Hey Jerusalemites,
Hope everyone had a meaningful Yom Kippur and is gearing up for an amazing Sukkot 🎉
We’ll be off next week-taking some time to relax in the sukkah.
This week’s issue is a double edition, packed with events, activities, and things to do throughout all of Chol Hamoed.
Chag Sameach to you all! 🌿✨
Sunday (October 5) -
Museum of Tolerance Tour (Register here) - Get ready to explore two powerful exhibitions at the Museum of Tolerance, where you’ll journey “From Darkness to Light” and dive into 75 years of Israeli storytelling through “Documenting Israel.” This English-language guided tour invites you to reflect, connect, and see the world through fresh perspectives.
Sukkot Yom Iyum at Pardes (Details here) - Prepare for Sukkot with a meaningful Yom Iyun at Pardes, where deep conversations, inspiring learning, and warm community vibes come together. It’s the perfect chance to slow down and connect before all the craziness of the holiday.
Wednesday (October 8) -
Derech Beit Lechem Festival (Info here) - Hop over to the Derech Beit Lechem Festival, a vibrant neighborhood celebration bursting with street theater, live music across four stages, a crazy youth zone, artisan markets, workshops, and food trucks. This Jerusalem Chol HaMoed classic has something for everyone, so make sure to check it out with friends, family, or guests from abroad.
Nuriel JLM Sukkot Celebration (Tickets here) - Jerusalem’s beloved NURIEL is performing for one night only this Chol HaMoed! Enjoy an evening where indie vibes, rhythmic beats, and soulful energy collide - plus, lots of guest appearances that’ll round out the night!
Moshav’at Sukkot at Mitzpetel (Details here) - Come explore a green festival where nature, community, and Jerusalem come alive. Wander through the magical mitzpetel ridge, enjoy art installations, and soak up fresh vibes high above the city.
Thursday (October 9) -
Jerusalem March (Register here) - Join hundreds of other Jerusalemites in the annual JLM March! With three fantastic routes to choose from, you’ll end this refreshing stroll in Gan Sacher and enjoy a live musical performance by Moshe Peretz.
Sukkot Singles Soiree (Details here) - Meet, mingle, and maybe spark something new at this upbeat event for the 20s & 30s set in Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue. With a live DJ, tasty refreshments, and optional speed-dating (if that’s your vibe), it’s your chance to celebrate Sukkot while making real connections.
Friday (October 10) -
The Amazing Race JLM (Register here) - Embark on a family-friendly adventure through Jerusalem's historic streets with The Amazing Race! This bi-annual event challenges participants to solve clues and complete fun tasks, all while exploring the city's iconic landmarks. Teams of all ages can enjoy a creative and engaging way to discover Jerusalem.
Musical Hallel at Pnima (Get more Pnima updates here) - Join us this Chol HaMoed Sukkot for a joyous Musical Hallel, that’s perfect for the whole family. Bring your instruments and your voices, and enjoy a meaningful morning of Tefilla followed by community brunch.
Ultimate Frisbee Tournament l’zecher Yosef Malachi Guedalia (Details here) - Even while serving as an officer in Duvdevan, Yosef Malachi Guedalia z”l always made time to join the ultimate frisbee games he loved playing with his brother. After bravely fighting and saving lives in Kfar Azza for many hours, Yosef was tragically killed in action on October 7, 2023. In his memory, his wife and family have established this ultimate frisbee tournament to honor Yosef’s passion for sports, his boundless spirit, and his infectious energy.
Sunday (October 12 )-
Ushpizin Festival (Tickets here) - Celebrate Sukkot with a vibrant mix of music, community, and Jerusalem's charm at the Ushpizin Festival. Held in the heart of the city, this festival features live performances from artists like the Solomon Brothers, Shlepping Nachas, and Meilech Kohn. Whether you're dancing under the stars or enjoying the food, it's the perfect way to experience the spirit of Sukkot in Jerusalem.
Activities/Events Running Throughout Chol HaMoed
Sukkot at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens (Details here) - Celebrate Chol Hamoed Sukkot surrounded by nature at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens! This family-friendly spot offers guided tours of the famed bonsai path and Japanese house, a scenic garden train ride, and creative workshops using natural materials. Also make sure to check out the tropical greenhouse showcasing blooming orchids at their peak, or do a scavenger hunt with your kids and find all of the blowup characters positioned around the gardens. Bonus - head over to Mula Botani or Caffit for some yummy bites that you can enjoy in the garden’s sukkah!
Sukkot and Melodies (Tickets here) - Pop on a pair of headphones, and enjoy a musical adventure at the Tower of David! This family-friendly event features a guided musical tour, a theatrical journey to the Temple, costume fun, games, and more. Don't miss the new exhibition celebrating Yehoram Gaon's legacy. The best part? HaMigdal Cafe will be open next door, and serving up delectable pastries in their sukkah!
AchlaKerach Ice Skating (Book in here) - Glide into the holiday spirit! Enjoy ice skating at this 1,000-square-meter rink which features real ice, skating aids for kids, and a professional setup perfect for all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a first-timer, it's a cool way to enjoy Chol Hamoed Sukkot with the whole family.
Chol HaMoed at Farm in the Valley (Info here) - Bring the whole family to a hands-on, spirited day under the Jerusalem sky. Dig into ancient crafts, ride camels and donkeys, bake pita on a saj, and wander Israel’s longest suspension bridge. Plus, you can enjoy a delicious meal from the Rachel BaSdera food truck!
Ein Karem Festival (Details here) - Stroll through the charming streets and soak up the vibes at the Ein Kerem Festival 2025! Think live music, pop-up art, open studios, and interactive workshops all wrapped in the cozy, picturesque energy of this historic Jerusalem neighborhood. Perfect for wandering, snapping pics, and discovering local creativity around every corner.
The Mayor’s Sukkah (Details here) - Downtown Jerusalem is buzzing with Sukkot vibes at the Mayor’s Sukkah in Safra Square! Kikar Safra transforms into a festive hub packed with live music, art, interactive workshops, and family fun all week long. It’s the ultimate spot to soak up the holiday energy and celebrate with the whole city.
Birkat Cohanim (Info here) - Join the crowds at the Western Wall for one of Jerusalem’s most powerful moments. Hundreds of kohanim gather to bless thousands, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts spiritual, electric, and uniquely Jerusalem. Whether you’re there for the tradition, the energy, or just the goosebumps, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Agnon Festival (Get the lowdown here) - Get ready for AgnonFest, where the spirit of S.Y. Agnon comes alive through theatre, music, literature, and food in Jerusalem’s atmospheric spaces. Think immersive plays, live concerts in courtyards, literary talks, and bites that evoke scenes from his stories, all blending to create a magical, multisensory experience in the city he called home.
The Secret Garden at the National Library (Tickets here) - Step into a whimsical, paper-crafted wonderland hidden inside the National Library. Specifically for kids between 5-11, your littles will enjoy a creative space where oversized cardboard flowers, tree silhouettes, and interactive surprises await.
Got an Event? Share It With Us!
Are you hosting or in the know about an upcoming event in Jerusalem? Send us the details, and we’ll be sure to include it in our next newsletter to keep the community in the loop. Submit your event here and let’s make it a hit!

Bites of JLM 🍴

Jacko’s Street (Rabbanut), in the heart of the Shuk, is a classic hotspot that seamlessly mixes tradition with creativity. Started by 4 friends who were keen to reinvent and share Kurdish culinary treats, the chef-driven menu and bold flavors are sure to delight your tastebuds. Lively music and a nod to chef Zakai Huja’s father, Yaakov “Jacko” Huja, make the atmosphere unforgettable.
Café Ella (Rabbanut) is a cozy spot nestled right on the highway out of Jerusalem. With fresh salads, sandwiches, and house-baked desserts, plus excellent coffee and a warm atmosphere, it’s a great place to head with friends or on a brunch date!
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