Jerusalem: Part 3

The Wailing Wall
Any pilgrimage to Jerusalem must include a stop at the Wailing Wall. This is one of the remaining walls from the Temple of Solomon and a heavily protected site. We went trough security, and I observed several armed guards and armed escorts...a reminder that we are in a place that is not only a religious destination, but also a place marked by violent struggle for power. However, we quickly dismissed thoughts of politics and focused on the spiritual impact of a place associated with religion from the beginning of recorded history. Yanek provided us with a small notebook on which we could write our wishes...and, as is tradition, walk up to the wall and stick the folded pieces of paper in the crevaces between the stones. For me, the moments I stood near the wall and touched the rocks that have held it up for millenia, were the most spiritual moments of this trip. I felt an overwhelming sense of history...and the human condition. I felt how small my life is and yet how large it could be. I felt connected to the world in a way that is much deeper than I allow myself to experience...and a very powerful feeling ran through my veins as I focused on the people that I love...my family, my friends...and people in general. Somehow, I felt that my wishes had a destination...and they were being heard. And that is a very interesting notion for someone who had proclaimed themselves a devout atheist for most of his life. Leave it to Jerusalem!

Jake also walked up to the wall and deposited his wishes...as did Yanek. It was a very personal time, that I expect was different for each of us.