|
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.
PINNED Scroll for more news 
Baltimore, MD – January 16, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Rabbi Yehuda Spatz, z’l, husband of Leah Spatz, and father of Yaakov (Esther) Spatz, Rochel (Yanky) Schnur, Miriam (Eliave) Sobol, Shira (Yitsy) Friedman, and Moshe (Malky) Spatz.
The levaya will be held at noon today, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at Levinson's.Shiva will observed at 3 Farringdon Court, Baltimore, MD 21209
PLEASE NOTE: Yaakov Spatz and Moshe Spatz conclude Shiva after Shacharis on Sun., Jan 25 - the others conclude on Erev Shabbos at 1:30PM Shacharis: 7:30AM (Sunday, Jan. 25 - 8:00AM)Mincha: 4:50 PM (Erev Shabbos: Jan. 23 - 1:00PM)Maariv: 8:30PM (Motzaei Shabbos Jan. 24: 5:58pm)Visiting times -Sunday - Thursday9:00AM-NoonAM1:30PM-5:30PM7:00PM-9:30P...
PINNED Scroll for more news
Looking for a beautiful sheitel without paying full price? ✨At Sheitel Consignment Boutique, you’ll find high-quality luxury sheitels—many barely worn or brand new, all carefully refreshed and ready to wear.💫 Prices starting from $300📍 Sheitel Consignment Boutique📲 Aliza: 267-210-7478
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moshe and Shevi Burr on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov grandparents Mrs. Marla (Yehuda Leib, z'l) Newmark, Rabbi & Mrs. Noach and Bitsy Burr and Rabbi & Mrs. Lee Jay and Debbie Lowenstein.
Mazel Tov great grandparents Dr. Moshe Lasson and Chuck & Leslie Lowenstein
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 20, 2026 - While the Chanukah menorahs may have been put away, the warmth of the candles was more vibrant than ever at the L’Chaim Adult Day Center during a lively post-Chanukah candle-making workshop hosted by the JCS Memory Café.
This wasn't just a therapeutic session; it was a joyful, high-energy afternoon filled with laughter and shared stories. Participants dove into the tactile fun of hand-rolling beeswax sheets in traditional blue and white, enjoying a "crunch and roll" sensory experience that was as playful as it was grounding. The room buzzed with energy as participants engaged in this heat-free craft, making the art of candle-making a centerpiece for natural conversation and the building of new, supportive friendships.&nbs...
Baltimore, MD - Jn. 20, 2026 - Former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he will not seek a return to the Government House this year, ending speculation about a potential challenge to Democratic Gov. Wes Moore.
Hogan made the announcement in a guest commentary published by The Baltimore Sun, writing that he would not enter the race despite continued interest from supporters and political observers.
Although Hogan never formally declared his candidacy, recent polling suggested Moore would have entered the contest with an advantage. A hypothetical matchup conducted by Gonzales Research and Media Services showed Moore leading Hogan 52% to 38%, with 10% of respondents undecided.
At the same time, Hogan continues to draw strong marks from many Marylanders for his time in office. A May...
Baltimore, MD – January 20, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mr. Yudi Goldberg, z’l, father of Mrs. Leah (Avrohom) Margolis.
The kevurah will take place at Eretz HaChaim Cemetery in Beit Shemesh tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.
Mrs. Margolis will be returning to Baltimore and will sit shiva at 2534 Farringdon Road, Baltimore, MD 21209 Monday evening through Wednesday morning.
Details to follow
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 20, 2026 - Jars of Tazah Grape Molasses, produced in Turkey and distributed by Karabetian Import & Distribution Inc. of Los Angeles, CA, bear an unauthorized STAR-K symbol. Corrective action is being taken.
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shua and Hannah Schuchman on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Eitan and Ariella Schuchman
Mazel Tov to great-grandparents Michael and Sherry Bohm
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 20, 2026 - As quickly as it arrived, state health data shows that Maryland may now be on a downward trend of a “severe” influenza surge occurring over the winter holidays and early January.
But public health officials say now is not the time for Marylanders to let up on protective measures and public health practices, as the season is not over yet. There have already been 14 flu-related deaths in Maryland so far this year, already doubling last year’s death toll, with weeks left in the current flu season. Last year’s season did not peak until February.
“We’re seeing a bad flu season,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.
“It’s not too late to get your flu shot&h...
Baltimore, MD- Jan. 20, 2026 - More than half of Marylanders support local jurisdictions having some coordination with federal immigration enforcement inside detention facilities, according to a new poll obtained by FOX45 News.
The Gonzales Poll, conducted Dec. 21 through Jan. 6, shows approximately 54% of Marylanders support giving local jails the legal authority to run background checks on all detainees in cooperation with ICE. The poll was conducted for the Maryland Freedom Caucus, a caucus in the House of Delegates with seven Republican members from the chamber.
Currently, eight jurisdictions in Maryland have opted to participate in a program called 287(g), which allows officers in detention facilities to alert federal immigration authorities if someone who’s already in c...
Away for Shabbos?
Managing Appliances in Your Airbnb
Click here to register
Leaving town for "Yeshiva Week"? Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rabbi Zvi Holland will discuss what to do when you spend Shabbos at an Airbnb, specifically how to manage the appliances on the property. Topics to be discussed will include:
Understanding Sabbath Mode: which appliances require it and how to identify whether the appliances in your rental are equipped
When Sabbath Mode is not available: practical halachic options and solutions
Kashrus considerations in an Airbnb kitchen: what guests need to know
Using a hot water urn: permissible use and common concernsYOUR questions
To submit questions:
Email us prior to the program at webinar@star-k.org
Ask questions via chat during the show
Th...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moshe and Sarah Binder on the birth of Ahava.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Shmuel and Margie Binder and Blaine and Barbara Mischel
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Eliezer and Penina Nemani on the birth of a daughter.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 20, 2026 - 9:18AM (BJL) - There is significant firefighter activity at the Falstaff Manor Apartments on Romaric Court, near the intersection of Fallstaff and Clarks Lane. The road is shut down on Clarks Lane from Fallstaff to Willow GlenAvoid the area
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a direct and tense conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the composition of the Gaza Executive Board, despite an earlier public statement indicating that the matter would be handled by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Saturday night that Netanyahu had instructed Sa’ar to raise Israel’s objections with Rubio over the announcement of the board’s members. However, Channel 12 is reporting that Netanyahu himself spoke directly with Rubio, managing the contacts with Washington personally while presenting Sa’ar as leading the dialogue due to the political and public sensitivity of the issue.
The report stated that Netanyahu’s primary criticism...
Towson, MD - Jan. 19, 2026 – (BJL) A third-alarm high-rise apartment fire was reported at 204 E. Joppa Road in Towson. Crews arrived to find fire on the third floor, with firefighters conducting multiple civilian rescues. The extent of injuries is currently unknown. Command has reported the fire is out. Joppa Road has been shut down
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 19, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Chait on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel Tov grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Kravetz
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
More articles
|
Fri 4:59 pm
Fri 4:59 pm
