Jerusalem of Gold

On this Yom Yerushalayim, Day of Jerusalem, I, like many other Jews, am focusing on the import of this capital city. I have been fortunate to visit Jerusalem many times and even lived for a year within the hustle and bustle of this inspiring mix of an ancient and modern city.

Jerusalem has many names. I have mentioned in a prior blog that I view names as carrying more significance than just a title. One of the more intriguing names of the city is "Jerusalem of Gold." This descriptor became commonplace after the Naomi Shemer song of 1967 prior to the reunification of Jerusalem. Although many believe the name relates to the color of the ancient walls at sunset, Shemer based this appelation on the romantic Talmudic story of the gift Rabbi Akiva gave to his wife for giving up her inheritance and supporting his many years of learning. The gift was a gold replication of the city.

What is the significance of gold? Why is this such a powerful and meaningful connection with Jerusalem in our modern times?

Ever hear of the "gold standard?" While gold used to be an active currency it now forms the backbone of our financial system. Somewhere, we imagine, in the bowels of Fort Knox, is a gleaming stash of gold bullions. We might not feel it, we might not see it, but we know it is there. What would happen if it disappeared one day? Would our economy stand strong without its presence? While our financial transactions occur through dollars of paper and even wires these days, I think we would all agree that it would not. We are having enough trouble keeping economies strong even with a gold standard.

This, to me, is the place of Jerusalem as well. It is our gold standard. Without Jerusalem, our peoplehood falters. It is our backbone. Sure we have moved on to the modern wonders of Tel Aviv and Haifa. We, who live outside Israel, might be more interested in DC, New York , LA, London, Paris. Yet, we all pray for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the heart. And we all yearn for a heart of gold.

Leadership lesson: Every leader, organization, company, institution has a backbone. Find it. What is at your heart? What keeps the people focused on the task at hand? What is that center, sometimes deep in the foundation, without which your house will crumble? Locate it and treasure it. Never let anyone or anything distract you from its significance.