What do they wail about at the wailing wall?

Answer 1

There is no such thing as a Wailing Wall. This is a misnomer invented by non-Jews who didn't understand the Jewish style of prayer, and thought the people were wailing.

the Western Wall, or Kotel, is a Jewish site located in the old city of Jerusalem. Just over half the wall, including it's 17 courses located below street level, dates from the end of the second temple period, being constructed around 19 BCE by Herod the great. The remaining layers were added from the 7th century onwards.

Answer 2

The Wailing Wall or Kotel is the holiest Jewish site - nothing to do with Islam. It is the last remaining wall of the second temple in Jerusalem. Jews pray there. Muslims and people of other faiths are very welcome to do the same. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer 3

First, the correct term for the location is the Western Wall. The term 'Wailling Wall' was used by the British as an insult to Jews.

Second, Jews visit the wailing wall to pray as it is the last remnant of the Second Temple. Many non-Jews also visit the Wall.

Answer 4

Nobody wails about anything at the Western Wall. The term "Wailing Wall' came about due to the fact that Jewish prayer sounded a lot like wailing to ignorant Christian explorers.

Jews pray at the Western Wall for the same things that the pray about in a synagogue such as peace, long life, vitality, and the coming of the Messiah. Jews also thank God for the numerous blessings he bestowed upon them.

Answer 5

Private prayer is welcome at all times, and some people write requests on slips of paper and stuff them into cracks in the wall. The plaza in front of the wall also serves as a synagogue, so at the times of day when Jewish tradition calls for organized communal prayers, congregations will gather for the full liturgy for the appropriate time. The plaza is big enough that multiple congregations can pray. Some families come to the wall for bar mitzvah celebrations.