Friday, October 2, 2009

The Western Wall

The Western Wall of the temple mount complex in Jerusalem is Judaism's most holy site. The plaza in front of the wall functions like a synagogue. Jews come here to recite scriptures, pray and insert written prayers between the stones of the wall. Jews gathere her for celebrations such as bar mitzvahs and holidays.
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Day of Atonement at Western Wall

This was on the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur which is one of the four important Jewish holy days. The Day of Atonement is the most solemn and sacred holy day. All work stops for the day and they spend time fasting, praying, going to synagogue, and forgiving sins. The purpose of the Day of Atonment is to have a day each year to be cleansed of sins. Most all Jews will remember this holy day.
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Men Worship at the Western Wall

Men worshiping at the Western wall on the Day of Atonement. The Western Wall is not part of the ancient temple but the perimeter wall for the temple complex. For many years Jews have come here to lament the destruction of their temple. That is the reason it is also called the wailing wall.
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Women Worship at Western Wall

Men and women worship in separate areas at the western wall. This is the women's section where women of all ages gather to pray, read scriptures, and meditate. They gather each sabbath and on holy days.
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Sabbath at the Western Wall

Here is a video of sabbath at the Western Wall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zieRDmvQLGk