The truth is, perhaps there is no moment more moving in Jewish life than standing before the Western Wall (the Kotel).
The ancient stones, the dramatic atmosphere, and the feeling that you are standing before the gateway to the history of an entire nation—all of these elicit intense emotions. But within all this commotion, the moment arrives when we take out a small piece of paper, a pen, and begin to write.
It is an especially intimate moment, and the big question always arises: What do we write? How do we fit all of our heart, all the wishes and hopes, into a tiny piece of paper?
This guide is intended precisely for that moment. It does not enforce any Halachic (Jewish Law) rule, but is designed to give you the tools to turn the writing of your personal prayer into a complete, honest, and meaningful experience.
1. Choosing the Words: The Journey Inward Before Anything Else
Before you even touch the pen, stop for a moment. Writing a note for the Kotel is an opportunity to pause the daily routine and do some inner reflection. What is truly bothering you? What would you like to give thanks for? What is the most burning hope in your heart? This is not an exam—it is a conversation with your soul.
The note is meant to distill your thoughts. It is the most direct channel for your most personal, secret, and important request. The more honest you are with yourself, the more powerful your words will be. It is always recommended to start with a short sentence of thanks before making a request; this puts you in the right proportion and reminds you of all the good that already exists in your life.
Try to be as specific as possible. The precision strengthens your desire and allows you to release your intention in a more accurate way. And do not feel obligated to use a formal prayer text; if you feel comfortable writing slang, English, or even drawing something small, the authenticity of the heart is the most important thing.
2. Where to Begin? The Formulation That Suits You
The formulation of the note can be very diverse, and there is no single right way. Sometimes we only want one thing, and then it is best to choose a focused formulation. You can start with a short opening like "Thank you very much, Creator of the world/Dear God/Beloved Kotel," move on to a specific request ("Please help [Person's Name] overcome [the difficulty]. I ask for complete health/quick recovery/peace of mind for him/her"), and conclude with a personal signature including your full name and the date.
Other times, we come to the Kotel carrying several concerns in our hearts, or we want to write about the whole family. In this case, you can choose a more extended formulation. Start with thanks, and then detail the specific requests.
It is important to remember that the Western Wall is also a place to pray for livelihood and success. The essential thing is that the words come from the heart and reflect your true wish at that moment.
3. Minimalism of Wishes: You Don't Need to Fly to Jerusalem to Pray
In contrast to a long, organized prayer, the note for the Kotel is essentially minimalist. It encourages us to distil. Here are a few examples of powerful "minimalist notes": "Thank you for the past year, please bless my children," "Send complete healing to my wife/husband," "May Jerusalem always be in our hearts. Amen," or "Strength for the coming year. Love and livelihood." There is no need for a key sentence or a lengthy introduction—just the words that truly matter.
The tradition of placing notes in the Kotel is a special and connecting custom, but what happens when it is impossible to get to the Kotel? Whether you live far away or want to maintain a daily personal prayer ritual, the connection to tradition should not be limited by distance or time. This is where a new concept of connection enters the picture, which allows you to make the custom part of your home itself.
The Solution of the Kotel Model:
Pieces of Luxury Judaica like our Kotel Model of the Kotel. Our model, which is made of Jerusalem Stone and careful Israeli Handcraft, allows you to create a private corner of quiet in your home.
The model includes slits where you can place designed notes (which also come inside the packaging). This corner becomes a kind of "safe" for prayers and wishes. Placing the model on your desk or shelf turns it into a daily reminder. The model reminds you that at any given moment, you can stop, write a small note, and place it in your private Kotel. This transforms it into a way of life, not just a custom for a holiday or trip.
Furthermore, this model is a perfect Bar Mitzvah Gift (or Bat Mitzvah) for youth living abroad, as it gives them a physical and emotional anchor to Jerusalem, allowing them to continue the tradition even in their distant home. By doing so, we close the circle and bring the holiness into private life.
Are There "Rules of What Not to Do"?
This is a personal tradition, but there are a few points to remember, especially if you are placing the note in the actual Western Wall. It is important not to glue or fasten the note with tape or staples. The note must be removable by the person responsible for the emptying, and those materials damage the stones. (In the case of the Miniature Model, there are of course no rules, but thin notes are preferable). Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid placing blame. The note is a place of hope, and the intention should be positive. Instead of asking for punishment for someone who hurt you, ask for help coping with the hurt or finding peace.
The Circle Closes: Prayer, Note, and Giving
Writing a note for the Kotel is an act of giving—an offering of hope and faith. When you choose our Kotel Model to preserve this tradition at home, you expand the circle of giving.
Our models are created through Israeli Handcraft and involve collaboration with the Shavim Association for vocational rehabilitation. Your purchase is not only a choice of a Luxury Judaica item but also a significant Social Contribution. Every note you write and place in the model is a word that inspires, both within yourself and in the community you have supported.
Ultimately, the Kotel is the heart of Jerusalem, and the note is your heart. Whether you are there or at home, the important thing is that the words are written with true and pure intention.