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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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Shabbos Vayechi highlights an important and often overlooked message. As we read about Yaakov Avinu preparing for the end of his life and giving clear instructions regarding his kevurah, we are reminded that planning ahead is not only responsible but deeply rooted in Torah values.Yet for many, end-of-life planning is postponed indefinitely. Even in the frum community, many are unaware of the practical and halachic details that can significantly affect kavod hameis and a family’s peace of mind. When these matters are addressed thoughtfully in advance, families avoid unnecessary stress and uncertainty during already difficult moments.To help the community gain the clarity they need, NASCK is offering two free live workshops over Shabbos Vayechi weekend, presented by Rabbi Elchonon Zohn...
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Dear Friends,
Rav Dovid, Z”L lived with extraordinary courage and unwavering Emunah for nearly 15 years, facing ALS. Now, his devoted widow Rochel is left with overwhelming debt and no financial safety net after giving everything to care for him. Thanks to the generosity of kind supporters, some of the burden has already been lifted — but much remains. We humbly ask you to help Rav Dovid's widow regain stability and dignity. Surely this is a fulfillment of Rav Dovid's final will. Please click to fulfill Rav Dovid’s FINAL REQUEST by making a lifesaving donation: 👉 https://thechesedfund.com/rachelfrid0/rav-dovid-s-z-l-final-request for END OF YEAR - Tax-deductible giving: https://kupat.org/Project/355 Every contribution brings...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 31, 2025 - The Maryland Public Service Commission issued an order Tuesday, detailing steps Baltimore Gas and Electric needs to take to remedy call center issues.
"BGE acknowledges there are systemic failings with its call center. These issues, which are anticipated to worsen over the coming weeks with increased call volumes, drive the need for immediate and corrective action," the order said.
Officials said over the last few months, there have been more than 650 complaints against BGE's call center with customers being stuck on hold for hours, being disconnected entirely, never receiving callbacks, dealing with unsuccessful attempts to reach customer service representatives and the inoperability of BGE's customer self-service website and mobile app.
During...
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Baltimore, MD - Dec. 30, 2025 - The Eruv of Baltimore has launched a centralized online hub at eruvofbaltimore.org. Community members can now check the Eruv status, support the organization through donations, and manage their listings in one place. To ensure you stay informed, the site also offers sign-ups for weekly Erev Shabbos alerts via email, text, or phone.
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 31, 2025 –10:08 AM (BJL) - The traffic light at the intersection of Reisterstown and Patterson is blinking red for Patterson and yellow for Reisterstown
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 31, 2025 - A new report revealed that Maryland is the most expensive state for utilities, while Baltimore is the country's 5th-most expensive city.
Households in Maryland pay a median of $546 monthly and over $6,500 annually, while Baltimore residents fork over $503 monthly and over $6,000 yearly, according to the report by doxo, an online bill-paying platform.
elegate Brian Chisholm, a Republican representing Anne Arundel County, expressed concern over the state's energy policies. "It's not surprising at all. Obviously, we've had this assault on any energy generation in the state of Maryland for 10 years now," he said. "Baltimore City people are trying to decide now whether they're going to pay their utility bill, their rent bill,...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 30, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok Ottensoser on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to the grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov Ottensoser
Mazel Tov to the great-grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Jonah Ottensoser
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD — Dec. 30, 2025 – 6:23PM - (BJL) — The traffic lights at the intersection of Park Heights & Seven Mile Lane are flashing.
Baltimore, MD — Dec. 30, 2025 - 3:54 PM (BJL) — The area between Naylors Lane and the Beltway, hours after an earlier accident in the area, has finally been cleared.
'David the Servant King' brings a little-known Biblical story to the stage
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 30, 2025 - 'David the Servant King' explores through music, drama, and a deeply Jewish lens, the rarely told early years of King David, long before his rise to the throne. Conceived by Baltimore olah, Shlomit Koffler Weinreb, the original English-language musical for women, by women, includes many Baltimore olot, and several women with family connections to the city, reflecting the close and ongoing relationship between Baltimore and Israel’s English-speaking cultural scene. To give women in Baltimore and around the world the opportunity to experience the show live from Jerusalem, a livestream broadcast will be available for the Sunday, February 1st performance.&nb...
Baltimore, MD — Dec. 30, 2025 - 3:25 PM (BJL) — Reisterstown Road remains closed in both directions between Naylors Lane and the Beltway, hours after an earlier accident in the area. BJL first reported on the crash at approximately 12:36 PM. Authorities have not yet provided an estimated time for reopening.
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 30, 2025 – 12:32 PM — An accident on Reisterstown Road between Naylor’s Lane (near Market Maven) and the Beltway (near Target) has closed traffic in both directions. Emergency responders are on scene.Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 30, 2025 - When I walked into the STAR-K conference room on Wednesday, December 24, it resembled more of a party than a shiur. An array of colorful cans of soda and candy was scattered on the conference table. The 45 girls from Mexico and Panama, who happily chatted in Spanish while awaiting their customized presentation by STAR-K Kashrus Administrators Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Tzvi Rosen, are campers at the Yeshivas Ner Yisroel-based kiruv camp, Or Haner. It was founded in 1986 by Moshe Filler, z”l, a Ner Yisroel talmid and native of Mexico; today, the camp run by Rabbi Isaac Neuman.
The girls, together with their counselors, were very engaged in the interactive shiur, as Rabbi Goldberg showed a video of how STAR-K-certified Sour Punch Twists are manu...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 30, 2025 - Asara B'Teves (the fast of the 10th month, צום העשירי) is one of the most stringent fasts of the Jewish calendrical year. It is the only fast that we observe on a Friday, and like Yom Kippur, we would observe this fast if, in theory, it were to fall on Shabbos! But why? Why is Asara B'Teves so serious? Because it marks the "beginning of the churban" – the beginning of the end. On Asara B'Teves of the year 3336 (425 BCE), Nevuchadnezar, the king of Bavel, surrounded Jerusalem, laying siege to our holy city. This was a dark moment in Jewish history, a moment that marked the beginning of the chain of events which ultimately led to the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash on the 9th of Av (in 3338).But something else al...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 30, 2025 –11:45AM (BJL) A major accident has just occurred on Reisterstown Road in front of The Knish Shop.Avoid the area
Annapolis, MD – Dec. 30, 2025 — (Baltimore Sun) Maryland is holding more than $2.7 billion in unclaimed property, and state officials say many residents may be entitled to money they’ve forgotten about.
The Unclaimed Property Division of the Maryland Comptroller’s Office serves as a statewide lost-and-found for dormant assets turned over by banks, insurers, employers, and other institutions. These include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, dividends, stocks, bonds, and valuables from safe deposit boxes. Residents and businesses can search by name at: https://www.unclaimed-property.marylandcomptroller.gov/
In the last fiscal year alone, the state returned $121 million to rightful owners — more than double the prior year — appr...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 30, 2025 – 8:14AM (BJL) A large tree branch is down on Smith Avenue between Kenway and Dixon, blocking one lane and causing delays in the area.This is along the Mount Washington stretch of Smith Avenue, between Bais Yaakov and Greeley Road.
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 29, 2025 - For the very first time, a Chanukah menorah was placed at the Warfield Air National Guard Base, home of the 175th wing of the Maryland National Guard.
This historic moment was made possible through the efforts of Baltimore Shliach Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum and the Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland-Chabad (JUSA), bringing the light of Chanukah to those who serve our country.
Over 1,500 soldiers and employees on the base got to experience the warmth of the Menorah's light throughout Chanukah.
This was one of 10 JUSA events and Public Menorah’s that JUSA coordinated over Chanukah for the brave men and women in uniform.
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