Preparations for Tisha B’Av at the Western Wall Plaza
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is in the midst of preparations, as it is every year, for Tisha B’Av, the day on which we mourn the destruction of the two temples – the First Temple and the Second Temple. Thousands will be streaming to the Western Wall to read Megilat Eichah (Lamentations) and recite kinot (elegies) adjacent to the site of the destruction.
Jews from all communities and congregations will come to the Western Wall beginning on Saturday night, the 9th of Av, until the late hours of the following day to mark the difficult day at the site that symbolizes the destruction more than any other. Tens of thousands will sit on the ground and recite elegies about the destruction of the House of G-d in all versions and traditions, as is appropriate for this unifying site.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation will be holding a special kinot reciting event on Saturday night, the 9th of Av (August 6th), reading of Eicha and the recital of kinot by Cantor Yehuda Naftali in the nosach of Edot Hamizrach, and Cantor Shlomo Glick in the nosach of Ashkenaz.
The recital of kinot will be broadcast by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation for those unable to come to the Kotel in person. The broadcast will be on the Kotel website – www.thekotel.org starting at 11:15 pm.
The Ending of the Fast
It is a very moving sight every year during the evening hours as the end of the fast approaches to see thousands of Jews of all kinds singing together songs of consolation and redemption.
Drinks and light refreshments will be served at the end of the fast for those breaking their fast at the Western Wall Plaza.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation will be deployed until the early morning hours when crowds led by admorim and rabbis come for kiddush levana (blessing of the moon), which takes place on Motzaei Tisha B’Av.
Emergency medical teams will be situated throughout the day at the Western Wall Plaza to help those who need it. No entrance will be allowed to the Old City in private cars, so please use public transportation.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation requests that the public abides by instructions of the Israel police and the ushers.
Enclosed: Photos for downloading from previous years:
Credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
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