In a dramatic difference from the usual tradition, this year’s Birkat Kohanim at the Kosel on Chol Hamoed will take place with just 50 kohanim, a fraction of the massive crowds typically seen at the momentous ceremony.

Under normal circumstances, tens of thousands of Jews pack the Western Wall, with hundreds and sometimes even thousands of kohanim participating in the duchening.

But due to the ongoing war and strict Home Front Command restrictions, authorities have capped gatherings at 50 participants, provided a protected space can be reached within seconds in case of missile sirens. As a result, the usual beautiful and meaningful bracha will not take place. Instead, a symbolic, limited ceremony will be held, with options to watch it live-stream rather than actually being there.

This is a result of the heightened security situation in Jerusalem, where missile fragments have previously landed in and around the Old City since the war began, and it is also coming right after a large controversy about gatherings at holy sites.