May 2015 Events in Israel

Many international stars are scheduled to perform in Israel this May. In addition we have several fun Jewish holidays and annual festivals.

2 May – Robbie Williams, Park HaYarkon

Robbie WilliamsBritish pop rock star Robbie Williams will be performing his multiple hits like Angels, Come Undone and She’s the One. The concert will be part of the singer’s European tour Let Me Entertain You and will be his first appearance in Israel.

4-9 May – Felicja Blumental Music Festival, Tel Aviv 

This annual festival combines choral, orchestral and chamber classical music together with film, theatre and folk music. The festival is named in honor of Polish pianist and composer Felicja Blumental. The festival has launched many successful local careers and this year includes performers from Portugal, Italy, the Ukraine and Israel.

6 May – Lag B’Omer, across the country

On the night of the 6th May Israelis take to the parks, streets, fields and any available open space to light bonfires. The celebration of this Jewish holiday usually involves BBQ and staying up late sitting around the bonfire. Visitors to Israel can enjoy strolling from fire to fire and joining in the festive atmosphere.

7 – 16 May – DocAviv, Cinematheque Tel Aviv

Tel-Aviv the CinematequeThe Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival aims to promote documentary films in Israel. The main venue is the Tel Aviv Cinematheque but there will also be outdoor screenings at the Tel Aviv port and in public areas. In addition to the 90 film screenings the festival will be hosting film professionals for discussion panels, master classes and lectures.

7 May – Lauryn Hill, Rishon LeZion Park Live Amphitheatre

Lauryn Hill,Famed hip hop singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill is best known from her performance as part of The Fugees. The Grammy award winning artist is famed for songs like Doo Wop (That Thing) and Everything is Everything. At her Tel Aviv concert she will perform songs from her solo career as well as classic The Fugees songs like Killing Me Softly.

8 – 19 May – Tsar’s Bride, Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center

The Novaya Opera Company from Moscow will be returning to Israel to perform Nikolai Rimsky Korsakov’s The Tsar’s Bride. This classic opera is full of passionate love, jealousy, betrayal and murder.

16 May – Jerusalem Day, across the country

This holiday commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem after the Six Day War in 1967. Celebrations include state ceremonies, memorial services, prayers at the Wailing Wall and you will encounter street parties, street decorations and special events in honor of the county’s capital. Although celebrated throughout the country a bigger deal is made of the event in Jerusalem.

19 May – Dionne Warwick, Menorah Mivtachim Tel Aviv

Dionne WarwickThe legendary soul singer will perform some of her greatest hits like Walk on By and I’ll Say a Little Prayer for You. 74 year old Warwick has collaborated with Stevie Wonder (That’s What Friends are For), Gladys Knight, Elton John and more recently with Ziggy Marley, Ne-Yo and CeeLo. This iconic artist is also a 5 times Grammy winner and known for her riveting stage performances
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19-21 May – Backstreet Boys, Raanana Amphitheatre

The 90s pop idols of this boy band include A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell. All the Boys will be on the stage of Raanana’s beautiful amphitheatre this month. They will sing their best loved hits like I Want It That Way, Larger than Life, Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely and Shape of my Heart.

20 – 24 May – Midburn Festival, Negev Desert

2015 will be the second year of this unique festival held in the Negev Desert. A temporary communal settlement is set up in the desert. The festival provides a creative and artistic platform for all participants to express themselves. There will be music, dancing, spiritual activities, yoga, meditation, extreme sports, activities for families, art, food and camping. There are no visitors or spectators only participants.

23-24 May – Shavuot, throughout the country

This Jewish holiday commemorated the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and it is also a harvest festival. The holiday is celebrated with parties, family meals and the eating of dairy products and fresh produce. There will be delicious cheese cakes and pastries in the bakeries and special yogurts and cheeses offered in cafes. It is traditional to study all night on the 23rd May and you can find all-night English Torah classes in Jerusalem. There is a special prayer service at the Wailing Wall as the sunrises on the 24th May which can be very emotional.

23 May – Israel Festival, Jerusalem

Professional Israeli and international artists will perform in a number of unique venues throughout Jerusalem. The venues are chosen for their aesthetic value and can include Sultan’s Pool, the Old Station, Israel Museum, the YMCA, Jerusalem Theatre and the International Convention Center. In addition to the paid events there are many free performances in public areas like the Old Station (First Station). Here you can see street performers and live musical performances for free.

28 May – One Republic, Park HaYarkon

Pop rock band One Republic will perform one concert only in Israel this May. They will play hits like Apologize, Good Life and Counting Stars. The band includes lead vocalist Ryan Tedder and Zach Filikins on guitar. Their visit to Israel is part of the band’s world tour to promote their latest album.

29-31 May – Jazz Festival, Tel Aviv

A wide spectrum of jazz styles by local and international artists will be performed at this annual festival. Musicians and singers are both professional and new comers, traditional and modern. Performances include Daniel Zamir playing songs from Fiddler on the Roof, Corey Wilkes Quartet, Chihiro Yamanaka, the Andalusian Orchestra, Nicola Stilo, Gary Bartz Quartet, Ethiopian Jazz and Roy Cambell and Ehran Duo. Free jazz performances can be seen in the Cinematheque Plaza on Wednesday and Thursday evening and Friday afternoon.