...................: Western Wall.

The Western Wall was probably my favorite place to go to in Jerusalem. In September, I emailed my family about my first experience there, so I'm just going to copy and paste parts of the email below...

Note: The following pics were taken at different times over the semester.

Dear Mom, Dad, Kaitlin, and Shalane,

Last night our group had the special opportunity to go to the Western Wall and be there as the Jews began their Sabbath celebration. As you know, the Jewish Sabbath begins Friday at sundown. Hundreds of people gather at the Western Wall to offer prayers, read scripture, sing praises, and dance. Professor Chadwick explained the sacredness of the place by comparing it to how we feel about our temples. The Western Wall is like an open-air temple for our Jewish friends. We can't use electronics or take pictures while there during the Sabbath, but it's okay to take pics on other days.

A gate surrounds the area of the Wall. To get in, you have to go through security and metal detectors. The plaza inside the gate is basically a huge square on a slope. The further you are away from the Wall, the higher on the slope you are, and the more you can see what is going on down below you at the wall. As you get closer to the wall, you see less people worshipping but more of the massive wall.

There is a fence separating the Wall into two sides: one for males and one for females. Professor Chadwick said the reason they separate it into two sections is so the males can focus on worshipping God rather than being distracted by women. J The males are required to wear a head covering. Some wear kippas and others wear different hats; it just depends on preference or how conservative you are. The Russian Orthodox Jews wear huge furry hats. Most of the men in our group from the center bought kippas to wear for the occasion. The women don’t have to cover their heads, but many Jewish women, especially those who are more conservative, chose to cover their hair with scarves.

When we went past security and into the area where the wall is, I felt so happy to be there! I was so impressed with the devotion I saw around me. The men’s section of the wall was much bigger than the women’s section, and the men were much louder in their worship. There was a circle of upbeat men who were joyfully dancing and singing. It was fun to watch! I didn't see much dancing on the women’s side. I decided to go make my way through the crowd toward the Wall. It took a while to make it there, but I enjoyed watching the women around me as they fervently worshiped Jehovah by reading scripture and/or softly praying or singing in Hebrew. At the Wall people were crying, touching and kissing the stone, and offering prayers. It was absolutely beautiful. I felt the spirit there and thought about how God hears all of our prayers and loves all of His children. Later that evening when I came back to the Wall for the second time, I offered a prayer of thanks, not only for my faith, but for the Jewish faith as well.

Before coming here, I hardly knew anything about the history of the Jews and the persecution they have been through. All I really knew about was the Holocaust, so I have been shocked as I’ve read some of the background on what has been going on throughout the history of mankind. I don’t know of a people that has been so oppressed and degraded. The miracle is that the faith has survived and is flourishing.

It's hard to explain being here. It’s basically just beautiful being surrounded by people of all different faiths and backgrounds and being able to take part in their celebrations of God. I really could not ask for more than to be here! I rejoice in God and in His blessings. I know He loves and guides us. And I love you all SO much!

Love,
Jenna

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