In the heart of Jerusalem, tradition and culture converge in a moment of collective reflection. The Et Slicha concert at Safra Square marks the closing event of the Selichot season – a series of Jewish pre-Yom Kippur prayers that have drawn thousands of visitors to the city. This final performance blends ancient liturgy with modern music, turning Jerusalem’s civic square into a stage of shared identity.
Safra Square Jerusalem
As every year, Selichot events in Jerusalem have attracted tens of thousands of participants. This season will conclude with a large-scale open-air performance led by the Jerusalem East and West Orchestra, conducted by Tom Cohen. The concert will feature leading Israeli artists, including Miri Mesika, Avraham Tal, Libnat Ben Hamo, Muni Armoza, and violin soloist Fadel Manna – a fusion of Israeli pop voices with traditional piyutim.
Jerusalem East and West Orchestra
The repertoire will include both classic Selichot melodies and innovative arrangements. More than a musical event, the concert is a cultural ritual that unites East and West, secular and religious, tradition and modernity. By reshaping liturgical music for a wide audience, the orchestra creates a bridge between communities that rarely share the same cultural space.
Artists: Miri Mesika and Avraham Tal
Each guest artist brings a unique layer to the performance. Miri Mesika’s powerful voice, Avraham Tal’s wide range, alongside Libnat Ben Hamo, Muni Armoza, and the violin virtuosity of Fadel Manna, promise an evening where emotional depth meets technical brilliance. Their joint presence transforms the event into both a concert and a national gathering.
(Even on holiday – Jerusalem’s revolutionary bar-restaurant)
Yom Kippur Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s Mayor, Moshe Lion, emphasized the broader meaning of the concert: “Et Slicha is an opportunity for all of Israel to come together – to pray for the return of the hostages, the recovery of the wounded, and to embrace bereaved families.” His words anchor the event in the present moment, tying music and prayer to the city’s role as a place of solidarity.
The Et Slicha concert will take place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 19:30 in Safra Square. The public is invited to join an evening that symbolizes Jerusalem itself – ancient prayers, contemporary voices, and a unifying call on the eve of Yom Kippur.
For details: Jerusalem Municipality official site
