Starting 5785 off right with The JLM Scoop!

Whether you’re a recent Oleh or a seasoned Jerusalemite, there’s always more to discover in our Holy City. Together, we’ll highlight upcoming events for your social circle to attend, review restaurants and cafes with drool-worthy eats, and uncover the lesser known - but even more exciting - activities in and around Jerusalem. 

Want these recs in your inbox each week?. We promise it’ll be worth your while :) Hit subscribe below!

1. Holy City Happenings

• Enjoy a Yalla Basta Selichot Tour (October 9-10) With their long paragraphs and slow tunes, Selichot can sometimes feel hard to connect to. But in Israel, Selichot are a unique opportunity where Jews from all over the cultural divide unite in their attempts to prepare for the High Holidays through music and Tefillah. Check out the Yalla Basta Selichot Tours for an opportunity to dive into the history and cultural significance of Selichot in neighborhoods like Nachalot or Mishkenot Sha’ananim, and finish off your night with a spirited recital of Selichot with the masses at the Kotel. 

• Sing along to Ishay Ribo at the Jerusalem Arena (September 30) You know him, you love him, and he’s likely on your top favorite artists list on Spotify; Ishay Ribo is coming to Jerusalem! With special guest Akiva, this concert is sure to light your soul on fire and get you in the zone for the Yamim Noraim. Grab tickets here.

• Bend your imagination at the Infinity Exhibition (open through Oct 31) Looking for some culture before a stretch of meal-eating and shul-going? Then check out the Infinity Exhibition for a sensory experience that’s sure to blow your mind. Combining lights, music, and movement, the exhibit blurs reality with surrealism, providing you with a unique opportunity to explore new worlds. 

2. Bites of JLM:

There’s no doubt that the Jerusalem Food Scene is hopping. Check out our recommendations for the latest and greatest in kosher certified eats!

• Grab a slice at Pizza Flora We’re always on the hunt for delicious Motzei Shabbos Pizza, and we’ve found that Pizza Flora has a fantastic slice, regardless of the day of the week. With interesting twists on your classic faves, Flora is sure to satisfy that craving for you sooner than the 90 bus line can get you there. Bonus - they serve your bill up with a side of complimentary chocolate truffles! 

  

• Make a L’Chaim at HaSchena Thirsty after that slice? HaSchena is an indoors-outdoors bar just a few steps past Flora (and just beyond the Shuk) with good vibes and even better drinks. They bump tunes that’ll transport you back to your high-school days creating the optimal environment for grabbing cocktails with friends. Want to visit HaSchena with a date? We recommend going on the earlier side (before 10pm), before the bar fills up.

• Chow down on a deli delight Looking for a bite that’s a bit closer to home? Bresaola on Derech Beit Lechem rivals any deli sandwich you can find in the old country. Their delicious and punny sandwiches pack a Yiddishe punch, and definitely qualify as soul food. Some tips: 

  • When they offer you “chips” as a side, they really mean potato chips. We recommend the honey-bbq flavor! 

  • If you’re anything like us, then Shabbat cooking gets you hungry. Pop by Bresaola on a Friday, and you’ll have the option to order your sandwich on a yummy challah roll instead of the classic options. 

  • Bresaola is owned by the same family that runs Tziga, an ice cream store further down the block. Do a topsy-turvy and start with dessert instead! 

3. Jerusalem Gems:

• Watch Ushpizin and meet the cast If you’ve ever walked to the Old City, you’ve likely passed the Cinematheque, a historical and cultural stronghold in Jerusalem. Film-fanatics and regular TV watchers alike are invited to venture inside for a screening of the timely “Ushpizin,” movie, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Featuring a heartwarming storyline and a Q&A with the cast members after the showing, we recommend that you grab some popcorn, sit back, and get yourself in the chagim mindset with a classic story of Jewish unity.

• Wander through nature with a pastry in hand Though this one may be a bit outside of the Jerusalem city walls, it’s definitely worth the trip out to Motza. Alloro Cafe is an idyllic coffeehouse centered right in nature. Enjoy a coffee or a delectable pastry in their garden seating area, or wander around the historical Beit Yellin. If you’re looking to venture out further into the forest for a cool dip, there’s a secret ma’ayan right beneath the bridge. 

• Volunteer at Meir Panim Soup Kitchen They say that Tishrei is an optimal time to up your chessed game, and there’s no better place to do that than at Meir Panim. A soup kitchen that caters to Jerusalem’s underprivileged population, Meir Panim gives you the chance to be hands on and all in with meal prepping and serving our brothers and sisters in need. Go with friends, on a date, or on your own - this soup kitchen is always happy to have volunteers.

4. Shabbat Shuva

• Learn with Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander With so much going on during the week holiday wise, Shabbat Shuva can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Looking to recenter at home and maximize this meaningful shabbat? Head over to Kehilat Shir Chadash to hear Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, Head of Ohr Torah Stone deliver a Shabbat Shuva Drasha on Shabbat afternoon. 

• Get a Shabbat meal set up Need a meal for Shabbat? Reach out to Jeff Seidel, who will set you up with a host. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! 

• Support your fellow Oleh/Olah This year, especially considering our current situation, is the time to reach out to those you know who may need some extra support. This Shabbat, we challenge you to embrace one another, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s a miluim family, a new(er) Oleh, or a friend who could use the love, extend an invite for a potluck meal and enjoy each other’s company. 

Lastly, The JLM Scoop is looking for a part-time, savvy socials manager to handle our promo on Instagram and TikTok. Think you fit the bill? Reach out by replying to this email!

So, how’d we do?! Have comments or suggestions?