Since the beginning of the holiday, over half a million people have visited the Western Wall

Approximately 50,000 people participated this morning in the second Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) at the Western Wall Plaza.

Since the beginning of the holiday, over half a million people have visited the Western Wall • This morning, tens of thousands gathered for the second Birkat Kohanim • This Motza’ei Shabbat, Hakafot Shniyot will take place at the Western Wall Plaza starting at 10:00 PM.

Approximately 50,000 people took part in the second Birkat Kohanim this morning at the Western Wall Plaza, and tens of thousands have streamed to the Wall daily during Sukkot in commemoration of the “Aliya LaRegel” (pilgrimage). Many come daily to the Western Wall to bless on the Arba Minim (Four Species) according to the customs of Maimonides and Rabbi Elyashiv, zz”l.

Birkat Kohanim was attended by Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Lau, Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Places Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbis, ministers, public figures, hundreds of Kohanim, and thousands of worshippers.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Western Wall, concluded the ceremony with a prayer for the health of the people of Israel, the well-being of the IDF soldiers and security forces, and called upon the people of Israel participating in the Birkat Kohanim: “We must do everything for unity and peace in the home, as it is written in the Priestly Blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you… May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you …and may He grant you peace.'”

The traditional “Second Hakafot” event at the Western Wall Plaza will take place, G-d willing, on Saturday night, Motza’ei Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, starting at 10:00 PM at the Western Wall Plaza, accompanied by an orchestra and amplification.

The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Western Wall ushers for safety. Please stay updated with announcements and guidelines.