Yom Yerushalaim-יום ירושלים
Posted 5/11/2029
59 years ago we witnessed the liberation of the Old City of Jerusalem by the Israel Defense Forces-צה”ל. It took place on the third day of the miraculous Six Day War, June 5th, 1967. In the Hebrew calendar it’s celebrated on the 28th day of Iyar. Ironically, the numerical value of 28 in Hebrew is “כח-Strength.”
After 2,000 years of foreign occupation and neglect, the crown jewel of the Jewish Nation returned back to her legitimate people.
Today Jerusalem is a beautiful city where one can see the modern world and it’s history preserved and restored in her natural footing.
As the first Temple-בית המקדש was destroyed 2,500 years ago, the Jewish people never gave up in restoring her into our hands. The vow that the exiles took with them into Babylon was on our lips from generation to generation:
“אִם אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלָ͏ִם תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי.” תהילים. קלוז, ה’.
“If I forget you, Jerusalem, my right hand will forget you.”
Psalm 137, 5.
For the past 2 miliania Jews worldwide prayed for the welfare of Jerusalem 3 times daily, and additionally 4 times on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Even at Jewish weddings a glass is broken to indicate that we can never be fully happy until the Beit Hamikdash is rebuilt. At home we leave a part of the wall unpainted to remind us of our tragic loss.
Fortunately, after centuries of weeping for Jerusalem, our generation can see physically and spiritually a tremendous rebirth of spirit and hope. The words of our ancient Prophets have become a reality in our time.
Let our commitment continue to live with the morals and ethics of G-d’s love.
With fervant prayers let us witness the miracle of all miracles:
“וְתֶחֱזֶינָה עֵינֵינוּ בְּשׁובך לְצִיון בְּרַחֲמִים”
“And our eyes will see Your return to Zion with mercy.”
Happy Jerusalem Liberation Day.
Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz