Eliyah Cohen, Recently Freed from Hamas Captivity, Bestows Birchas Kohanim Upon the Multitudes at the Kotel (2 Videos & Photos)
By: BJLife Israel Newsroom
Jerusalem, Israel - April 15, 2025 - With the participation of hostage families: Over 50,000 people attended the first Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony this morning • Around 200,000 visitors have come to the Western Wall so far during Passover• Tens of thousands offered prayers for the return of the hostages, the success of IDF soldiers, and the recovery of the wounded
Tens of thousands participated in the first Birkat Kohanim during the Shacharit and Musaf prayers of the Passover holiday, held this morning (Tuesday) at the Western Wall Plaza. This traditional ceremony has taken place for 54 years since it was initiated by the righteous Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner zz”l. For years, it has been organized by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation during the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot, with hundreds of Kohanim bestowing a special blessing upon the public.
The ceremony was attended by the Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef shlit”a; the Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Bar shlit”a; the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz shlit”a; chief rabbi of the Israel Police, Commander Rabbi Rami Rahamim Berachyahu; Israel police commissioner, Commissioner Kobi Shabtai; Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion; Panama’s ambassador to Israel Ezra Cohen; rabbis, ministers, public figures; Eliyah Cohen, who was recently released from Hamas captivity; the families of Segev Kalfon and Uriel Baruch, who are still held hostage by Hamas; hundreds of Kohanim, and thousands of worshipers.
The prayer service was led by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz shlit”a, and was followed by the traditional “Greeting One’s Rabbi on the Festival” ceremony with the chief rabbis of Israel and rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, during which thousands of worshipers came to receive holiday blessings.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation invites the public to attend an additional Birkat Kohanim ceremony on Thursday, 19 Nisan 5785 | April 17, 2025, following the same format, to allow those who could not attend today to receive the blessing. The event will be broadcast live on the Foundation’s website starting at 8:45 AM.
The Foundation requests that the public comply with the instructions of the Israel Police and ushers who will manage the flow of visitors throughout the holiday for the benefit of all those visiting the Western Wall.
Western Wall Heritage Foundation: “This ceremony was dedicated to prayers for the return of the hostages, the well-being of IDF soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and for peace and security in Israel. The Foundation prepared in advance for the arrival of tens of thousands of visitors and worshipers during the Passover holiday to commemorate the pilgrimage to the Temple. We invite the public to participate in the second ceremony on Thursday.”
Meanwhile, the Foundation apologizes to the hundreds of visitors hoping to purchase tickets to the Western Wall Tunnels during the intermediate days of Passover, which sold out in advance. Only a few spots remain for the new multimedia experience, “The Gateway to Heaven,” which recently opened to the public. Reservations can be made through the Foundation’s website.
Eliyah Cohen, Recently Freed from Hamas Captivity, Bestows Birchas Kohanim Upon the Multitudes at the Kotel (Videos & Photos: The Western Wall heritage Foundation)
Jerusalem, Israel - April 15, 2025 - With the participation of hostage families: Over 50,000 people attended the first Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony this morning • Around 200,000 visitors have come to the Western Wall so far during Passover• Tens of thousands offered prayers for the return of the hostages, the success of IDF soldiers, and the recovery of the wounded
Tens of thousands participated in the first Birkat Kohanim during the Shacharit and Musaf prayers of the Passover holiday, held this morning (Tuesday) at the Western Wall Plaza. This traditional ceremony has taken place for 54 years since it was initiated by the righteous Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner zz”l. For years, it has been organized by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation during the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot, with hundreds of Kohanim bestowing a special blessing upon the public.
The ceremony was attended by the Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef shlit”a; the Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Bar shlit”a; the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz shlit”a; chief rabbi of the Israel Police, Commander Rabbi Rami Rahamim Berachyahu; Israel police commissioner, Commissioner Kobi Shabtai; Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion; Panama’s ambassador to Israel Ezra Cohen; rabbis, ministers, public figures; Eliyah Cohen, who was recently released from Hamas captivity; the families of Segev Kalfon and Uriel Baruch, who are still held hostage by Hamas; hundreds of Kohanim, and thousands of worshipers.
The prayer service was led by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz shlit”a, and was followed by the traditional “Greeting One’s Rabbi on the Festival” ceremony with the chief rabbis of Israel and rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, during which thousands of worshipers came to receive holiday blessings.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation invites the public to attend an additional Birkat Kohanim ceremony on Thursday, 19 Nisan 5785 | April 17, 2025, following the same format, to allow those who could not attend today to receive the blessing. The event will be broadcast live on the Foundation’s website starting at 8:45 AM.
The Foundation requests that the public comply with the instructions of the Israel Police and ushers who will manage the flow of visitors throughout the holiday for the benefit of all those visiting the Western Wall.
Western Wall Heritage Foundation: “This ceremony was dedicated to prayers for the return of the hostages, the well-being of IDF soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and for peace and security in Israel. The Foundation prepared in advance for the arrival of tens of thousands of visitors and worshipers during the Passover holiday to commemorate the pilgrimage to the Temple. We invite the public to participate in the second ceremony on Thursday.”
Meanwhile, the Foundation apologizes to the hundreds of visitors hoping to purchase tickets to the Western Wall Tunnels during the intermediate days of Passover, which sold out in advance. Only a few spots remain for the new multimedia experience, “The Gateway to Heaven,” which recently opened to the public. Reservations can be made through the Foundation’s website.
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 4, 2026 - This past weekend, Torah Institute celebrated several Leibidig Purim Mesibos for all grades filled with simcha, music, and geshmak dancing. Talmidim enjoyed delicious treats and raffles to really get into the ruach of Purim!
Baltimore, MD – Feb, 2026 - Are you nervous about Kashering for Pesach; unsure you will get it done properly? Are you afraid the water will ruin your cabinets and create a mess in your kitchen? Are you moving into a new house and need the kitchen kashered; stress-free? Click here: https://t.ly/UknmP For the last seven years, The Kashering Konnection, has been servicing the Baltimore and DC communities. Coordinated through Star-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Sholom Tendler, experienced, professional Mashgichim are available to come to your home and ensure an easy, mess-free and 100% properly-done Kashering of your kitchen and appliances. From ovens to stoves, counters to sinks, The Kashering Konnection can help you prepare for Pesach in an easy and affordable w...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 4, 2026 - Allowing grocery stores in Maryland to sell beer and wine could increase economic activity, generate millions in state revenue and have no lasting negative impact on independent alcohol retailers, according to a new analysis from the Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore.
The study was released as supporters of expanding alcohol sales rallied on Lawyers Mall in Annapolis, urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would permit grocery stores to sell beer and wine.
Maryland is one of only four states that currently prohibit any alcohol sales in grocery stores.
Allowing beer and wine sales in grocery stores has the potential to increase retail wine and beer sales in Maryland, thereby generating jobs and tax revenues for Mar...
BaltimoreJewishLife.com (BJL) is proud to partner with STAR-K CERTIFICATION that realizes that there is no substitute for a person’s own Rav. In an effort to offer a possible solution, it has launched its Institute of Halachah as a public service. Over the years, the agency’s Kashrus Hotline has answered generic halachic questions from kosher consumers the world over, including inquiries regarding the kosher status of foods and certified Sabbath mode appliances. The formation of a separate official division within STAR-K testifies to the need for addressing these issues.
The Institute of Halachah is directed by HaRav Mordechai Frankel, under the guidance of HaRav Moshe Heinemann, STAR-K’s Rabbinic Administrator. It is an invaluable resource for a diverse array of rabbis to discuss general halachic matters, as well as gain access to source materials for shiurim and answers to congregants’ questions.
Shailos for regular or Kashrus shailos may emailed or discussed using this widget.
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 4, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dr. Orah Yutel Weiss, a’h, mother of Esta (Chaim) Sitrin.
Shiva will be observed at 3415 Clarks Lane, Apt: D1 Baltimore, MD 21215
Visiting times:
Wednesday March 4th: 7pm-10pm Thursday March 5th: 10am-10pm Friday March 6th : 10am-3pm Motzei Shabbos March 7th: One hour after Shabbos until 11pm Sunday March 8th: 9am -Noon
Shiva will be completed in California
בלע המות לנצח
Senior Iranian Shiite Muslim cleric Naser Makarem Shirazi published a religious ruling calling on Muslims to launch a Jihad (struggle) following the elimination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an Israeli airstrike.
In the ruling, Shirazi notes that "the lowest of the enemies of humanity and the most evil infidels" managed to kill the "leader of the Islamic revolution," Ali Khamenei, who "fulfilled his dream to be a martyr."
According to Shirazi, in the history of Islam, death in the path of Allah was always the price of independence and honor, and preparation for the coming of the Mahadi, the Islamic messiah.
The cleric emphasized that the Islamic Revolution does not depend on one man and will never fail Allah's will, and therefore, the Assembly of Experts for Leadership ...
During the Second Temple, the Greek empire reigned (over Israel),1 and they (the Greeks) passed decrees against the Jews and (tried) to erase their religion, and did not allow them to carry out Torah (study) or the commandments. They put their hands on their property and their daughters. They entered the Temple, destroyed and made the pure unclean. The Jews were in great distress because of them and were much oppressed, until the G-d of their fathers had mercy on them, delivering them from their hands and saving them. Then overcame, the sons of the Hasmonean High Priest, (the Greeks) and killed them and saved the Jews from their hands. They appointed a king from the Priests, and the kingdom of Israel was restored for more than 200 years until the destruction of (the) second (Temple). When the Jews overcame their enemies and destroyed them, it was the 25th of Kislev2 when they entered the Sanctuary (inner room) and did not find pure (olive) oil in the Temple, except one jar sealed with seal of the High Priest, and it did not contain enough to light except for one day only. But they lit from it the lamps of the Menorah3 for eight days, until they could crush olives and produce a (new quantity) of pure oil. For these reasons, decreed the Sages of that generation that these eight days that begin on the 25th Kislev, will be days of joy and praise. One lights on them lamps at evening at the entrance to the houses, every evening of the eight nights to show off and demonstrate the miracle. These days are called ''Hanukah'' that is to say ''they rested'' (chanu) on the ''25'' ('th of the month) because on the 25th they rested from their enemies. and also because of those days they (re)-dedicated the house (Temple) which their foes had defiled. Also some say that it is a commandment to increase slightly the festive meals on Hanukah. Another reason is because the work of (building) the Sanctuary (in the desert) was completed in these days. One should tell one's children the story of the miracles that were done for our fore-fathers in those days, (see Josephus) However, these meals are not considered as part of the commandment unless one says at the meal songs of praise. One should increase charity in these Hanukah days, for this can help mend any defects in our souls. This charity, should be given particularly to poor Torah scholars. (KSA 139:1) 1) 352 BCE until 70 CE 2) 139 BCE 3) The Menorah was made of gold and had seven branches.
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 4, 2026 - My Shalach Manos are packed. Mostly. My house is a jumble of cellophane, ribbon and an assortment of nosh and soda cans, with labels waiting to be affixed on packages.
Purim is just about here, but really Purim is already here. Haman is dead. The world awaits the changing of the guard, if there will even be one in the ensuing chaos of what was once the ancient land of Persia, today known as Iran.
I have been flitting in and out of erev Purim errands along with reading the latest news that’s out there while saying Tehillim. Yes, the talk is all about the might of the military and how many bombs in how many seconds destroyed how many targets. Might of the military or might of G-d? We as Jews know the truth...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 4, 2026 - Maryland drivers are facing a significant spike at the pump today, March 4, 2026, as global geopolitical tensions drive energy costs to their highest levels in over a year.
According to the latest data from AAA Mid-Atlantic, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Maryland has climbed to $3.10. This represents a sharp 15-cent increase since the beginning of the week, with a 4-cent jump recorded just since yesterday.
Drivers of the Current Spike
The primary catalyst for the sudden increase is the ongoing military conflict involving the U.S. and Iran. The instability has severely disrupted oil infrastructure in the Middle East, specifically affecting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Cr...
The Israeli Air Force, precisely guided by IDF intelligence, completed a wide-scale strike on Wednesday afternoon targeting a large Iranian terror regime military compound in eastern Tehran.
The compound contained the headquarters of all of the Iranian security organizations. In addition, activity by Iranian operatives was identified in the compound.
Struck command centers in the compound include:
* The IRGC headquarters
* The Intelligence Directorate headquarters
* The ‘Basij’ headquarters
* The 'Quds Force' headquarters
* The Internal Security forces headquarters
* Cyber Warfare headquarters
* The headquarters of the unit in Internal Security responsible for suppressing protests
According to the IDF, Iranian operatives who are responsible for managing the ...
The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday afternoon that NATO air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched from Iran toward Turkish airspace.
The interception took place over the eastern Mediterranean, marking the first time NATO has acted operationally and directly against an Iranian missile threat targeting one of its member states.
The ministry stressed that there were no casualties in the incident and that Turkey reserves the right to respond. It added, “We warn all parties to refrain from any action that could escalate conflicts in the region.
Israel has eliminated Rahman Makadam, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Special Operations Department, according to a report by Channel 12.
Makadam was reportedly responsible for the assassination attempt on Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
The report added that Trump was informed in recent hours by Israeli officials of Makadam’s killing.
In 2024, the US Justice Department charged an Iranian man in connection with an alleged plot ordered by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to assassinate Trump, then US president-elect.
US Seceratry of War Pete Hegseth commented on the elimination, stating: "The leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump has been hunted down and killed. Iran tried to kill Pres...
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 3, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ori and ArielleStrum on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel tov to grandparents Naftali & Michelle Strum and Jeffrey & Renee Reches
Mazel Tov to great-grandparents Rabbi George Strum and Mrs. Susan (Reches) Landesman
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 3, 2026 - Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to pressure Maryland residents into handing over money, from phone calls impersonating family members to text messages posing as official court notices.
Warnings from the Better Business Bureau have long included the so-called grandparent scam, which targeted three residents in Baltimore County not long ago. In that scheme, a caller claims to be a grandchild who needs $10,000 for bail money.
Baltimore County police previously warned residents that some versions of the scam go beyond asking for money to be mailed or sent online. “The thing that is most unnerving about these cases is that most of the time people want money sent through the mail or sent through the internet. But in these cases, they...
Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 3, 2026 - Chaim V’Chessed continues to serve the public during this challenging time and is receiving a wide variety of inquiries. Here are a number of updates on different fronts:
Visa ExtensionsMany foreign citizens in Israel hold visas that are crucial for access to Bituach Leumi and other benefits, and for being officially recognized as residents. With the Interior Ministry currently closed, it has not been to extend these visas. In response, the Interior Ministry has announced a sweeping visa extension: any visas that expired between February 26th and March 31st will automatically be extended by three months. This applies to all A-class visas, (temporary resident and student visas) as well as B1 and B2 visas (tourist visas).Chaim V’Chessed h...
The Israeli Air Force, acting on precise intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate, on Monday evening initiated additional strikes toward targets belonging to the Iranian terrorist regime, said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
Shortly before midnight on Monday evening, the Israeli Air Force struck and dismantled the Iranian terrorist regime's communications center.
The IDF statement said that the center was also recently used by the Iranian regime's forces to advance military activities under the guise of civilian activity and assets, in addition to the propaganda activities that emanate from the communications center.It further pointed out that the activities taking place at the center were carried out and directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.It further po...
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