Obligation of Tearing at the Western Wall
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Is there any leniency not to tear one's clothes upon seeing the Temple Mount?
Answer
Some have written that one does not need to tear their clothes unless they see the floor of the Temple Mount or the dome of the mosque, but upon seeing the Western Wall, there is no need to tear. Others have written that there is no need to tear because the world does not feel the pain of the destruction so intensely. However, the poskim have written that one should not rely on this, and one is obligated to tear at the Western Wall if they have not seen it in thirty days.
Source
It is stated in Moed Katan 26: "One who sees the Temple in its destruction says: 'Our holy and glorious house, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins,' and tears their clothes."
The Bach in Orach Chaim, Siman 561, writes: "I found in the Likutim that when a person comes to Jerusalem and sees the dome of the Temple, which is the courtyard, they are obligated to bow towards it, tear their clothes, cry, mourn, lament, and grieve over the destruction of the Temple, cry bitterly, and lament."
In Igrot Moshe, it is written to permit, and he holds that it is specifically the dome, which is truly the symbol of destruction, but around the Temple Mount, there is no need to tear. In practice, the poskim write that one who sees the Western Wall is obligated to tear, and even was obligated to tear upon seeing Jerusalem in its destruction.
The Bach in Orach Chaim, Siman 561, writes: "I found in the Likutim that when a person comes to Jerusalem and sees the dome of the Temple, which is the courtyard, they are obligated to bow towards it, tear their clothes, cry, mourn, lament, and grieve over the destruction of the Temple, cry bitterly, and lament."
In Igrot Moshe, it is written to permit, and he holds that it is specifically the dome, which is truly the symbol of destruction, but around the Temple Mount, there is no need to tear. In practice, the poskim write that one who sees the Western Wall is obligated to tear, and even was obligated to tear upon seeing Jerusalem in its destruction.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah
Help us answer more questions faster and better
Join the mission

Your Weekly Torah Connection
Add meaning to your week with:
- Top halachic Q&A
- Practical festival halachot