The Jerusalem streets have been crowded each night, with tens of thousands heading to the Kotel, the Western Wall, for selihot. These middle-of-the-night prayers before Yom Kippur have become a “thing.”
People, especially young people from all over, secular and religious, at the Kotel and flowing into the surrounding area after 1 a.m. have become the new norm.
Buses, light rail trains, and Jerusalem streets were packed with people on Thursday night.
One special event was held in the old Shaare Zedek Hospital building on Jaffa Street.
Organizations supporting lone soldiers and B’not Sherut national service volunteers came together under the leadership of ImpactIl. Founded by Lesley Kaplan, mentors offer support and guidance for entrepreneurs at this event, especially soldiers and B’not Sherut after their service.
Yeshiva University was one of many educational options to explore.
Inside, mentors were available for young people to meet and connect.
Inside and outside, people at stations were available to help.
Most of the 150 soldiers were not in uniform, and only a few had weapons.
It was an opportunity for those who finished their service to become financially smarter.
Soft music was played throughout the evening event.
It was wonderful to see so many worthwhile organizations working together.
Another less publicized event was held at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence.
President Herzog hosted a selihot music program organized by Rabbi Benny Lau’s 929 bible study organization.
This year the theme was “Gates”; opening the gates was on the program and on these magnets.
For this musical-based event, photos did not suffice, so please enjoy these short videos:
A beautiful rendition of “Who By Fire ” by the Yagel Haroush Ensemble.
More music from the Yagel Haroush Ensemble for Selihot 5787.
Yagel Haroush Ensemble posed with President Isaac and Michal Herzog after the performance.
The young people invited each year are treated to a unique experience initiated by President Reuven Rivlin.
One memory from when President Rivlin got involved with Selihot is still a favorite.
Not sure how to spell it in English, but David D’Or’s version was a highlight at musical selihot events this year, so I’m sharing one from almost a decade ago.
May you hear the music yourself: “Next year in Jerusalem!”
Even before Yom Kippur, signs were up for the Sukkot Jerusalem Parade on September 28, 2026, with family events planned for Gan Sacher, Sacher Park.
Always something happening on the Real Jerusalem Streets.
This time of year, it’s hard to keep up and impossible to be everywhere.
Shana tova, gmar hatima tova
