0
The Western Wall is the last remaining structure of the Temple Mount (not the Temple itself), 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 the 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."
See also:
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Where is western wall?
The Western wall is located on the western side of the temple mount (called the Western Wall Plaza), in the heart of old Jerusalem.
Where did the wall come from?
First, the correct name is the Western Wall. The term Wailing Wall was used by the British as an insult to Jews. Second, the Western Wall, which is located in Jerusalem, is the last remaining section of the wall that surrounded the Second Temple.
Where is the western wall?
The Western Wall is located in JERUSALEM, ISRAEL.For more clarity on the status of Jerusalem, please see the Related Question: What is the status of Jerusalem?
What is the holiest place in the world for Jews?
Jerusalem. Particularly the Kotel (Western/Wailing Wall) the remains of the second temple.
What was the last remnant of the Temple in Jerusalem?
The last remnant of the Temple IS the Western Wall.
What is all that is left of Solomon's temple?
The western wall in Jerusalem.
Who destroyed the western wall?
Actually, the western wall was the standing remnant of the Jewish temple complex that stood in ancient Israel (Judea). The Romans destroyed the temple, but the western wall which is still standing today in Jerusalem, remained standing. Today, it is a place of prayer for Jews.
Was the Jewish temple In Syria?
No, it was in Jerusalem, where a retaining wall still stands (the Western Wall).
Why is The Western wall of Jerusalem?
Because it is part of the structure of the Temple Mount which housed the Holy Temple.
Where did the Jews build there 2nd temple?
On the site where the first temple had stood, in Jerusalem. The Romans destroyed the second temple in A.D 70, but one wall, the Western or Wailing Wall, still remains and is an extremely holy site for Jews. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Which wall is the wall of Jewish temple in Jerusalem?
The wall variously known as the Wailing Wall or the Western Wall was built by King Herod as a retaining wall for the west side of the platform surrounding the Temple -- part of Herod's extensive remodeling of the Temple. It was the outermost wall dividing the Temple from the city of Jerusalem, and in the time when the Temple stood, it had no great importance except as physical support for the Temple grounds. The Romans destroyed the Temple, but in failing to destroy the Western Wall, they left it to become a monument to the Temple, hence its modern sacred status.
Who made the Western Wall?
The Western Wall, formerly called the Wailing Wall, was made by the ancient Israelites. It is an outer wall (and the last remnant) of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
