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Temple Mount and Western Wall |
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The Temple Mount is the holiest place on earth for the Jewish people, despite the fact that the Temple was destroyed almost 2000 years ago. Because of its sanctity, Jewish people refrain from entering this holiest of sites. (There are, however, rabbis who permit walking in certain peripheral areas. Until the Mount was closed to non-Moslems 2 years ago, they permitted prayer in specific parts of Har HaBayit.)
The Western Wall has been revered throughout the ages as a remnant of the wall surrounding the Temple Mount and the wall closest to the Holy of Holies (Kodesh Kedoshim). Our rabbis teach that the Western Wall of the Temple Mount has remained standing for eternity because it was built by the poor.
Our neighborhood derives its unique atmosphere from its proximity to the Temple Mount and Western Wall. In Temple times there was a bridge that went over the valley and connected the upper city of Jerusalem with the Temple Mount. Part of this bridge can still be seen today. You can also see the original stairs which led up into the Temple at the Southern Wall excavations, as well as the marketplace that was frequented by pilgrims on their way to the Holy Temple. Several of the original entrance gates also remain.
Rabbi Kook said, "There are men with hearts of stone, and there are stones with the heart of man." Come visit and you will understand.
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