Jerusalem The Wailing Wall

2Chr 5:13 (KJS) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;
14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

The West wall of the Temple Mount is said to be what was left of Solomon's original Temple after it destruction.

Left: The Southwest corner of the Temple Mount. Just to the right and at the bottom of the picture you will see some of the ruins of the original temple. All around this temple people built their houses. It was at this corner, high above everything, that the priest stood and blew the Shofar to call people to prayer. In the background you will see part of the Mount of Olives.

Left: The "West Wailing Wall" Here many events take place. On this day was the celebration of two events. First, the new recruits of the Israel army had just finished their 100 mile march, non-stop. There were hundreds of soldiers all cheering and throwing their hats in the air. Look close at the left center and you will see about one hundred of them. A thundering noise that will put excitement in your soul.

I was privileged to watch the boys prepare from the room at the back of the picture. The entrance at the back of the picture is where the Rabbis and boys prepare to read and sing.

Left: Also on this day many 13 year old boys, even from the United States, were having their Bar Mitzvah. This ceremony, according to tradition, is when a boy takes on the responsibilities of his own actions and becomes a man in every right. It is quite a large event in the boys life, the whole family takes part. All the mothers would cheer the boys on while the fathers would help the boys prepare. I wish I could bring the sounds of this also, but computer space prevents this.

Left: The Torah. All men are required to be covered while praying at the wall. All men are required to be covered while reading the Torah or hearing it read. I still have my prayer shawl and hat that I bought while I was there.

Left: The West Wailing Wall or the wall of prayer. The guy in the bright yellow shirt is my buddy, Pastor Steve Hayes. We both had quite an experience at the wall and felt the presence of God there. This spot was very important to me. I got to know the Lord in a new way that day. Hundreds of prayers are put into the cracks of the walls. There is even a place you can send your prayer and they will put it in the wall for you. More about Solomon's Temple