Thousands Gather at Western Wall for Priestly Blessing Ceremony

Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for the traditional Priestly Blessing ceremony during the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday. Hundreds of Kohanim (members of the priestly class) will participate in the event, reciting the ancient priestly blessing over the assembled crowd.

The schedule includes morning prayers starting at 8:45 AM, followed by the first Priestly Blessing at 9:30 AM. Afternoon prayers will commence at 10:15 AM, with a second Priestly Blessing scheduled for 10:30 AM. This year, the ceremony is split into two separate occasions during Sukkot to accommodate more attendees, with a second blessing planned for Thursday, October 1st.

Among those expected to attend are survivors of Hamas captivity from Gaza, bereaved families, and IDF soldiers wounded during the "Swords of Iron" war. The Chief Rabbis of Israel are also anticipated to be present. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation has prepared for hundreds of thousands of visitors during the holiday, setting up three large sukkahs and ensuring the availability of the Four Species for those wishing to fulfill the commandment.

This mass Priestly Blessing ceremony at the Western Wall has been a significant tradition for decades, originating after the Six-Day War following an initiative by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner. It draws worshippers from Israel and around the world annually. The Western Wall is expected to remain a central gathering point throughout the holiday period, concluding with the traditional "Second Hakafot" Simchat Torah celebrations on the evening of October 3rd.