Tens of thousands are visiting the Kosel for the recitation of Slichos every night at midnight.

The Slichos capture the many and varied participants in this special tefilla, which is recited with the outpouring of the soul. The Kosel Plaza has been packed with mispallalim participating in slichos, people from all over the country as they accept Ohl Malchus Shomayim during the days leading to Rosh Hashanah.

Last Thursday, about 10,000 people took part in the Slichos. The Kosel Heritage Foundation has printed over 100,000 slichos for the mispallalim, with the contribution of Mr. Alberto and Sharon Kochav of Mexico.

Rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz adds, “Every year I am thrilled by the strength of the connection of the Jewish people to the Kosel and the recitation of the Slichos of the High Holy Days. These days, all the barriers between man and his friend, between the various Jewish communities and between denominations and opinions and tens of thousands of Jews are united in tefilla in front of the ancient stones of the Kosel according to the tradition of Israel and Jewish law. It’s a sight that you cannot remain indifferent to.”

Every year, the number of mispallalim at the Kosel rises during these days. The sight of the tens of thousands that fill the Kosel Plaza at night during this special week is an unforgettable experience. And now the Kosel Plaza is preparing to receive hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on Sukkos.

The main slichos event will be held on Thursday, 8 Tishrei 5778 at 12:15AM in the presence of the Chief Rabbis of Israel and Rabbi Rabinowitz.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)