The Western Wall

I’ve walked by, seen, taken pictures at the Wailing Wall numerous times since my arrival into Israel. The wall is arguably the most holy site in all of Judaism. However, I’ve only prayed at the wall twice. I was at the wall today for the Festival of Shavuot (more about this later in the next blog entry), but there was no way I was going to get close to it today with 10,000 people between me and the wall!

The first time I went to the wall - I wrote down my prayer on a small sheet of paper, folded it a few times, put on my Yamaka (as a sign of devotion and submission to God, all those approaching the wall must have their head covered), and made my way to the wall.

But I couldn’t do it.

I stood at a distance from the wall. Afraid. I don’t really know why. After all, I’m not Jewish. The wall is just a wall. So what stopped me from approaching the wall? In some ways, I didn’t want to “belittle” it. Millions of people have approached this wall with reverence, awe, and respect. I should too. But more than that – I think it was the realization that I was somehow approaching something holy - something Other. I felt undeserving, unworthy, and unholy.

And then it hit me. Grace. It’s all about grace isn’t it? It is only through the LORD’s grace that we can approach Him and stand in His presence.

So, in that grace, I walked to the wall.

I don’t know how long I stood there. My head and hands against the wall. Praying.

Maybe I need to pray differently. Not haphazardly. Not full of meaningless words. No clichés. No mindless repetition. But to recognize that I am entering into a conversation, relationship, and the very presence of a Holy God. But more important than that, to recognize that through the grace of Jesus, I CAN enter into that presence.