Tens of Thousands Attend First Selichot Service of the Year at the Western Wall

Tens of thousands of worshippers participated last night in the first Selichot service for the year 5786 at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the month of Elul. The Rabbi of the Western Wall, Shmuel Rabinowitz, led prayers for unity, the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, and the security of Israel. The next major service is expected to take place on Thursday, August 20, at 00:15.

Tens of thousands of worshippers participated last night (between Saturday and Sunday) in the first Selichot service for the year 5786 at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the month of Elul. The event opened the series of traditional Selichot services held annually at the Wall during the month of Elul and the days leading up to Yom Kippur. During the prayer, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, offered prayers for unity in Israel, the well-being of IDF soldiers and security forces, and the security of Israel. The next major service at the Western Wall plaza is expected to take place this coming Thursday, August 20, at 00:15, and is also expected to draw tens of thousands of worshippers. Selichot services at the Wall take place throughout the month of Elul and during the Ten Days of Repentance, and in recent years they have attracted large crowds from all over the country.