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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Schoolyard bullying. We’ve all seen it, experienced it and hope our children never have to endure it.
But we can eliminate bullying and change children’s lives. Come see for yourself (video based on real life stories):
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Letter from Rabbi Hopfer and Testimonials from schools:
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Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention Newsletter Supporting Camp Chaverim (scroll down after clicking): https://conta.cc/3JJfju6
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Baltimore, MD – Mar. 29, 2023 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Avi Mandelbaum, z’l, brother of Mrs. Esti Ziffer.
Shiva is being observed at 2710 Bartol Avenue, through Tuesday morning. Esti Ziffer can be reached at (410) 800-8385. The aveilim kindly request no visitors between 2:30-5:00 PM and after 9:30 PM. On Friday, no visitors after 3:00 PM. On Motzei Shabbos, no visitors after 10:30 PM please. Davening Schedule Mincha/Maariv on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:10 PM. Shachris on Thursday and Friday at 7:00 AM. Additional minyanim, if any, to be determined.
This past Sunday, 4 Nissan, marked the 5th yahrtzeit of my wife's grandmother, Rebbetzin Faigie Frankel. This week's shtikle is dedicated le'iluy nishmasah, Leah Feiga bas Aharon Tzvi.
In this week's parsha, a number of the different types of sacrifices are discussed. With regard to the chatas offering, it is written (6:18) "In the place where the olah is slaughtered, the chatas shall be slaughtered in front of HaShem. It is Holy of Holies." A similar description is given of the asham sacrifice. (7:1-2) "It is Holy of Holies. In the place where you slaughter the olah you shall slaughter the asham..." The obvious discrepancy between the two is that the order is switched around.
Meshech Chachmah addresses this ...
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Baltimore, MD - Mar. 27, 2023 - Reposted upon request:Baltimore, MD - Mar. 26, 2022 - Kashering is certainly one of the most critical aspects of preparation for Pesach. To many, the process may seem daunting for a variety of reasons: It is not something people do regularly, there are serious safety risks involved in handling hot items and boiling water, and potential to damage the kitchen. Also, if not accomplished correctly, there is a risk that after all the work is done, with hot water running all over the place, the kitchen may not actually be really kosher for Pesach!
However, it really does not need to be that difficult and with a little know-how and effort, most people can be capable of kashering their kitchen. For a full step-by-step guide to proper kashering procedures, consult ...
Annapolis, MD - Mar. 31, 2023 - Rabbi Ariel Sadwin has reported to BJL that the budget conference committee has just reached a compromise on BOOST: $9 million for BOOST scholarships, with no phaseout language.However, they have added: (A) $2.5 million for school safety improvements and/or medical costs. (B) $3.5 million for post-COVID educational uses (via GEER).These funds are in addition to: $6.5 million for textbooks and technology funds. $3.5 million for aging schools updates.Hate crimes safety grants, which include $3 million for schools and $5 million separately, are not part of this update. More details will be posted next week.
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.
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Baltimore, MD - Mar. 28, 2023 - After being dormant for the pandemic (remember Covid??), O'Fishel's Mitzvah Motivators is happy to announce that the pined All-The-Brachos-You-Care-To-Make buffet will be open in a double shift: first for our Mitzvah Motivators who not only made brachos but had people answer amen and carefully documented them, and second for our new Mitzvah Motivators MDY R' Eli Stefansky recruiting program. Don't be a shoteh, start Maseches Sota!This Buffet is also open to anyone who had their wedding catered by O'Fishel and won 3 rounds of Jeopardy!
Seven Mile Market will be open on Motzaei Shabbos April 1st, from 9 pm to 11:30 pm for your Pesach shopping convenience.
We read this week, in the Haftorah, the very last chapter of the prophets.
The last verse famously describes how Eliyahu HaNavi will come 'and restore the hearts of the fathers to children and the heart of children to their fathers…'
Why is this relevant to Shabbos HaGadol, the Shabbos preceding Pesach?
The Skverer Dayan, Rav Steinmetz, offers a creative interpretation of a verse in Tzav that shed lights on this question.
Tzav — Command, es Aharon, Aharon, v'es banav — and his sons, laymor —saying: zos toras — this is the law of haOleh — the elevation-offering.
Although this verse is merely a teaching being instructed to Aharon regarding the details of how to offer the Oleh, it has a homiletic meaning as well.
Command Aharon, to imp...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 17, 2023 - Seven Mile Market will be open on Motzaei Shabbos April 1st, from 9 pm to 11:30 pm for your Pesach shopping convenience.
According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome resulting from workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It’s characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy (World Health Organization, 2019).
Burnout is widespread across the globe. According to a Forbes article from 2022, a study by Asana looked at over 10,000 knowledge workers across seven countries, and found that approximately 70% of people experienced burnout during the previous year. Every year, the percentage number of people who suffer burnout is both mindboggling and staggering.
In this week’s Pars...
Jerusalem, March 31 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently come under scrutiny following the introduction of a new bill that seeks to block a presidential candidate with a Jewish father. The bill, dubbed the "Tshiani Law," is named after its proponent, Noël Tshiani. The controversial bill on nationality has been considered by the opposition as a means of blocking the way for Moise Katumbi, the leading candidate in the 2023 presidential election and who is considered to have the best chance of defeating the incumbent president. The bill, introduced by an ally of current president Felix Tshisekedi, states that only candidates with two Congolese parents are eligible to run for president.
The same bill was rejected almost two years ago, b...
Wind gusts approaching 50 mph will whip through Maryland this weekend, bringing a risk of power outages and downed trees as a storm moves toward the Atlantic Coast, forecasters say.
Wind gusts in Maryland could reach 48 mph on Saturday night, the National Weather Service said.
"Severe storms will continue to press eastward through the Appalachians and a large part of the Atlantic coast on Saturday," AccuWeather said. "Along with the likelihood of potent thunderstorms, high winds, power outages and property damage can occur from southeastern New York and southern New England to the Carolinas, Georgia and part of northern Florida."
The forecast brings an 80 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms on Saturday as a strong cold front approaches the Baltimore region, adds...
Q: There is a brocha which is recited once a year upon seeing a newly flowering tree. I have a number of questions regarding Birchas Hailonos:
(i) When is the optimal time to say this brocha? Does the brocha have to be said during the month of Nissan?
(ii) What rules apply concerning the location of the person when saying the brocha? How far away can you be from the tree when saying the brocha? Can you be inside a house or other structure? Can you be in a car? Is it necessary to be at a site where there is more than one tree?
(iii) What limitations are there regarding the type of tree over which this brocha may be recited? Does the tree need to be fruit bearing? How o...
Hagalas Keilim Around the Baltimore Community
Sunday, Apr. 2, 2023:
Agudah Park Heights:
Limited to 10 items or less - 9:30AM -10:30AM
Any number of items:1030-Noon
Suburban Orthodox: 10:00AM - Noon - Please bring the items you wish to kasher to the fleishig kitchen for hagalah.
Shearith Israel: 9:00AM-1:00PM.
Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion: 8:30AM -11:00AM
Fruit trees at Aish Kodesh
“And the flesh of his thanksgiving peace offering shall be eaten on the day it is offered up; he shall not leave any of it over until morning.” (Vayikra 7:15)
Among the various sacrificial details contained in this week’s Parsha, the Torah teaches us the laws of the Korban Todah (thanksgiving offering). This offering was brought when a person was saved from a life-threatening or inherently dangerous situation. It was a sacrificial rite which enabled the individual to thank God for deliverance and salvation.
The Imrei Emes (Rav Avraham Mordechai Alter of Gur, 1866-1948) raises a fascinating question. Every korban (sacrificial offering) has a consumption window. You are permitted to eat the sacrifice for a certain amount of time. After that permitted time has elapsed, t...