50,000 Jews participate in priestly blessing at Western Wall
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50,000 Jews participate in priestly blessing at Western Wall

According to authorities, more than half a million people have visited the Western Wall since the beginning of the holiday.

Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation

Some 50,000 Jews participated in the in the second Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) at the Western Wall Plaza on Wednesday morning. 

According to authorities, more than half a million people have visited the Western Wall since the beginning of the holiday in commemoration of the “Aliya LaRegel” (pilgrimage).

Birkat Kohanim was attended by Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Lau, Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Places Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbis, ministers, public figures, and thousands of worshippers.

“We must do everything for unity and peace in the home, as it is written in the Priestly Blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you… May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you …and may He grant you peace’,” said Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.

The traditional “Second Hakafot” event at the Western Wall Plaza will take place on Saturday night, starting at 10:00 PM at the Western Wall Plaza, accompanied by an orchestra and amplification.

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