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 - 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
WATCH: Trump at the resting place of the late Lubavitch rebbe. https://t.co/TkqrOZyDfN pic.twitter.com/t14yJe7OUq — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 7, 2024
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.
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.
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 ...
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...
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...