Most of you know that I am Jewish. One of the greatest moments in my life was when I got to see the Western Wall (which was called the Wailing Wall, back then). It was right after the 1967 War. At that time, the Wall was less exposed that it is now. And, you had to travel through narrow alleys to reach it. When I made that last turn and saw the wall, I was dumbstruck, mesmerized. It was awe-inspiring. It was the symbol that clearly spoke to me. Yrushalayim- Jeruslaem- the City of Peace. Clearly proof that someone (the Supreme Being?) has a delicious sense of humor- since this clearly was a city that had not known peace. Most important cities exist for strategic reasons. New York, San Francisco, Athens, … their waterways serve as gateways. London, New Orleans, Berlin, Vienna exist because of important, navigable rivers. Beijing and Madrid have strategic views from on high. Jerusalem- none of the above.
Of course, there is that old joke. When the Chief Rabbi of Israe-l visited the Pope, there was a red telephone on his desk. The Pope explained it was ‘the hot line’. The Chief Rabbi requested to have a few minutes of conversation. The Pope agreed, left the room, and when he returned, asked for $ 100 for the phone call. A decade or so later when the Pope finally visited Israel, he notice a simple white phone of the rabbi’s desk, next to two cell phones. The Pope indicated he’d like to make a call. The rabbi left, came back after an hour or so, and the Pope finished his call. When the Pope asked how much he owed, the rabbi said, “Nothing. It’s a local call here.”
Of course, that’s just humor, isn’t it? But, remember that Jerusalem has no waterway, hills on one side, and a desert on the other. It’s not the tallest promontory in the region. The historic trade routes ran north, south, or east of the region. This is a city founded on faith. Tradition holds that the Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock is the spot where Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. King David entered the city through its underground waterways and made it the capital of his nascent kingdom, one that was no longer a collection of tribes under control of various judges and political leaders. Jerusalem is where “heaven and earth touch”. And, it’s where magnificent and terrible battles have been fought for at least 3000 years. And, regardless of your political beliefs, you know that since 1967, it’s the first time (perhaps, in history) where every religion gets to practice its own way.
Jews are no longer forbidden access to its holy sites. Christians (Copts; Greek, Russian, and Roman Catholics; Protestants) are permitted to ring their church bells. And, Moslems flock to the AlAqsa and Dome of the Rock Mosques. When you walk down its streets- at dusk, at dawn, or at mid-day- the majesty of the sky and the hues of its buildings will take your breath away. Naomi Shemer’s poem (first broadcast on 5 Iyar 5727 (15 May 1967), Israeli Independence Day, one month before the major Jewish holiday of Shvuot, the day the Egyptians mobilized in Sinai for the 1967 war) is emblematic of this city’s hold on civilization- Jerusalem of Gold. Which, assuming you don’t believe in the Supreme Being, is yet another reason why Jews, Christians, and Moslems all covet this city.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, may my right hand fail me. Let my tongue be bound to my palate, if I do not remember you. Should Jerusalem not be among my supreme joys… (Psalms 137:5-7) This post was written some time ago and placed in the queue to appear on the day the new moon of Kislev is to appear. The new month starts Saturday night. It so happens that Erma Kimmel died 24 hours before the appearance of this auspicious new moon. May she find tranquility where heaven and earth touch.
I hope to visit Israel one day. Both my mother and my uncle lived there for several years, and I don’t think there is a place on earth where there is more history to soak up.
David Leonhardt recently posted..More solar installation details [with pics]
You won’t be disappointed, David. You are right- there’s lots to see and learn there.
Roy
Hi Roy,
what a beautiful post, as a matter of fact I love Jerusalem not only it a city that concentrates all religionsand importasnt historical moments, but also because I love the symbology of the little paper jewish people insert in the wall, with the biggest wish, hope and dream they want to manifest.
The grandeur of the city and the energy one feels being there
is unforgetable.
A direct connection with the Divine.
Glad you liked the post, Patricia!
Thanks for your comments.
Roy
Love the new vision of Jerusalem you present. I have never had any desire to visit it before but now have just a little itch. Thanks for sharing Roy.
What is the significance of new moon of Kislev? Is it just coincidence that the new moon is so near the first of the month?
The new moon of Kislev is just a regular new moon, Roberta. The lunar month is typically 29 days- so, it will begin to be different from the Julian new month fairly soon.
The 25th of the month is when the minor holiday of Chanuka (the Festival of Lights) begins. Notice the 25th… after the solstice…
Roy,
Your description is a beautiful tribute to a city that has touched so many. Truly any other place would be hard pressed to match it in history, culture or disputes. Thank you for sharing one of your memories in a lovely way.
Bonnie:
I am so glad you liked the piece. Thanks for leaving me your comments.
Roy
That’s not a blog post, that’s poetry. Thank you for painting such a beautiful picture of a place I do hope to visit someday. My late husband, Gary, was Jewish and it had been our intention to go together. There are some things on our shared bucket list I no longer have interest in but this one remains as a something to experience in this lifetime.
Tambre Leighn/coaching by tambre recently posted..The Seeds of Grace
Thank you so much, Tambre!
I am glad I gave further impetus to visit this most wonderful city!
Roy
Thanks so much for this wonderful post Roy. Jerusalem is one place I want to be sometime; for the Al Aqsa mosque initially and thanks to your post, for so much more!
Thanks!
Hajra recently posted..What are you looking for?
I can only tell you what the outside looks like, Hajra. But, my guess is that it’s divine!
Roy