Thousands Attend Traditional Priestly Blessing at Western Wall

Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Monday morning for the traditional Priestly Blessing ceremony, held as is customary during the intermediate days of the Passover holiday (Chol HaMoed).

The event, broadcast live by Kikar HaShabbat, included the participation of the Chief Rabbis of Israel, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, the Mayor of Jerusalem, survivors of captivity, bereaved families, and the vast crowds of worshippers seeking to receive and bestow the traditional priestly blessing.

The schedule for the event included the morning prayer service starting at 8:45 AM, followed by the first Priestly Blessing at 9:30 AM. The Musaf prayer commenced at 10:15 AM, with the second Priestly Blessing scheduled for 10:30 AM.

Notably, the report mentions the absence of the 'Koyishikel' (a specific ritual item or practice, context unclear from the provided text) and references a special mitzvah (religious commandment) by a Rosh Yeshiva (head of a religious seminary) regarding the 'Four Species' (Arba'at HaMinim), though the direct connection to the main event is not elaborated upon.

Two separate, unrelated items are appended to the report: a mention of final documentation of the Kabbalist Rabbi David Batsri shortly before his passing, and a brief note about the religious commandment of the Four Species by Rosh Yeshiva Bnei. These appear to be unrelated news briefs.