The Boundaries of Jerusalem for Prayer Direction
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Question
In Siman 94, Seif 1, it is ruled that one standing in the Land of Israel should pray towards Jerusalem. This implies that one standing in the Land of Israel does not need to pray towards the Temple but only towards Jerusalem. The question is: what are the boundaries of Jerusalem referred to, the First Temple? The Second Temple? Up to the second wall? The third wall? And the practical implication for our Beit Midrash in the Mea Shearim area is that if one can also direct towards the third wall, there is almost no need to deviate, but if one needs to direct towards the more ancient Jerusalem, deviation is necessary. In summary: what are the boundaries of Jerusalem for this direction of prayer? And consequently, from this boundary, one must already turn towards the Temple.
Answer
Shalom and blessings
Although your observation is correct that most of the city of Jerusalem is not the 'Jerusalem' of the Mishnah, and therefore there would be room to be lenient and direct only towards the true city of Jerusalem. [And in this, there would be room to discuss what is considered the city]. However, in practice, it is customary in Jerusalem to direct as much as possible towards the place of the Temple.