Watch Live: The 5th World Holocaust Forum: “Remembering the Holocaust: Fighting Antisemitism”
By: BJLife Israel Newsroom
Heads of State from Europe, North America and Australia gather at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, for the Fifth World Holocaust Forum to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The 5th World Holocaust Forum: “Remembering the Holocaust: Fighting Antisemitism”
Heads of State from Europe, North America and Australia gather at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, for the Fifth World Holocaust Forum to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 6, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Simi Franco, a'h, wife of Sammy Franco, mother of Nathan (Jessie) Franco, Abie Franco, Luna Perez, Michael Franco and Jessica Franco, daughter of Janet (Melvin, z'l) Rottenberg, and sister of Mindy (Shmuel)Tolchinsky and Jerry Rottenberg.Shiva through Wednesday, April 15, begins fiday morning with Shacharit at 7:30AM at 11525 Monticello Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20902.The family respectfully requests no visitors:
Between 12 PM and 1 PM
Between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
After 10 PM
On Friday, April 10, shiva will conclude at 5 PM. Minyan Times:Please note there will be NO shiva minyan on either Motzaei Chag or Motzaei Shabbos but visiting is until 10P...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 5, 2026:
Q: There is a bracha which is recited once a year upon seeing a newly flowering fruit-bearing tree. I have a number of questions regarding Birchas Ha’ilonos:
When is the optimal time to say this bracha? Does the bracha have to be said during the month of Nisan?
What rules apply concerning the location of the person when saying the bracha? How far away can you be from the tree when saying the bracha? Can you be inside a house or other structure? Can you be in a car? Is it necessary to be at a site where there is more than one tree?
What limitations are there regarding the type of tree over which this bracha may be recited? Does the tree need to be fruit bearing? How old should the tree ...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 30, 2026:Baltimore Pesach Zmanim 2026 - Eruvs are UP!
Click on the graphic below for a larger, printable color versionClick here for a black-and-white version
Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 7, 2026 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “We are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor, and with increasing force. Yesterday, we destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters. Today, we attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards.”Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday, 7 April 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:"I tell you constantly that we are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor, and with increasing force.Yesterday, our pilots destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters at an Iranian Air Force base. Today, they attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards. They use these to transpo...
BaltimoreJewishLife.com (BJL) is proud to partner with STAR-K CERTIFICATION that realizes that there is no substitute for a person’s own Rav. In an effort to offer a possible solution, it has launched its Institute of Halachah as a public service. Over the years, the agency’s Kashrus Hotline has answered generic halachic questions from kosher consumers the world over, including inquiries regarding the kosher status of foods and certified Sabbath mode appliances. The formation of a separate official division within STAR-K testifies to the need for addressing these issues.
The Institute of Halachah is directed by HaRav Mordechai Frankel, under the guidance of HaRav Moshe Heinemann, STAR-K’s Rabbinic Administrator. It is an invaluable resource for a diverse array of rabbis to discuss general halachic matters, as well as gain access to source materials for shiurim and answers to congregants’ questions.
Shailos for regular or Kashrus shailos may emailed or discussed using this widget.
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 7, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Bayla Bracha Jacobson, a’h, daughter of Rabbi and Mrs. Dovid Jacobson of Los Angeles, sister of Chananya (Mindy) Jacobson of Baltimore, Nechemya (Chaya) Jacobson of Detroit, Elchonon (Hadas) Jacobson of Passaic, Sora (Shlomo) Selkin and Laya (Shalom) Shulman of Lakewood, and Elisheva (Aharon) Zuckerberg of Queens.
The levaya will take place at noon today, Tuesday, April 7, at King Solomon Cemetery in Clifton, NJ.
Shiva details (in Lakewood) to follow.
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 7, 2026 – (BJL) Heavy fire activity reported at 11 Slade Ave, with numerous fire trucks responding from multiple directions. Expect significant delays in the area.
During the Second Temple, the Greek empire reigned (over Israel),1 and they (the Greeks) passed decrees against the Jews and (tried) to erase their religion, and did not allow them to carry out Torah (study) or the commandments. They put their hands on their property and their daughters. They entered the Temple, destroyed and made the pure unclean. The Jews were in great distress because of them and were much oppressed, until the G-d of their fathers had mercy on them, delivering them from their hands and saving them. Then overcame, the sons of the Hasmonean High Priest, (the Greeks) and killed them and saved the Jews from their hands. They appointed a king from the Priests, and the kingdom of Israel was restored for more than 200 years until the destruction of (the) second (Temple). When the Jews overcame their enemies and destroyed them, it was the 25th of Kislev2 when they entered the Sanctuary (inner room) and did not find pure (olive) oil in the Temple, except one jar sealed with seal of the High Priest, and it did not contain enough to light except for one day only. But they lit from it the lamps of the Menorah3 for eight days, until they could crush olives and produce a (new quantity) of pure oil. For these reasons, decreed the Sages of that generation that these eight days that begin on the 25th Kislev, will be days of joy and praise. One lights on them lamps at evening at the entrance to the houses, every evening of the eight nights to show off and demonstrate the miracle. These days are called ''Hanukah'' that is to say ''they rested'' (chanu) on the ''25'' ('th of the month) because on the 25th they rested from their enemies. and also because of those days they (re)-dedicated the house (Temple) which their foes had defiled. Also some say that it is a commandment to increase slightly the festive meals on Hanukah. Another reason is because the work of (building) the Sanctuary (in the desert) was completed in these days. One should tell one's children the story of the miracles that were done for our fore-fathers in those days, (see Josephus) However, these meals are not considered as part of the commandment unless one says at the meal songs of praise. One should increase charity in these Hanukah days, for this can help mend any defects in our souls. This charity, should be given particularly to poor Torah scholars. (KSA 139:1) 1) 352 BCE until 70 CE 2) 139 BCE 3) The Menorah was made of gold and had seven branches.
Baltimore, MD — Apr. 7, 2026 — 9:10 AM (BJL) — A Freeze Warning has been issued for the Baltimore area, effective from midnight tonight through 9:00 AM Wednesday, April 8.
After a relatively mild day, temperatures are expected to drop sharply overnight into the upper 20s and low 30s. Prepare for a winter-like chill by tomorrow morning.
Conditions are expected to remain dry, but the cold will be biting until mid-morning Wednesday.
US President Donald Trump warned that a civilization will "die tonight" if Iran does not accede to his ultimatum to reach an agreement to end the current war.
"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform this afternoon. "I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will."
"However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!" he said.
Yesterday, the President gave a speech in whi...
On the 7th day of Pesach, we commemorate the Greatest Nes done in the presence of man. 600,000 people witnessed the Splitting of the Sea and all of the other associated miracles. Indeed, the Nes was of such a magnitude that Moshe Rabbeinu and all of the men busrt out into Shira – song to commemorate, admire and appreciate what Hashem had just done for them. Then, the Torah diverts to tell us that Miriam Haniviya took drums and all the women sang Shira with her. In telling us that Miriam also sang Shira, the Torah repeats one Pasuk and one Pasuk only, in alluding to her having sung the whole Shira. The Pasuk says “Sus Verochvo Rama Vayam” – That the horse and its rider were drowned in the sea.
Why was this Pasuk chosen and associated with Miriam and the women singing Shira? Moreover, why do we emphasize that the horse was drowned with its rider? Did the horse have any choice in his conduct? The Gemara (Sotah 11b ) explains that it was the women of Klal Yisroel in whose Zchus Yitzias Mitzrayim was possible. It was the women who maintained the Jewish names of their children, it was the women who enticed the men to continue having children while suffering under slavery, it was the women who maintained the purity of the home under the most oppressive conditions. In fact, Rashi says that was why Miriam had drums with her. So certain were the women that Hashem would continue to perform miracles for them as they left Mitzrayim, that they wanted to be prepared to celebrate.
With this we can begin to understand these Psukim. Bnei Yisroel cross the Yom Suf on dry land after it’s waters split and they sing Shira. Comes along the Torah and reminds us that it was the women who behind the scenes were the main Zchus for the miracle. Not only Sus but the Mesaye Lidvar Mitzvah is on a higher Madrega than the Rochvo. Hence this Pasuk which places the horse (The Mesaye) ahead of the riders is the perfect illustration of the primary role the women had in our leaving Mitzrayim. It seems only fitting that they still shoulder the lions share of all the care that goes into our prober observance and celebration of Pesach. Today, we still have the Nashim Tzidkuniyos of Klal Yisroel, without whom we would be lost.
On the 7th day of Pesach, we commemorate the Greatest Nes done in the presence of man. 600,000 people witnessed the Splitting of the Sea and all of the other associated miracles. Indeed, the Nes was of such a magnitude that Moshe Rabbeinu and all of the men busrt out into Shira – song to commemorate, admire and appreciate what Hashem had just done for them. Then, the Torah diverts to tell us that Miriam Haniviya took drums and all the women sang Shira with her. In telling us that Miriam also sang Shira, the Torah repeats one Pasuk and one Pasuk only, in alluding to her having sung the whole Shira. The Pasuk says “Sus Verochvo Rama Vayam” – That the horse and its rider were drowned in the sea.
Why was this Pasuk chosen and associated wi...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 6, 2026 – 5:45PM (BJL) - An accident on 795 south by Owings Mills Exit 4 has the right lane and shoulder closed.h/t: BMore Traffic
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 6, 2026 - Please note these 2 important items not listed on the update below:1. Do not visit Dunkin' until after 9:30PM on Thursday evening becasue of the issue of כדי שיעשו2. Safeway is not listed as one of the stores recommended for purchasing chometz immediately after Pesach. Non-chometz items may be purchased. Please see the list below to determine which items are chametz and which are not. Purchases of chometz should take place only four weeks after Pesach, May 8, 2026.
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 6, 2026 - A crash on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County near Exit 12B at Maryland 372 (Wilkens Avenue) is causing major lane closures on both the Inner Loop and Outer Loop, affecting multiple travel lanes and shoulders, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration.
Officials say on the Inner Loop, two of four lanes are closed, including the two left traffic lanes and the shoulder.
On the Outer Loop, three of five lanes are closed, including the two left traffic lanes, the right traffic lane, and both shoulders.
At this time, its unclear how many vehicles were involved or if anyone was injured in the crash.
Baltimore, MD — Apr. 6, 2026 — 12:20 PM (BJL) — A multi-car accident at the intersection of Park Heights Avenue and Hooks Lane is causing significant traffic delays. We suggest seeking an alternate route at this time.h/t: BMore Traffic
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 6, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Rebbetzin Doris Fine, a"h, sister of Judy Garfinkel/Scheuer.
Shiva will begin Motzaei Pesach, Thursday, April 9, at 6113 Berkeley Ave, #A2 Baltimore, MD 21209.
Visting times:
Thursday, April 9, Motzaei Yom Tov 9pm-10pm
Friday, April 10, 9am-2pm
Motzaei Shabbos, April 11, 9pm-10pm
Sunday, April 12, 9am-11am
Shiva will be completed in Scranton on Wednesday morning, Apr. 15
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 6, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Aaron and Naomi Tendler on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Hillel Tendler and Mr. & Mrs. Shlomo Spetner
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 5, 2026 - The community-wide transition for this year’s Biyur Chometz to the Reisterstown Road Plaza was a resounding success, with every logistical detail handled flawlessly. This small sampling of photos reflects just how smoothly the morning unfolded, a testament to the massive coordination that made the move from Pimlico seamless.BJL thanks B. Ansbacher Photography and Yosef Weil w/ Yocha Visuals for their photos
Annapolis, MD - Apr. 5, 2026 - Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is facing one of the most politically difficult stretches of his administration after newly released University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) polls show his approval rating dropping below 50% for the first time during his time in office, while concerns are piling up about his honesty, leadership and the state’s economic outlook.
The UMBC poll found 48% of surveyed Marylanders approve of the job Moore is doing, while 42% disapprove and 9% remain undecided. The numbers mark the governor’s lowest public rating since taking office in 2023 and continue a downward trend from 54% in October 2024 and 52% in October 2025.
Well, it ain’t good,” said Todd Eberly, a political science professor...
Jerusalem, Israel – Apr. 5, 2026 – This year’s Chol Hamoeid Birkat Kohanim at the Kotel, which typically draws tens of thousands of people, was significantly scaled back. Due to ongoing security concerns and the threat of missile attacks, the Home Front Command, police, and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation limited access to the minyan held inside at Wilson’s Arch, located at the northeast corner of the Kotel Plaza.
Birkas Kohanim begin at the 56:42 mark.
Haifa Area, Israel – Apr. 5, 2026 – In the Haifa area, MDA EMTs and paramedics are providing medical treatment at the scene to four casualties, including an approximately 82-year-old man in serious condition who was injured by a heavy object, and three casualties in mild condition with shrapnel and blast injuries. Additional teams are providing medical treatment to four people suffering from anxiety symptoms.
When emergency teams arrived at the street, they saw a multi-story building that had been hit, with extensive destruction at the scene. Residents reported that there were casualties trapped under the rubble on the lower floors. Responders managed to move large pieces of concrete by hand and rescued an 82-year-old man from the debris who was in serious condition but consci...
