Western Wall

　　    Introduction         For Jews, the holiest site in the Old City of Jerusalem is the Temple built over 3,000 years ago by King Solomon to house the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments. The Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians and later by the Romans, and now only the outer walls remain. The lowest foundation stones on the western side were constructed during the reign of Herod, while the upper ashlars were added during the Byzantine and Islamic periods. The Western Wall, originally referred to as "Occidental" in Latin, meaning the Wall of the West, was thought by Europeans in early centuries to mark the edge of Europe, with this wall serving as the boundary between Europe and Asia.            For many generations, Jews exiled around the world have returned to this wall, which symbolizes their faith and suffering, to pray quietly, mourning the lost glory and the trials of their people’s history — hence it became known as the Western Wall or Wailing Wall.            The Western Wall is about 20 meters high and 50 meters long, with a divider screen in the middle. Men and women pray in separate areas. Before approaching the wall, men are required to cover their heads with a traditional skullcap; if they do not have one, paper kippahs are provided at the entrance. Many worshippers linger, placing their hands on the wall, reciting prayers, or slipping small pieces of paper with written prayers into the cracks between the stones. Over millennia of wind, rain, and touch from countless pilgrims, the stones of the Wall have taken on a soft glow, as if whispering with sorrow.   

　　 Jerusalem, Palestine