Thousands participate in selichot prayers at the Western Wall
Thousands participate in selichot prayers at the Western WallYisrael Bardugo, courtesy of the Organization of Community Rabbis

Thousands of Israeli Jews from all sectors of society gathered in Jerusalem's Safra Square for an inspirational evening organized by the Jerusalem municipality, the Organization of Community Rabbis, and the Culture and Sport Ministry.

Members of communities from Tzfat to Be'er Sheva participated in guided tours accompanied by their rabbis, and walked through the alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City.

Performing at Safra Square were well-known singers Ishay Ribo, Aharon Razel, and Haim Yisrael. Attending the event were Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Tzfat Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, and Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev (Likud).

"It is so good to be at this evening with you, with thousands of people from all over Israel, who came to Jerusalem during the Ten Days of Repentance," Regev said. "We will continue to invest in Jewish culture and Jewish identity, because we are nothing with the Creator of the world."

"May we all merit to strengthen Jerusalem, to build and be built by it," Barkat said. "I wish each of you a good year. May you be sealed [in the Book of Life] and may all your dreams come true."

After the performance, the entire crowd walked to the Western Wall. On the way, they met street performers who added to the special atmosphere.

"There are no words to describe the powerful image and atmosphere, and how we felt when we saw all of Israel gathering, happily and excitedly, in holiness," Organization of Community Rabbis CEO Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu said.

"May the year and its blessings begin, and may we merit that G-d see all of us together, connected to our Father in Heaven and all of Israel."

On Wednesday, four hundred gathered at the President's Residence for selichot led by singer Yonatan Razel.

The full Hebrew video can be viewed here: