In its four years, SidraTarbut (CultureSeries) has established itself as a hallmark of excellence and inclusiveness, enriching Jerusalem’s cultural landscape with a diverse array of cinema, dance, theater, concerts, poetry, visual arts, literature, Jewish culture, and music. The Series’ programming is accessible to the wide spectrum of the city’s communities and appeals to art lovers across genres.
Initially created to support cultural institutions, local artists, and city residents in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, SidraTarbut has since grown into a much-anticipated annual tradition—its name and reputation now extending beyond the borders of Jerusalem. A similar Series is even set to take place in Be’er Sheva this summer, explicitly following the model of this successful initiative.
Conceptually, the Series is grounded in three pillars: spotlighting local cultural institutions, fostering community, and promoting Jerusalem artists. Over the years, it has grown and its vision has sharpened. While remaining true to its foundational principles, SidraTarbut continues to evolve in response to current events, emerging trends, and the needs of its audience.
Held each year during the months of August and September, in the lead-up to the Jewish High Holidays, the Series invites the city to reflect and celebrate through a rich Series of events spread across Jerusalem, including East Jerusalem. Whether in open-air spaces, communal venues, or the city’s major institutions, and expressed in the languages and idioms that form Jerusalem’s unique cultural fabric, SidraTarbut engages families and audiences of all backgrounds—designed to activate, inspire, and connect.
The Series is made possible through the generous support of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and the management of the Jerusalem Foundation, together bringing this vision to life. The Jerusalem Municipality demonstrates its full support of the Series, with Mayor Moshe Lion attending at least three major events every year.
SidraTarbut 2025
“SidraTarbut marks half a decade. Even in times of war, and precisely amid the rift we are experiencing as a society and as a nation, we remain here to create and cultivate culture — a diverse and unifying culture that reflects the beauty of Jerusalem, shining through its heavy, ancient stones despite everything.” (SidraTarbut website)
The 2025 SidraTarbut launched August 6th, kickstarting with a beautiful and impressive event at the Jerusalem Theater. In attendance were the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion, and the President of the Jerusalem Foundation, Mr. Arik Grebelsky.
“Ten measures of beauty descended to the world – nine were taken by Jerusalem” (Talmud: Kiddushin 49b). The opening event of SidraTarbut 2025 went on a journey following this theme, via a 90-minute video-concert, blending iconic Jerusalem films (Legend of Destruction, Ushpizin, East Side, and more) with new musical arrangements performed by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and leading Jerusalem musicians. The result: a poetic tribute to the city’s fractured yet radiant mosaic, weaving together pain and humor, love and madness, cries and melodies.
Following the formal opening, the series continued over the past month with dozens of cultural events—including exhibitions, street concerts, workshops, lectures, and tours.
One notable event, among many others, was an evening performance at Machol Shalem Dance Center, featuring two contemporary dance works performed by physically disabled dancers. “The History of Movement Limitations” and “Life’s Course” both celebrate and empower physical diversity, while presenting a distinctive, alternative aesthetic of artistic expression.
The series will continue up until mid-September. For more details, check out the SidraTarbut website and social media accounts.