A mass blessing is set to take place at the Kotel (Western Wall) on Thursday morning. Thousands have already gathered to be blessed by a hundreds of Kohanim, members of the priestly class, during morning prayers. Many more are expected.

The first blessing will take place at 9:00 AM. A second blessing will be given at 10:30. Chief Rabbis Shlomo Amar and Yona Metzger and Rabbi of the Kotel Shmuel Rabinovitch are scheduled to be in attendance.

Kohanim are directed by the Torah to bless the people of Israel. The traditional blessing given is (translation): “The Lord bless you and protect you. The Lord make His countenance shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his countenance towards you and grant you peace.”