6150 – Then Why Not? -
Q. See questions above. Why was the above prohibition instituted at that time?
A. Sefarim write that on 1865–1866 a severe Cholera epidemic plague struck Jerusalem and killed many people, including prominent Rabbinical scholars.
According to tradition (via a sha'alas chalom, or dream inquiry), the plague was seen as a Divine punishment because people were showing a lack of respect and reverence for the Western Wall (Kotel). The Rabbinical council enacted the ban to appease Heaven, and the plague reportedly subsided shortly after.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
Reviewed by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: October 30, 2026