As Rosh Hashanah approaches, work has begun at the Kosel, which begins with inspecting the integrity of the stones.

During the inspection of each stone, dirt, bird droppings and other unwanted findings are removed, and any stone deemed unsafe is addressed to avoid a catastrophe chas v’sholom. At times, there is a need to repair between stones to ensure the future integrity of the Kosel.

The inspection includes the Robinson’s Arch area, and it is reported no issues have been found to date. In the process of removing the growth between stones, and bird dropping, the mitzva of שילוח הקן was fulfilled as a bird’s nest was found between two stones. Interestingly, this occurred with this week’s parsha being Ki Seitzei.

The Kosel Heritage Foundation continues its ongoing efforts to protect and maintain the integrity of the Kosel and surrounding plaza, at times working with the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Tens of thousands of mispallalim are expected for slichos, which are already ongoing. The main Slichos will be on October 7, 2019 at 12:00AM in the presence of the Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef and HaRav Dovid Lau, as well as the Rav of the Kosel & Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)