ULTRA ORTHODOX JEWISH BOY PEEKS UNDER HIS SHAWL DURING PRIESTLY BLESSING AT WAILING WALL, 1997-10-20...

An ultra-orthodox Jewish boy peeks from under his prayer shawl held above his head, like the Jewish elders around him October 20, as they turn their backs to the Wailing Wall, seen behind, and perform the "Priestly Blessing" prayer. The blessing, which takes place twice a year at the Wailing Wall, is recited by Jews with the last name of Cohen, or derivatives of Cohen, who are descendents of the high-temple priests of Biblical times. The Wailing Wall, Judaism's holiest site, is the original western wall of the Temple Mount area where the original temple was located. The blessing is recited during the Jewish holiday of Succoth, or the Feast of Tabernacles, and also during Passover in the Spring. ISRAEL