Planning to Visit the Western Wall? Don’t Miss ‘Birkat Cohanim’ – the Aaronic Blessing

The Western Wall Prepares for One of the Highlights of Passover Blessing, which will take place this year on two separate days and will also highlight the ongoing struggle to free the hostages held in Gaza. Tens of thousands are expected to gather in the Western Wall Plaza during the intermediate days of the holiday (Chol Hamoed) for the central holiday prayers.

 Dates of the Priestly Blessing:

• Tuesday | April 15, 2025 | 17th of Nisan

• Thursday | April 17, 2025 | 19th of Nisan

 Prayer Schedule:

• Shacharit (Morning Prayer): 8:45 AM

• First Priestly Blessing (during Shacharit): 9:15 AM

• Musaf (Additional Prayer): 10:15 AM

• Second Priestly Blessing (during Musaf): 10:30 AM

• Special Prayer for IDF Soldiers, Hostages, and the People of Israel: 10:45 AM

The ceremonies will be livestreamed on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation website:
 Tuesday Broadcast
 Thursday Broadcast

 Prayers for Hostages and the Wounded – With Survivors in Attendance

This year, the ceremonies will include the participation of recently released hostages, family members of those still in captivity in Gaza, and wounded IDF soldiers from the “Iron Swords” war. In addition to the traditional blessing, a special prayer will be recited for the safe return of the hostages and for the well-being of Israel’s soldiers and citizens.

 Following the Prayer: Greeting the Chief Rabbis

On Tuesday, immediately after the morning prayers, the traditional Kabbalat Pnei Rabo B’Regel will take place—where thousands of worshippers line up to receive a personal holiday blessing from Israel’s Chief Rabbis and the Rabbi of the Western Wall.

Rabbi of the Western Wall, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz | Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

Getting There: Parking and Transportation Info                                                                                       From April 13–18, the Old City will be closed to private vehicles, and access will be possible only via public transportation.

Special bus lines will operate from across Jerusalem, including lines 1, 3, 38A, 111, and 333.
Park & Ride lots will be available at Mount Herzl, Pisgat Ze’ev, and Nahal Tzofim.
Public transit will be increased and will run throughout the night.

The public is asked to follow police and security personnel instructions and to check for updates on traffic and access.