Thousands Gather at Jerusalem’s Western Wall for Prayers Before Rosh Hashana
By NEWSRAEL Telling the Israeli Story
Thousands flock to the Western Wall in Jerusalem to recite prayers of repentance before the Jewish New Year.
What Are Selichot Prayers?
- Purpose and Content: Selichot (singular: Selicha, meaning “forgiveness”) are poetic prayers expressing remorse for sins and seeking divine mercy. They date back to the Middle Ages, drawing from biblical sources like Psalms and the prophets, and are chanted in a haunting, melodic style.
- Timing: Traditionally recited from the last Sunday before Rosh Hashanah (or earlier in some communities) through Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The pre-dawn vigils build anticipation for the High Holy Days, a period of introspection.
- Atmosphere: Services are often held in the dim light of early morning, with participants swaying in unison, accompanied by shofar blasts (ram’s horn calls) symbolizing awakening and alarm.
The Western Wall as a Portal to the Shechinah
- In Kabbalah, the Kotel isn’t merely stone; it’s a “gate” to the Divine Feminine presence, the Shechinah—God’s indwelling energy exiled in the material world since the Temple’s destruction. Praying there during Selichot “awakens” this presence, drawing down or (divine light) from higher realms.
- Insight: The crowd’s collective energy creates a merkavah (chariot-like ascent), elevating sparks of holiness trapped in the stones. As the Zohar teaches, “The stones of the Wall weep” during these vigils, mirroring human tears and facilitating tikun (rectification) of the world’s brokenness.
WATCH: Thousands Gather at Jerusalem’s Western Wall for Prayers Before Rosh Hashana 2025
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Rosh Hashanah Greeting
‘I say to every Jew, wherever you may be, you are not alone. Israel will always be your home.’
WATCH: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Rosh Hashanah Greeting
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Rosh Hashanah Greeting:
“Dear Jewish brothers and sisters, Dear supporters of Israel around the world, On behalf of my wife, myself, and the Government of Israel, I wish each of you a Happy New Year.
As the Jewish new year begins, we see a rising tide of antisemitism in many countries. I say to every Jew, wherever you may be, you are not alone. Israel will always be your home.
On your behalf, I say to our brave soldiers, you are the shield of our nation. The people of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere stand behind you, cherish your service and embrace you and your families.
Together in the coming year, we’ll continue to strengthen Israel’s security, grow our economy, nurture our society and preserve the eternal values of our people.
May we bring home this year, soon, all our hostages. And may it be a year in which we further strengthen the indomitable Jewish spirit and expand the circle of peace.
From Jerusalem, the undivided eternal capital of the Jewish people, I send to every Jewish home in the world the blessings of a Happy New Year. Shanah Tova!”
U.S Ambassador Mike Huckabee: ‘Today we mark the joyous occasion of Rosh HaShanah’
‘We know this has been a trying time for the Jewish people, but we pray that the new year brings renewed blessings and a resurgence of hope.’
‘Now, bear with me as Rabbi ShemTov teaches me how to blow the shofar.’
WATCH: U.S Ambassador Mike Huckabee: ‘Today we mark the joyous occasion of Rosh HaShanah’
EDITORS NOTE: This Newsrael News Desk column with videos is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.
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