Preparations are in full swing at the Kosel for the anticipated 1.5 million visits that will take place from Rosh Hashanah through Sukkos. Tourism officials report that 300,000 visitors are expected to enter Israel during the yomtov period, and many will make numerous visits to the Kosel, not to mention the many residents who will visit the Old City during the Tishrei yomtov season.

Earlier in the week, police commanders met with Kotel Heritage Foundation officials, reviewing readiness at the site as well as the paths and roadways leading to the Kosel Plaza. There should be less crowding in and around the Old City this year since due to the leap year, Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan do not coincide as was the case last year.

The Kosel ushers were briefed and regulations reviewed as well, for they are the frontline force responsible for maintaining order and cleanliness of the area.

In essence, at the Kosel, the yomtov season is underway as many mispallalim are visiting daily to take part in slichos. The main slichos during the Aseres Yimei Tshuva will be on Thursday (8 Tishrei 5772). HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita is expected to take part along with Israel’s chief rabbis, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar Shlita and Rabbi Yona Metzger Shlita, as well as Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites. On the day before, Wednesday (7 Tishrei), HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Grossman Shlita is expected to take part in slichos.

Mechitzas were set up in the rear plaza to permit people to daven there as well in anticipation of many mispallalim. A large sukka is being built as well, a gift from R’ Eli Kleinman and his wife, of Flatbush, USA.

Kosel officials announce that this year’s Birkas Kohanim will take place on Sunday, 3rd day chol hamoed Sukkos (18 Tishrei).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)