Western Wall

Part of the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount, it was built by Herod the Great during his expansion of the Temple in 20 BCE. The wall became the Jews' chief place of pilgrimage during the Ottoman Period. In this period it become known as the "Wailing Wall", where Jews lamented the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in AD 70. This is still the closest site to the Temple where Jews can pray (many rabbis say Jews are currently forbidden by Jewish law from ascending the Temple Mount, and in any case secular and Muslim authorities do not allow Jews to pray on the Temple Mount). The plaza in front of the Wall is divided by a fence, with a large area for men on the left and a smaller area for women on the right. Anyone is allowed to approach the wall - complimentary kippahs are provide for men who come bare-headed, while shawls are provided for women who do not come appropriately dressed (shoulders, chest, midriff, and thighs covered). The wall acts as an outdoor synagogue with written prayers inserted into the crevices between the large stones. Photography is not allowed on the Sabbath (Friday night and Saturday until sundown). Monday and Thursday mornings many bar mitzvahs are held, drawing large crowds of families and guests. Friday night at sundown there is the welcoming of the Sabbath (Kabbalat Shabbat) which includes prayers, singing and dancing.