The Western Wall

Also known as the "Wailing" Wall, on account of all the mumbling/sobbing prayers called out in its shadow. The most sacred place of the Jewish religion. The wall is said to have the original keystone to the First Temple- a temple that has been torn down, and will be rebuilt when the Saviour arrives again. So, the Jews pray to this wall.


The Wailing(Western) Wall. Directly on the other side of the wall is the Dome of the Rock(golden dome on the upper left) and its courtyard. Talk about two religions elbow to elbow.

The Orthodox Jew is a singular charcter. Usually clad in a black suit, a black derby hat, with two long locks of hair on either side of his face, they can be seen making there way to the Western Wall throughout the day. In the photo above they make up most of the crowd lined up at the base of the wall and are usually bouncing or stomping in a strange dance as they pray. It is required that when they pray that they pray with all of their mind, spirit, and body. The shuffling and stomping takes care of the body part. It is a sight to see.
Mostly I would just sit down in away from the prayers and watch all the people walking by. It was a very calming place to hang out for a few hours- a good place to get ready for or reflect upon the day.