September 5, 2015

The Wailing Wall.

This has been so incredible to watch these different cultures and their devotion to God. Tonight we were given one hour to go observe the Jewish faith as they start their "Shabbat" or their Sabbath, that goes from Friday night to Saturday night. At the heart of the Old City, the Wailing Wall or the "Western Wall" is the only remains of the original Jewish temple that existed in Bible times. Jews from all over come to pray, sing praises, dance, and worship. Some men have tall dark hats with ringlettes of hair framing their faces, and some have the little Jewish "kipah" covering for their head, depending on whether they are an Orthodox Jew or another have another set of Jewish beliefs. All are dressed in very modest clothing with high neck lines, long sleeves and long pants or skirts they show their respect for God and their religion They have their prayer books in Hebrew that people of all ages read as they sit faces the wall. The wall is separated, with a place for men to worship of the left, and women on the right. People line the wall to wait their turn to touch the wall, say their prayers that they have written on pieces of paper, and then stuff their prayers into the cracks of the wall. Some even believe that as they face the wall, they are facing God.
I was in awe as I watched them. It was clear that they were serious about their worship, and that they loved God. I wanted an inside scoop, so I tried to talk to a girl who was reading from her prayer book. I knelt down next to her, smiled and said, "Bokair Tov," Hebrew for hello. The language barrier was obviously very thick and communication was rough, but I learned how to say good night and that she was 11 years old. I motioned for her to read in Hebrew from her prayer book, and she proudly read them to me. That language is fascinating! At this time another girl overheard the english I was speaking and chimed into the conversation. I wish I could remember her name. I asked her a few questions about what was going on. From what I could make out of her broken English, I understood that she was asking me why I was studying, and why of all places I chose the Holy Land. I told her simply that like her, I love God and want to worship Him. I told her that I admired her belief and I wanted SO bad to tell her about how God is so important to me and why I knew so. But, we cannot share our beliefs due to BYU policy. The girl made mention of our modest clothes, and started asking more questions that I wasn't allowed to answer. This girl was such a light! I could tell that she knew who she was, and that she had value in God's eyes. She was asking me inspired questions! She was trying to be a missionary to me! She should be a missionary! A sister one. When she's 19. After she's read the Book of Mormon. :) I was so impressed with her, and it made me think of my little sisters at home.
I left the wall with a feeling of appreciation. Even though it's hard for me to not share my beliefs to help these people, I am grateful that there are other people in this world that love God and are devoted. They have so much good about them, and will one day be prepared to receive more.