The kotel or Western Wall is one of the holiest places in all of Jerusalem for the Jewish people. As is such, people who visit here need to be respectful and behave properly.
But you may be wondering, what does proper behavior look like? Here are some guidelines to follow.
No Eating Here
Do not eat while you're at the kotel. The wall is considered a place of worship. It is not appropriate to eat inside of a cathedral, a chapel, a mosque, or synagogue. So, don't eat when you approach the wall, even if you aren't coming here to pray.
No Smoking or Lighting Candles
Smoking is prohibited at the kotel. While at some sacred places, lighting candles is appropriate, that is not the case at the kotel. Do not light any candles at all at this site. If you wish to leave a prayer for someone else, you are invited to write it on a slip of paper and slip it in between the stones on the wall.
Dress Appropriately
Women should have their legs and shoulders covered when they come to the kotel. Men need to have their heads covered, either with a yarmulke or a hat.
Do Not Bring Torah Scrolls
Torah scrolls are not actually allowed anywhere on the Western Wall Plaza, unless they have prior authorization from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
Do not bring any of the following into the Western Wall Complex.
- sharp objects
- musical instruments
- alcohol
- doves to be released
- signs of any kind
- animals, other than guide dogs
- shofar
- balloons or fireworks
- microphones or speakers
On the Jewish Sabbath and holidays, you must follow these additional guidelines
- Don't use electronic devices
- Don't use any kind of sound amplification devices
- Don't take pictures
- Don't write
Women and Men Stay Separated at the Wall
According to Jewish traditions, women and men do not worship next to each other. That's why there is a divider at the wall—one area is for men and the other area if for women. Be sure to go to your designated area when you approach the wall.
You may also notice that the men's area is much larger than the women's area at the wall. This was explained to our group by the guide on the Western Wall Tunnel Tour. She said, that according to Jewish beliefs, women are born at a higher spiritual plane than men. So, they do not have as many daily spiritual obligations as men. For instance, men are required to pray a certain number of times every day, and must do so often in the presence of a group of men. Women do not have this same obligation. They are invited to pray, but are not obligated to do so. Therefore, that's why there is a smaller area set up for women at the Wall. I found this explanation to be very interesting and beautiful—it negates any thought that this smaller space is a slight towards women.
Showing Respect
Regardless if you understand the reasoning behind these rules and guidelines, you should still be respectful enough to follow them. You would want the same kind of respect in a place that is important or sacred to you.
FAQ: Proper Etiquette at the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem
Q1: What is the Western Wall (Kotel), and why is it significant?The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is a revered site in Jerusalem for the Jewish people. It holds immense religious and cultural importance and is a place of worship and prayer.
Q2: How should I behave when visiting the Western Wall?Respectful behavior is crucial when visiting the Western Wall. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Q3: Can I eat at the Western Wall?No, eating is not appropriate at the Western Wall. Just like in places of worship like cathedrals, mosques, or synagogues, food should not be consumed at the Wall.
Q4: Can I smoke or light candles at the Western Wall?Smoking is not allowed at the Western Wall, and lighting candles is also prohibited. Instead of lighting candles, you can write your prayers on paper and place them between the stones.
Q5: How should I dress when visiting the Western Wall?Women should have their legs and shoulders covered, while men should cover their heads with a yarmulke or hat as a sign of respect.
Q6: Can I bring Torah scrolls to the Western Wall?Bringing Torah scrolls to the Western Wall Plaza is generally not allowed unless you have prior authorization from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
Q7: Are there items that I should not bring into the Western Wall Complex?Yes, certain items are prohibited in the Western Wall Complex, including sharp objects, musical instruments, alcohol, signs, animals (except guide dogs), and more. Check the guidelines before visiting.
Q8: Are there additional rules for the Jewish Sabbath and holidays?Yes, on the Jewish Sabbath and holidays, there are additional rules, including refraining from using electronic devices, sound amplification devices, photography, and writing.
Q9: How is worship separated for women and men at the Western Wall?Traditionally, women and men worship separately at the Western Wall. There is a divider, and each area is designated for one gender. Be sure to go to the correct area based on your gender.
Q10: Why is the women's area smaller than the men's area at the Western Wall?According to Jewish beliefs, women have fewer daily spiritual obligations than men. Therefore, the women's area is smaller, not as a slight, but based on these beliefs.
Q11: What is the overarching principle when visiting the Western Wall?Regardless of your understanding of the rules, showing respect is essential. Treat the Western Wall with the same reverence you would expect in a place important to you.
