The Western Wall (The Wailing Wall) (Kotel HaMaaravi ) To know what people believe about the Wall To understand why it is so important to many people To consider how to solve the problems associated with the wall

The Wailing Wall Origins The Wailing Wall or Western Wall is in Jerusalem and is believed by many people to be the remains of one wall of a great Jewish temple or the wall surrounding the temple's courtyard. It is a stone wall that extends about 62 feet (18.9 m) above the ground. It is believed to be the remains of the second temple which was built after Solomon’s temple was destroyed and so this wall is believed to have been standing since before the time of Jesus. After the second temple was destroyed, many Jews began going to the wall to mourn the temple's destruction and to pray. The name Wailing Wall given to the site by non-Jews who saw the Jews mourning there. Jews actually refer to the wall as the Western Wall, or Kotel HaMaaravi in Hebrew.

Control of the Wailing Wall During the more than 3,500 years of its history, Jerusalem has been attacked and captured dozens of times. Control of the city — and the Wailing Wall — continues to be a point of contention to this day. Arab leaders controlled the wall during the first part of the 20th century, but with the establishment of Israel, Jews gained control of the wall in 1967. There is still much underlying bitterness regarding this place, however, which has contributed to the poor relationships between Arabic countries and Israel.

Praying at the Wall Jews from all countries, and as well as tourists of other religious backgrounds, go to pray at the wall, where many people believe that one immediately has the "ear of God." People who cannot pray at the wall can send in prayers or ask for the Kaddish, a specific Jewish prayer, to be said for departed loved ones. Prayers that are sent in are placed into the cracks of the walls and are called kvitelach. There might be a small charge for this service, depending on the person or organization that is providing the service. When the small pieces of papers become too numerous — more than 1 million are placed each year — they are removed and buried. The Wailing Wall can be visited at any time of the day. Visitors typically are thoroughly searched for security purposes. Women of any religion, out of respect for Judaic law, should wear modest clothing. There are separate entrances for men and women, although they can regroup at the Wall. When departing, the custom is walk backwards away from the Wall. On Saturdays, it is forbidden to enter the area with electronic devices, including cameras, which infringe on the sanctity of the Sabbath.

The Wailing Wall today The wall is considered to be a sacred site by Jews, and thousands of people make pilgrimages there each year. It also is a source of much dispute regarding its true history as well as a source of contention among Jews and Muslims, who consider it to be part of an ancient mosque.

Research task- Computer Room What is the Wailing wall? Who called it the wailing wall and why did they do this? What do the Jews believe the wall to have been part of? Why do they wail at the wall? What are they wailing about? How many layers of stone are there above and below ground? When do they believe it was built? Why do the Jews see it as important? What do Muslims believe about the wall? Which Muslim building is situated near the wall? What are the dimensions of the main section of the wall? Why do practicing Jews push paper between the cracks of the wall? How many pieces of paper are pushed into the wall each year? Are men and women kept separate at the wall? How should women dress when visiting the wall? What happens to the pieces of paper when they become too numerous? What are you not allowed to take to the wall on the Sabbath day? Why do you think people walk backwards away from the wall? What are you allowed to take away with you from the wall? What are you not allowed to take? Give an example of an argument or skirmish involving the wall and explain what happened and why? What would happen if someone drew graffiti on the wall? Why has the wall often been the centre of conflict? What significance does the wall have for “Zionists”? How do you think the controversies surrounding the wall could be solved?