Jerusalem: Why is it so important?

Jerusalem has, is, and will continue to be, a central location of religious significance to Jews, Muslims and Christians. Through a deeper dive of Judaism’s four nicknames for the city, the multifaceted characteristics of the city are explained and explored. 

Whether walking on cobblestone or pavement, Jerusalem’s complex and centuries long history can be felt through the entirety of this ever-developing modern city.

Big Ideas

1. Jerusalem has, is and will continue to be, an integral aspect of the Zionist movement and the history of the Jewish people.
2. Jerusalem has religious significance for Jews, Muslims and Christians.
3. There are various political and religious controversies both within the Jewish community and between different religious communities when it comes to Jerusalem.

Essential Questions

1. Why is Jerusalem so important to the Jewish people and Jewish State?
2. Why is Jerusalem a source of controversy within the Jewish people and different religious communities?
3. How might Israel balance the different political and religious claims of different groups concerning the nature of Jerusalem?

video Transcript