One of the names of Jerusalem is Zion. This name first appears when we are told of the capture of the city by David, in direct relation to the kingdom of David and as the capital of Israel, as is written, "And David captured the fortress of Zion, which is the City of David" [Shmuel II 5:7]. The meaning of the name is not clear.
Tzion – Metzuyan
There are some who explain that the root of Tzion – Zion – is related to a notable mark or excellence. For example, the Talmud interprets the verse, "G-d loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Yaacov" [Tehillim 87:2] as "G-d loves the outstanding gates of halacha, more than the synagogues and halls of study" [Berachot 8a]. This would mean that the name Zion for Jerusalem denotes its unique traits, and that the sages consider it to be unique.
Tzion – Tziya
Others have claimed that the word Tzion is related to tziya – being dry. It is written, "Like great heat in the wilderness, You decreased the noise of the foreigners, like a scorching heat is shaded by a cloud, the mighty will be humbled" [Yeshayahu 25:5]. Perhaps this is related to "tziya," referring to the hot eastern winds of the desert, in view of how close Jerusalem is to the desert. To the east of the Mount of Olives lies the edge of the desert and the desert itself, close to the city, as opposed to the situation to the north and to the south. There the meeting point with the desert is much further to the east.
This close proximity has two important results. On one hand, the closer you are to the desert the more you are dependent on the conditions there. The level of dependence on rain increases. In times of drought, the shepherds go to the west and abandon Jerusalem, allowing it to take on some features of the desert. On the other hand, the prophets describe a future era when a stream of water will come from Jerusalem and from the Temple and bring water to the desert. Thus, the place that is closest in essence to being a desert will get its sustenance from Jerusalem and from the Temple.
Here is the significance of these two elements of a proximity to the desert: On one hand, there is a link to geographic and topographic factors, which is in essence a direct connection to the Holy One, Blessed be He. On the other hand there is the effect of the city and the Temple in fixing the problems of the desert by providing an abundance of water. Perhaps, then, this concept is related to the link between Zion and Jerusalem.
Tzion – a Name that Includes Many Things
Prof. Dinur has pointed out a fascinating fact about the word tzion – it has many different meanings.
Sometimes it refers to the site of the Temple. "To the place where the G-d of Hosts is, Mount Zion" [Yeshayahu 18:7]. But it can also refer to the entire city of Jerusalem: "Sing for us from the songs of Zion. How can we sing the song of G-d on foreign land?" [Tehillim 137:3-4]. There are also instances when it refers to the people of Yisrael: "I will awaken your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece" [Zecharia 9:13]. In this verse the word "Zion" can be interpreted to refer to the nation as a whole.
This phenomenon can be explained by the deep internal links between the Temple, Jerusalem, the entire land of Yisrael, and the entire nation of Yisrael.
This can be viewed in terms of concentric circles with respect to sanctity, going from the innermost outwards: The Temple is the innermost element, surrounded by the courtyard, the Temple Mount, Jerusalem, and the Land. However, this can also be viewed as relevance, as an internal affinity between the nation, the land, Jerusalem, and the Temple – such that the heart of the land and the nation are Jerusalem and the Temple, and they are all called by the name Zion. Zion is the heart and at the same time also the larger circle which encompasses the broadest area. The sources of the land and the people are Zion and the site of the Temple.
Tzion and Jerusalem
What is the relationship between Zion and Jerusalem? Do both names refer to the same place or to separate parts or elements of the essence of the city?
Rav Kook explains that the name Zion is an expression of royalty, while the name Jerusalem is related to sanctity. These two factors characterize the essence of the city. The link between royalty and sanctity corresponds to the unique affinity of the city to the tribe of Yehuda, which represents earthly royalty ("The scepter will not be removed from Yehuda, nor will the law from between his feet" [Bereishit 49:10]), together with the tribe of Binyamin, which represents the appearance of the Shechina ("To Binyamin he said, Loved by G-d, let him live with faith in Him; He stays close to him all day, and remains between his shoulders" [Devarim 33:12]).
Thus, Zion and Jerusalem together form a complete image of the capital city, combining royalty and holiness.
According to Rav Charlap, Zion refers to the material aspect of the city, while Jerusalem involves the spiritual side. He therefore explains that "two separate messages are necessary, one to Zion and the other to Jerusalem. 'Go up on a high mountain, messenger of Zion, lift up your voice, messenger of Jerusalem. Lift it high, have no fear. Tell the cities of Yehuda: Behold, your G-d' [Yeshayahu 40:9]. For Zion, the material side, it is enough to rise up to a high mountain – 'Go up on a high mountain, messenger of Zion.' For the spiritual aspect, more difficult labor is needed – 'Lift up your voice, messenger of Jerusalem.'"
The essence of the city, the combination of the material and the spiritual sides, the joining of royalty and sanctity, is expressed in the two names of the city – Zion and Jerusalem.
