Check out Ziggy Valdez's reflection on their experiences praying at the Kotel as their full Queer, Mexican, and Jewish self.
By Ziggy Valdez
I wept every time I prayed at The Wall.
On the women’s side, I wept for myself because I did not feel I was where I belonged
On the Egalitarian side, I wept for my community because we are forced to pray on the sidelines
On the men’s side, I wept for You, wondering if it would be possible that through my tears you would also hear the cries of children growing up in the violence that surrounds this wall.
Above is a reflection of the experiences I have had praying at the Kotel throughout my life, below is what I said to Hashem the last time I prayed at the Wall in 2022, as my full Queer, Mexican, and Jewish self.
Dear God,
Thank you for this moment.
Thank you for giving me the strength to face men who would deny me this time with you based on my identity, my family, my way of practice.
Thank you for kissing my skin with your sun, causing the melanin to shine brighter
Thank you for my grandma, who made this moment possible.
Thank you for creating me in Your image, an unboxable being.
Thank you for allowing me to struggle with you upon this sacred land.
I ask that you bring peace and justice amongst the nations,
So maybe one day there will be no need for nations.
I ask that you help me on my journey to be a blessing.
I ask that you make it possible for more people like me to stand here with you.
Thank you again for this moment, it is not lost on me that I am one of the lucky ones.
Yours always,
Ziggy Valdez