Jews Revive Prayer at Eastern Wall of Temple Mount

A new initiative is seeing Jews return to pray at the Eastern Wall of the Temple Mount, a practice that began last weekend with the recitation of Selichot prayers and is scheduled to continue on Thursday night. Organizers state that the Eastern Wall predates the Western Wall and historically held greater significance for Jewish worship. They argue that there are currently no obstacles preventing prayer at this location, which is a short walk from the Western Wall.

The initiative cites the Mishnah, which states, "A person should not bow his head towards the Eastern Gate, which is aligned with the Holy of Holies." The main entrance to the Temple faced east, establishing the primary prayer direction from east to west. The organizers explained that while Jews have historically sought to pray at the Temple Mount, it was not always possible, leading them to pray at its various walls from different directions. They now aim to re-establish a Jewish presence and prayer at the Eastern Wall, asserting, "The people of Israel are returning also to the Eastern Wall, which is ancient and important."