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 – Mar. 2026 - Are you nervous about Kashering for Pesach; unsure you will get it done properly? Are you afraid the water will ruin your cabinets and create a mess in your kitchen? Are you moving into a new house and need the kitchen kashered; stress-free? Click here: https://t.ly/UknmP For the last seven years, The Kashering Konnection, has been servicing the Baltimore and DC communities. Coordinated through Star-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Sholom Tendler, experienced, professional Mashgichim are available to come to your home and ensure an easy, mess-free and 100% properly-done Kashering of your kitchen and appliances. From ovens to stoves, counters to sinks, The Kashering Konnection can help you prepare for Pesach in an easy and affordable w...
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 15, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shaul B Flamm and Gali Menken on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Efy & Penina Flamm and Yaakov & Tova Menken
Mazel Tov Grandmother Mrs. Hadassah (Rabbi Ari, z'l) Flamm, Joel and Shulie Glazer, Mrs. Jane Menken, and Mrs. Chava Rosenfeld
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 15, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Tzipora Weiss, a’h, mother of Shoshana Kruger.
Mrs. Weiss, a’h, was affectionately known to BYC campers as Bubby Weiss.
Mrs. Kruger will begin the Shiva at 2606 ave. I, Flatbush, NY 11210Call or text: 4438542753.
Baltimore shiva details to follow
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 15, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mr. and Mrs. Aron and Rocheli Rosskamm on the birth of twin sons.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בניהם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים, ולהכניסם בבריתו של אברהם אבינו בזמנם. אמן
IDF officials have vehemently denied a report by US news outlet SEMAFOR that claimed that Israel notified the American administration of a significant shortage of ballistic missile interceptors.
The officials stressed that the military is prepared for prolonged conflicts and that inventory management is conducted in a continuous and controlled fashion. "We prepared for prolonged fighting; we are constantly monitoring the situation," the IDF clarified.
The Israeli denial follows a report by SEMAFOR, which cited American officials.
According to those officials, Israel updated Washington of a shortage in interceptors, an issue which they claimed was "expected and anticipated."
One of the officials noted that despite reports of a shortage in Israel, the US military is not suffering from a ...
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 - Mar. 15, 2026 - City officials say Baltimore is slowly digging out from a 15-year state funding shortfall that left roads, bridges and traffic signals deteriorating — and they warn another potential drop in transportation funding could stall or even reverse recent progress.
Over the past decade and a half, cuts to Maryland’s Highway User Revenue program have cost Baltimore nearly $1 billion that would have supported road work, according to city budget data. To partially fill the gap, the city relied on transportation bonds between 2014 and 2023 while maintenance needs mounted.
“The backlog is so vast because of that 10-year period where there was no investment,” said Laura Larsen, Baltimore’s budget director, during a briefing to the Planning...
Annapolis, MD - Mar. 15, 2026 - Maryland officials announced the Utility RELIEF Act, described as a comprehensive legislative package to lower energy bills for residents.
The legislation is said to incorporate elements from the governor's proposed Lower Bills and Local Energy Act and represents a unified strategy between the Moore Administration and the Maryland General Assembly to generate more energy in the state and hold big utility companies accountable.
The plan is also expected to save Maryland families at least $150 on their energy bills every year.
The Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation on Everyday Families) will use over $200 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to secure local clean energy generation, modernize the state's electric grid, and ...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 9, 2026 - Sample 354 is bringing the American Dream Mall warehouse sale tour to Baltimore with a one-day pre-Yom-Tov event offering 70-80% off spring and summer styles.
Shoppers can browse thousands of items from leading modest fashion brands, including clothing for women, teens, and children, with sizes XS through plus. The sale will also feature a newly organized system with merchandise arranged by size to make shopping easier.
The event is taking place Sunday, March 15, from 12 PM-6 PM at Reisterstown Road Plaza, 6516 Reisterstown Road (next to Five Below).
For more information, email samplesale354@gmail.com or call/text (845) 608-2997.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the Iranian military will retaliate against any attack targeting oil facilities by striking American-owned companies in the region or companies with US stakes.
Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to oil tankers and ships belonging to Iran's enemies and their allies.
On Thursday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would "abandon all restraint" if the United States and Israel were to attack any of its islands in the Gulf.
On Friday, US forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran, a key hub for Iranian oil exports. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites.
Following the attacks, ...
Sirens were activated early Sunday morning three times within minutes following launches from Iran.
The sirens were heard in central Israel, the Shfela (lowlands), Sharon and Samaria, and later also in the Netanya area and in the Beit She'an Valley.
Most of the launches were intercepted and the remainder fell in open areas. Three impact sites were reported in Bnei Brak, Rishon LeZion and Holon. A fire broke out at the site of the impact in Holon.
The police said that Tel Aviv District officers are handling several impact sites within the district. Magen David Adom said that no injuries were reported.
About an hour earlier, sirens were also activated in Eilat following a launch from Iran. The missile was intercepted and no injuries were reported.
In addition, sirens were activat...
As the war in Iran entered its third week, President Trump said other countries must help to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and that he hoped they would send warships to aid in the effort.
The U.S. earlier bombed military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, the country's main oil-export hub, in a bid to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait, which Iran has largely blocked for oil exports except its own. Trump also said the U.S. Navy would start escorting oil tankers through the strait “very soon.”
And the U.S. urged Americans to leave Iraq following “repeated attacks” carried out by Iran-aligned militias on U.S. citizens and targets.
Here is what else to know:
Vice President JD Vance said Iran’...
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said US forces heavily damaged Iran’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island, during recent strikes, and hinted the US could strike the island again.
“We totally demolished Kharg Island. We may hit it a few more times just for fun," Trump told NBC News in an interview.
Trump also said the attack avoided major energy infrastructure: “I didn’t do anything having to do with the energy lines, because having to rebuild that would take years."
Trump said Iran is ready to negotiate a ceasefire but that he is not prepared to make a deal yet.
“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet," he explained, adding that any terms will have to be “very solid."
...
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 13, 2026 – An accident has just occurred on Walker Ave between Old Court and Reisterstown Road causing a significant backup.
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 13, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Gavriel Aaron and Molly Prero on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Michael & Heather Aaron and Yehuda & Sossy PreroMazel Tov to grndparents Mrs. Chaya Zwick and Mrs. Millie Prero
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 12, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Michael Stern, z’l, brother of Efraim (Sarah) Stern .
The levayah will be held at Beth David Elmont on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:15AM
Shiva wil be observed beginning with Shacharis Monday,Mar. 16 at 2717 Cheswolde Road, Baltimore, MD 21209
The family respectfully requests no visitors between 12:00 PM and 1:30 and 5:30-6:30PM, and after 9:30 PM. Ephraim can be reached at 410-382-3248
Shacharis: 7:30AM
Mincha/Maariv: 7:00PM
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 11, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Hanna Berger, a’h, mother of Tomer Hamami (Rachel Kurinsky), Oren Hamami, Barak (Megan) Sanford, and sister of David Sanford.
The levayah will be held at Levinson’s today, March 11, 2026, at 2:30PM.
Kevura will take place at Beth Jacob Cemetery - 2901 Baltimore Blvd Finksburg, MD 21048
Shiva will be observed at 6010 Stuart Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209.
The family respectfully requests no visitors before 10:30 AM, from 12:30–1:30 PM, from 5:30–6:30 PM, or after 8:30 PM. Mincha-Maariv will take place daily at 6:55 PM. בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 9, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Ephraim Himelstein, z’l, father of Mr. Uri (Meira) Himelstein.BALTIMORE from Friday: Shiva will be observed at 3330-C Clarks Lane beginning Friday Shacharis through Sunday:
Shacharis: 7:15AM
Mincha: Erev Shabbos: 1:50PMMaariv: Motzaei Shabbos: 8:03PM בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 9, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira Sybil Scheiner, a’h, mother of Julie (Bruce) Fried
Shiva will be observed at 36-14 High St., Fairlawn, NJ, 07410.BALTIMORE:Julie will conclude Shiva in Baltimore on Sunday, March 15th, at 6302 Shelrick Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209Visiting: 10:00 AM – Noon, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM בלע המות לנצח