When Jerusalem is called a 'capital city', it is usually meant in a political context, but there is no doubt that Jerusalem, in contrast to all cities in Israel and the world, also takes the definition as the 'cultural capital of the Haredi sector'.
This is expressed mainly on holidays throughout the year, but is particularly evident on Sukkot, Simchat Torah, and the second Kafot.
The crowds who come throughout the holiday to fulfill the mitzvah of pilgrimage and touch the remains of our temple also enjoy the continuation of the Jewish experience throughout the entire day, and especially into the night, when the streets of the ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods take on special hues - and the atmosphere there is sublime.
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""He who has not seen the joy of the house of the water-drinker has not seen joy in his life," it is said of what was in the Temple, and the same is true of what happens in the Haredi neighborhoods, on the streets of Jerusalem, and in the Hasidic synagogues and yeshiva halls.
Like every year, I usually go down from my neighborhood to Mea Shearim. I usually walk there. It's not just the difficulty of entering with vehicles at these hours, but mainly the atmosphere you feel when you go down Malkei Yisrael - Geula Street, coming to Mea Shearim.
Every holiday gives its own color to this special street, but there seems to be nothing like the nighttime atmosphere of Chol HaMoed Sukkot. On my way to the 'Shol' of Breslov, and the 'Toldot Aharon' and 'Toldot Avraham Yitzhak' study halls, I pass by synagogues, go in for a peek, and get carried away by the dancing.
Finally, I arrive at the big events I planned to attend, and like every year, the atmosphere is electrifying. These special hours create not only a festive atmosphere, but also an atmosphere of unity. Kippahs are knitted and even non-religious people are swept away by the singing and dancing of 'Toldot Aharon.'.
One of the best things about the many days of the week is the opportunity to visit different events each day. One of the things that visitors to the city should not miss is the atmosphere at the great Beit Midrash of Belza.
The place, which is visible from afar and gives the feeling of a 'little temple', is transformed into one great joy. The thousands can be seen down Shamgar Street and in the nearby streets. The crowds arrive at the huge tent that is built every year in the courtyard of the Beit Midrash, and all the members of the Haredi community stand on the Frenchies alongside the Belza Hasidim, enjoying the singing, each holding the other's hand and jumping to the rhythm of the melodies and songs.
And speaking of jumping, you shouldn't miss the electrifying atmosphere at the Karlin Hasidic synagogue. Deep into the night, you can hear the singing blaring from the synagogue by the large audience that frequents the place, as musicians stand on the stage in the synagogue and for hours their hands are busy creating the amazing sounds.
The Jerusalem Municipality, aware of the enormous asset it has in its hands, is doing everything it can to enable the events to run as smoothly as possible. It is enough to see Mayor Moshe Leon arrive at the events and get swept up with the crowd as one person. It is clear that when the city is headed by a person who understands and lives the Haredi public, the result is accordingly.
And you were only happy, receiving true meaning in the capital of Jewish culture.
For a list of events in Jerusalem during the Sukkot holiday - Click here
