Preparations for Sukkos Underway at the Kosel

Preparations are underway at the Kosel as hundreds of thousands of mispallalim and visitors are expected to visit during Sukkos. Officials report that over one million mispallalim visited the Kosel during recent weeks for slichos.

For persons wishing to avail themselves of arba minim, they will be on hand for visitors. This will assist those who paskin like the Rambam, that one can fulfil the mitzvah of arba minim in the walls of Yerushalayim during Chol Hamoed as was the minhag of Maran HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv ZT”L ZY”A.

The new refurbished restrooms will be operational for Yomtov and Kosel Heritage Foundation officials add additional restrooms will be available in the Jewish Quarter, near the bus stops and adjacent to the Dung Gate (Shar Ha’ashpos).

In line with the minhag, Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita and Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi David Lau Shlita will be on hand for Kabolas Panim along with the Rabbi of the Kosel & Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita.

A word to the tzibur; the Old City will be closed to private vehicles. Visitors are urged to use public transportation and the park-and-ride shuttle services.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)