The Western Wall Plaza is being prepared for the arrival of thousands of people during the upcoming Sukkot holiday, commemorating the pilgrimage, following the month of selichot (penitential prayers) in which tens of thousands came to the Wall to pray.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation will be building sukkot for the benefit of the public, as in previous years, donated by R’ Elly Kleinman of the U.S., one of which will contain the arba minim, the four species.
The traditional Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing)
The traditional Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) will take place, G-d willing, on Wednesday, 17 Tishrei, 5783, 2nd day of chol hamo’ed Sukkot, October 12, 2022.
The custom to renew Birkat Kohanim was established 52 years ago by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner zz”l. It has been organized for years by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation on chol hamo’ed of Pesach and Sukkot when hundreds of kohanim bless the tens of thousands of people who stream to the Western Wall to receive the blessing written in the Torah.
The Davening Schedule for Birkat Kohanim (12/10/2022)
Shacharit: 8:45am
Birkat Kohanim of Shacharit: 9:30am
Mussaf: 10:15am
Birkat Kohanim of Mussaf: 10:30am
The dedication of three Torah scrolls
The dedication of three Torah scrolls – Zecher LeHakhel and Simchat Beit Hashoeva – will take place, G-d willing, on Wednesday, 17 Tishrei 5783, 2nd day of Chol Hamoed Sukkot, from 6:00pm to 8:15pm.
This ceremony takes place every seven years in commemoration of an event that took place in the days of the Temple when men, women, and children would gather at the end of the shmitta year. In commemoration of that awe-inspiring event, three Torah scrolls will be dedicated at the Western Wall Plaza, in the presence of the President of Israel, the Chief Rabbis past and present, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, and other rabbis and dignitaries.
The event will be accompanied by Cantor Yisrael Adler, Paytan and Cantor Moshe Chavusha, Singer Nemuel Harosh, and the Neranena Choir.
Second Hakafot
Traditional Second Hakafot on Motza’ei Simchat Torah
Second Hakafot will take place at the Western Wall Plaza on Monday, Motza’ei Simchat Torah, eve of 23 Tishrei (October 17, 2022) starting at 10:00 pm.
Please note! Entrances to the Old City and the Western Wall will be closed if there are crowds. Limiting entrance is the responsibility of the Israel Police and their instructions should be heeded.
The public is requested to abide by the ushers’ directions for the safety of all who come to the Western Wall. Please follow publications and regulations that are updated from time to time.
The Old City will be closed to private cars throughout the holiday. Please use public transportation.
