Shabbat at the Wall

I just had an amazing experience. We went to the Western Wall for the beginning of the Sabbath (Friday night). 

The Western Wall is all the Jewish people have left of their temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. It wasn’t actually part of the temple- it was part of the retaining wall of the temple complex. 

The Dome of the Rock, a Muslim holy site, was built on the same spot where the Jewish temple once stood. Since the Wall (called Kotel in Hebrew) is as close as Jews can get to their former temple, it is considered the holiest place in Judaism.

Taking pictures is forbidden once Shabbat starts, so from Friday night I only have some from far away.

It was pretty crowded. It’s not usually that crowded during the rest of the week. The most amazing part was that everyone was so happy to be there! There are separate areas for men and women, and the men’s side was especially a party. Everyone was singing and dancing.

Here are some pictures from a normal day; it's not so much of a party and not nearly as crowded. 

The tradition is to write down a prayer and stick it inside a crack in the wall. I didn't do that yet, but I might on another trip. I did manage to get close enough to touch the wall.

Another tradition to never turn your back on the wall. Most people walk backwards away from it. 

Being there was one of the most interesting things I’ve ever done in my travels. It's hard to convey the atmosphere, joy, and centuries of tradition in words.

Yesterday we walked around in West Jerusalem, the Jewish side of town. They have a long row of these globes near Mamilla Mall.

Hello Wisconsin!

Hello Israel!

We just walked around and looked at some shops. I still haven’t done any shopping yet. I’m scoping everything out first! There are so many souvenir opportunities.

Our professors really pile on the homework here. Some of the classes are really interesting, and some are the most boring things I’ve ever sat through. Either way, I’m not really in a homework state of mind. Can you blame me for preferring to explore the fascinating city of Jerusalem?

See also: Saving Shabbat, Old City Guide, Dome of the Rock