Preparations Underway for Birchas Kohanim at the Kosel

With Sukkos on the horizon, arrangements are in full swing to welcome tens of thousands of mispallelim who come to commemorate the aliyah laregel at the Kosel.

This year, two sessions of the traditional Birchat Kohanim will be held at the Kosel, anticipating the presence of a vast crowd.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation has underscored the importance of cooperation, urging those planning to attend the first Birchas Kohanim to refrain from joining the second session. This will ensure that all those interested can partake in this spiritually uplifting experience and reduce congestion, thereby enhancing the safety of the worshippers and visitors.

For the benefit of the general public, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation constructs a special sukkah each year. One of these sukkos will house the arbaah haminim, making the mitzvah accessible to everyone.

The first Birchas Kohanim will take place on Monday, 17 Tishrei, Oct. 2. The second will be held on Wednesday, 19 Tishrei, Oct. 4.

These tefillos will feature the participation of Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Sephardic Chief Rabbi Harav Yitzchak Yosef, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi Harav David Lau, the Rabbi of the Kosel and Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and Mayor Moshe Lion.

Shacharis will commence at 8:45 a.m., with the Birchas Kohanim of Shacharis taking place at 9:30 a.m. Mussaf will begin at 10:15 a.m., and Birchas Kohanim is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Both ceremonies will be broadcast live on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation’s site.

In the event of overcrowding, access to the Old City and the Kosel Plaza will be restricted, and the public is urged to follow the guidance of ushers to ensure the safety of all.

Following the conclusion of Simchas Torah, hakafos shniyos will be held at the Kosel at 10:00 p.m. The celebration will be accompanied by a musical ensemble and amplification.