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.
Gantz instructs military to increase operational readiness at Lebanon border amid faltering maritime talks
Israeli forces are preparing for the potential of increased tensions at the Lebanon border amid faltering indirect negotiations on a US-brokered maritime border deal.
During the weekly situation assessment held on Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz instructed the military to increase operational readiness - both offensive and defensive - in the northern part of the country.
The meeting also included Israel's Army Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Eshel, and Head of the Army Operations Directorate Major General Aharon Haliva.
The Lebanon-based Hezbollah terrorist organization is "digging in" along t...
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 6, 2022 - The Sukkah symbolizes refuge and protection, not only from the physical elements but from all danger. Most meaningfully, it shelters us the from stigmatizing feeling of unworthiness in Hashem’s eye, cradling us in the realization that He accepts us just as we are.
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Jerusalem, Israel - Oct. 6, 2022 - On Thursday afternoon, October 6, 2022, between Yom Kippur and Sukkot, a rally was held in Jerusalem's Gan Haatzmaut, Independence Park, to support the freedom of Iranian women.
Led by Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum with the assistance of other organizations the event was conducted in Hebrew, English, and Farsi with a DJ providing Iranian music.
The murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran, reportedly for not wearing her hijab properly, has spurred Israelis to protest on social media sites. The rally in the Jerusalem, Israel park before the sunset was attended by dozens of supporters with signs calling for the freedom of women in Iran.
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 6, 2022 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shlomo Zalman and Zahava Englander on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Ayson Englander and Mr. and Mrs. Baruch Levine
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Amazon is looking to hire 4,600 workers in Maryland as part of a nationwide hiring effort for the holidays to get a total of 150,000 new employees.
The company is offering sign-on bonuses of up to $3,000 in certain locations and average pay of more than $19 an hour, according to a press release sent out today.
Amazon is searching for full-time and part-time workers, as well as seasonal ones, for a diverse range of jobs, ranging from packing and picking to sorting and shipping.
Many stores are now rolling out holiday items as early as September, as they anticipate early shoppers. The National Retail Federation reported that holiday shipments started as early as May this year. Some business experts were predicting that inflation might lead to lower spending overall.
Meanwhile, ...
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.
“האזינו השמים ואדברה ותשמע הארץ אמרי פי”“Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! And let the earth hear the words of my mouth!” (Devorim 32:1)
People relate to music in different ways. Some enjoy slow, melodic tunes which create the inner space for contemplation and introspection. Others enjoy upbeat and fast paced music which allow for a sense of simcha and excitement. Parshas Ha’azinu contains Moshe Rabbeinu’s shira, song. But this song is neither slow nor fast. Instead, it is a song of testimony. As the nation prepares to enter the Land of Israel, Moshe has important information and direction he must share. In this song of Ha’azinu, Moshe reminds the people of their responsibilities to themselves, their nation, and ...
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 6, 2022 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ari & Shayna Chapman on the birth of a daughter
Mazel Tov to grandparents Reuven & Janine Chapman.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Rotting fish and garbage lie scattered in Sanibel Island’s streets. On the mainland, debris from washed-away homes is heaped in a canal like matchsticks. Huge shrimp boats sit perched amid the remains of a mobile home park.
“Think of a snow globe. Pick it up and shake it — that’s what happened,” said Fred Szott.
For the past three days, he and his wife Joyce have been making trips to their damaged mobile home in Fort Myers, cleaning up after Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast.
As for the emotional turbulence, he says: “You either hold on, or you lose it.”
The number of storm-related deaths rose to at least 101 on Thursday, eight days after the storm made landfall in southwest Florida. According to reports from...
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 6, 2022 - Delegate Dalya Attar, who has worked as an assistant state’s attorney for the past 8 years, meets with State’s Attorney-elect Ivan Bates to discuss important initiatives to reduce crime in Baltimore City.
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 6, 2022 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moishy & Shayna Gholian on the birth of a son.
Mazel tov grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Benham Gholian
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 6, 2022 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef Chaim Brejt (Baltimore/Cleveland) & Malky Neuhaus (Miami Beach) on their engagement.
Mazel tov to parents Dr. Moshe and Sara Brejt and Rabbi Tzvi and Rivky Neuhaus.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 6, 2022 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ozzie Stillman (Brooklyn) & Daniella Shnidman (Baltimore) on their engagement.Mazel Tov Yitzy & Melissa Shnidman and grandmothers Mrs. Meira Shnidman and Marlene Hammond.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
President Biden announced major steps toward decriminalizing marijuana possession Thursday, issuing mass pardons for anyone convicted of federal crimes for simply possessing the drug, and urging governors to do the same.
He also called for his administration to expedite a review of whether marijuana should continue to be listed as a Schedule I substance.
“Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs,” Biden said in a video statement announcing the actions. “I’m announcing a pardon of all prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. There are thousands of people who were convicted for marijuana possession who may be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities as a r...
Federal investigators are weighing whether to charge Hunter Biden with various tax and foreign lobbying violations, false statements and more, with a former official telling Fox News that an outcome to the case could be "imminent."
Fox News first reported in July that the federal investigation into President Biden’s son had reached a "critical stage." Hunter Biden has been under federal investigation since 2018.
The investigation is being conducted by Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss, a prosecutor appointed by former President Donald Trump.
Fox News reported in July that the federal grand jury looking into Hunter Biden’s business dealings wrapped up its latest term in June and expired. A source, at the time, said no charges had been filed.
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 6, 2022 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ari & Brooke Spero on the birth of Ezra Sholom.
Mazel Tov to Grandparents Chaim & Rebecca Spero and Michael and Debi Cohen and great-grandparents Dr. Abba & Sarah Spero and Rabbi Avraham and Susan Landesman
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 6, 2022 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Avrumi and Aleeza Reches on the birth of Chaya Tehilla.
Mazel Tov to Grandparents Jeffrey and Renee Reches and David and Darlene Schwartz and great grandparents Rabbi Avraham and Susan Landesman and Lois Blitt from Denver.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 6, 2022 - Everyone in Baltimore recognizes that when Sukkos arrives they'll meet people they may not have seen in ages. And where will they usually meet up? Home Depot at the Reisterstown Road Plaza, of course.
Through the efforts of the managers and associates, and as the hub of so many last-minute Sukkah needs, they will be open until 11:00PM on Motzaei Shabbos, October 8, 2022. As long as you are in the store and shopping before that time they will stay open.
Thank you to the store manager Aisha Yates for arranging and allowing *The Home Depot* to be open again after hours.
Please be sure to show your hakaras hatov to the Home Depot personnel.
A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of New York state's new gun law in order to allow the Gun Owners of America (GOA) to pursue a lawsuit challenging the legislation.
Chief Judge Glenn Suddaby of Northern District of New York state in Syracuse ruled that the GOA have a legitimate case for lawsuit against the new state law complicating the process to obtain a gun license.
The decision will not go into effect for three days to allow the New York government to appeal Suddaby's ruling to a higher court.
The proposed law sets strict standards for issuing concealed carry permits.