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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.
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Baltimore, MD - Nov. 11, 2025 - For 70 years, Ner Tamid has been a center for Jewish life in Baltimore; home to its very popular preschool, the birthplace of Etz Chaim, Rabbi Slanger's, z'l, Yeshiva, Rabbi Gross’s shul (Derech Chaim), Yeshivat Rambam, and more. Today, Ner Tamid, under the leadership of Rabbi Yisrael Motzen, serves the entire Baltimore community as a place where every Jew is welcome, a place of authentic growth, and a source of inspiring Torah classes and leadership. On November 16th, Ner Tamid will launch a Causematch campaign. Please consider participating to support this vital cornerstone of the Baltimore community.On November 23rd, all donors are invited to attend an inspiring and celebratory evening featuring a special talk on “The...
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Baltimore, MD – Nov. 6, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah Morris Reef, z’l, father of Mrs. Hayley (Michael) Bazelon.
The levaya will be held at 11:30AM on Friday, Nov. 7 at Steeles Memorial Chapel, 350 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill, ON L4J 1A1
Shiva will be observed at 3302 Shelburne Road, Baltimore, MD 21208, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.
בלע המוות לנצח
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For over three decades, One Israel Fund has served as the premier organization in North America supporting Israel’s Biblical Heartland, funding hundreds of essential projects each year, from medical and recreation to education, community impact and preventative security. Every initiative represents a lifeline, strengthening communities and protecting families who live with courage and conviction on the frontlines of Jewish history.
The evening promises an extraordinary program that combines meaning, inspiration, and uplifting entertainment. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a steadfast voice for Israel in the U.S. Congress, will headline the event with a powerful address. The program will also feature Nathaniel “@NateBuzz” Buzolic, bel...
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Baltimore, MD - Oct. 25, 2025 - Thanks to the leadership and financial backing of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Weinberg Park Heights JCC proudly celebrates the opening of its reimagined Sports & Wellness Center. With fresh spaces, modern amenities, and a renewed focus on connection, wellness, and inclusion, the JCC stands ready to serve Baltimore’s Jewish community with warmth, sensitivity, and pride.
Built with Purpose and Partnership
Driven by a commitment to community, the Weinberg JCC project was designed to serve the neighborhood’s predominantly Orthodox population while remaining open and inclusive to all.
“The Associated’s support and vision have been integral to every step of this journey,” said Paul...
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Baltimore, MD - Oct. 29, 2025: Dear Friends,
Rabbi Avinoam Yaakov Schleifer tragically passed away this week. He left behind a grieving wife and children who must now face the daunting challenge of continuing their lives without him. In the wake of this tragedy, we, as a community, must come together and provide crucial support during their time of need. This campaign is crucial to supporting the Schleifer family as they grapple with this challenge. All funds raised via this platform will be carefully and responsibly overseen, both now and in perpetuity, by a small committee of professionals with strong backgrounds in legal and financial planning/budgeting, alongside oversight by community Rabbanim and Ahavas YisraelPlease give generously during these tragic moments to ensu...
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 12, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Mrs. Sukey (Stavsky) Gross, a'h, mother of Avrumi (Ayala) Gross.
The Levaya will be held in Lakewood today, November 12, at 2:30 p.m. at the Sons of Israel, 7th Street Chapel, 613 Ramsey Ave, Lakewood NJ 08701 Shiva details to follow.
בלע המוות לנצח
If the terrorists currently trapped in a tunnel in the Al-Genina neighborhood of Rafah agree to disarm and commit to ceasing all terrorist activity, Israel will allow them to exit, a senior Israeli official told Channel 12 News.
According to the report, the proposed solution is being explored in coordination with the United States and is the focus of discussions held by US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Jared Kushner, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. American officials confirmed that Washington is involved in efforts to resolve the crisis, and sources in Jerusalem have conveyed that Israel is interested in ending the conflict in Rafah as soon as possible.
The framework under consideration includes the surrender of the Hamas operatives trapped in the tunnel, the...
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 12, 2025 - The House vote to end the government shutdown could happen as early as Wednesday afternoon.
Some Maryland lawmakers have already made their choices clear ahead of the vote.
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is one step closer to ending.
Eight Democratic senators broke ranks from their party to vote with republicans to pass a bill to fund the government through January 30th of next year.
That was in exchange for a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits, the Democrats' main focus during this shutdown.
But the funding bill doesn't ensure that it'll happen, just that there'll be a vote in mid-December.
The eight democrats who voted yes consider the bill a win.
"The agreement reinstates thousands of fi...
Mamdani’s Shocking Victory in New York — What Does It Mean?
1. During the week of November 2024, when the US held its presidential election, I met a sweet boy in the city of Modi’in who had recently made aliyah with his family. “I really hope Harris wins!” he said excitedly. I looked at him in surprise, and he explained: “My grandparents in New York always say that if Trump wins, that’s it, it’s the end of America, and they’re making aliyah.”
Trump won. His grandparents are probably still in the U.S. But last week I remembered that boy. What will his grandparents do now?
2. With all due respect, the calls of our politicians since Mamdani’s win to make aliyah immediately sound unrealistic. Most Jews in the world ...
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 9, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Mrs Elizabeth Feder, a’h, (Esther Shaindel bas R' Moshe) mother of Yehudis (Yonason) Grier.Shiva wil be observed at 8903 Greylock Road, Pikesville MD 21208.Visiting times: Wednesday in Florida, Thursday morning in Florida, Thursday evening in Baltimore, from 8:00-9:30 pm .Friday: 9:00-1:30בלע המוות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 12, 2025 - 9:16AM – (BJL) Utility work is underway on Park Heights Avenue between Fallstaff Road and Clarks Lane. Southbound traffic is reduced to one lane — expect delays in the area.
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 11, 2025 – 7:07PM (BJL) Due to a major accident, Old Court Road is completely closed between Reisterstown Road and Naylors Lane.
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 11, 2025 - At Noon on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, the cold winds swept across Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery as more than twenty veterans and supporters gathered for a ceremony of remembrance. After the main 11 a.m. service, the group made its way to the Jewish Section for a special Kaddish service - the only Veterans Day Kaddish Service in a Jewish section in any state veterans cemetery.
The ceremony began with the reading of the Governor’s Veterans Day proclamation, followed by the solemn recitation of names provided from the National Museum of American Jewish Military History - those who fell during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later conflicts. Tehillim was recited, the Kaddish recited, and finally the Kel Malei Rachamim prayer offered for the so...
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 11, 2025 - Air travelers in Maryland are expected to face more frustration on Tuesday as busy U.S. airports need to meet a higher Federal Aviation Administration target for reducing flights.
Airports have cancelled thousands of flights to scale back demands on the nation’s aviation system during the government shutdown. Absences and signs of stress among traffic controllers, who haven't been paid in over a month, made it imperative to cut flights in the name of public safety, the FAA said.
The FAA last week ordered domestic airlines to drop 4 percent of their flights at 40 major U.S. airports. Smaller airports are also affected by the order due to the cancellation of connecting flights from major hubs.
More than 7,900 flights have bee...
A senior Israeli official told Kan News on Monday that Israel must set a goal to overthrow the Iranian regime by the end of President Donald Trump's current term in 2029.
The remarks come amid reports that Iran is working fervently to restore its nuclear capabilities that it lost during Israel's 12-day Operation Rising Lion and the American Operation Midnight Hammer.
The New York Times reported earlier in the day that Iran is building a new underground site, dubbed Pickaxe Mountain, without international oversight.
Analysts say uncertainty surrounding the condition of the Iranian nuclear program could trigger another Israeli strike, as Israel views Iran’s nuclear progress as an existential threat. Tehran, meanwhile, is said to be preparing for massive retaliation involvi...
Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who fell and was abducted during the Battle of Rafah in 2014, was finally laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Kfar Saba after being returned to Israel for burial this week
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir noted in his address at the funeral: "This moment gathers within itself thousands of days of anticipation and abysmal sadness, a moment for which all our prayers were focused for over 11 years. With a salute and bowed heads, we accompany Hadar today on his final journey, one he deserved long ago, after a period in which you, his dear family, became a compass and a conscience for the entire people of Israel, a compass that we in the IDF will continue to carry forever.”
"The circle is closed, Operation Defensive Edge has concluded. Leah and Simcha, Tzur,...
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 11, 2025 – 9:13AM (BJL) A major accident has just occurred at the intersection of Sanzo & Smith.Avoid the area
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