Shalom! Part 2

One of my favorite sites in Israel is to go the Western Wall - also known as the Wailing Wall.





Here are the words posted at the security entrance to this holy site:

Jewish tradition teaches that the Temple Mount is the focal point of Creation.

In the Center of the mountain lies the “Foundation Stone” of the world.

Here Adam came into being.

Here Abraham, Isaac and Jacob served God.

The First and Second Temples were built upon this mountain.

The Ark of the Covenant was set upon the Foundation Stone itself.

Jerusalem was chosen by God as the dwelling place of the Shechinah.

David longed to build the Temple, and Solomon his son built the First Temple here about 3,000 years ago.

It was destroyed by Nevuchadnezzar of Babylon.

The Second Temple was rebuilt on its ruins seventy years later.

It was razed by the Roman legions over 1900 years ago.

The present Western Wall before you is a remnant of the western Temple Mount retaining wall.

Jews have prayed in its shadow for hundreds of years, an expression of their faith in the rebuilding of the Temple.

The Sages said about it: “The Divine Presence never moves from the Western Wall.”

The Temple Mount continues to be the focus of prayer for Jews all over the world.

“MY HOUSE IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER…FOR ALL PEOPLES” Isaiah 56:7

Technology today provides a way you can view the wall 24/7. Check it out HERE

Several members of our group actually placed prayer request upon pieces of paper and place them in the crevices in the wall.

A time of reflection which lead to tears tool place

as we had the privilege to walk the Via Dolorosa.

This is the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion and burial. The Via Dolorosa pilgrimage is followed by Christians of many denominations.

Here is a picture I took one one of the most beautiful paitings I have have ever seen. It brought tears to my eyes:

Consider ... The Via Dolorosa

More to follow ....