Thousands Gather at Western Wall for First Selichot Prayers of the Year

The month of mercy and forgiveness began in Jerusalem with thousands attending the first Selichot prayer event of the Hebrew year 5786 at the Western Wall plaza on Saturday night. This traditional gathering marks the start of the month of Elul, during which worshippers recite penitential prayers and liturgical poems near the remnants of the Holy Temple. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, led special prayers for the unity of the Jewish people, the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, and the peace and security of the State of Israel. This event inaugurated a series of Selichot ceremonies scheduled throughout Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance leading up to Yom Kippur. The next major gathering is planned for Thursday night, August 20, at 12:15 a.m., and is also expected to draw thousands of worshippers.