What is “Ode to Zion” by Rabbi Yehuda Ha-levi talking about?
Answer:
Rabbi Yehudah Halevi was known for his great love to Zion. Though I do not recognize the title of the poem which you mentioned, you might be referring to one of Ryha”l’s most famous poems of Zion “Tzion hallo tishali leshlom asirayich” (Zion – thou art anxious for news of thy captives) which speaks of the mourning of the Jewish exiles on behalf of the destruction of Zion and their great yearning to return to their homeland, the holy land of Zion. As Ryha”l states “I am a mourner who weeps for your poverty and when I dream of the return I am the accompaniment to thy songs.“
Rabbi Yehudah Halevi eventually traveled to Israel. Legend has it that when he arrived at the gates of Jerusalem he fell to his knees, tore his clothes and recited this poem tearfully. An Arab who passed by on a horse ran him over. Rabbi Yehudah Halevi was killed on the spot in the entrance to the city he so deeply loved.
