Shabbat Shalom! The Wailing Wall

Tonight our group went all together to the wailing wall to welcome in Shabbat. It's an interesting site that I had heard about, but didn't have any understanding. Once on Dr Laura she said to someone who was traveling to Jerusalem (the woman was concerned about leaving her 3 kids with her in-laws to travel to The Holy Land for 2 weeks. Dr L told her to go and have a great time with her husband) anyway Dr Laura said, "Be sure to kiss the wall for me." So I had an idea about the reverence Jews hold for the place, but I learned much more tonight.

Every Friday, Orthodox Jews welcome in the sabbath when the sun goes down with some sort of celebration. Those in the Jerusalem area often travel to the Wailing Wall. The original temple site from Jesus' day is currently owned and controlled by the Palestinian Muslims, Dome of the Rock. The Jews are not welcome there so they gather as close to they can to the sacred temple site and pray, touch the wall, worship. When you get there, you're supposed to move up to the wall, say a prayer, touch the wall and kiss your fingers. Often people have prayers written on small sheets of paper that they roll up and tuck in between the rocks as well.

Our teachers told us the site was going to be mostly Orthodox Jews so I expected a very quiet, devout, super modest group. Boy was I surprised! The courtyard was full of energy and life and excitment. People were joyously welcoming the sabbath, praying and having a good time together. I was surprised by the wonderful spirit that was there, I felt uplifted and genuinely happy. I was also surprised by how comfortable I felt there, and how almost familiar the people seemed. I don't know quite how to explain it, but they just seemed so normal compared to what we see day to day. The weather was cool and breezy, the sun was going down so the lighting was amazing.

They separate the women from the men on two different halves so I only got a good look at the women, but it was like a fashion show! The women were wearing adorable dresses with sleeves, ballet flats I wanted, cute jewelry, the whole bit.

Most of all, I was impressed by their devotion. It was motivating to see how much they care about their faith and what lengths they are willing to go to for worship. They have to go to great lengths and make sacrifices to be in such a tumultuous place and stay devout. I know we stand out a lot in our faith and there's much that we do to set ourselves apart from the world, but we can always do better.

Camera's aren't allowed on the site because that is considered working on the sabbath. (Pens and paper aren't allowed either, funny huh!) So I'll post some stock photos from the internet so you get an idea.

Me and David outside the Old City and Dome of the Rock while walking home

P.S. We aren't allowed to be in the Old City or East Jerusalem after dark, but the center is located in East Jerusalem-the Palestinian area. So as we were walking home as a group tonight we had a full set of security guard escorts. It's quite surreal!