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!
