Long before it became the capital of the state of Israel, Jerusalem served as the spiritual center for the Jewish People. Before David claimed it for his capital, the Patriarchs singled out this holy spot as a site of pilgrimage.

3700 years ago, Abraham was blessed here by Malchizedek (Shem ben Noach).

Isaac was brought here as a sacrifice.

Jacob slept here, dreaming of a ladder with angels climbing up and down.

The book of Joshua informs us that the tribe of Yehuda hadn't conquered the city. In the book of Judges, it is the tribe of Benjamin who are faulted for not conquering the Jebusite inhabitants of Jerusalem. Not until King David was the city ultimately conquered and made the capital of his kingdom. The building of the Temple on Mt. Moriah was denied David. His hands were bloodied with war. Though he purchased the site, and even placed the ark in position, the task was awarded to his son, Solomon. Thenceforth, Jerusalem became the center to which people the world over direct their thoughts, yearnings and heartfelt prayers.

Throughout the years of exile following the destruction of the Temple, Jerusalem has remained the spiritual capital of the Jewish People. Though sometimes diminished to a handful, Jews have lived in Jerusalem continuously since biblical times.

THE OLD CITY

Ancient Jerusalem
The Western Wall
The Herodian Quarter
The Cardo
The Citadel
Ophel Excavations
Broad Wall
Burnt House
Western Wall Tunnels

Synagogues
The Ramban Synagogue
The Hurva Synagogue
The 4 Sephardic Synagogues
The Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue