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You may have heard that the New York State Education Department recently published proposed Regulations about “substantial equivalency of instruction” required for students attending nonpublic schools. This can have severe ramifications for yeshivos and day schools across the board in NYS, so we wanted to provide some answers to common questions we are receiving about this serious development. Q: How might the proposed regulations affect my child’s yeshiva? A: The Regulations, on their face, may require schools to make major adjustments to their limudei kodesh and secular programming. For example, the proposed regulations specify 1) the number of required hours – as many as 4-5 hours per day, depending on grade level; 2) more than 12 required subjects, including, at the lower elementary level, consumer and family science, visual arts, theater, media arts, career development, occupational studies, etc.; 3) assessment of teachers to an undefined standard. Results, grades, competencies, graduation rates, or other factors regarding equivalency to public schools are not taken into account for these purposes. To view the proposed Regulation click here. Q: Didn’t the court already strike down the SED Guidelines 3 months ago? A: Yes, those Guidelines were thrown out by the NY State Supreme Court in response to lawsuits brought by Agudath Israel, PEARLS, Torah Umesorah, and other groups. However, the court struck down the Guidelines because the State Education Department failed to comply with the technical requirements for new rulemaking. By publishing its “proposed Regulations” in the NYS Register, SED has now started an “official” process in compliance with those requirements. Q: How do the new proposed Regulations differ from the previous Guidelines?? A: The new Regulations are substantially identical to the previous Guidelines. Q: What happens now? A: There is a sixty day public comment period (until September 2) when individuals can voice their concerns regarding these proposed regulations. At the conclusion of the process, the Regulations come before the Board of Regents for a vote, expected this fall. Q: I heard that State Education Commissioner Elia resigned earlier this week. Does that mean this is over? A: No. The impact of Commissioner's Elia's resignation on this issue is still to be determined, but the proposed Regulations have already been published and the comment period is in place. Q: What is being done to fight for parents who choose, and sacrifice dearly, for their children to attend yeshivos? A: The Agudah has been working with organizations in the community - PEARLS and Torah Umesorah, among others - to oppose the newest incarnation of the state's attempt to control yeshivos. It should be noted that the Catholic and NYSAIS independent schools (which, together with Jewish schools, form the majority of nonpublic schools in NYS) also strongly oppose these regulations. Q: Is there anything I can do? A: Yes! SED is required, by law, to read comments submitted. While many have previously signed petitions, which is important, these comments are required to be read by law. We have set up a system, where, with just a few clicks, you can voice your opinion on this critical matter. Q: I live in Chicago, but the overreach of these regulations concerns me. May I register my comment? A: The regulations do not restrict comments to NYS residents.
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 18, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Jenny Fogel, a’h, wife of Scott Cochran, mother of Neima Fogel and Rivka Fogel and daughter of Ellyn Tanenberg.
Baltimore Shiva:Neima Fogel and Rivka Fogel will continue to observe shiva at 6239 Woodcrest Ave. Wednesday - 10am-12pm & 2pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm; Thursday - 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm & 7pm-8pmFriday - 10am-11:30amMotzei Shabbos - 7:30-9:30Sunday - 11am-12pmSilver Spring Shiva:Ellyn Tanenberg is observing shiva at 1126 Kersey Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902Silver Spring Visiting Hours: Tuesday afternoon: 4:00 - 7:00 PM and 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM and 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Friday: 10:30 - 1:00 PM. Motzei Shab...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 20, 2025 - Chanukah teaches us a powerful lesson: sometimes it is the smallest flame that brings the greatest light.
Here in Baltimore, a Chassidish mosad is working every day to bring the light and warmth of Chassidus to our community. The school includes a daycare, cheder, girls’ preschool, and elementary school, nurturing children from their earliest years with Torah, yiras Shamayim, and ahavas Yisrael, while providing parnassah for over 40 local families.
Baruch Hashem, despite a challenging year—including a temporary freeze on new voucher approvals—the school has continued operating responsibly. With tremendous siyata d’Shmaya, payroll has never been late, and the daily avodas hakodesh continues with dedication.
As Chanukah ap...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 23, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Pinchos & Elisheva Bohensky on the birth of Devorah.
Mazel Tov grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Yossi & Sima Goldstein
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
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Baltimore, MD – Dec. 22, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Iris Donaty, a’h, wife of Dan Donaty, mother of Marc (Leah) Donaty, John Donaty, Danielle Donaty and Eric Donaty and sister of Jamie Brody
The graveside levaya will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 23 2025 at 1:30pm at Mount Sinai Memorial Park (Forest Lawn) 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.Shiva after the levaya until 7 PM at 3149 Dona Sofia Dr., Studio City, CA 91604. Visiting times daily: 10am-12 pm and 4 pm - 7 pm. Maariv daily at 6:00pm. Marc Donaty may be reached on 410-336-8050
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 23, 2025 - The ruach of Chanukah lit up every corner of the Torah Institute campus, with lively mesibos, interactive programs, and meaningful moments throughout each division. Talmidim and Rabbeim celebrated with energy, joy, and pride, filling TI with light and simcha. Just as the Chanukah story embodies the transmission of Torah against all odds, that same mesorah continues to shine brightly at TI today.
Jeusalem, Israel - Dec. 23, 2025 - A deeply moving Chanukah gathering at Beit Hanasi, in Jerusalem, Israel, marked the conclusion of OneFamily’s seven-month Bonim Chalom, Building a Dream program. The new initiative accompanies bereaved brothers and sisters as they navigate loss while rebuilding meaning, direction, and hope for the future.
Held on the seventh day of Chanukah, the event brought together President Isaac Herzog, OneFamily leadership, program participants, and their families. Candles were lit jointly by the President and OneFamily Chairman Marc Belzberg and founder Chantal Belzberg.
The Building a Dream program supports bereaved siblings through an intensive journey that combines individual guidance and group accompaniment. Over the course of...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 17, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Elaine Diamond, a’h, mother of Ellen Saks.
Shiva will be observed through Friday, Dec. 26 at 2902 Tamarack Ct., Baltimore, MD 21209Maariv Minyan only Mon-Thurs. at 7:00PMVisiting hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10:00 AM -4:30 PM, and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM and Fri.: 10:00AM-3:00PM
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – December 22, 2025, 8:09 PM – A carjacking occurred on the 3200 block of W. Strathmore Avenue. Two suspects arrived on foot, stole a vehicle, and fled the scene in it.
Stolen Vehicle Details:
2019 Toyota Camry
Gray
Maryland tag: 3FL5254
Residents are advised to remain alert. If you see this vehicle, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 22, 2025 - Maryland utility regulators approved less than half of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company’s (BGE) request to recover costs from the final year of its pilot three-year rate plan, citing concerns over customer affordability.
The Maryland Public Service Commission on Monday granted BGE $77.2 million of the $152.3 million the utility sought in a so-called “true-up” for 2023 spending it says was not fully recovered through rates.
“The actions of the elected leaders of the State in reaction to the widespread concerns regarding affordability of critical utility services demonstrate that granting a reconciliation of the magnitude BGE requested would risk increased utility unaffordability by many customers,” said Frederick ...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 22, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Harav Chaim Meyer Ehrman, z’l, father of Yaakov (Esther) Ehrman and brother of Mrs Chanita (Yossi) Felder.
The levaya was held this morning in Eretz Yisroel.
Yaakov Ehrman will be sitting shiva in EY beginning tomorrow.
Mrs. Felder will observe Shiva through Friday at 6602 Dorsan Court, Baltimore, MD 21209.
Visiting times Mon-Thurs.: 11:00AM-2:00PM and 7:00PM-9:00PMFirday: 11:00AM-2:00PMבלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - Dec 22, 2025 - Among the key findings of a report set to be released Monday by a Baltimore nonprofit is a claim that data on juvenile justice in Maryland is “frustratingly incongruent” across agencies, causing analysis of youth crime and how prevalent it is to be “contentious and disputable.”
“Beyond the Headlines: What We Know and Don’t Know About Baltimore Youth Crime and Justice,” which was funded and published by the Abell Foundation, concluded that inconsistency in data “makes it challenging — if not impossible — to track and compare trends across the system.”
Most metrics — youth arrests, prosecutions and juvenile system contacts — have risen in Baltimore out of historic lows reached...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 16, 2025 — The Yeshiva of Greater Washington Boys Division, Tiferes Gedaliah, is hosting a High School Open House on Tuesday, December 23 at 8:00 p.m. at the Weichbrod Home, 6714 Woodbury Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209. The event offers Baltimore families the opportunity to meet and hear from the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Ahron Lopiansky, and learn about the yeshiva’s serious limudei kodesh program, comprehensive general studies tracks, transportation options to and from Baltimore, and partial boarding availability.
King Charles III of the United Kingdom has made a donation to World Jewish Relief, the Jewish community’s humanitarian agency, to support its ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, World Jewish Relief says it has assisted over 375,000 individuals across nearly 400 towns and cities in Ukraine. The charity's broad range of local activities includes mental health support, livelihood recovery, and the repair of homes damaged by drone and missile strikes. World Jewish Relief has also aided 14,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK with English language training and employment support.
King Charles III has served as the Patron of World Jewish Relief since 2015. His involvement with the organization began in 2002, following a visit to ...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 17, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Bracha (Avi, z’l) Strimber, a’h, mother of Shayna (Gobbie) Cohn, and Josh Strimber and sister of Rena Goldhahn.
The levayah will be held today, Wed., Dec. 17, at Levinson's at 2:00PMClick here to watch a recordig of the LevayaShiva through Tuesday morning will be observed at 3117 Northbrook Road, Baltimore, MD 21208The family respectfully requests no visitors from 12 noon - 1:30PM, 6:00-7:00PM or after 9:30PMShacharis: 7:30AMMincha/Maariv: 4:35PM בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 21, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Leib and Yakira Price on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Gedaliah & Chana Price and David & Elizabeth Green
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
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