“You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, and the many into the hands of the few.”
Text of Al Hanissim prayer of Chanukah
The “many” who stormed Yerushalayim as part of the Greek/ Seleucid assault were not merely “many”; they were a vast tide of warriors, a staggering force that the ancient world had never encountered. The Seleucid army, an imposing heir to Alexander the Great's military legacy, stood as one of the most powerful and expansive forces of the Hellenistic era. They could marshal tens of thousands of soldiers for battle—sometimes over 70,000 strong, with infantry, cavalry, and even fearsome war elephants, towering and armored, which instilled terror among opposing forces. From every corner of their vast empire, the ...
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 24, 2024 - Last Sunday, Mesivta Shaarei Chaim held their first Open House since the purchase of their new campus. It was a beautiful, informative and well-received event. With an inviting setup and welcoming atmosphere, the group of interested parents was able to partake of delicious refreshments, and hear from the lineup of impassioned speakers. The recurrent theme centered on how much the Mesivta has accomplished in the past few years, and how entering the ‘next chapter’ with their remarkable Rabbeim, and now a “new place to call home” – boded for an exceptional Makom Harbatzas HaTorah
HaRav Yona Yaakov Lapidus, Menahel, explained why the Mesivta years are so important in the life of a bachur, and how a positive Mesivta experience can l...
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 25, 2024 - Get ready to show off your creativity in our Chanukah Donut Contest! Submit a photo of your uniquely decorated donut for a chance to win amazing prizes.
Categories and Prizes:
Ages 4-8:Win a Micro Magna-Tiles set or a Crayola Create 'N Carry Art Set!
Ages 9-12:Win The Kichels Collection 4 or an Initial Belt Bag!
Ages 13-16:Win a 30oz Stanley Tumbler or a Light-Up Basketball!
🎉 Three winners will be chosen per age group!
How to Enter:
Decorate your donut with your most creative designs.
Take a photo of your donut.
Submit your photo at thebjh.com/donut.
🕒 Deadline: Submissions must be sent in by Monday, January 6th.
📸 Feature: Winning submissions will be published in the next issue of The BJH.
Submissions ...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 26, 2024 - A major eye drop brand has issued a product recall in Maryland and across the United States for possible fungal contamination, which officials said could cause an eye infection and threaten users' vision.
Alcon Laboratories is voluntarily recalling one lot of their Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, which are in a 25-count package and are used to relieve dry eyes. The Texas-based company got a customer complaint of foreign material inside one of the sealed vials, which was determined "to be fungal in nature," according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
If the contaminated drops are used, the fungus could cause an eye infection that may threaten the users' vision and is potentially life-threatening fo...
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 26, 2024 -Read the Current Issue of Baltimore Jewish HomeClick on the graphic below:
The IDF conducted airstrikes on Thursday afternoon against targets in the Houthi-controlled cities of Sanaa and Hudaydah in Yemen.
The strikes were carried out during an address by Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Houthi television channel Al-Masirah reported that three individuals were killed and 16 were wounded in the attacks.
The IDF confirmed the attack stating: "A short while ago, following the approval of operational plans by the Chief of the General Staff, the Minister of Defense, and the Prime Minister, IAF fighter jets conducted intelligence-based strikes on military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and inland Yemen. The Houthi terrorist regime has repeatedly attacked the State of Israel and its citizens, including in UAV and surface-to-s...
After lighting the menorah, we all sing Maoz Tzur. It is unique among other mitzvos that we perform that are not accompanied immediately with song.
At the end of the stanza that begins Yevonim nikbetzu alai we sing how 'the men of insight, eight days, קבעו שיר ורננים — they established for song and jubilation.'
This too is an unusual description for their having instituted a holiday dedicated to הלל והודאה — praise and thanks. The emphasis here seems to be on the song and merriment.
The Satmar Rebbe was reported to have requested to gather groups of children so they may sing together the various piyutim that are sung at the lighting, in fulfillment of this objective of שיר ורננים.
Although on Chanukah there is no obligation to celebr...
Baltimore, MD – Dec.26, 2024 - 8:11AM - Please avoid the area of Taney & Woodcrest off of Steele Road due to a water main break
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 26, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yonatan Raskin & Aleesa Elbaum on their engagement.
Mazel tov to Jeff & Chagit Raskin and Avron & Galya Elbaum
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 25, 2024 - Shearith Israel held a Groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday for a new Community Mikva servicing the entire Baltimore Community and in particular the Park Heights/Glen neighborhoods.
Many Rabbanim were in attendance and Rabbis Hopfer and Heineman gave divrei Bracha and encouragement for the project. Both of the Rabbonim spoke about the tremendous zechus one has in supporting the construction of a Mikva. They also spoke about the amazing mesiras nefesh exhibited by klal Yisroel over the years to ensure taharas yisroel.
For dedication opportunities please reach out to Yehuda Lehrfield at president@sicbaltimore.org
Dec. 25, 2024 - We are again pleased to repost the following at the request of our readers:
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 8, 2014 - Maccabee Aish (www.jewishfireprevention.org) reminds you to be safe this Chanukah and follow these safety tips:
Menorah Safety
Never leave Chanukah candles unattended and never go to sleep while Chanukah candles are burning
Place the Menorah on a sturdy heat resistant surface away from anything that can catch fire including walls, curtains, cabinets, wooden and plastic tables, tablecloths, etc
Light candles out of childrens reach and where they cannot be knocked over
Keep surfaces and surrounding areas clear from burned matches, wick trimmings, oil residue, and other debris
Do not light “school project” Menora...
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 25, 2024 - Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites:
"Today, as in the past, we believe in the victory of light over darkness. We believe that goodness will prevail. We believe that very soon, we will light candles in Your holy courtyards, together with our hostages, our soldiers, our wounded, and our displaced. May they all return home swiftly."
This evening (Wednesday), the first Chanukah candle lighting ceremony was held at the Western Wall Plaza under the theme "Lighting the Light for the Hostages." The event was attended by the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef Shlita; Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz; Minister of Religious Services, Rabbi Michael Malchieli; Director of the Western Wall He...
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced this evening (Wednesday) that over 85,000 weapons and pieces of military equipment beloning to the Hezbollah terrorist organization have been sezied since the start of the IDF's ground operation in southern Lebanon in October.
"At the beginning of October 2024, the IDF began limited, localized, targeted ground raids to dismantle Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon," the IDF stated.
"As part of the operations led by the IDF Northern Command, the forces operated against Hezbollah in more than 30 areas across southern Lebanon. The troops identified and destroyed terrorist infrastructure, eliminated terrorists, and located and confiscated numerous weapons," the statement continued.
The IDF confiscated over 85,000 weapons, mi...
The Gaza cease-fire negotiating team, which includes senior officials from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF, "will return to Israel from Qatar after a significant week of talks," the Prime Minister's Office reported on Tuesday evening.
"The team is returning for internal consultations in Israel regarding the continuation of the negotiations for the return of our hostages," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement, with no further details provided.
Negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas, who have been in captivity for 445 days, are ongoing, but it remains unclear whether an agreement will be reached. The possibilities range from an immediate deal in the coming days to no agreement at all.
In Israel, officials emphasized that the return of the team after 10 d...
The Israeli Defense Ministry and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a multi-billion-shekel contract Wednesday to significantly increase the supply of Arrow-3 missile defense interceptors for the IDF.
The agreement, spearheaded by the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) within the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), will enhance Israel’s air defense capabilities. The Arrow-3, jointly developed with the U.S., counters long-range ballistic missile threats and demonstrated remarkable success during recent conflicts, including intercepting missiles from Iran and the Houthi militia in Yemen.
Key highlights include:
The Arrow-3's historic operational interception in space during 2024 missile barrages.
Strengthening Israel’s multi-layere...
Minister of Defense Israel Katz visited the Philadelphi Corridor in the Gaza Strip together with Southern Command Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman and Gaza Division Commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram.
During the visit, the commanders in the field briefed the minister on the IDF's operations in the area. He spoke with soldiers and commanders in the field and thanked them for their sacrifice and work to return all hostages and crush Hamas's governmental and military capabilities in the Gaza Strip.
"I came to visit Gaza to meet the commanders and soldiers who are doing a great job, displaying bravery, resourcefulness, and determination, while the need to create conditions to free the hostages and ensure Israel's security is in their sights. Security will remain in t...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 25, 2024 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Arnold Maltinsky, z’l, husband of Sonia Maltinsky, and father of Rachel (Sheldon) Zeller, (410-215-2884) and Michael (Jan) Maltinsky.
The levayah will take place on Thursday, December 26th, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Mt. Golda Cemetery, 500 Old Country Rd., Huntington Station, New York 11746.
Shiva will be observed at 1 Grist Mill Court, Apt #404, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Friday from 1:00-3:00PM, continuing from Sunday through Tuesday from 1:00-6:30 PM.
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
