Q&A: Hallel on Jerusalem Day
Hallel on Jerusalem Day
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Do you think Hallel should also be recited with a blessing on Jerusalem Day? Is the liberation of the city a "redemption" in a sense that requires Hallel for generations?
Answer
In my opinion, the liberation of Jerusalem does not have much significance—perhaps in the sense that there is access to the Western Wall, but that is far from being something that warrants Hallel and a festival day. Sovereignty, of course, does not really exist. And only troubles have come upon us because of it. For the victory in the Six-Day War one should certainly give thanks. But in my opinion, that is included in Independence Day together with all the other wars.
Discussion on Answer
A question: but what changed is not only access to the Western Wall, but also access to the Mount of Olives and the Old City within the walls, and perhaps that too is worth Hallel and a festival day for generations.
But on Hanukkah there are 8 days over basically nothing compared to Jerusalem Day, so what's the problem with saying Hallel on Jerusalem Day? (Maybe you just need to give up the exaggerated pathos.)
Regarding the "exaggerated pathos," I really do get the feeling every year that there is some kind of exaggeration around Jerusalem Day. Why, for example, do they have to hold dancing celebrations on Jerusalem Day? Do they do dancing celebrations on Hanukkah? (Certainly not on all the days and not in all places.) Why do people who do not live in Jerusalem go up to Jerusalem on that day? On Jerusalem's Purim, does everyone go up to Jerusalem? I would be glad to hear more opinions on this question—whether and how Jerusalem Day should be celebrated.
Thank you very much.