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.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem gave a speech on Friday in which he made clear that the terrorist organization will not disarm.
"Do you expect us to become defenseless and allow Israel to enter all of Lebanon? That will not happen. If anyone thinks Israel will achieve its goal, they are deceiving themselves. The resistance will remain," Qassem declared, claiming that Hezbollah's weapons are necessary because Lebanon itself "is unable to defend itself."
Qassem also accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, stating, "The whole world sees that Hezbollah and Lebanon are committed to the agreement, while Israel violates it."
"Hezbollah, along with the Lebanese state, is committed to the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire agreement applies only to the area south of the Litani Riv...
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Dear Friends, Supporters & Family,
With profound sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Rav Dovid Frid Z"l, who returned his soul to Hashem on Shabbat March, 22. He left this world after sudden complications which tragically escalated, overwhelming his body in a matter of hours.
For the past 15 years, Rav Dovid was not only a beacon of strength and Emunah, but a true warrior — living each day with courage, dignity, and deep devotion to Torah despite his health challenges. By his side every moment stood his beloved wife Rochel who,together with their children, was fully devoted to his care. Their lives revolved around keeping Rav Dovid comfortable, cared for, and surrounded by love.
Now Rochel and the family are facing an unimag...
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Baltimore, MD - April 17, 2025 - Please note: The Star-K advises that no one purchase from Dunkin' Donuts at Fallstaff on Motzaei Pesach, Sunday night, April 20, until after 9:45 PM.
Baltimore, MD – April 18, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Leslie Horan, z’l (Shlomo ben Nasson haLevi), husband of Abigail Lumsden Horan, and father of Rabbi Gavriel Horan and Kaila Schwarz. The levayah will be held graveside at Beth Jacob Anshe Veshear Cemetery 6700 Hamilton Avenue Rosedale, MD 21237, today Friday, April 18th, 2025, at 3:50 pm. Shiva details to follow
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Baltimore, MD – April 14, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Sheina (Rabbi Boruch, z’l) Kestenbaum, a’h, mother of Reb Yaakov (Chana Baila) Kestenbaum, Rabbi Shmuel (Chaya Leah) Kestenbaum, Reb Yehuda (Rivky) Kestenbam, Reb Yechezkel (Esty) Kestenbaum, Mrs. Malky (Rabbi Michel) Levitansky and Miriam Kestenbaum
Shiva will be observed at 2511 Willow Glen Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209.
The family requests no visitors between 6:00 - 7:00 PM.
Minyanim:
Monday - Thursday, Mincha/Maariv: 7:35 PM
Tuesday - Friday, Shacharis: 7:00 AM
Friday, Mincha: 2:00 PM
Family members will be traveling to Baltimore to sit Shiva at various times starting after 7:00 PM on Monday.
Malky Levitansky: Monday after 7:00 PM through...
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 – April 18, 2025 – Mechiras Chametz 5785/2025 with Rabanim from across the Baltimore community.
Baltimore, MD - April 18, 2025 - A federal judge on Thursday imposed new restrictions on billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, limiting its access to Social Security systems that hold personal data on millions of Americans.
U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander issued a preliminary injunction in the case, which was brought by a group of labor unions and retirees who allege DOGE’s recent actions violate privacy laws and present massive information security risks. Hollander had previously issued a temporary restraining order.
The injunction does allow DOGE staffers to access data that’s been redacted or stripped of anything personally identifiable, if they undergo training and background checks.
Hollander said DOGE and any DOGE-affiliated staffers mu...
Baltimore, MD – April 16, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shmuel & Chemdi Romer on the Birth of a son.Mazel Tov grandparents Dr. and Mrs. Tzvi Romer
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
The newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mr. Mike Huckabee, began his diplomatic mission with a moving visit and prayer at the Western Wall.
Jerusalem, Israel - April 18, 2025 - The incoming U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mr. Mike Huckabee, arrived this morning (Friday) immediately upon landing in the country to visit and pray at the Western Wall—fulfilling previous statements in which he pledged to begin his diplomatic term with a personal and symbolic visit to the sacred site of the Jewish people.
The highlight of the visit was the placement of a special note sent by the president of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, who entrusted Huckabee with the note before his departure for Israel and requested that it be placed on his behalf. On the note, Trump wrote briefly and...
Baltimore, MD – April 14, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Esther Kranton, a’h, mother of Mrs. Deena (Yitzchok) Perelmuter.Shiva begins Motza'ei Yom Tov (Sunday night) at 6350 Red Cedar PL, unit 100, and will be observed through Friday afternoon. Visiting hours: 4/21 - 4/25 Mon. 10 am - 12 pm, 2-5 pm & 7-8 pm Tues., 10 am- 12 pm Wed, 10 am - 12 pm, 2-5 pm & 7-8 pm Thurs. 10 am - 12 pm, 2-5 pm & 7-8 pm Fri. 10 am- 1 pm
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Harvard University is abusing its tax-exempt status, describing the university as “antisemitic” over its handling of anti-Israel protests on campus.
“I think Harvard is a disgrace. They're obviously antisemitic, and all of a sudden they're starting to behave,” Trump told reporters.
“But when you see what they were saying, what they were doing, when you see the way they took care of events, when you watch that woman, that horrendous president that ruined the image of Harvard, maybe permanently, in Congress…when you take a look at what happened there, it was horrific.”
Noting that the issue of Harvard’s tax-exempt status is being handled by lawyers, Trump continued, “Tax-exempt...
Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced that he successfully met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
"I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return," Van Hollen said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return. pic.twitter.com/U9y2gZpxCb — Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 18, 2025
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 17, 2025 – Friday, April 18, 2025, Good Friday, is a Baltimore City holiday, and all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be closed.
There will be no trash or recycling collection in Baltimore city on Friday, April 18.
Trash and recycling make-up day will be Shabbos, April 19.
Please be sure to place your trash/recycling receptacles at the curb before Shabbos/Yom Tov.
Baltimore, MD – April 2025 - Every Shabbos table offers every Jewish family an incredible opportunity by which they can share their joy for Shabbos, for Yiddishkeit and for HaShem with their children. Unfortunately, our schedules are hectic and many people don’t have the time to prepare themselves to utilize the Shabbos table to its fullest. Therefore, we at ACHIM created TableTalk as a pre-packaged talking points pamphlet which is attractive, fun and has something for everyone. Limited copies are distributed to many shuls on a weekly basis but they are snatched up very quickly. Get yours ASAP or click on the graphic below and print your own.What’s in it and what’s all the excitement about?TableTalk features:• Weekly halachic dilemma cre...
The Hamas terrorist organization has rejected Israel's proposal for a partial Gaza hostage deal.
Khalil al-Hayya, who oversees the negotiations on behalf of Hamas, claimed that "Netanyahu set impossible conditions for a deal that does not lead to the end of the war or full withdrawal. He and his government violated the agreement before its first phase ended.
"We are prepared to immediately hold true negotiations for the release of the captives that we hold in return for an agreed-upon number of prisoners being held by the occupation. The occupation in return must totally stop the war and totally withdraw from the Gaza Strip," he demanded.
Earlier in the week, the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen channel, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, published the alleged details of the Israeli offe...
Two people were killed, and six others were injured in a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, authorities said.
Police identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at the school. They also said his mother is a Sheriff's Deputy, and said Ikner used his mother's weapon in the killing. His mother has been an officer for over 18 years and authorities say she has done a "tremendous job."
Authorities have said that the two who were killed were not FSU students.
The university and authorities are asking students, staff and faculty to call their loved ones if they haven’t already. The area is still considered an active crime scene.
The FBI was able to dispatch agents from its Tallahassee field office to the scene quickly, as they a...
Annapolis, MD - April 17, 2025 - An energy ratepayer report published Tuesday claims regional electricity bills could continue skyrocketing by double digits over the next decade.
The independent power sector analysis conducted by Massachusetts-based Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. said that power customers in the PJM Interconnection region may experience an increase of up to 60% in ratepayer costs by 2036.
“Electricity customers in the PJM region (which spans all or parts of 13 Mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C.) are facing a looming cost crisis stemming from two major issues: (a) worsening barriers to building and connecting new generation resources needed to supply the electric grid, and (b) unprecedented increases in projected electricity demand,” Synapse wrote....