Jerusalem-A United City

King David in his Book of Psalms, describes Jerusalem as עיר שחברה לה יחדיו, “a city that is united together.” It is the only city that was not divided among the tribes.

Some say that the area of the Temple Mount, reflected the border between the Tribe of Benjamin and Yehuda. The border was right in the center of the Temple area. The holier section past the Gate of Nikanor, belonged to Benjamin. The other half belonged to Yehuda, but the remainder of the city belonged to everyone.

This is reflected by the word שחברה, that has the connotation of Chaver, as in friendship, and מחובר, indicating unity.

This is the role the city of Jerusalem is meant to play. It is a city of warmth and friendship, where all are welcome. And it is also meant to be the city of unity, where people come together and feel a special bond.

When the temple of Solomon stood, people from all over the world came to see it in all of its splendor. There were even peace offerings that were permitted to be offered by non-Jews.

It was a place of unity in ancient times and continues to be a place of unity and friendship in modern times.

When the Old City was liberated in 1967, and the Kotel was in our hands, the Chief Rabbi of the army, Rav Shlomo Goren, was concerned that Jews should not take this miracle for granted.

We can once again caress the precious stones of the Kotel, and wash it with our tears of prayers.

In another era, people could only dream of praying at this holy site. Today it is available for all Jews. We are living in remarkable times. Yom Yerushalayim gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect and give thanks for the wonderful gift of the Kotel and Jerusalem.