While in galut (exile), Jews will never stop mourning for and praying to return to Jerusalem. This sentiment finds its expression in Zionism - the worldwide movement of the Jewish people to return to their ancient homeland. (Zionism comes from the word Tzion, one of the Jewish names for the holy city of Jerusalem). In fact, the Amidah prayer itself - the quintessential prayer recited three times a day by Orthodox Jews - is recited facing to the east, toward Jerusalem.
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