Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered Saturday night at the Western Wall plaza for the first selichot service of 5786, marking the opening of the month of mercy and repentance. During the prayers, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, led prayers for the unity of Israel, for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, and for the peace and security of Israel.
The next major selichot service at the Western Wall plaza will take place this Thursday, the 7th of Elul (August 20), at 12:15 a.m., with tens of thousands of worshippers expected to attend.