key term - Western Wall

Definition

The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is a sacred site in Jerusalem and the last remaining part of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. This wall holds profound religious significance for Jews as it is considered the closest accessible point to the Holy of Holies, the most sacred area of the ancient temple. The Western Wall has become a place of prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage for Jewish people around the world, symbolizing resilience and continuity in Jewish identity after the destruction of their temple.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Western Wall is a remnant of the Second Temple and has been a site of Jewish pilgrimage for centuries, especially since the temple's destruction.
2. It is customary for visitors to insert notes containing prayers or wishes into the cracks of the wall, a practice believed to carry those prayers to God.
3. During major Jewish holidays and special occasions, large gatherings occur at the Western Wall, emphasizing its role as a communal focal point for prayer and celebration.
4. The wall is approximately 187 feet long and 62 feet high, with various stones dating back to Herod's time making it an architectural marvel.
5. The Western Wall remains an enduring symbol of Jewish faith and endurance through historical challenges, particularly during periods of exile and persecution.

Review Questions

• How does the Western Wall serve as a symbol of Jewish identity after the destruction of the Second Temple?
  • The Western Wall stands as a powerful symbol of Jewish identity and resilience following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. It represents a physical connection to the past and serves as a reminder of both loss and continuity within Jewish tradition. By visiting and praying at this sacred site, Jewish people express their enduring faith and cultural identity, making it a focal point for communal gatherings and personal reflection.
• Discuss the historical significance of Herod's expansion of the Second Temple in relation to the Western Wall.
  • Herod's expansion transformed the Second Temple into an impressive architectural feat that not only elevated its status among religious sites but also contributed to what would later become the Western Wall. This expansion included extensive renovations and enhancements to create a grander temple complex, allowing it to accommodate larger crowds during religious festivals. The resulting Western Wall, as part of this monumental structure, has come to symbolize both historical grandeur and spiritual significance for Jews today.
• Evaluate the role of the Western Wall in contemporary Jewish religious practice and its implications for interfaith relations in Jerusalem.
  • The Western Wall plays a central role in contemporary Jewish religious practice as a site of prayer and pilgrimage. Its significance extends beyond individual devotion; it embodies collective memory and identity for Jews globally. However, its location in Jerusalem also raises complex interfaith dynamics due to its proximity to Islamic holy sites. As tensions arise over access and control, the wall serves as both a unifying symbol for Jews and a point of contention among diverse religious communities, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving mutual respect and understanding in Jerusalem.

Related terms

Second Temple:

The Second Temple was built in 516 BCE and stood until its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE, serving as a central place of worship for the Jewish people.

Herod's Expansion: A significant architectural project initiated by King Herod to enlarge and enhance the Second Temple complex, making it a grander site of worship before its destruction.

Tisha B'Av: An annual fast day in Judaism that commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, observed with mourning rituals that often include visits to the Western Wall.