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Emergency Utility Work to Take Place in Baltimore City this Friday, September 13, 2024Date: Friday, September 13, 2024Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Baltimore, MD - Sept. 11, 2024 - Work Description: Contractors will be replacing a 6-inch fire hydrant valve that services the community’s water supply system. Water services may be temporarily interrupted during this time, and residents may experience discolored or cloudy water. It is advised to run water in the basement tap for 5-10 minutes once service is restored.Addresses Affected:    3200-3500 Blocks of Bancroft Road&n...
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Baltimore, MD - Sept. 9, 2024 - BGCubed's opening event is rescheduled for Wednesday, September 18th, iy'H! The countdown to this amazing event continues! We cannot wait to see you there! To stay up to date on our weekly BGCubed events, sign up for sms text messages! Text 'JOIN' to [516] 331-2432
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Jerusalem, Israel - Sept. 10, 2024 - Jerusalem's real estate market is known for being competitive, with prices often out of reach for many who dream of living in the city. However, a new opportunity is emerging in Katamonim —one of Jerusalem’s oldest neighborhoods— that promises to offer spacious, high-standard apartments within a warm community, and at significantly lower prices than other American neighborhoods in the city.  The project, spearheaded by the Berger Group and marketed by brothers Meir and Chanan Sand, represents a unique approach to community living in Jerusalem. "We wanted to create a community where people can live near their friends and family, enjoy all the amenities they need, and still pay much less than other areas in the city," says M...
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Speed Dating Event For Working/Learning SinglesSeptember 15th, 2024 - 3:00 - 6:30 PMAges 19 - 25 Location:Shomrei Emunah6221 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD To RSVP: Men: Click here Women: click here It’s not too late to catch the early bird rateRegister by September 8th: $18After September 8th: $36 Zelle: ohrsimchatreasurer@gmail.com For more information: baltimoreshift@gmail.com
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Baltimore, MD – Sept. 7, 2024  - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life  (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Barbara Hamby, a’h, mother of Eliezer (Arleen) Hamby. The Levaya will be graveside tomorrow, Sunday, September 8th, 2024, at the Agudath Israel Cemetery 6347 Hamilton Ave., Rosedale, MD 21237 at approximately 4 pm. Shiva will be observed at 6226 Blackstone Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21209, starting Sunday after the Kevurah thru Friday afternoon at 5:30PM.Visiting 7am-1pm and 4-9 pmShacharis 7:00 amMincha-Maariv 7:10 pmMincha Erev Shabbos: 5:00PM Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 11, 2024  - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life  (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Mrs. Gadriyah Sarah Zaharani, a’h, of Rosh HaAyan, Israel, mother of Mrs. Penina Lewis (443.600.4794). Shiva is being observed until noon tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) at 5719 Narcissus Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21215. Shiva will continue in Eretz Yisrael    Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
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Baltimore, MD – Sept. 11, 2024  - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life  (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Donald Spinell, z’l, father of Moshe Spinell. Shiva is being observed in Seattle (3 hrs. behind Baltimore) 206-669-0815 Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Baltimore, MD – Sept.11, 2024  -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Eli and Rivky Zryl on the birth of a son. Mazel Tov to Grandparents Yosie & Toby Zryl and Moshe & Sora Rochel Schuck and to Great-Grandparents Rabbi and Mrs. Noson & Malky Goldstein and Mr. Eli Schuck
Almost an hour into the presidential debate on Tuesday night, debate moderators David Muir and Lindsey Davis asked Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump how they would break through the stalemate and reach a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.  Harris answered first, saying, "let's understand how we got here. On October 7, Hamas, a terrorist organization, slaughtered 1200 Israelis, many of them young people, who were simply attending a concert. Women were horribly raped." "And so absolutely I said then, I say now, Israel has a right to defend itself. We would," she said. "How it does so matters, because it is also true, far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed; children, mothers. What we know is that this war must end. It ...
The names of two soldiers who were killed Tuesday night in a helicopter crash have been cleared for publication, the IDF said Wednesday afternoon. Chief Master Sergeant (res.) Daniel Alloush, aged 37, from Tel Aviv-Yafo, and Chief Master Sergeant (res.) Tom Ish-Shalom, aged 38, from Nes Harim both fought in the Special Tactics Rescue Unit 669 and fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip. During the incident in which Chief Master Sergeant (res.) Daniel Alloush and Chief Master Sergeant (res.) Tom Ish-Shalom fell, a pilot, a reservist pilot, and a flight mechanic in the 123rd Squadron, a reservist medic, and a reservist soldier in the Special Tactics Rescue Unit 669 were severely injured. In addition, a reservist combat medic in the Special Tactics Rescue Unit 669 and a rese...
Parsha Hashavua
Rabbi Zvi Teichman on Parshas Shoftim: What On Earth Are You Doing?

If a corpse will be found באדמה — on the land that G-d your Lord, gives you to possess it, נופל בשדה — fallen in the field, ולא נודע — it was not known who smote him. (דברים כא א)


The Torah goes on to detail the laws of the עגלה ערופה — the axed heifer that is brought by the city that is determined by the elders and judges to be in closest proximity to the corpse.


The crux of this ritual is to display the responsibility of the community for a stranger's death. They must declare they were not culpable for the death, having not ignored any guest in the town, providing them with food and escort. By taking the heifer — too young to propagate, to a harsh valley — too hard to work and produce fruit, and axing the back of its neck, they display their sorrow over the death of a stranger who will also not merit to ever produce good deeds again.


The earlier description of this tragic discovery seems to echo the first murder in the history of mankind.


There is a common reference to the victim and the אדמה — ground.


In our story it refers to the corpse being found באדמה — on the ground.


When G-d confronts Kayin after he kills his brother Hevel, G-d inquires, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to me from האדמה — the ground."


There are six total mentions of the אדמה — ground, in the episode of Kayin and Hevel.


The unknown corpse is depicted as נופל — having fallen.


Prior to Kayin's heinous act, Kayin initiates a sacrifice to G-d only to discover it being rejected, in contrast to his brother Kayin who follows his brother's lead and presents an offering which is immediately accepted.


Kayin's bewildered and annoyed response is reported as ויפלו פניו — and his countenance fell.


Finally in a departure from utilizing the word אדמה — ground, to denote the earth, when describing the unidentified corpse having 'fallen' dead, it mentions it was בשדהin the field.  


Kayin as well, prior to killing his brother the Torah details that Kayin spoke to Hevel בשדהin the field.


After Kayin spills the blood of his brother the Torah states how 'the voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground'. The Midrash indicates that at first the blood remained unabsorbed by the earth and only later did the earth 'opened wide its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.'


The earth instinctively rejects the notion of murder, and it resists accepting its reality. It is a shock to the earth that man was formed from to absorb the notion of quashing life.


Perhaps regarding the axed-heifer and the unknown victim, the Torah directed us to 'shake the earth' with our reaction to murder by making a powerful public display with the all the elders and judges, coming out en masse to 'shake the earth' with their declaration to beg for atonement for this tragedy.  


When Kayin is crestfallen, it indicates he being surprised by the unexpected rejection.


The 'fallen corpse' in our story also connotes an unanticipated attack.


Perhaps the intimation here is to note that often our reactions are the product of frustrated anger that lashes out quickly blinding otherwise thoughtfulness in our choices.


Kayin spoke with his brother Hevel. And it happened when they were in the field, that Kayin rose up against his brother Hevel and killed him.


The verse never reveals what Kayin said. Likely he may have wanted to talk it out, but when emotions are pent up, one acts reflexively, often preventing one's better instincts to try and discuss the issues and quell the need to react.


In that same vein, our unidentified corpse 'fell', because of a quick drawn response that was fueled by angry desperation that could have otherwise easily been quashed.


The notion of both murders having transpired in 'a field', away from peering eyes, might be intended to apprise us of the danger in allowing ourselves to be in venues that naturally lend to the lowering of our guard, making us more susceptible to lax and mindless reactions catalyzed solely by raw emotion.  


Lastly there is an interesting parallel between the two episodes.


By the unidentified corpse we simply do not know who was killed.


By Kayin we clearly do, yet in Kayin's first response to G-d's query as to where is Hevel, Kayin feigns knowledge of his whereabouts by famously exclaiming, 'am I my brother's keeper?'


The Midrash explains that Kayin wasn't pretending he didn't know but rather he was pointing a finger towards G-d, intimating that the Master of the world could have intervened to stifle Kayin's reaction.


Rebbi Shimon Ben Yochai interprets G-d's stating 'The voice of your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground", as G-d affirming that Hevel was talking to G-d specifically reflecting this very same 'accusation', 'why did 'You' not interfere and stop him?'


Of course, the response is that although G-d accepts responsibility, but for man to maintain free-will, G-d will not stifle man's choices. But it is incumbent upon us to fulfill that role by reacting with the understanding that through our healthy choices we can create the environment that will restore mindfulness, calm, and understanding that will restore the world towards healthy and inspired choices only.


 (מבוסס על מאמר של הרב אלי קלינג  בקובץ קול מהיכל ו)


באהבה,


צבי יהודה טייכמאן







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On September 11th America awoke with a jolt. With the collapse of the towers, we discovered that our country’s enemies were not resentful people sitting in a corner of the globe but hateful conquerors who despised us and had come to take America down. That tragedy triggered America’s rebirth. Flags appeared everywhere, huge flags. Those who hated our country made us realize how much we love it. The American spirit was revived and celebrated. The men and women of the armed forces, firefighters, EMT’s, and police reminded us that while we had enemies, we also had heroes. With God’s help, they enabled us to prevail. Love and pride for our country and the heroism of its founders and protectors. That is the legacy of 9-11. Not security lines and metal detectors. Am...
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 10, 2024 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yehuda Lerner & Michal Pachino on their engagement. Mazel Tov to Ari & Shoshana Lerner and Ronnie & Lisa Pachino and grandparents Rabbi  Dr. Ivan & Arleeta Lerner & Morton & Carole Pancer.   יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן! 
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Building Holiness: Let There Be Light! Power, Beautiful Entryways & More Baltimore, MD - Sept. 10, 2024  - A new season is in the air, and with it brings incredible advancements to our beautiful Mikdash Mi'at. Exquisite, sturdy double doors stand at the entryway of the main lobby, social hall, and sanctuary. Dry wall finishes help visualize the grand space of the sanctuary, which leads directly into the vast, open social hall. One of the most exciting updates is the arrival of BGE and the installation of the shul's power and electricity! As we know at SOTC, physical light is merely a tool to help facilitate the spiritual light that will no doubt emanate in our shul, Beis Midrash, classrooms, and every corner of our beautiful new edifice. UPDATED VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE SHU...
Jerusalem, Israel - Sept. 10, 2024 - The Israel Defence and Security Forum (IDSF) and the Danube Institute of Budapest sponsored a Conference, "The October Effect- Strategic Implications for Israel and Europe in the Middle East Wa"r at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem, Israel on September 9, 2024. A long list of impressive speakers and experts discussed issues concerning the war in Gaza, the Iranian threat, and international policies involving Israel and its defense. John O'Sullivan, the President of the Danube Institute opening remarks were online. Calling Israel an apartheid state,  is "nonsense on stilts" he stated as he reviewed the changes in world order after the peaceful end of the Cold War.  "We knew we had problems...
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Baltimore, MD - Sept. 10, 2024  - It appears Baltimore County found its new fire chief in Florida. On Tuesday Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski nominated Joseph W. Dixon to head the fire department. Dixon recently resigned as fire chief in Ganiesville, Florida, after spending three years at the helm. The nearly 30 year fire vet is no stranger to Maryland, in fact he was born here, and served 25 years with Howard County Fire and Rescue, reaching the rank of operations chief, before retiring in 2018. If approved by the county council, Dixon would become Baltimore County's first Black fire chief. He would replace Interim Chief Scott Ebbert who took over after former chief Joanne Rund retired in July. “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the ...
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 10, 2024  - Maryland will get $10 million from the US Department of the Treasury to help support small businesses. The money will go to the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and will specifically help small businesses access the resources they need to expand and grow. "Turning an idea into a job creator takes time, money, and support," says Gov. Wes Moore. "By working together across the state and federal levels, we are helping entrepreneurs and small business owners access all three." The state will create the Business Resource Information, Development, and Guidance Ecosystem (BRIDGE) program to help implement the program and distribute the funds. "The BRIDGE Program is designed to support both Main Street small businesses that provide cruc...
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Baltimore, Md - Sept. 10, 2024  - A Baltimore man has been arrested in connection to a string of speed camera thefts around the city. Daniel Kerins, 67, has been charged with theft and malicious destruction of property. The first incident was on July 18, when the speed camera on the Baltimore National Pike was broken into. Charging documents say, the footage from the camera shows a man looking into the lens of the camera right before the video feed from the camera died. The next incident was on August 14, when police were contacted by the Verra Mobility field tech, the company that holds the contract for Baltimore's speed cameras. The cameras were broken into again, but this time it was on Erdman Avenue. Charging documents say the suspect allegedly broke the lock and damaged...
Highway 6 was blocked from the Horshim interchange northward as police arrested 13 suspects in a security incident. A helicopter was launched into the air to assist in the operation. Later in the evening, the Israel Police and Israel Defense Forces said that one of the suspects was planning a terrorist attack. Three more Palestinians were arrested in the village of Bani Naim near Hebron, West Bank, as part of the terror cell. After about an hour, Israel's main toll road was opened to traffic. The vehicle was impounded after the police bomb squad cleared it for rigged explosives.
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US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew met with HaRav Dov Lando, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, and commended his opposition to the ascent to the Temple Mount on behalf of US President Joe Biden, Israeli media reported on Monday. During the meeting at HaRav Lando's home in Bnei Brak, Lew praised the rabbi for his stance opposing visits to the Temple Mount. He conveyed President Joe Biden's appreciation for his efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, according to a report by Ynet News. In recent months, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s actions and statements regarding the Temple Mount have sparked widespread debate and criticism. In a recent statement, Ben-Gvir admitted: “If I could do what I wanted, ...
The IDF confirmed publicly on Tuesday that it mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages along with Hamas Gaza City Brigade Chief Admed An-Dur in December, which, until now, officials had only hinted to. Back in December, the IDF revealed finding five hostage bodies, three of which related to the incident in question. Unlike the IDF's usual briefing, it did not blame Hamas for their deaths and dropped hints that its air strike might have killed the three hostages but said it would not confirm anything until after a forensics probe. Overnight between Monday and Tuesday, the IDF finally confirmed that it had killed the three when Channel 12 reported the military had passed on the information to the hostage families but was withholding an announcement from the public. The IDF...
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