The Wailing Wall

And Rabbi Elazar said: From the day the Temple was destroyed, the gates of prayer were locked, as it is said, "Though I cry out and plead, He shuts out my prayer" (Lamentations 3:8). And even though the gates of prayer were locked, the gates of tears were not locked, as it is said, "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears" (Psalms 39:13). And Rabbi Elazar said: From the day the Temple was destroyed, an iron wall was set up separating Israel from their Father in heaven, as it is said, "And you, take for yourself an iron griddle, and set it as an iron wall between you and the city" (Ezekiel 4:3).