תהלים, פרק ק״ב, פסוק ט״ו

The deep, unconditional love the Israelites hold for Zion is directed not at a thriving landscape, but at the physical remnants of its destruction. The primary approach among commentators is that an intense affection and passion exists for the land even when it lies in ruins, entirely stripped of vegetation and settlement [ביאור שטיינזלץ, רש"י ומצודת דוד]. Out of a profound longing, God's servants desire the very dust of the earth, viewing it as something full of grace and beauty [המאירי]. This deep yearning translates into a genuine desire to kiss the dirt of the land [אבן עזרא].

This devotion does not remain a mere feeling but is expressed through physical actions. The sages of Israel brought this to life through their personal habits: Rabbi Abba would kiss the rocks of Acre, Rabbi Chiya bar Gamda would roll in the dust of the earth, and Rabbi Chanina would actively repair and level the roads. Other rabbis were known to carefully walk between the sun and the shade depending on the weather, ensuring they would never feel uncomfortable and be tempted to complain about the local climate [תורה תמימה].

The specific focus on stones and dust carries deep meaning. Even though a future sanctuary is destined to be built from precious gems and pearls, the people cherish the ruined, burnt, and scattered rubble of Jerusalem simply because it belongs to the holy city. Their ultimate hope is to take that exact burnt dust and use it to rebuild God's house [האלשיך]. This profound physical bond is also reflected in the tradition that when King Jeconiah was exiled to Babylon, the people carried stones and earth from Jerusalem with them to build a synagogue in their exile [רש"י].

Alongside this theme of deep affection, another perspective understands these actions as a process of reconciliation and atonement. In this view, the focus is on appeasing the land, with the ultimate goal of its future rebuilding [אבן עזרא]. This points to a broader historical and spiritual journey: initially, God poured out His anger on the wood and stones of Jerusalem as a way to atone for the sins of the people. Later, the people themselves appeased those very stones by sacrificing their lives and spilling their blood for their faith and for Jerusalem. As a result of this shared sacrifice, they constantly mourn for the city and lovingly kiss its dust [המלבי"ם].