On the 15th of Tamuz, we mark the yahrzeit of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, also known as the Or Hachayim after one of his books, a mekubal and Jewish legal authority.
The Or Hachayim was born in Morocco. He moved to Israel with his family and students at the age of 46. He settled in Jerusalem where he established the famous yeshiva – Yeshivat Knesset Yisrael. His books were famous in Jewish communities around the world.
His grave on Mount of Olives became a place where people from Jerusalem and elsewhere would go to pray during times of distress.
It is said that one of his students needed a miraculous redemption. Rabbi Chaim wrote a note and asked his student to place it between the stones of the Western Wall. This act is what apparently started the custom we have until today of putting notes between the stones of the Wall. Free wailing wall prayer request can be sent through the website.
The Foreign Minister of South Sudan visited the Western Wall
As part of his official visit to Israel, the Foreign Minister of South Sudan, Mr. Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba, visited the Western Wall Plaza.
5 Av 5785
July 30, 2025
