The Miracle of Jerusalem Day
Table of Contents
Jerusalem Day is a joyous day where we take a moment to truly take in God’s grace for fulfilling the prophecies as we celebrate life in the beautiful reunited City of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem Day is a national holiday that’s celebrated on the 43rd day of the counting of the Omer. It’s celebrated with festive ceremonies that commemorate the reunification of the eternal capital of the People of Israel. After 2000 years of exile, diaspora, suffering, wandering, and persecution, we can finally walk the streets of Jerusalem again.
On 23 March 1998, the Israeli Government (also known as: ‘the Knesset’), passed the Jerusalem Day Law, making this day a national holiday, and said,
“The essence of Jerusalem, the highest level of hopes and aspirations, which we exalt above our chief joy, should be commemorated on a day that symbolizes its centrality in the life of the People of Israel who returned to their land, established their state, and declared Jerusalem their eternal capital.”
We’re living in a very special time in history where God re-established the State of Israel and brought the People of Israel back home from the four corners of the earth. The return home to the Land of Israel, the land of our ancestors, is probably the greatest desire of every Jew.
Every Passover, which is the holiday of freedom, and every Yom Kippur, which is the most solemn day in Judaism, we end by saying,
“next year in Jerusalem.”
This wish expresses the Jewish heart to go up to Jerusalem and return back home. If our return to Jerusalem isn’t this year, then may it be so next year.
Psalm 122 demonstrates Israel’s love for Jerusalem, the City of God:
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up—the tribes of the Lord—to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel. There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.”
The beautiful Psalm 122 is one of the most exciting psalms. The ancient words that were once uttered by pilgrims some 2000-3000 years ago, have become relevant again in our time. Few generations can truly say,
“Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.”
Let’s think about it. For hundreds of years, Jerusalem was occupied by many conquerors. The Jews were expelled from it and then returned, which sadly was a cycle that repeated itself again and again throughout history.
Psalm 122 calls on everyone who cares about Israel to look at Jerusalem and to pray for her peace. This matter of peace is twofold, as it’s both about taking an honest interest and a wish or even a demand to stand up for this peace,
“and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.” (Isaiah 62:7)
When we walk through the streets of Jerusalem we see history revived and we’re fulfilling the great dream of all the prophets as we stand at her gates and fulfill the return of Zion!
Next year in Jerusalem!
Get Downloads
File Title
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Yehuda Bachana
Netivyah Staff
Yehuda is the director of Netivyah and leader of ‘Roeh Israel.’ An IDF reservist and certified tour guide born into the original homegroup in 1979, he has served since 2002, teaching globally with deep scriptural passion. Lydia and Yehuda have three children.
Glossary
Omer (עֹמֶר) means “sheaf” and refers to the barley offering brought during Passover season, as well as the counting of forty-nine days from the offering of the omer until Shavuot.
Yom Kippur (יוֹם כִּפּוּר) means “Day of Atonement” and refers to the holiest day of the biblical calendar, focused on repentance, cleansing, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.
More Topics
More For You
The “Holy Trinity” through the Looking-Glass of Judaism
Reexamining the trinity through the looking glass of Judaism, this teaching challenges tradition and returns to Scripture, unity.
Article
The Call to Stand With Israel Against Antisemitism
A call to stand with Israel against antisemitism: remembering the fallen, celebrating independence, and urging believers worldwide to defend Jerusalem.
Article
