Thousands gather at Western Wall for Birkat Kohanim

• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Published date: 30 March 2021
• Date: 30 March 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

In order to allow for even more people to attend, in spite of health restrictions caused by the pandemic, the blessing was performed twice each day.

This year marks half a century since Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner reestablished the tradition of the public blessings, given during Passover and Sukkot, according to the foundation.

"Only one year has passed since only ten kohanim blessed the entire Jewish nation and we are privileged to return to the traditional Birkat Kohanim," said rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.

"Though we are still under strict adherence to the restrictions of the Health...