Tens of Thousands Attend Historic Selichot Service at Western Wall
Over 50,000 people gathered at the Western Wall Plaza for a dramatic and unprecedented Selichot (penitential prayers) service and annulment of vows, marking the culmination of the Hebrew month of Elul. Due to the exceptional crowds, the event was broadcast live on the walls of the Old City and Jaffa Gate for the large public audience.
The emotional and spiritual climax of the eve of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) saw tens of thousands congregate at the Western Wall. The service, described as deeply moving, united Israelis from all sectors of society. This historic event concluded a month of spiritual uplift, during which nearly one million worshippers visited the site.
The central Selichot gathering was attended by the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef, along with other prominent rabbis, ministers, public figures, and the vast crowd. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of unity within the Jewish people, urging the setting aside of disputes in favor of unconditional love and mutual responsibility ahead of the new year.
During the service, prayers were offered for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace, security, and unity of Israel. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion led a prayer.
Organizers from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that nearly one million worshippers visited the site from the beginning of Elul until the eve of the holiday. To accommodate the overflow, Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation initiated a live broadcast of the event on large screens at the Old City walls and Jaffa Gate.
The public is invited to continue attending large-scale services at the Western Wall Plaza during the Ten Days of Repentance, with the next major event scheduled for Monday, September 14th, at 12:15 AM.
