Police in and around the Old City of Yerushalayim are out in large numbers this morning, the second day chol hamoed Pesach 5773 for the annual birchas kohanim. Shachris begins at 08:15 and birchas kohanim of shachris is scheduled for 09:00. Musaf is scheduled to begin at 09:45 and birchas kohanim at 10:00. Among the rabbonim expected to attend are Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shlomo Amar Shlita, Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yonah Yechiel Metzger Shlita and the Rav of the Kosel Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.

In Hebron, preparations are complete as the residents are ready to greet the thousands expected to make their way to the holy city on the second day of chol hamoed.

In addition to the entire Ma’aras HaMachpelah being open to Jews, including the Yitzchak Hall, there will be live music and entertainment including Lipa Schmeltzer, Chaim Yisrael and Udi Davidi. A number of cabinet ministers are expected to attend as well. They will use the events of the day to announce their continued commitment to the future of the city and its Jewish community.

Buses are available from around the country and all of the day’s events are coordinated with the IDF and Israel Police.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)