Two traditional Birkat HaKohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremonies will be held at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City during Passover this year, in the presence of hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity, families of those still held, and wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation announced Monday.

The ceremonies, scheduled for April 15 and April 17, are expected to draw tens of thousands. Due to overwhelming public interest, the blessing will be held on two separate days for the first time.

“These are powerful days of prayer and unity,” said Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites. “We welcome all who come to the Western Wall to lift their voices in blessing and hope.”

Israel’s chief rabbis, Jerusalem’s mayor and other dignitaries will attend. The events will be livestreamed on the Foundation’s website.

In preparation for the holiday, all Western Wall stones have undergone a structural inspection to ensure visitor safety. Engineers manually examined the stones using cranes, removing loose material and vegetation. “This is a sacred and meticulous process,” said Rabinowitz, noting it was done in line with halachic guidelines.

Additionally, fruit trees have been placed in the plaza so visitors can recite the seasonal Birkat Ha’Ilanot blessing, traditionally said upon seeing blossoming trees in spring.

The biannual removal of prayer notes from the Wall’s crevices will take place on Wednesday between 9:30–10:15 a.m. The notes will be buried according to Jewish law.

Image - The 2024 Passover Priestly Blessing ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel. Credit: Western Wall Heritage Foundation.