Western Wall/Wailing Wall
The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the holiest of Jewish sites because it is a remnant of the retaining wall that once supported the Second Temple built by King Herod. Visiting Europeans called it the "Wailing Wall" because for centuries Jews have gathered here to lament the loss of their temple.
The Western Wall Plaza is an enormous open area that faces the Western Wall, serving as an open-air synagogue and religious center. It can accommodate tens of thousands of worshipers of various faith traditions. Prayers take place here day and night, and special services are held on an ongoing basis.
At the prayer section of the Western Wall, grass grows out of the upper cracks. The lower cracks of the chalky, yellow-white blocks have been stuffed with bits of paper containing prayers. Orthodox Jews can be seen standing at the wall, chanting and swaying. Some Jews visit the wall daily to recite the entire Book of Psalms.
In addition to the daily and Sabbath prayer services, special events like Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are also celebrated at the Western Wall. On Tisha B'Av, which falls in July or August, a fast is held commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temple. During this time worshipers sit on the ground reciting the Book of Lamentations and liturgical dirges.
Visitors of all religions are welcome to approach the Wall and to pray silently beside it. Men who would like to go to the wall must wear a hat or take a head covering (available at no cost from a box beside the entrance to the prayer area). Women may borrow shawls and short-skirt coverings. A dividing screen reserves an area at the extreme right of the Western Wall for women, who are not allowed into the men's section in keeping with Orthodox Jewish tradition.
Learn more about the Western Wall
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