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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.
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,...
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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. 11, 2025 – 9:13AM (BJL) A major accident has just occurred at the intersection of Sanzo & Smith.Avoid the area
Annapolis, MD - Nov. 11, 2025 - Gov. Wes Moore has launched war against President Trump, criticizing the federal government shutdown and its impact on Maryland.
"We are watching the president, who is literally breaking the law so people can starve, but we are not going to tolerate it in our state," Moore said.
He urged the president to "stop this shutdown," emphasizing the broken bond between the federal government and the states.
Political analyst John Dedie suggested Moore's actions may be influenced by California governor, Gavin Newsom, who has also been vocal against Trump. "He's getting the love and I think Governor Moore is trying to find a lane to show 'Hey I can be tough on Trump too,'" Dedie said.
However, the political battle comes with risks. Maryland, ho...
Washington, D.C. - Nov. 10, 2025 - The shutdown stalemate that has dragged on in the Senate officially ended late Monday night, and it places Congress on a path to reopen the government later this week.
Senators advanced a bipartisan funding package to end the government shutdown after a group of Senate Democrats broke from their colleagues and joined Republicans in their bid to reopen the government.
Those same eight Senate Democratic caucus members stuck with Republicans and provided the crucial votes needed to send the package to the House.
The Senate smashed through procedural hurdles and advanced its package to reopen the government, with the onus of ending the shutdown now falling on the House. (Tom Brenner/Getty Images)
The votes went...
US President Donald Trump said on Monday his administration is working with Israel to get along with Syria.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, Trump said, “People say he’s had a rough past. We’ve all had a rough past.”
Trump added that he gets along well with Sharaa, expressing confidence that he will be able to do the job.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the meeting between Sharaa and Trump that the US affirmed its support to reach a security deal between Israel and Syria.
Recently, al-Sharaa told reporters in Damascus that ongoing negotiations with Israel on a security pact could lead to results "in the coming days"
Sharaa stated that if the security pact is su...
The Oval Office is a long way from Abu Ghraib.
When he’s greeted by President Donald Trump on Monday, Ahmad al-Sharaa will have completed his journey from jihadist leader to head of state receiving a warm White House welcome.
Since toppling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, Syria‘s interim leader has spent the past year transforming his global image while tackling deep divisions at home.
Now, al-Sharaa, who has thrown off his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, will make history as the first Syrian president to visit the White House.
“I think he’s doing a very good job,” Trump said last week, setting the tone for his landmark meeting with al-Sharaa, who would not have been able to set foot in the U.S. a year ago thanks to the $...
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 10, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moshe & Leah Pruzansky on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel tov to the grandparents Avi & Rivky Pruzansky and Yitzy & Melissa Shnidman
Mazel Tov to great-grandmothers Mrs. Meira (Rabbi Reuvain, z’l) Shnidman and Marlene Hammond
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 10, 2025 – There will be no trash or recycling collection on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day, a city holiday.
The make-up collection day will be Shabbos, November 15. Please remeber to take your receptacles to the street before Shabbos
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 10, 2025 - Gas prices in Baltimore have risen 21.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.11 per gallon as of Monday, according to GasBuddy's survey of 663 stations in Baltimore.
The survey says gas prices are 6.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago in Baltimore and stand 12.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
The national price of diesel has increased 6.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.72 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Baltimore was priced at $2.58 per gallon on November 9, while the most expensive was $3.97 per gallon, a difference of $1.39 per gallon.
The lowest price in Maryland on November 9 was $2.58 per gallon while the highest was $4.89 per gallon, a differenc...
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 10, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yoni & Hindy Gugenheim on on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel tov to the grandparents Yaakov & Devorah Goldstein
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 10, 2025 – 2:58PM (BJL) Due to a 4-car accident, the intersection of Old Court and Reisterstown Roads is blocked once again with emergency personnel on sceneAvoid the area.
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 10, 2025 - The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will provide free transit rides to U.S. military veterans, active-duty military, and members of the National Guard and Reserves on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
This is the seventh consecutive year the MTA has offered this benefit.
Free rides will be available on Local Bus, Metro Subway, Light Rail, MARC Train, and Mobility services, with the Commuter Bus operating only the 201 bus on an "S" schedule.
"Veterans and service members are an important part of our community," said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. "Offering complimentary transit trips is one way we can show our appreciation and make it easier for them to get where they need to go on this special day."
Eligible riders...
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 10, 2025 - About 6 years ago, when Rabbi and Mrs. Mordechai Ginsberg, of London, England, had to be with their daughter who was being treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital for a few months, it meant moving with their entire family to Baltimore.
“All Bikur Cholims are wonderful organizations, but the Bikur Cholim of Baltimore had something which was outstanding,” shares Rabbi Ginsberg. “When a family member is in the hospital, the whole family gets turned around for that choleh, but the family usually goes on, and the problems we face - and the things we must do daily - goes on. It’s not like everything stops because a member of the family is hospitalized, so, it makes life very hard. Usually, there are a lot of askanim in a community who are involv...
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