What is the Western Wall?

ReligionForBreakfast7 minutes read

The Western Wall in Jerusalem is a significant Jewish sacred site built by King Herod the Great, showcasing historical layers from various periods, extending almost 500 meters with parts underground in the Western Wall tunnels. Millions of visitors, especially Jews, gather at the Western Wall annually due to its proximity to the former Temple of Jerusalem's Holy of Holies, with access expanding since the founding of the State of Israel.

Insights

  • The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, holds historical significance as a site built by King Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE, featuring layers of construction from different eras including Herodian, Umayyad, and later Islamic periods.
  • Jews congregate at the Western Wall due to its proximity to the Holy of Holies, the holiest Jewish site within the former Temple of Jerusalem, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, attracting millions of visitors annually, particularly during important pilgrimage holidays like Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Western Wall?

    A sacred Jewish site in Jerusalem.

  • How long is the Western Wall?

    Almost 500 meters in length.

  • Why do Jews gather at the Western Wall?

    Due to its proximity to the Holy of Holies.

  • What changes has the Western Wall undergone?

    Access has expanded since the founding of Israel.

  • When do visitors flock to the Western Wall?

    Especially during pilgrimage holidays.

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Summary

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Historical significance of the Western Wall

  • The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is a significant Jewish sacred site in Jerusalem, part of the Western retaining wall of the Temple Mount platform built by King Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE.
  • The Western Wall is a historical layer cake, showcasing Herodian era blocks at the bottom, Umayyad period blocks from the 7th and 8th centuries, and smaller stones from later Islamic periods.
  • The entire length of the Western Wall extends almost 500 meters, with parts underground due to the old city's higher street level, visible in the Western Wall tunnels where large stones can be found.
  • Jews gather at the Western Wall due to its proximity to the Holy of Holies, the holiest site for Jews, located within the former Temple of Jerusalem before its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE.
  • The Western Wall has undergone changes over the years, with access expanding since the founding of the State of Israel, attracting millions of visitors annually, especially during pilgrimage holidays like Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot.
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