On Friday Night we went to the Kotel. It was a much anticipated visit for me, since I have been hearing about the wall my entire life. It was incredible- I was in shock by the beauty how surreal it all felt. Even though I was surrounded by people I didn't know, I felt at home, and like I belonged. We went to a spot on the opposite side of the wall where we could pray all together. We were still able to hear the men and (some) woman chanting on the other side. It was freezing outside, but I felt warm from being not just with my EIE Aviv 16 family, but from feeling like I was apart of something bigger than just myself. Even before entering the Kotel, we had to split up by genders, I know Israel is not as progressive as some countries, but I was displeased by how much gender inequality there was between men and woman at one of the most holy places in Jerusalem. The woman's side was half the size of the mens, and was also just a lot less fun. The men were having a party, and I was sad I couldn't join in. I tried to look in on the fun through the wholes in the separation bars, but I just felt like I was on the outside looking in. Nonetheless, I still felt apart of a Kehillah K'dusha.
On the woman's side of the wall, I saw 3 young girls (around 6-10) praying. It was inspiring to see such young girls take praying so seriously. On top of it all, they looked like they were having so much fun. This made me see that praying is what we make of it. I can choose to have fun and enjoy myself and make the most out of the experience just as those little girls did. At the end of it all, they walked away from the wall while still facing it, it was so cute! Me and my friends joined in and walked backwards too, although we bumped into some chairs, it felt life changing. The wall was definitely different than I expected, but I found it amazing nonetheless.
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