Knesset Chair Rotman Urges Netanyahu to Open Temple Mount for Rosh Hashanah Prayers and Shofar Blowing

Ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, Knesset Constitution Committee Chair Simcha Rotman sent an urgent request on Wednesday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Rotman called for permitting the blowing of the shofar and opening the Temple Mount for prayers on Rosh Hashanah. He emphasized that shofar blowing is a central commandment of the holiday, and preventing it on the Temple Mount significantly impairs the public's ability to fulfill this mitzvah at the holy site.

Rotman also highlighted the importance of allowing the public to pray at the Temple Mount during the Mussaf prayer on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, which falls on Shabbat this year. He described this as a rare opportunity for many Jews to access the site on a major holiday, noting that current restrictions deny many the right to pray there.

In his letter, Rotman urged the government to permit shofar blowing during the Mussaf prayer and to open the Temple Mount for prayer on Rosh Hashanah's first day. He expressed confidence that the authorities would consider the spiritual, religious, and national significance of these requests for the observant Jewish community in Israel. Rotman concluded by requesting a prompt and positive response and wished everyone a good and meaningful new year.