Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz

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

REJOICING UPON the release of Hamas hostage Bar Kupershtein, Nov. 2, 2025.

Parashat Ki Tavo: The power of joy

UNDER THE HUPPA.

Parashat Ki Tetze: Creating a deep bond and the secret of marriage

SORCERERS, MAGICIANS, diviners: The Torah rejects them all.

Parashat Shoftim: Wholehearted – and well


Parashat Re'eh: The choice to choose

Even those who observe Jewish tradition have areas of choice that they have already conquered, while their struggles lie elsewhere, each person according to their own level and circumstances.

A person is obligated to identify where their own 'point of choice' lies.

Parashat Eikev: With respect for the past

Moses shattered the Tablets, yet their fragments were preserved beside the new ones. Their message endures, what appears broken can still carry holiness, meaning, and strength.

 Moses is seen breaking the Tablets after coming down from Mount Sinai.

Parashat Va'ethanan: The positive within the negative

The Ten Commandments are not an independent list of fundamental principles, but rather the nucleus from which the entire Torah unfolds - its genetic code.

Moses on Sinai (Le tables de Loi judaique), 1773. Artist Simon Julien.

Parashat Devarim: Always relevant

The Torah remains unchanged, yet its message can be expressed anew in the language, challenges, and circumstances of every generation.

SEVENTY LANGUAGES?

Parashat Matot-Masei: Slow and steady

The most important movement is not always what is visible externally, but what takes place within a person.

EVERY STATION on the slow journey  plays an indispensable role.

Parashat Pinchas: What Joshua learned from Moses about true leadership

We often encounter people who seem to be pursuing the very same path on which we hope to succeed, and naturally, we may sometimes fear that their success will diminish our own opportunities.

Shining: Moon rises behind the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.

The breached walls we must rebuild this Seventeenth of Tamuz - opinion

This fast day is a reminder that destruction begins inside when unity fails and division takes root.

An ultra-Orthodox jew prays at the Westen Wall July 17, 2002 on Tisha B'Av

Parashat Balak: Guarding our eyes

Jewish tradition values personal modesty and meaningful inner growth that is not displayed for public attention. Such conduct is fitting for a people who serve God.

ONE SHOULD NOT intrude into the life of his neighbor.

Parashat Hukat: A life of meaning

The Torah teaches that genuine values require commitment and effort. A person who remains connected to their values only when it is convenient will struggle to maintain them over time.

‘MESIRUT NEFESH’: Willingness to give up comfort, time, money, and personal interests for a greater value.

Parashat Korah: The story of the almond – and of diligence

When Korach questions Moses’ authority, a simple staff becomes a powerful symbol of divine choice and enduring leadership.

Almond trees bloom near the border with Lebanon.