Jerusalem Day: Reunification

Question

What is the holiday of Jerusalem Day all about? And what is it called in Hebrew? Thanks!

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Jerusalem Day is an Israeli holiday that commemorates the date when the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount returned to Israeli and Jewish possession in 1967 as a result of the Six-Day War. This holiday is called Yom Yerushalayim in Hebrew.

    The Hebrew date of Jerusalem Day is always the 28th of the Hebrew month of Iyar 28. This year, 2019, this date corresponds to Sunday, the 2nd day of June. (It begins on the previous evening, as do all days in the Jewish calendar.)

    It is interesting to note that this date is also the exact same Hebrew date that commemorates the passing of the prophet Samuel. Samuel, during King David’s reign, played a crucial role in determining Jerusalem to be the site of the Holy Temple.

    This day is marked by state ceremonies, memorial services for soldiers who died in the battle for Jerusalem and parades throughout Jerusalem. A festive prayer service is scheduled to take place in the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, following Shabbat. The Western Wall plaza is the site of festive celebrations of singing, dancing and giving thanks to God for the return of a united Jerusalem.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team