The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is making last minute preparations for the traditional Birkat Kohanim prayer, which will be held tomorrow (Thursday), the second day of Chol HaMoed.
The prayer will take place in the presence of the Chief Rabbis of Israel and the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Places, and with the participation of thousands of worshipers who will flood the Western Wall (Kotel) plaza.
Shacharit (morning prayer) will start at 8:45, the first Birkat Kohanim at 9:15, the Mussaf prayer at 10:15, and the second Birkat Kohanim (of Mussaf) at 10:30.
At 10:45, the Rabbis will sound a prayer for the return of the hostages, the safety of the soldiers and security forces, for the healing of the wounded, and for peace for the People of Israel.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said that, "During the ceremony, chapters of thanks and praise to God for the miracles that have happened to the people living in Zion will also be said.”
It was also reported that the entrances to the Old City and the Western Wall will be closed in the case of congestion. The Israel Police is responsible for restricting crowds and all visitors to the Western Wall site are asked to obey the instructions of the ushers for the safety of all visitors.