In an emotional and meaningful event, prayer notes that had been placed between the stones of the Western Wall over the past six months were removed yesterday morning (Sunday). This biannual event carries special significance this year, against the backdrop of the complex security situation. Presumably, many of the notes contain prayers for the safety of soldiers, the return of hostages, and the healing of the wounded.
The removal is conducted according to halachic guidelines, using gloves and disposable wooden tools. The goal is to make room for new notes as the upcoming holiday season approaches, when many visitors and worshippers are expected to come to the Wall.
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, personally oversaw the removal and offered a special prayer. “This year’s notes are filled with the tears of bereaved families, families of hostages, wounded soldiers, evacuated citizens, families of soldiers, and more,” said Rabbi Rabinowitz. He added the traditional prayer: “May the year and its curses come to an end, and may the new year bring blessings – grant peace in the land and unity among us, this is our shared request.”
The tradition of placing prayer notes in the Western Wall dates back to the 1740s to a Rabbi named the Ohr HaChaim who first wrote a prayer note to be placed in the Wall as a blessing to a student of his. Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the number of notes, especially from Israeli citizens. Many notes were sent from hospitals where IDF soldiers are being treated, expressing hope for the success of the soldiers, the return of the hostages, and the recovery of the wounded.
The notes come not only from Israel but from all over the world. On average, about 3,000 notes are sent each month through the website of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, from countries such as the U.S., Brazil, Russia, South Africa, India, and more.
The removed notes are collected in special bags designated for genizah (ritual burial of sacred texts) and will be buried along with worn-out holy books, according to Jewish tradition.
Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the removal of the notes symbolizes renewal and hope for a better year, as the prayers and wishes of thousands of people unite in the most sacred place in Judaism.
