The Wailing Wall and Temple Mount
04-NOV-2008
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The Wailing Wall from the courtyard. The name “Wailing Wall” was introduced by the British in 1917 and was based on the reports of 19th century European travelers who often referred to the wall as the “wailing place of the Jews”.
04-NOV-2008
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You descend down a short ramp to reach the Wailing Wall. There are two areas along the Wall. One for men and a small area for women. I did not like the idea of a small area for women. The women's area was crowded and hard to find space at the wall. The men's area was active but not crowded. The wall is 105 feet tall from the bottom of its foundations. The construction made with smaller stones at the top is from a later date, starting about the 7th century.
04-NOV-2008
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A good look at the height of the wall.
04-NOV-2008
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Another view of the wall.
04-NOV-2008
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The women's area, you can see how crowded it is.
04-NOV-2008
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A group of Israeli solders posing for pictures, kids really. The wall is to the right of this picture.
04-NOV-2008
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A study area on the left hand side of the men's wall.
04-NOV-2008
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Me at the wall, I did pray. I said something to God, he (she?) was listening. I'll tell you in a few years what I asked for.
04-NOV-2008
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A good look at the study area adjacent to the men's wall.
04-NOV-2008
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Back up the incline to the courtyard. You could have fun with a wheelchair in a place like this.
04-NOV-2008
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We are looking at a part of the Wailing Wall that was built by Solomon and is much older. The Wailing Wall used in worship was built by Herod the Great. This part of the wall was built by Solomon in the 10th Century BC. Solomon was the son of King David. The Solomon construction is referred to as first temple.
04-NOV-2008
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A look down the southern side of Temple Mount. The Wailing Wall is to the left a few hundred feet. The Mount of Olives is in the background.
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