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.
War incident in Gaza - (Official) 10 seriously wounded. Evacuations to Bellinson, Ichilov, Shaare Tzedek. Please daven for:at Bellinson1. Itai Avraham Biton ben Rachel2. Gal Bani ben Iris3. Shalu Ayala ben Tekloat Ichilov4. Omer Aharon Lotan ben Tal5. Akiva Shalom Kudish ben Devorah6. Yeshua Levi ben Hanaat Shaare Zedek7. Ili Ketar ben Hagit8. Lidor Buskila ben Merav9. Shagiv Sharabi ben Yifat10. Eliran Yitzchak Morday ben Patria
Baltimore, MD – May 15, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Mrs. Frances Levine, a’h, mother of Mrs. Sheryl (Ben) Seidemann.
The levayah will take place on Thursday at 1:00PM in Detroit.
Shiva details to follow
Bila Hamaves LaNetzach...
Baltimore, MD – May 15, 2024 - BJL has received reports of many individuals within the Baltimore Jewish community encountering hacking attempts on WhatsApp. It appears that these incidents start with a message from someone in your contacts, asking you to send them a picture of a verification code you will receive via WhatsApp.Be wary of any message that seems to be out of the ordinary.
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Baltimore, MD – May 13, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Rand Feinstein , z’l, son of Rochelle Feinstein and brother of Louis Feinstein.
The family will sit shiva at The Imperial 3601 Clarks Lane #236, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, beginning Tuesday.
There will be no minyanim at the shiva home.
Shiva visiting:Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
2:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Family will get up from Shiva Sunday morning.
Bila Hamaves LaNetzach...
Inflation slowed in April after several months of faster-than-expected price increases, according to data released Wednesday by the Labor Department.
The consumer price index, a closely watched inflation gauge, rose 0.3 percent in April and 3.4 percent over the previous 12 months, in line with economist expectations. Both monthly and annual inflation fell 0.1 percentage points from their March levels.
The new inflation numbers come amid increasing concern among policymakers and investors over the path of price increases in the U.S. After falling sharply throughout the past two years, inflation had appeared to plateau with plenty of room left to fall toward the Federal Reserve’s target of 2 percent annual price increases.
Higher-than-expected inflation has forced the Fed to delay p...
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.
Former President Carter’s oldest grandson said Tuesday that his grandfather is “coming to the end” after spending more than a year in hospice care.
Jason Carter, who also serves as chair of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, spoke about his grandparents at the 28th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, noting it is the first such forum the center held since his grandmother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, died in November at the age of 96.
“First of all, as you all have expected, I’m sure, my grandmother’s passing was a difficult moment for all of us, including my grandfather,” Jason Carter said, addressing the audience. “And this is of course, the first of these forums since that day, but the outpouring...
Former President Trump said Wednesday that he is “ready and willing” to debate President Biden after the Biden campaign proposed holding two debates, one in June and one in September.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, derided Biden as “the WORST debater I have ever faced” and said the two should discuss border policy, electric vehicles and inflation, among other topics.
“I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September,” Trump posted. “I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds – That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. ‘Let’s g...
Baltimore, MD - May 15, 2023 - This Shabbos, May 18, is the annual running of the Preakness. In past years, following the race, there have been some rowdy individuals driving through our neighborhoods on their way home from the event. Most of this activity takes place on Park Heights and Greenspring Avenues, especially during the late afternoon/early evening hours. Although police will be out on patrol on Shabbos, pedestrians who will be on the main roads should be extra vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially while crossing streets. Please also remind your children to be extra cautious when playing or walking near major thoroughfares.
A group of several dozen anti-Israel student protesters occupied and "renamed" a library at the CUNY Graduate Center last night (Tuesday).
The demonstrators, many wearing masks hung Palestinian flags and a red flag that read, "long live armed resistance" at the Mina Rees Library, which they dubbed "The Al Aqsa University Library” after a Gaza university that has been seriously damaged in the war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization.
They chanted, “Disclose. Divest. We will not stop, we will not rest,” and "From the Sea to the River, Palestine will be Free."
30 protesters occupied the library, while over 100 remained outside the library.
The demonstrators demanded that CUNY divest from companies “complicit in zionist settler-colonialism and genocid...
Dozens of protesters, including Knesset member Almog Cohen, demonstrated on Wednesday against students from the Hadash cell at Tel Aviv University, who were celebrating the Nakba Day.
The students who marked the Nakba day wore kaffias and dozens of protesters demonstrated opposite them. The police separated the two groups.
MK Cohen was attacked and called a “nothing.” He responded by saying: "While you were busy shopping on October 7, I was fighting."
MK Cohen condemned: "While hundreds of Tel Aviv University students are fighting on all fronts as reservists, and the nation is still tormented by the pain of October 7, the president of Tel Aviv University feels comfortable allowing this disgrace to take place right here."
The organizer of the demonstration, Major Shai Roseng...
The Biden administration notified Congress on Tuesday that it is moving forward with more than $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel, US and congressional officials told The Wall Street Journal.
The latest weapons package includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds, the officials said.
The munitions are intended to replenish stocks used during the war against Hamas, according to the report.
The news comes less than a week after the White House paused a shipment of bombs to Israel due to US opposition to a planned Israeli attack on the Gazan city of Rafah.
The shipment which was paused was supposed to consist of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, a US official t...
The Biden administration is urging Arab states to join a "peacekeeping" force which would control Gaza once the war ends, the Financial Times reported.
The initiative aims to fill the vacuum which would be created in Gaza once Hamas is toppled and until a "credible Palestinian security apparatus" could be established.
Among the countries the US has been discussing its plans with are Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco, all of which are "considering" the initiative. The US has also spoken to Saudi Arabia about the plan, but the Saudis are unwilling to deploy their own forces to the area, for fear of being seen as Israel's allies, or drawn into an insurgency in Gaza.
At the same time, according to Western and Arab officials, US President Joe Biden is unwi...
Baltimore, MD - May 15, 2024 - The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary investigative report into the Key Bridge collapse.
Investigators concluded the DALI ship experienced two power blackouts within a couple minutes before it crashed into the bridge.
To read the NTSB preliminary report, click here.
The report details a harrowing four minutes endured by the crew aboard, including a senior pilot and apprentice.
According to the investigation, the vessel first lost electrical power at 1:25 in the morning, just over half-a-mile (approximately three ship lengths) away from the bridge.
Specifically, two electrical breakers responsible for feeding most of the ship’s equipment and lighting, failed.
This caused the DALI's main engine to shut...
Baltimore, MD - May 14, 2024 - BaltimoreJewishLife.com (BJL) Congratulates Winners of Today's Primary Election:Baltimore City Mayor: Brandon ScottBaltimore City Council: President Zeke CohenBaltimore City Councilman: Yitzy SchleiferMD Democratic Senate: Angela AlsobrooksMD Republican Senate: Former MD Governor Larry HoganCongress: Johnny 'O' Olszewski
MD Democratic Senate: Angela Alsobrooks
Baltimore City Mayor: Brandon Scott
MD Republican Senate: Former MD Governor Larry Hogan
Congress: Johnny 'O' Olszewski
Baltimore City Councilman: Yitzy Schleifer
Baltimore City Council: President Zeke Cohen
Baltimore, MD - May 14, 2024 - Tonight’s OCA community Yom Haatzmaut 5784/2024 program at Shomrei Emunah featuring inspiring songs from AKApella's Moishe Abramson, Zevi Daniel, and Dovie Ziffer.
Baltimore, MD – May 14, 2024 - 5:58PM – An accident has occurred on Reisterstown Road near Pomona Square. If traveling from the Owings Mills area you are advised to use Park Heights as an alternative route.
Baltimore, MD - May 14, 2024 - A woman described by authorities as a racially motivated extremist pleaded guilty this week to planning an attack on Baltimore's power grid, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced in a news release Tuesday.
Sarah Beth Clendaniel, a Catonsville resident, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland and possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents, from at least December 2022 through February 2023, Clendaniel conspired with Brandon C. Russell, a Florida resident, to damage energy facilities and cause a significant interruption to the Baltimore regional power grid.
“Ms. Clendaniel’s hate-fueled plans to destroy the Baltim...
