Western Wall sees massive gatherings for Selichot prayers

More than half a million worshippers have attended Selichot penitential prayers at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem since the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul.

On a recent Thursday night, approximately 50,000 people gathered at the site, leading to overcrowding that required the event to be broadcast on large screens at the Jaffa Gate and along the Old City walls. The gathering included Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, government ministers, and public figures. During the services, prayers were offered for the security and unity of Israel, as well as for the well-being of the Israel Defense Forces.

These prayers are part of the preparations for the upcoming Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. While Sephardic Jews traditionally begin these recitals earlier in the month, Ashkenazi Jews typically begin on the Saturday night preceding Rosh Hashanah.