The Western Wall (HaKotel HaMa’aravi), the holiest site in the world for the Jewish people, is preparing for the upcoming Sukkot 5786 celebrations in Jerusalem. Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to participate in the traditional Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) and the joyous Second Hakafot marking the conclusion of Simchat Torah.
Birkat Kohanim – The Priestly Blessing
The moving ceremony of Birkat Kohanim will take place twice during the intermediate days of Sukkot, in the presence of the Chief Rabbis of Israel and the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.
Thursday , 17 Tishrei | October 9, 2025
Sunday, 20 Tishrei | October 12, 2025
Schedule of Events:
8:45 – Shacharit (Morning Prayer)
9:30 – Birkat Kohanim of Shacharit
10:15 – Mussaf Prayer
10:30 – Birkat Kohanim of Mussaf
10:45 – Special Prayer for the Jewish nation, the hostages, IDF soldiers, and the healing of the wounded
“Greeting the rabbi” Thursday, 17 Tishrei immediately after prayers
This ancient ceremony unites Jews from around the world, who come to the Western Wall Plaza to receive the heartfelt blessing of the Kohanim.
Sunday | 20 Tishrei 5786 | October 12, 2025
40,000 people participated this morning in the second Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) service at the Western Wall • The rabbi of the Western Wall offered a special prayer for the return of the hostages – hopefully for the last time • The masses recited a special prayer of thanksgiving ahead of the expected release of the hostages • More than half a million worshippers and visitors have visited the Western Wall Plaza since the beginning of the holiday
Forty thousand people took part in the second Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony during the Shacharit and Musaf prayers for the festival of Sukkot, held this morning (Sunday) at the Western Wall Plaza.
In the hope that this would be the final time, after two years of prayers for the return of all the hostages at the Western Wall, the rabbi of the Western Wall offered a special prayer for their return – for the living to be reunited with their families, and for the dead to be brought to burial in Israel. Tens of thousands joined together, moved and emotional, in a special prayer of thanksgiving for the anticipated release of the hostages within the coming day.
Before the ceremony began, the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, delivered words of encouragement to the large crowd, calling on the public not to relent and to continue praying for the full return of the hostages, for the safety of IDF soldiers, and for the recovery of the wounded.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation expressed great satisfaction with the holiday, noting that more than half a million worshippers and visitors have already come to the Western Wall Plaza since the start of the festival to fulfill the mitzvah of Aliyah laRegel (pilgrimage). Among them were rabbis, public figures, many tourists from abroad, and multitudes from across Israel and the world who chose to celebrate Sukkot in the holy city of Jerusalem. The highlight was the two traditional Birkat Kohanim ceremonies, when tens of thousands came to bless and be blessed with Aaron’s blessing – the Priestly Blessing – together with survivors of captivity and the families of the hostages.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation: “We conclude the festival with deep appreciation to the Israel Police and security forces who worked tirelessly, day and night, to protect the citizens of Israel and the visitors to the Western Wall. As in the days of the ancient pilgrimage, many from Israel and around the world chose to visit the Western Wall Tunnels, which were filled to capacity throughout the holiday.”
As per tradition – Hakafot Shniyot (Second Hakafot) on the night after Simchat Torah:
The traditional Hakafot Shniyot celebration at the Western Wall Plaza will, God willing, take place on Tuesday night | Eve of 23 Tishrei | October 14, 2025, starting at 10:00 p.m., accompanied by singer Eli Cohen, Yoni Eliav’s orchestra, and the Narnana Choir.
After a long period of pain, longing, and prayer – this year’s celebration will G-d willing be dedicated with psalms and thanksgiving for the expected release of the hostages, with hearts filled with joy and emotion.
Link to the live broadcast of the Hakafot Shniyot:
Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
