I am very thankful to Hashem for being able to pray at the holy Western Wall, the Kotel Hamaravi.
The Talmud says that the Divine presence never left the Western Wall, so that all the future generations during their bitter exile can have a place where they can pour their hearts out in prayer.
I am surrounded by so many holy individuals, all immersed in their prayer books, each to their own quiet discussion with their creator. The expressions vary from utter Deveikus, deep spiritual and quiet connection to the almighty, while others scream and beg Hashem for their prayers to be answered. And interestingly enough I am not disturbed by the loud cries, in fact it helps me get even more connected in my private personal prayer.
In the last few days, another spice has been added to our daily prayers, Slichot, the pre-Rosh Hashana prayers that come with song and Shofar blowing. I get transfixed by watching and listening to the Yemenite chants and huge Shofarot invoking the sacrifice of our father Yitzchok. I sing along with the Sefardic minyan, carrying along in tune "Chatanu Lefanecha", and I feel connected, connected to the Jewish nation, the Jewish family.
The wanderings of our long exile weaves through my emotional channels, and I see my people all merging together for that great day, slowly coming together to welcome the era of Mashiach, and to announce the kingdom of Hamelech, Hashem our king. We might have different ways and traditions of celebrating Rosh Hashana, but we long for the same oneness of the one G-d.
It's high time to embrace all Jews and show love to one another, focus on what unites us. If we are united, no enemy can hurt us.
אהבת חינם מקרבת הגאולה (הרב קוק זצ"ל)