Over the weekend we visited the Kotel. I find this to be such an interesting and amazing place, not for religious regions but simply the people there. It seems like the severe gap betweens the different sects of Judaism clouds the fact that were all from the same religion. The Kotel provides a place for a diverse range of Jews. A person who's never been to temple, or an ultra orthodox can both find spirituality in the same place.
I fall more into the former side of the forementioned spectrum. I grew up in an area with a moderately sized Jewish community, attended a Reform synagogue (although primarily only on the High Holidays), and had a Bat-Mitzvah. For me to been praying along side some of the most God-fearing people on the planet was a completely new experience for me. At first, I was in shock. I didn't know what to do, nor how to conduct myself to avoid accidentally offending someone. I am grateful for my friends and madrichim who came with us, for they advised us on behavior for when we entered the Kotel grounds.
Our time at the Kotel seemed far too short, especially when I realize that there are people who spend hours there. I hope to the return to this holy site soon.
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