Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered Monday at Jerusalem’s Western Wall to hear the words of the biblical Priestly Blessing spoken over Israel during Sukkot.
The traditional ceremony, known in Hebrew as Birkat Kohanim, comes from Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (MEV).
Israel’s chief rabbis, the rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, and the mayor of Jerusalem attended the ceremony. Former hostages marking one year since their release from Hamas captivity were also expected to participate alongside bereaved families and Israel Defense Forces soldiers wounded during the Swords of Iron War.
The first Priestly Blessing followed the morning Shacharit prayers. A second blessing was delivered during the Musaf service.
Worshippers also offered a special prayer for IDF soldiers and Israeli security forces, the recovery of the wounded, and the unity and protection of the Jewish people.
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This year, organizers divided the ceremony between two separate gatherings. The second is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, corresponding with the 20th of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said the decision was intended “to enable as many people as possible to participate in the prayers,” according to Israel National News.
The foundation also erected three large kosher sukkahs ahead of the holiday to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected in Jerusalem during Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles.
Nearly 2 million worshippers visited the Western Wall Plaza during the Hebrew month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance, the foundation reported.
As this biblical blessing continues to resound from Jerusalem, Christians around the world can stand with Israel and pray for the peace, protection and healing of the Jewish people.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
