Thousands Gather for First Selichot Prayers at Western Wall Marking Month of Mercy
On the night following Shabbat, thousands of worshippers participated in the first Selichot prayer service of the Hebrew year 5786 at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem. The event marked the beginning of the month of mercy and forgiveness, known as Elul, a period leading up to the High Holy Days.
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, led the prayers, invoking unity among the people of Israel, the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, and peace and security for the State of Israel. The gathering was described as moving and significant, drawing large crowds to the historic site.
The next major Selichot event at the Western Wall is scheduled for Thursday night, August 20, 2026, at 12:15 a.m., continuing the tradition of communal penitential prayers during this sacred month.
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