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Senator Graham, During His Visit To The Kotel At The End Of October 7th: You Are Not Alone, The United States Is With You A Night of Pain and Unity at UMD: Reflections on October 7th Bringing Hope This Yom Tov to a Father with ALS; Native Baltimorean and Brother of Cathy Dinovitz and Arlene Gittleson, Rabbi Dovid Frid An Evening of Reflection in Baltimore: Remembering the Kedoshim of October 7 (Video & Photos) US Officials: Washington No Longer Pushing Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Update on Today's Shooting Incident from Baltimore County Police, Pikesville Precinct Commander Shawn Hanley Weinberg Park Heights JCC LOWER LEVEL - Facilities Update for Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Watch: Former President Trump at the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Video) Police Respond to Shooting at Colonial Village Shopping Center BJL Traffic Alert - Shut Down! Between Fallstaff & Seven Mile on Reisterstown Road Baltimore Esrog Center - Now Open (Photos) BJL Traffic Alert - Park Heights & Greenspring Valley BJL Traffic Alert - 695 Inner Loop @ Exit 23 06:29 At The Site Of The 'Nova' Festival: President Isaac Herzog Begins Memorial Journey Across The Border Communities, Marking One Year Since October 7 Biden Offers Israel ‘Compensation’ To Forgo Striking Iranian Nuke, Oil Sites Benjamin Netanyahu's Churchill Moment Comes Amid Multifront War Against Iranian Terror, Expert Says Kamala Harris’ Support With Arab And Muslim Communities In Michigan Is ‘Tenuous’: Democratic Strategist US President Biden Calls President Herzog To Express His Solidarity And Condolences On The Anniversary Of The 7/10 Massacre Hold Tight: The Rope of Faith Amidst the Pain of Chevlei Mashiach Watch Rabbi Shmuel Silber: October 7th: A Nation of Heroes (Video)
Jeruslaem, Israel - Oct. 7, 2024  - During a visit of support and solidarity with Israel, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal arrived at the Western Wall plaza, for a visit of solidarity at the end of October 7th. The two senators were welcomed by the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Places, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and the Head of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mordechai (Soli) Eliav, who thanked them for their warm and significant support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. During the visit, the members of Congress offered a silent prayer next to the...
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Baltimore, MD - Oct. 6, 2024 - The Baltimore Esrog Center is proud to partner with Shearith Israel Congregation, the renowned Glen Avenue Shul in Baltimore. As a historic Orthodox synagogue with deep roots in Northwest Baltimore, Shearith Israel has long served as a beacon of tradition, guided over the years by esteemed leaders such as Rabbi Shimon Schwab and now Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer. This revered congregation, integral to the fabric of Baltimore's Jewish community, has played a key role in the establishment of the Baltimore Esrog Center. In collaboration with Shearith Israel, the Baltimore Esrog Center is dedicated to offering the finest Arbah Minim, upholding the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our boutique is a celebration of heritage and excellence, and we are hon...
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As Yom Kippur approaches, the Frid family humbly stands before the community with a heartfelt plea for help.  Rochel Frid has been fighting a battle that no one should face alone. Her husband, a kind and loving father, is battling life with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a cruel disease that has robbed him of his ability to move, speak, and live independently. Despite the tremendous physical and emotional challenges, Rochel remains steadfast in her love and care. ALS is not only devastating because of its impact on health, but it also brings overwhelming financial burden. The cost of specialized equipment, full-time care and at-home medical treatments is immense, leaving Rochel struggling to keep her husband at home where he feels safe and loved, while at the same ti...
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Baltimore, MD - Sept. 22, 2024 -  As always, Shabsi's Judaica looks forward to assisting you with all your Yom Tov needs. Click on the graphic below for a larger, printable version of Shabsi's Judaica Yom Tov season schedule!  
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 7, 2024  - Tonight, I was at the University of Maryland, College Park, and I want to share my reflections with you.I arrived early and attended a pro-Hamas “vigil.” Let me tell you, as someone who carries the weight of October 7th in my heart, my blood boiled—so much so that it felt like it reached 10,000%. I won’t share photos from that event because I wouldn’t want to burden you with that kind of pain. But I will say this: it takes a special kind of (sick) person to attend a rally in support of Hamas on the very day when we mourn the lives so brutally taken.On the other hand, as the Executive Director of the @baltimore Zionist District I was moved beyond words to attend the UMD Hillel vigil in honor of those we lost on October 7th&m...
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 7, 2024 - This evening more than 600 community members gathered at Ner Tamid Social Hall for a powerful evening of remembrance and unity. The standing-room-only program included uplifting Shira and Divrei Torah from community Rabbanim, and a special address by Eli Skaist, Israeli company commander in the IDF’s southern Yasar Unit. The evening featured music by Nossi Gross, Eli Cohen, Matt Schoenfeld, Akiva Trout, Zevi Daniel, Moishe Abramson, Dovi Ziffer, and Yonatan Grinberg. The event brought together reflection, inspiration, and hope as the community honored the memories of the Kedoshim.                            &nbs...
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The US is no longer pushing to revive its proposed deal for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and is instead focused on shaping and limiting Israeli operations in Lebanon and against Iran, US officials told CNN on Monday. According to the report, officials within the Biden administration are increasingly concerned that what Israel has promised to be a limited operation could escalate into a broader and more prolonged conflict. US-led efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have also stalled. Similar to Gaza, US officials noted that Israel originally planned a larger ground operation in Lebanon, but the US managed to convince them to scale back. However, officials acknowledged that the US has limited influence over Israel’s military decisions. &ldqu...
Baltimore County, MD – Oct. 7, 2024  - I would like to provide an update regarding this afternoon's shooting. The incident began on Glengyle Avenue in the city and concluded in front of the Marathon Gas Station at the corner of Glengyle Avenue and Reisterstown Road. Both Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police responded to the scene and worked together. We will continue to coordinate with Baltimore City concerning this shooting and the ongoing narcotics-related issues in the area. This is an active investigation, and no arrests have been made at this time. Two victims were transported to area hospitals.We believe this to be an isolated incident, and there is no active threat to the community. We will share updates as they become available.
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 7, 2024 – The following was just sent out from the Park Heights JCC: Thank you for your patience as we finish drying certain areas of the Park Heights JCC lower level. Starting Tuesday, October 8, the NRG Studio will reopen with classes. Whenever possible, we will move classes to the Gymnasium. Please note that the Fitness Too, Group Fitness, and Karate studios will remain closed for now. We’ll send an update as soon as we have reopening dates for these areas. For adjusted group fitness schedules, visit jcc.org/schedules.
Parsha Hashavua
Rosh HaShanah 5785 - Sympathy 101

I assume that I'm not the only one who, more than once, while itching for the end of mussaf on Rosh HaShanah, has read Artscroll's explanation of the symbolism behind the 100 shofar blasts. The source is Eliyahu Ki Tov's Sefer HaToda'ah, wherein he explains that Devorah, in her song following the defeat of Sisera and his Canaanite army, states (Shofetim 5:28-30) that Sisera's mother whimpered and groaned while she awaited her sons return. She did so 101 times, according to the midrash. We sound the shofar 100 "whimpers" to express our opposition to the barbarism Sisera's mother supported but we fall short by one blast to show the smallest inkling of sympathy for her pain.


Surely, there must be more behind this connection. The mother's whimpers are not enough for us to base such a significant custom on this episode in Tanach. (I have always thought it ironic that the heroine of the story of Sisera's defeat was Yael who single-handedly killed the ruthless general. The mishnah (Rosh HaShanah 3:3) states that the shofar used on Rosh HaShanah is the straight horn of an ibex, a "yael." This observation is made slightly less significant by the fact that our custom is not in accordance with that mishnah.)


The theme of Rosh HaShanah is accepting upon ourselves the yoke of HaShem's Kingship. We do this every day when we recite the Shema and declare that HaShem is One. The essence of a king is a single, authoritative entity with no superior and no equal. Thus, recognizing HaShem's oneness is a crucial part of accepting His Dominion. To achieve that recognition, we must come to accept that the good and the bad, life and death (as in this past week's parsha) all come from a single source. In the Torah, we are often confronted with seemingly contradictory messages - messages of kindness and compassion alongside messages of apparent cruelty and destruction. As well, on Rosh HaShanah, we often reflect upon the events that have transpired over the past year - the blessings and the good fortune, the tragedies and hardships. The challenge, again, is to realize that these are not conflicts but simply Divine decrees.


The story of Sisera presents a very similar challenge (although not necessarily unique in Tanach.) We read about poor Sisera - all he wanted was a glass of water and what did he get? A glass of milk and a tent pole through his skull. And then we read about his poor, grieving mother. Yet we must be careful to keep our emotions in check, to realize that Sisera was a man of great cruelty and that his demise was the will of HaShem and an essential component of B'nei Yisrael's miraculous victory. With this, the story of Sisera's demise is more closely related not only to shofar, but to the general theme of Rosh HaShanah itself.


This challenge has certainly become more prevalent over the past year. In the response to the horrific terror attacks of a year ago, we have witnessed scenes of heart-wrenching devastation. While these scenes evoke feelings of sympathy, we must also understand that this destruction is part of a necessary step to uproot evil and keep our people safe. I am not in a position to suggest exactly how to strike the balance of those emotions, just to observe that the challenge exists.


May you all have a shanah tovah umsukah, a kesiva vachasimah tovah and a good Shabbos.

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Baltimore, MD - Oct. 7, 2024  -A large police presence converged Monday afternoon for a shooting in northwest Baltimore. SkyTeam 11 reported police from Baltimore City and Baltimore County have blocked off the 7000 block of Reisterstown Road at the Colonial Village Shopping Center. SkyTeam 11 reported that police were called to a shooting and that paramedics were attending to the victim at 4:15 p.m. Evidence markers were placed at the shopping center and around the Marathon gas station across the street.
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 7, 2024 – 4:10 PM – Please be aware that due to an increased police presence at the Colonial Village Shopping Center, traffic on Reisterstown Road between Fallstaff Road and Seven Mile Lane is completely shut down.
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Baltimore, MD – Oct. 7, 2024 – 3:10 PM - Please be aware that the traffic light is out of order at the intersection of Park Heights & Greenspring Valley. Bais Yaakov carpoolers are advised to consider alternate routes (e.g., Greenspring Ave to Caves Rd). Please drive safely and with patience.Reminder: The rule for when traffic lights are out is to come to a stop at the light and to treat the intersection or roadway as a regular stop. If it is a four-way intersection, treat it like a four-way stop. If it is a two- or three-way intersection, treat it as a two- or three-way stop, respectively. The same right-of-way rules also apply, such as allowing vehicles in or at the stop first to proceed first and allowing the vehicle on the right to proceed if two vehicles arrive at the ...
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 7, 2024 – 3:02PM – A major accident has blocked three lanes on the inner loop of 695 heading toward Towson, just before Exit 23. Drivers can get by using one lane and the shoulder, but traffic is extremely slow.
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President Herzog: A day that should live in infamy. The world must support Israel against its enemies for a better future for the region" President Isaac Herzog began a memorial journey throughout the Gaza border communities this morning, Monday, in Re'im, at the site where the 'Nova' Festival took place a year ago. Upon arriving at the site at 06:29, the President observed a moment of silence in memory of the men and women murdered by terrorists during the festival massacre. Afterward, he laid a wreath and lit memorial candles in honor of the victims, accompanied by their bereaved families. President Herzog at the Nova Festival site: "October 7, 2023, is a day that should be remembered in infamy, when thousands of cruel terrorists broke into our homes, violated our famil...
The Biden administration has offered Israel a “compensation package” if it refrains from striking certain targets in Iran as part of its retaliation for Tehran’s Oct. 1 attack, Israel’s Kan News public broadcaster reported on Sunday. U.S. officials offered their Israeli counterparts “extensive diplomatic backing and additional military aid” if certain targets inside Iranian territory were spared, according to the report. An Israeli official told Kan, “We consider the United States to be our ally and are always ready to listen. At the same time, we will do all that’s necessary to protect the citizens of Israel and the security of Israel.” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is scheduled to travel to the United States ...
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reeling exactly a year ago from the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust: A staggering 3,800 trained Hamas terrorists from an overall number of 6,000 Palestinians invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The Iranian-backed Hamas and its supporters unleashed a scale of unprecedented barbarism, including beheadings and burning bodies, within the territory of the Jewish state, resulting in the mass murder of nearly 1,200 people, including over 30 Americans. The U.S. designated terrorist movement Hamas also kidnapped more than 250 people on that fateful day that jolted Israel like none of the numerous wars against Iran-backed proxies that the tiny Jewish state has fought within this century. As of Monday, 101 hostages still remain in H...
Political commentator and Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross warned that Vice President Harris is facing warning signs among Arab and Muslim communities, especially in key battleground states like Michigan.  "It‘s very tenuous at this point," Cross said of Harris' support among the Arab community on CNN Friday. "I think that what we saw over the summer and prior to that with the campus uprisings across the country, we heard from young people who are very concerned, but also saw that certain college presidents lost their jobs and we‘ve seen the community over and over again, specifically the uncommitted vote, call out where President Biden as well as Vice President Harris are on this issue."  Some Harris allies have also signaled concern at Harris' support...
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President Isaac Herzog spoke this evening, with US President Joe Biden, who called to offer his condolences to the citizens of Israel on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th massacre. The US President began by saying that his thoughts were always with the families of the hostages, the murdered, and the injured from the Hamas attack on that dark day. He also praised President Herzog for visiting various communities in the western Negev to personally comfort the residents, and asked him to extend his own words of comfort as well. President Biden further noted that the atrocities committed by Hamas served as a reminder of the significant threat posed by Iran and its proxies in the region. He emphasized his deep love for Israel and his own support for Zionism. President Herzog than...
Jerusalem, Israel - Oct. 7, 2024  - This past Shabbat, I heard a beautiful thought from my rabbi. We know that before Mashiach comes, we will experience what we call “Chevley Mashiach”, loosely translated as the birthing pains of Mashiach. In other words, before the ultimate light arrives, we will experience great pain and darkness. However, the word “Chevley” also means “Ropes”. Rabbi Rosner explained that before Mashiach, Hashem will lower a rope down to us. It is our job to hold onto that rope for dear life. The rope will swing side to side and it will be very difficult for us to continue holding on. The rope will be volatile and even violent and aggressive, but we must continue holding until the rope stabilizes and Mashiach arrives. T...
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