Jerusalem has always been the center of Judaism. It is important to Jews because it was chosen by God (Zechariah 3:2). It was the site of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac, in Genesis ch.22) and was later the seat of the Davidic Kings, when King David, Israel's greatest king, founded the dynasty that ruled Judah for much of its history, making Jerusalem the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel during his reign and that of his son, King Solomon.
Most importantly, it was the location of the First and Second Temples, where offerings were made to God and where His presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies (1 Kings ch.8).
Jerusalem is also representative of the Redemption of the Jewish people from their physical and spiritual exile, because this exile causes the melancholy that the Jewish people experience by being apart from God's presence. The Redemption, which Jews believe will be brought by the Messiah, will result in the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem.
According to ancient Hebrew tradition, Jerusalem is the site where God took the very earth from which Adam, the first man, was formed (midrash Rabbah 14:8). Read Genesis carefully; Adam was not created in the garden of Eden; he was taken there. Jerusalem, because it is the first place on Earth where the spirit of God dwelt, is considered a direct link to God.
Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion and Jerusalem has been its only holy site for over 3000 years. King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by invading Babylonians, and rebuilt at the same site (known as the Temple Mount) about 2500 years ago. It was then destroyed again when the Romans conquered Judea about 2000 years ago, killing a million Jews. All Jews who value their heritage feel ties to Jerusalem and the holy land, where so many of their people struggled for the freedom to practice Judaism. At the same time, Jews believe that all people should be welcome there, regardless of faith.
Jerusalem is the eternal Jewish city, and a symbol of a future time of peace. Jerusalem is also the focal point of prayer of the Jews. When they pray, wherever they are, they face towards Jerusalem (Talmud, Berakhot 30a), with love and longing. The sentiment is aptly expressed in Psalm 137: "By the waters of Babylon, there we sat and wept as we remembered Zion....If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its wisdom."
For thousands of years we remembered our exile and prayed for its end. Now at least we can do so from "up close."
See also the other Related Links.
It was already a holy city to the ancient Jews, who supposed it to have been built by two forefathers of Abraham. When King David finally conquered it in around 1.000 BC, he made it his capital city.
Jerusalem.
Rome is the capital city of Italy. Therefore it can't have a capital.Rome is the capital of Italy, (Rome is a City and as such does not have a capital).
Vatican City in Italy
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
The ancient Israelites found Jerusalem already built by the Jebusites. After evicting them in several important campaigns, King David (by the Biblical Account) established the city as his eternal capital. The Jews have held the city in reverence ever since.Answer:Jerusalem has been a holy site for Judaism since the time of the Forefathers. According to tradition, the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac, Genesis ch.22) took place in Jerusalem (Maimonides, Hilchot Beit Habechirah). It was originally settled by Hebrews (before Abraham), and later taken by Canaanites.
Ancient greek does not have small (or capital) letters
Vatican City is the Papal State, an independent city-state located in Rome, Italy. The actual Papal States cesed to exist in the 19th century witht he reunification of Italy.
Obeyying The Torah.Staying GOOD WISE HOLY
Jeruselam is not a holy city
Famine in the Holy Land (Genesis ch.42-46).