Unprecedented restrictions for the Jewish worshippers at the Wailing Wall during the Tisha B’Ab services which begin tomorrow at sunset were promulgated today by Keith Roach, district commissioner of Jerusalem. The restrictions include a prohibition of the use of candles at the Wall for the reading of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, the use of mats for sitting in accordance with the mournful custom and a ban on the Kidush Levana service, the blessing of the new moon which is observed immediately after the Fast of Ab (Tisha B’Ab).
The news that these restrictions would be imposed was given by Mr. Roach to Joseph Meyuhas, president of the Vaad Hair, the Jewish council of Jerusalem, and to Rabbi M. Blau, of the Agudath Israel, Orthodox organization.
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