The struggle to settle our sacred homeland continues. Nearly eighty years after the founding of Medinat Yisrael, and despite our yearning to live in peace with our neighbors, many still deny our rightful presence in this land. The Simchat Torah war of the past year and a half is not a new chapter, but a continuation of the War of Independence—a painful reminder that our national legitimacy remains under attack and that violent antisemitism still burns fiercely.
Yet something fundamental has shifted: the ideological foundations of this conflict have changed. In 1948, opposition to our return was driven by pan-Arab nationalism—a political vision seeking to unify all Arab peoples under a single identity, both cultural and territorial. In their eyes, the emergence of a Jewish stat...
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Don’t miss out on tuition benefits from the Maryland529.com State Contribution Program - May 31st DEADLINE
Baltimore, MD - May 27, 2025 - The window to apply for the Save4College State Contribution Program (aka the Maryland Match) closes on May 31st (Motzei Shabbos) at 11:59pm. If you have not already done so, now is the time to apply (for new applicants) or re-apply (if you already are an account holder and have yet to reach the $9K limit for received state contributions).
Applying for the State Contribution Program:
In order to apply for the Save4College State Contribution Program, you must already have a Maryland 529 College Investment Program account. If you do, simply log on to your account and click “Maryland Save4College State Contribution Program” link (usu...
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A Dedication Ceremony Was Held at Ramot Mall in Jerusalem for the New “Lehachayot” Kindness Club
Jerusalem, Israel - May 26, 2025 - At the Ramot Mall in Jerusalem, a dedication ceremony was held for the new Kindness Club of the “Lehachayot” organization – a special, thoughtfully designed space dedicated to the well-being of children with special needs and their families. The initiative was spearheaded by the energetic Chabad community activist, Rabbi Mendy Lebel.
The club was inaugurated by the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, and former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau.
Rabbi Lebel founded the “Beit Halomotai” center for individuals with special needs, was the driving force behind the project.
Photo: Mendi Kotle...
Yearning for Meaning
Hashem created every one of the world’s eight billion people with a yearning for meaning. Although we all know that we are merely one of billions, we want to feel that our lives matter, that we mean more than just “the average Joe.”
The Day the Torah Was Given
Chag Shavuot teaches us how to channel this existential yearning. Shavuot is the only chag besides Sukkot that the Torah associates with the mitzvah of simchah.[1] The Gemara[2] understood this Shavuot commandment as requiring specifically physical celebration. While many believe that other chagim should be celebrated with spiritual delights, everyone agrees that Shavuot requires physical celebration.
Interestingly, the Gemara links this requirement to the fact that Shav...
Baltimore, MD - May 28, 2025 - Following a national trend, average gas prices in Baltimore have leveled off at $2.99/g in the last week after a short rise into Memorial Day Weekend and fallen back to the prior week's average, GasBuddy reported.
The average stands 1.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 67.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. According to a GasBuddy survey of 663 local stations yesterday, the cheapest station in Baltimore was priced at $2.75/g, while the most expensive was $3.39/g.
Neighboring areas such as Maryland, Washington, and York are displaying similar stagnant patterns over the last week among their prospective averages. Statewide, the lowest reported price was $2.59/g while the highest was $3.79/g.
As West Coast diesel ref...
Baltimore, MD - May 28, 2025 – 4:55PM (BJL) An accident on Smith Ave. between The Greenspring Shopping Center/The Atrium and Greenspring Ave. has traffic all backed up
Avoid the area.
Baltimore, MD – May 28, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Mrs. Tova Monir (Miriam) Roshan, a’h, mother of Rabbi Reuben Roshan, Rabbi Moshe Roshan, Mrs. Nina Moinzadeh, and Mrs. Leah Shalisaboo.
The levayah will be held at Levinson’s today, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 2:30PM.
The kevurah will take place on Har Hamenuchos.
Shiva details to follow
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach
The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), the Israeli Air Force (IAF), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems revealed on Wednesday that during the Swords of Iron War, they executed an accelerated development program to deploy revolutionary interception systems. As a result of this initiative, soldiers from the IAF Aerial Defense Array operated high-power laser system prototypes in the field, successfully intercepting scores of enemy threats.
These systems are based on technological breakthroughs developed over decades at Rafael, in close cooperation with the R&D Division of the DDR&D.
The deployed laser systems are part of Rafael’s portfolio of directed energy weapon systems, developed in collaboration with the IMOD, ...
Baltimore, MD - May 28, 2025 - Senator Dalya Attar, Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen, State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, Police Commissioner Richard Worley, and Senate President Bill Ferguson held a press conference today to announce the establishment of the new Neighborhood Services Unit within the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office.
This initiative, made possible by legislation passed during the 2025 session of the Maryland General Assembly, marks a significant step forward in addressing quality-of-life concerns throughout Baltimore. The Neighborhood Services Unit will be tasked with responding to complaints, issuing citations, and enforcing violations that impact daily life in our communities. From unlicensed liquor businesses to other chronic nuisances, the unit will work to resolv...
New York, NY - May 28, 2025 - The decision by the Beechnut Baby Foods Company to remove its certification by the Orthodox Union (OU) is extremely disturbing and offensive to the large kosher community in the US. In a statement, Menachem Lubinsky, the leading authority on kosher food in the US, called Beechnut’s decision extremely shortsighted. He said that Beechnut was amongst the less than 1% of food companies who opted to terminate their kosher certification in the past decade. Many companies who eliminated kosher faced enormous backlash and reverted to their kosher certification.
Lubinsky, the founder of Kosherfest, the leading international kosher food show that he founded more than 36 years ago is also the editor of Kosher Today, the industry publication which is current...
Baltimore, MD - May 28, 2025 - Members of the teachers union in Baltimore County participated in rallies Tuesday afternoon to call for funding of an already agreed-upon pay raise.
The Teachers Association of Baltimore County planned rallies in Towson, Milford Mill and Dundalk, calling on county leaders to fully fund the 5% increase in the second year of its three-year negotiated increase that was approved last year. Two weeks ago, TABCO said BCPS only offered 1.5% raises — instead of the 5% that as promised — because of the lack of funds.
The union said neither the Baltimore County Board of Education nor the Baltimore County executive included sufficient funding in their proposed budgets to cover the cost of the raises.
This comes after the Baltimore County Council pas...
Baltimore, MD - May 28, 2025 - On Monday, Memorial Day, May 26th, Ner Yisroel hosted its Annual Yarchei Kallah on campus. The day’s schedule was full of shiurim and divrei chizuk by various members of the hanhala and members of Kollel Avodas Levi. Those who attended in person or viewed the sessions via livestream enjoyed hearing from the Rosh Hayeshiva, Moreinu Harav Aharon Feldman; Menahel Ruchani, Harav Beryl Weisbord; Menahel, Harav Boruch Neuberger; Harav Yissocher Frand; Harav Yehuda Weiner; as well as Rabbi Abba Kroll.
This year’s Yarchei Kallah featured an updated schedule, created to enhance the experience of those talmidim and guests who took part. New for this year was an opportunity to hear a special Divrei Machshava shiur from Harav Nochum Lansky, who traveled espe...
Baltimore, MD - May 28, 2025 - The Laurel Police Department will provide an update Wednesday morning in connection with a large-scale car break-in spree that affected multiple parts of the city earlier this month.
Police said the 10 a.m. press conference will address the break-ins reported in the early morning hours of May 4.
In total, more than 100 vehicles were targeted across three jurisdictions.
According to police, 47 break-ins were reported in Laurel, 38 in Prince George’s County, and 17 in Howard County.
Police have footage of a group of people roaming around parking lots, some of them wearing headlamps, and smashing windows to break into the cars.
Officials have not confirmed any arrests, but are expected to provide an update on the investigation.
...
What is in the House school choice proposal? How would it benefit your family and your community? What can the Senate do to make it better? How can you help make this a reality?
Baltimore, MD – May 27, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Kenneth Baum, z’l, husband of Anita Baum, father of Dennis R. (Donna) Brown, Gerri Baum and Renee Moore, and brother of Roberta (late Sam) Crespi.
The levayah will be held tomorrow, Wenesday, May 28, 2025 at 1:00PM.
Kevurah will take place at the Beth El Memorial Park, 9801 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133.
Shiva will be observed at 1 Pomona East, Apt. 306, Pikesville, Maryland, 21208.
The family will start receiving guests on Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm with a shiva service at 7pm that evening.
Thursday visiting hours from 1 to 4pm and shiva from 6 to 9pm with a service at 7pm.
Sunday from 9am to 12pm with a service at 9am that morning.
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach
The Department of Homeland Security and FBI are warning that large-scale events are prime targets for violence, highlighting the potential for violence at events this summer.
However, the DHS and FBI did not indicate there are any known threats in a joint intelligence bulletin sent to law enforcement on May 23.
“Violent extremist messaging continues to highlight major sporting and cultural events and venues as potential targets, and threat actors — including domestic violent extremists (DVEs), homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) inspired by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), and other mass casualty attackers not motivated by an ideology — previously have targeted public events with little to no warning,” according to the bulletin.
Some attacks, such as the N...
Brigadier General Barak Hiram, the Commander of the IDF's Gaza Division, stated that Hamas is nearing collapse, with its operational mechanisms failing and its grip on Gaza weakening.
In remarks reported by Kan News, Hiram suggested that the people of Gaza may ultimately overthrow Hamas themselves. He noted that the organization is struggling to pay salaries, leading to a breakdown in its governance and operational capabilities.
“We see that the pressure we’re applying—both directly on Hamas’ military arm and on its governing structures, as well as the indirect pressure on the population—is having a significant effect,” Hiram said during his conversation with residents of Kibbutz Nirim near the Gaza border.
He added, “It’s p...
Baltimore, MD – May 27, 2025 – 4:45PM - Falls Road between Northern Parkway and Kelly Avenue is experiencing a left lane closure due to construction, which is also affecting the left turn lane near the auto body shop.For drivers heading north on the JFX (I-83) and exiting at Northern Parkway (Exit 10A), expect delays. It’s recommended to use Exit 10B instead to more easily reach the community.
