The Jewish Shabbat (Sabbath) begins a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening. Tonight, sunset was 7:48 p.m. A group of us wanted to experience the beginning of Shabbat in person. So we had a quick dinner and headed out for the place to be, the Kotel (Western/Wailing Wall).

The Western Wall is the holiest site in Judaism. It is the last remaining part of the foundation walls upon which the Jerusalem Temple of the first century was built.

We joined throngs of people streaming toward the Kotel–families, packs of young people, older men and women moving slowly, grandchildren urging the along. There was excitement in the air, including some singing. The whole community was gathering for something special. 

Everyone went through an airport-like security screening to get admittance to the plaza. 

The closer we got to the Wall the more females spilt off from males–the prayer areas are separate. Singing and dancing came from both the men’s and women’s side. The area in front of the wall filled to overflowing. We were immersed in the joy of Sabbath celebration.

I think the closest experience we have in our protestant Christian tradition is the increase in worshippers at Christmas and Easter. Can you imagine an experience like this every week?