Tens of thousands of worshippers and visitors participated this morning (Thursday) in the second traditional Priestly Blessing ceremony (Birkat Kohanim) for the Sukkot holiday, held during morning and additional prayers at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem. Alongside the moving Priestly Blessing, the central event was marked by a mass prayer of thanksgiving by the tens of thousands present, following the rescue of passengers on the flight from Dubai to Israel who landed safely after harrowing moments in the air.
1+During the ceremony, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites Shmuel Rabinowitz led the tens of thousands in reciting chapters of Hallel and thanksgiving prayers, in light of the miracles and kindnesses that occurred last night (Wednesday) during the flight from Dubai. The rabbi called on the broader public to increase expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving, alongside continued prayers for the safety and success of IDF soldiers and security forces, and for peace and unity among the people of Israel.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation summed up the holiday days with great satisfaction, noting that close to one million worshippers and visitors have come to the plaza since the beginning of Sukkot to fulfill the commandment of pilgrimage. Among those visiting the site were rabbis, public figures, many tourists from abroad, and masses from the house of Israel, with the Priestly Blessing ceremonies also attended by freed hostages and bereaved families.
1+Continuing the Sukkot celebrations, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for the traditional “Second Hakafot” ceremony to be held on Saturday night after Simchat Torah (the evening of the 23rd of Tishrei). The event will begin at 10:00 PM at the Western Wall plaza, accompanied by singer Eli Cohen, Yoni Eliav’s orchestra, and the Narnena choir. In light of recent events and the miracles that occurred, this year’s ceremony will be dedicated to festive chapters of Hallel and thanksgiving prayers filled with joy and emotion.