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.
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
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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...
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.
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 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...
Organized by Israeli NGOs:
Israel's Main Independence Day event took place tonight at Latrun, with the participation of hostage families, freed hostage Sapir Cohen and IDF soldiers injured in combat.
"Unity and Hope": Thousands of families and youth from across Israel participated in the special event organized by dozens of Israeli NGOs, among them Hashomer Hachadash, Nifgashim and the Ruderman Family Foundation, during which freed hostage Sapir Cohen and soldiers injured in combat were honored.
As part of the event, a kite-flying ceremony took place calling for the release of the captives, along with prayers for the health of the combat forces.
Sapir Cohen, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas militants on October 7th, along with her partner Sasha Tropnov, was released after 55...
Baltimore, MD – May 14, 2024 - In March of 2023, Councilmen Izzy Patoka, along with leadership from the Baltimore County Department of Public Works & Transportation, and representatives of our community, went for a walk. This “walk,” organized at the request of community advocates and with the support of Councilman Patoka, was graciously and impressively attended by DPW&T leadership, specifically the team focused on Pedestrian Safety: D'Andrea Walker, who was then the Director of the Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation (recently appointed as the Baltimore County Administrative Officer by County Executive Johnny Olszewski), Angelica Daniel, Bureau Chief of Transportation, Anthony Russell, Deputy Director, and other staff.The meeting ...
Jerusalem, Israel - May 14, 2024 - In Jerusalem, Israel, the annual Independence Day Reception for ambassadors, international representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps based in Israel was held at Beit Hanasi hosted by President Isaac Herzog. On Tuesday afternoon, at the President’s Residence on the outdoor grounds, were Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yisrael Katz, and other senior officials, dignitaries, and a delegation of international leaders of Keren Hayesod.
In his address, President Herzog welcomed representatives from countries around the world. He noted, “These are difficult times,“ and said, “yet there is still so much to be grateful for on this 76th Independence Day of Israel. Our improbable story in Israel is a...
Baltimore, MD – May 14, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Tsvi Hirsch Shapiro & Adina Itzkowitz on their engagement.
Mazel Tov Rabbi Eli & Sara Rivkah Itzkowitz and Rabbi and Mrs. Lazer & Mindy Shapiro. Mazel tov to the grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Marvin & Sarah Itzkowitz, Dr. & Mrs. Michael and Cindy Ring and Rabbi Reuvain Yudkowsky
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Jerusalem, Israel - May 14, 2024 - An Israeli Yom Ha'atzmaut tradition, the International Tanach Chidon featured 16 contestants, four from Israel and twelve young people from other countries. The 76 Independence Day event was held at the Jerusalem Theater, the usual venue, and was broadcast live on television. The theater was filled with families and supporters of the students who have been studying Tanach diligently and have taken various tests to arrive at this final point of competition.
The second year in a row, the tense finish ended with a tie. Evyatar Bar-Gil, 17, an eleventh-grade student at ORT Pelech Boys School in Jerusalem, and David Shasha, 17, a twelfth-grade student at Amit Kfar Ganim Yeshiva in Petah Tikva, were the winners of the 61st an...
In an interview with the Guardian, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis says that since October 7th and the ensuing war in Gaza, the Jewish communities across Europe have been grappling with a wave of increased hate speech, vandalism, harassment, and threats.
Some Jews in Europe have even consulted local rabbis on halachic questions in an attempt to find out whether it is permitted to remove Jewish symbols out of concern for their safety.
"The statistics show an increase of hundreds of percent in antisemitism throughout Europe. Many Jews are trying to hide their Judaism. One of the most common questions to Rabbis since October 7th is whether it is possible to take the mezuzah off the door. This says a lot," said Rabbi Goldschmidt.
He added that,...
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel - May 14, 2024 - Along with thousands of others from their brigade, my sons had been back home from their service in and around Gaza for about two months. And though the war is never far from anyone’s minds, many families’ lives were beginning to reclaim their familiar rhythms. Mothers, who had to also serve as fathers, could turn to their partners once again to assist in the day-to-day routines of their homes. Fathers, many of whom had been sleeping in their uniforms and boots, with their rifles at their sides, could breathe once again, and not jump at the sound of a broken twig or a creaky stair.
Couples could smile, and laugh, and embrace.
But, as we know, the job is not done. Victory over Hamas has not occurred. Not yet. The go...
French authorities on Tuesday condemned a "hateful rallying cry against Jews" and opened a criminal investigation after red hand graffiti was painted onto a Holocaust memorial in Paris.
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The attack comes amid an unprecedented surge in antisemitic acts in the country with the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in western Europe.
"The Wall of the Righteous at the Shoah (Holocaust) Memorial was vandalized overnight," Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said in a statement, calling it an "unspeakable act".
Around 20 of the hand symbols were found beneath the wall at the memorial in central Paris honoring individuals who saved Jews from persecution during the Nazi occupation of France in the 1940s.
May 14 marks the anniversary of the first major round-up of French Jews unde...
President Isaac Herzog this morning, Tuesday, addressed the annual ceremony held at the President’s Residence on Israel’s Independence Day, recognizing 120 Outstanding Soldiers
This year’s event, taking place under the shadow of the ongoing conflict, included songs symbolizing hope and faith, in memory of the fallen, in honor of the bereaved families, and with the hope for the swift return of all the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza
Later, President Herzog will host a reception for ambassadors and members of the international diplomatic corps from around the world.
Text of the President’s address:
"Outstanding soldiers and their dear families, Minister of Defense, IDF Chief of Staff, citizens and residents of Israel. This emotional occasion is not ...
The board of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, a brand owned by Unilever, said that the pro-Palestinian protests at the college campuses and graduation ceremonies across the United States are "essential" to democracy.
Earlier in January, the company called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza amid the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) ground operation in the Strip.
“Lunch counter sit-ins, student-led protests against the Vietnam War and Apartheid South Africa, and now the campus protests in solidarity with Gaza, all are part of our rich history of free speech and non-violent protest that makes change and is essential to a strong democracy,” stated the independent board.
Back in 2021, Ben & Jerry's announced it would stop selling its ice cream in the West Bank and ...