The Western “Wailing” Wall


We passed by the southwest corner of the Temple Mount. The dome you see is the top of the “Dome of the Rock,” a holy place built by the Muslims on the site of the original temple.

We entered through segregated security screening.  Bags were checked and we walked through a metal detector.  Some people were also patted down.

The Western Wall  has become a place of prayer for many Jews and Christians  alike.  Modest dress is expected, and men and women are segregated. Women enter to the right and men to the left.  Men are expected to wear a head covering inside their designated area.

The men’s area:

The women’s area is much narrower, and a partition keeps the genders separated:

Worshipers study scripture and pray at the wall.  People write prayers on little pieces of paper and wedge them into cracks. I asked our guide what they do with all those paper prayers.  He explained that they are cleaned out regularly.  

We entered and exited through the Dung Gate.

And walked to where our motor coach was parked outside the city walls.

This was the last stop of our tour for the day. Tomorrow is the last day of touring, but our itinerary is packed.  Next stop is Pater Noster Church, a tribute to the Lord’s Prayer.