On Sunday, the Western Wall plaza filled with thousands of worshippers for the traditional Priestly Blessing ceremony. The event drew a massive crowd, including prominent religious figures and civic leaders.
Leading the ceremony were Israel's Chief Sephardi Rabbi David Yosef and the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion was also in attendance, joining the throngs who came to participate in the ancient ritual.
Video: Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall, Sukkot 2024 / Credit: Western Wall Heritage Foundation
The ceremony took on added poignancy with the presence of families of hostages, who joined the gathering to pray for the swift return of their loved ones.
The day's schedule was structured around several key moments. Morning prayers began at 8:45 a.m., followed by the first Priestly Blessing of the day at 9:30 a.m. An additional prayer service started at 10:15 a.m., with a second Priestly Blessing following at 10:30 a.m. At 10:40 a.m., a special prayer was held for the safety of IDF soldiers and security personnel, the quick return of the hostages, the recovery of the wounded, and peace and security for Israel.
To ensure the safety and smooth running of the event, authorities issued several guidelines for attendees. Access to the Old City and the Western Wall could be restricted if overcrowding occurred. Visitors were urged to follow the instructions of event ushers to maintain safety. The public was advised to stay informed of any updates or changes to the guidelines throughout the day.
