Why Is Jerusalem Important To Jews

Jerusalem was
captured from the Canaanites by King David, the greatest of the ancient Israelite Kings. He made
it his capital, and had hoped to build a temple to his God there; however his purpose was
frustrated because of his many wars and also because of his adultery with Bathsheba. His son and
successor, also the last king of the United Kingdom of Israel, King Solomon, built the Jewish
Temple there, which remained until the city was destroyed by the Romans. The Jewish people
believed that God Himself dwelled within the Temple "sanctum sanctorum," or "holy
of holies." It became the most sacred place in the world to Judaism, even after the
diaspora. The remnant of the ancient Temple conprises the famous "wailing
wall."