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. 20, 2026 - Amid the War with Iran, soaring prices at the pump, state Republicans are making a push for a 30-day gas tax holiday.
"Our joint Republican Caucus is going to be pursuing, we are pursuing a 30-day gas tax holiday that would mirror what we did in the winter of 2022, when the General Assembly, in a bipartisan way, and Governor Hogan signed a 30 day gas tax holiday," Senator Justin Ready said.
Currently, the gas tax is about $.46 per gallon, and Republicans argue that in the short term, it could provide meaningful relief at the pump.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average gas price in Maryland as of Friday was $3.83, which is just below the national average of $3.91.
"I don't think anyone should really be opposed to this,...
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📍 Baltimore 🗓 Sunday, March 22 📍
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Baltimore, MD – Mar. 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...
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.
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Baltimore, MD – Mar. 20, 2026 – BGE has sent the following phone announcement to residents of the Ranchleigh/Greenspring/Smith Areas:"This is an important message from BGE about your utility service. In order to safely perform emergency repairs on electric equipment serving you, your electric service will be interrupted on March 20th, 2026, at 2:30 PM for approximately 5 hours. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please contact BGE at 800.685.0123 with any questions or concerns."
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.
"Jewish physical matter is spiritual." This teaching from the Alter Rebbe (as quoted in HaYom Yom for 27 Teves) is one of the most fundamental principles of Yiddishkeit. When we say the words "ובנו בחרת" (You chose us), the Alter Rebbe explains that it is going on our bodies! Of course, our souls are holy and spiritual, but we are enlightened that in a certain realm, our physical bodies are holy and spiritual as well. Hashem chose our physical bodies, thus showing us that even Jewish physical matter is, indeed, spiritual.In HaYom Yom for 29 Adar II, the Rebbe quotes an unbelievable thing from his father, the Rebbe Rashab: My revered father, the Rebbe, once said at a farbrengen: "G-d created the world and all physical entities as something out of nothing (יש מאין or אין ל...
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 20, 2026 – 11:30 AM (BJL) An accident on Smith Ave. between Amleigh and Deancroft has the road completely blocked in both directions.
For many people, the commencement of Sefer Vayikra marks a distinct departure in the Torah from the telling of the history of the world and our becoming an Am, to the more technical details of the Avodas Hamishkan and Korbanos. Indeed, without a BaisHamikdash, it is all too easy to “read through” much of the Sefer as not relevant to our place in Galus. After all, what possible use could we have for learning the difference between a Korban Tamid and a Korban Mincha or the precise method in which a Kohen was to sprinkle the blood from an offering? Such an approach misses the obvious – Sefer Vayikra represents the same word of Hashem as Sefer Bereishis or Shemos. In fact, its words carry some of the most fundamental lessons of the KedushasHatorah and the morals for how we are to live our lives.
One illustration of this is the detailed descriptions given of the Korban Olah. This particular Korban, one brought voluntarily by an individual as an offering for atonement, may consist of a large animal (a bull), a smaller animal (a sheep), a bird (a dove) or a meal offering. The Alshech derives from the fact that the Torah explicitly uses the word Korbono with respect to the dove, that the poorer mans offering may in fact be more precious to Hashem than the more expensive cattle offering. The Torah goes out of its way to explain the equal sanctity of each type of Korbon Olah, regardless of its cost and how each one is equal before Hashem.
Yet, for some reason, there is one obvious distinction between the procedure used for cattle and that used for the dove. The Torah quite specifically spells out that in the case of cattle, the Kohen “scrubs the intestines and burns them on the Mizbeach.” (1:9) In the case of the dove, the Torah says its innards “shall be placed on the ashes to the east of the Mizbeach.” Why do we go to such lengths to express the equality of the different types of Karbonos and then treat them so differently – a dove is not worthy of having its innards on the Mizbeach?
Rashi (1:16) and the Abarbanel derive a profound lesson from this distinction. They point out that cattle eats what its owner provides whereas birds fly and take food from wherever they choose. It is repulsive to Hashem to have the intestines on the Mizbeach which contained “stolen” food. While there are several earlier references to the despicable nature of Gezel, perhaps none make the point so clearly of its incompatibility with the kedusha for which we strive. In our modern times, it seems that temptation is at everyone’s front door. Whether it is our immersion in the business world or the financial pressures of the times, one must constantly be vigilant to avoid impropriety. If the intestines of an “unscrupulous” animal are unwelcome on the Mizbeach, how careful we must be in exercising our affairs to stay as far away from dishonesty as possible. Though Sefer Vayikra discusses many things which seem quite remote, the lessons learned are as much a part of our precious Torah as any.
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 20, 2026 - Yesterday we crossed the Yam Suf. I know it’s early, but when you’re travelling with children you need extra time. Kidding. For over a decade and plus some, I have been crossing the Red Sea with my students. My husband asked me how the trip was this time around?
Part of my preparation for my preschoolers with their Haggadah is to give them a taste of “chayav adam liros es atzmo k’ilu hu yatza mimtzrayim.” I do this by inviting Miriam HaNeviah (a.k.a. me) to come to the kitah and she brings us all back in time to the night of Yetzias Mitzrayim when we left in a hurry and then what we did when we arrived at the Yam Suf. Included in the reenactment are the child actors for Moshe Rabbeinu, ...
The central goal of the Seder night is to strengthen our אמונה פשוטה, simple and pure faith, and to feel as though we ourselves are leaving מצרים. At the beginning of the Haggadah, we recite הא לחמא עניא, written in Aramaic even though most of the Haggadah was composed in the time of the תנאים. Aramaic was the common spoken language during the time of the אמוראים, and the reason this section was written in that language was so that everyone, especially the poor, could understand the invitation: “כל דכפין ייתי ויכול”—whoever is hungry should come and eat. One might ask, if this is truly our invitation, why do we not literally leave our doors open on the night of Pesach? The answer is that before Pesach we fulfill this id...
For many people, the commencement of Sefer Vayikra marks a distinct departure in the Torah from the telling of the history of the world and our becoming an Am, to the more technical details of the Avodas Hamishkan and Korbanos. Indeed, without a Bais Hamikdash, it is all too easy to “read through” much of the Sefer as not relevant to our place in Galus. After all, what possible use could we have for learning the difference between a Korban Tamid and a Korban Mincha or the precise method in which a Kohen was to sprinkle the blood from an offering? Such an approach misses the obvious – Sefer Vayikra represents the same word of Hashem as Sefer Bereishis or Sh...
Once a year we confront our archenemy — Chometz, leaven bread, eradicating it from our homes.
In the days when the Temple stood, there was a daily battle with this 'evil' entity, for whenever a Mincha — a meal-offering consisting of flour was brought, the priests would have to be most diligent in the processing of this sacrifice to assure it would not become leaven and remain Matzah.
No meal offering that you sacrifice to the Lord shall be made [out of anything] leavened. For you shall not cause to [go up in] smoke any שאור — leavening or any דבש — fruit-honey, [as] a fire offering to the Lord; (Vayikra 2 11)
The Talmud in analyzing this verse determines that 'No meal offering shall be made leavened' refers to the entire mea...
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moshe Shmuel Leder (Baltimore) and Rivky Lichenstein (Silver Spring) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Shlomo Yoseif & Beth Leder and Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel & Yocheved Lichtenstein
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 19, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ashera Austen (Baltimore) and Khanan Abayev (NYC) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Rabbi Lawrence and Laurie Austen; Iosif Abayev and Svetlana Musheyeva
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 19, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel to Aron and Naama Korobkin on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel & Robyn Korobkin
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 19, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel to Justin and Rebecca Myrowitz on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Allen & Sue Myrowitz
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Thursday, 19 March 2026):“First of all, I just want to say I'm alive, and you're all witnesses. Now that I dispatched this piece of fake news, I want to give you an update on Operation Roaring Lion. Under President Trump's visionary leadership, America and Israel are acting together in Iran with great determination and unprecedented strength. Operation Roaring Lion is designed to remove the existential threats posed by the Ayatollah regime, the regime that has waged war against America and Israel and the people of Iran for 47 years. It chants, death to America, death to Israel, and it delivers death to its own people.Our goals are three. One, removing the nuclear threat. Second, removing the ballistic missile threat...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 19, 2026 - A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from outfitting a Western Maryland warehouse into an immigration detention center until at least mid-April, when a hearing could determine the fate of the entire project.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson paused construction on the Washington County building as an environmental lawsuit between the state and federal governments advanced. If approved, the facility could house 1,500 detainees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, more than half the population of the town where it is located.
On Thursday, the judge extended his temporary restraining order on construction until no later than April 16, his expected deadline for a ruling on whether to stop the project alto...
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