Kenion (Shopping Mall) - Jerusalem Shopping

Once upon a time, there were no malls in Jerusalem. Now there are at least eight and the number is growing. In fact, Israel is now third in the world in the ratio between population and mall space, right behind the United States and Sweden. I don’t know if I’d make a special trip to any of them if my time in Jerusalem were limited. As they say about malls, seen one, seen e’mall…

But if you do want to shop at chain stores and buy labels you see all over the world, the Malcha Mall, popularly known as Kanyon Malcha, or just “the Kanyon,” is a good place to go. “Kanyon” is a play on the word “kana” which means to buy, with echoes of the of the English word “canyon,” conjuring up images of a very large space.

With its hordes of shoppers, escalators, glass elevator and carnival atmosphere, the Malcha Mall is probably not much different from what you’d find in other countries. But there are a couple of unique features. Where, but in Israel, will you find a mall that has a synagogue on the ground floor, if you feel the urge to pray as you fill your shopping bags?

In the afternoons, especially in the summer and around holiday times, there are free shows, arts & crafts and other activities for kids. On the ground floor, outside a pet shop, is a glass cage with an assortment of birds and small animals.

And since this is Israel, the security at all entrances is worthy of note. You will be asked to open your bags, walk through a metal detector and possibly be wanded. If you come by car, you will be asked to open the glove compartment and trunk of the car for inspection. This is nothing personal, or a violation of your civil rights. It’s for your own safety. In recent years, shopping malls have been big hits with terrorists (pun intended). With this kind of rigorous inspection, you can feel very secure once you get inside.

After all that shopping you are bound to be tired and thirsty. There is a food court, of course, but my recommendation is to go up to the Aroma espresso bar on the 2nd floor and order a fabulous ice cappucino for 14 shekels. It’s cool and refreshing, and it takes a while to finish, as opposed to a cup of coffee that you slurp down in one gulp.

Kenion (Shopping Mall), Jerusalem

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Kenion (Shopping Mall), Jerusalem

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