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 - Sept. 20, 2021 - Due to the COVID-19 uptick, the Hatzalah Monoclonal Antibody infusion center is open again with 24/7 service. With the expansion of the FDA protocols, most people who test positive or who are exposed and not yet positive will qualify for treatment.
Early treatment is essential for best outcome.
Call HOB MAB line 24/7 including shabbos and YT at 410-585-0054 option 2 for more info or visit BJLCovid for more information or to register.
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Baltimore, MD - Aug. 26, 2021 - Baltimore Jewish Community Covid Testing Schedule for the Upcoming Yomim Tovim Season:
Aseres Yimei Teshuva:
Thursday Sept. 9 - Tuesday Sept.14 - Regular Testing Schedule.
Motzaei Shabbos Sept. 11- 9:30pm-10pm
Wed., Sept.15 - Erev Yom Kippur - 9:30AM -11:00 AM
Motzaei Yom Kippur – Sept. 16 - No Testing
Friday Sept. 17 - Regular Testing Schedule
Motzaei Shabbos Sept.18 - 9:30PM -10:00PM
Sunday Sept.19 Regular Testing Schedule
Sukkos:
Monday, Sept. 20 Erev Sukkos - 9:30AM-11:00AM
Wed. night Sept. 22 - Motzaei 1st days 930PM -10:00pm
Thurs., Sept. 23 - Chol Hamoed 9:30AM -11:30AM- No night testing
Fri., Sept. 24 - Chol Hamoed 930AM – 11:00AM
Motzaei Shabbos Sept. 25 - Chol Hamoed 9:30PM -10:00PM
Sunday Sept. 26 - C...
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 24, 2021 - Garden of Life - Vitamin Code Raw Antioxidants, distributed by Garden of Life of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, bearing an expiration date that is prior to September 1, 2022, is NOT KOSHER even when bearing a STAR-K symbol. The product contains a non-kosher ingredient. Corrective action is being taken.
Today, 211 years ago, Rebbe Nachman of Breslav passed away. Here is one of his most powerful thoughts: "I am a wonder, my soul is a great wonder; there never was anyone unique like me".This idea is likely to seem arrogant and haughty. How can anyone speak like that about himself? But the first time I heard it, a Breslav chasid explained that Rebbe Nachman meant to teach every one of us to look upon himself or herself in this way. In each of us there is a unique potential that must be realized. Now read these words again as they are transformed into an encouraging and reinforcing message, a message that is the essence of Rebbe Nachman's thought: Does everyone of us feel that he is a wonder, that his soul is a great wonder? Does everyone remember that there was never anyone as unique as...
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 – Sept. 24, 2021 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Eli Hochberg on the birth of a daughter.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 24, 2021 - It is with regret that BaltimoreJewishLife.com informs the community of the petira of Mrs. Frieda Fischer, a'h, Mother of Mrs. Jody (Hal) Crane.
Details forthcoming
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
The head of the Baltimore County Police Union says the county is down officers with no sign of beefing up the force.
The county is down 14% according to the Fraternal Order of Police president David Rose, especially with an anti-police sentiment in many areas.
“A lot of people are finding the job not attractive," Rose said.
He said many officers are leaving to go to nearby jurisdictions for better pay and higher signing bonuses.
Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said they are now offering "A $10,000 hiring incentive for new police officers and for lateral police officers."
Rose said that officers are also leaving over working conditions, such as a lack of a dedicated training facility. He said with being down so many officers, officers...
Gov. Larry Hogan announced that Maryland is taking additional steps to increase nursing personnel.
Hogan says the new efforts aim to give hospitals more flexibility to address staffing needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This week, Maryland reported the nation’s lowest COVID-19 case rate, and we continue to withstand the Delta variant surge better than just about any other state,” said Hogan in a statement. “While our hospitalizations remain well below all of our pandemic surge capacity triggers, we are taking proactive steps to maximize the ability of our hospitals to increase their nursing workforce.”
Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis Schrader issued a notice stating that registered nurses or licensed practical nurses who hold a current active...
A man struck early Friday morning on Interstate 83 died, Maryland State Police said.
State police said troopers were called shortly before 2:50 a.m. to I-83 just north of Northern Parkway in Baltimore City for a report of a crash. Police said a man walking across the highway from the median was struck and died at the scene. The driver remained at the scene.
About 20 minutes prior, a ride-share driver traveling north on I-83 called 911 to report an unruly and suspected intoxicated passenger who was physically assaulting him and trying to get him to run off the road, police said. The driver pulled over on I-83 at Ruxton Road and the passenger fled from the vehicle.
Police said the ride-share driver described the passenger to troopers and the description matched that of the deceased victim...
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 23, 2021 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Avi Charloff on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Ahron Katz and great-grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Larry Katz.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, Md – Sept. 23, 2021 – The Baltimore community was honored to participate in the Siyum HaShas for Reb Shmuel Yehuda Stern, father of Mrs. Miri (Reb Binyamin) Blackman.Joining in the simcha was HaRav Nesanel Kostelitz, HaRav Yissachar Dov Eichenstein, HaRav Simcha Wein, and Rav Yaakov Frand, as well as many friends and family. The siyum took place in the Blackman's Sukkah.At his customary 4 blatt a day, BJL looks forward to posting Reb Shmuel Yehuda’s next Siyum HaShas in 3 years, B’Azer HaShem.
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 23, 2021 - It is with regret that BaltimoreJewishLife.com informs the community of the petira of Yitzchok Sheffield, z'l, son of Rabbi and Mrs. Yehoshua Sheffield. The levaya will take place tomorrow, Friday, September 24th, at 1:30 pm graveside at the Agudah cemetery in Rosedale Shiva will be observed after Yom Tov. Details are forthcoming. Shiva begins after Yom Tov
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 23, 2021 - 1st Day Chol HaMoaid Sukkos 5782 - Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott joined Councilman Yitzy Schleifer today in celebration of Sukkos. Joining the festive gathering in the Councilman’s Sukkah were elected officials, Delegate Dalya Attar (41-D), and City Councilman Zeke Cohen (1-D), along with Rabbi Dovid Heber, of Congregation Khal Ahavas Yisroel Tzemach Tzedek, and other prominent community leaders. Mayor Scott listened intently as Rabbi Heber explained the meaning of the Sukkah, Lulav and Esrog and the holiday in general. Rabbi Heber expressed gratitude for the work the Mayor does on behalf of our community and focused his comments on the unique joy felt by our community during Sukkos.
While spending time in the Sukkah, Mayor Sc...
Washington, DC, Sept. 23, 2021 — Coalition for Jewish Values, representing over 1,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in matters of public policy, today castigated the ADL for once again avoiding a needed effort to address blatant antisemitism, and instead pursuing charges of "supremacy" for partisan purposes. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt criticized "The Squad" in Congress for blocking funding for Israel's defensive Iron Dome system as part of the budget reconciliation process, and celebrated passage of a standalone bill restoring that funding. But it was Fox News host Tucker Carlson whom Greenblatt insisted "must go."
CJV President Rabbi Pesach Lerner issued the following statement:
In January, Greenblatt correctly stated that Tlaib's depiction of Israel as 'apartheid&#...
A majority of Americans now say that President Biden is not “mentally sharp,” according to a new poll from the Pew Research Center.
The survey, which like other polls shows Biden’s overall approval rating sinking, found that just 43 percent said the phrase “mentally sharp” described him either “very well” or “fairly well,” an 11 point drop from the same poll in March, while 56 percent said the phrase describes him “not at all well” or “not too well.” This was his worst showing in any of the personal characteristics surveyed.
This is evidence in support of something I have suspected for weeks, which is that the Afghanistan blunder does not alone explain the collapse of Biden’s appr...
Memphis police officers are on the scene of a Kroger grocery store where at least a dozen people have been shot, including one who was killed.
The shooter, whose identity remains unknown, is dead of what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
The shooting happened at 240 New Byhalia Road in Collierville, Tennessee.
Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane said officers and a SWAT team entered the grocery store going aisle to aisle to rescue employees – some of whom were hiding in the freezer.
"I've been involved in this for 34 years and I've never seen a scene like this," Lane said, calling it "the most horrific event in Collierville history."
Lane said an image circulating on social media of someone on the roof was a Kro...