Last week, Rav Eliashiv, one of the most reknowned Jewish thinkers of the generation, made the statement that Jews should not visit the Kotel on Shabbat.

“WHAT?!?!?!” you may be asking yourself! That makes no sense!  But according to Rav Eliashiv and other authorities in Jewish law, it makes a lot of sense.  On Shabbat, Jews are prohibited from doing ‘work’ including lighting fires, using electronics, etc.  For obvious reasons, the Kotel is outfitted with hundreds of cameras that are constantly watching to ensure safety for those praying at the Wall.  But on the Sabbath, these specific cameras create a problem. When one comes into the view of the cameras, a light inside of them turns on, and this is considered a desecration of the Sabbath.  This may seem like a little thing, but it’s a big deal to a lot of people.  The chief rabbi of the Kotel, Rabbi Rabinowitz, and his security team are working hard to make it right, but until then many less religious Jews will be feeling the holiness of the Kotel on Shabbat.  We hope this issue gets worked out soon!

Stay tuned for more news.