G-d directed Abraham to offer Isaac in sacrifice here. King David chose this city as his capital. His son, Solomon, built a magnificent Temple here, which was destroyed by the Babylonians. Ezra and Nehemia led the renewed Jewish presence here and rebuilt the Temple. Herod rebuilt the Temple to its glory - and then the Romans destroyed it, forbidding Jews from residing in their own capital.

Nevertheless, generation after generation, Jews did all they could to return here. Famous and not-so-famous Jews made the difficult journey here. Foreign empires were fascinated by this place - and attacked it often.