Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (ירושלים של זהב) Lyrics and Meaning: A Deep Dive
"Yerushalayim Shel Zahav" (ירושלים של זהב), meaning "Jerusalem of Gold," is arguably the most iconic Israeli song. Written by Naomi Shemer and first performed in 1967, it resonated deeply with the nation during the Six-Day War and remains a powerful symbol of Israeli identity and longing for Jerusalem. This post will provide the Hebrew lyrics, a transliteration (a phonetic spelling to aid pronunciation), and a detailed explanation of the meaning and impact of each verse.
Hebrew Lyrics (ירושלים של זהב):
ירושלים של זהב, ירושלים של זהב, בַּמַּעֲרָב שֶׁלָּךְ, שֶׁמֶשׁ נִשְׁקַעַת בָּעֲרָבִים שֶׁלָּךְ, שֶׁמֶשׁ נִשְׁקַעַת.
בָּעִיר הַזֹּאת, שֶׁלֹּא תִּשְׁכַּח, בָּעִיר הַזֹּאת, שֶׁלֹּא תִּשְׁכַּח, בְּחוֹמֹתֶיהָ הַקְּדוּמוֹת, בְּחוֹמֹתֶיהָ הַקְּדוּמוֹת.
שְׁמַע קוֹלִי יוֹם יוֹם שְׁמַע קוֹלִי יוֹם יוֹם לְךָ תְּפִלָּה וּבְקָשָׁה לְךָ תְּפִלָּה וּבְקָשָׁה
עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת הָרָחוֹקוֹת, עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת הָרָחוֹקוֹת, עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת הַגְּבֹהוֹת, עַל הַגְּבָעוֹת הַגְּבֹהוֹת,
שׁוֹמֵר אֶת הַשָּׁלוֹם, שׁוֹמֵר אֶת הַשָּׁלוֹם, שׁוֹמֵר עַל יוֹשְׁבֵי הָעִיר, שׁוֹמֵר עַל יוֹשְׁבֵי הָעִיר
Transliteration (Phonetic Spelling):
Yerushalayim shel zahav, Yerushalayim shel zahav, Bam'arav shelach, shemesh nish'akat Ba'aravim shelach, shemesh nish'akat.
Ba'ir hazot, shelo tishkach, Ba'ir hazot, shelo tishkach, Bechomoteha hak'dumot, Bechomoteha hak'dumot.
Shma koli yom yom Shma koli yom yom Lecha tefila u'v'kasha Lecha tefila u'v'kasha
Al haggevaot harachokot, Al haggevaot harachokot, Al haggevaot hagevot, Al haggevaot hagevot,
Shomer et haShalom, Shomer et haShalom, Shomer al yoshevey ha'ir, Shomer al yoshevey ha'ir
Meaning and Interpretation:
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Verses 1 & 2: These verses paint a vivid picture of Jerusalem at sunset. "Jerusalem of Gold" itself is a metaphor, symbolizing the city's beauty, historical significance, and spiritual importance to the Jewish people. The setting sun emphasizes the enduring and timeless nature of the city, despite the conflicts and challenges it has faced. The repetition of "shelo tishkach" ("that you will not forget") underscores the imperative to remember and cherish Jerusalem.
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Verses 3 & 4: This section is a prayer. "Shma koli yom yom" ("Hear my voice day by day") expresses a constant plea for peace and protection. The lines about "prayer and request" directly address God.
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Verses 5 & 6: The final verses focus on peace. "Al haggevaot harachokot" ("on the distant hills") alludes to the surrounding landscape and evokes a sense of protection and watchfulness. "Shomer et haShalom" ("Guardian of peace") and "Shomer al yoshevey ha'ir" ("Guardian of the city's inhabitants") directly express a yearning for peace and security for Jerusalem and its people.
Impact and Legacy:
The song’s immediate impact was immense. Sung during a time of intense national pride and apprehension, it became a powerful anthem. Its simple yet evocative lyrics and tune struck a chord with Israelis, unifying them in their shared emotions and aspirations for Jerusalem. Even today, it remains a staple at national events, ceremonies, and celebrations, continuing to serve as a potent reminder of Jerusalem's central role in Israeli identity. It transcends political affiliations, representing a shared emotional connection to the city.
This detailed explanation, combined with the lyrics and transliteration, provides a comprehensive understanding of "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav," its meaning, and its enduring significance in Israeli culture.
