Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz

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

 Money and a calculator

Parashat Vayishlack: I lack nothing

Close-up of letter cubes spelling "Words Have Power" (illustrative)

Parashat Vayetze: 'Wise people, be careful with your words’

'Only now, the color red becomes a symbol of essence'

Parashat Toldot: Directing our natural inclinations


Parashat Chayei Sarah: All are equally good

Sarah’s greatest achievement was her ability to live calmly and serenely

A LAMP burned continuously – symbolizing unceasing light and joy.

Parashat Vayera: Abraham vs Social Darwinism 

Abraham believed in the power of his connection to God and in its ability to bring about true transformation – far more powerfully than any punishment, no matter how justified.

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 Lech Lecha: Abraham and Lot's remarkable journey

Even the loftiest goal on Earth must never be achieved through harming or insulting another person.

An illustrative image of Abraham and Lot separating.

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.