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.
Pikesville, MD - Dec. 6, 2024 - A state-of-the-art senior center and indoor and outdoor recreation facilities are coming to the Pikesville Armory! The groundbreaking will take place in early 2026, with construction expected to take two years to complete. The county is investing $9.5 million over the next several years to support the planning, design and construction of these facilities at the armory. The redeveloped Pikesville Armory is going to serve as a regional anchor for generations to come, transforming this portion of the Reisterstown Road corridor into a vibrant public space and destination. For years, Pikesville residents and stakeholders have actively banded together to push for opportunities to create a community gathering place to benefit families and individuals of all...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 6, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Yitzi Glenner on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Avi and Ida Glenner and great grandmother Mrs. Miriam Marsh (Atlas).
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 6, 2024 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Yaakov Yisroel Goldstein, z’l, father of Elimelech (Brucha) Goldstein
Shiva will be observed through Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Israel, at 30 Agassi, Har Nof, Jerusalem.
Elimelech can be reached bia WhatsApp 443.324.5117. (Israel is 7 hours ahead of Baltimore.)
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
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.
A federal appeals court ruled Friday that TikTok can be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, upholding a federal law requiring the popular social media app to shed its Chinese ownership to keep operating.
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said Congress has the power to take action against TikTok to protect U.S. interests.
The ruling rejected a First Amendment challenge brought by the app and several of its star users, who argued the ban was an unconstitutional infringement on free speech.
The sell-or-ban law—signed by President Biden in April—passed with bipartisan support after lawmakers received classified briefings from the intelligence community about China’s ability to use TikTok to surveil Ameri...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 5, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moshe Dovid & Chana Artman on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Elliot Sharaby and Ms. Michelle Sharaby
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 6, 2024 - (WBAL) A massive fire at Camp Small, a wood waste yard in Woodberry, has shut down I-83 between Northern Parkway and Druid Park Lake Drive, along with portions of Coldspring Lane and Druid Park Lake Drive. Light Rail service is also suspended to protect tracks. Fire crews, in "defense mode" since the fire began at 5:15 p.m., are battling intense flames, wind-blown embers, and collapsing wood piles using elevated water streams. Nearby areas, including the Falls Road corridor, have experienced small secondary fires. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School will have a two-hour delay on Friday. Over a dozen fire companies are actively combating the blaze.
Coldspring Lane between I-83 and the Woodberry Apartments is Closed, Residents and Commuters are Encouraged to Avoid the Area
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 5, 2024 - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following update regarding the fire at Camp Small.
At approximately 5:10 PM on Thursday, December 5, 2024 a Baltimore Recreation and Parks employee at Camp Small, located at 2101 W Old Cold Spring Lane, observed a small fire on the property.
The employee immediately called 911 and Baltimore City Fire Department assets quickly arrived on scene. The high wind and presence of a significant amount of wood refuse in a condensed area caused significant growth of the fire in a short amount of time.
The current priorities are protecting the surrounding area and containi...
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced legislation on Thursday that would require all official US documents and materials to use the historically accurate term “Judea and Samaria” instead of the “West Bank."
According to the Senator, the bill, titled the Retiring the Egregious Confusion Over the Genuine Name of Israel’s Zone of Influence by Necessitating Government-use of Judea and Samaria (RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria) Act, would require the use of historically accurate terminology and align US policy language with the geographical and cultural significance of the region.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY).
“The Jewish people’s legal and historic rights to Judea and Samaria go back thousands of years. Th...
Yaakov received the blessings from his father but along with them, the scorn of his brother Esav. He fled to Charan to seek safety and sanctuary and a wife. “And Jacob left Beer Sheba, and he went to Haran. And he arrived at the place and lodged there because the sun had set, and he took some of the stones of the place and placed [them] at his head, and he lay down in that place. (Genesis 28:10-11).”
The Talmud (Chullin 91b) paints a dramatic picture: “And Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran.” And it is written thereafter: “And he encountered the place, and he slept there, because the sun had set.” When Jacob arrived at Haran, he said: Is it possible that I passed a place where my fathers prayed, and I did not pray there?...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 5, 2024 -‘Tis the season as they say. It’s almost Chanuka! Well, at least 20 more days to go, as my preschoolers are counting down. And oh how we have all been counting. We are counting until our hostages and soldiers come home, alive, and whole in body and soul, and counting for the war to end! I applaud those who still wear that piece of tape and make it a stark reminder to everyone. I admit that I stopped, however I guess I am still taping in my mind. I say my daily Tehillim for the hostages, say the Yehi Ratzon for our Chayalim in the teacher’s room, and when I get into my car and see the yellow ribbon I tied along with the “Bring them Home” dog tag swinging from m...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 2024 - Every Shabbos table offers every Jewish family an incredible opportunity by which they can share their joy for Shabbos, for Yiddishkeit and for HaShem with their children. Unfortunately, our schedules are hectic and many people don’t have the time to prepare themselves to utilize the Shabbos table to its fullest. Therefore, we at ACHIM created TableTalk as a pre-packaged talking points pamphlet which is attractive, fun and has something for everyone. Limited copies are distributed to many shuls on a weekly basis but they are snatched up very quickly. Get yours ASAP or click on the graphic below and print your own.What’s in it and what’s all the excitement about?TableTalk features:• Weekly halachic dilemma creating l...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 5, 2024 - A large brush fire is burning in Woodberry near Camp Small along W. Cold Spring Lane. The fire was first reported at 6:10 p.m., and fire crews arrived quickly by 6:14 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
Traffic Impact: Cold Spring Lane is under traffic control, and part of I-83 is closed for safety.
Transit Changes: MTA light rail service is suspended between Falls Road and North Avenue. Shuttle buses are running instead.
Safety Measures: Fire crews, police, BGE, and forestry services are working together to control the fire. Fortunately, no homes or businesses are nearby.
Efforts to contain the fire are ongoing. Stay alert for updates on road closures and transit changes.
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 5, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Chaim Glenner (Baltimore) & Chava Golovenzitz (Lakewood) on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Avi & Ida Glenner and to the Bubby, Mrs. Miriam Marsh (Atlas).
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
The Braslavski family on Thursday marked at Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv the birthday of Rom, who is being held captive in Gaza. His younger brother, Ziv, spoke with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News and shared the difficult feelings on this day and spoke about the special bond he has with his older brother.
"Today is my older brother's birthday, and he is a hostage," Ziv began, noting that this is his "second birthday in captivity. He's been in captivity for a year now, unfortunately, along with other hostages. God willing, everyone will return home."
"I feel disappointed in the country for not bringing him back for already a year. It's something I can't comprehend. There's disappointment but maybe also a bit of comfort in knowing that there are p...
A devastating fire ripped through the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, early Friday morning, causing significant damage to the historic building.
The blaze, which the Australian police are investigating as suspicious, prompted a massive emergency response and has left the Jewish community in shock.
According to local reports, two individuals were wounded after two arsonists set it ablaze.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews were called to the scene around 4:10 a.m., finding the single-story synagogue engulfed in flames. According to ABC News, 60 firefighters and 17 firetrucks worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control within an hour. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon praised the firefighters' efforts, noting that on the building and ...