Thousands Gather for First Selichot Prayers at Western Wall in Emotional Ceremony
How 5 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By כיכר השבת, חזקי שטרן
First reported by Behadrei Haredim · Aug 15, 2026
What happened
Thousands gathered at Jerusalem's Western Wall on Saturday night for the first Selichot prayers of 5786, led by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, who prayed for Israeli unity, soldier safety, and national peace. The event marks the start of Elul and the High Holy Days, with 19 prayer sessions planned through the month. The next major gathering is set for Thursday after midnight, continuing this longstanding tradition.
- 01Thousands attended the first Selichot prayers at the Western Wall on Saturday night.
- 02Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch led prayers for Israeli unity, soldier safety, and peace.
- 03Nineteen major Selichot events will occur throughout Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance.
- 04Events include cantors, sound systems, and large screens for broad public participation.
- 05The next major Selichot gathering is Thursday at 12:15 a.m. at the Western Wall.
- 06Selichot traditions are especially strong among Mizrahi communities starting from early Elul.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 5 outlets
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