The Western “Wailing” Wall
“Oh Jerusalem, the city of sorrow
A big tear wandering in the eye
Who will halt the aggression?
On you, the pearl of religions?
Who will wash your bloody walls?
Who will safeguard the Bible?
Who will rescue the Quran?
Who will save Christ,
From those who have killed Christ?
Who will save man?”– Nizar Qabbani
The Western “Wailing” Wall, otherwise known as HaKotel in Hebrew, is one of the absolute must-sees on any visit to Jerusalem. The Western Wall of the Herodian Temple is the only remnant of the famed Second Temple of the time of Jesus. In Islam, Jesus is known as Prophet Isa, a messenger of God.
For Muslims, The Western Wall is known as the Al-Buraq Wall, the farthest mosque where Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) tied the Buraq, his miraculous flying steed, when he rode during the Night Journey ‘Al isra wa al mi’raj’ from Mecca to Al Aqsa Mosque and then an ascension to the heavens (Quran, Sura 17).
The wall consists of forty-five stone courses, twenty-eight of them above ground and seventeen underground. The first seven visible layers are from the Herodian period whereas the rest are from the eighth to sixteenth century.
The Jewish pray at “The Wall” constantly as it is the closest one can be today to what was once the “Holy of Holiest”, the center of the Temple where the Jews believe was the presence of God. Jerusalem is also the focal point of prayer of the Jews. When they pray, wherever they are, they face towards Jerusalem and specifically the Temple Mount.
The raw, emotional power of this huge wall will blow one’s socks off, regardless of one’s own religious persuasion and beliefs. The 187-foot wall is overwhelming and to witness people “crying out to God” was phenomenal. Sometimes all it takes is just one prayer to change everything.
Thousands of people journey to the wall every year to visit and recite prayers. Visitors to the wall have long followed the practice of writing thoughts, wishes and prayers on a small slip of paper, and wedging them into the cracks between the stones. “The wall is a direct link to God; our prayers are more likely to be heard,” a Tour Guide told his group of pilgrimages. Today, more than a million notes are placed each year. The notes are collected twice a year and buried on Mount Olives.
This holy place, a relic of the Biblical Temple compound is not without controversy. Women of the Wall is a group of religiously observant women who believe that women should have the same rights as men; be allowed to pray at the Kotel, read from a Torah scroll and wear tallit. Currently the wall has separate sections where men and women are allowed to pray. The men’s section is larger, and the women’s section has major restrictions.
Amid the swirl of worship, prayers, celebrations and emotions, The Western Wall is also a place for quiet and deep reflection. Visiting Jerusalem, visiting The Western “Wailing” Wall is not just another travel adventure, it is an experience – one that you will never forget.
“Let us pray for peace: peace in the world and in each of our hearts.”
Pope Francis
Nicky Urban provides fine art photography, fine art photographer, fine art prints, framed canvas print, framed wall pictures, freelance photographer, street photography, documentary photography, gift shop for wall art prints, home decor, and gift ideas, for your home and office.
NICKY URBAN
There is nowhere else in the world like Jerusalem. The history, culture, societal norms and religious behavior is unmatched. Fascinating and exotic at the same time.