The remaining part of the Temple in Jerusalem, a sacred site of pilgrimage and prayer for Jews. Midrash tradition holds that this portion of wall avoided destruction in AD 70 because the Holy Spirit (Shekinah) resided there. For this reason, people will pray there aloud (wailing), slip prayers on pieces of paper in between the stones, and sometimes hold ceremonies such as bar mitzvahs.
The number of stripes changed frequently until around 1800. Red, white, and blue became the colours of liberty and an inspiration for other revolutionary flags around the world. Effective date: 19 February 1937.