Jerusalem Night Tours Bridge Religious and Secular Divides
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Jerusalem is launching "Shishi Ba'Esrim," night tours designed by Itamar Farhi to foster connection between religious and secular residents. The tours, which avoid amplification to accommodate Sabbath observers, have seen high demand and sell out quickly. These unique explorations, including horror and Selichot tours, are now part of the "Open Houses - Jerusalem" festival running on two weekends in October.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jerusalem's "Shishi Ba'Esrim" night tours aim to unite religious and secular residents.
- The tours are designed without amplification to respect Sabbath observers.
- Demand for the unique historical and thematic tours is extremely high.
- The initiative is part of the "Open Houses - Jerusalem" architecture festival.
- The festival runs October 15-17 and October 22-24, featuring over 150 events.
A new initiative in Jerusalem, "Shishi Ba'Esrim" (Friday at Ten), offers night tours designed to bridge the gap between religious and secular residents by exploring the city's history and unique stories. Founded by Itamar Farhi, a Jerusalem content creator and tour guide, the project aims to fill a perceived cultural void on Friday nights, traditionally a quiet time in the city.
The tours are specifically designed to accommodate Sabbath observers, operating without amplification systems. Farhi stated that the demand for these tours is exceptionally high, with events selling out before registration even opens, attributing this success to the content's unusual and intriguing nature.
"Shishi Ba'Esrim" offers a variety of experiences, including horror tours in historically significant locations like the Valley of Hinnom and the Mahane Yehuda market, as well as Selichot (penitential prayers) tours during the month of Elul. These tours provide a unique way to experience Jerusalem's atmosphere through its streets and narratives.
Farhi emphasized the project's social ideals, aiming to create an inclusive public space that belongs to everyone, especially during times of division. He noted that religious participants often join directly after Shabbat meals, while secular participants come after initial evening activities, with both groups parting amicably at the end of the tour. Farhi, who also works as an economist, pointed out the economic benefit of inclusivity, stating that excluding half the potential audience is a missed opportunity.
The "Shishi Ba'Esrim" tours are being integrated into the "Open Houses - Jerusalem" architecture festival, which runs for two weekends from October 15-17 and October 22-24. The festival itself will feature over 150 tours and activities across the city, celebrating its 20th anniversary by showcasing its past, present, and future.