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Jerusalem, where one can feel a special holiness in the air, this
sensitivity is most pronounced at the Wall.
At the Kotel, people pour out their hearts to G-d, in a variety of
languages, at all hours of the day and night. Minyanim, or prayer
quorums, are organized spontaneously throughout the day. Men in long black
Hassidic garb, Western tourists with slung cameras, hippies on world
adventures--all of these and more can be found mingling, finding solace,
questioning, or experiencing a religious high at the Wall. Even late into the
night and in the wee hours of the morning, whispered prayers can be heard.
For over two thousand years, since the destruction of the Holy Temple,
the Kotel HaMaaravi, Western Wall, had been the Jewish focal point for
prayer . When Jews pray, no matter where, in any synagogue or home, they face
the direction of this last standing remnant of the Temple. Tourists visiting
Israel from all over the world, feel compelled to experience the Kotel. In
Where the Holy Temple, Beit HaMikdash stood has always been
considered the "shortest route" to G-d's ear. Certainly, prayers said
in any part of the world will reach G-d. But it is said that "G-d's
Presence" in this world was situated specifically in this holy place. This
is, so to speak, G-d's abode. As such, petitions made in this place have less
"travel time" than petitions made elsewhere.
One tradition
going back hundreds of years is to place a prayer, written on a small piece of
paper, or Tzetel into a crack in the Wall. Many tears have been
shed as a "Tzetel" has been pressed into the Wall. Perhaps one is
asking for a speedy recovery for a sick person, another may be seeking his soul
mate, yet another may be asking for G-d's guidance for a personal problem. No
matter what the petition, a feeling that one's burdens are being shared and
will be alleviated, is often felt after the tzetel, with sincere prayer, is
inserted into the Wall.
If you would like, you may fill out the following form and have your own
petition inserted into a crack in the Wall. You may also request that Kaddish
(prayer for the departed) be said for a loved one, or for Torah learning
to be done in the "credit" of a specific person. Tehillim (psalms)
can also be said on your behalf. You may also request that a mishaberach (welfare prayer), prayer for a speedy
recovery, be said for someone click here.
