Rabbi Yonah Sklare is a Rosh Kollel in Baltimore, MD as well as Magid Shiur at Congregation Shomrei Emunah. His refreshingly creative approach to learning as well as his captivating presentation style, have attracted a diverse and beloved following. He lectures at numerous local institutions, including Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary, as well as out of town and online. Rabbi Sklare received semichah and his PhD in Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College. He can be reached at rabbisklare@gmail.com
I believe in listening to two sides to a story. Even as a supporter of Israel, I am always curious to hear and try to understand those who oppose it. I can feel for the Palestinian people and understand the horror of those seeing such terrible images and reflexively demanding a ceasefire. I know that no situation is simple and every dispute has complexity and nuance. One argument from the other side, however, I find a difficult nut to crack.
I have heard some of Israel’s opponents correctly and sensitively condemn what Hamas did as genocidal, racist, brutal and wrong. However, they claim that we cannot look at the actions in a vacuum. We must also look at what caused the Palestinians to cling to such a violent and morally bankrupt ideology. If we want to prevent Hamas or Hamas-like ...
Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 16, 2024 - As is customary each year before the Passover holiday at the Western Wall - thousands of Kvitlach that were placed between the stones in the past six months were collected and transferred to a designated genizah (storage area for worn-out sacred texts)In honor of the Passover holiday, this morning (Tuesday), the Western Wall Heritage Foundation conducted the traditional clearing of thousands of prayer Kvitlach that were placed between the stones of the Western Wall over the past six months.The clearing was carried out according to halachic (Jewish law) guidelines using gloves and disposable wooden tools. The purpose of the clearing is to make space for new Kvitlach from visitors expected to arrive at the Western Wall in the coming months,...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 16, 2024 -The Unified Command recovered the body of another missing victim at the Key Bridge incident site on April 14, 2024.
At the request of the family, we are not disclosing the victim’s name at this time. The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and was positively identified on April 15, 2024.
Unified Command salvage teams located what they believed to be one of the missing construction vehicles and promptly notified the Maryland Department of State Police. The Maryland State Police, the FBI, and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded and located a deceased victim trapped inside the vehicle.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police, along with an FBI Victim Spe...
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 16, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Alex Kasten, a’h, sister of Rabbi Mordechai Perlman, Rabbi Tuvia Perlman, and Mrs. Phyllis Tanzer.
The Levayah will be held graveside today, Apr. 16 at 2:30PM at Adas Israel Anshe Sfard Cemetery 6800 German Hill Rd. Dundalk, MD, 21222.
Rabbi Tuvia Perlman and Mrs. Phyllis Tanzer will be sitting shiva in Baltimore today only following the Levayah at 6602 Amleigh Rd until 9pm.
Mincha-Maariv today only: 7:30.PM
Rabbi Tuvia Perlman will continue the shiva in Lakewood.
Bila Hamaves LaNetzach...
Jordan allowed Israeli fighter jets into its airspace to intercept incoming Iranian missiles and drones, an Israeli air force official told NBC News on Monday.
“In order to address something that comes from the east, we need to fly somewhere that is east of Israel,” the official was quoted as having said in a briefing to reporters. “This was done with coordination.”
While Iran’s direct attack against Israel on Saturday night was unprecedented, so was the scale of coordination between Israel and its Arab neighbor in the response. Jordanian and Israeli fighters — coordinated by the US military — acted together to intercept the barrage of drones and missiles.
In a statement on Sunday, Jordan’s government said the intercept...
Saudi Arabia has publicly acknowledged its involvement in aiding the newly formed regional military coalition in defending Israel against an Iranian attack.
The statement referenced a report by KAN News detailing Saudi Arabia's participation in the joint military defensive operation, which successfully thwarted an Iranian assault on Israel.
According to the report, 99 percent of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted and neutralized before reaching their intended targets. Notably, many of these hostile projectiles had traversed Jordanian and Saudi airspace en route to Israel.
While Jordan had openly disclosed its role in the defensive maneuver, Saudi Arabia's acknowledgment came in the form of a summary on its official website, citing insights f...
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Monday he is concerned about Israel possibly targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Reuters reported.
Grossi said Iran closed its nuclear facilities on Sunday over "security considerations" and that while they reopened on Monday, he kept IAEA inspectors away "until we see that the situation is completely calm."
"We are going to resume tomorrow," Grossi told reporters in New York. "This has not had an impact on our inspection activity."
Asked about the possibility of an Israel strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Grossi replied, "We are always concerned about this possibility." He urged "extreme restraint."
The IAEA regularly inspects Iran's main nuclear facilities like its enrichment plants at ...
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 15, 2024 -The Baltimore Chesed League celebrated the completion of their 2024 season with a final banquet at Ner Tamid.
The young men enjoyed a delicious dinner (catered by Mr. Jon Kaplan) while also enjoying a fun Kahoot! Trivia game and a memorable slideshow.
Attendees also heard words of inspiration from graduating BCL participant Aryeh Weinberger and first-time coach, Mr Shlomo Brodie.
The Baltimore community is immensely proud of all the chesed these young men have performed this (and every) season.
Traffic on both lanes of California's Golden Gate Bridge has been shut down Monday, the California Highway Patrol tells Fox News Digital, as images emerging from the scene show anti-Israel protesters holding banners with the messages "Stop the world for Gaza" and "End the siege on Gaza now!"
A similar demonstration has also blocked traffic on Interstate-880 in Oakland.
"Golden Gate Bridge is closed in both directions for an undetermined amount of time," the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management said in a statement, adding that a "civic demonstration" is ongoing.
In the Oakland protest, seven demonstrators are attached to concrete barrels that have been placed in the middle of the roadway, according to KRON.
A flag attached to a fence there says...
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 15, 2024 - 2:10PM - The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area until 10:00 PM tonight.
Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 15, 2024 - American officials believe Israel is preparing to respond to Iran's massive assault in the near future, possibly even today, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Both the US and the G7 have called on Israel to show restraint after Iran launched over 300 explosive drones and missiles at Israel, including cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
Nearly all of the projectiles were intercepted, many by the US, UK, France, and Arab nations, in addition to interceptions by the Israeli Air Force and Israel's David's Sling and Arrow missile defense systems. According to the IDF, the interception rate was 99%.
The US has called on Israel to treat the successful interceptions as a victory rather than retaliate.
Several scenarios for ...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 15, 2024: Statement from Mayoral candidate Sheila Dixon on Iran's Attack on Israel:
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 15, 2024 - Councilman Zeke Cohen is pulling away as the leader in the Baltimore City Council President Democratic primary and leads incumbent Nick Mosby by double digits, according to the latest poll on behalf of FOX45 News, The Baltimore Sun, and the University of Baltimore.
Cohen, who currently represents District 1, has 40% of the vote among likely Democratic candidates, the poll revealed. Mosby, who is seeking his second term as the leader of the Baltimore City Council, has 21% of the vote, while former Councilwoman Shannon Sneed has 17% support. 19% of voters said they remain undecided.
Mosby announced his decision to run for a second term immediately following an exclusive interview with FOX45 News where he addressed several controversies raised during hi...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 14, 2024 - Last week I chaperoned my daughters 12th grade class trip to the United States Holocaust Museum. It was not an easy trip. I had been there many years before after it first opened, believe it or not at the Horowitz-Margaretten (I am Margaretten and proud of it!) family reunion. While I don’t remember much from nearly 30 years, I do remember it was a difficult tour. It has not changed that much since that time. Interestingly, the museum was packed with visitors, which was a refreshing surprise in today’s climate. In fact, there was a school from California, and visitors from other countries! Perhaps people are internalizing the truth of the message that is stated outside the museum; “ The Next time you witness ha...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 15, 2024 - (WBALTV) The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, focusing on whether federal laws were followed and the circumstances leading up to the incident. Mayor Brandon Scott announced a partnership with law firms to hold responsible parties accountable. The container ship Dali, involved in the crash, experienced power issues before striking the bridge. Three bodies have been recovered, and search efforts continue for three others. The bridge's collapse blocks access to the Port of Baltimore, impacting trade and necessitating the opening of temporary channels for commercial vessels. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to reopen the permanent channel by the end of May.
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 14, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Binyomin Wealcatch & Chaya Furman on their engagement.
Mazel Tov Dr. Shmuel & Malki Wealcatch and Rabbi Yosef & Jessica Furman
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
I am beginning to wonder if the number 191 is correct. I think it may need to be updated to 27,345 days since war has been waged on Israel since the day of statehood, May 14, 1948.On Friday afternoon, reading the headlines before the Sabbath reminded me so much of weather forecasts for impending bad weather, “Iran will strike Israel within 24-48 hours.” How does one prepare after such a dire warning? On the one hand, it is similar to when a blizzard is predicted: stock up on bottled water and milk and be prepared to stay put until the danger passes. This morning, when I went to the Makolet (corner market) across the street, there was not one bottle of water, eggs, or milk to be seen. Hunkering down and stocking up is a universal reaction, but what about introspection and reflec...
