Jerusalem
Journeys,
(excerpt from Chapter 12)
Praying
Jerusalem
Background Discussion
There are few places in the world that have been the focus
of so many prayers as Jerusalem. For thousands of years,
Jews have turned towards Jerusalem in their prayer, and
it has been one of the focal points of their prayer, mentioned
several times in every prayer service.
In the morning "Amidah" for example, we say
the following:
Have mercy, (God) and return to Jerusalem, Your
city. May Your Presence dwell there as You have
promised. Build it now, in our days, and for all
time. Re-establish there the majesty of David,
Your servant. Praised are You, God who builds
Jerusalem.
Translation from "Siddur Sim Shalom"
Not only Jews, but Christians too, have sung numerous
stirring hymns to their Holy City from everywhere
in the world. Moslems have also constantly thought
of the city, perhaps now more than ever before.
So many prayers focused on one city. As poet Yehuda
Amichai says,
"The air over Jerusalem is saturated with prayers
and dreams like the air over industrial cities.
It’s hard to breathe."
It is perhaps time nevertheless to squeeze one more
prayer in concerning Jerusalem : a personal prayer.
Activity A Prayer for Jerusalem
Suitable for all age groups
- Do the members of the group have a prayer for
Jerusalem?
Start by introducing the fact that Jerusalem has
been a focus of prayer for Jews and for others
for thousands of years. Ask the group what has
been the traditional sentiment of the prayer for
Jerusalem.
- Ask them if they know any references to Jerusalem
in Jewish prayer.
Then bring the above excerpt from the "Amidah".
Explore the ideas and feelings expressed there.
- Now give the members of the group pen and paper,
and ask them to write a personal prayer for the
city.
- As they think of Jerusalem, are there
any things that they would hope or pray
for?
- If they were to be asked which hope Jews
throughout the world should focus on daily,
what would they say?
They should write in their own words without any
concern to make their piece sound like a traditional
prayer. If the word prayer is difficult for them,
have them express it as a wish.
- Come back and share the results and talk about
the ideas expressed.
y have they prayed/wished for the particular things
that appear in their prayers?
- Finally bring the quotation from Amichai.
- What do they think the poet is saying?
- Can there ever be too many prayers for
a place like Jerusalem?
- What do they think?
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