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.
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.
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.
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. 
The Shephelah field trip is in the low hill country of Judea located south west of Jerusalem. Our first stop was Beth Shemesh, which was an ancient fortified Israelite town. The Philistines controlled the low lands while the Israelites controlled the hill country. This is the area where Samson was raised and used his great strength against the Philistines. 
This is a Bedouin tent we could see in the valley. The Bedouin lifestyle has remained the same for centuries. They are poor shepherds that migrate around and live off the land.
