Excellent article. I thouroughly enjoyed it. It's also very well written. And those two pics are fabulous!

I have to agree with # 1 & # 2. Awesome article and definitly more like it please.. Shalom

I thought the only wall of the Temple was the Western Wall, hence the importance it's been given. So is this article saying there is a Southern wall that stands as well? So there are 2 walls remaining from the Temple? And if so, why don't we really hear about it or pray at the Southern Wall too? Thanks for anyone who can explain this a little more!

The Western wall is part of the retaining wall of the temple. All 4 walls are still present. Jews pray in front of the western wall because it is the closest to where the temple stood that they can get. The holiest place in Judaism is controlled by the arabs. The dome of the rock is built upon the remains of the temple and although this is the holiest spot in Judaism's and in Israel, Jews cannot access it. When you actually go under the tunnels of the muslim quarter you can get closer to where the temple stood.

The temples were on top of the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount was was built to support the temple, essentially flattening the top on a hill. Does that help? US press is horrible like others. Jewish holiest site IS on the Temple Mount, not the Wailing Wall. We pray at the Western Wall because it is believe it is the closest part to where the Temple was and the Holy of Holies. We dont go on the Temple Mount because we dont want to step where we are not allowed. What I have never understood is why Israel allows Muslims on the Temple MOunt. Talk about a desecration of Judaism's Holiest site.

Thanks for the clarification guys! You learn something new everyday... (oh and #6, don't worry I knew the Temple Mount is the holiest site)

Wonderful! Please make this a rggular feture and tell and show us more of Jewish history.

We went there last summer when we were here on our "pilot trip," and were just blown away, And the Davidson Center museum is beautiful, too, and very well done. As an aside, there's a movie in the museum where you accompany someone bringing a korban to the Holy Temple, and my kids were just spellbound throughout. Really made so much of the rocks and walls and everything they learn in school all year just come alive for them. A very worthwhile day's touring.

the only right thing menitioned were the pictures of the islamic buildings, the explanations all wrong and have political objectives, ita soroful to use these holly places for political baceless allegations.

As a Christian I'm extremely interested in learning more about the Jewish Religion and faith.... History intrigues me, if any of you can direct me to a web site so I can read the Torah, I would really appreciate it. Thanks

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3318064,00.html

Don't get me wrong. The historic and archeological significance of this wall and any ancient structure is incredible and should be preserved, studied and appreciated. But for those who fight over and pray to...some dried mud!!! Come on people. And then religious people wonder why the younger generations of educated people are turning away from institutionalized religion. Well, I hope your religions make you feel safer, knowing there are other people just like you. And if you want to pray by a wall, I certainly won’t stop you. I hope not too many people will get hurt over this dirt. I'll just be here, with the growing majority of people who believe in science.