Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the Western Wall in Jerusalem underwent its biannual cleaning

Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the Western Wall in Jerusalem underwent its biannual cleaning, which involves removing the thousands of notes placed between its ancient stones. These notes, or “kvitlach,” are left by visitors from around the world, who tuck them into the crevices of the wall with prayers, wishes, and hopes. This tradition has become a meaningful practice for Jews and non-Jews alike, symbolizing a direct line to the divine.

The cleaning process is conducted with great care and respect. A team of workers, under the supervision of the Western Wall’s rabbi, uses wooden sticks to gently extract the notes from the cracks without damaging the centuries-old structure. The notes are then collected, and in keeping with Jewish tradition, they are treated as sacred texts. To respect their privacy and sanctity, the notes are buried in the Mount of Olives, one of Judaism’s most important cemeteries, rather than being disposed of.

This act of removing the notes is symbolic as it coincides with the High Holy Days, a period of introspection, prayer, and renewal in Judaism. By clearing the wall of the previous year’s prayers, space is made for new hopes and petitions, aligning with the theme of starting anew that Rosh Hashanah embodies. The cleaning serves as a reminder of the continual cycle of prayer and the ongoing connection between people and their faith, regardless of the global turmoil or personal challenges they may face.

This tradition highlights the enduring significance of the Western Wall as a spiritual center and a place where individuals from all walks of life come to express their deepest yearnings.