Watch: Dr. Birx: ‘We Have To Have A Breakthrough’ In Testing Technology (Video)
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White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx tells Chuck Todd that the White House is focused on a handful of metro areas to understand covid projection paths.
White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx tells Chuck Todd that the White House is focused on a handful of metro areas to understand covid projection paths.
White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx tells Chuck Todd that the White House is focused on a handful of metro areas to understand covid projection paths.
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 21, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Shlomo Aryeh Ribakow, z'l, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ribakow, and brother of Dovid Ribakow, Yehoshua Ribakow, Yaakov Ribakow, Daniel Ribakow, Aaron Ribakow and Moshe Ribakow, Ilana (Chesky) Finkelstein, Adina (Chezky) Kosman, and Shira Ribakow.Shiva will be observed at 3316 Olympia Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215 until Tuesday morning, Oct. 28.
Minyanim:
Shacharis (Fri., Sun., Mon. & Tue.) - 7:45am
Mincha Erev Shabbos - 3:30pm
Maariv Motzei Shabbos - 7:05pm
Mincha (Sun. & Mon.) - 5:00pm
Maariv (Sun. & Mon.) - 8:00pm
בלע המוות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 23, 2025 - The sudden, tragic passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, z"l, has left a deep and painful void in the Baltimore Jewish community and far beyond. While much will rightly be written about his international influence and brilliant leadership within the Orthodox Union, I wish to reflect on the Rabbi Hauer I knew, as my shul rabbi. He was a man of humility, warmth, and deep compassion, whose presence enriched our community long before his rise to national and global prominence.
I first met Rabbi Hauer in the 1990’s, when he began his rabbinical journey at B'nai Jacob on Seven Mile Lane, under the gentle shadow of his esteemed father-in-law, Rabbi Joseph Baumgarten, Z”l., I vividly remember his very first Drasha - July 4, 1992 - delivered with quie...
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 – Oct. 24, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Chaya Statman, a’h, wife of Yossi Statman mother of Yanky (Aliza) Statman, Yitzy (Rebecca) Statman, Shira (Avi) Lipman and sister of David (Renee) Bienenstock.
The Levaya will take place graveside today, Friday, October 24 at 2:00 pm at Lubawitz Nusach Ari cemetery Greenspring Valley Synagogue, 6300 Hamilton Ave., Rosedale, MD 21237
Shiva details to follow
בלע המוות לנצח
In the first Pasuk of Parshas Noach, there is a Rashi which calls out for deeper analysis and explanation. The famous Rashi, “B’Dorosav”, quotes conflicting opinions in Chazal as to what the pasuk means when it says that Noach was a Tzadik “in his generation”. One opinion is that Noach was a complete Tzadik. The other view is that Noach was only a Tzadik “B’Dorosav” – when compared to the Reshaim of his generation. This derogatory description even goes so far as to say “Had Noach lived in Avraham’s Dor, Lo Nechshav Klum- he wouldn’t have been recognized as an outstanding individual”. This Rashi raises several difficult issues. First, it is unusual for Chazal to have a disagreement about a fact. Typically when th...
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.
Of every clean animal take unto you seven pairs, איש ואשתו — husband and wife. Of every animal that is not clean, take two, איש ואשתו — husband and wife. (בראשית ז ב)
The Talmud in Sanhedrin (108b) wonders, Is there marriage for animals?
We never find the reference of 'husband and wife' in Torah other than by humans.
Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani answers in the name of Rabbi Yonasan: The reference is to those animals with which did not violate the transgression of relations with another species.
Rashi elucidates that although female animals will mate with many males, the animals who were privileged to enter the Ark were only those who stayed loyal to their species, not coupling with other ones.
Is that the sum total of marriage, simply stayi...
Rabbi Dovid Fink - Parshas Noach: The Generation Gap
In the first Pasuk of Parshas Noach, there is a Rashi which calls out for deeper analysis and explanation. The famous Rashi, “B’Dorosav”, quotes conflicting opinions in Chazal as to what the pasuk means when it says that Noach was a Tzadik “in his generation”. One opinion is that Noach was a complete Tzadik. The other view is that Noach was only a Tzadik “B’Dorosav” – when compared to the Reshaim of his generation. This derogatory description even goes so far as to say “Had Noach lived in Avraham’s Dor, Lo Nechshav Klum- he wouldn’t have been recognized as an outstanding individual”. This Rashi raises several difficult issues.
First, it is unusual for Chazal to have a disagreement about a fact. Typically when there is an argument in Chazal, they are arguing over an interpretation or theory, not a fact. Simply put, was Noach a Tzadik or wasn’t he? He certainly lived long enough and knew enough people after the Mabul that a legitimate insight into his character could have been obtained. Moreover, what does it mean when it posits, “Had he lived in Avrahams Dor he would not have been anything outstanding”? Noach did live in Avrahams Dor. Noach was born in the year 1056 and died in the year 2006 (950 years). Avraham was born in the year 1948 and died in 2123 (175 years). Noach and Avraham lived together for 58 years!!
Indeed, there is a Medrash which details a specific meeting which took place between Noach and Avraham, when they both tried to dissuade Nimrod from building the Migdal, the Tower. The Medrash relates that Noach spoke to Nimrod and his followers and warned them of the consequences of their actions, that he himself had witnessed and survived the Mabul. No one took note of Noach’s warnings. When Avraham delivered the same admonition regarding the misplaced idea of rebelling against Hashem, people very much took note. Nimrod was so concerned about the affect Avraham was having that he ordered Avraham be thrown into the Kivshun. How could Chazal ask “Had Noach lived in Avraham’s Dor”?
In answering these questions, it may be helpful to pose one more. If Noach wasn’t anything special, he was just superior to the Reshaim of his generation, then why save him? Why go through the whole Tayva process with animals and rain etc.? Why not destroy the world, start over with a new “Adam” and have a Mesorah that the first world was destroyed because of Rishus? Why save mediocrity?
It seems that the proper explanation to all these questions is that there was no factual disagreement among Chazal. Both opinions are in reality saying the same thing. In truth, Noach’s accomplishments for his lifetime pale in comparison to Avraham’s. In the whole time he was building the Tayva, Noach could not bring anyone to repent or follow him. Avraham by contrast was “M’Karev” thousands to the belief in a single deity. The Medrash we cited above makes this comparison rather poignantly. No one listened to Noach when he was warning them about the Migdal. They were however listening to Avraham. What was special about Noach was not the quantitative accomplishments of his lifetime, rather it was the quality of being better than everyone else around him.
We all can look around for inspiration from many sources. We can find someone who does more Chesed, learns more Torah, honors there parents more appropriately etc. Noach had no such role models. He was the best at everything – in his Dor. There was not a single Midah which Noach did not epitomize in his Dor. Being the best in his Dor may not have allowed him to accomplish what Avraham did but if he had been born in Avraham’s Dor, if he had an Avraham to learn from, he would have been even greater than Avraham. That is precisely the Midah that Hashem was saving in the Mabul, the Midah of being able to rise above everyone around him.
This is consistent with the Rambam which states that we should have every Midah to a moderate degree, not too much and not too little. Even jealousy can be used positively if we envy someone else’s Midos Tovos or Torah knowledge and are inspired to be better. Noach exemplified how to look at everyone else’s good points and strive to meet that standard. That Midah allowed him to be considered a Tzaddik. May we be Zoche to learn the Midah of Noach and constantly strive to be better. May we use this Midah to emulate those representing true Torah values.
We had the great honor of marketing a lovely apartment in Jerusalem’s Sha’are Chesed neighborhood for the estate of Yehuda Avner. Standing in Avner’s office and viewing numerous photos of him with leading world leaders felt like I was taking a stroll through the history of the State of Israel.
You might recognize the name Yehuda Avner, as he wrote a wonderful book called “The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership.” Avner was secretary and speechwriter to prime ministers Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir, and adviser to prime ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres. In these roles, he was privy to many conversations of historical significance, some of which are mentioned in the book. One can tell that Avner was a magnifice...
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 24, 2025 - Jars of SUN Q Cauliflower in Brine and SUN Q Mild Giardiniera, produced in Turkey and imported by Quartet USA Inc. of Jersey City, NJ, bear an unauthorized STAR-K symbol. Corrective action is being taken.
The world was engulfed by a torrential flood. Humanity vanished beneath the waters, and creation was reshaped. Never before had such an apocalyptic force swept the earth. The overwhelming presence of the Divine surged through the chaos, leaving no refuge, no escape. Mankind could not withstand the celestial storm that reclaimed the world and began it anew. Yet one family was miraculously sheltered from the devastation. Hashem instructed Noach to build an ark to survive the cataclysm. For 120 years he prepared, warning his generation and readying his vessel. Through divine instruction and tireless effort, Noach safeguarded his family from the waters that consumed the world. Even though Noach built the ark with his hands, it could have been torn apart by the rains and the earth’s erupt...
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this evening (Thursday, 23 October 2025) after their meeting:Prime Minister Netanyahu:"Secretary Rubio, Marco, welcome again to Jerusalem. We've had incredible visits. First by President Trump, in the Knesset, something that will be etched in our history. We had the Vice President yesterday. We have you today.
This is a circle of trust and partnership. You’ve been an extraordinary friend of Israel. Now we face days of destiny. We want to advance peace, we still have security challenges, but I think that we can work together, and by working together, both address the challenges and seize the opportunities, and plenty of both. Welcome."US Secretary of State Rubio:"Thank you for having us in....
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 23, 2025 : Dear TA Family, It is with great excitement and deep gratitude to Hashem that we share wonderful news for our TA family, the establishment of a Kollel at TA. Twenty-seven years ago, TA founded Kollel Birchas Shmuel, a transformative initiative that elevated the level of learning throughout our yeshiva and infused TA with an unmistakable ruach of Torah and simchas haTorah. The impact of that Kollel, led by Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt"l, was extraordinary. It strengthened the Mesivta, inspired our talmidim, and contributed immeasurably to TA’s growth. Remarkably, two members of that original Kollel, Rabbi Yisrael Lefkovitz, our Mesivta Menahel and Rabbi Moshe Kulik, are still part of our staff today, continuing to shape TA’s talmidim with...
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 23, 2025 - As shiva has ended, our experience of aveilus begins to shift from the intense emotion of the past week. But our yearning to be connected with Rabbi Hauer, to absorb his teachings and to honor him, continues in full force. Tonight, we will gather in shul at 8:00 PM for hespedim for Rabbi Hauer, zecher tzaddik l'vracha. We will hear from gedolei Torah who were very close with him, partners who worked side by side with him and members of his extraordinary family. Although there will be a livestream available for those who absolutely cannot come, I strongly urge each of you to make every effort to attend in person, for several reasons. First, it is a tremendous kavod to the niftar and a nechama to his famil...
