Western Wall Rabbi Demands Return of Ancient 'To Trumpeting' Stone from Israel Museum

The Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites has formally requested that the Israel Museum transfer an ancient and rare stone inscribed with "To Trumpeting" back to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. This stone, dating from the Second Temple period, is one of four original stones from the Western Wall that were dispersed among various government institutions and museums in Jerusalem. The return of this stone would complete the restoration of all four stones to their original site.

The stone is particularly significant because it bears an inscription marking the location where trumpets were sounded to announce the start of the Sabbath and festivals, as described by the historian Josephus. While three of the four stones have already been returned, including one recently restored to the Western Wall area from the President's Residence following approval by the President of Israel on the eve of Tisha B'Av, this stone remains in the Israel Museum despite repeated official requests.

The Chief Rabbis of Israel and the Western Wall Rabbi, Shmuel Rabinovitch, have issued strong halachic rulings demanding the immediate return of the stones to their original sacred location. A formal letter to the museum emphasized that these stones originate from the Temple Mount area and cited a ruling from Rabbi Yitzhak Nissim from 55 years ago, stating that holy stones should not be displayed outside their original place. The Israel Antiquities Authority also questioned the legality of the stone's transfer to the museum and has requested its return.

Officials involved stress that returning this inscribed stone is not merely a logistical matter but a profound symbol of connection, sanctity, and historical rectification in accordance with Jewish law and heritage. Despite ongoing appeals from religious and archaeological authorities, the Israel Museum has so far refused to relinquish this highly significant artifact.