The weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah and the rest of the High Holidays are known to religious Jews as the period of selichot, penitential prayers offered before the Almighty on behalf of the nation.

This year, the Jewish National Fund organized weekly selichot tours, bringing Israelis into nature for a time of fellowship and supplication.

Amidst not only the coronavirus crisis, but also growing civil unrest in Israel, the JNF stressed the need to focus on mutual responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the nation.

The following photo is from the JNF selichot tour in the Yatir Forest situated just south of Hebron and just on the northern edge of the Negev Desert. Participants gathered in the ruins of an ancient synagogue there. The event also included live musical performances and activities for children.

Eitan Elhadez-Barak/TPS