Selichot 2021 at the Western Wall: This year there will be 17 main prayer events

As it does every year, with the approach of the month of Elul – the month of compassion and selichot, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing to host the Jewish nation for Selichot (penitential prayers) and the High Holidays. The Foundation is operating in accordance with the directives of the Israeli government and is prepared to make adjustments based on changes in regulations, should those occur.

Due to the situation, it was decided this year to hold 17 different Selichot events which will be accompanied by a cantor and amplification and broadcast live.  This is in order to spread out the crowds and allow the public to go to Jerusalem and join the Selichot events throughout the High Holiday season. The Selichot events will be broadcast live on the Foundation’s website for all those who cannot come to the Western Wall Plaza in person but want to participate in this moving and exciting event.

Selichot 2021 at The Western Wall

“We call upon the public to come say selichot earlier in the month of Elul and not just during the last days of selichot so that the crowds can be spread out and we can maintain the safety and health of all who visit the Western Wall.”

The first selichot event at the Western Wall Plaza will take place on Thursday, 4 Elul, August 12, 2021, beginning at midnight.

Following are the dates of the other central selichot events at the Western Wall Plaza, beginning at midnight:

Entrance during selichot events will be for up to 10,000 worshippers simultaneously divided into prayer capsules. The public is requested to arrive beginning in the early evening hours in order to prevent crowds on the way to and at the entrances of the Western Wall.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation wishes to remind the public to come say selichot earlier rather than just on the last few days of selichot in order to spread out the crowds and preserve the health and safety of all who come to the Western Wall.

Please note! Entrances to the Old City and to the Western Wall will be closed if there are crowds.  Please pay attention to the directions of the Israel Police and note changes in access routes.

All the selichot events will be broadcast live on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation website – www.thekotel.org

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The new Chain of Generations Center and the sites of the Western Wall Tunnels will be open expanded hours during the selichot period.

To arrange a visit for groups or individuals, please call *5958 or visit the Kotel website.

(The tours will operate in accordance with regulations which are occasionally updated.)