Tens of Thousands Gather at Western Wall for Selichot Prayers Ahead of Rosh Hashanah

Over 50,000 people participated in the central Selichot (penitential prayers) service at the Western Wall Plaza on Thursday night, the final night of the Hebrew month of Elul, ahead of Rosh Hashanah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the site earlier to pray for the state's peace.

The service included the annulment of vows and curses, led by the Rishon LeZion and Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef, along with other rabbis, ministers, and public figures. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion officiated. Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, called for setting aside disputes and embracing mutual love and responsibility to enter the new year with unity.

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. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that nearly one million worshippers have visited the plaza since the beginning of Elul for the Selichot services held throughout the month.

Due to the large crowds, the service was broadcast live on screens in the Old City walls and at Jaffa Gate for thousands unable to enter the plaza. This broadcast was an initiative of the Jerusalem Mayor's office in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. The next major Selichot service at the Western Wall is scheduled for Monday, September 14, at 12:15 AM, with tens of thousands of worshippers expected.