With the approach of Tisha B’Av, the day when we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temple, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing, as it does every year, for the many people who will converge on the Kotel for the reading of the book of Lamentations (Megilat Eichah) and kinot adjacent to the site of the destruction.
Jews from all sectors and communities will come, beginning on Saturday night until late the following day, to the place that symbolizes the destruction more than any other.
The sight of thousands of people sitting on the floor, mourning the destruction of the House of G-d in different versions and traditions, as is appropriate for a place that is unifying, is a very moving sight.
On Saturday night, the eve of Tisha B’Av (July 17, 2021), the Western Wall Heritage Foundation will have a special broadcast for those unable to come to the Western Wall Plaza. The broadcast will begin with Ma’ariv prayers, the reading of the book of Lamentations and saying kinot.
When the fast is over on Sunday evening, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation will distribute refreshments for those breaking their fast at the Western Wall.
The event will continue until late (about 2am) when many people led by rabbis and Jewish leaders arrive for Kiddush Levana (Sanctification of the Moon) that takes place following Tisha B’Av.
Rescue services will be positioned at the Western Wall Plaza throughout the day to offer help to those who need it.
Please note that there will be no entry allowed into the Old City with private cars. Arrival will be possible only by public transportation.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation requests that the public abide by the directives of the Israel Police and the ushers.
