Free Republic

A Jewish worshipper was arrested on the Temple Mount for performing the mitzvah of taking the four species - most commonly symbolized by the most visible component, the lulav (palm frond), at around 15:30 on Wednesday. The Kotel (Western Wall) is traditionally packed with Jewish worshippers during the holiday season, many of whom ascend the mount to Judaism's holiest site. Wednesday was Hoshana Raba, the final day of Sukkot before Shmini Atzeret, whereon the four species play a critical component of the prayer service. Under rules set my the Muslim Waqf governing the holy site, Jews are routinely arrested by...

1. The clang of metal poles and the sounds of hammering are practically constant as Jerusalem's apartment dwellers hurry to erect their sukkot and squeeze them into small balconies, odd-shaped gardens and otherwise derelict rooftops. 2. The tourists have landed! Overwhelmingly religious, English and French speaking, they jam the city's take-out places and restaurants, and may be seen in packs wandering up and down Emek Refaim Street and through the glitzy Mamilla Mall talking to their friends at top volume on their cell phones. 3. Almost every non-profit group worth their salt has scheduled a fund-raising and/or familiarization event for...