September 14 Designated ‘united Jerusalem Day’

Heads of six major Jewish congregational and rabbinic bodies have called for a massive religious demonstration throughout the U.S. and Canada to dramatize the critical importance of keeping Jerusalem united. In a letter to over 3000 American and Canadian rabbis, the leaders proclaimed Sept. 14 “United Jerusalem Day” and urged that the religious community stress “Jerusalem — United Forever” during the High Holy Day season.

Citing the fact that this is the “Bar Mitzvah” of the reunification of Jerusalem, the leaders said that “the pressure, economic, political and social that has been placed on Jerusalem is of utmost concern to us all.” Rallies, symbolic Western Wall ceremonies, special religious school assemblies and High Holy Day sermons will stress the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish life.

“One of the many, and most effective, ways we can help alleviate the pressure on Jerusalem and assure the development and growth of Israel is through a High Holy Day appeal in behalf of Israel Bonds,” the organization presidents said. They urged synagogues to utilize the High Holy Day period to marshal moral and material support so that Jerusalem may remain united and the nation can meet the many economic challenges confronting it as a result of the treaty with Egypt.

Joining in the call for continued support of a united Jerusalem were: three presidents of rabbinic associations: Rabbi Sol Roth, Rabbinical Council of America (Orthodox); Rabbi Seymour Cohen, Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative) and Rabbi Jerome Malino, Central Conference of American Rabbis; as well as Rabbi Alexander Schindler, president, Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Reform); Simon Schwartz, president, United Synagogue of America (Conservative) and Julius Berman, president, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America — representing the three congregational arms of American Jewry.