Discovering the Kotel

The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is a portion of the ancient limestone wall that formed part of the larger retaining wall of what is known in Judaism as the Temple Mount, where the 2nd Temple, also called Herod’s Temple, stood. 

It is considered today to be the holiest place where Jewish people are permitted to pray. Its holiness comes from its proximity to the location where the ancient Temple stood. 

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. So today the Western Wall is the closest that Jewish people can be to the original Temple Mount. 

Imagine what it would be like to visit this holy place for the very first time. This is what 29 college students from Sydney Australia got to experience 9 years ago

Related Articles

More From Heritage

Jewish Community of Kaifeng, China

Jewish Community of Kaifeng, China

The Jewish community of Kaifeng, a village in East Central China’s Henan Province roughly 600…
Jewish Community of Kaifeng, China
Photo: A Beautiful Story

A Beautiful Story

A Grandson of slaves, a boy was born in a poor neighborhood of New Orlean known as the "Back of…
A Beautiful Story

Jews in Sports

The Genesis Prize Foundation created the video "Jews in Sports" as shown below to honor Jewish…
Jews in Sports

The Adventure Of Shalom

Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. I know it, you know it, and most of the world knows the…
The Adventure Of Shalom

Verdi Terezin

A deep love of his country, a desire for his native Italy to be freed from foreign rule and…
Verdi Terezin

As a Little Child

I was not raised in a highly observant home. When I began to practice my faith, I soon…
As a Little Child
Cocaine

Jeff Persitz

Jeff Persitz has always been a type-A let’s go for it kind of person. From the time of his bar…
Jeff Persitz

Jewish Life in Arab Lands

This is what was lost when the Jews of Arab lands were pushed out of their homes and countries. 
Jewish Life in Arab Lands

Should Jews Get Tattoos?

People get tattoos for various reasons. Tattoos are often considered to be the symbol of a…
Should Jews Get Tattoos?

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation