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November 24 at 10:26 am
The Haftarah we read this week — according to Ashkenazic tradition — is taken from the Prophet Hoshea. The last nine verses of our Haftarah are the famous opening statement we recite on Shabbos Shuva, prior to Yom Kippur, which summons us to repent. שובה ישראל — Return, O Israel to Hashem, your G-d, for you have stumbled through your iniquity. (הושע יד ב-י)
We are taught that the very first Baal Teshuva in history, was Reuven, who was taken to task for impetuously moving the bed of his father Yaakov — which Yaakov had placed into the tent of her maidservant Bilhah after the death of Rachel — into the tent of his mother Leah. He repented, donning sackcloth, and fasting to atone for his error. In merit of his 'initiating' the notion o...
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November 24 at 10:19 am
The Commanding Officer of the IDF Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman held a situational assessment on Thursday with the combat forces in the Gaza Strip, during which he briefed the troops and approved the plans for the operational alignment on the ceasefire line.
A senior official in the Southern Command warned: "Anything that constitutes a threat to our troops will be struck. Our forces' security is the top priority; that is how we acted, and that is how we will continue to act."
He added: "The maneuver and the operational achievements put pressure on Hamas and its leadership and served as a vital tool to create the conditions to execute the deal to bring back some of the hostages."
"We will take advantage of the majority of the time for preparation and planning the missi...
A good friend told me that when she heard about the timetable for the hostages’ release on Friday, she decided not to allow Hamas to take away her Shabbat, the way they took away the hostages. Candle lighting in Jerusalem is at 3:56 (Israel time) on Friday afternoon and the hostages are due to be released four minutes later, at 4:00. By then, my friend said, she will already be disconnected from her digital devices by then. Yet, at that same moment she will also connect herself to the power of Shabbat — the moment she will light candles and pray for the hostages that are still being held captive. And we will still need to pray for the returning hostages — body and soul — and for all of us too.May we all hear an abundance of good news. Shabbat shalom.
The IDF's operation to receive the 13 Israeli hostages being released by Hamas, codenamed "Heaven's Doors", began on Friday at 16:00 (Israel time) today. Two hours later, Israel will release 39 Palestinian prisoners. 12 additional Thai nationals will be released as well.
According to Arab media, the hostages have been released from the Khan Yunis Hospital, where they were held for a short time.
According to FOX News the hostages are now with the Red Cross.
During the operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will be at the IDF Operations Branch control center at the Kirya in Tel Aviv.
The Prime Minister and the Defense Minister will closely monitor the management of the operation to bring the Israelis who have been released from Hamas capt...
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 23, 2023 - The inaugural AM YISROEL CHAI Turkey Trot 2023, held at the track at Northwestern High School, located at Fallstaff and Park Heights, proved to be an extraordinary event that captured the hearts and minds of participants and supporters alike. This remarkable gathering was the brainchild of a visionary couple behind the globally renowned "Am Yisroel Chai" bracelets.
What made this event even more remarkable was the fact that it was launched just 72 hours before the scheduled date. Despite the tight timeframe, the organizers were unwavering in their determination to make it a resounding success, showcasing an incredible display of passion and dedication.
From the moment the early morning event kicked off, the response, participation, and energy w...
Baltimore, MD – November 24, 2023 - An anti-Israel "Shut it Down" protest is scheduled to take place today, Black Friday, at the entrance of Towson Town Center beginning at 8:30AM. It is expected that this protest may lead to significant disruptions. Additionally, with licht bentching at 4:28 PM today, we wanted you to be informed so that you can plan your day accordingly.
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November 23 at 10:11 pm
These are difficult days for Am Yisroel. These are inspiring days for Am Yisroel. At first glance these may seem like contradictory sentiments – but as we see, they are both true. Our collective heart is broken. We carry the pain of those we have lost, we feel the burden of those whose lives have been changed forever, and we lie awake at night thinking of our precious brothers and sisters held hostage. We feel overwhelmed by the torrent of antisemitism in this country in which we once felt so at home. We feel hurt by the silence and indifference of so many around us. And yet, we are inspired. We are inspired by the unity and chessed which have always been and continue to be the hallmark of our people. We are uplifted by the bravery of our soldiers, and we are in awe of the resi...
IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari addressed the press on Thursday on the war in the Gaza Strip ahead of the ceasefire, which is expected to take effect on Friday morning.
"Hamas will try to exploit the respite for manipulation. We again ask not to spread rumors and unofficial information," he stated. "The deal is not the end of the process to return the hostages; it's the beginning."
He continued: "Nothing is closed until it actually happens, and even in the middle there can be changes. We face a ruthless enemy. We expect days of joy mixed with sadness.
We are striking intensly and have increased forces and are highly prepared," Hagari added.
Later, Hagari declared: "We can not become complacent; something can happen at every moment - listen to the Home Front Command...
Egyptian officials involved in the hostage negotiations with the Hamas terrorist organization provided more information today (Thursday) on the deal which will go into effect tomorrow.
According to the report, Israeli officials will arrive on the Egyptian side at the Rafah crossing together with Egyptian security officials, representatives of the Red Cross, and representatives of the Red Crescent. From there, the hostages will fly to Israel.
On the issue of the nearly 200 hostages who will remain in captivity after the current deal, it was reported that Hamas refused the demand that the Red Cross be allowed to visit the hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that such visits by the Red Cross are part of the deal. Hamas did agree to provide updates on the health of...
Tucked away in this weeks Parsha, unbeknownst to many, is one of the chief M’koros the Gemara uses for the Mida of Tznius. The Gemara cites Rochel Imainu as the standard bearer for Tznius, telling us that it was on account of her great Tznius that she was Zocheh to have Shaul Hamelech as a descendant. Precisely what behavior was manifested by Rochel Imainu that caused the Gemara to hold her out as the pinnacle of this Mida?
Consider, in the last few weeks we have been told many classic examples of modesty by the Imahos and others, why wait for Rochel before citing an example? The Mepharshim discuss Sarah as being “B’Ohel”, in h...
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Thursday, 23 November 2023), met with ZAKA President Eyal Mashiach, ZAKA CEO Dubi Weissenstern and ZAKA commanders and volunteers.The Prime Minister heard from the ZAKA members – who come from all sections of Israeli society: Jews, Arabs, religious and secular – powerful testimony about their work locating and identifying the bodies of those who were murdered in the communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip, which was carried out under fire. The ZAKA members described the horrific acts perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th: Tying up family members and setting them on fire, murdering small children, verifying kills, brutally raping women and more.Prime Minister Netanyahu also heard from ZAKA volunteers about their public diplomacy activity in...
Tel Aviv, Israel - Nov. 23, 2023 - President and founder of United Hatzalah, Eli Beer, met with Israeli Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, in Gallant's office in the Kirya in Tel Aviv late Wednesday night. While most of the topics discussed during the meeting cannot be revealed at this time, the two did discuss the heroic activities and lifesaving actions of hundreds of the organization's volunteers that took place on October 7th. Beer revealed to the Minister graphic testimonies from the medical teams of United Hatzalah who provided first aid under fire following the harrowing massacre of Israeli civilians on Saturday, October 7th. Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant said following the meeting: "I met with Eli Beer, the President of United Hatzalah, to thank him an...
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 23, 2023 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dr. and Mrs. Naftali and Penina Price on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov grandparents Dr. & Mrs. Gedalyah Price and Mr. and Mrs. Ezra and Chana Marsh
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
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November 23 at 10:34 am
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 23, 2023 - Yarchei Kallah at Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim
Beautifying Mitzvos in a Beautiful World: Hiddur Mitzvah in Lumdus, Halacha, and Hashkafa
Given by Rabbi Yisrael Sruly Motzen, Rav of Ner Tamid
Breakfast and Learning sponsored by the Hakens and the Silbers, with hopes for the swift release of all hostages
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November 23 at 10:31 am
The IDF confirmed on Thursday that its forces arrested the director of the Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
The IDF announced that the director was apprehended and transferred for ISA questioning following evidence showing that the Shifa Hospital, under his direct management, served as a Hamas command and control center.An underground tunnel and numerous supply caches belonging to Hamas have been located in the hospital since the IDF entered the building last week.
IDF footage of the building proves that the terrorists from the Oct. 7th massacre made their way to the hospital, bringing with them the hostages. The attack itself, it is believed, was planned in the hospital.
The IDF has since published additional footage from some of the tunnels under the hospital, including blast doors, command ce...
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November 23 at 10:28 am
Gun stores were buzzing with interest on Wednesday after a federal appeals court ruled that Maryland's law requiring handgun qualification licenses is unconstitutional.
"I really didn't expect it. I was shocked when I saw it," said Frank Loane, owner of Pasadena Gun and Pawn.
Maryland's ten-year old law required handgun owners to first undergo a background check, attend a gun safety course and wait up to 30-days before earning approval to purchase a handgun.
"It deterred a lot of people, especially seniors, t was an extra $150," said Loane.
Without the license requirement, handgun owners must still undergo a background check and wait 7-days before purchasing a handgun.
"The decision will unequivocally lead to more gun violence and firearm related deaths," said Senate Pr...
A spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced this afternoon (Thursday) that the ceasefire which Israel agreed to as part of the hostage deal with the Hamas terrorist organization will go into effect at 7 am tomorrow morning (Friday).
Majed Al-Ansari said that the Qatari government had received lists of the people who will be released from both sides.
"The first group of 13 civilians will be released from captivity in the Gaza Strip tomorrow at 4 pm," he said.
Al-Ansari refused to say whether the freed hostages would be taken through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. He emphasized that during the four days of the ceasefire, information will be gathered about the remaining hostages in Gaza. "We hope to bring the greatest amount of aid [into Gaza] during the ceasefi...
