The Kotel's Semiannual Checkup and Cleaning

Like a visit to the dentist, the Kotel is undergoing its biannual cleaning out of the notes (Kvitel) and a checkup to ensure the stability and integrity of the stones. Just the other month, a stone broke off along the southern wall of the Kotel almost landing on a person.

Twice a year, once before Rosh Hashana and once before Pesach, the notes placed in the Western Wall are collected and buried in the Mount of Olives.