Why Do Jewish People Put Notes in the Western Wall?
If you've ever been to the kotel or the Wailing (Western) Wall in Jerusalem, or even seen photos of it up close, you've probably noticed all the tiny bits of paper wedged into the cracks of the wall. What are these bits of crumpled up paper? Prayers.
This is a long-running Jewish tradition that has been traced back to the Midrashic teaching that "Divine Presence" never moved from the Wall. Jewish mysticism also teaches that all prayers ascend to heaven through the Temple Mount, in close proximity to the Western Wall. The Wall is considered to be the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray because the most sacred site in Jewish faith lies behind it!
This is such a popular tradition that in the modern era, there are even services that will go stick a note in the Wall for you! You can send a note/prayer through e-mail, fax, or text messaging and it will be printed out and placed in the Wall!
Twice a year the notes are removed and buried (which is considered to be a proper form of disposal) to make room for more.
Our purpose in sharing these tidbits is not to imply that these traditions have to be followed by believers in Jesus/Messianic Jews, but in order to help others better learn about and understand their Jewish neighbors and friends so that they can better build bridges and connections with them.