Top 5 random things that Scott wants you to know about:

1. Peimot: Located under Ha’mashbir on King George St., across from the top of Ben Yehuda, this is a drum studio that offers lessons to all skill levels.  The guy who runs the place, Abe Doron, is originally from Mexico and spent a bunch of years as the touring drummer for Riverdance.  He is a great, nice guy and the studio has a bunch of excellent teachers.

2. Jerusalem Martial Arts Center: Located in Teddy Stadium across from Malcha Mall, there are classes in Capoeira, Muay Thai and Akido along with an indoor climbing gym.

3. Jacob’s Ladder Festival: A music festival held twice a year (once in December and once in May, usually) at Kibbutz Ginosar on the shores of the Kinneret, this festival is dedicated to folk, bluegrass and Irish music with the occasional world music element thrown in.  You can stay in rooms on the kibbutz (but book early!) or camp (recommended).  The facilities are great and it is a very cool, laid back scene. www.jlfestival.com

4. Amirim: A vegetarian moshav in the north, near Tzfat, with a variety of cozy guesthouses tasty restaurants and bakeries, and spa treatments.  A great place for a relaxing, eco-friendly getaway. www.amirim.com

5. Ben Sira Hummus: Located just around the corner from HUC (on Ben Sira Street, oddly enough) this place has what is, in some opinions (including mine) the best hummus in Jerusalem (not including Abu Gosh).  For around 25 shekels you get a nice sized bowl of hummus, 2 pita, some falafel balls and a plate of veggies.  A great place to share a lunch and you can also get hummus to go!