Serach Botach February 4, 2014 Ilan Bloch Siyyur essay #1 On our first siyyur we went to The City of David,

which is one of the most important historical sites in Israel. When David became king, he decided that he wants to conquer Jebus from the Jebusites for seven reasons. The first reason is because Jebus is close to a water source, Jechen Spring. The second reason David conquered the land was because it was a very historical site even then. The city of David is believed to be the place where Jacob had his dream and where the Binding of Isaac happened. The third reason David wanted to conquer the land was because he didnt want a city so nearby to not be conquered by him. The forth reason is because the city had a lot of walls surrounding it which made it a very safe place to live and it makes it easy to defend. The fifth is that David wanted to conquer the land of Jebus is because conquering the city was something that Shaul, the previous king, was unable to do and by conquering the city. David showed the people that he was stronger than their previous king. The sixth reason is because the City of Jebus would have been able to be a neutral capital city for all twelve of the tribes. The seventh and final reason that David decided to conquer the city of Jebus was because the city was near major roads, which was a big advantage for King David and his Soldiers. When David conquered the city, he built a palace of cedars as well as the Tower of David. But King Davids greatest dream was to build the first Beit Hamikdash in Jerusalem. But Nathan the Prophet told David that he had too much

blood on his hands, and therefor he was not allowed to build the temple. Nathan the prophet told King David that his son would be the one to build the Beit Hamikdash. A lot of people ask the question of whether or not it is okay for the Jews to move into Arab populated city just like David did with the Jews back them. I believe that Jews should be integrated in every city in Israel because it is our land. I think that the fact that we still have so many places from when our ancestors were alive still in tact today is absolutely amazing. It is such a blessing that the Jewish people are able to stand in places where so much history happened. Places that we hear and learn about from the Tanach. It is also amazing that no matter if you are a reformed Jew, a conservative Jew, an orthodox Jew or any other kind of Jew, these places are respected and visited by all. Even Non Jews have many Jewish stories in their bible including the story of David. It is so important to conserve these places and I love the fact that the Israeli government takes such good care of the historical sites. The tour taught me a lot about geographical locations and I was able to see our history through my own eyes. As we learned about the Jews past, I was able to connect in a much deeper way because I felt that I was really there. Instead of just learning in a textbook about a place in our history, I was able to see the actual place of our history. My understanding helps me further deepen my connection to the land of Israel and the place I call home. Throughout the weeks I have learnt more and more about where our relatives traveled and I have gone on my own spiritual journey. I hope that in the next few weeks I can travel and experience first hand accounts of all the miracles

Hashem has brought to the Jews. My journey is not over yet and I hope that in the end, I will have my own story to tell the generations that come after me.