As the month of Elul begins, the month of mercy and forgiveness, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing to host the multitudes of the Jewish nation, as it does every year, during the traditional Selichot ceremonies and the High Holidays, anticipating the arrival of thousands of worshippers and visitors every night at the central ceremonies.

In light of the great desire and demand from the broader public to participate in the central Selichot ceremonies, it has been decided this year to add more Selichot ceremonies, holding 19 central Selichot gatherings accompanied by a cantor, sound amplification, and large screens set up at the Western Wall Plaza. This is intended to disperse the crowds and allow everyone to come to Jerusalem and join the Selichot gatherings throughout the entire period of the High Holy Days. The Selichot ceremonies will be broadcast live on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation’s website for those who are unable to physically attend the Western Wall Plaza but wish to partake in the moving events.

The first Selichot ceremony at the Western Wall Plaza will take place on Wednesday, 1 Elul 5784, September 4, 2024, starting at 12:15 AM.

Here are the dates when central Selichot ceremonies will be held:

Wednesday, 1 Elul 5784 – September 4, 2024 

Thursday, 2 Elul 5784 – September 5, 2024 

Saturday night, 4 Elul 5784 – September 7, 2024 

Thursday, 9 Elul 5784 – September 12, 2024 

Saturday night, 11 Elul 5784 – September 14, 2024 

Thursday, 16 Elul 5784 – September 19, 2024 

Saturday night, 18 Elul 5784 – September 21, 2024 

Tuesday, 21 Elul 5784 – September 24, 2024 

Wednesday, 22 Elul 5784 – September 25, 2024 

Thursday, 23 Elul 5784 – September 26, 2024 

Saturday night, 25 Elul 5784 – September 28, 2024 

Sunday, 26 Elul 5784 – September 29, 2024 

Monday, 27 Elul 5784 – September 30, 2024 

Tuesday, 28 Elul 5784 – October 1, 2024 - Erev Rosh Hashanah: Annulment of vows at midnight, 12:00 AM

Sunday, 4 Tishrei 5785 – following the Fast of Gedaliah, October 6, 2024 

Monday, 5 Tishrei 5785 – October 7, 2024 - A prayer service and dedication of a Torah scroll in memory of the murdered and fallen, may their memory be blessed, with the participation of bereaved families, families of hostages, and wounded IDF soldiers at 12:00 AM

Tuesday, 6 Tishrei 5785 – October 8, 2024 

Wednesday, 7 Tishrei 5785 – October 9, 2024 

Central Selichot ceremony - Thursday, 9 Tishrei 5785 – October 10, 2024 - Erev Yom Kippur: Annulment of vows at midnight, 12:00 AM.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for the peak events to be held on Erev Rosh Hashanah and Erev Yom Kippur. This year, marking the first anniversary of the infamous day, October 7, another central Selichot ceremony will be held at the Western Wall Plaza, including the dedication of a Torah scroll in memory of the murdered and fallen, may their memory be blessed. During this ceremony, prayers will be offered for the quick return of the hostages to their homes, for the recovery of the wounded and well-being of IDF soldiers, and for the evacuated from the north and south of Israel to return to their homes safely and soon. The ceremony will be attended by rabbis, public figures, bereaved families, and families of hostages and wounded IDF soldiers.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation: "The traditional Selichot ceremonies at the Western Wall Plaza unite the Jewish people in all its diversity and contribute to unity during the most significant month of the year.  We urge the public to come early for Selichot throughout the month of Elul, and not just during the final days of Selichot and the Ten Days of Repentance, in order to alleviate crowding and ensure the safety and well-being of all those who come to the Western Wall".

Meanwhile, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing for unique Selichot tours, following the piyutim (liturgical poems) and Selichot in the Old City and at the Western Wall Tunnels sites, which will be held, as they are every year, in an enhanced format.

The new exhibit at the Western Wall Tunnels, 'The Gateway to Heaven,' recently opened to the public, the Chain of Generations Center, and the  route in the Western Wall Tunnels, 'The Great Bridge,' will be open especially during the Selichot period until the early hours of the morning. To schedule a visit for groups and individuals, call *5958 or visit the Western Wall website at www.thekotel.org