Derech Ha'Ir

Yerushalayim is the focal point of our nation’s home, history, longing, aspiration — and our tefillos. Three times daily we turn toward Yerushalayim and the Har HaBayis, in recognition of the fact that it is there that the Shaar HaShamayim is located. The term mizrach, east, has become synonymous with facing Yerushalayim.

But is Yerushalayim truly to our east? On a map, Yerushalayim seems southeast of New York. Yet flights from New York to Eretz Yisrael fly north over Canada! Is there something flight navigators know that we don’t?

Many tefillah direction apps have two settings: “rhumb line” and “great circle.” What do those terms mean?

To top it off, Acharonim who discuss how to face Yerushalayim make a surprising claim: even cities located north of Yerushalayim still might need to turn north! How is that possible?

So which way is Yerushalayim? Derech Ha’Ir demystifies this heavily misunderstood topic, using easy language and clear pictures to help even the novice gain a clear understanding of the counterintuitive reality and the words of the Acharonim who discuss it.

This sefer also presents an in-depth analysis of the many questions relevant to the requirement of facing Yerushalayim during tefillah, such as;

• At what point during davening should one face Yerushalayim?
• What should one do during Shemoneh Esrei if he suddenly realizes that he is not facing Yerushalayim?
• Which direction does one face in a shul where the Aron Kodesh is on the wrong side?
• When davening at the Kosel HaMa’aravi, should one turn toward the left to face the Kodesh HaKodashim?

Also included are listings of the correct tefillah directions for over 500 locations.