Preparations for Rosh Hashanah are well underway at the Kosel in anticipation of the hundreds of thousands of visitors during Tishrei. During the past week, engineers inspected the integrity of the stones and the necessary repairs are being implemented to ensure the safety of mispallalim and the longevity of the Holy Site.

During the week before yomtov the kvitlach will be removed in line with the annual minhag, and Kosel Rav Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita explains they will be buried in a special location designated for the kvitlach during the 10 Days of Penitence. The kvitlach are removed and buried twice annually, before Rosh Hashanah and Pesach.

The work is carefully supervised by the rabbi, and all workers go to mikve before beginning their day. Wood is used to pry the kvitlach from the wall, not metallic objects.

Beginning with Rosh Chodesh Elul, there are minyanim every night including slichos. A main slichos event will be held on Erev Yom Kippur in the presence of HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita, Chief Rabbis Rabbi Yona Metzger Shlita and Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar Shlita and Rabbi Rabinowitz.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)