WEDNESDAY, MAY 28: Modern though it may be, today’s Yom Yerushalayim holiday was almost 2,000 years in the making: today, Jews and many of those who feel home in the “golden city” celebrate Jerusalem Day. Jewish control of Jerusalem ended with the destruction of the Second Holy Temple in 70 CE, and it was only after the Six-Day War of 1967 that Jews felt comfortable and safe, once again, in the city. Obviously, this is not a celebration for everyone living in and around Jerusalem. Palestinians are concerned about encroachment on areas they claim on Jerusalem’s eastern side.
Yom Yerushalayim is one of four holidays added to the Jewish calendar in the 20th century: the others are Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. (Learn more from My Jewish Learning and the Jewish Virtual Library.) Some strict Orthodox Jews do not recognize the modern holiday at all.
JEWISH OBSERVANCE OF JERUSALEM DAY
State ceremonies, memorial services and speeches take place throughout Jerusalem today, and many Jews recite special prayers. Today, more and more Israelis hike, drive or bike to Jerusalem for Yom Yerushalayim, in demonstration of their solidarity with the city.
Interested in a more personal account? Check out this article by the UK national director of the Jerusalem Foundation, in her heartfelt ode to the city and to the individuals helping its residents. Or, read the emotional account of one resident who saw Israel through its days before and after the Six-Day War.
CARE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JERUSALEM?
This week, ReadTheSpirit features a review—and a colorful preview video—of the large-screen film touring the world: Jerusalem.
(Originally published at readthespirit.com, an on line magazine covering religion, spirituality, values and interfaith and cross-cultural issues.)