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.
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Baltimore, MD - May 19, 2024 - When you enter the doors of Kesser Torah’s Bais Medrash, you are instantly transported into the world of Abaye and Rava. You watch as bochurim engage in a generations-old milchemta shel Torah, and you cannot help but be amazed at the tremendous growth of every talmid. Kesser Torah is not just a jewel in the crown of Baltimore; every bochur in the yeshiva is the crowning achievement of his Rebbe, Yeshiva, family, and larger community.
Every bochur in Kesser Torah feels valued, and this is why so many alumni return to the Bais Medrash each year for the annual four-hour Retzufos Seder prior to Pesach Bein ha’Zmanim. This year was no different!
In a testament to their deep-rooted love...
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Baltimore, MD - May 16, 2024 - On Wednesday, May 29th, Jewish Educational Services, an agency of The Associated will be hosting Celebrating Education: JES Educator Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting. This momentous event will take place at 7:00 pm at Congregation Shomrei Emunah, where we will pay tribute to not only our incredible awardees, including the 2024 Sam Kahan Distinguished Educator, but also to the 100+ educators who were nominated for awards, and we invite you to join us to celebrate ALL the teachers in our community who dedicate themselves to their students and to Jewish Education. Registration is still open - go to bit.ly/CelebratingEducation2024.
This year, we invited community members to participate in our Educator Awards program by nominating outstanding educat...
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Baltimore, MD – May 20, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Mrs. Deanna Lerner, a’h, mother of Dr. Shaya (Brenda) Lerner.
Shiva will be observed through Sunday morning, May 26, at 702 Abbott St., Highland Park, NJ, 08904
Shacharis: Mon-Thurs: 7:10AM / Wed./Fri/Sun 7:20
Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm
Bila Hamaves LaNetzach...
The Israeli Foreign Ministry on Thursday reprimanded the ambassadors of Ireland, Spain, and Norway on Thursday in Jerusalem, in response to their governments' decisions to recognize Palestine as a state.
During the meeting with Foreign Ministry Director-General Yaakov Blitshtein, the ambassadors were shown a video released by the Hostage Families Forum.
The video depicted the moment five of the remaining 132 hostages were taken captive during the Hamas-led October 7 attack.
The footage shows the five young women, some with their hands tied behind their backs and bloodied faces, being threatened by their captors.
The Spanish and Irish ambassadors, Maria Salomon Perez and Sonya McGuinness, both women, were visibly affected by the distressing images, according to a report ...
Following announcements by several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, that they will unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced a nonviolent response that has the world in a tizzy.
In his announcement, Smotrich said that he would take financial steps which would topple the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria, where the European countries have declared they would recognize "Palestine."
Among these steps is a complete halt to the transfer of tax money to the Palestinian Authority, and no extension of the indemnity extended to banks which transfer money to banks in Judea and Samaria.
Smotrich also called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a number of financial steps which will deal a critical blow...
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 – May 23, 2024 – 8:41AM - The traffic lights at two intersections on Reisterstown Road—Walker Ave and McHenry Road—are flashing yellow. In Maryland, a flashing yellow light means to slow down and proceed with caution.
Notably, a flashing yellow light takes precedence over a flashing red light
House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday he spoke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and they are working to coordinate a date for Netanyahu to give a joint address to Congress, CNN reported.
“Our formal letter will go out this week. And I'm happy to tell you that I think Chuck Schumer will be co-signing the letter that's been a long time awaited, we've been awaiting that for since mid-March. But I think he'll sign on now. And then we'll find a time that's convenient for the prime minister and we're happy to host him,” Johnson told reporters.
On Tuesday, Johnson said he had presented Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer with an ultimatum: Join his letter inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress...
Baltimore, MD – May 22, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef Steinhart and Baila Hauptman on their engagement.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - May 22, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Rabbi Yaakov Lavian's mother, a'h.
The levayah is tomorrow morning in Israel.
Shiva will be observed beginning tomorrow morning (Thursday, May 23,) at 2802 Smith through Sunday Mincha after which he is traveling to Israel to conclude the shivaThursday: 7:00am Shacharis / Mincha/Maariv: 8:05pmFriday: 7:00am Shacharis / Mincha 2:00pmMotzei Shabbos: Maariv 9:15pmSunday: 7:30am Shacharis / Early Mincha 1:45pm
Baltimore, MD – May 21, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Sol Victoria Amar de Benhamu, a"h, mother of Rina Walter.
The levaya will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, May 22 in Lima, Peru.
Shiva details to follow Bila Hamaves LaNetzach...
Jerusalem, Israel - May 21, 2024 - On Tuesday morning at the Orient Isrotel Hotel in Jerusalem, Israel, President Isaac Herzog gave the opening address to thel Eli Hurvitz Conference on Economy and Society - Israel at War 2024, held annually by the Israel Democracy Institute.
In his address, President Herzog stated, “Two days ago, I met with the U.S. National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, and heard from him what was officially announced yesterday—that there is an option for normalization with Saudi Arabia. This is a move that could bring about tremendous change, a historic 'game-changer' that constitutes a victory over the empire of evil.”
He stressed, “I very much hope that this possibility is being seriously considered, as the empire of evil s...
Baltimore, MD – May 21, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Mrs Brocha Yagod, a’h, mother of Mrs. Rochel Vim.
Shiva will be observed at at 3209 Taney Rd, Baltimore, MD, 21215
Visiting Times:
Wednesday 5/22 & Thursday 5/23 8 pm - 9 pm
Sunday 5/26 12 noon - 1 pm
Bila Hamaves LaNetzach...
Baltimore, MD - May 21, 2024 - Hudi Arieh was born with TAR syndrome, also known as, Thrombocytopenia. But she is not letting that stop her. In this episode, Hudi shares her incredible life story, the mindset that has enabled her to overcome incredible odds, and her amazing faith and Emunah.
Baltimore, MD - May 21, 2024 - The Key Bridge Response Unified Command released time lapse video capturing the M/V Dali being refloated and relocated Monday.
With the assistance of five tugboats and other support vessels, the M/V Dali was towed and pushed 2.5 miles, arriving at a local marine terminal at approximately 9 a.m.
fggh
If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society's heroes. –Guy Kawasaki
Baltimore, MD - May 20, 2024 - Jewish Educational Services couldn’t agree more. In honor of National Teacher’s Appreciation Week celebrated this year May 6-10, JES, an agency of The Associated, recognized the important work teachers do with Todah Teacher Week. Educators entered to win a daily raffle for exciting prize packages. With almost 600 entries, five educators won a prize package and every teacher who entered received a $10 gift card to The Fresh Market.
Many businesses joined with JES to say “Thank you” by donating gift certificates for the prizes.
Beauty Package donated by:
Adina B JCC Kayla Designs Ooh La La Sassy Glass...
Israeli officials seized a camera and broadcasting equipment belonging to The Associated Press in southern Israel on Tuesday, accusing the news organization of violating a new media law by providing images to Al Jazeera.
The Qatari satellite channel is among thousands of clients that receive live video feeds from the AP and other news organizations. The AP denounced the move.
“The Associated Press decries in the strongest terms the actions of the Israeli government to shut down our longstanding live feed showing a view into Gaza and seize AP equipment,” said Lauren Easton, vice president of corporate communications at the news organization. “The shutdown was not based on the content of the feed but rather an abusive use by the Israeli government of the country...
Target plans to cut prices on thousands of consumer basics this summer, from diapers to milk, as inflation cuts into household budgets and more Americans pay closer attention to their spending.
The price cuts, already applied to 1,500 items, will eventually include 5,000 food, drink and essential household goods. Target and other retailers are increasingly catering to customers who are struggling with higher prices for groceries, though inflation has begun to cool . Many of them have switched to private label brands sold by Target and others big retailers, which are typically less expensive than well-known brands.
Target launched one such collection in January called Dealworthy which includes nearly 400 basic items, ranging from clothing to electronics, that can cost less than ...