Brief Description:
The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the most sacred sites in Judaism. It is the last remaining fragment of the retaining wall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. For centuries, Jews from around the world have come here to pray and leave written prayers in the cracks of the ancient stones.
Location:
Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.
Historical Background:
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The wall was originally built by King Herod the Great around 20 BCE as part of the expansion of the Second Temple.
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After the destruction of the Temple, the wall became the holiest accessible site for Jewish prayer.
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During centuries of exile, the site symbolized hope and the eternal connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem.
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Since 1967, after the Six-Day War, the Western Wall has been under Israeli administration.
Religious Significance:
The Western Wall is a sacred place of prayer and reflection. Men and women pray separately in designated areas. Visitors often place small notes with written prayers between the stones. The Wall symbolizes the unbroken link between the Jewish people and their ancient Temple.
Cultural and Tourist Significance:
The Western Wall is one of the most visited places in Israel, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. It serves as a site for national ceremonies, religious events, and interfaith visits.
Current Status:
The site is open year-round, day and night, and protected as a national and religious heritage site of Israel. It remains a living symbol of faith, remembrance, and unity.
