JERUSALEM – A network dedicated to fostering “tolerance” in the capital is highlighted this week, showcasing an exhibition at a gallery that includes a bomb shelter, as cultural offerings shape the narrative of Jerusalem. The Rashuta Gallery, located at 33 Aharon Rabinovich St., is part of the Rashot HaRabim network, whose stated goal is to foster tolerance in the capital. The gallery hosts Ilana Hoffmann’s new exhibition, “Absence,” curated by Jenny Aharon, described as an attempt to solidify what is missing.
Admission to the Rashuta Gallery is free, and visitors are advised to call 050-728-4234 to confirm opening hours. The exhibition “Absence” is on display until Friday, May 1. The presence of a bomb shelter within the gallery contrasts with the abstract goal of “tolerance” in a city facing constant security realities.
Shaping the Capital's Culture
The cultural listings also include “Bitul Torah,” a party game focused on the humor of observant English-speaking Jews living in Israel. This nonprofit community project features 180 black prompt cards and 440 white response cards, with patrons able to submit their own pitches. The game costs NIS 86 per deck, and a Hebrew version is also offered, with pledges available at bitultorah.com.
Another cultural event is “From Darkness to Light,” an English-language performance by Gabriella Lev about her mother’s Holocaust survival. This performance was scheduled for 7:50 p.m. on Monday, April 13, at Beit Mazia, 18 Mesilat Yesharim St., with a price of NIS 90. After the one-hour show, patrons were invited to stay and discuss the production with its creator.
On Tuesday, April 14, The Shmooze podcast episode 115 featured Eleanor Reissa, born to a Yiddish-speaking family of Holocaust survivors, in conversation with Lisa Newman, director of public programs at the Yiddish Book Center. Reissa, who fell in love with the stage after watching a play by Fernando Arrabal, is devoted to promoting Yiddish culture.
Honoring National Sacrifice
Amidst these narratives, the city also honors its native sons and their sacrifices. Habotke Shel Moshiko, a small, intimate eatery, is operated by Rohama, the mother of Moshiko Doyno. Moshiko Doyno grew up in the Katamonim neighborhood and fought and died in Operation Protective Edge, also known as Tzuk Eitan, in 2014, marking the twelfth year since his sacrifice. The eatery, located at 26 Antigonus St., is kosher and keeps standard business hours.
Fishenzon Bar, a venue promising a safe spot, is run by San Francisco native Dan Vered, who made aliyah in the 1980s to enlist in the IDF and built an inspiring life in Israel. The bar, at 12 Shamai St., offers Crabbie’s Original Ginger Beer, British gluten-free beer, and strong 6% Herzl beer.
On Saturday, April 11, viewers could watch “The Jewish War” by Josephus, adapted to the stage by the Mikro Theater, a fringe group generally working from the Jerusalem Theatre. Directed by Irina Gorelik, this 2019 Hebrew production begins with the sacking of the Temple by the Roman Empire and ends with the last Sicarii perishing, a historical account of national struggle.
Controlling Historical Narratives
An online English-language discussion on Thursday, April 16, presented by the Leo Baeck Institute, focused on how to remember the Holocaust in the age of the artificial image. Berit Zimmerling was scheduled to discuss “virtual witnessing” with moderator Daniel Mahla, focusing on generating speaking holograms of Holocaust survivors to communicate with future generations. The article also suggested that readers seeking perspectives on this phenomenon might find an article by Jewish American author Dara Horn in The Atlantic, titled “Is Holocaust Education Making Antisemitism Worse?”, to be of interest. This event was free and in English, with registration available via shorturl.at/5Q3y3.