Birkat HaKohanim: A Blessing Attended by Thousands
Birkat HaKohanim is a significant pilgrimage for Jews at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Held twice a year, once during Passover and once during Sukkot, Birkat HaKohanim is a mass blessing attended by thousands. It became a tradition after it was started by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner during the War of Attrition in an effort to provide support for Jews during an extremely challenging time. What started as a one-time gathering during war has now become a cherished, twice-yearly event that brings in hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem.
During Birkat HaKohanim, pilgrims gather at the plaza in front of the Western Wall for the ceremony. Kohanim, or Jewish priests, lead the crowd in an ancient Priestly Blessing. The Kohanim cover their heads and hands with white prayer shawls, stretching their fingers into the Hebrew letter shin. While a blessing is chanted aloud, many in the audience close their eyes or turn away to show humility through avoiding eye contact with the blessing. Some pilgrims even show their grief by weeping openly during the ritual.
Kohanim, pilgrims from near and far, and locals take part in Birkat HaKohanim. The event is open to the public, although Jews make up a large part of the attendees. Tourists interested in religious ceremonies also often attend, drawn in by the cultural significance of the gathering. Since Birkat HaKohanim happens during Passover and Sukkot, there’s a good chance you can time your visit to experience it alongside the other holidays.
