Did you ever wonder when the custom to place notes between the stones of the Western Wall began?

The tradition began centuries ago. Rabbi Chaim Ben Atar, a renowned Kabbalist and Torah commentator, was known for his book “Or HaChaim,” which earned him the title “Or HaChaim Hakadosh.”
At the age of 49, Rabbi Chaim Ben Atar immigrated to Israel from Morocco and established a prominent yeshiva called Knesset Yisrael. According to tradition, when one of his students asked for his blessing, the Rabbi suggested that the student write down his request on a note and place it between the stones of the Western Wall. Since then, it has become customary to listen to this advice and to place notes with requests and blessings between the stones of the Western Wall.

Tonight, the 15th of Tammuz, marks the anniversary of the passing of the holy Or HaChaim, who is buried on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Western Wall along with the many notes that have been placed there over the years following him.