Reduced Format and Broadcast Live: Birkat Kohanim Held at the Kosel

The traditional Birkat Kohanim was held this morning (Sunday) at the Western Wall Plaza in a limited format, in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines restricting the number of worshippers permitted at the site.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief Rabbis of Israel – the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi David Yosef, and Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar – alongside the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz; the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion; and dozens of kohanim.

The service was led by the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. Following him, the Chief Rabbis of Israel and the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, recited moving prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces fighting on multiple fronts – in the air, at sea, and on land – for the recovery of the wounded, and for peace for the Jewish nation.

During the ceremony, the Rabbi of the Western Wall recited a special prayer for the success of the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, and for the success of his administration and the U.S. military, which stand alongside Israel and are fighting its enemies. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mr. David Friedman, who was present at the ceremony, conveyed this special prayer to the President of the United States.

Western Wall Heritage Foundation: “Despite the complex security situation and ongoing fighting, this year’s traditional Birkat Kohanim was held in a reduced format and in accordance with guidelines, with responsibility for the safety and security of the worshippers. The ceremony was dedicated in prayer to the well-being of IDF soldiers and security forces and to the recovery of the wounded. Even as physical participation was limited, it was evident that the heart of the entire nation beat in unison with the ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The event connected many worshippers who gathered in their homes – in Israel and around the world – in a shared prayer of faith and unity, with hope for days of peace and redemption.”

Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation