South African-born Jewish painter Thelma Bronstien has recently published Metemuna Ve’emuna (“from image and faith”), the result of nearly a decade of artistic effort and scholarship. The book, in Hebrew, offers a pictorial key to the rich historical and spiritual meanings within the Jewish calendar.
Topics range from astrology (for instance, the month of Iyar is linked to Taurus) to the dynamic language of the Talmud, where young scholars “bump their foreheads against each other” like young bulls, to better understand the deeper meaning of what they study. This is a lovely addition to any Jewish home.
NIS 116 for printed copy. NIS 40 for digital. For more, visit thelmastudio.co.il.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
Visit the Jerusalem Forest and learn the art of giving and receiving a relaxing massage with Michael Roessler. The workshop includes a short walk into the woods, a brief class on the healing plants you might find there, and a practical guide on how to soothe the nerves using touch. Participants will be fully clothed during the workshop.
Meet at 4:30 p.m. at 20 Megadim St. NIS 120 per person. NIS 200 per couple. Call 054-658-5270 to book. Hebrew workshop.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
Watch an English performance of The Pajama Game, the 1950s hit musical based on Richard Bissell’s novel Seven and a Half Cents. Workers in an Iowa pajama factory demand a wage increase from Sidney Sorokin, a big-city hire meant to oversee them. He is also meant to oversee Babe Williams, who is speaking for the workers’ union, who might be more than what he bargained for.
This musical production, presented by the Light Opera Group of the Negev (LOGON), is a sweet, highly melodramatic depiction of the garment industry in the US. It features the well-known song “Hernando’s Hideaway,” written by Richard Adler.
7:30 p.m., Jerusalem Theatre, 20 Marcus St. English with Hebrew subtitles. NIS 100 to NIS 150 per ticket. Call (08) 641-4091 or visit negevlightopera.com for more.
MONDAY, MAY 11
Take in a comedy/drama with Is This Thing On? Directed by Bradley Cooper, the 2025 film is about Alex (Will Arnett), a middle-aged man who stumbles into the New York comedy scene while going through a divorce with wife, Tess (Laura Dern). The film includes a brief role by Irish actor Ciaran Hinds, who plays Alex’s father.
6 p.m. at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, 11 Hebron Rd. NIS 43. English with Hebrew titles. To book, call (02) 565-4333
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Take a musical trip to the Hebrides with a performance of Fingal’s Cave by Mendelssohn, performed by the Jerusalem Street Orchestra. The focus of the program is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The musical evening will conclude with Naomi Shemer’s song “Jerusalem of Gold,” adapted to orchestra and shofar.
8:30 p.m., Clal Building, 97 Jaffa Rd. Tickets: NIS 30 to NIS 250, depending on the largesse of the patrons. See eventer.co.il/10anniversary for more. Hebrew site.
✱ Visit the Hazvi Yisrael Synagogue and take in a Hebrew lecture on “Enveloped in Light: Isaiah’s Jerusalem from Its Beginnings to the End of Days,” by Rabbi Dr. David Sabato.
7:45 p.m. coffee and socializing. 8:15 p.m. lecture. 14 Hovevei Zion St. Free, but contact shifrapai@yahoo.com to sign up.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Play Frisbee and maybe horse around with a resident of Jerusalem whom you would not usually meet in your own walk of life. It is one of many events celebrating the multicultural joy of living in Jerusalem, being held as part of the Jerusalem March for Jerusalem Day.
Meet at the Liberty Bell Park between 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.; the march to Teddy Park will begin at 6:30 p.m., with Marsh Dondurma in the front beating the drums. In the park, an all-inclusive welcoming event will be held for members of all faiths who share the city.
Free. To learn more, visit jlm-march.co.il (Hebrew site). The Frisbee game is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Explore the joy of Ladino music with Nani Vazana, who will perform at Confederation House. The singer has appeared at the Kennedy Center and has won the Liet International, a European song festival that celebrates minority languages such as Gaelic, Ladino, and Frisian.
8:30 p.m., 12 Emile Botta St. NIS 80. Call (02) 539-9360 or visit nanimusic.com for 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.