Yom Yerushalayim – Ask the Rabbi
Q. This coming week we celebrate Yom Y’rushalayim (Jerusalem Day). Who thought of this name?
Jerusalem, painting by Ruth Mayer
A. Though it is logical that the anniversary of the reunification of the city would be called Yom Y’rushalayim – Jerusalem Day, the name in fact derives from Psalm 137.
Speaking of the destruction of the city, the Psalmist says, “Remember, O Lord, against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem”.
Our age has given the name a dramatically different character; instead of recalling the city’s tragedy, it now symbolises its joy.
Since 1967 the joy has been enhanced by the devotion of Teddy Kollek and others to the city called by the Psalmist, “The city of our God, His holy mountain, fair in situation, the joy of the whole earth” (Psalm 48:2-3).
Kollek has said, “This beautiful golden city is the heart and soul of the Jewish people. You cannot live without a heart and soul. If you want one simple word to symbolise all of Jewish history, that word would be Jerusalem”.
