Updates from the Western Wall - Page 56 of 143

Rules of conduct at the Western Wall in accordance with Health Ministry regulations

With the end of the lockdown and the removal of the 1 kilometer restriction, the Western

17 Adar 5781

March 1, 2021

Between the sacred and the mundane: The largest collection of ancient dice found in Israel – near the Western Wall

Use of dice for board games was very common in Roman times. This finding teaches

12 Adar 5781

February 24, 2021

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the health of the Western Wall stones is also being cared for

Israel Antiquities Authority conservator: The non-invasive measures are protecting the Western Wall from the ravages

10 Adar 5781

February 22, 2021

The Eternal Battle between Optimism and Pessimism

Purim 5781

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites

Purim, the happiest day in the Jewish calendar, marks historic events that took place 2,500 years ago in the Persian empire. In short: A senior minister in the empire quarreled with another minister. The problem was that one was from the seed of Amalek and the other was a Jew, making the quarrel both historic and religious. Mordechai, the Jewish minister, refused to bow down to Haman, the Amalek minister, leading to Haman deciding to destroy the entire Jewish nation. This planned genocide had already gotten the approval of the Persian king, Achashverosh, and letters about it were sent throughout the empire. Only due to the involvement of Queen Esther, who was a relative of Mordechai’s, did the Persian king change his mind, hang Haman, and allow the Jews in the empire to defend themselves.

9 Adar 5781

February 21, 2021

Snow last night at the Western Wall Plaza – view gallery

5 Adar 5781

February 17, 2021

We Grow and Pray – Tu Bishvat

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites

Tu Bishvat, the 15^th of the month of Shvat, is this Thursday. It is a holiday referred to in ancient sources as the “New Year for Trees.” This name expresses the concept that this day marks the beginning of a new year for the fruits of a tree growing in the Land of Israel. Love of the Land of Israel and of nature made this day particularly loved by the Jewish nation in Israel and abroad. It is customary on this day to eat from the fruits of the Land of Israel and focus on the connection between the Jewish nation and its homeland.

15 Shevat 5781

January 28, 2021