Take One Daf Yomi Zevachim 60 - The Song of Holiness
Nov 13, 2025
Today's discussion weaves a tapestry of holiness and history. The question of whether sanctity lingers after the Temple's destruction is examined. It leads into the poignant story of 'Jerusalem of Gold'—crafted for a festival amidst political upheaval. The song's emotional debut and its evolution into a national hymn showcase its profound impact. Critiques challenge its depiction of Jerusalem, highlighting complex realities. Insights into its global legacy reveal how music transcends borders, while a confession about its melody adds an intriguing twist.
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Holiness Survives Temple's Destruction
- The Talmudic question asks whether ma'aser sheni remains when the Temple is destroyed and holiness seems lost.
- Rambam counters that Jerusalem's holiness persists even after the land's sanctity is removed, preserving spiritual continuity.
From Festival Tune To National Emblem
- Yerushalayim Shel Zahav became woven into Israeli life for joy and sorrow, sung at ceremonies and celebrations.
- Its cultural ubiquity shows how a song can shift from festival piece to national emblem overnight.
Song Debuts Before A War Transforms It
- Naomi Shemer wrote Yerushalayim Shel Zahav for a 1967 music festival and the audience wept at the first performance.
- Three weeks later the Six-Day War transformed the song from a hit into a national hymn tied to Jerusalem's liberation.
