This morning started off with a visit to the Jerusalem archeological sight on the less famous/ frequented part of the Western Wall. As the main section is divided by Male and Female, the section of the wall here is frequented by members of the conservative and reform Judaism movements in Israel and here men and women may pray together as well as women are allowed to practice ritual such as reading from the bible and wrapping Tefillin.
The archeological museum here made the decision of preserving pieces of all the historical periods of Jerusalem's history from the first and second temple through the byzantine and Muslim periods. It is in this place that the remains of "Wall Street" a temple market for buying sacrifices and changing money once stood. This is also thought to be the same place where Jesus overturned the money changer's tables (or benches, depending on translation).
A part of the wall that is missing has been attributed to the place where Mohammad tied his mythical horse before ascending to heaven at the Dome of Rock upon the temple mount.
By examining the remnants of the houses of Rabbis of the second temple period, it is clear that there is heavy Roman influence and decadence in the life of the clergy. Grand mosaics, Corinthian columns and private Mikvahs (ritual baths) adorn these houses.
Barak tells us the legend of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza two men with unfortunately similar names, and whose confusion of identity leads to the destruction of the second temple by the Romans in Bar Kamtza's anger that the Rabbis had not defended him (full story http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamtza_%26_Bar_Kamtza).
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