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Tens of thousands attended priestly blessing in Jerusalem

Tens of thousands of Israelis and tourists received the Sukkot priestly blessing at the Kotel. 

Tens of thousands of Israelis, including Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi David Lau and Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, thronged to the Western Wall Plaza Sunday for the Priestly Blessing, traditionally delivered en masse during the intermediary days of the week-long Sukkot and Passover holidays.

According to Jewish tradition, the blessing is delivered by descendants of Aaron, the original High Priest. The text of the blessing is recorded in the book of Numbers (6:23-26): “May the Lord bless you and protect you/May the Lord shine his countenance on you and be gracious with you/May the Lord raise up His face to you and grant you peace.”

Hundreds of Jerusalem police and Border Police anti-terror squads deployed around the Old City in advance of the event, with special focus placed on the Jewish and Muslim quarters.

Above the Western Wall, at least one person was arrested on the Temple Mount for violating police regulations by bowing down in prayer.

By: TPS