Following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the subsequent Jewish diaspora, classical Jewish liturgy became a primary vehicle for preserving the national memory of Jerusalem and the hope for the restoration of Zion. Consequently, explicit references to Zion and Jerusalem are ubiquitous in daily, Sabbath, and holiday prayers.
Daily Liturgy
The central prayer of the Jewish liturgy, the Amidah, frequently calls for the restoration of Jerusalem to the Jewish nation. Recited while facing towards Jerusalem, it mentions Zion and Jerusalem five times, including:
Sabbath and Holiday Liturgy
- The Mussaf (additional) prayer, recited on Shabbat and festivals, emphasizes the exile and the hope for return:
- During the Torah service on the Sabbath, Mondays, Thursdays, New Months, and major Jewish holidays, the congregation sings as the Torah scroll is removed from the ark:
- The Ya'aleh Ve-Yavo prayer, inserted into the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon on holidays and New Months, asks for the "remembrance of Jerusalem, the city of your holiness."
- In the Hashkiveinu prayer on the Sabbath eve, the conclusion of the blessing is altered to reflect this focus: "Blessed are You Lord, who spreads the shelter of peace over us, over His entire people Israel, and over Jerusalem."
Meals and Blessings
- In Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals), recited after partaking of a meal eaten with bread, the third blessing is entirely dedicated to the rebuilding of the city:
- The Bracha Achrona (specifically the thanksgiving blessing after a light meal, such as Al Hamichya), mirrors this sentiment:
Days of Mourning
- On Tisha B'Av, the Nachem prayer is inserted into the Mincha Amidah in the Ashkenazic tradition. It asks God to comfort those who mourn the destruction of Zion and Jerusalem. The prayer begins with "Comfort, Lord our God, the mourners of Zion and the mourners of Jerusalem..." and concludes with:
See also
References