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Removal of notes from the Western Wall stones sent from around the world amid the coronavirus pandemic

With the approach of Passover next weekend, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is in the midst of preparations.  This morning, as is customary, the notes placed between the Western Wall stones this past six months were removed with the use of gloves and disposable wooden tools.  The notes were collected in bags and will be buried along with sacred books sent for “genizah” on the Mount of Olives.

Among the prayer notes, there are thousands sent from around the world using send prayer request to Jerusalem Since the pandemic outbreak before Passover last year, over 71,000 notes have been sent through the Kotel website alone.  This is a rise of about 10% in comparison to the same period before the pandemic.

The ten places from which the highest number of notes were sent are: United States, England, Brazil, France, Canada, Germany, Spain, Lapland, Poland, Argentina, and Mexico.

As in previous years, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, accompanied the note removal process personally and prayed for those who sent or placed the notes.

In addition, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for the Passover holiday prayers, including the traditional Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), which will take place in accordance with Health Ministry regulations at that time.

The events will be broadcast live on a satelite feed and on the Kotel website for those who are unable to participate in person.  Additional details to follow.

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Amis et frères juifs résidents en France vivants en ces derniers temps des jours compliqués de violence et de saccages , nous vous invitons à formuler ici vos prières qui seront imprimés et déposées entre les prières du Mur des lamentations .