Notices from the Western Wall The Paratroopers Return to the Kotel For the first time since the pandemic erupted, about 300 Paratroopers came to the Western Wall for their exciting end of trainings. They were also divided into "capsules", as per Health Ministry regulations. Further details Baruch Dayan Ha'emett We share in the grief of the Sacks Family, and of the entire Jewish nation in Israel and around the world. Rabbi, Professor, and Lord Jonathan Sacks zz”l, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, passed away this past Shabbat. He told of coming to Israel immediately following the Six Day War. “I had come to study in Israel…and was standing on the newly rebuilt Hebrew University campus on Mount Scopus as the sun began to set, bathing the whole landscape in a divine radiance.As I found myself looking down on the Temple Mount, I recalled the famous story at the end of Masechet Makot, where Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues are looking down at the ruins of the Temple…As the rabbis wept, Rabbi Akiva smiled and laughed, and when asked how he could, Rabbi Akiva retold the two interlinked prophecies of Uriah – who foresaw the day when Jerusalem would be ruined – and Zachariah – who saw the day it would be rebuilt.Said Rabbi Akiva, until he saw the first prophecy fulfilled, he was not sure the second would be. Now he had seen the first prophecy fulfilled, he knew the second would one day also come true.I remember standing at almost that exact spot and being overwhelmed with emotion.For almost 2,000 years, Jews had waited for that moment, and ours was the generation that lived to see Jerusalem reunited and rebuilt…We had lived to see in person what our greatest prophets could only see in a vision.”Am Yisrael lost its most profound and articulate representative to the nations of the world. We long for the great people who are lost to us but who will never be forgotten Further details The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for prayer services during “gishmei bracha”, rains of blessing, at the Western Wall Plaza This morning (Monday), over 2,000 worshippers came to the Western Wall Plaza including worshippers of “netz” early morning prayers and bar mitzvah families who returned to celebrate bar mitzvahs and connect to our heritage here at the Western Wall, in the open air.The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for prayers amid the coronavirus restrictions even in the rain which began to fall last night. The Foundation set up prayer areas (capsules) in accordance with regulations and added coverings to allow for prayer services to continue unabated even in rainy weather. Further details First official and exciting visit since the end of the lockdown – Foreign Minister of Italy prays at the Western Wall Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Luigi Di Maio, came to the Western Wall for what was the first official and exciting visit since the end of the lockdown. He was greeted by the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav who prayed with him for peace in the world in the face of the coronavirus pandemic affecting us and the residents of his country who are currently in the midst of an additional wave of the virus. Rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz wished the Minister and his country, “May you be able to quickly recover from the situation your country has been facing with the eruption of the second wave of the virus. This is a difficult time for you and for the entire world, but with the power of prayer and faith, we can succeed.” The Rabbi also noted that, “Many European leaders have not come to the Western Wall for prayer in the past, and in the past two years, there has been a marked change and many leaders from Europe have come here, and I bless this change. It contributes toward peace among the nations.”Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Luigi Di Maio said, “Many in Italy and in general have changed their relationship with Israel after coming to visit here or after a visit of their leaders in Israel.” He added that as he said to his friend, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, “When the vaccine reaches Europe, we will also take care of our friends here in Israel. We are good friends of Israel’s and we will continue to support and assist it.”The Director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav presented the Jewish heritage and history of the site and told of the yearnings for Jerusalem throughout the generations. Minister Di Maio was very impressed and placed a note between the stones of the Western Wall. Further details Bar Mitzvahs - October 29th The Bar Mitzvahs at the Western Wall today, October 29th, are dedicated in honor (zechut) of Raymond Diwan's Bar Mitzvah Further details
Code of Conduct The Western Wall is a holy site. Please show respect to the site and those who pray here: Please refrain from eating, smoking, lighting candles and dress appropriately.On Jewish Sabbath and Holidays, refrain from using electronic devices, using amplification systems and taking pictures.
Interesting Facts The Western Wall Plaza hosts approximately 60,000 people. It symbolizes the Jewish link to Jerusalem and serves as the synagogue closest to the remains of both Holy Temples. The Western Wall's visible stones tell of its history from the time of the Holy Temples' ruin. The original Herodian stones are distinct from the others in size and in their unique borders. The building style of "grading" used when layering the Western Wall's stones, teaches us that the Temple Mount's walls were not perpendicular but marginally sloping.
Western Wall Tours The Chain of Generations A magical audio presentation that illustrates the chain of generations of the Jewish people and the eternal connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. Further details A Look into the Past An experience in virtual reality! A unique and fascinating experience - a virtual visit to the Second Temple. Further details The Western Wall Tunnels Come visit the ancient tunnels that reveal the wonders of ancient Jerusalem and reveal fascinating details about life in the city thousands of years ago. Further details The Journey to Jerusalem An exciting performance experiencing the yearning for Jerusalem. Join a virtual family tour. Further details Behind the Scenes New! An archaeological site that was recently opened for public visits. Further details
Hours of Operation The Western Wall Prayer Plaza is open every day of the year, twenty-four hours a day
Notice for Women's Section in Tunnels The women's section in the Western Wall Tunnels closes on Fridays at 13:00 and opens again about 15 minutes before Shabbat begins.
The Western Wall We all know that the Western Wall, the Kotel, is the most significant site in the world for the Jewish people. We know that it is the last remnant of our Temple.We also know that Jews from around the world gather here to pray.People write notes to G-d and place them between the ancient stones of the Wall.But did you know that...Many important events took place on Mount Moriah, know later as Temple Mount. Read more
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation brings you all the latest information about events that takes place in our capital city and especially in the Western Wall sites.Our mission is to preserve the heritage of Western Wall with activities, events and information for the public. You can book a tour of the Western Wall sites in Jerusalem and see It's hidden and wonderful parts that reflect the history of the Jewish people.
Nov 16, 2020 The Paratroopers Return to the Kotel For the first time since the pandemic erupted, about 300 Paratroopers came to the Western Wall for their exciting end of trainings. They were also divided into "capsules", as per Health Ministry regulations. Further details
Nov 09, 2020 Baruch Dayan Ha'emett We share in the grief of the Sacks Family, and of the entire Jewish nation in Israel and around the world. Rabbi, Professor, and Lord Jonathan Sacks zz”l, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, passed away this past Shabbat. He told of coming to Israel immediately following the Six Day War. “I had come to study in Israel…and was standing on the newly rebuilt Hebrew University campus on Mount Scopus as the sun began to set, bathing the whole landscape in a divine radiance.As I found myself looking down on the Temple Mount, I recalled the famous story at the end of Masechet Makot, where Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues are looking down at the ruins of the Temple…As the rabbis wept, Rabbi Akiva smiled and laughed, and when asked how he could, Rabbi Akiva retold the two interlinked prophecies of Uriah – who foresaw the day when Jerusalem would be ruined – and Zachariah – who saw the day it would be rebuilt.Said Rabbi Akiva, until he saw the first prophecy fulfilled, he was not sure the second would be. Now he had seen the first prophecy fulfilled, he knew the second would one day also come true.I remember standing at almost that exact spot and being overwhelmed with emotion.For almost 2,000 years, Jews had waited for that moment, and ours was the generation that lived to see Jerusalem reunited and rebuilt…We had lived to see in person what our greatest prophets could only see in a vision.”Am Yisrael lost its most profound and articulate representative to the nations of the world. We long for the great people who are lost to us but who will never be forgotten Further details
Nov 02, 2020 The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for prayer services during “gishmei bracha”, rains of blessing, at the Western Wall Plaza This morning (Monday), over 2,000 worshippers came to the Western Wall Plaza including worshippers of “netz” early morning prayers and bar mitzvah families who returned to celebrate bar mitzvahs and connect to our heritage here at the Western Wall, in the open air.The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for prayers amid the coronavirus restrictions even in the rain which began to fall last night. The Foundation set up prayer areas (capsules) in accordance with regulations and added coverings to allow for prayer services to continue unabated even in rainy weather. Further details
Oct 30, 2020 First official and exciting visit since the end of the lockdown – Foreign Minister of Italy prays at the Western Wall Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Luigi Di Maio, came to the Western Wall for what was the first official and exciting visit since the end of the lockdown. He was greeted by the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav who prayed with him for peace in the world in the face of the coronavirus pandemic affecting us and the residents of his country who are currently in the midst of an additional wave of the virus. Rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz wished the Minister and his country, “May you be able to quickly recover from the situation your country has been facing with the eruption of the second wave of the virus. This is a difficult time for you and for the entire world, but with the power of prayer and faith, we can succeed.” The Rabbi also noted that, “Many European leaders have not come to the Western Wall for prayer in the past, and in the past two years, there has been a marked change and many leaders from Europe have come here, and I bless this change. It contributes toward peace among the nations.”Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Luigi Di Maio said, “Many in Italy and in general have changed their relationship with Israel after coming to visit here or after a visit of their leaders in Israel.” He added that as he said to his friend, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, “When the vaccine reaches Europe, we will also take care of our friends here in Israel. We are good friends of Israel’s and we will continue to support and assist it.”The Director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav presented the Jewish heritage and history of the site and told of the yearnings for Jerusalem throughout the generations. Minister Di Maio was very impressed and placed a note between the stones of the Western Wall. Further details