The
Sabbath Walk to the Western Wall --
An Ancient Custom Interrupted for 19
Years
Jews at
Western Wall (circa 1917). Note presence of women, Ashkenazi Jews with the fur hats, and Sephardi Jews with the fez. |
From the earliest days of photography, the Western Wall
has been a favorite subject for photographers. The Wall or Kotel was
always a magnet for Jews who came to pray at the remnant of the Temple retaining
wall. On the other side of that Wall once stood the Holy of
Holies.
During Arab riots in the 1920s and during the Arab revolt (1936- 1939) Jews were often attacked in the Old City.
During Arab riots in the 1920s and during the Arab revolt (1936- 1939) Jews were often attacked in the Old City.
Orthodox Jews on
the way to the Western Wall (1934-39) and here |
That's why this set of the American Colony's photographs of the Old City is so unusual. It shows Jews walking to the Western Wall between 1934 and 1939 "on their usual Sabbath* walk to the Wailing Wall," according to the caption.
The subjects hide their faces because of their desire to avoid being photographed on the Sabbath.
That's why this set of the American Colony's photographs of the Old City is so unusual. It shows Jews walking to the Western Wall between 1934 and 1939 "on their usual Sabbath* walk to the Wailing Wall," according to the caption.
The subjects hide their faces because of their desire to avoid being photographed on the Sabbath.
Little girl at "Jews wailing place" (1934-39) |
Possibly because of the dangers there are few women or non-Orthodox worshipers in this set of pictures. Yet, one little blond girl appears in two of the pictures.
Little Jewish
girl walking in the Old City (in circle) |
Click on picture to enlarge.
To maintain order in the Old City, the British police established gun positions and built walls to separate Arabs from the Jews. In 1929 and again in 1939 the British evacuated Jews from the Old City.
To maintain order in the Old City, the British police established gun positions and built walls to separate Arabs from the Jews. In 1929 and again in 1939 the British evacuated Jews from the Old City.
"Sand
bags used by police in Jewish Street" in the Old City |
Sealed passageway in the Old City and here |
But the American Colony photographers still found pious Jews who continued to flock to the Western Wall, and their pictures are presented here.
But the American Colony photographers still found pious Jews who continued to flock to the Western Wall, and their pictures are presented here.
Jews in
the Old City, walking back from prayers at the Western Wall (1934-1939) and here |
Sabbath walk in the Old City and here |
The Western
Wall deserted during visit of British General, 1936 "Palestine Disturbances" |
In 1948, the Jordanian Legion captured the Old City of Jerusalem, imprisoned or expelled all of the Jews, and destroyed the Jewish Quarter. Jews were not permitted to visit the Western Wall until 1967 when the Israel Defense Forces reunited the city.
*(Actually, the pictures were probably taken on a Jewish festival. Many of the worshippers are carrying prayer books and bags which some wouldn't normally do on the Sabbath.)
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Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your head from the Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach.
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA