In Israel, when visiting the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem, people insert a wish note addressed to God, in the cracks between the stones of the wall. (Haven't been there for a long while, and I miss the site and all that goes along with it).
Western Wall - Jerusalem
women's prayer section at the Wall (older photo)
women's prayer section (a more recent photo)
Once a year, prior to the High Holidays (which start towards the end of this month), I visit the tombs of two spiritual figures, two righteous rabbis ; one buried in the cemetery of the mystical city of Zfat (Safed), and the other in a cemetery of a town adjacent to Tel Aviv.
I'm not a religious person, but I do believe in God and in the power of prayer. People pray at the grave of the righteous (tzadik) asking him to intercede in heaven on their behalf. Before leaving the spot I place a slip of paper by the tombstone asking, as is the tradition, for a good, successful upcoming new year.
At Zfat (Safed) cemetery; rabbi's covered tomb in the background
Men and women praying on opposite sides of the rabbi's tomb (Givatayim cemetery)
Slip of paper?! Well, I've seen people at the charming russian church of St. Nicolai in Sofia, placing.....whole letters in a wooden box by the tomb of Bishop Seraphim Sobolev, believed to be a miracle maker.
the russian church of St. Nicolai in Sofia
The marble sarcophagus of bishop Seraphim is in a crypt by the side of the church. The crypt is equipped with tables , chairs, pens and paper. People write their wish on paper, place the letter in the box by the tomb, light candles, and pray. Quite a sight! (Photography inside - not allowed). If you happen to be in Sofia, don't miss it!
As pretty as the outside was I am sure the inside was magnificent! I have heard of the prayer papers before....like your pics
ReplyDeleteYou mean the russian church in Sofia?
DeleteWell, the exterior is fascinating with 5 onion shaped gold plated domes; the interior however, is small, modest and rather dim. There are however, some interesting murals on the walls.
How wonderful it would be if good overcame evil once and forever. Wishful thinking on my part...but I won't stop wishing. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat wish! It will probably come true in an utopian world, not in our present world. But keep on wishing!
DeleteVery interesting. I've always felt that putting things in writing makes them more real. On the day of the Eclipse last month someone said that you were supposed to write down things you want to let go of. Bad habits, bad memories, negatives ideas or thoughts and that the change in electrical currents when the eclipse takes place. So I wrote things down and now I'm reminded to go and take a look at them and see if it worked. Nice post, great photos!
ReplyDeleteIndeed,I believe too that writing makes things more real and reliable.
DeleteAs for sun and moon eclipses, even though today people have acess to scientific info, myths and superstitions continue to surround
these celestial events.
Glad you liked my post.
What a lovely place, and ceremony. It's kinda like hubby's naturopathic immunity boosters. Not sure it works, but can't hurt!
ReplyDeleteWithout belief, there's no hope.
DeleteWhat a great inspiring place to visit, Duta! I've read about the wailing wall many times and like the idea of leaving a little note. And they definitely make it easy for a person to do so at St. Nicolai in Sofia.
ReplyDeleteThe power of prayer can be powerful indeed and is what is needed now for our friends and everyone in Florida in the path of Hurricane Irma.
Thanks for the post, very interesting. Have a great week ahead!
Thanks Pam, for your kind comment.
DeleteAt the Wailing Wall , and the other sites mentioned in my post, one feels elevated and 'embedded' in Faith.
All those in the path of the Hurricane are in our prayers ;they need God's help, as only God can protect them and minimize the damage.
My mum went to Jerusalem She loved it I will ask her if she put a note in the wall. I love that idea also the idea of writing a letter. Must do that one day
ReplyDeleteI suppose she's got some pictures of the sites she has visited in Jerusalem, including the Wailing Wall.
DeleteYes, good idea the wish note.
I love your stories and pictures. Indeed believing in higher power does give many comfort and peace of mind. I like the idea of leaving notes. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Angelina,
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
I totally agree with you on the reward one gets while believing in, and praying to a higher power.
Hi Duta! Reading your post I am reminded of so many scriptures about the power of prayer! It is so beautiful how God shows us through His word how much He desires us to seek Him and bring everything to Him in petition and prayer and to enter His courts with Thanksgiving and Praise. I will just share one that I love from Psalm 145,
ReplyDelete"The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Its a wonderful season to seek Him (as in all times!) and draw closer to Him and by doing that He tells us that He will draw near to us!! Blessings to you during this special time leading up to the High Holy Days!♡`Your face LORD, I seek`--from Psalms 27:8
Thanks Shayndel for your wonderful comment. You know so much about God, prayer, psalms, and you're so willing to share your knowledge with other people!
DeleteBlessings to you too, and a Happy New Year!
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI'd love a new place to make a wish. Spreading the hope around certainly can't hurt.
ReplyDeleteMake your wish at home; that's the best place, no intermediary, direct link to God. People do it often by lighting a candle and saying a prayer.
DeleteDuta, I think this is such a special tradition for the people to leave a note between the stones to God asking for that special something. There is a little shop that I go to that has a "prayer tree," and anyone can write a prayer on the card and hang it from the tree. I often do this when I visit the store. So many lovely traditions, and God hears all our prayers.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
The wish notes are indeed a lovely way of letting God know about our prayers and wishes.
DeleteThis would be some place I would love to visit, but never will. I always feel a "connection", though, DUTA, through your pictures and posts about these wonderful places in a far away world.
ReplyDeleteNever say never. Glad about your feeling 'connected' through my posts and picures.
DeleteI did not know this and found it fascinated. I especially love the old and new photo comparing the two!
ReplyDeleteIn the old photo, there's a closer look at the praying women, and there are also kids around, which makes the whole picture more human and authentic.
DeleteHigh Holy Days!♡`Your face LORD, I seek`--from Psalms 27:8
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