<P> Many contemporary Orthodox scholars rule that the area in front of the Wall has the status of a synagogue and must be treated with due respect . This is the view upheld by the authority in charge of the wall . As such, men and married women are expected to cover their heads upon approaching the Wall, and to dress appropriately . When departing, the custom is to walk backwards away from the Wall . On Saturdays, it is forbidden to enter the area with electronic devices, including cameras, which infringe on the sanctity of the Sabbath . </P> <P> Some Orthodox Jewish codifiers warn against inserting fingers into the cracks of the Wall as they believe that the breadth of the Wall constitutes part of the Temple Mount itself and retains holiness, while others who permit doing so claim that the Wall is located outside the Temple area . </P> <P> In the past, some visitors would write their names on the Wall, or based upon various scriptural verses, would drive nails into the crevices . These practices stopped after rabbis determined that such actions compromised the sanctity of the Wall . Another practice also existed whereby pilgrims or those intending to travel abroad would hack off a chip from the Wall or take some of the sand from between its cracks as a good luck charm or memento . In the late 19th century the question was raised as to whether this was permitted and a long responsa appeared in the Jerusalem newspaper Havatzelet in 1898 . It concluded that even if according to Jewish Law it was permitted, the practices should be stopped as it constituted a desecration . More recently the Yalkut Yosef rules that it is forbidden to remove small chips of stone or dust from the Wall, although it is permissible to take twigs from the vegetation which grows in the Wall for an amulet, as they contain no holiness . Cleaning the stones is also problematic from a halachic point of view . Blasphemous graffiti once sprayed by a tourist was left visible for months until it began to peel away . </P> <P> There was once an old custom of removing one's shoes upon approaching the Wall . A 17th - century collection of special prayers to be said at holy places mentions that "upon coming to the Western Wall one should remove his shoes, bow and recite ...". Rabbi Moses Reicher wrote that "it is a good and praiseworthy custom to approach the Western Wall in white garments after ablution, kneel and prostrate oneself in submission and recite "This is nothing other than the House of God and here is the gate of Heaven ." When within four cubits of the Wall, one should remove their footwear ." Over the years the custom of standing barefoot at the Wall has ceased, as there is no need to remove one's shoes when standing by the Wall, because the plaza area is outside the sanctified precinct of the Temple Mount . </P>

Where are the western wall and dome of the rock located