Sun Sep 15 14:20:51 UTC 2024: ## Western Wall Notes Removed Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Buried With Sacred Texts
**Jerusalem, Israel** – Tens of thousands of prayers and wishes written on paper slips, known as “Kvitlach,” have been removed from the Western Wall ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The removal, carried out in accordance with religious guidelines, made space for a fresh batch of notes sent from over 100 countries in the past six months.
Officials used gloves and disposable wooden tools to carefully remove the notes, which were collected in special bags and will be buried with sacred texts. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, personally oversaw the process and offered prayers for the safe return of hostages, the protection of IDF soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and peace for the people of Israel.
“This year’s notes are filled with tears from bereaved families, families of hostages, wounded soldiers, evacuated civilians, soldiers’ families, and more,” said Rabbi Rabinowitz. “May a year and its curses end, may the New Year and its blessings begin,” he said, quoting a Rosh Hashanah prayer. “Give peace in the land and unity among us is the request of all of us.”
The number of notes sent by Israeli citizens to the Western Wall has increased in the past year, reflecting a growing desire for spiritual solace and hope in times of uncertainty. The tradition of leaving notes at the Western Wall dates back centuries and is considered a powerful way to connect with God and express personal wishes and prayers.
First Piper 