Yom Yerushalayim

Today is Yom Yerushalayim and the city is alive with Simcha pouring out of everyone.

This morning I went to hear three shiurim on Yerushalayim, in Baka, and then after a garden lunch we all started our march from Baka to the old Derech Hevron and listened as our guide spoke of Avraham Avinu and his footsteps on the way to Har HaBayit. Some of us felt as if we were treading that same path.

On we went with our footsteps traversing a rugged path, thru trees, pebbles and stones, and then we came out onto the Tayelet. This is the very large winding walkway that just about traverses all of Yerushalayim. At least. From this hilltop pathway one could see almost all the other hilltops, Har HarHabayit, Har HaZeitim, Mt Scopus, a few Arab sounding hills too, plus Harei Yehuda, a desert moshav, the Yam HaMelech. As far as the eye could see, the expanse was breathtaking, all the way over to the sand hills of Yehuda and practically into Jordan.

The buses are running on a different schedule, because the streets are filling up with marchers. Up Rehov Ramban they are marching, in their white shirts, knitted kippot, flags flying high, and voices bellowing out patriotic tunes. I'm home now, in the afternoon, and my mirpeset door is open and there is a cacophony of birds singing, helicopters flying overhead, singing marchers, and cars with music rising and filling the crisp, clean air. The weather couldn't have been more excellent, a perfect blend of coolness and caressing warmth. (If I close my eyes, it sounds like Purim)

HaShem must be getting Nachas from His children so full of joy for the love of Yerushalayim, and for the miracle that He performed for us.

How could a Jew stay in a land not his own, but one that celebrates turkey day, rabbits, and jingling bells?