Mike is from America. I think he said Wisconsin. He is a 69-yr. old retired teacher of children with special needs. When I called out for him to come put on tefillin he walked right over. He wanted to do it.

     He told me although his rabbi is Reform, Mike puts on tefillin when he comes to the Kotel. The last time was three years ago.

    After reading the Shema in English I showed him how to pray for his loved ones. He stood by the Kotel praying for a long time.

     Then, after I took his picture he said, "Thank you very much. You are special."

         I cracked up laughing.