I do not know when, but maybe a few hundred Years Ago, someone came to the Kotel and chiseled his name into the thin white stone above the bush in the photo. Actually, there were a few names or initials chiseled in on various stones. They were simply graffiti; "I was here!" Such chutzpah!      

     But now they are gone! Apparently, after all these years, the administration decided to sand them off. They should have done it many years ago.

     The Kotel is holy. It reminds us of the history of our people. We are told that Hashem's Revealed Presence never leaves the Kotel. It is not private furniture.

     Some are strict not to walk within 5 yards of it because when you do you are actually standing over the lower levels of stones that are under the ground where we stand today. Each level was built in more than the lower level to strengthen the wall. Some of us do not touch the Kotel… as one would not touch a King's garment.      

     The more respect we show for the Kotel, the more we receive from it.