Slice of Life Photography by Michael Dubiner

The Guardians of the Wall

These photographs and essay were part of a four month exhibition at the Kaplan Jewish Community Center, West Palm Beach, FL, in 2003

Many years ago, I saw a captivating photograph of the Wailing Wall. Unlike most photographs of the Wall, which Israeli's call the Kotel, this one was taken at night when it was deserted. There was a mystery and beauty in the deep tones and contrasts of the black and white print. I vowed that one day, I would visit the Wall during the day and at night and take photographs which would capture some of it's flavor and essence.

Solitary prayer at the Wall.

My photographic opportunity came this past year. I traveled to Israel after a heart wrenching visit to my Mother's birthplace and several concentration camps in Poland. After my tear filled visit to Poland, I was able to fulfill my pledge to photograph the Kotel, the heart of Judaism.

The Wailing Wall is actually a small portion of what remains of the outer retaining wall surrounding the Second Temple in Jerusalem. King Solomon built the First Temple in the 10th century BCE. It was destroyed in 586 BCE by the Babylonians The Second Temple was built on the same ground in 516 BCE and was vastly enlargedand beautified by Herod in 20 BCE. The Temple was again


destroyed, this time by the Romans in 70 CE. All that is left of the vast Temple structure are portions of the retaining walls.

The Wailing Wall is made up of three distinct layers of stones, the larger at the bottom and smaller at the top. They were placed there during different archeological periods.

For historical and religious reasons, the much visited and photographed section of the remaining retaining walls, the Kotel, is the closest thing in Judaism to a shrine. Jews from all over the world flock there to pray and meditate. Many insert notes into cracks and crevices in the Wall, seeking divine guidance or assistance.

Even during a security sweep, the pious pray in sight of the Wall.
A part of the southern retaining wall was exposed during excavations in the 1970s. There is another part of the retaining wall to the right as one faces the Kotel, near what is now referred to as The Robinson Arch. Additionally, a section of the western retaining wall over 1,000 feet long exists underground, to the north of the Kotel. The area has been excavated and is now accessible through the controversial Western Wall Tunnel. The Tunnel contains Roman and Medieval structures. There are vaults and walls decorated with pilasters. Water once traveled along an aqueduct and was stored in cisterns and a reservoir,

parts of which still remain in the Tunnel, adjacent to the wall. A short section of paved road still exists as well. The wall and other structures in this area are underground because rubble, garbage and the remains of long destroyed buildings gradually filled the area to the immediate west of the former Temple.

The only time day or night that there is no prayer at the Kotel is during the frequent security sweeps by the Israeli military and police. Even then, the faithful maintain a vigil and pray outside the police barriers, remaining in sight of the Kotel.