Halloween 2010
At the JC we celebrated standard USA yearend holidays, starting with Halloween (on Tues. 11/2/10. The students "celebrated Christmas" at Shepherd's Fields on 10/31/10.) First, 11 faculty children living here (Judds and Muhlsteins) did trick or treating at student & seniors apts. Who could deny these little monsters?
Emily Judd (age 3) was a favorite. Would you believe she also won the "Grumpy Face" contest? Israeli prof. Ophir Yarden also brought his 3 cute kids to our door.
Afterwards, all joined students for a costume party and crafts at the Oasis.
Here are some familiar frauds--look alikes for Dr. Kent Jackson & Robt. Buss. Also the balloon lady, Neptune and banana girl got into the act. Fun!
Halloween 2011
Phantom of the Opera. On 10/31/11 this ghostly guest visited the JC auditorium. Branch families & students saw the Lon Chaney classic silent movie on a new big screen -- not the modern version. Dark Jerusalem with its gaslight-looking illumination made a great backdrop.
While Lon Chaney faked it on the movie organ, Mike Ohman played the real thing -- and played & played -- for over 90 minutes.
No masks were allowed in the JC. But Lon's grotesque face was enough.
In the "oldie but goodie," there were no overt sexual overtones -- unlike the modern version. Instead, the phantom merely terrorized the poor heroine.
Afterwards, adults partied at the Oasis. But it was too late for the children.
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Thanksgiving 2010
This came on Thurs. 11/25/10 for the students. JC chefs fixed traditional turkeys, mashed potatoes, gravy & trimmings. Branch members had their own on the next Sabbath while we fasted for our own special family reasons. We also fasted later for Dr. Christine Jackson, who had returned to Utah for a full analysis of her prior brain tumor. It was not re-growing -- so she returned to us soon after Christmas. We had many good reasons to give thanks.
Thanksgiving 2011: On 11/24/11, our students returned from a 2-wk trip to Galilee and were elated with the JC's Christmas decor. Then we all feasted on hot turkey & some traditional trimmings.
Ahmed and Luba really did prepare a wonderful feast -- but no mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing or pumpkin pie.
Arlene & Val Chapman told pilgrim stories while everyone feasted.
Then the students sang their version of a Michael Jackson tune. Jeff Nuckles (left) was the voice-rhythm section.
Kristin's 21st birthday was celebrated with 21 chair lifts.
Everyone loved the new wall mosaic installed in the Oasis serving area. It is above Marilyn's favorite stop -- the hot chocolate machine.
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Hanukkah: The 8-day "Festival of Lights" ended on 12/8/10 with the lighting of torches high above the Western Wall on a huge 9-armed hanukkiah (not the usual 7-armed menorah). Another smaller hanukkiah was lighted at the base of the wall. This honored the Hasmonean victory over the Greeks, who sought to obliterate all Jewish faith & traditions. The temple was cleansed and rededicated in 164 BC. Then only enough oil to light the hanukkiahs for just one day miraculously continued for 8 full days and nights.
The huge plaza was filled with Jews & friends celebrating the lighting ceremony.
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Christmas in the Old City. It started on 11/12/10 at an AOS bazaar -- at Notre Dame Center, across from New Gate (Old City walls).
Patrons came from far & near -- like this adorable Arab child and her mother.
Inside were warmth, cookies, punch and some wonderful holiday decorations.
Nora Kort, head of this Old City charity, was our very special friend. (In Dec. '10 her home suffered terrible, uninsured losses from burglary & arson. She was devastated but soon resumed her aid to Arab Christian charities in the Old City.
On a very busy day, many were still there by 7 pm when it closed.
First stop was at the jewelry table. Is the owner begging for a purchase?
They also focused on the Christmas tree and its attractive ornaments.
As always, Nora was everywhere -- working the crowd & also her workers. She remembered Shari from our 2010 visit.
This lovely event again helped set the stage for our Christmas season. Sadly, Nora's season was ruined on 12/29/11 when all the windows of her car were smashed while parked outside her apt. Who would so viciously harm a woman who, like Jesus, has only gone about "doing good" to others (Acts 10:8)?
Decorating the JC: In both Nov. 2010 & 11, wives entrusted their men to assemble & "fluff" three large trees on the 8th level and two on the 7th level -- while the students were away in Galilee & No. Israel.
But both years, the women wanted to decorate the trees themselves.
At the opposite end of the hallway was a large Nativity creche. JC visitors at concerts or tours photo'd these decorations even more than our art exhibit.
On 11/14/11 the creche reflected on a window during a hail storm outside.
The Center was made even more joyous with lights, music & Christmas decor.
The Center was made even more joyous with lights, music & Christmas decor.
The trees in 2011 may have looked even better than in 2010.
The 7th floor trees were also festive & sparkling.
On 11/22/11 the Young Women decorated the Oasis tree. Now the JC was ready for the students' return from 2 weeks in the Galilee.
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JC Programs: Students loved the sight of Christmas upon their return. They performed programs -- with instrumental & vocal solos, dance & group music.
On Fri. 12/9/11, a larger choir (72 voices) superbly performed the program's last half, incl. 8 pieces, incl. O Come Emmanuel, Still, Still Still, And The Glory of the Lord (Miessiah), & some cool carol arrangements. Neomi Weinstein (JC Director of Culture) said it was the best JC choir in her 17 years here.
Prof. Eric Huntsman led the choir (was with the MoTabs). He & Marilyn worked well together. I even sang with the basses. But after our Fri. my foot (injured at the Dead Sea on 12/4/11) was too sore to stand for the more formal Sunday Classics Concert on 12/11/11.)
Some gifted soloists included Dr. Huntsman (The Christmas Song), Rivka Steele (O Holy Night) & a male quartet of Thos. Kelly, Kaleb Valdez, Adam Farnes & Jeff Perry -- Katherine Redd, piano (Who is he in yonder stall?).
Likewise, on 12/11/11, after a full-house performance.
Also, several charity partners came on 12/9/11. Yassin Hamden's Muslim family from Bethany included 2 sons + Wafa & her new fiancee' (to wed in 1-1/2 yrs, after a formal Islamic commitment ceremony soon).
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Special Guests: On 12/15/10 we hosted Utah Senator-elect Mike Lee & wife Sharon, w/others from the American-Israeli P.A.C. Later came the LDS Azar family from Ramallah. Tony, an Arab Christian, was British Consul to Palestine.
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YMCA Carillons & Party: On 12/16/10 we went to the YMCA Tower for their annual Christmas tree decorating by many Arab Christian families.
Before their program we climbed the YMCA tower with Mike Ohman, to play Christmas music on the carillon bells.
Marilyn did another duet with Mike. (See Sept. '10 post.)
The views from there were also spectacular at night. Note the overhead crane helping to construct another large hotel nearby.
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Our 2010 Anniversary: On 12/21/10 at the Mamilla Hotel's Roof Restaurant, we celebrated another joyous & eventful year together. It was referred to us by a Jewish friend we visit every month, The Roof overlooks the Old City and served up an excellent meal.
Mamilla Hotel (left) & upscale shops are at the mall's west end.
Inside the hotel are more upscale shops and architecture.
Our 2011 Anniversary. As I was in CA for Wilbert's funeral on 12/19/11, we dined out on my return 12/22/11. Like last year, we parked at Mamilla Mall. This time it was even more decked out with holiday cheer than ever.
We entered the Old City thru Jaffa Gate. Before a neon Hannukiah (9-armed Menorah), an ecclectic group of Santas were caroling.
At Rossini's, we enjoyed chateaubriand & dessert -- beneath photos of the last two popes (John Paul II & Benedict XVI).
Rossini's had even more Christmas decor than on 11/20/11.
Marilyn admired the elegant cross-stitched dress & fine ambiance.
The JSO then launched into an energetic all-Dvorak program. Leon Botstein, former JSO principal conductor (2003-10) and now head of the American Symphony Orchestra, is known for "thematic programming" focusing on just one composer. First came Dvorak's little-known Golden Spinning Wheel. They also ended with his 5th Symphony -- NOT the New World Symphony (No. 9).
The highlight came just before the intermission -- Dvorak's Cello Concerto, played by Mischa Maisky. Flambouyant & colorful, he was intensely immersed in his music -- helping to conduct when not playing. He is the only cellist ever to study with both M. Rostropovich & G. Piatigorsky. He has performed & recorded extensively (incl. all Bach cello pieces) & did two superb Bach encores.
A nice side note: The Concertmaster & her front-row companion had just switched places, yet seemed quite compatible. At the end, the conductor gave his flowers to the one so recently displaced. Very classy!
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Dining Out.
On 12/16/10 at the YMCA, we & the Ohmans were treated to a delicious meal there by the C.O.O. of a partner charity. The Annual YMCA Christmas Party for 600 orphans and indigent families --supported by the JC -- was held 12/19/10, while we were in Tel Aviv with LDS youth for another party. We returned on Christmas Eve for more festivities.
At the Telmans: On 12/17/10 we & the Ohmans dined at the elegant condo of Jewish friends near Jerusalem. They attend & help to host at our Sunday concerts and with a charity that supports needy women.
On Friday 1/13/12, the Telmans had all of us back for a sumptuous dinner at their home in Mevaserat Zion. [See June '11 post, Senior Couples.]
They have had their superb condo for 17 years and often help with JC hosting of concerts. The Chapmans also enjoyed this "dress-up" evening -- more than Gil Weinstein, until he removed his necktie.
After Judy again did her Shabbat evening blessing on the food (usually sung), then cut the challah bread & poured the kosher wine, we served ourselves. Stuffed chicken & trimmings with 3 kinds of dessert. Delicious!
Dining with Jim Kearl: Adding to our 2010 holiday cheer was this BYU officer who has overseen all JC aspects for over 20 years. During our full day of mtgs. on 12/20/10, Jim confirmed that we would be staying at the JC and not sent to Galilee. That evening, he took us all to dinner at the Hachatzer ("Courtyard") -- an upscale restaurant next to an old railroad water tank off a dirt road & unpaved lot behind the Super Deal store on Hebron Road.
It had great food and fine Christian decor. Our waiter liked what he saw -- Marilyn leaving a nice tip. And someone else also liked looking at her.
Crocketts' VT Dinner. On 11/27/11 we joined the Ludlow & Bittner families for a Mexican dinner at the Crocketts. (All did Visiting Teaching of each other.) Jeff is with the U.S. Consulate and is Branch Pres'y 1st Counselor.
At the Weinsteins: On 1/7/11 we dined at Neomi & Gil Weinstein's condo on French Hill, near the JC. She has coordinated concerts & exhibits since 1994. (He is from NYC.) This gave our New Year in 2011 a great start.
We also brought the Chapmans and Norman & Doreen Squires -- just arrived from the USA the prior day. They replaced the Ohmans over music & he replaced me as District Clerk. A CPA by profession, Norm started his 3rd tour of duty at the JC, playing the organ.
Shepherds Fields: On Sabbath evening 12/18/10, Jerusalem Branch members went to the same hillside overlooking Bethlehem where the students came in early Nov. when starting their NT studies. Sheep there were led by a shepherd on horseback. Perhaps on Christmas eve, angels visited shepherds who were caring for sacrificial temple lambs here.
There was caroling & talks by Bros. Muhlstein & Chadwick (by flashlight). Amanda Judd whistled while Mike sang.
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Youth Tel Aviv Activity: On Sun. 12/19/19, we drove our Jerusalem youth to the Simons home in TLV. (Dave works with the U.S. Embassy.) There were some creative activities for the kids, including making gingerbread houses.
They also played "Christmas Carol Charades," with good acting & guessing.
Then came Jimmy Stewart's "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" and a great meal.
Everyone had a great time. The drive back thru TLV was fast & easy -- if noisy!
The night before Christmas eve (12/23/10), all 11 children of JC faculty took over the Forum for more holiday cheer. They sang, danced & ran in frenzied circles, stimulated by Jeff Chadwick and his guitar.
As usual, 3-year-old Emily Judd charmed everyone.
Emily and others did some impromptu pieces, many learned at school.
Without students at the JC, all seniors & families dined at the Oasis on 12/28/10 There, Sabrina M. made a creative house from chairs & showed off her Christmas Pooh Bear to Amanda Judd.
Christmas Day at the JC, 2010: In Israel, Christmas 2010 came on our Sabbath. Before our 1-hour church service, we opened our Christmas Box. It included many goodies from home, sent by Mark & Ali. It included sweaters & a jacket we didn't bring in August, extra travel toothpaste & magnifying glasses. [Note our "Half Christmas tree," mounted on the wall.]
After Sacr. Mtg., we helped the Ohmans (& our Palestinian R.S. Pres.) prepare & serve a Christmas feast to 3 dear caregivers from Moldova & the Philippines. They leave their children and come here to serve (almost 24/7) aged Jews -- some as holocaust survivors. This was their day to be served!
Christmas Day, 2011. M & M spent it at the Old City. Melissa lit some candles at Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Marilyn then prepared a sumptuous feast for the senior couples, but I spent the day in bed with fever & a cold.
This incl. messages from the Turners & Packers -- & other dear friends.
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Marilyn's 2011 Christmas gift to me was an olive wood Jesus Washing Peter's Feet. Here it is, alongside one of Joseph Smith.
We acquired them at Omar's Souvenirs -- one block from Jimmy's Bazaar.
We returned on 2/6/12 to acquire more olivewood items for our family.
My Christmas gift to her was this beautiful necklace -- with greenish "Roman glass". (She picked it out herself -- of course!)
It came from Bakri's -- between the Muristan & Damascus Gate.
For our anniversary, on 1/17/12 we acquired this original David Roberts 1839 lithograph of the Old City -- from the same Mt. of Olives perspective that Orson Hyde had two years later!
Yaser Barakat has been in business there for many decades -- selling artwork to many past LDS leaders, including Elders Benson, Hunter and Holland.
The Muristan has some of the best shops -- midway between Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Luther Church of Our Redeemer. Yaser will be turning his business over to his son soon.
We can't say "shopping" without mentioning Shaban. [See Jan. '11 post, Orientation Walks] At his Ali Baba's, we changed money and bought many small items. There, he proudly displayed a BYU pennant. On 1/17/12 we bought necklaces for some family females.
He also helped us buy BYU-Jerusalem T-Shirts for our grandsons on 2/22/12.
He and several artisans were busy making some fine crafts there.
During the hollidays, many street & freeway posts had lighted menorahs.
We all spent a quiet night in the JC. Some played games while others relaxed and watched TV in the Snack Room. We borrowed the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," then went to bed before midnight fireworks went off. Happy New Year!
New Year's, 2012. With Melissa gone, and other JC families busy with their own guests, we spent New Year's Eve at the Ohmans' apt. playing cards (Hands & Feet). Then we retired early, prepared for another eventful year ahead.
Outside Fireside. On Sun. 1/7/12, at the Olive Tree Hotel, we gave our only fireside -- to mostly OC members of the Larry & Jynene Johnson tour group. We discussed our service assignment here and the JC history.
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