Passover priestly blessing draws huge crowds to Jerusalem

Some 100,000 Jews, including US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, took part in the annual Passover Priestly Blessing at the Kotel.

By: TPS and World Israel News Staff

Some 100,000 Jews took part in the annual Passover Priestly Blessing at the Kotel (Western Wall) Monday.

At the moving event, hundreds of “Kohanim,” members of the priestly tribe who are descendants of the biblical Aaron, recite the three-verse blessing (Numbers 6:24-26): “May the Lord bless you and protect you; May the Lord shine His countenance upon you and be graciousness to you; May the Lord shine His Countenance on you and grant you peace.”

The tradition derives from Aharon, the first High Priest, who would bless the people after offering sacrifices.

Twice a year – on the interim days of Passover and Sukkot, known as Chol Ha’Moed – a mass Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing)is held at the Kotel in the Old City of Jerusalem.

US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, a Kohen, participated in the event. Friedman said the experience was especially exciting since President Donald Trump has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

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