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 13
When Tunisian-born Pope Gelasius decreed a new holiday in honor of Christian martyr Saint Valentine in 496 CE, he was pushing out another Roman wolf-themed one (Lupercalia) – and unknowingly laying the foundation for a remarkable industry focused on love and romance in the centuries ahead.
Visit the Jerusalem Cinematheque and watch the 2024 film Anora. Directed by Sean Baker, it tells an unlikely love story between the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch (Mark Eydelshteyn) and a sex worker (Mikey Madison) he met in Brighton Beach.
Glittery and painful, this movie explores the sharper edges of desire mixed with a fairy tale-like relationship by the very young.
6 p.m. In English. NIS 43. At 11 Hebron Rd. Call (02) 565-4333 to book.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Continue Valentine’s Day festivities with a visit to the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio to watch Closer by Patrick Marber. Translated by Yehonatan Geffen, the play meets the tangled forms of relationships these days with an unflinching depiction of chat rooms, sex work, and London life. Directed by Iftach Rave, this performance is not for the timid.
8:30 p.m. NIS 60. In Hebrew. 3 Menorah St. Call (02) 672-1133 to book.
Take an inspired walk among the pieces selected for Bikkurim, a group exhibition at the New Gallery Artists’ Studios Teddy. The space presents new artworks by seven Jerusalem-based artists who just graduated. Curated by Leah Abir, the exhibition will be on display until March 13.
Free. Gate 22, Teddy Stadium. Sunday opening hours 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These are the usual hours for most days except Tuesday and Thursday, when the gallery is open from 3 to 7 p.m.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Descend to the Menora parking lot and see the exhibition The Hidden Gallery. The Shananot Collective – six Jerusalem-based female artists – will lead patrons on a guided tour of this unusual space where art leaps to meet everyday life.
8 p.m. Hebrew tour. Free. Patrons meet at the entrance to the School of Visual Theater, 11 Bezalel St. For more information, call Penina Shalvi at 050-776-9225.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Enter the Mazkeka café, pizzeria, and bar – “home for the independent & alternative art scene of Jerusalem” – and soak in the reggae music of Sputnik Hi-Fi. Lead singer Adik Mitgertz and the other band members will spread the message of Oded Burla’s poems “Snail,” “I Have an Uncle in Ashdod,” and “The Great Mountain.”
9 p.m. NIS 60 per ticket. Hebrew lyrics. 3 Shoshan Street. Call (02) 582-2090 to book.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Step into the Yellow Submarine and enjoy the original jazz tunes of the Gadi Stern Ensemble. The concert is part of a new series of highly affordable jazz-oriented events.
NIS 25 per ticket. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., concert starts at 9:30 p.m. Patrons will be seated for this show. 13 HaRekhavim St. Call (02) 679-4040 to book.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Visit Confederation House to enjoy a concert by the duo MAO. Pianist Orel Oshrat and percussionist Maayan Doari will host violinist Elad Levi for a celebration of non-Western music explored by current Jewish musicians.
8:30 p.m. 12 Emile Botta St. NIS 70 per ticket. Call (02) 539-9360 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.