PRIESTLY BLESSING PERFORMED AT WAILING WALL IN JERUSALEM, 1997-04-24 (photo)

Hundreds of Jews cover their heads with their prayer shawls as they turn away from the Wailing Wall (L) while performing the "Priestly Blessing", or the blessing of the Cohenim, April 24 for the holiday of Passover. A mass "Priestly Blessing" is recited twice yearly during the holidays of Passover and Succoth and are performed by Jewish families named Cohen, or derivatives of Cohen, as they are thought to be the descendants of the high priests of the ancient temple. They turn away from the Wailing Wall in order to bless those not named Cohen who are assembled. ISRAEL PASSOVER