A Day in the Old City

Today, we explored the Old City in Jerusalem. After seeing the whole city from a viewpoint, we went into the Old City to see King David’s tomb. We went above the tomb and looked out over the city. This place above King David’s tomb was the closest that Israelis could get to the Western Wall before the Six Days War in 1967 when Israel pushed the Jordanian armies back to the Jordan River. We are very fortunate today to be able to pray at the Western Wall ourselves. 

As we continued to explore the city, we saw children playing soccer in a courtyard outside the school. At one point in time, the city of Jerusalem was completely destroyed by the Romans, which is quite a contrast to what it has become today. After its destruction, a group of Israelis went to see the aftermath and all began to cry except the Rabbi. The Rabbi began to laugh because there is a prophecy that says Jerusalem will be destroyed, and another prophecy that says children will play in the streets of Jerusalem. He was certain that since the prophecy about the destruction came true, children would again be able to play in the streets of Jerusalem. It was very powerful to see that true today. 

Finally, we got to go to the Western Wall. Since this is my first time in Israel, I have been looking forward to coming to the Western Wall for the entire trip. While writing my prayer, I became emotional while thinking about the things that meant the most to me in my life. I realized how lucky I am to be able to come to Israel and pray at the Western Wall, and I hope that my children and their children have that same opportunity. Looking at the other women who were praying at the wall, I understood the significance behind it. For many, this is a place where God is present and hears their prayers, and I am so fortunate to be able to add my prayer to the many who came before me.