Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Jerusalem"

To sign Jerusalem, start by forming a flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers straight and pressed closely together. Bring your hand up to your face and gently touch your lips with your fingertips, keeping your palm facing inward toward you. After making contact with your lips, gracefully pull your hand away from your mouth and lower it back down to a neutral position. The movement should be smooth and deliberate.

Examples Using "Jerusalem" in a Sentence

1

I want to visit Jerusalem someday.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', 'VISIT', and then use the flat-hand-to-lips sign for Jerusalem.

2

Jerusalem is an ancient city.

Sign Jerusalem, followed by the signs for 'OLD' or 'ANCIENT', and then 'CITY'.

3

We learned about Jerusalem in history class.

Sign 'HISTORY', 'CLASS', 'WE', 'LEARN', 'ABOUT', and finish with the sign for Jerusalem.

How to Sign "Jerusalem"
To sign Jerusalem, start by forming a flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers straight and pressed closely together. Bring your hand up to your face and gently touch your lips with your fingertips, keeping your palm facing inward toward you. After making contact with your lips, gracefully pull your hand away from your mouth and lower it back down to a neutral position. The movement should be smooth and deliberate.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the act of a pilgrim kissing the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall). Because the wall is a deeply significant historical and religious site located in Jerusalem, the gesture of kissing it has become a widely accepted ASL sign for the city itself.
Signing Tips
When signing Jerusalem, focus on keeping your fingers flat and tightly together rather than letting them spread apart or curve. The motion should be gentle and respectful, bringing the fingertips directly to the lips before moving the hand away. Ensure your palm stays facing inward toward your body throughout the movement.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is tapping the chin or cheek instead of the lips, which can confuse the meaning. Additionally, some beginners try to use an initialized 'J' handshape; while that variation exists, it is important to practice the flat handshape shown here, as it carries specific cultural significance.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Jerusalem" in a Sentence
1

I want to visit Jerusalem someday.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', 'VISIT', and then use the flat-hand-to-lips sign for Jerusalem.

2

Jerusalem is an ancient city.

Sign Jerusalem, followed by the signs for 'OLD' or 'ANCIENT', and then 'CITY'.

3

We learned about Jerusalem in history class.

Sign 'HISTORY', 'CLASS', 'WE', 'LEARN', 'ABOUT', and finish with the sign for Jerusalem.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign for Jerusalem involve touching the mouth?

The sign mimics the respectful act of kissing the Western Wall, which is a major cultural, historical, and religious landmark in the city of Jerusalem. The gesture reflects the actions of many visitors to the site.

Can I use a 'J' handshape to sign Jerusalem?

While some initialized variations using a 'J' handshape do exist, the flat-hand variation shown here is widely recognized. It is preferred by many because it is deeply rooted in the city's actual cultural history rather than just its English spelling.

Is this a one-handed or two-handed sign?

This specific variation is a one-handed sign. You only need to use your dominant hand to touch your lips and pull away. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side or in a neutral resting position.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!