Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025 - On the final night of Chanukah, a memorable Maamid Hadlaka and Zos Chanukah Tish took place at Mercaz, presided over by the Zidichover Rebbe. Hundreds of attendees packed the Bais Medrash to witness the Rebbe lighting the last flames of Chanukah and to participate in the inspiring event. The atmosphere was electric, with perenches (bleachers) filled to capacity by children, bochurim, and families, as the oilam joined in stirring zemiros led by the talented Mezamrim. Prominent local rabbanim graced the occasion with their presence, including Harav Moshe Heinemann, Harav Pinchas Gross, Harav Simcha Wein, Harav Menachem Goldberger, Harav Amrom Jungreis, and Harav Zvi Teichman, shlita, among others. Community leaders and askanim, such as Councilman Yitzy...
The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has issued a new advisory highlighting the risks of alcohol consumption in contributing to cancer. Research cited in the guidance identifies alcohol as a significant factor in at least seven types of cancer, including throat, liver, esophageal, mouth, larynx, colon, and rectal cancers. Dr. Murthy emphasized the severity of the issue, stating that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco and obesity. The advisory revealed that alcohol is responsible for approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths annually, a number that surpasses alcohol-related traffic fatalities. How Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk The advisory outlines four mechanisms by which alcohol contributes to cancer:...
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was reelected to his position as Speaker of the House on the opening day of Congress in a dramatic floor vote, securing the gavel on the first ballot. The vote, however, did not come without tension. Reps. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Keith Self (R-Texas) initially voted for other candidates—Norman for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Self for Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). After negotiations with Johnson, both lawmakers switched their votes to support him. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has been critical of Johnson’s spending policies, cast the only Republican dissenting vote, supporting GOP Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.). Despite this, Johnson secured the position, with lawmakers congratulating him with handshakes and hugs after the vote. The win is also see...
The new haredi brigade "Hashomonaim" is expected to open on Sunday at its base in the Jordan Valley, and the IDF is pleased with the number of Haredim who are expected to enlist. In the initial phase, the brigade will include two companies, a regular one with about 80 haredi soldiers, and a reserve company with over 100 graduates of Phase 2 who will undergo rifle training. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Col. Amir Baram, visited the base last week and lit a Hanukkah candle with the brigade commander, Maj. Gen. Avinoam Emunah, and the brigade's command staff. The Deputy Chief of Staff reviewed the new infrastructure and held a commanders' dialogue with the new staff, in order to verify the readiness to receive the first haredi soldiers and to create the right environment that will e...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025  - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shmuli & Shira Mond on the birth of a son.Mazel Tov grandparents Dr. & Mrs. Chaim Mond יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yehuda Bazelon & Avital Sobel on their engagement! Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Mike & Hayley Bazelon יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!  
Baltimore, MD  - Jan. 3, 2025 - A nonprofit law firm associated with in the incoming Trump Administration sent more than 200 letters to leaders around the country claiming there could be criminal and civil penalties if immigration policies aren’t followed, and we’re starting to get a better understanding of who received the legal warning. America First Legal, which is led by Stephen Miller, identified Baltimore County “as a sanctuary jurisdiction that is violating federal law.” While the letter was sent to County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jan. 2 is the politician’s last day in office before he heads to Capitol Hill, where he will represent Maryland’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Such lawlessness subj...
One of the greatest lessons from this week's reading, where Yosef finally reveals his identity to the shock of his brothers, is that not everything is what it appears to be. Not only was Yosef no longer the evil viceroy, but it also turns out there was never a real fear they would starve as Yosef was well positioned to provide for the family's sustenance. The worry that exposure to Egyptian culture would endanger them was quashed with Yosef having already planned to provide them residence in the ghetto of Goshen.  To their eyes and observation, their future was quite bleak, yet in an instant they saw their clouds of distress and anxiety parted, revealing before them the absolute truth. The Torah describes how Yehuda was sent ahead, גשנה — to Goshen, to prepare f...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Teichman on the birth of a daughter Mazel Tov to grandparents  Mr. & Mrs. Michael Teichman and Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Glazer. יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dr. & Mrs. Yoel Grunhut on the birth of a daughter יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025 – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and surrounding areas, including Frederick, Carroll, Howard, and Harford counties, from 1 PM to 7 PM on Friday. Here's what to expect:Friday Afternoon and Evening:•    Snowfall: A quick-moving band of moderate to heavy snow will pass through, lasting 1-2 hours.•    Accumulation: Surface temperatures are above freezing, but intense snowfall could leave a slushy 1-2 inches north of I-70, including parts of Baltimore County.•    Travel Impacts: Minimal issues are expected during the evening, but slushy roads could develop in some areas.•    Winds: Gusts of 35-45 mph are possible later in t...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025 – 8:05AM - As you head to Pariser’s to purchase your Shabbos challah, please be aware of a broken-down vehicle on Clarks Lane, right off Reisterstown Road.
The charade had gone on long enough. Yosef could no longer maintain his composure in front of his long-lost family. The words just came out, “Ani Yosef, Ha’Od Avi Chai, I am Yosef, is my father still alive?” With these words twenty-two years of painful separation came to an end. With these words the emotional dam breaks, and a deluge of tears envelop the sons of Yaakov.  Tears representing the pain of the past intermingled with tears of joy for what all hope will be a peaceful and loving future. The brothers are speechless. They have no words for the brother they maintained was dead. They have no response to the simple statement, “I am Yosef.” They are overwhelmed, ashamed, and profoundly broken. Yosef, sensing his brothers’ anxiety, makes an a...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 2, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dr. Seymour Lachman, z’l, husband of Dr. Susan Lachman, and father of Rabbi Eliezer (Sarah) Lachman, and Mrs. Sharon (Aaron) Chesir. The levayah will take place tomorrow, Friday January 3rd, 2025 at 10 am at Shomrei Hadas: 3803 14th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218. A livestream will be available on https://www.shomreihadas.com/. Shiva will be observed: Motzaei Shabbos and Sunday morning: 215 East 68th St. Apt 2F NY, NY 10065 and on Sunday afternoon through the end of shiva: 227 North 8th Avenue, Edison NJ 08817 Rabbi Lachman can be reached at 301-300-1511. Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 2, 2025  - Yerushalayim experienced cool nights and sunny days throughout Chanukah this year, perfect for the city’s many festive activities. But on the sixth night, heavy rains brought a chill, leaving streets gridlocked. Inside the newly built Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, warmth and unity prevailed. Soldiers in recovery, inpatients and outpatients and their families, and volunteers who come every Tuesday and their families, gathered for a heartwarming Chanukah celebration, organized by the OneFamily nonprofit, Jerusalem 5800, and the hospital’s Rehabilitation Department, led by Professor Isabella Schwartz.   The event, attended by over 150 people, featured Chanukah treats, children’s craft...
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