Starting Friday, visitors to the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City will hear an announcement in three languages right before Shabbat begins. "Dear visitors, welcome to the Western Wall," the message goes. "In a few moments Shabbat will begin. Please respect our tradition and refrain from taking photographs and using cellular phones in the compound. Shabbat Shalom." The message will be played in Hebrew, English and Russian, and is largely aimed at tourists who may not know the guidelines for keeping Shabbat. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation released a statement saying it was making the announcement because "the sanctity of Shabbat at the Kotel [Western Wall] should be preserved, as is fitting for a holy site."
Visiting the Western Wall over the weekend? Respect Shabbat
New announcement asks visitors to refrain from using cameras and cellular phones at the Western Wall during Shabbat • Message to be played in Hebrew, English and Russian, and is largely aimed at tourists who may not know Shabbat guidelines.
Load more...