Holiday Happenings

Jerusalem has been considered the capital city of the Jewish people from the time King David conquered the city and established it as the capital of his monarchy in approximately 1000 B.C.E.  However, when Israel gained her independence in 1948 and fought in the Independence War, the eastern section of Jerusalem, where the Western Wall rests, was conquered by Jordan.  The city was unified when the Israeli army took control of the eastern sections on the third day of the Six-Day War in June 1967, the 28th of Iyaar. 

As a young holiday, there are not many customs and traditions associated with Yom Yerushalayim.  However, "it is gradually becoming a 'pilgrimage' day, when thousands of Israelis travel to Jerusalem to demonstrate solidarity with the city" (MyJewishLearning.com). 

This past Wednesday was the 28th of Iyaar and as a school we celebrated Yom Yerushalayim.  On the yard we listened to the deep and moving words of Naomi Shemer in her song "Yershalayim Shel Zahav", "Jerusalem of Gold".  Grades three through eight had the opportunity to watch a slide show about Jerusalem and learn about her history.   

Look out for upcoming Holiday Happenings for Shavuot here at Weizmann!!