The Western Wall in Jerusalem is one of the most holy of places in the Jewish faith, especially for Orthodox Jews. Commonly knows as the “Wailing Wall,” it is the only thing that remains of the Temple Mt. where the second temple stood. It is not actually part of the temple, but a piece of the foundation that king Herod had built on Mt. Mariah. It is said that people come there to pray and mourn for the destruction of their temple in 70 A.D.
People from all over the world come to pray at this wall. They read the scriptures, pray, and leave handwritten prayers inside small holes in the wall itself. It is separated into two sections, a second for women and a section for men. I actually was able to squeeze my way thru the crowds to pray at the wall and leave my written pray. It was like nothing I have ever experience before. Women and young girls were weeping at the wall. Just crying their hearts out. From a very young age these little girls have been taught to come here to pray. I thought this experience would be make me feel super close to God. But it didn’t. I do not have to go to a wall to talk to God. I was humbled though to be at a place that people find so holy that they spend hours there and cross oceans to visit this place. My heart was moved to pray for all the women at the wall. They are praying so hard that God will deliver them and bring the messiah. My heart breaks for them because their eyes have been closed to the truth. The Messiah has come and He is waiting for their return. He is wanting for the return of His chosen people, those women who stood beside me at the wall.
I have these images can portray at least a glimpse of the emotion and longing that I experienced at the wall.
The view from at the wall looking back. The place was so crowed and it was late at night.
Young girls reading the Torah.
A member of our team putting prayers into the wall.
My pray list in the wall.
The side of the wall for men only.
Families outside the wall. This little boys eyes just spoke to me.
This picture of this old women gives me chills. I just don’t think words can explain how it makes me feel.
Come back tomorrow to see more image from Israel.
Shalom!
Jenn Mejia - Renee~
Thank you so much for these pictures… I am overwhelmed looking at them! They are amazing…. absolutely amazing. I am so happy you could go. It has ministered to me tremendously, just through the pictures. Your photography is not only a talent but a ministry as well! I don’t even have the words to describe how it makes me feel to see these of the Holy Land. God is good and Jesus LIVES!! Love you!
Jenn
shelly purpura - you have captured the heart of so many people in your photos. they alone tell the story of people who have recieved the messiah and those who continue to wait. awesome job! hopefully with a little help I can get my pictures downloaded. love you sister
Lauren Z - So awesome. The one of the old woman speaks to me too. Intriguing. What a cool place. I also love the “macro-ish” shot of the wall with the prayer in it. It makes me study it for a while…love that.
Jenny - Wow this is a very sad concept. I truly feel saddness for these people…I can’t imagine what it would have been like to be there to actually witness this! Great pics, and thanks for the story. I never knew this wall existed.