My heart feels open.
Hot tears form.
I feel empty -
Of myself.
I feel full -
Of His love.
I am surprised by the unexpected rush of inspirational energy that washes over me.
I have just approached the Kotel, the Western Wall.
It's not just about the magnificent stones,
The hugeness,
The history hidden within each crevice.
It's not just about the variety of people,
Weeping, connecting,
Deep in prayer.
It's not just about the birds hovering above,
Who seem to soak in the prayers,
And carry them Upward.
It's more.
It's the place where Adam was created,
Where Avraham stood, willing to sacrifice Yitzchak,
Where Yaakov proclaimed "Zeh Shaar Hashamayim",
"This is the Gateway to Heaven."
That's it!
The Gateway to Heaven!
King David chose this spot to build the Holy Temple.
King Shlomo carried it out.
After 70 years of Babylonian exile,
The Second Temple was built here.
And of course the spot for the building
of the Third Holy Temple,
Which we await each day.
A Gateway to Heaven,
A Gate wide open,
Everyone here knows it,
As they make their way to touch the holy stones.
Around the world,
My brothers and sisters
Are facing this way,
As they pray.
So here I stand,
Feeling this intense energy,
With my very being.
Today, Rosh Chodesh Av -
A time when we mourn the destruction of the Temple,
And yearn for it's rebuilding.
I will pray.
And He will listen.
For the Heavens are open.
These stones have witnessed
More tears
Than I've ever imagined
Can flow.
The stones know
What we believe deep down.
That some really happy times await us
Right here,
May it be now.
Amen!