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 - June 8, 2026 - This past Sunday, four of the leading roshei yeshiva of Eretz Yisroel walked into Baltimore. Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Avraham Salim, Rav Yosef Chevroni, and Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband left their yeshivos and traveled across the world because the Torah of Eretz Yisroel is fighting for its very survival, and they came to ask us to help carry it.
We watched a Rosh Yeshiva break down in tears as he described his fear for the bochurim who learn under constant threat, and another explain the contrast that in Eretz Yisroel the lomdei Torah are pursued and disgraced, yet here in Baltimore they are embraced.
From visits in private homes through the packed asifa at Shomrei Emunah, one message was repeated again and again: ish nidcheh, v'ein hatzibbur nidche...
The Bas Melech Gymnastics Team traveled to Athletic Edge Gymnastics in Staten Island last month to compete against some of the top orthodox gymnastics programs in the region. With more than 100 gymnasts from across the country competing in nine gyms, the competition was fierce. As usual, Bas Melech soared to the challenge.
The highlight of the day came when our Level 3 team was crowned All-Around Team Champions, bringing home a magnificent championship trophy and earning Bas Melech's place at the top of the podium.
Throughout the competition, our gymnasts demonstrated skill, composure, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that have become hallmarks of our team. From the first event to the final awards ceremony, the girls cheered one another on and represented our commun...
Baltimore, MD - June 9, 2026 - Please note that ALL cheeses used are Cholov Stam.
With recent reports of kosher consumers accidentally receiving food from non-kosher establishments, awareness of proper food-delivery procedures has never been more important. Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger speaks with Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator at the cRc and Executive Director of AKO, about the halachos of chasimos, delivery services, and protecting the integrity of kosher food from restaurant to doorstep. Whether you order through an app or pick up takeout yourself, this episode contains practical guidance every consumer should know.
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.
What Is Your Mission?
Moriah Chen from the Hidabroot website published the following questionnaire for anyone who wants to gain a clearer picture of themselves and of their mission in the world:
1. What would you do for free? Think about the activities you do without noticing the passage of time. What makes you forget to eat or sleep? What subject can you talk about for hours without stopping? Sometimes your profession or direction in life is hidden in the things you would do even without being paid.
2. In what areas do people turn to you for help? In what field do your friends and family already see you as an expert? Sometimes our natural talent is already obvious to others, even when we don’t notice it ourselves.
3. Ask people close to you what they find unique abou...
Israel has once again entered a nationwide emergency status following renewed hostilities with Iran and missile attacks targeting Israel.
Schools across the country were closed on Monday, June 8. Education Minister Yoav Kisch has announced that schools will remain closed on Tuesday, June 9, as well.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has informed Chaim V’Chessed that it is closed today, Monday, and will also remain closed on Tuesday.
Government services are operating on a limited basis. Some government offices remain open while others have suspended operations. In Jerusalem, the main Misrad HaPnim branch on Shlomzion Street was closed on Monday, while the Har Choma and Mevaseret Zion branches remained open. Officials have informed Chaim V’Chessed that the Shlomzion branch will be...
The Israeli Air Force struck military targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran early Monday morning, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said.
Iranian media reported explosions that were heard in several areas of the country, including the capital Tehran and Isfahan.
The strikes occurred several hours after Iran launched several barrages of missiles toward Israel.
Baltimore, MD - June 7, 2026 - At Beis Kenesses Shomrei Emunah in Baltimore, Rav Yaakov Hopfer shlit”a, Nasi of the Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore, spoke about the open nissim Klal Yisroel has witnessed over the past two years. “There have been many wars, and by natural calculations, thousands more should have been killed. Yet we have seen tremendous nissim, because Klal Yisroel has stood behind Torah. Torah is meigin u’matzil, and the support of Torah is what protects Klal Yisroel.”
Jerusalem, Israel - June 7, 2026 - Sirens sounded across northern Israel on Sunday evening after Iran launched several missile barrages at Israel.
During the first barrage, four missiles were launched at the north. All were intercepted.
A short time earlier, the IDF stated that following the strike in Beirut and upon the conclusion of a situational assessment, it is preparing for potential fire toward the territory of the State of Israel in the coming hours.
The IDF noted that it has reinforced its defensive posture and remains on high alert and prepared for a range of defensive and offensive scenarios. The IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, and senior IDF commanders are currently conducting situational assessments and closely monitoring developments.
At the...
Baltimore, MD - June 7, 2026 - Breakfast at the home of philanthropist Paul Volosov in Baltimore this morning benefiting Keren Olam HaTorah.
VIDEO below: Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, said:“The bachurim themselves are not afraid, but we, the Roshei Yeshiva, are afraid for them.”
Baltimore, MD– June 7, 2026 – 10:12AM (BJL) – The traffic light at the intersection of Green Summit/Stone Cliff & Greenspring Ave is flashing.
Minneapolis, MN - June 7, 2026 - Target is voluntarily recalling Up & Up Fragrance Free and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes following customer complaints of product discoloration, and FDA testing that identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in product samples.
Use of products contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioi may result in serious and life-threatening infections. The products are predominantly used on newborns, infants, and young children, who are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infection due to their immature immune systems. In healthy individuals, use of the product on skin with minor lesions will more likely result in local infections, ...
Pikesville, MD – June 7, 2026 – 9:59AM (BJL) – An officer has reportedly been shot in the area of Milford Mill Rd. and Scotts Level Rd. in Pikesville.
A tactical team has been requested to the scene. Motorists should expect a significant police presence and possible traffic delays in the area.
Residents are urged to avoid the area if possible and allow emergency personnel to operate safely.
Eastern Sharon, Israel - June 7, 2026 - A man approximately 35 years old was murdered and 5 others were seriously and moderately injured in a rolling shooting attack in eastern Sharon areaThis morning (Sunday), at 10:34, a report was received at MDA’s 101 emergency dispatch center of multiple shooting casualties at a gas station near Kfar Yair, in Tzur Yitzhak, and in Tzur Natan. Large numbers of ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and MDA medicycle first responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.MDA paramedics pronounced the death of a man approximately 35 years old who had suffered gunshot wounds.In addition, MDA EMTs and paramedics provided medical treatment and evacuated to Meir and Beilinson hospitals 5 injured casualties, including:2 in serious condition, both ap...
Baltimore, MD - June 6, 2026 - A lack of rain is still affecting water levels throughout our region, and the Baltimore City Department of Public Works is still asking people to conserve water.
While The Prettyboy and Liberty reservoirs are up slightly, the DPW’s Matthew Garbark said they still have a long way to go.
“We ask people to do what they can. “We don’t expect people to not recreate and to not have fun and do what they do during the summer,” Garbark said.
Garbark added that groundwater levels have been low and that we need rain and a lot of it.
“We are hoping that in the coming weeks there is some rain ahead,” Garbark said.
The DPW encourages people to conserve water by postponing lawn and garden watering, minimizing shower t...
Baltimore, MD - June 4, 2026 - Baltimore will have the rare privilege this Sunday of welcoming five of the world's leading gedolei torah under one roof.On June 7th, at 1:45 PM, HaRav Yaakov Hillel, HaRav Avraham Salim, HaRav Aharon Feldman, HaRav Yosef Chevroni, and HaRav Chaim Mordechai Ausband will arrive at Shomrei Emunah, 6221 Greenspring Ave., for a community-wide event on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah.Baltimore has always taken pride in its deep connection to Torah and its role in supporting the broader Olam HaTorah, and this Sunday offers every member of the community the chance to be part of something truly historic.Keren Olam HaTorah was established in response to the devastating budget cuts that struck the yeshivos of Eretz Yisroel in April 2024. With government funds frozen ...