Re'eh: the Capital

Re'eh: the Capital

The idea of a capital, the chosen place, is preeminent in this weeks parsha. The chosen place is the only place for the sacrificial rite; staging this spectacle in any other location is a form of rebellion.  The chosen place is a source of unity, an element of the specialness of the people for whom this place has been chosen, and a place to fight for. 

I was recently in Paris, the current capital of capitals. The economy of the city is founded on its special status.  Paris is a city that celebrates Napoleon, under whom it became  the the most important city in the world.  Paris unifies France and presents the French way ( gendered romance, style over substance. etc.)  to tourists who come from around the world, to all of France and the French speaking world, and to itself.

Rome was the quintessence of the capital.  The empire  is named for its capital city.  The city ruled most of the known world.  Subsequent empires ( the Holy Roman Empire [second reich]) are named after it, although their capitals are  located in other places ( Prague, Berlin).  Rome is set as a foil to Jerusalem, the Rabbis say it was founded on a transgression of Solomon.

We (Zionists?) understand the chosen city to be Jerusalem.  It, like Paris is  built on its reputation.  It is the capital of the modern state of Israel ( although not recognized as such by other nations).  It is Zion, from which comes Torah.  The three annual conventions ( pilgrimage festivals) are to be  held there, and nowhere else. Jerusalem's economy is to be supported by compulsory tourism.

Some years ago, I spent Passover in Jerusalem.  The eighth  day of that Passover (the day after Passover for native Israelis) was also Good Friday.  On that day I went to the Via Dolorosa  for some religious voyeurism, watching the pilgrims from  the Philippines and El Salvador carrying their crosses from station to station.  On the way, I saw Charedim lighting cigarettes and talking on their smart phones (it was not Yom Tov for them)

I looked over at the entrance to the Dome of the Rock ( the temple mount).  Huge green iron doors blocked the view.  But at the bottom of one of those doors, there was a normal, human sized door.  Through that door I could see boys, maybe 10 or 11 years old, playing soccer.

Everyone was doing his thing and no one was being molested

 And a bright light emanated from that door to the Dome of the Rock, to the Temple Mount, located  on the Via Dolorosa.  And I thought that was the light of Peace, Shalom, Yerushalayim.