At every Jewish wedding, there is a custom for the couple to sing the song “Jerusalem, if I forget you,” following which the groom steps on a glass cup in order to break it into shards. Few people understand the significance of this tradition: the destruction of the Holy Temple was a catastrophic event that impacted the future of every single Jew. Therefore, even in the happiest of moments (i.e. at a wedding), we must remember the destruction and how the Jewish people are never fully complete without its presence. Although we are rejoicing over the incredible miracle of Jerusalem’s reunification, we must remember that the true goal, of rebuilding the Holy Temple on the Temple Mount, is not yet complete. Therefore we must give every effort to fulfill the words of Jeremiah the Prophet (Jeremiah 33:11): to once again bring joy and song through the happiness of brides and bridegrooms as they fill the Holy City of Jerusalem once more.
In a stunning display of music and light, the history of Jerusalem is projected onto the walls of the Old City, from the most moving moments of the reunification to the beautiful modern tableau of today.
In a powerful blend of science and religion, a rabbi has turned to genetics to reinstate the priesthood for the Third Temple. This rabbi believes that science has proven that the priesthood is exactly as the Bible described: An eternal covenant that will reappear to herald in the Third Temple.
There has never been a love story such as the one between the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem. Despite being exiled from Jerusalem for thousands of years, Jews never ceased to pray for Jerusalem, about Jerusalem, and facing Jerusalem. Fifty years ago, we merited to see the hand of God as Jerusalem was reunited and brought under Jewish sovereignty. People from all over the world have flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate this momentous anniversary. If there was ever a time to praise God, it is now- on the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the Holy City.
Today’s photo depicts a tradition at every Jewish wedding where the groom steps on a glass in order to commemorate the destruction of the Jewish Holy Temple. Photo by Shutterstock
If you enjoy your Israel365 daily email newsletter, please consider donating to one of our causes or buying products from our store and blessing the Land and the People of Israel.
Thank You to our Israel365 Store Customers
“Todah Rabbah” to Karen H. from Massachusetts; Kathleen D. from Vermont; Margaret F. from Australia; Terry P. from Iowa. Shop the Israel365 Store »
It’s great to hear from you and make new friends from all over the world. Please send me an email and let me know how you are enjoying Israel365 (don’t forget to say where you are from!).
I love Israel, I hope she prospers, even in the face of adversity ! Shalom. I love any organization within Israel or out side if they are doing something positive for Israel. Watching closely for wolves from with in and prayer for positive progress now that obama is gone but not dumb enough ti think he is the only one that wants bad things for Israel. How blind can the world be! –Leta Cooper
