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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 bill to end the record-breaking U.S. government shutdown is headed to President Donald Trump's desk after more than 42 days.
Federal funding legislation aimed at opening the government passed in the House Wednesday evening, ending the weeks-long fiscal standoff that has largely paralyzed Congress since Oct. 1. Republicans on the House floor erupted in cheers when the bill prevailed while the majority of Democrats quietly exited the chamber.
The White House said Trump would sign the bill at 9:45 p.m. this evening.Six Democrats voted with all but two Republicans to pass the bill with a 222 to 209 margin. The Democrats who voted in favor of the legislation are Reps. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, Adam Gray, D-Calif., Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash, and Don Dav...
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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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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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Register by NOVEMBER 15th to receive incredible early bird rates!
Discover Camp Bnei Aliyah — the ultimate summer adventure for boys entering 7th grade and up.
Experience a perfect blend of excitement, growth, and inspiration with:
Intense Sports
Action-Packed Trips
Engaging Torah Learning
Uplifting Shabbosim
…and so much more!
Join Camp Bnei Aliyah for an unforgettable Summer 2026!
Under the Auspices of Rav Aryeh Stechler, Rosh Yeshiva of Heichal Hatorah
Spots are limited — don’t miss out!
Register today to claim the early bird special!Click HERE To Register!
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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 - Rav Yosef Scheinerman, Rosh Yeshiva of Roosevelt Yeshiva in Monsey, NY, spoke to the Toras Simcha middle school students after Mincha. Through a mashal from the Dubna Maggid, he illustrated the difference between the enthusiasm of Avraham Avinu during the two days leading up to the Akeidah and Yitzchak Avinu's acceptance of the Akeidah.
Enthusiasm and alacrity bring reward in this world, but the true reward in the World to Come is destined for Yitzchak Avinu for his unwavering acceptance.
That is why we refer to the Akeidah as Akeidas Yitzchak, even though it was one of Avraham Avinu's most difficult tests.
Both are true, and it is not a contradiction.
The White House this evening (Wednesday) denied that the Trump Administration is planning to build a military base in southern Israel near the Gaza border.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the report by an Israeli reporter and responded: “This article was based on a single piece of paper - an inquiry that somebody in the Department of Navy made about an idea that may happen in the future, and this reporter deemed that as an official plan."
She added: “I checked with the highest levels of the United States federal government. This is not something the United States is interested in being engaged in. Sometimes we see reporters take a piece of paper like this and just deem it as official policy, and sometimes that misleads people a little bit.”
...
Baltimore, MD - November 12, 2025 - Marylanders saw the northern lights late Tuesday night and get another chance to see this phenomena Wednesday night.
A G4 geomagnetic storm is likely again tonight meaning the northern lights will reach the mid-latitudes.
The cool colors we see in the sky come from a storm on the sun.
The bursts of solar energy are strong enough to reach the earth's atmosphere.These solar flares then interact with oxygen and nitrogen and produce the pretty colors in our skies.
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 12, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Mrs. Sukey (Stavsky) Gross, a'h, wife of Meir Gross and mother of Layah Mandelbaum, Shayndy Abrahamson, Malkie Horowitz, Mordy Gross, Bayla Hersh, Avrami (Ayala) Gross, Avigayil Bendkowski, Michal Gross, Rivky Bernstein and Shulamis Gross, and sister of R’ Yitzchok Stavsky, R’ Yanky Stavsky, Mrs. Penina Feigenbaum and Mrs. Estie Florans.
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 will be observed at 221 Pine Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701Minyanim:Shacharis: 7:45AMMincha/Maariv: Wed. & Thurs.:4:30 PM - Friday 1:00PM - Sun & Mon ...
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.
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