Editor’s note: Due to the ongoing security situation, events listed below may be postponed or canceled. Check before booking, and stay safe.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Watch the film Yes! by Nadav Lapid. Ariel Bronz shines in the lead role as Y, an easy to relate to musician who is requested by Avinoam, a bigwig general turned politician (the brilliant Sharon Alexander) to compose a melody for a new Israeli anthem that will show the people of Israel and the entire world that from the pain and suffering of Oct. 7, a new future will be forged.
To call this film a stunning visual satire would be a very mild description. More than two hours long, this is a cinematic diamond that can break through even the most cynical viewer’s heart.
3 p.m. at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, 11 Hebron Road. NIS 43 per ticket. Shown with English subtitles. Call (02) 565-4333 to book.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Enjoy the Ittai Binnun Quartet in a performance that explores a unique fusion of traditional klezmer clarinet and Balkan music.
Born in Jerusalem, Binnun was described in The Jerusalem Post as one of those rare talents that take “Israeli ethnically fueled” music forward.
With the other members of his group – drummer David Dagmi, guitarist Joe Taylor, and bass player Oz Yehieli – this show promises to be a smorgasbord of all the best vibes that living in Jerusalem can offer.
9 p.m. Confederation House, 12 Emile Botta St. NIS 80 per ticket. Call (02) 539-9360 to book. A bomb shelter is located near the venue.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
Take a stroll to the Mahaneh Yehuda market and flop down at HaShchena (“female neighbor”) bar and get yourself a beer or – seeing as Passover is over – two. Patrons who are sensitive to cold can ask for a heater at their table. Note: This pub tends to be on the younger, friendlier side.
11 Beit Yaacov St. Open from 5 p.m.
MONDAY, APRIL 20
Honor those who gave their lives so that the Jewish people can have a homeland by taking in the rich culinary legacy of Jerusalem. Iraqi Jewish Food is a new book written by David Carmi, a descendant of Jerusalem baker David Shaul, who left Iraq to live in the Holy Land before the State of Israel was even formed. The book explores one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world and its everlasting connection to Zion, Jerusalem, and the Jewish family.
Full of photographs, personal history, and practical pointers on how to serve various dishes, this is a wonderful gift for Independence Day.
Hebrew book. Discount code: CARMI49. Visit iraqitable.co.il for more.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Mark Israel’s 78th Independence Day with a festive concert at the Jerusalem Theatre with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Eli Jaffe delights patrons with a musical journey that honors composer Marc Lavry, offers the stage to cantor Nissim Saal – who will perform Mozart’s aria “Il mio tesoro” from Don Giovanni – and gives a nod to beloved Israeli songwriter Uzi Hitman.
9:30 p.m. 20 Marcus St. Call (02) 561-1498 to book. 80 minutes with no intermission. Price not listed.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Visit Blackout, a new exhibition by Rachel Hagigi composed of 11 artworks that transform the shocking news images that deliver the daily update on how the war progresses – on all its various fronts – into a labor-intensive, highly feminine, beautiful tapestry. Curated by Sala-Manca, the exhibition will be on display until Friday, May 29.
Hansen House, 14 Gedalyahu Alon St. Hours: Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Free.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Visit the YMCA to take in the concert “Sextets.” The evening includes two violinists (Yuval Herz and Nitzan Bartana), two viola players (Shira Majoni and Omer Herz), and two cellists (Haran Meltzer and Lia Chen Perlov). The six musicians will perform works by Bach, Schoenberg, and Tchaikovsky.
8 p.m. 26 King David St. NIS 140-NIS 155. Call (02) 623-4347 to book.
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.