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The Jewish Pilgrimage


(My Jewish Learning, 2011) By 586 BCE, after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylon's and until the building of the Third Temple the centrality of pilgrimage to Jerusalem in Judaism discontinued and Jews were no longer obligated to make pilgrimages. The Romans did not allow Jewish pilgrims into the city, however according to the written version of the Jewish oral law, known as Talmud, some Jews secretly made their way to the site of the Temple anyway. (About.com Judaism, 2014) When Jews were again allowed into Jerusalem in the fifth century, Jerusalem once again witnessed an increase in the number of pilgrimages. .
             Today, Jews from many countries make periodic pilgrimages to Jerusalem, spending time at locations to connect with their one and only God, Adonai (my Lord), and who they believe not only created the universe, but with whom every Jew can have an individual and personal relationship. (British Broadcasting Corporation, 2014) The city has several important holy sites of which the "Western Wall" is undoubtedly the holiest. (Coleman & Elsner, 1995) For centuries pious Jews have gathered, prayed and grieved for the destruction and loss of the Temples – understandably the wall is also commonly referred to as the "Wailing Wall". Located at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount and built upon the foundations of Solomon's First Temple and the current remains of the Second Temple, this sacred wall also reminds Jews of their glorious past and a symbol of hope for the future. .
             (Sacred Destinations, 2005) .
             Orthodox Jews maintain that God gave the Torah, in its entirety, to Moses at Mount Sinai. They believe the Torah was never, and will never, be amended, and that Jews must observe all of its commandments. (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Australia, 2014) Praying at the Wall is the primary activity for Orthodox Jews, particularly men and with the belief that the divine presence is still resident in some ways behind the stones, they often place written prayers and petitions in the cracks in the walls.


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