Selichot at the Kotel

13th September 2025 - 1st October 2025
Holiday
ABOUT THE EVENT

Selichot at the Kotel: An Enduring Tradition

Selichot at the Kotel is a tradition held during the weeks leading up to the High Holidays. In Jerusalem, thousands of Jews gather at the Western Wall to pray, either late at night or right before dawn to symbolize spiritual life and a sense of urgency. During Selicot, Jews recite the “13 Attributes of Mercy,” a list mentioned in Exodus (34:6–7) that points to God’s compassion and willingness to forgive. Sephardic Jews hold Selichot a month before Rosh Hashanah, while Ashkenazis practice the tradition a few days before the Jewish New Year.

Central to Selichot is a sentiment of repentance. It’s a deeply moving tradition that involves singing songs that have been passed down for generations. At the Western Wall, the sounds of the melodies echo off the stone, creating a chorus throughout the entire plaza. Together, Jews recite Hebrew poems (piyyutim) and excerpts from Psalms, reminding them of God’s ability to forgive. During Selichot, men wear kippahs and some wrap themselves in tallitot.

Although Selichot is primarily recognized by Jews, often, many tourists join in on the tradition in Jerusalem, too. Together, they gather in the open air beneath the Western Wall and participate in a centuries-old tradition alongside thousands of Jews wrapped in shawls, openly practicing their faith. The sound of the blowing shofar acts a call for spiritual awakening – a reminder to return to themselves and to God. Selichot is a tradition not to be missed for any curious traveler looking to for a deeply moving experience. 

🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India. 

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

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Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

 Link is in our bio

#VirtualTravel #JerusalemVibes #SpiritualJourney #JewishTravel #Isarel  #BirkatKohanim #JewishJerusalem

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Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem's underground. Unveil the city's secrets from home. 🌌

Find link in our bio

#JerusalemUnderground #CitySecrets #ExploreHistory #JewishTravel #Israel #Travel #WesternWall

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