Birkat Kohanim

brief

Second Priestly Blessing at Kotel sees low turnout as tensions remain high

Yori Yalon and Efrat ForsherIsrael HayomApril 21, 2022

This year sees the traditional blessing held twice due to concerns about security and the ongoing coronavirus.

The Priestly Benediction at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, April 20, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90.

news

Thousands gather for annual priestly blessing at Western Wall amid Temple Mount tensions

Mike WagenheimApril 19, 2022

“We understand why some of our friends aren’t here today, though it is a little disappointing,” said Shmuel Cohen of Jerusalem. “There is no reason it needs to be this way. What do the Palestinians who caused this gain from this? This is their holy month, and they use Al-Aqsa this way?”

Jewish worshippers cover themselves with prayer shawls at the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem during the Kohanim Benediction for the Jewish holiday of Passover, April 18, 2022. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

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