Quick Scoop: The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the last remaining part of the ancient retaining wall around the Temple Mount, and it is a major place of prayer and pilgrimage in Judaism. It is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered one of the holiest sites in Judaism.

What it is

The wall is often called the Kotel or Wailing Wall. It survived the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, which is why it holds deep historical and religious significance for Jewish people.

Why it matters

People visit the site to pray, place written prayers in the cracks of the stones, and connect with Jewish history. It is also an important symbol in modern Jerusalem and attracts visitors from many backgrounds.

Simple version

If you want the shortest explanation: it is a sacred, ancient wall in Jerusalem that is the closest widely accessible prayer site to the former Temple in Jewish tradition.