The Western Wall
The Western Wall, a sacred site in Jerusalem, is a remnant of the second Jewish Temple that is revered globally by Jews. Symbolizing Jewish resilience, many visit the wall for prayers and Bar-Mitzvah celebrations, some leaving handwritten notes in its crevices.
History of the Western Wall
The roots of the Western Wall trace back to King Solomon, who established the First Temple on Mount Moriah around 960 BC. This temple became the spiritual center of the Israelites and housed the Ark of the Covenant, but in 586 BC, the Babylonians destroyed it. Decades later, under the Persian rule of Cyrus the Great, Jews managed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. At the turn of the first century, King Herod the Great renovated and expanded the Temple. The Western Wall was initially constructed as one of the project’s retaining walls. Unfortunately, in the summer of the year 70 AD, Roman forces led by Titus conquered Jerusalem and destroyed it, including its Temple. A central part of the Western Wall, however, survived. Left visible on street level and made of massive stones, the Western Wall became a significant symbol of Jewish heritage and resilience.
The Western Wall from the Middle Ages to Modern Times
During the Middle Ages, the Muslims restored its upper levels to support the Temple Mount, which converted into a Muslim complex. By the 19th century, only 70 meters of the Western was accessible through a narrow alley. During the British Mandate period (1917-1947), Jewish rituals were restricted at the wall, and under Jordanian control (1948-1967), Jews were banned from reaching it. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli forces liberated Jerusalem’s Old City. Jewish access to the Western Wall was no longer restricted, and a plaza was formed in front of it to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Touring the Western Wall
Today, the Western Wall stands not only as an archaeological relic but also as a symbol of Jewish continuity, resilience, recovery, and modern independence. Jewish pilgrims from around the world gather here to pray and celebrate. Many will place handwritten notes in the wall’s crevices. On holidays and national events, big public assemblies take place in the plaza. Joining the crowds at special Jewish events in joyous singing and dancing in front of the Western Wall is a spiritual and exhilarating experience.
Setting a Bar-Mitzvah at the Western Wall
The Western Wall is also a popular destination for Bar-Mitzvah ceremonies. Many Jewish families gather at the Western Wall Plaza every Monday and Thursday to mark the joyful event of their boy turning 13. The peak of the event is handing candies after reading from the Torah. Some prefer setting the event in the less regulated section of the Western Wall called “Azrat Israel”. Set at the southern end of the Western Wall, it is a popular alternative for non-orthodox ceremonies.
Visiting the Western Wall can be integrated into a day tour of Jerusalem.