[Avodah] Kosel vs. Shul

[Doron Beckerman]

In response to R' Jonathan Baker,

1) See Shmos Rabba 2:2 and Tanchuma Shmos 10, among other sources, for the
phrase that the Shechinah has not departed from the Kosel based on the
Passuk in Shir HaShirim.

2) Regarding what the meaning of the Shechinah being there and everywhere
else as well, two points. Firstly, the idea that there is a more intense
presence of the Shechinah in particular places/times/situations appears in
too many sources to enumerate. As I mentioned, by a Choleh, in Shul, in the
Beis HaMikdash, on Har Sinai, in the Mishkan, a Minyan, et al. Secondly, the
Torash HaMinchah (by a Talmid of the Rashba) in Parshas Pekudei explains
that the Shechinah which is present in other places other than the Kosel is
like the sun which has rays which shine toward other places. The 'sun' of
the Shechinah is at the Kosel.

3) Regarding the issue of the Kosel being part of the Beis HaMikdash/ Har
Habayis, see Igros Moshe YD 4:63:(11)

4) Regarding the idea that the intensified presence of the Shechinah makes
it a better place for Tefilla, I found support for this in  the Tzitz
Eliezer 10:1:(80-81). Fascinating material!

Gmar Chasimah Tovah, cousin!
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