Background Discussion

There are few places in the world that have been the focus of so many prayers as Jerusalem. For thousands of years, Jews have turned towards Jerusalem in their prayer, and it has been one of the focal points of their prayer, mentioned several times in every prayer service.

In the morning "Amidah" for example, we say the following:

Have mercy, (God) and return to Jerusalem, Your city. May Your Presence dwell there as You have promised. Build it now, in our days, and for all time. Re-establish there the majesty of David, Your servant. Praised are You, God who builds Jerusalem.
Translation from "Siddur Sim Shalom"

Not only Jews, but Christians too, have sung numerous stirring hymns to their Holy City from everywhere in the world. Moslems have also constantly thought of the city, perhaps now more than ever before.

So many prayers focused on one city. As poet Yehuda Amichai says,

"The air over Jerusalem is saturated with prayers and dreams like the air over industrial cities. It’s hard to breathe."

It is perhaps time nevertheless to squeeze one more prayer in concerning Jerusalem : a personal prayer.

Activity A Prayer for Jerusalem

Suitable for all age groups

• Do the members of the group have a prayer for Jerusalem?
  Start by introducing the fact that Jerusalem has been a focus of prayer for Jews and for others for thousands of years. Ask the group what has been the traditional sentiment of the prayer for Jerusalem.
• Ask them if they know any references to Jerusalem in Jewish prayer.
  Then bring the above excerpt from the "Amidah". Explore the ideas and feelings expressed there.
• Now give the members of the group pen and paper, and ask them to write a personal prayer for the city.
  • As they think of Jerusalem, are there any things that they would hope or pray for?
  • If they were to be asked which hope Jews throughout the world should focus on daily, what would they say?

  They should write in their own words without any concern to make their piece sound like a traditional prayer. If the word prayer is difficult for them, have them express it as a wish.

• Come back and share the results and talk about the ideas expressed.
  y have they prayed/wished for the particular things that appear in their prayers?
• Finally bring the quotation from Amichai.
  • What do they think the poet is saying?
  • Can there ever be too many prayers for a place like Jerusalem?
  • What do they think?