Did newsletter readers spot that one of the winners of the Boys Doubles at the French Open tennis championships at Roland-Garros was Israel’s Yshai Oliel.  The 16-year-old left-hander and his Czech partner Patrik Rikl beat their opponents 6-3, 6-4 in … Continue reading →

Israel’s National Hebrew Book Week every June features large outdoor book fairs, special Book Week sales at bookstores all around the country, and a variety of events such as music, performances, children’s events, workshops, and storytelling. http://www.gojerusalem.com/events/2065/National-Hebrew-Book-Week/

Jun 20-25 is when Verdi’s Rigoletto is being staged at the grand Sultan’s Pool, against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s iconic Old City walls. http://jerusalem-opera.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8PTQ7Kn_KU

Now in its 32nd year, “The Voice of Music in the Upper Galilee” July 12-16 features dozens of concerts: chamber, orchestral as well as vocal, informal concerts, meetings with artists, movies and open rehearsals. http://www.kol-hamusica.org.il/ (click on “English”)

The beautiful show that conquered Europe and USA is coming to Israel for the 1st time. The 17 talented Spanish dancers will perform their new show Estampas de Espana in Tel Aviv, Karmiel, Herzliya, Jerusalem and Haifa from July 19-24. … Continue reading →

Every day for the past month UK’s Sky TV has been broadcasting this video of slackliner (tightrope walker) Heather Larsen balancing on a stretched wire between the towers of Jerusalem’s Old City. http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/WATCH-American-tightrope-walker-takes-on-Jerusalems-ancient-towers-452855

Israel’s booth at the Buenos Aires Book Fair was awarded a prize for “originality and creativity.”  The booth, almost completely devoid of furniture, included a “factory of laughs” and a “risometer” that measured the power of the visitors’ laughs. Israel … Continue reading →