Over 2 Million People Visit the Western Wall
Over this past months, hundreds of thousands of people participated in the central selichot services (penitential prayers). Hundreds of thousands more visited Jerusalem and the Western Wall during Sukkot in commemoration of the pilgrimage during Tempe times and participated in the traditional Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) and in the Torah scroll dedication and Simchat Beit Hashoeva in commemoration of Hakhel that takes place once every seven years.
On the eve of Hoshana Rabba, tens of thousands came to the Western Wall as well as on Simchat Torah and on the night following it for Hakafot Shniyot at the Western Wall Plaza. This second round of dancing, with dozens Torah scrolls at the Western Wall Plaza, has become a yearly tradition.
Live Hakafot Shniyot from the Kotel beginning at 10:00pm Israel time:
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation notes with satisfaction that this holiday period was uplifting and exciting. It is deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of its devoted employees of the foundation, the security forces, and the Israel Police who made it possible for 2 million people to safely come to the Western Wall during these past two months.
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, noted that the masses who came to the Western Wall are evidence of its power as a unifying site, something expressed by the wonderful unity displayed during this period at the Western Wall. It is a moving testament to our history, hope, and to our nation’s faith in its heritage.
