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Middle Ages
  • the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, where Rabi Judah HaLevi was trampled to death, acording to the tradition. Photo: Eliyahu Yanai
    the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, where Rabi Judah HaLevi was trampled to death, acording to the tradition. Photo: Eliyahu Yanai
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Middle Ages

The Journey of Rabbi Judah Halevi

My heart is in the east and I in the uttermost west How can I find savor in food? How shall it be sweet to me? How shall I render my vows and my bonds, while yet Zion lies beneath the fetter of Edom and I in Arab chains A light thing would it seem to me to leave all the good things of Spain Seeing how precious in mine eyes to behold the dust of the desolate sanctuary. Rabbi Judah Halevi
Even under Crusader rule, Jews came to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem. Among the best known of these was the poet and philosopher Rabbi Judah Halevi from Spain, the author of The Kuzari. His passion for the Land of Israel and Jerusalem spurred him on a long journey to the city. According to documents from the Cairo Geniza, he intended to board a ship in Alexandria on his way to the Land of Israel, but we do not know if his dream came true. Legend tells that he reached Jerusalem, stood in prayer before the Western Wall, and was then crushed to death by a horseman.