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In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, tens of thousands of prayer notes were removed from the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The annual tradition, aimed at making space for new notes during the Jewish New Year, was conducted with halachic directives in mind.
The removal process was overseen by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites, and carried out with the utmost care and respect.
Approximately 20,000 notes from over 100 countries were received in the past six months alone, reflecting the Wall’s global significance as a sacred place of prayer.
Many Israeli citizens, in particular, have sent notes this year, often filled with prayers for peace, protection, and healing in a time of ongoing national turmoil.
The notes were removed by officials wearing gloves and using disposable wooden tools, ensuring compliance with Jewish law. After the removal, the notes were placed in special bags and are set to be buried alongside sacred texts in keeping with religious practices.
Prayers for Hostages, Soldiers, and Peace
Rabbi Rabinowitz, who personally oversaw the removal, used the occasion to pray for several pressing national concerns.
He prayed for the safe return of hostages, for the security of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and security personnel, for the recovery of the wounded, and for peace among Israel’s citizens.
He also honored those who sent their heartfelt prayers from around the world, including families mourning the loss of loved ones or worried about the fate of soldiers and civilians caught up in the ongoing conflict.
“This year’s notes are full of tears from bereaved families, families of hostages, wounded soldiers, evacuated civilians, soldiers’ families, and more,” Rabbi Rabinowitz said.
Reflecting on the collective pain and hope in the notes, he invoked a traditional passage recited during Rosh Hashanah, stating, “May a year and its curses end, may the New Year and its blessings begin.”
A Rise in Notes Amid National Crisis
The past year has seen a notable increase in the number of prayer notes sent to the Western Wall by Israeli citizens.
This rise is believed to reflect the mounting challenges Israel faces, from military operations to civilian evacuations, and the personal and collective struggles of its people.
The prayers left at the Wall, often written in moments of deep emotion, are a testament to the Wall’s enduring role as a place of solace and spiritual connection.
As the Jewish New Year approaches, the removal of the notes is a symbolic act of renewal, creating space for fresh prayers and hopes. Rabbi Rabinowitz concluded with a universal prayer: “Give peace in the land and unity among us is the request of all of us.”
The Western Wall remains a powerful site for both private devotion and public prayer, especially during times of national distress.
Each year, the removal of these prayer notes not only marks the beginning of a new year but also carries forward the hopes and fears of those who seek peace and protection for themselves and their loved ones.