Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people, holds profound significance and a deep attachment for Jews worldwide. Jerusalem Day, is a commemoration that symbolizes the historical, cultural, and spiritual importance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people. Let’s delve into the tradition of reciting “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning” at Jewish weddings, the smashing of a glass to remember the destruction of the Jewish Temple, and provide a historical background of Jerusalem Day.
Historical Background of Jerusalem Day:
Jerusalem Day, also known as Yom Yerushalayim in Hebrew, is celebrated annually to mark the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in June 1967. Prior to the war, Jerusalem was a divided city, with the eastern part, including the Old City and its sacred Jewish sites, under Jordanian control. However, in a remarkable turn of events, Israeli forces were able to reunite Jerusalem, bringing it back under Jewish sovereignty. Jerusalem Day was established to commemorate this historic event and reaffirm the profound connection of the Jewish people to their spiritual capital.
The Attachment to Jerusalem in Jewish Weddings:
In Jewish wedding ceremonies, the recitation of “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning” holds deep significance. This phrase, derived from Psalm 137, expresses the unwavering connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem. By invoking this verse, couples emphasize their commitment to Jewish heritage, their unity with the Jewish people, and their hope for the restoration and well-being of Jerusalem.
This declaration at weddings serves as a poignant reminder of the Jewish people’s enduring bond with Jerusalem. It signifies the recognition that, even in moments of personal joy, it is vital to remember the struggles and aspirations of the Jewish nation as a whole. The verse encapsulates the unbreakable thread that weaves together the history, culture, and identity of the Jewish people and Jerusalem.
The Smashing of the Glass: Remembering the Destruction:
Another ritual at Jewish weddings is the breaking of a glass, which carries powerful symbolism. This tradition traces its roots back to the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the holiest place of worship for Jews. The smashing of the glass serves as a solemn remembrance of the Temple’s destruction, an event that brought immense sorrow and displacement to the Jewish people.
As the glass shatters, its fragments scattered on the ground, the couple and their loved ones are reminded of the historical hardships endured by the Jewish people. It reflects the fragility and impermanence of life, underscoring the importance of cherishing love and unity amidst the challenges of the world.
Dating back as early as the 5th century, Jewish couples say these words together on the most important day of their lives, surrounded by family and friends. As we remember in modern times, the 56th anniversary of the reunification of the holy city of Jerusalem, it is easy to take for granted that we live in a time where we are free to visit, live and pray in our holy city, Jerusalem.
Conclusion:
Jerusalem Day is a momentous occasion that celebrates the profound attachment of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. Through the recitation of “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning” and the symbolic act of breaking a glass, Jewish weddings serve as a testament to the enduring spiritual, historical, and cultural connection between the Jewish people and their eternal capital.
Jerusalem Day serves as a reminder of the historical events that reunited Jerusalem and the ongoing significance of this city in the lives of Jews worldwide. It honors the past, acknowledges the present, and carries hope for the future. As Jerusalem continues to be a vibrant and diverse city, it remains a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
