Preparations for Sukkot at the Kotel Traditional Birkat Kohanim Ceremony During Chol HaMoed with the Participation of Families of Hostages

By BJLife Israel Newsroom
Posted on 10/14/24

Jerusalem, Israel - Oct. 14, 2024  - Preparations for Sukkot at the Kotel: Traditional Birkat Kohanim Ceremony During Chol HaMoed with the Participation of Families of Hostages  

In anticipation of Sukkot 5785, the traditional Birkat Kohanim ceremony will take place at the Kotel on Sunday with tens of thousands of worshippers and families of hostages in attendance. Prayers will be offered for the safe return of the hostages, the success of IDF soldiers and security forces, healing for the wounded, and peace and security for Israel.  

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation remarked: “This moving scene repeats itself every year, as tens of thousands come to the Kotel to bless and be blessed through Birkat Kohanim.”  

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of visitors and worshippers during Sukkot, continuing the tradition of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This follows the participation of over two million people at the Kotel throughout the month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance, attending both day services and nightly Selichot prayers. As in previous years, the Foundation will set up kosher and well-appointed sukkahs for the public's use.  

The Birkat Kohanim ceremony will take place on Sunday (the third day of Chol HaMoed Sukkot), 18th of Tishrei 5785 / October 20, 2024. The tradition began 54 years ago initiated by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner, zt”l, and has since been organized by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation on Chol HaMoed during both Passover and Sukkot. During the event, hundreds of Kohanim will bless the assembled congregation with the threefold blessing from the Torah, drawing tens of thousands of participants.  

The event will be attended by Israel's chief rabbi, the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi David Yosef, the rabbi of the Kotel and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, and many more attendees. Families of hostages will also participate, offering prayers for the speedy return of their loved ones.  

Schedule of Birkat Kohanim:  
- Shacharit: 8:45 AM  
- Birkat Kohanim pf Shacharit: 9:30 AM  
- Mussaf: 10:15 AM  
- Birkat Kohanim of Mussaf: 10:30 AM  
- Special prayer for the well-being of IDF soldiers and security forces, the swift return of the hostages, the recovery of the wounded, and peace and security for Israel: 10:45 AM  

The event will be broadcast live on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation's website:  
[www.thekotel.org](http://www.thekotel.org)  

Link to the live broadcast of Birkat Kohanim:  
[https://www.youtube.com/live/4TgrAHQo2MQ?si=sXxELUgMADpRc11c](https://www.youtube.com/live/4TgrAHQo2MQ?si=sXxELUgMADpRc11c)  

Important Information:  
- Access to the Old City and the Western Wall may be restricted if the site becomes overcrowded.  
- Visitors are asked to follow the instructions of ushers to ensure safety.  
- Stay updated with announcements and guidelines.  

Photo credit: Western Wall Heritage Foundation  

Traditional "Hakafot Shniyot" at the Kotel:  
Hakafot Shniyot, traditionally held after Simchat Torah, will take place on the night of Thursday, October 24, 2024 (23rd of Tishrei), beginning at 10:00 PM at the Western Wall Plaza, accompanied by a live orchestra and sound system.  

Link to the live broadcast of Hakafot Shniyot:
[https://youtube.com/live/c0qrU3e8Lqs?feature=share](https://youtube.com/live/c0qrU3e8Lqs?feature=share)