Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz is rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.

A LAMP burned continuously – symbolizing unceasing light and joy.

Parashat Chayei Sarah: All are equally good

One of the purposes of creation is that we establish a channel of relationship with the infinite divine, even when it defies rational understanding

Parashat Vayera: Abraham vs Social Darwinism 

An illustrative image of Abraham and Lot separating.

Parashat Lech Lecha: Abraham and Lot's remarkable journey


Parashat Noah: Olive leaf from paradise

Even now, our hearts beat together with those of the heroes and freed hostages, who for two years suffered in the tunnels of darkness and the shadow of death.

Olive tree

Parashat Bereshit: The lesson of Cain

A person who lives wrongly not only harms himself but also those around him.

Illustrative image of Cain and Abel.

Simchat Torah: From torn shoes to a crown of majesty

The great secret of the Jewish people has always been the ability to join tear to tear, soul to soul, until together they form a whole garment once again.

Soldiers dance with Torah scrolls during the celebrations of Simhat Torah in the Eshkol region in the Negev in September 2010.

Sukkot 2025: ‘How beautiful was the journey’

And this harmony – between the beauty of nature and the peaceful heart of the Jew who trusts in God and thanks Him for all the good – this is the very essence of Sukkot.

TWO HASSIDIC children carrying ‘schach’: Beneath it, we find shelter.

Embrace Yom Kippur with joy, not sorrow as prayer is today’s greatest offering

A sacrifice for a deliberate sin is never atoned, but heartfelt prayer does.

ON YOM KIPPUR, feel the joy that bursts forth from a cleansed heart and purified soul.

Rosh Hashanah: One union

God wants us to be in unity: that we honor one another, and that we respect each other’s wishes and aspirations.

UNITY DOES not mean uniformity of opinion.

Parashat Ki Tavo: The basket of first fruits

The world is so beautiful when we look upon it with a good eye; when we bless its creator and are filled with gratitude.

GRAPES GROW in the Tali Vineyard in Moshav Lachish.

Parashat Ki Teitzei: The hidden enemy and the open enemy

In these days of mercy and forgiveness, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, it is fitting to engage in soul-searching regarding our honesty in financial matters

The Torah reserves ‘abomination of the Lord’ precisely for this form of dishonesty.

Parashat Shoftim: A king who rules over himself

A true leader is one who first and foremost rules over himself and his emotions. A person who can be overtaken by negative emotions cannot serve as a leader.

HORSES: NECESSARY or excessive?

Parashat Re'eh: The gift of mercy

This is our ancestral heritage, passed down through the generations, and rooted so deeply that it is part of our very nature.

COMPASSION & MERCY: Haredi soldiers from the IDF Hasmonean Brigade take part in a beret march after completing seven months of basic and advanced training, at the Western Wall, Aug. 6.