Sukkot 5785 At the Western Wall

Birkat Kohanim

Sunday
3rd day of Chol Hamoed
18 Tishrei
October 20, 2024

8:45 – Shacharit
9:30 – Birkat Kohanim of Shacharit
10:15 – Mussaf
10:30 – Birkat Kohanim of Mussaf

10:40 – Prayer for peace and security for the Jewish nation, for the return of the hostages, for the well-being of IDF soldiers and for the recovery of the wounded

In the presence of the chief rabbis of Israel and the rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites

צה"ל

With Tears and Prayer: 35 IDF Orphans Celebrate an Emotional Bar and Bat Mitzvah at the Western Wall

Thirty-five boys and girls who lost their parents during Israel’s wars and in the current “Iron Swords” war celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvah this week at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem.

29 Tishrei 5786

October 21, 2025

Bereishit Rabbah

An Olive Leaf from Paradise – Parashat Noach

In Parashat Noach, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz interprets the dove’s olive leaf as a symbol of spiritual freedom — preferring the “bitter” sustenance from God over sweet dependence on man. Emerging from the ark into an empty yet liberating world, the dove embodies the yearning for self-reliance and divine trust. The message resonates today with the joy of those released from captivity — stepping once more into the paradise of freedom after deep suffering.

27 Tishrei 5786

October 19, 2025

Cain and Abel

The Lesson of Cain – Parashat Bereshit

The story of Cain and Abel teaches that life is a series of choices between resentment and self-improvement. When we let go of jealousy and embrace gratitude, we rise above bitterness and help create a world filled with joy, kindness, and light.

23 Tishrei 5786

October 15, 2025

From Torn Shoes to a Crown of Majesty – Simchat Torah 5786

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz – Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites A story is told about the holy Baal Shem Tov. On Simchat Torah

17 Tishrei 5786

October 9, 2025

Second Hakafot

Sukkot 5786 at the Western Wall: Birkat Kohanim

The Western Wall (HaKotel HaMa’aravi), the holiest site in the world for the Jewish people, is preparing for the upcoming Sukkot 5786 celebrations in Jerusalem.

16 Tishrei 5786

October 8, 2025