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When Jerusalem was chosen, not only was it elevated in standing, but all other places experienced a disqualification. This concept is referred to in Divrei Hayamim (I, 22:1): "David said: This is the House of Hashem, the Lord, and this is the altar for sacrifices for Israel." This is to exclude other places. In fact, among the halachot that this impacts is that once "the place" begins operating as the center of service of Hashem, it becomes forbidden to bring sacrifices in any other place, as is spelled out in our parasha.
Chazal (mishna, Zevachim 14:4-8) spell it out as follows: "Before the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was erected, bamot (private altars) were permitted … Once the Mishkan was erected, the bamot were forbidden… They came to Gilgal (after crossing the Jordan), bamot were permitted… They came to Shilo (long-time home of the Mishkan), the bamot were forbidden … They came to Nov and Givon (after the destruction of the Mishkan in Shilo), the bamot were permitted … They came to Jerusalem, the bamot were forbidden and they no longer [had the chance] of being permitted."
Jerusalem was chosen not only by Hashem, but also by the Nation of Israel (Ramban, Parashat Shoftim). This happened after David succeeded in uniting the nation, as found expression in the fact that there was only one army.
The choosing of Jerusalem had, among other things, a historical and a geographic rationale. Historically, although at the time of Yehoshua, the city was captured and burned (see Yehoshua 10:23-26; ibid. 12:10; Shoftim 1:7-8), it remained a non-Jewish city (see ibid. 1:21). No Israelite tribe settled there until the time of David, and, in fact, the halacha is: "Jerusalem was not divided up among the tribes" (Yoma 12a). This helped enable it to be the city of all and the city of peace between all parts of the nation.
Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on the border between the regions assigned to the tribes of Yehuda and Binyamin (see Yehoshua 15:5). The "watershed line" was the border; nowadays it goes down Yafo Street, from Davidka Square to the Central Bus Station and along Route 1 to the west. North of this line belongs to Binyamin; south of it belongs to Yehuda. Since Binyamin is a child of Rachel and Yehuda is the leader of Leah’s sons, this makes the city ideal for national unity.
We now can answer the question from our title. Choosing one place for worship of Hashem to the exclusion of others can cause religious concerns to take a step back. Considering the centrality of korbanot in those days, imagine closing all shuls in the world except the Kotel! Nevertheless, the added national unity took precedence over religiosity. "Built-up Jerusalem, as a city that was connected together" (Tehillim 122:3) – it connects all the parts of the nation, and it connects Jerusalem on Earth with Jerusalem on High. When unity wins, the service of Hashem is also elevated, strengthened, and receives greater significance and depth.
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
