On the eve of Yom Kippur: Crowds of worshippers make their way to the Western Wall in Jerusalem for the climactic event of the High Holy Days period, when tonight (between Saturday and Sunday) the main Selichot ceremony will take place at the Western Wall. Starting at midnight, the official event will be broadcast live on the Israel Hayom website and app.
Since the beginning of the month of Elul, 17 Selichot events have been held, with the 18th event taking place tonight. This is a record number compared to previous years, when more than two million people flocked to all the events.
The Last Selichot Ceremony, Photo: Western Wall Heritage Foundation
The main event will be attended by the Chief Rabbis of Israel, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Places, the Mayor of Jerusalem, many ministers and public figures, as well as tens of thousands who will come from all over the country from north to south for the final ceremony of reciting Selichot before Yom Kippur.
Meanwhile, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is already preparing to receive thousands of worshippers who will come to hold the Yom Kippur prayers at the Western Wall, with the peak being when masses arrive for the closing prayer symbolizing the end of the holy day. At the end of the fast, drinks and foods will be distributed at the Western Wall to break the fast for the benefit of the worshippers.
Selichot at the Western Wall for Yom Kippur, Photo: Miriam Tzachi
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation: "Over two million people came during the month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance to the traditional Selichot stands at the Western Wall plaza, under the banner of 'Give peace among us,' which has been blessed for years. Classes that unite the people of Israel in all its diversity during this exciting month – in the unifying place."
The entrances to the Old City and the Western Wall will be closed if there are congestions, the public is asked to obey the instructions of the ushers for the safety of Western Wall visitors and to follow the publications and guidelines that are updated from time to time.
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