Holy Land Friday 26th October (evening) - Shabbat at the Western Wall

This evening is Shabbat or Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest. Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. Once the groceries had been gotten James took us on a walk to the Western Wall through the Old City via Ben Yehuda Street. In the Old City I had no idea where to look, alleyways, shops, people in vast numbers. Keeping an eye on who was in front and we were following to the wall was very difficult.

On the way to the Western Wall

There was a long queue to get into the wall plaza, then through security, what a site, what a noise, what an atmosphere. The Western Wall is a sacred prayer site for millions of people of faith around the world. It was also said in the books of Tanakh (Midrash Raba 2,2)  that the Divine Presence never leaves the Western Wall. I would agree with that statement. Every male has to wear a Kippah, these were supplied thankfully. People here were extremely friendly and asked if we were Jewish, this was something to do with doing good deeds (research when get home), when I replied I wasn't Jewish I was welcomed to the wall, it was open to all. I spent time praying at the wall and then moved inside to a section of the wall that was covered here it was different, lots of Orthodox Jews reciting scripture and then it erupted in to song, chants glorifying God and it was infectious.

I had to join in, it was a truly great night and God was most definitely there – Amazing!! 

The Western Wall 

It seems the women's section of the wall was also in fine voice, they had celebrations in progress, I believe a Bat Mitzvah, the Jewish coming of age ritual for girls. 

A great evening, one I will never forget. There is something truly special here. The evening ended with all the group at Rina's and a Shabbat meal. The lighting of the candles is done by the woman of the house in this case Ruth lit the candles. Prayer for Jerusalem, for Jews and Muslims to open their eyes and soften their hearts to Jesus.

Shabbat Overview

Beth had done a great job and was an Angel (Ruth's words)

Prayer: Thanks to God for a blessed day, full of different experiences and emotions.

Good Night!!