Introduction
The Western Wall, also known as “the Kotel,” is one of the remnants of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is a wall that encloses the sacred Temple Mount and served as a retaining wall for the artificial platform of the Temple Mount built during the reign of King Herod over 2,000 years ago.
Historical Background
After the Exodus from Egypt and the entry of the Israelites into the Land of Israel, the location of the Temple was not yet revealed. In the desert, the Israelites were told that the Temple would be established “in the place which the Lord will choose.”
After approximately 400 years during which the temporary Tabernacle served as the holy place, the location chosen by God for His presence was revealed – Jerusalem.
During the period of the First Temple, and most of the Second Temple period, the Temple stood on the peak of a natural mountain – Mount Moriah. The sacred area was clearly defined but not by massive walls.
The major change occurred during the reign of King Herod about 2,050 years ago. Herod was a cruel king who executed many people, including many of Israel’s sages. After a conversation with the sage Baba Ben Buta, Herod decided to atone for his actions. Following the sage’s advice, Herod decided to beautify the Temple. Funded by Herod, the Jews began the construction project.
The Construction Process
To create a magnificent complex, it was decided to create a flat platform across the entire Temple Mount and to expand the mountain northward and southward. For this purpose, four massive walls were built to support the artificial plaza. These walls were constructed from very large stones, some weighing tens of tons. These stones were precisely cut and placed one on top of the other without mortar. One of these walls is the Western Wall. The total length of the Western Wall is about 488 meters, of which only about 57 meters are visible above ground today in what is termed “The Western Wall Plaza”.
After creating the artificial platform, a magnificent Temple was built on the peak of the mountain, of which it was said: “He who has not seen Herod’s building has never seen a beautiful building in his life.” (Baba Batra 3b)
Later Renovation Stages
After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the upper parts of the Western Wall were destroyed. Over the different periods that followed, especially during the Roman and Muslim periods, the wall underwent various renovations and restorations.
A significant change occurred here about 700 years ago. As part of a massive project to build a new neighborhood in the Muslim Quarter, most of the Western Wall was concealed. Thus, only what we see today above-ground remained exposed.
One of the last renovations was done about 500 years ago during the Ottoman rule when the Western Wall was made a few meters higher with much smaller stones than the original ones.
Significance of the Wall After the Temple’s Destruction
Just as in the Temple itself, the most sacred area was in the westernmost part of the structure, so in the absence of the Temple, the Divine Presence has never left the Western Wall.
After the destruction of the Second Temple, the Western Wall became a place for the Jewish nation to pray and mourn the destruction. The Wall symbolizes the deep connection of the Jewish people to the Temple site and the hope to rebuild Jerusalem.
The Wall Today
After the Six-Day War in 1967, when the Old City of Jerusalem was liberated and returned to Israeli sovereignty, extensive renovations were carried out around the Wall. A large prayer plaza was established, allowing thousands of visitors to pray simultaneously. Additionally, other parts of the Wall were exposed, and archaeological excavations added to the historical knowledge of the site.
Summary
The Western Wall, originally built around 2,000 years ago, remains one of the central symbols of Judaism and the spiritual and historical connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. The Wall continues to be a pilgrimage and prayer site, a symbol of faith, remembrance of the past, and hope for the future.
