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.
Towson, MD — May 8, 2026 - An incident at Towson University has gained national attention after a video surfaced showing a student engaging in a violent outburst directed at a visiting Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reservist.
The confrontation occurred during a campus event where the reservist was invited to speak as part of a national tour. According to eyewitness accounts and video footage, the student was seen screaming at the visitor, repeatedly calling him a “terrorist,” while throwing objects and damaging property in the immediate area.
Details of the Outburst
Witnesses report that the situation escalated rapidly when the student interrupted the ongoing program. The video, which has since circulated widely on social media, captures the student erupti...
Baltimore, MD - May 5, 2026 - Parents are urged to take immediate action as two major financial deadlines approach this month.
1. BOOST Scholarship Program: Deadline May 8
The application period for the BOOST Scholarship Program officially closes this Friday, May 8, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Administrative leaders have noted that a significant number of families currently receiving BOOST funding have yet to submit their applications for the upcoming year. If your family currently benefits from this program, you must re-apply by Friday to ensure your scholarship remains active.
Pro-Tips for Parents:
Apply even if you were previously denied: Funding availability fluctuates; even if you did not receive an award last year, it is highly recommended to spend the ten minutes required t...
Baltimore, MD – May 7, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mordechai Cohen, z’l, brother of Estie (Chaim) Kahn. Mrs. Kahn is currently sitting at 2325 Blackberry Road, Baltimore, MD 21209 through 1:00PM Sunday, May 10Updated: Visiting - Friday until 5PM -Motzaei Shabbos until 11PM and Sunday from 9AM until 1PM
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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.
The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday invalidated a new, voter-approved redistricting map, delivering a significant victory for Republicans in the state ahead of the fast-approaching 2026 midterm elections.
"We hold that the legislative process employed to advance this proposal violated Article XII, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia," the Virginia Supreme Court said in the ruling. "This constitutional violation incurably taints the resulting referendum vote and nullifies its legal efficacy."
The Virginia Supreme Court heard oral arguments last month over the newly passed congressional map, which voters in the state approved by a narrow 51% to 49% margin.
The ballot measure would have given the Democrat-controlled Virginia legislature — rather than the state...
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.
The U.S. job market blew past expectations again in April, buoyed by gains across industries including retail, transportation and warehousing, and healthcare, a sign that the labor market remained resilient in the face of the Iran war.
The numbers
The U.S. added 115,000 jobs in April, the Labor Department said Friday, far exceeding expectations.
That compared with a net gain of 185,000 in March. It was better than the 55,000 jobs that analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected to see for April.
The unemployment rate stayed unchanged at 4.3%, as economists had expected.
Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - Residents and commuters along Park Heights Avenue - particularly near the intersection with Pinkney Road, where the Agudah is located - may soon see increased traffic enforcement efforts as Baltimore City officials move forward with an evaluation for possible red light camera enforcement at the intersection.
According to correspondence from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, officials have already completed a preliminary evaluation and are now conducting “video validation studies” to assess red light violations, speeding, and overall driver behavior at the intersection.
The city says the review process will also include:
Analysis of crash history and severity trends
Traffic volume and turning movement studies
Signal t...
Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - A proposal to establish a "Community Care Center" in the heart of Pikesville has sparked significant concern among local residents, who worry that the facility’s broad zoning definition and institutional scale could fundamentally alter the character of their residential neighborhood.
The proposal, filed by property owner St. Vincent de Paul-Baltimore, targets 112 Sudbrook Lane—a property located immediately adjacent to single-family homes on Sudbrook, Glenback, and Oak, and directly next to the Yeshivas Torah Simcha school.
What is Being Proposed?
St. Vincent de Paul is seeking a Special Exception to operate a "Community Care Facility." According to early meetings with the organization’s legal counsel, the current plan includes:
...
Baltimore, MD – May 7, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Freha Cohen, a”h, wife of Moshe Cohen and mother of Shoshana (Shalom) Addi, Shalom Cohen, Yitzchak Cohen, Yaakov Cohen, Tamar Didi, and Dina Dhei.
Shiva will be observed at Rechov Shimonovitz 13, Kfar Chasidim, Haifa, Israel.Mrs. Addi can be reached on 443.604.0643. (Israel is 7 hours ahead of Baltimore)
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Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - The family of a 6-year-old boy who left a Northwest Baltimore elementary school unsupervised is now preparing to sue the city.
Belinda Curry and her attorney Thiru Vignarajah are claiming a “near-catastrophic failure” that allowed first-grader Liam Livingston to walk out of Fallstaff Elementary School during a transition period last year.
“Distrust, to say the least, and lack of accountability. They did not do their adult due diligence,” Curry said. “They didn’t. They failed my child, and they need to be held accountable.”
Livingston crossed a busy Reisterstown Road before being found at a nearby store. The family alleges negligent supervision and is seeking damages tied to emotional distress and ongoing therapy.
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