Jerusalem is a very important holy place for Jews. It is the traditional city of Israel and the location of the ancient Jewish temple. The city was made the capital of Israel by King David. His son Solomon built the temple there in 950 B.C. The temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.
Around 500 years later it was rebuilt by King Herod. The temple was again destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The temple has not been rebuilt since then. The only remaining part of the temple that stands today is the Western Wall. This is also called the Wailing Wall. To wail is to cry in agony. It is called the Wailing Wall because Jews often go there and dry out to God, that:
· The temple would be rebuilt.
· That the scattered Jews around the world would be gathered back to Israel.
· That the deliverer (Messiah) would arrive.
