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The Western Wall is the last remaining structure of the Temple Mount, most of which was destroyed by the Romans 2000 years ago. The Temple was the center of Judaism. It is important to Jews because it was the site of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac, in Genesis ch.22). While the Temple stood, offerings were made there to God and His presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies and was manifested in a number of miracles (Mishna, Avos ch.5). It was where Jews would go three times a year to celebrate the holiest festivals(Deuteronomy ch.16). Even after the destruction of the Temple, the Temple Mount and adjacent Western ("Wailing") Wall, which still stands, is the holiest site in Judaism. It is hoped and prophesied (Ezekiel ch.40-44) that one day a third temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem and that the Messiah will come to it.
As a result of the historical connection between the Jewish people, God and the Holy Temple, the Western Wall is representative of the connection with the Divine. In addition, the Temple was seen as the source of Divine Law, as demonstrated in many Jewish prayers: "Ki miTziyon tetze Torah udvar Hashem miYerushalayim - From Zion comes the Torah and the Word of God from Jerusalem" (Isaiah 2:3), because the Sanhedrin of Torah-sages sat within the precincts of the Temple. The Temple is also representative of the Redemption of the Jewish people from their physical and spiritual exile, because this exile causes a melancholy that the Jewish people experience by being apart from God's presence. The Redemption, which Jews believe will be brought by the Messiah, will result in the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem and the rebuilt Temple within it.
According to ancient Hebrew tradition, the Temple Mount is the site where God took the very earth from which Adam, the first man, was formed. Read Genesis carefully: Adam was not created in the garden of Eden; he was TAKEN there. The Temple Mount, because it is the first place on Earth where the spirit of God dwelt, is considered sacred, and a direct link to God.
Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion and the Temple Mount has been its only holy site for 3000 years, ever since King Solomon built the first Jewish Temple there. The temple was destroyed by invading Babylonians and rebuilt at the same site about 2500 years ago. It was then destroyed again when the Romans conquered Judea about 2000 years ago, killing a million Jews. All Jews who value their heritage feel ties to the holy land, where so many of their people struggled for the freedom to practice Judaism. At the same time, Jews believe that all people should be welcome there, regardless of faith.
Jerusalem is the eternal Jewish city, and a symbol of a future time of peace. Jerusalem is also the focal point of prayer of the Jews. When they pray, wherever they are, they face towards Jerusalem and specifically the Temple Mount (Talmud, Berakhot 30a), with love and longing. For thousands of years we remembered our exile and prayed for its end. Now at least we can do so from "up close."
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What is the significance to Judaism of the Western Wall?
Ano Po
The Western Wall is a particularly sacred site to what religion?
The Western Wall is particularly sacred to the JUDAISM, the religion of the Jews.However, the general Temple Mount site, of which the Western Wall is just a part, is holy to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Which religion uses the western wall?
Judaism. The Western Wall is a Jewish Holy Site.
Where or what is judaism's sacred site?
the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
What are any deities or representations at the western wall?
The western wall has no visible deities or representations of deities; it just looks like a wall, built out of rather large blocks. The significance of the western wall is purely symbolic.
What monument is famous in judaism?
Judaism has historical monuments. Some are the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Sepulcher, the Burnt House, and the Western Wall.
Where do judaism religion pray?
A Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue, but Jews can pray anywhere.
Why is the Western Wall important to Christians?
The Western Wall is only important to Christians because it is part of the old Jewish Temple. It has little importance to Christians. Of far greater importance are the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Via Dolorosa.
Why do you think Jews come to the western wall even though it is a ruin?
It is a remnant of the holy temple. It is a holy site and Jews go there to pray. Often, people celebrate bar mitzvah's at the Western Wall.
What is the significance of the Jewish religion?
Judaism was the first religion to be monotheistic (believe in one god). Jesus and all the prophets of the first testament of the Bible were Jewish. Essentially, Judaism was the foundation of all the modern, western religions.
Sentences using the word western wall?
She is over by the western wall. Position yourself by the western wall. The tree by the western wall has fallen. He was found by the western wall. The western wall has caved in. We are going to meet by the western wall. Why weren't you by the western wall? We decided to paint the western wall green. The western wall is completely destroyed! He is by the western wall, that's where his sister was hiding. Pick the box by the western wall up. The western wall, the one with the tree that splits in two near it, has fallen. Why do you need sentences including the words "western wall"?
What are the main pilgrimage sites for Judaism?
While Judaism does not mandate pilgrimage to any site, many Jews willingly make the pilgrimage to the Western Wall because of the holiness with which Jews see the site.
