Night 2 of Chanukah was spent at the Kotel (Western Wall) and actually my first time visiting the Kotel since arriving in Jerusalem.  Following Google Maps, I entered through Damascus Gate taking me directly through the Muslim Quarter which normally wouldn’t have been a problem except for the fact that I was wearing my kippah.  I had no problem going through although I felt as though some people were looking at me.  #ILoveAdventure.

Anyway, I knew once I was in the Jewish Quarter by the Israel flags hanging on the buildings and seeing more kippah wearing people, and a sign that said Western Wall, straight ahead.  While approaching the Kotel a Chabadnik approached me and asked if I was Jewish.  I said yes.  Then he asked if I had put on Tefillin today.  I said no.  It’s possible that the last time I put Tefillin on was my last time in Israel, or maybe even long before that, I can’t remember.

The Chanukiah lighting ceremony was fantastic and included singing and of course dancing.

Upon my return I attempted to take another route to the light rail station but yet again I found myself walking through the Muslim Quarter and no sooner had I entered someone kindly told me that I shouldn’t be wearing my kippah while walking though so I quickly took it off and eventually made it to the light rail station.   
Getting to the Jewish Quarter through Damascus Gate via Muslim Quarter

Western Wall

Prayers left in the Western Wall

Armed IDF soldier

This picture pretty much sums up Jerusalem: Orthodox Jews, Cats, and IDF Soldiers, everywhere

A Chabadnik helped me put on tefillin before entering the Kotel.

Men praying on the left, women praying on the right

Western Wall and Temple Mount

More chanukiahs

Exiting through Damascus Gate