Jerusalem Festival Explores Medieval Knights and Jewish Literary Traditions
The "Knights of Jerusalem: Bobe Mayse" festival will take place on September 12th at the Ein Yael park in Jerusalem, transforming the venue into a medieval experience for one day. The event, held annually since 2009, features armored knights, equestrian shows, sword fighting, archery, medieval music, and craft workshops, aiming to transport visitors back in time.
Beyond the historical reenactments, the festival highlights the surprising existence of knightly romances in Jewish languages. A fragmented Hebrew Arthurian narrative from 1279, housed in the Vatican Library, demonstrates the permeability of medieval European cultural boundaries, with stories from the Arthurian cycle adapted for a Jewish audience, linguistically linked to Italy.
Further illustrating this cultural exchange, in the early 16th century, Jewish grammarian and writer Elia Levita created the Yiddish chivalric poem "Bovo Bukh" in Padua, based on the Italian "Buovo d’Antona," itself derived from the Anglo-Norman romance "Bevis of Hampton." Published in 1541, this work eventually became widely known as "Bove Mayse," meaning "Bove story." Over time, "Bove Mayse" evolved into "Bobe Mayse," losing its direct connection to the knightly hero and becoming a Yiddish idiom for a tall tale or unbelievable story.
The modern "Knights of Jerusalem" project began in the early 2000s with the founding of a club by Denis Zlatopolsky and Oleg Morozov, initially focusing on armored and stage combat. The first international festival in 2009 grew into the current large-scale family event. This year's festival will include a full-day jousting tournament, equestrian performances, a historical camp, archery, fencing, and various craft activities like pottery and stained glass. Musical ensembles will perform medieval and Renaissance music and dance, complemented by a puppet theater, street performers, and activities for children, including a Viking camp.
The festival offers a chance to experience medieval combat, witness ancient crafts, try archery, or simply observe the dedication of historical reenactors. Organizers emphasize that prior knowledge of knightly literature is unnecessary to enjoy the event, as the immersive atmosphere makes history tangible. The festival runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the main program repeating in three time blocks. Information regarding group transportation from various Israeli cities should be confirmed with independent guides and tour companies. Food and purchases at the fair are separate expenses.
