Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Jerusalem in Ruins

arch in old city of Jerusalem
Over 2000 years ago, Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian forces breached the walls of Jerusalem after many years of siege. So today observant Jews around the world fast, a fast called the 17th of Tammuz. It is hard for me to be sad on this day; my family greatly enjoyed visiting Jerusalem recently, and I had the opportunity to photograph ruins such as this one. But I can be contemplative. Yes, contemplative, that is a good word for today.

Jameel has more bad stuff that happened today. And hope for redemption.

Ilana-Davita says

I believe we are supposed to lament the fact that the loss of the Temple soon meant the loss of the Land and the outset of countless problems and tragedies for the Jewish people.
Tragedies that still happen today since not everyone agrees that we have a right to this Land.
Your photo is beautiful.

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Leora says

>not everyone agrees that we have a right to this Land
I think it's more than that. I think some do not believe we have a right to be. One might think, if we gave 'em this piece of land or that...peace would come...unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case.

What a beautiful city Jerusalem now is, and it is enjoyed by Jews, Muslims, Christians, atheists, Japanese tourists, and others. It was not as sparklingly bright and to be enjoyed by so many when it was under Jordanian rule.

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Michelle says

Great place to learn especially for a non-Jew who married into a Jewish family.

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Leora says

Michelle, you mean Jerusalem or my blog? Thank you, for whatever you mean.

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hihorosie says

I agree this is a great shot.

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Leora says

Rosie and Ilana-Davita, glad you liked it. It was one of my favorites.

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Jameel @ The Muqata says

"Jameel has more bad stuff"...doesnt that sound depressing.

BTW - have you seen how the Churva shul is almost completely rebuilt? More and more "ruins" are being rebuilt.

Let's hope it's almost time for the Beit HaMikdash as well.

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Leora says

Jameel, I'm open to suggestions on how to reword that, if you prefer. We didn't make it to the Churva shul. Only so much you can drag around three kids in three days. As it is, they associate Jerusalem with "too many history tours." Thanks for visiting.

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