to was made for the palace of Sennacherib, near today’s Mosul.
21 Shmuel Stephan Weiz St. NIS 40 per ticket. Open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily guided tours are offered at no extra charge beyond the cost of the entry ticket. Call (02) 561-1066 to learn about tours in English.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Visit the noon opening of the exhibition Red Tent by Michal Tamir, curated by Naama Haneman. The paintings depict the artist’s family within a women’s-only frame of mind. Held at The Jerusalem Artists’ House, three other solo exhibitions will be opened at the event as well: Ritual by Elad Amsalem; Day’s End by Noga Fay Davis; and Echoes of a Peacock’s Tail by Shay Arick.
12 Shmuel Hanagid St. Free. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (02) 625-3653.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Step into Jerusalem Cinematheque and watch the 2025 British historical fiction film Hamnet. Directed by Chloe Zhao, the movie depicts a strong and bright woman (Jessie Buckley) who marries a man who is often absent and lives in his own mind – he happens to be William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal).
A highly dramatic retelling of the Shakespeare myth from an unusual perspective, this film earned heaps of praise, and promises viewers a unique emotional experience.
8:30 p.m. In English. NIS 43. At 11 Hebron Rd. Call (02) 565-4333 to book.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Attend a concert of “Jerusalem in Harmony” at the Jerusalem Theatre. The program includes cantors Shai Abramson and Simon Cohen, light classical music, and Broadway hits.
Conductor Marc Temerlies leads the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra at this performance which salutes the girls of the pre-academic preparatory school of Emunah Appleman College in Jerusalem.
20 Marcus St. NIS 75 to NIS 220 per ticket. 90 minutes long. Call 1-700-70-4000 to book.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Attend an English-language lecture by journalist Benjamin Weinthal on “Iran at a Crossroads: In the Wake of a Nationwide Revolt and Mass Murder.”
Held at Beit Knesset Hazvi Yisrael. Free.
7 p.m. coffee and socializing. Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Please register ahead of time at shifrapai@yahoo.com.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Attend the Jerusalem Theatre to view a screening of the British LGBTQ film Pillion. Directed by Harry Lighton, the film is that rare thing – an erotic comedy depicting an unusual relationship structure between two men. One is timid and fairly normative (Harry Melling), and the other (Alexander Skarsgard) is a biker who would be right at home in a Touko Laaksonen (aka Tom of Finland) sketch.
To “ride pillion” is how a British person would describe “riding double” if he were the person on the cushion behind the saddle of the motorbike.
20 Marcus St. 8 p.m. In English. Patrons must be 16 years of age or older. NIS 34 to NIS 42 per ticket. Call (02) 560-5755 to book.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Learn some woodworking skills with Ohio-raised Uriel Goldman. At his workshop, couples can make their own challah board or, if they are moving to a new home, a laser-engraved entrance sign and a mezuzah cover. Couples with children might like to suggest they leave their screens for a spell and learn how to work with their hands as the entire family builds a coffee table or a garden bench.
1 Hata’asiya St. Ofra. NIS 600 for a 2.5-hour workshop for a couple; NIS 950 for a four-hour workshop for a family. Note: Only children aged six or older can participate in the workshop. Discounts are offered for those who serve in reserve duty or are civil servants. Call 058-632-7613 to learn more.
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.