A Collection of Articles for Jerusalem Day 2 Jerusalem Day 3

A Collection of Articles for Jerusalem Day

Table of Contents Preface Rabbi Yehiel Wasserman...... 4 "A Fighter's Story" Avraham Duvdevani (Duvduv) Chairman of the World Zionist Organization ...... 7 Jerusalem's Roadmap Rabbi Haim Druckman...... 14 The Matter of Jerusalem Day Rabbi Yaakov Medan ...... 20 "And the Eternity is Jerusalem" Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg...... 26 Jerusalem in the Teachings of Rabbi Kook Rabbi Yehouda Leon Askenazi-Manitou, z"l...... 36 Jerusalem of Gold (Naomi Shemer)...... 44 4 Jerusalem Day 5

most on-the-mark expression can be found in the words: "By the Preface rivers of Babylon, there we sat, we also wept when we remembered Rabbi Yehiel Wasserman Zion." When the matter of Uganda was raised for discussion at the Zionist Congress, which led to a heated debate, Herzl, the Visionary This pamphlet contains a number of articles that deal with Jerusalem. of the State, declared: "If I forget thee Jerusalem, may my right They were written by rabbis and public figures in memory of Rabbi hand wither." With help from the Rock and Redeemer of Israel, Haim Zohar, z"l, who filled several senior positions in the public we were able in the Six Day War to liberate parts of the homeland, sector, including at the World Zionist Organization and Jewish Agency and the crowning achievement of that war was the liberation of and as Director of the Pincus Fund. the city and the Western Wall, echoed in the cry of the brigade The phrase "the eternity is Jerusalem" comes from the exegetic commander: "The Temple Mount is in our hands." The images of teachings of our Sages in Tractate Berakhot: "The heavenly Tanna the soldiers praying and crying at the Western Wall reached all the Rabbi Akiva said: Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, this is the parting Jewish diasporas, and the picture of the paratrooper standing next of the Red Sea; and the valor, this is the plague of the firstborn; to the Wall soon became the symbol of the war. and the glory, this is the giving of the Torah; and the eternity is In the Book of Psalms, King David says: "The built-up Jerusalem Jerusalem." It is the eternal capital of the Jewish people. Since its is like a city that is joined together." This verse is explained in founding, Jerusalem has been the national and spiritual center of both the Jerusalem Talmud and the Midrash as meaning "a city the Jewish people, the seat of the kings of the House of David, and that creates fellowship among all Jews." On the other hand, the the seat of the Temple, to which the Jewish people made pilgrimages Babylonian Talmud explains the verse as follows: "I will not enter three times a year. the heavenly Jerusalem until I enter the earthly Jerusalem. Is there In the Vision of the End of Days, the prophets of Israel view a heavenly Jerusalem? Yes, for it is written: The built-up Jerusalem Jerusalem as a spiritual center not only for the Jewish people, but is like a city that is joined together." The earthly Jerusalem parallels also for all nations of the world. As the Prophet Micha said: "And the heavenly Jerusalem. In other words, it refers to the joining of many nations shall go and they shall say: Come, let us go up to the city itself and not its residents. We seemingly have two different the Lord's mount and to the house of the G-d of Jacob, and let explanations here, but a closer examination of them reveals that Him teach us of His ways and we will follow in His paths, for out these two interpretations are addressing the same point. of Zion shall the Torah come forth and the word of the Lord from Every capital city in the world connects and unites the citizens of Jerusalem." Jerusalem has managed to take root in the hearts of all that country. But Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people, of us. After being exiled from their land, the people would on every by virtue of being the Holy City and home to the Temple, creates occasion make Jerusalem the head of their joy. A Jew mentions a unique inner connection. Earthly Jerusalem parallels heavenly Jerusalem every day in his prayers and cites Jerusalem at every Jerusalem. When a Jew goes to Jerusalem, he is not only going to event. A groom under the chuppah breaks a glass in remembrance earthly Jerusalem, but also to heavenly Jerusalem. When he goes to of the eternal city. During the many years of their exile, the memory Jerusalem, he frees himself of his personal matters, from the here of Jerusalem united the Jewish people, who never stopped alluding and now, and connects with an eternal life. And when everyone to Jerusalem and continued to pray for their return to the city. The 6 Jerusalem Day 7 ascends to Jerusalem, they unite and come together because they "A Fighter's Story" are going to heavenly Jerusalem. Therefore, earthly Jerusalem aims Avraham Duvdevani (Duvduv), for heavenly Jerusalem, but creates a fellowship among all Jews. Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Our Sages expanded on the duty of every Jew to aspire to enhance 1 have dreamt about you, about Jerusalem, and said: "Any generation in which the Temple is not seeing the light of your face…" An Egged bus goes up to rebuilt, it is as if they had destroyed it." The Sefat Emet asked: "Not No one exactly knew what we Jerusalem, flanked by Nachshon, rebuilding it may be understandable, but why say that it is as if they were expected to do or where, and then the Shimshon Junction. had destroyed it?" He explained that the rebuilding of Jerusalem but the very ascent to look after A seemingly regular journey, and the Temple is not a one-time act, but rather an extended and Jerusalem, to defend the eternal but in fact it is different this continuing process. Every generation adds its own layer until the capital, instills a flame in your time, both in terms of purpose construction is completed and the building is intact. Consequently, heart. any generation that has not added its own layer and contributed its and atmosphere. The bus is Nighttime, the bus enters share, it is as if they destroyed it. laden with ammunition, soldiers in tactical clothing, everyone Jerusalem. Jerusalem is in a state wearing a helmet on his head of complete darkness. All its and holding his weapon in his residents are in bomb shelters. The Center for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora maintains ties hands. Silence. Only the sound of the enemy's mortar shells creases the with hundreds of rabbis from Jewish communities in the Diaspora. "Shuru, habitu uru" Hanan silence. Jerusalem is beautiful The goals it has set for itself are to reinforce the Jewish identity of begins singing, clapping his in the bravery of its suffering, Jewish communities in the Diaspora, and especially the younger hands, and the others join in. beautiful to such an extent that generation, foster the bond with the Jewish people and its heritage, "Mah gadol hayom hazeh, esh I never knew before. The air is and strengthen the centrality of the State of Israel in the lives of Jews yokedet bachazeh…" Happy and pure and pristine and the silence in the Diaspora. The Center achieves those goals through a variety kindhearted Kobi is sitting next is replete with splendor. Just of programs held among Jews in the Diaspora and this collection is to me. I knew that just thinking the sound of a blast disrupts an additional aspect of our activities. about war depressed him, but it, and only the falling mortar now, quite amazingly, he was shell is insulting like a slap in The author is the Head of the Center for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora cheerful. "What happened, the face. And every additional Kobi?" "I'm happy" – he replied – mortar shell makes your heart "because if there's no choice and pound faster, intensifies the we have to fight – then at least indignation of the insult for it's for Jerusalem." Songs about breaching the exaltedness. They Jerusalem and all the soldiers are trying to eradicate my capital are carried away by the tune and I love you Jerusalem, I love "for thousands of generations I 8 Jerusalem Day 9 you to death…if I forget thee, 2 blood, groans of pain, the first running right next to each other. Jerusalem… encounter with the cruel reality The closeness offered a sense of Two in the morning. Just lying of war, before a battle. And your security: I'm not alone, I share Soldiers are drinking hot coffee about on the sidewalk of Shmuel heart is still a 'civilian,' very a body with Ilan, and Gabi served – with great devotion HaNavi Street, waiting for the sensitive, and it's hard to look at and Yossi and Eran. We're all and a warm heart – by a woman order to storm the Sheikh Jarrah the open wounds and the flowing together. This sense of unity, the who lives in one of the houses neighborhood. Your hands are blood. A bit of faint-heartedness feeling that we're all one unit – in Beit HaKerem. Others are clutching your "Uzi," your body slowly begins to penetrate. I from which we drew courage and spread out on the sidewalk of is leaning against the protective started helping the medics and willingness to keep on going, to one of the streets, a few are wall, and beads of sweat cover the sight of the injuries made me fight and to conquer. napping and a few are thinking your forehead and drip down shiver, I began feeling nauseous, and doing some soul-searching. onto your cheeks and nose. Yair is advancing ahead of me. His and a limpness filled my bones The thoughts are about home, It’s chilly in Jerusalem, but leg was injured by a large piece until a cry was suddenly heard the family, the people close to we're perspiring. Perspiration of shrapnel in the first shelling. from Eran: "After me" – and you, because who knows what of excitement, perspiration of He bandaged himself and kept in an instant your heart turns your fate will be in just a few tension before the first battle in on fighting. He suddenly stops, cold, turns 'military.' We leaped hours. I abandon my thoughts our lives. A bright and blinding bends over and looks at his leg into the pillars of black smoke, and get up to pray Aravit. A pre- light suddenly illuminates the because it's really bothering jumping over the bodies of our battle prayer. Each and every road, followed by a huge noise, him. For a moment it appears comrades, as if we didn't see word is perhaps even more and dozens of pieces of shrapnel that Yair has completed his anything. With a storm and with meaningful than on the High are floating around in the air. mission and is being taken to the courage, while jumping over Holidays. "Who has sanctified We clung to the wall with all hospital. But a guy like Yair is not the bodies of our best friends, us with His commandments our strength and desperately going to abandon the campaign. we advanced towards the and commanded us to count covered our faces with our He puts one bandage on top of conquest. Meir was running and the Omer" – the thoughts lead hands, waiting for the outcome. another and keeps on going, as I was behind him, and Gabi was there: to the Temple Mount. "I've been wounded," Kobi if nothing happened (only at the behind me, and that's how the In the days when the Temple said, clutching his knee with a end of the battle is he taken to chain continued. And I'm asking was in existence, people would grimace of pain and his clothes the hospital, with four bandages myself why we are staying so wave sheaves of gold. Now, in soaked in blood. Behind us we covering his wounded leg). close to each other – after all, it's this fateful hour, we are ready can hear Ofer's groans, who much more dangerous because We were already used to the noise – in the spring of our lives – to had a chest wound, and to the we're more vulnerable that way of the bullets. And as if we are resolutely wave our youth in side of us, Michael is barely to the enemy's bullets. And deaf, we advance and continue Jerusalem of Gold….in the name groaning, seriously injured and even though everyone knows shooting into the buildings. The of all of Israel… his blood flowing on the black that it's dangerous, we continue first one throws a grenade into the asphalt. Wounded comrades, 10 Jerusalem Day 11 building, the grenade explodes, we storm the buildings in front staring at the blue sky, cigarette had been concealed during the and then everyone dashes into of us with a fury in order to after cigarette, and a lack of battle. Feelings and thoughts the building and clears it out. retaliate for the indignation desire to do anything overcomes were now vented. And our When done – we move on to and avenge the blood that has me. I yearn to lie down, without thoughts led to those who had the next building, while looking been spilled. It was not that we moving, without eating. But it fallen in the battle. Our hearts every which way for fear that hated the enemy, but we were was my turn to stand guard and were with our close friends who the enemy will surprise us from furious with them, enraged by watch Damascus Gate and the were suddenly gone. Sophocles an unfamiliar direction. A single their savagery, and wanted to snipers on top of it, so I had to said: "War never takes a wicked shot is heard – and a comrade take revenge. Anger and revenge get up. man by chance, the good man falls. Again, a surprise sniper. were intertwined. There was quiet all around, always." Our thoughts led us Everyone takes cover and begins Yossi is wounded by two enemy disturbed only by the occasional to that truth. The war took the looking around to discover his bullets and continues fighting; sound of isolated gunfire.best ones, the noble ones, from hiding place. He is spotted, and Eran, the commander, pleads Even though I hadn't eaten for us. Zevik, Herzl, Yossi and Giora takes the bazooka, goes with him: "Yossi, please go and about a day, I had no appetite. Hanan, and many more. Each up to a higher spot, launches a get treated. You're losing blood." And not only me. The few that one of them was courageous, shell at him, and the sniper is But Yossi pretends not to hear were eating – do so in silence. and each one of them was a silent. We can keep on going, him and keeps on going until he And after their meal, everyone pure soul. Every friend who fell the tension rises, the fire is again is wounded again in the head by returns to their corner, spreads was a combination of wisdom, concentrated on the enemy pieces of shrapnel, after which out on the curb, alone with their kindness and good-naturedness opposite us, and that's how we he loses consciousness. thoughts and is silent. The body – a combination that few are fight and advance. Make more blessed with. But a lead bullet, Thus, for eight hours, while has its own demands and I doze headway. More steps. Then I off and wake up, doze off and a piece of shrapnel, put an end suddenly see an Israeli casualty losing scores of our soldiers and to their exemplary traits, their thanks to displays of bravery that wake up, and doze off again – on the sidewalk. The sight stuns and I'm plagued by a nightmare desires, their hopes, their loves, me and my body starts to shake. are too numerous to mention, and a void has remained in the our flag was waved on the roof and wake up in a fright. I The deceased – his helmet is tied eventually realize – it's a bad world, a void that cannot be to his neck, but his head is gone: the Rockefeller Museum – the consoled. starting line for entering the Old dream. I lift my eyes up to the no nose, no eyes, no mouth, sky and fix my gaze on it. While still engrossed in thought, nothing. In place of a face – there City. No one is conversing with more names reach you – is a big hole, an empty space, 3 Yehoshua, Yitzhak, Yisrael – red and black. I don't know anyone else because they are The Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and every added name only who the soldier is because he all dealing with pain. It was has been conquered. All of our intensifies the terrible feeling! can't be identified. The horrific now that the biting sorrow and soldiers, including me, are lying The best ones, the outstanding sight stretches our nerves and dark sadness emerged, which on our backs. Our eyes are ones, the select few, the 12 Jerusalem Day 13 immigrants, they are the costly We reach the gate, go through it, My body clings to the columns Israeli army is clinging to the price of the victory. My dearest after which there are stairs that of stone, my face is inside the supreme holiness of the people. brothers, the heroes of deeds lead down. I shift my gaze to the crevices between the layers and A soldier at my side is mumbling and glory, G-d will avenge your right and stop: from here you can my hands are pushed inside the in disbelief: "We are next to the blood! see the Kotel (Western Wall), in cracks: a Jewish soldier in an Kotel, next to the Kotel…" And that's how twenty hours of all its grandeur and splendor. I calm elapsed until we entered had never seen it before, but it's the Old City the next day. We like an old friend to me, which were tired of war. The horrific can't be mistaken. And I think for a moment that my place Avraham Duvdevani (Duvduv), was a fighter in the Paratroopers Division sights we had witnessed the day that liberated Jerusalem in the Six Day War. before were more than we could is actually not here because contain. But each of us had an the Kotel is in the kingdom of inner will to keep on going. All legends and dreams, whereas I of us felt that our victory would belong to reality. Indeed, reality be incomplete without the Old and legend, dream and actuality City. That feeling required an unite. I go down, get closer to the additional effort. Kotel, my hand reaches out to the hewn stones, but my hand is Narrow alleyways, filthyafraid to touch them and retracts entranceways, trash next to to where it came from. I close the closed shops, the stench my eyes and take a small, slow of bodies of Jordanian Legion and hesitant step closer, place soldiers – but none of that my lips on the Kotel. And with concerns us. We are looking at the touch of my lips, my feelings the golden dome, which can are let out and tears fall from be seen from afar. There – just my eyes. A Jewish soldier in the about – is where it should be. State of Israel kissing history We quicken our steps in line with his lips. Past, present and with the pace of our pounding future in a single kiss. No more hearts. We're almost running. destruction, the Kotel will not We come across a soldier from be abandoned because it has the company that went in ahead been conquered with the blood of us. We ask about the rest of of Israel's young, and the cost of the way and continue hurrying. the blood is: eternity. 14 Jerusalem Day 15

at the sheep with a full mouth. and have vanished. The Jew Jerusalem's Roadmap That is the power of the eternity saw them all, survived them all, Rabbi Haim Druckman of Israel. and is now what he always was: exhibiting no decadence, no The Gemara presents Rabbi The Jewish People – The This phenomenon is so blatant infirmities of age, no weakening Akiva's interpretation of the Eternal People that even non-Jews have been of his parts, no slowing of his verse "Yours, O Lord, is the astounded by it. A non-Jew who When viewing things from the energies, no dulling of his alert greatness and the valor and the lived about 150 years ago wrote perspective of eternity, what but aggressive mind. All things splendor and the glory." the following: "If statistics are we encounter, before all else, is right, the Jews constitute but are mortal but the Jews; all other Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the eternal people – the eternity one percent of the human race. forces pass, but he remains." this is the parting of the Red of Israel. The Jewish people (We will add that the number is That is how the author, Mark Sea; and the valor, this is the are a people of the world. In actually much lower). It suggests Twain, expressed his admiration plague of the firstborn; and the the natural reality – there is no a nebulous dim puff of stardust for the Jewish people. glory, this is the giving of the concept of eternity, but rather lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. And the Russian author, Tolstoy, Torah, and the eternity, this is death and extinction. This not Properly, the Jew ought hardly wrote: "Let’s examine what kind Jerusalem; and the splendor, only pertains to individuals. to be heard of, but he is heard of unique creature the Jew is, this is the Temple. Jerusalem Peoples die just like humans of, has always been heard of. He whom all the rulers of all the lifts us above the temporary do. That is the fate of both big is as prominent on the planet as nations – all of them together and the ephemeral and brings and small peoples. And, there any other people. He has made and each separately – abused, us together with eternity. There is a small people, a persecuted a marvelous fight in this world oppressed and persecuted, are fleeting problems, there are people, a people whom they have in all ages and has done it with destroyed and trampled fleeting difficulties, there are done everything to annihilate - his hands tied behind him. The on, burned and drowned. fleeting hardships – and counter decrees, persecutions, slaughters, Egyptians, the Babylonians Nevertheless, he continues to to them there is eternity. and pogroms and rivers flowing and the Persians rose, filled the live. The Jew is the symbol with blood. What haven't they Jerusalem requires that we view planet with sound and splendor, of eternity. He is the one who done in an attempt to annihilate everything from the perspective then faded to dream-stuff and thousands of years of torture have the Jewish people? The Jewish of eternity, because if not viewed passed away." not managed to exterminate. people have nevertheless, that way, fleeting problems could Neither fire nor sword, nor the wonder of wonders, continued "The Greeks and the Romans depress us and even cause us to Inquisition managed to erase to live, as our Sages said: "one followed and made a vast noise, despair. The truth is inherent him from the world. The Jew sheep among 70 wolves." We and they were gone; other people in the big picture – through the was the first to proclaim the should remember that these are have sprung and held their torch prism of eternity. word of the Lord. He is the one not 'vegetarian' wolves. They high for a time, but it burned who for so long has guarded the are wolves that have eaten away out and they sit in twilight now, prophecy and passed it on to the 16 Jerusalem Day 17 rest of humanity. Such a nation at everything that the Jewish for themselves. The kingdom, seen the salvation of our G-d" cannot be destroyed. The Jew is people has experienced over the national strength, are unfolding before our very eyes. eternal. He is the embodiment of the generations, how they connected with Jerusalem, from Our national pride rose in the eternity." were dispersed, how they were which the kings of the House of eyes of the entire world and we Just like the Jewish people are exiled from their land twice David ruled. The Israeli national were fortunate to witness "and an eternal people, Jerusalem is and came back to it. No similar resilience has encountered many the children shall return to their the eternal city – and the eternity phenomenon exists in human obstacles on its path and still own border." is Jerusalem. history, of a people who returned may, but will valiantly overcome That is the true roadmap, the to their land after two thousand all of them and exist for eternity." map charted by the Master of The Land of Israel - The Land years of exile. of Eternity The national aspect of the Jewish the Universe! The essence of the Jewish people people, the national wholeness, The whole Land of Israel belongs It is fitting that we express is that they are stiff-necked and are connected with Jerusalem our gratitude to the Holy One, to eternity. Our Sages said that believe wholeheartedly that the and articulated in it. The Rabbi the whole of the Land of Israel Blessed be He, and not, heaven message of the prophets will writes that the word 'eternity' forbid, be ungrateful. is folded under Jerusalem. definitely come true. The word has two meanings – eternity Jerusalem is holier than all of of G-d will not be lost. and victory – and both of them The Divine Roadmap the Land of Israel. The meaning "But Judah shall remain forever, are intertwined. The eternity As opposed to all kinds of plans, behind "than all" should not be emerges from the victory. The there is the divine plan, the measured only in terms of the and Jerusalem throughout all generations. And I shall cleanse initial stages entail overcoming divine roadmap: advantage, but also in terms of difficulties and wars. Eternity their blood which I have not At the end of the Book of Amos, the proportion. In other words, is an expression of victory and the pinnacle of the sanctity cleansed. And the Lord dwells in the prophet says: Zion" eternalness, and for that reason of all of Israel is revealed in it is necessary, first and foremost, And I shall gather back the Jerusalem. It is no coincidence And the Eternity is Jerusalem to defeat our enemies, as was captives of My people Israel and that Jerusalem was restored to Rabbi Kook explains "and the case in all of Israel's wars. they shall rebuild the ruined us together with the Land of the eternity is Jerusalem" as cities and inhabit them; and they Israel. The pride in ourselves that is follows: And the eternity is required of us on Jerusalem Day shall plant vineyards and drink Jerusalem is ours for eternity as Jerusalem. The quality of the reminds us that we must view their wine; they shall also plant is the whole Land of Israel, which position of Israel is perfect as it through the prism of eternity. gardens and eat their fruit. And was restored to us together with it abounds with the strength Of late, we have felt that "He I will plant them on their land Jerusalem. From the perspective of their kingdom in a manner remembered His kindness and and they shall never be uprooted of eternity, everything is ours. enabling them to transcend, His faith to the House of Israel; again from their land which I There is no doubt about that – commensurate with their value all the ends of the earth have have given them, saith the Lord if we look beyond the moment, as a wise and sagacious people, your G-d. 18 Jerusalem Day 19

In my humble opinion, since The true solution for helping G-d tells Moses that the Israelites everything had transpired? Of the Six Day War we have been the Jewish people is to restore did not leave by chance, but course we would. All the more put to the test. To what extent them to themselves and to their rather because they have a great so, because we unconditionally do we identify with the divine roots. And Jerusalem is the one mission. They must carry out an believe in the words of the plan and are working tirelessly that has to give us strength. incredible task – connected with prophets. Let us examine this: to fulfill the prophecy "and they How do I know that? When Jerusalem. What did the Ramban see? The shall never be uprooted again the Israelites stood at the Red Thanks to Jerusalem, G-d Ramban only saw the destruction from their land." Jerusalem Day Sea and were engulfed by fear enabled us to cross many and the calamity, and they were poses a great challenge to us - and were "very frightened," deserts. He sustained us for two enough to make him believe, – to unite the two parts of the G-d says to Moses: "Why do thousand years and the State with total confidence, that the city. To unite earthly Jerusalem you cry out to Me? Speak to the of Israel was established. We other prophecies were also with heavenly Jerusalem. That children of Israel and tell them witnessed the Ingathering of the fulfilled. We, on the other hand, is the real answer to all our to embark on their journey." In Exiles and received the Land of see the prophecies of consolation problems because, as it turns his Midrash, Rabbi Ishmael says Israel. There is no doubt that – the building of the nation., out, without heavenly Jerusalem the following about that: "Why thanks to Jerusalem we will the land and Jerusalem. After – earthly Jerusalem is also do you cry out to Me? – Thanks progress forward and overcome all that – can there still be any unstable. For earthly Jerusalem to Jerusalem I will part the sea all the obstacles. doubt about the fulfillment of to be stable, it must be nurtured for them. G-d says to Moses the words of the prophets, even by and connect with heavenly – do not be scared. Stay calm! The Song of Moses in the face of difficulties? Jerusalem. Nowadays, without Thanks to Jerusalem I will part Nachmanides – the Ramban We believe with complete faith faith and Torah, it appears that the sea for them!" Before trying – regards the Song of Moses that we are in the midst of a problems exist with the most to understand this, we will first as the essence of the history great process, and with that basic things, including what see the source of those words, of the Jewish people, from faith we will certainly overcome concerns Jerusalem. as the Midrash continues: "As the beginning to the end of everything. We will continue Believing that our path is the right was said, awake, awake, clothe days. At the end of his treatise, to go forward until Jerusalem, one – is the key to everything yourself with strength, O Zion; Nachmanides writes: "If a which is the light of the world, in the long term. Our role is to clothe yourself with the garments person were to come and offer illuminates all the corners of the intensify that faith. "For they of your splendor Jerusalem, the us a script about the future, we earth, when Torah will come shall see eye to eye when the Holy City. For no longer shall the would see that half of what he forth from Zion and the word of Lord returns to Zion." There is uncircumcised and the unclean said has transpired word for the Lord from Jerusalem. a need for both a short-term and enter you again. Awake, awake, word– Would we not expect that a long-term perspective. There clothe yourself with strength, O is no other solution apart from arm of the Lord, as in the days If a land can have a soul, then Jerusalem is the soul of the Land of Israel returning Israel to itself. of old, the generations of yore." (David Ben-Gurion) 20 Jerusalem Day 21 The Matter of Jerusalem Day a harlot. She was once full of hand was leading His people Rabbi Yaakov Medan justice, where righteousness used to redemption. However, the to dwell, but now murderers" price of that redemption was (Isaiah 1:21). a question that had no clear Chronicles provides an account priest to teach them, and without answer. In the Knesset, they of the battle between Asa and the Torah" (II Chronicles 15). In the days of Hezekiah, Sennacherib declared war on spoke about 100,000 casualties, Zerah the Cushite: Asa appears on the scene Jerusalem and it looked as if the assuming that we would win. following a long period of "(8) And Zerah the Cushite came fate of the city was hanging by a The salvation that followed the profound spiritual poverty. out against them with an army thread. Hezekiah prayed and G-d huge victory could not have Having said that, when Asa of thousands of thousands and heard his prayer. G-d answered been assessed in advance. There appeals to the Lord his G-d, the thee hundred chariots, and came his prayer despite the fact that the was a feeling generated by the Holy One, Blessed be He, listens as far as Mareshah…(10) And people were not worthy - even the war, which could be called to him and brings him a very Asa called out to the Lord his G-d, prophet had given up on them. messianism. In his book, Rabbi and said: 'O Lord, it is nothing to important victory. This seems to Kook wrote: "When there is a You to help the powerless against contradict the moral message of The same feeling prevailed on great war in the world, the power the mighty. Help us, O Lord our the prophets, who maintain that the eve of and during the Six of the Messiah awakens." (Orot G-d, for we rely on You, and it is in order to deserve salvation Day War. I speak here from HaMilchama, 1). Nowadays, in Your name that we have come from G-d, it is necessary to do own experience. Then, as a that militarism seems deterring against this multitude. O Lord, what is right in the eyes of G-d seventeen-year-old boy, I saw because war is typically You are our G-d; do not let mere and repent. But this did not no justification for the privilege associated with mourning and mortals prevail against You; (11) happen in Asa's case: the nation we had been granted, when we sorrow, even when it ends with So the Lord struck the Cushites had no true G-d, no priest and emerged from the darkness into a victory. For that reason, I was before Asa and Judah, and the no Torah. Nevertheless, G-d a great light. In the days prior always inclined to interpret Rabbi Cushites fled." (II Chronicles 14) sends Asa deliverance. The same to the war, many prayers were Kook's words as referring to "in phenomenon repeats itself in the said, but definitely there was no A desperate plea can be heard the same place and at the same days of Hezekiah, even though feeling of great privilege. The from Asa, which emerges time" namely, as a statement it appears that the situation overall feeling in the country was from very meager spiritual that relates to a specific war, was better during that period. that we were not worthy of the and religious foundations. World War I. His words proved to But then as well, many sins great miracle performed for us. The Biblical text describes the be nearly prophetic: in the early are described by the prophets. spiritual backdrop against which The transition from imminent days of that war, the size of the For example, sharp criticism is Asa makes his appeal to G-d: destruction to rebirth was so Jewish population in the country leveled against Jerusalem in the powerful in my mind that I decreased by approximately one- (3)"For many days Israel had been Shabbat Chazon haftarah: was unable to doubt its nature. third, from 81,000 to 57,000. But, without a true G-d and without a "How has the faithful city become There was a sense that G-d's by the end of the war, like in 22 Jerusalem Day 23

Daniel's vision, the four empires between the individual and the from all the land of Judah and them, and G-d gave them the rest that ruled the world collapsed: nation as a whole, coupled with Benjamin and from the cities all around." (II Chronicles 15) the Russian Empire, the Prussian the overt and unanticipated that he had seized from Mount The scene almost seems to parallel Empire, the Ottoman Empire and salvation, greatly reinforced the Ephraim, and he renewed the what happened at Mount Sinai. The the Austro-Hungarian Empire. sense of G-d's revelation and the altar of the Lord, which stood in revelation at Mount Sinai consists One nation arose – owing to sense of redemption. front of the vestibule of the Lord. of two parts. When describing the Balfour Declaration and But there are no free lunches in the (9) And he gathered all of Judah it, we usually emphasize G-d's everything that came in its wake. prophets' moral teachings. There and Benjamin and those from descent to the mountain. But, as I However, it appears that Rabbi are a few situations, like at the time Ephraim and Manasseh who were see it, the other miracle is no less Kook's words also offer a general of the Exodus from Egypt, when dwelling with them, for many of astonishing - namely that all the observation on war. War, with all the Holy One, Blessed be He, is not Israel had defected to them when Israelites said in unison: "We shall the hardship and mourning that it particularly concerned about the they saw that the Lord their G-d do and we shall obey." In the case entails, also contains something spiritual merit of His people and was with them. (10) And they of Asa, the entire nation takes an uplifting in the form of total saves them anyway. But this is not gathered in Jerusalem in the third oath after the war to serve the dedication to sanctifying the name a gift, but rather a loan – that has to month of the fifteenth year of Lord, the G-d of their forefathers, of G-d. In an age of individual be repaid. This concept is strongly Asa's reign. (11) And on that day, "with all their hearts and with all rights – "every man to his tent, expressed in the case of Asa: they sacrificed to G-d the spoils their souls." It appears that even O Israel" – under the guise of they had brought: seven hundred the miraculous military victory (1) And the spirit of G-d was upon human dignity and liberty, there oxen and seven thousand sheep. cannot diminish the power of what Azariah, the son of Oded. (2) And is something uplifting in seeing (12) And they entered into a happens after it, which appears to he went before Asa and said to forces of self-sacrifice that arise, covenant to seek the Lord, the G-d be a much greater miracle. him: Hear me, Asa, and all of of individuals taking action for the of their forefathers, with all their Judah and Benjamin/ The Lord is In the days of Hezekiah, on common good. Rabbi Kook may hearts and with all their souls. with you while you are with Him, the other hand, there was have been referring to that as well (13) And whoever did not seek the and if you seek Him, He will be no repentance nor any oath. in his article: "We look at the early Lord, the G-d of Israel, would be found by you. But if you forsake The messengers of Merodach- generations, the ones described in put to death, whether young or Him, He will forsake you." (II Baladan came to Hezekiah, who the Pentateuch, the Prophets and old, man or woman. (14) And they Chronicles 15) took an oath to G-d with a loud showed them all his treasure the Writings, those generations house and everything in his Asa is encouraged by this voice and with cries, and with that were engaged in war – and coffers. Apparently, following message: trumpets and shofarot. (15) And they are the great ones that we look the victory, the spoils of war upon favorably and with sacred all of Judah rejoiced over the oath, (8) And when Asa heard these for they had sworn with all their first went to his own coffers, esteem" (Orot HaMilchama, 2). words and the prophecy of Oded and only after that did some of The connection with the Bible, hearts, and they sought Him with the prophet, he gained strength all their will, and He was found by them reach the Temple treasury. while underlining the connection and removed the abominations 24 Jerusalem Day 25

He attributed part of the victory just because we were unable was among Jews from the former of this nature do not catch to himself and the great and to translate it into a spiritual Soviet Union, where the war led us off guard. Should there be immense spiritual change that undertaking? Who are we to to a national revival that echoed deliverance one day, on the very could have transpired following criticize if we did not take the lead the Vision of the Valley of Dry next day the hearts will open the miracle did not occur. The in achieving the needed direction? Bones found in the Book of up to a spiritual change like the miracle that occurred in the days We found it hard to lead in that Ezekiel. Another transformation, one that occurred in the days of of Hezekiah was an imperfect direction, one of an ongoing which began as a permanent King Asa, and we cannot afford miracle. What did we gain from spiritual change, for two reasons. transformation, was the one that to miss the opportunity. In Asa's it? A strategic victory in the The first reason was that we occurred within our own sector. case, when for a long time Israel battlefield? That's all?! lacked the time to prepare for the The aura of salvation turned had been "without a true G-d Similarly, the day of Jerusalem's new reality, which we had not us, as a collective, into totally and without a priest to teach liberation expresses the spiritual even dreamt about. The question different people. The atmosphere them, and without the Torah," facet of the Six Day War. The date of survival preceded everything of deliverance, in the wake of the situation was no better. There was chosen because it was the else and no one planned a which we viewed ourselves as a was, however, a moment when date on which the Western Wall long-term spiritual undertaking direct extension of the past, like a the hearts opened up and we was liberated, which conveyed aimed at repairing the Jewish dwarf standing on the shoulders must prepare for that. We have no the deep bond that exists between people. The second reason, if of a giant, transformed our entire prophet like Azariah, the son of the individual and his people and truth be told, was that we were spiritual world. From a conceptual Oded, who as a prophet prepared between the people and their G-d. not part of the collective. The perspective, the State of Israel on his own. It is our role to be But everything came to a halt in religious population, both the became the Kingdom of Israel. A ready for the day after. How can the absence of national spiritual ultra-Orthodox and the national- link was created between Judah we lead such an undertaking? leaders who could translate this religious sectors, shared a very the Maccabee and Bar Kokhba One day the grand shofar will be initial experience into an ongoing similar mindset and were a and the IDF and our entire sounded and you will hear the change, like Asa did. Instead of separate group. Our role in conceptual world was turned call. Do not start rummaging for a spiritual transformation, right the war and our share in the upside down. The transformation the chametz, for your shoes or for after the war the country began bereavement were relatively that we experienced was certainly other things – you should already worshipping mortal leaders, small. Consequently, it was not of the same magnitude as the be holding everything in your especially army officers and even not possible to lead an ongoing one that occurred in the days hands. The ability to embark on politicians. "My strength and spiritual change because we were of Asa. Nonetheless, it was an this great spiritual undertaking the might of my hand." Some not a genuine part of the people. irreversible development that has will be assigned to you. rabbis claimed that this salvation continued to gain momentum for Excerpts from a discussion that However, not all is lost. A forty years and counting. stemmed from impurity. But significant spiritual change did took place at the Har Etzion can the entire act of the Holy occur on two fronts. One front In our day and age, we also have yeshiva in Alon Shevut on the One, Blessed be He, be denied to be prepared so that events eve of Jerusalem Day 5768 26 Jerusalem Day 27

to me – which should I believe, Receive comfort from me. She "And the Eternity is Jerusalem" the first or the second? Joel says to him: How can I accept Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg went to comfort her. Joel goes comfort from you, who made to comfort Knesset Yisrael and me as I did not exist – is this The month of Iyar is replete we offer comfort to, not to the says: G-d sent me to console none other than the House of with love between the Holy father? So, my children have left you. She says to him: What do G-d? Moses goes there and says One, Blessed be He, and Knesset me and there are not here. In you have in your hands? […] to her: Receive comfort from Yisrael. The Jewish people are in terms of strict justice, to what (Yalkut Shimoni, Isaiah 443:20). me. She says to him: How can the midst of counting the Omer can this matter be compared? I accept comfort from you, who and their ongoing preparations To one whose house has burned And the Midrash goes on to wrote curses and harsh decrees for the giving of the Torah and down. Who should we offer describe how all the prophets of about me, as is said: wasting entering into a covenant with comfort to, the house or the Israel, to the very last one of them, famine, ravaging plague? And G-d. And the Holy One, Blessed owner of the house? - So, this come there – Hagai, Zecharia and they immediately all go G-d and be He repays us and knocks on must be G-d, whose house Malachi, and try and coax Knesset say: Master of the Universe! She our door in our redemption. This burned down, as is said: He set Yisrael through consolation – but does not accept Your consolation process of eternity continues to fire to the House of the Lord […] she refuses to be consoled. And from us, as is said: O poor this very day in the redemption of Nevertheless, go and appease the Midrash continues: tempestuous one, who was not Jerusalem and in the consolation Knesset Yisrael. Immediately, all G-d said to Abraham: Go and consoled. G-d says to them: of Zion and Jerusalem. the prophets enter and approach comfort Jerusalem. Perhaps she You and I will go and comfort her. And she says to them: How Our Sages interpreted the verse will receive comfort from you. her, as in console, console My will you console me? […] Until "console, console My people" in Abraham goes there and says people, console her, console her this moment my ears have been an engaging Midrash: "Console, to her: Receive comfort from My people. Is it not fitting that filled with the chastisements console My people, said G-d: Who me. She says to him: How can anyone other than Me go there that you have rebuked me with, needs to be consoled? The one I accept comfort from you when […] G-d goes to her immediately and now you come to console whose wife has died, and not her you made me like a mountain, and says: My daughter, why all me? Hosea goes to comfort her Master? – So, the analogy must be as is said: on the mountain the this anger? She says to Him: and says: G-d sent me to you to Zion: Make me dwell in darkness Lord will be seen? Isaac goes Master of the Universe, is it console you. She says to him: like those long dead. Is it not there and says to her: Receive not legitimate that I be angry? What do you have in your hand? Me who needs to be consoled? comfort from me. She says to You dispersed me among the He says to her: I will be like dew Console, console Me My people." him: How can I accept comfort nations and cursed me with evil to Israel. She says: Yesterday, from you, from whom Esau the curses and whipped me until my Similarly, to whom can this be you told me that Ephraim has wicked emerged, who made me face looked like the rim of the compared? To one whose two been smitten, that their stock into a field that his sons set fire cauldron, and despite all this I children were taken captive has withered and can produce to? Jacob goes there and says: sanctified Your great name. G-d during his life. Who should no fruit. And now you say this 28 Jerusalem Day 29 says to her: Commensurate with 4. The dialog between G-d and His sorrow: 'Who should we to console Him – G-d continues the meritorious deeds you did Knesset Yisrael offer comfort to…the owner of His efforts and steps up His – there are obligations because 5. The conclusion the house?' What we have here attempts to console Knesset you transgressed what is written I would like to focus on the is a kind of hidden struggle Yisrael. After the prophets are in the Torah […] She says to Him: dialog that takes place between over 'who has to console who, unsuccessful, the forefathers of Master of the Universe, because the Holy One, Blessed be He, Knesset Yisrael the Holy One, the world are sent, followed by you dispersed me among the and Knesset Yisrael – a dialog Blessed be He, or the Holy One, the lead prophet – but Knesset nations, is it not legitimate that about which one could say: if it Blessed be He Knesset Yisrael?' Yisrael continues to display an I not keep the Shabbat and fulfill were not written in the Bible, it The answer provided at the uncompromising position. The Your commandments? He says could never have been uttered.' beginning of the Midrash is clear- image then becomes even more to her: My daughter, the time The entire Midrash is designed according to the law, Knesset powerful: G-d, who believed that has come to be redeemed. She in a way that leads up to this Yisrael is the one who is supposed He was in need of consolation, immediately says to G-d: Master dialog and the first sections to go and console G-d. However, tries to console Knesset Yisrael of the Universe, I will not be provide a backdrop against a reverse situation exists here: Himself, but His attempts reach consoled until You show me which the dialog between G-d "Nevertheless, go and appease a stalemate. This leads to the those same wicked people who and Knesset Yisrael seems even Knesset Yisrael." Ex gratia, G-d evident conclusion: made me suffer and disgraced more improbable. sends emissaries on His behalf to And they immediately all go Your name. Immediately, G-d The Midrash begins with console Knesset Yisrael. Knesset to G-d and say: Master of the says to her: My daughter, I will Yisrael refuses to be consoled Universe! She does not accept surely bring them and exact an attempt by G-d to claim mourner status for Himself – he and displays a total lack of trust Your consolation." G-d answers: revenge from them in front of in the prophets, and perhaps in You and I will go and comfort you […] She immediately says: offers assorted proof that He is in mourning and that Knesset the One that sent them as well. her," but immediately changes Who shall give You to me like a "Which should I believe, the first his mind: "Is it not fitting that brother […]. Yisrael needs to console Him rather than wait for G-d to come or the second?" The repetition of anyone other than Me go there." The Midrash can be divided into and comfort her. As is said: that question - "Which should I Ostensibly, this is where the subsections: "Console, console Me people." believe, the first or the second?" Midrash comes to a climax, 1. A discussion regarding the G-d is portrayed here not only – intensifies the sense of spiritual reaching a place which the question: 'Who needs to be as someone who created the confusion that Knesset Yisrael People of Israel dreamt about. consoled?' problem, but also as someone finds herself in and, indeed, The Midrash opens with the 2. The attempt made by the who is sad Himself, as someone refuses to be consoled. need to console the Holy One, prophets to console Knesset who has been harmed by the Instead of G-d reminding Knesset Blessed be He, and ends with Yisrael results of the destruction and Yisrael that in accordance with G-d's decision to console Israel 3. The attempt of the forefathers wants Knesset Yisrael to share the law, she is the one that needs Himself. What else do the Jewish to console Knesset Yisrael people need? But based on the 30 Jerusalem Day 31

Midrash, this development is are obligations" – Knesset Yisrael following the destruction, "Which should we believe, the not enough and we are given an is not convinced: "Because following the exile? first or the second?" And for the opportunity to enter G-d' Beit You dispersed me among the It is no secret that Knesset Yisrael first time in her history, Knesset Midrash: "Is it not fitting that nations, is it not legitimate that was repeatedly warned about Yisrael is trying to understand anyone other than Me go there I not keep the Shabbat and fulfill the impending danger, about the her religious obligations to G-d because I transgressed what is Your commandments? risks of the exile and the severed following the destruction. written in the Torah." The use of the word 'legitimate' connection between Knesset The correlation between crime and On the face of it, G-d is explaining is of importance here. In other Yisrael and her Creator…Ranging punishment and G-d's close watch to the readers of the Midrash words: "I am entitled to this, from the verses "And if you obey over His people – are broken. His obligation to go and console not ex gratia, but in accordance My commandments" and "Any They no longer see eye to eye about Israel. However, after G-d goes, ex with the law." It is one thing that you will quickly perish from the G-d's watch over His people and gratia, to appease Knesset Yisrael Knesset Yisrael does not want to good land" to harsh verses in the the Jewish people want to know – she refuses to be consoled. She fulfill G-d's commandments; it is books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, if G-d is still there. Is He still our is also insolent and replies: "Is it one thing that Knesset Yisrael is Knesset Yisrael repeatedly hears father – or has He expelled us? not legitimate that I be angry? You not willing to keep the Shabbat – about the possibility of the exile dispersed me among the nations but to argue that it is legitimate and refuses to believe it…and the In a sermon delivered after the and cursed me with evil curses… – that is astonishing. This is exile arrived. The Jewish people Yom Kippur War by my father, and despite all this I sanctified apparently telling us that what were exiled from their land and my teacher, Rabbi Aharon Your great name." we have here is a theological- G-d destroyed the Temple that Lichtenstein Shalita, which spiritual argument. they built for Him. And the was later published under the The underlying assumption of title "Trust in G-d," he makes a Knesset Yisrael is that the 'deal' The dialog between G-d and compelling spiritual questions kept on coming up: How can distinction between two types fell apart as a result of the exile – Knesset Yisrael brings to the of connection that the Jewish after G-d seemingly abandoned surface, and with considerable the relationship between G-d and Knesset Yisrael be sustained people have with G-d: the trust His people, Knesset Yisrael force, a question that has been in faith and the trust in love. was released of her religious of great concern to Knesset after the exile from the House of obligations and therefore it Yisrael: "Because You dispersed the Lord? The Jewish people feel When explaining the trust in was legitimate: "that she not me among the nations, it is deserted and abandoned. faith, he quotes Rabbeinu Bahya keep the Shabbat and not fulfill not legitimate that I not keep What is the relationship Ibn Pakuda, who in Duties of Your commandments?" And the Shabbat and fulfill Your between the post-destruction the Heart writes: "The essence even though G-d tries to put commandments." What is Knesset Yisrael and their Father of trust is the peace of mind her in her place and suggests the nature of the relationship in heaven? It appears that enjoyed by the person who has that: "Commensurate with the between the Holy One, Blessed the answer was not clear to trust. That the one his heart meritorious deeds you did – there be He, and Knesset Yisrael those who lived in that period. relies on will do what is good and appropriate for him in the 32 Jerusalem Day 33 matter he has entrusted him decision that even if things are the Holy One, Blessed be He, and It appears that G-d is redeeming with, to the best of his ability bad, we will remain dependent Knesset Yisrael – a relationship Knesset Yisrael not because He and his understanding of what on and cling to the Holy One, founded on unconditional love. thinks her arguments are valid, produces his good" - simple and Blessed be He. Regardless of My father, my teacher explains but rather out of concern that popular trust that relies on the what happens – we will remain that following the destruction of the thread can at any moment kindness of G-d – an optimistic faithful until the end. the First Temple, the Jewish people be torn altogether and Knesset approach abounding in hope and As regards the trust in faith, it transition to the trust in love and Yisrael will be convinced that not anticipation for the future. The is man who has an expectation learn that even if it is difficult, they keeping the Shabbat is legitimate. Jewish people experienced the from G-d. As regards the trust have to have learn how to believe: And G-d offers comfort: "My trust in faith, in all its simplicity, in love, it is G-d who has an "To proclaim Your kindness in the daughter, the time has come until the First Temple exile, until expectation from man. morning and Your faithfulness at to be redeemed." But Knesset the first big crisis associated with Yisrael continues to make her My father, my teacher then night." The demands made on the the destruction of the Temple. Jewish people become tougher argument: "I will not be consoled compares the two types of trust until You show me those same The second trust is the trust in love with the condition of Knesset and more profound. – as Rabbeinu Bahya ben Asher wicked people" – and the Holy Yisrael, based on the Midrashim The demand the Midrash One, Blessed be He, complies. wrote in Kad Ha-Kemah: "And mentioned above. Prior to the makes on Knesset Yisrael to included in the matter of trust is destruction of the First Temple, internalize the trust in love is Two things occur simultaneously that a person must surrender his Knesset Yisrael had no need for not the only thing that makes in the Midrash: soul to G-d and his thoughts must the trust in love – and the Jewish it innovative. Rather, most of Knesset Yisrael indulges herself, be constantly occupied by this people primarily made use of the the innovativeness derives makes demands and speaks matter. If people come to kill him trust in faith, as we saw above. from the great promise that the harshly. or force him to disobey the Torah, Following the destruction of the Midrash offers on behalf of G-d G-d repeatedly acquiesces - and he should sacrifice his life rather Temple, the confusion grew and regarding His role in reshaping than disobey the Torah, about appeases Knesset Yisrael over Knesset Yisrael asks the questions the relationship. and over again. which King David said: 'To you, in the strongest way possible: O Lord, I shall lift up my soul. My After the Midrash has been The climax of the Midrash occurs "Is it not legitimate that I not inclined the entire time to favor G-d, in You I have placed my trust; keep the Shabbat and fulfill Your at the end, when the relationship let me not be shamed.' Because he the position of Knesset Yisrael - between G-d and Knesset Yisrael commandments?" The Jewish by giving her a stage where she who sacrifices his life under these people have two options – to renege is shaped and defined: "If only circumstances has displayed trust." can disrespect G-d and make You were like my brother. Like on their end of the deal and stop repeated demands on Him – He It is clear that this trust does not keeping the Shabbat, or to learn which brother? Like Joseph accedes to her once again and to his brothers. After all the guarantee us anything from G-d. how to use the trust in love, to says: "My daughter, the time has It is articulated in an unwavering shape a new relationship between troubles they put him through, come to be redeemed." he comforted them and spoke 34 Jerusalem Day 35 kindly to them." And G-d agrees love. The Midrash starts with a need of knowing that right after the Jewish people is to have trust to this demand as well. To be a description of the relationship the Temple is destroyed. But, in love and expect that G-d will brother to us like Joseph was to between G-d and Knesset Yisrael: on the other hand, we must not be like a brother to us, coupled his brothers. Despite everything "Who needs to be consoled? The make do with this. It is imperative with a great prayer that He also He has been put through, He one whose wife has died, and not to strive for a deeper relationship be a husband to us. remains our brother. her Master?" G-d and Knesset with G-d – a relationship between The process of consoling Zion Knesset Yisrael will have to learn Yisrael are compared to a man a husband and wife that is and Jerusalem began right the trust in love within the darkness, and wife. After that, the Midrash expressed in Knesset Yisrael's trust after the destruction of the but not on her own – there will be switches to terminology that is in love in G-d and a relationship First Temple when G-d Himself someone there to fulfill and accept used to describe a father and of love expressed in G-d's love went to comfort Jerusalem with her demands – G-d is at her side. daughter: "My daughter, why all towards us. We must not make the words of Isaiah: "Console, Knesset Yisrael learned the trust this anger?" And at the end of do with the fact that G-d protects console my people." And it in love after the destruction of the the Midrash – brotherhood: "If His people, but must strive for a continues to this very day. only You were like my brother." relationship of love. First Temple, and G-d also shapes "And Jerusalem is the eternity." a renewed relationship and makes On one hand – a wife and These things were undoubtedly a huge promise to us – to be like husband convey a very high learned and experienced for the The content of this article was a brother to us, like Joseph was to level – a relationship of love and first time after the destruction adapted from remarks made his brothers. closeness. of the First Temple and are by Rabbanit Rosenberg for the presented in the Midrash within ascent of the soul of HaGrid Just as our relationship with On the other hand – if a husband Soloveitchik z"l, delivered at G-d will have to be one that is divorces his wife, can one make that historical context – but they are also true in each and every a seminar held on Jerusalem not dependent on His acts and a claim on the other? The deep Day. on any reward He gives us – connection can be taken apart. period. The demand made on the fundamental and primary Brother and sister – a relationship I am writing this letter to you from the Holy City of Jerusalem, for it praised relationship of G-d with His which at times is very deep and at people cannot be dependent on and graced the Rock of my salvation that I was deserving of coming here times is very shallow. But it cannot in peace and remaining here in peace…And what shall I tell you about the their acts, even when they behave be taken apart in any form or in like Joseph's brothers. "After Land? That great is the neglect and vast is the destruction, and the rule any case. It may not be voluntary, seems to be that the more sacred the place, the greater the devastation. everything they put him through, but there is still no way to finish it. Jerusalem is the most desolate place of all…But with all its destruction, he spoke kindly to them." The promise given by G-d to be it is very good and its inhabitants are around two thousand…Because many frequently come to Jerusalem to see the Temple and mourn for it. Without a doubt, this Midrash like a brother to us is encouraging And He who has let us see Jerusalem in its destruction, may He let us see embodies a great message. and fortifying because that Knesset Yisrael and the Holy Jerusalem rebuilt and restored, when the Divine Presence will return to it. relationship cannot be dismantled, (From a letter written by the Ramban [Nachmanides] to his son after arriving in One, Blessed be He, redefine their and the Jewish people are in dire Jerusalem, 1267) 36 Jerusalem Day 37

because, ostensibly, Israel is one According to Rabbi Kook, it Jerusalem in the Teachings of Rabbi Kook of the most divided societies is Jerusalem that contains the Rabbi Yehouda Leon Askenazi-Manitou, z"l there is. We must, therefore, quality that can produce the In an article published in Kook posed to himself in his identify what the dividing points unity of these three dimensions. 1915, Rabbi Kook writes about teachings, in general, and in are. Rabbi Kook talks about As long as they are not unified, Jerusalem's suitable significance those dealing with Jerusalem, in them in his article that deals then what we have here are three in reference to the unity of particular. with Jerusalem, the city that separate conduits to Jewish symbolizes evolving unity, unity existence. And if they are in fact the nation. When writing the A great principle has been article, the concrete sociological that comes into the world only different and separate from one conveyed to us: a person should in a very defined and delineated another, there is a great danger problems associated with the never, as an ideal, designate Ingathering of the Exiles had not place. When the consciousness of them fighting against each a value to himself that he is highlights a particular value, at other. Because in the attempt to yet emerged – or as they should lacking: in other words, the value be called based on their Biblical the early stage when it senses define an autonomous identity most important to him from its lack, it is clear that it will for themselves, artificially meaning – "the Ingathering of a consciousness perspective the Tribes of Israel." In effect, eventually reach it and achieve distinct from the others, each but which has not yet become it fully. Not every consciousness of them draws a caricature of there is no more lineage by tribe part of his overall being, and and this apparently has been is sensitive to the lack of this the other, while at the root they for that reason is defined as an value, and therefore it is not by are the same substance. When the situation since the days of ideal. When that value becomes the exile after the destruction chance that the nation whose separate from one another, not a reality, when it is actually ideal is unity appears to be an only do they fight against each of the First Temple, which was realized, it no longer remains an the second exile (the exile from endlessly divided society. We other, but also discover the lack ideal and continues to exist as must examine this with a clear of their own authenticity. Egypt being the first exile). part of the reality. As far as Israel Nevertheless, there is something mind, mixed with hope for the The Rabbi stresses that it is is concerned, it is clear that unity future. similar in the modern period: is the ideal, and for that reason Jerusalem which enables these the communities or the "ethnic they are still expecting to realize In his article entitled "Jerusalem," three dimensions to unite. subgroups" which, after two it. G-d designated to each and Rabbi Kook underscores a First of all, relying on Psalms, thousand years, have created every nation – in the form of fundamental principle that refers Chapter 122 (which Sephardi a human and cultural mosaic humaneness – a specific value to the three dimensions of Israel's Jews consider the psalm of the comprised of hundreds of regarding which it seems to be identity: the Torah, the Land of three pilgrimages): "The built totally different hues and are the most competent: to realize Israel, and the people of Israel. Jerusalem is like a city that was attempting to rebuild the unity the value of unity, G-d chose the Only the absolute unity of the joined within itself – a city that of the Hebrew nation within the only people who could realize people, the Land and the Torah makes all Israel friends." The melting pot of Israeli society. it. There is a great paradox here can validate the authenticity of reference is to the unity of the This is the challenge that Rabbi the unity of Israel. Tribes of Israel: "there ascended 38 Jerusalem Day 39 the tribes, the tribes of G-d." In "its own people of Israel." be wrong to claim that diaspora Messianic hope of the prophets practical terms, the unity of the The people of Israel actually is Israel's natural state and that - the rebuilding of human tribes was concretely achieved acquired this unique trait from its unification in its land is the existence that had shattered into on the occasion of the mitzvah the diaspora of humanity. As exception to the rule. Based on pieces between the different of Reiyah, which is associated early as the Biblical period, the what the Bible tell us, the truth manifestations of humanity, with the three pilgrimages. differences in the way the tribes is exactly the opposite. When namely the nations, the "goyim." Even a shallow sociological conducted themselves derived the Torah describes the renewed That is why when the tribes come analysis of the phenomenon of from the diasporas from which beginning of humanity following together, they bring differences unity in contemporary societies Israel went out to form a nation. the flood, it first recounts the and diversity with them, clearly indicates that unity is A close examination of the story story about the split between whose origins are the shattered articulated in the level of the of Jacob's exile when living with the nations, at a time, of course, universal humanity. Without society, namely in the national Laban, which is actually the first before the nation of Israel was fulfilling the mitzvah of Reiyah sphere, whereas the factors that prototype of all exiles, clearly formed. Universal human unity during the three pilgrimages, lead to the material disputes and shows that the sons of Jacob, the shatters into pieces and nations as an expression of a spiritual changes that produce divisions founders of the tribes, were born are created. That is why the principle of everlasting renewed are at the community level, in exile, with the exception of notion of diaspora refers to the unity, the differences would have namely in the spiritual sphere. Benjamin, who was conceived in natural state of the 'goyim' – but deepened and there was concern Human beings come together exile but was born upon return not of Israel. Since the days of that in place of the twelve tribes in societies around different to the Land of Israel. the destruction of Jerusalem by that constitute a single nation interests, whereas they come The same holds true in the Romans, the diaspora of the of Israel, that we would have together in communities in order our times. The differences people of Israel, who over time "twelve different peoples of to fulfill ideals. It is possible that between the ethnic subgroups, became the Jewish people, is Israel." Therefore, Rabbi Kook in ancient times the phenomena comparable to those between a secondary diaspora that was notes in his article that when in human societies were all the tribes in the Biblical period, grafted onto the diaspora of the we talk about Jerusalem, we exactly the opposite. And, in which facilitate the existence of nations. The nation of Israel are talking about the identity of fact, it seems that Israel's society a society comprised of diverse emerges only in the days of Israel that extends beyond all has preserved an ancient pattern hues and multiple orientations, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob after the changes and the differences of society – namely that unity is are inherent in the differences the formation of the seventy which come to us from foreign at the community level, around between nations to which nations, which can be called the cultures. Talking about Jerusalem ideals, therefore making it Israel was exiled and lived in "basic nations." Circumstances suggests a consensus that the spiritual, whereas the rifts exist a dispersed state: to be more lead to grafting the diaspora dividing element is bypassed by at the national level. This is the precise, and in the strict Biblical of the nation of Israel onto the striving for the unique essence problem of tribalism: ostensibly, sense, they derive from the diaspora of all humanity ("the of the unity of the people of each tribe of Israel can constitute diaspora of the nations. It would nations) in order to fulfill the Israel: beyond the differences of 40 Jerusalem Day 41 opinion, whether ideological or of messianic unification. But defined value and takes steps to and "natural holiness" which spiritual, or intellectual, political, as long as it is not realized, it fulfill it. Israel is the exception means a unification of the cultural or even folkloristic. And also has a fundamental negative to the rule. It underscores the forces of Creation. What has that is because all the dividing aspect: it is the dividing factor unity. made the Jewish people unique elements, which themselves which, like a photograph In his article, Rabbi Kook for generations is its radical are supposed to be elements of negative, reinforces the reality of mentions that the exile began demand for monotheism, when fertilization and enrichment if unity symbolized by Jerusalem. about two thousand years ago surrounded by worldviews that they are connected by a unifying Rabbi Kook notes that, according and since then a division has are a product of dualism. Dualism element, are not originally the to the Bible, three main forces are existed between the holiness is a worldview that is unable to identity of Israel: rather, they are at work in Jerusalem that seek and the valor. The two forces accept, ponder and certainly a reflection of the identity of the to achieve its unity: the holiness, were born in Jerusalem and not live with the absolute unity various nations whose messianic the valor, and when they act in later split, causing both of them between truth and reality. mission of engendering the unison, the prophecy as well. to lose their greatness. This is Accepting the unity of G-d in the unifying element was entrusted a period of exile of holiness in world means declaring that He to the people of Israel. Only According to the Torah, the who brought truth to the world is holiness is the unification of the hiding and valor in absentia. when talking about Jerusalem Therefore, according to the also He who created the natural do we touch the special holiness forces and the values. The aim reality. From a pure human of every nation, every tradition, Rabbi, the building of Jerusalem of the identity of Israel. That means renewing the covenant perspective, truth and reality are is the source of the consensus every method and, to a certain two different things, separate extent, even every religion, is between the holiness and valor. among all Jews and, through Skimming through the headings from one another. And according the Jews, of humanity as a to specifically underscore a to ancient Greek philosophy, particular quality, a particular of the contemporary events is whole. That is because the enough to cause us to reread they will never meet. That is the special holiness of Jerusalem value. The Torah is not like essence of underlying the Torah: that: its objective is the unity the current historical events in transcends the divisive tribalism. Israel, even if a confrontation the original holiness unites with The division between the tribes of qualities. Jacob Gordin z"l nature and does not oppose it. In established his theory based on still exists between these two is actually a reflection of the qualities, whose source is the initial stage, which has value division between the nations, what Elijah Benamozegh wrote in its own right, holiness comes in his book Israel and Humanity: Jerusalem: holiness, on the one based on the ways in which hand, and valor, on the other. into the world when separating Jewish identity was influenced "Every nation has a pearl of its itself from it and when opposing by them during its journeys own. Israel is the thread that In his work Orot, Rabbi Kook the natural inclination. The Rabbi when in exile. This reflection of runs through the entire string." explains that there are two types teaches us that there is another the division of humanity within Indeed, every culture has its of holiness: "holiness opposed to dimension of holiness, deeper Jewish identity has a positive own pearl, a special mission that nature" whose manifestations are and more exalted, holiness aspect: it embodies the hopes underscores a particular and contrary to natural phenomena, that does not acknowledge the 42 Jerusalem Day 43 controversy between the natural And that leads us to the prophecy, of the divine prophecy, which The article was posted in French inclination and the inclination and the Rabbi places emphasis is known and recognized as on the website of the Manitou of truth. According to the Rabbi, on the "divine prophecy." being such by all of humanity Institute: the natural holiness was lost Indeed, during the two thousand (and even when Jews stopped http://www.manitou.org.il. when we lost the dimension years of exile, the phenomenon believing in it, the non-Jews of our original Hebrew nature of prophecy, described to us in clung to that belief). This fraud The intention is to the article and became Jews in exile. Since the Bible as G-d's word to man, cannot exist forever and it will entitled Jerusalem, which then, we have been on a two- was lost to us. A review of the be exposed in the end. was published in 5674 in the magazine "HaOlam" and thousand-year learning journey extensive, and even impressive, These three dimensions evolve of holiness that can come into literary works of contemporary appears in "Ma'amarei HaRaya together in Jerusalem, and from 2". Here, Rabbi Askenazi reviews the world only when opposed Jewish philosophy (and Jerusalem: the holy power, to the reality of the world: in especially those written in the article and uses familiar which testifies to the unity of the examples from French society. other words, unlike the original France) reveals a dilution of the Creator and reveals the ethical Hebrew identity, Jewish identity special nature of what the Rabbi values to the world, the spirit acknowledges the world of calls the "divine prophecy" – and the religion. As long as the Manitou's teacher. He met him holiness only when rejecting the unique Hebrew prophecy implications of the significance in France after the Holocaust. and not accepting the reality which contains G-d's word to of Hebrew monotheism have not He had a great effect on him. of the world that surrounds it. man and not man's word to G-d. yet been exhausted, we will not Everything connected with the These literary works are inclined know what the Hebrew holiness form of the landscape belongs to to take the words of rabbinical is, holiness that has nothing to the 'goyim.' That being the case, wisdom and, in particular, the do with the concepts of holiness the Rabbi maintains that holiness Hebrew prophecy, and annex that imagines it has to wear is "holiness of mourning" them to philosophical dilemmas. mourning clothes so they will and it is no coincidence There is an essential difference know it is holy. And what is this that its manifestations are here: when the prophet speaks, mourning? It is the exile! When manifestations of mourning. he is bringing the word of G-d in exile, the soul mourns because Only in the Land of Israel is it to man; when the philosopher when in exile the soul is also in possible to reunite the form speaks, he is expressing man's exile. And only Jerusalem can of the world's landscape with thoughts about G-d. Therefore, extract us from this mourning. the holy values, abandon the what we have here is a kind of landscapes of mourning, the spiritual expropriation (it may This article is a condensed places that separate the holy be necessary to use an even version of a lecture delivered and nature, and reunite holiness stronger term – fraud): human in Paris in May 1985 on the with valor. expropriation of the content occasion of Independence Day 5745. 44 Jerusalem Day 45 Jerusalem of Gold (Naomi Shemer)

The mountain air is clear as wine But when I come to sing to you And the scent of pines today Is carried by the twilight breeze And sing your praises To the sound of bells. I am smaller than the youngest of your children And in the slumber of tree and And one of the last of the poets. stone Imprisoned in her dream Because your name scorches the The city sits all alone lips And a wall within her heart. Like the kiss of resin If I forget you, Jerusalem Chorus: Which is made purely of gold. Jerusalem of Gold, And of copper and of light, Chorus… I am a violin for all your songs. We have returned to the water The water cisterns have gone cisterns dry To the market and the square The marketplace is empty A shofar calls out on the Temple And no one comes to the Temple Mount Mount In the Old City. In the Old City. And in the caves in the mountain And in the caves in the mountain Thousands of suns shine The winds are howling We will descend once again to And no one descends to the the Dead Sea Dead Sea Via Jericho. Via Jericho. Chorus… Chorus… 47 אנגלית

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