Grapevine: Making Seder

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Author: GREER FAY CASHMAN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

In past years, said Goldberg, people often waited until the last week to make a reservation, but this year they started early, possibly because additional participants include reservists and their families who, because of the tense situation, may be housed in hotels in Jerusalem and are not making Passover preparations at home; or Jerusalem reservists who don't have the energy or the wherewithal to get everything ready for a week-long festival

At the beginning of this week, reservations were already in excess of a hundred people and may be doubled by Seder night on Monday, April 22. To reserve a place, call (02) 800 1717. The latest day for reservations is Sunday, April 14.

Luxury hotel turns apartment

■ BACK IN the days of the old Knesset when luxury hotels in Jerusalem were few and far between, the Eden Hotel at 25 Hillel Street, a relic from the period of the British Mandate, served as a home away from home for ministers and MKs who lived a long way from Jerusalem.

Built in 1938 and exuding a certain grandeur of a bygone era, it later served as one of the offices of the Immigrant Absorption Ministry. Then, like so many old buildings, it stood in a state of neglect for several years. It is now being partially restored as an integral feature in a development plan for luxury residences that will be built by Yossi Avrahami.

The starting sale price per unit is NIS 3,200,999. If all roads in Israel lead to Jerusalem, the development of this project proves that point. A large signboard that lists the names and contact details of people responsible for the acoustics, interior design, engineering, and installations such as air-conditioning and elevators includes where these people are located – and it's much farther afield than the distance between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They also come from Haifa, Hadera, Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan, Neveh Ilan, Ganei Tikva, Netanya, and beyond.

But there are also indications that people are leaving the city. In the immediate vicinity, just around the corner of the block at both ends, stores have been vacated and bear "For Rent" signs.

Property in upscale Balfour building goes unoccupied

■ REGARDING RENTED premises, the apartment in the old, well-preserved upscale building at 15 Balfour Street that was occupied by justice Esther Hayut during her years as president of the Supreme Court has been unoccupied since her retirement in October because Justice Minister Yariv Levin refuses to approve a successor in accordance with the...