Thousands Attend Priestly Blessing at Western Wall

On Monday and Wednesday of this week, the Kotel (the Western Wall) was packed with thousands of Jewish worshippers looking to receive the Passover Priestly Blessing. This year, the blessing time was spread out over two days to avoid overcrowding and any possible hostile confrontations with Palestinians.

The "Birkat Kohanim" (Hebrew for priestly blessing) takes place twice a year—once at Passover and once at Sukkot (in the fall).

God commanded Moses and Aaron to bless the people of Israel in Numbers 6:

The Lord said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

" The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.""

"So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."

To watch the Passover Priestly Blessing:

(Photo: The Western Wall Facebook page)