Fiday night at the Kotel (Western Wall) is unlike anywhere else in the world. The gigantic plaza glows with floodlights shining on the white stones. As the sun sets, thousands of holy Jews converge on the centerpoint of worldwide Judaism. Jews of all stripes and colors, from all over the world, gather together to welcome in the Shabbat queen. Even neighborhoods with the widest variety of synagogues do not come close to the amount of customs, dialects, and ethnicities present at the Kotel on Friday night; let alone all together under the beautiful Jerusalem night sky.
Every chance that I get I pray at the Kotel. This past friday night was one of those precious opportunities. But it was no typical Shabbat at the Kotel, whatever that means. I decided to pray with a Minyan (prayer group) of soldiers led by my friend Yitzchok Meir Malek. As I got closer to them, I realized that these were not simple soldiers. They were from Maglan, the elite anti-terror unit of the Paratroopers Brigade. Suddenly, there was some commotion as a man surrounded by five bodyguards came in my direction. “Who is that?” I asked someone, struggling to see who was in the center of the entourage. “Joe Lieberman,” he answered as I saw the famous face emerge.
Before the Shabbat prayers began, the soldiers’ group leader, Shaul, addressed them. “I want to thank you all for coming tonight and for what you do for our country. I know what it’s like to be in special force unit in the army. I also know what it’s like not to sleep at night; what all the mothers went through when their sons were in Lebanon or Gaza. So thank you again for all you do. Mr. Lieberman arrived at the Kotel fifteen minutes ago, but when he heard you were coming he said he would wait to pray with you. His time is very precious and I would like to thank him for joining us.”
Mr. Lieberman said he too wanted to address the soldiers. “Shabbat Shalom. I want you all to know that you and I are all part of one army. I know that I do not endanger my life the way you do and believe me I know what Maglan is. But I want you to know that the American people, Jews and Christians alike, support your brave work and commend you on your sacrifice.”
