Israel's chief rabbis, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and US Ambassador David (HaKohein) Friedman were at the Kotel for the very limited Sukkot shacharis with Birkas Kohanim, followed by tehillim on Monday day morning October 5, 2020.
Israel's chief rabbis, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and US Ambassador David (HaKohein) Friedman were at the Kotel for the very limited Sukkot shacharis with Birkas Kohanim, followed by tehillim on Monday day morning October 5, 2020.
Israel's chief rabbis, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and US Ambassador David (HaKohein) Friedman were at the Kotel for the very limited Sukkot shacharis with Birkas Kohanim, followed by tehillim on Monday day morning October 5, 2020.
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Closed to the tens of thousands who attend each year, the event was recorded live and posted on YouTube.
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 20, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dr. Laszlo Leb, z’l, father of Mrs. Ilana Benz.The levayah took place in Providence, RI, on, April 21, 2026.Shiva will continue in Baltimore beginning Thursday evening at 2727 Woodcourt Road, Baltimore, MD 21209.Visiting times:Thursday evening from 7-10pmFriday: 10am- 5pmMotzaei Shabbos: 9:30-10:30pmSunday: 9:30am-12:30pm, 2:00pm-6:00pm and 7:00-10pmMrs. Ilana Benz can be reached by phone at: 508-615-5677
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Baltimore, MD - Apr. 19, 2026 - Safe Green Transit (SGT), a local nonprofit organization focused on reducing traffic congestion and increasing roadway safety through practical transportation initiatives, announced today that it is seeking additional community support as operations continue to grow.One of SGT’s primary initiatives is the expansion of reliable yellow school bus transportation designed to reduce the number of individual vehicles traveling to and from schools, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall roadway safety.SGT currently operates nine daily routes, with two additional routes already confirmed for next year and another four routes presently in the planning stages.SGT would like to thank Senators Dalya Attar and Shelly Hettleman for once again securing $250,...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 22, 2026 - On Monday and Tuesday morning of last week, Safe Green Transit drivers arrived at their dispatch location to find that two buses had been vandalized. One sustained significant damage to the rear windows, costing thousands of dollars to repair.Police were called and a report was filed.As a local community nonprofit organization, Safe Green Transit reached out to Shomrim to request assistance. Shomrim verified with the local police precinct that there would be regular patrols in the area and deployed a camera trailer for surveillance at the site.
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 21, 2026 – 7:16PM (BJL) A major accident at the intersection of Willow Glen & Greenspring is blocking all access down Willow Glen towards Pimlico
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.
Washington, D.C. - Apr. 21, 2026 - US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the ceasefire in Iran would be extended until the Iranian leadership submits a proposal for a deal.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that the US naval blockade will remain in place until an Iranian proposal is submitted.
"Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal," Trump wrote.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, a...
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.
Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 21, 2026 - As I sit here in the Gush Etzion cemetery, beside the graves of Ari Fuld, Lucy Dee, and 17 newly fallen soldiers from this war—along with so many other victims of terror—I’m trying to put into words what feels almost impossible to express.Hundreds of people are around us, swaying in song and prayer. The emotion here isn’t abstract. It’s heavy. It’s alive.I grew up in Baltimore, where Yom Hazikaron was something distant—“a sad day in Israel.” I tried to connect to it, but the truth is, unless you’re here, you can’t fully understand it.The closest way to describe it is this: it’s a national shiva. ...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 21, 2026 - A highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in young children is circulating at elevated levels nationwide, including in Maryland, health officials warn.
Infants and toddlers are at the highest risk of developing rotavirus, which can result in dangerous dehydration, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Symptoms can include frequent vomiting, watery diarrhea and fever, and may last several days or a week.
Rates of rotavirus have been steadily increasing since January, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. In the CDC’s Northeast region, which includes Maryland, the percentage of positive tests spiked to 9.6 percent for the week of April 11, up from 3.23 percent the week before.
Data from&...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 20, 2026 - The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s quarantine order for spotted lanternfly declares the entire state a quarantine area as part of an ongoing effort to slow the pest’s spread.
David Gruchot, the United States Department of Agriculture assistant national policy manager with APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine, said the insects are expected to return this year, with hatch and first instar activity underway now through June.
“Adults are roughly one inch long and one and a half inches wide,” Gruchot said. “They have brown wings with black spots for the most part, but when they open their wings when they fly, they have colorful hind wings that are scarlet with black spots.”
Spotted lanternflies also excrete a sticky, ...
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 20, 2026 (BJL) – FASTMED Urgent Care has confirmed a case of measles at its clinic located at 2827 Smith Ave. in Baltimore, MD.Upon identification of the case, FASTMED said it immediately initiated established infection control protocols and coordinated with public health authorities. Individuals who may have been exposed during the relevant time period were directly contacted and provided with appropriate guidance.Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. While most individuals recover fully, certain populations—including young children, pregnant individuals, and those w...
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 20, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Glila Yocheved bas Yehoshua, a’h, mother of Chaniel Finegold.
Shiva will be observed at 6113 Berkeley Ave. Unit C2. Mount Washington Bartol Manor (Enter the apartment from the ground floor in the back - 2705 Bartol will be on your left.)
Shacharis 8:30 (through Wed. morning)
Mincha/Maariv 7:35
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Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 20, 2026 - On Monday afternoon, April 20, President Isaac Herzog presented the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to the President of the Argentine Republic, Dr. Javier Milei, in recognition of his contributions to the State of Israel.
The ceremony took place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, Israel, with a red-carpet welcome and the IDF band playing national anthems.
The medal was awarded in recognition of President Milei’s consistent and outspoken commitment to the State of Israel, his unwavering support for Israel on the international stage, his solidarity with the families of the hostages, and his deep personal connection to the Jewish people and its heritage. Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Minister of For...
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Nachy and Yali Smith on the birth of a son.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yanky Morgenstern and Esther Shapiro on their engagement.
Mazel Tov Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Morgenstern and Rabbi Yehoshua Shapiro
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Dr. Dawson was the Board’s unanimous selection to begin on July 1; he currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services at the School District of Philadelphia
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 20, 2026 – Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (Board) today announced the unanimous selection of Dr. Jermaine Dawson to serve as the district’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools), effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Dawson is an accomplished K-12 leader who currently serves as the deputy superintendent of academic services at the School District of Philadelphia. He succeeds Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, who will step down at the end of June after a decade at the helm.
“The Baltimore City Board of Sch...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 20, 2026 - When current Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises departs at the end of June, she’ll do so as the district’s longest serving leader in nearly 80 years.
But is the school system in a better place now, than when she took over in 2016? Project Baltimore found that when it comes to many student performance metrics, the answer appears to be no.
July 1, 2016, was day one for Baltimore City Schools’ CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises.
“There has to be a collective accountability for our young people,” Dr. Sonja Santelises said back in April of 2016. “We should have a demonstrated track record of growth and progress.”
Nearly ten years later, Dr. Santelises has become the longest tenured school district leader in the B...
From the outside, it looked like Shmuel had everything a child could possibly want.
It wasn’t just that his family was well-off; it was that his life seemed to unfold on a different level entirely. The newest gadgets and toys appeared in his home almost as soon as they were released. While others were still talking about them, Shmuel was already using them, already moving on to the next thing.
His family didn’t “go on vacation.” They traveled. Constantly. One break it was Orlando, the next it was Cancun. Each trip seemed more elaborate than the last, each experience more elaborate than the one before. His world stretched far beyond the classroom walls, into places most of his classmates had never even imagined. He was well-liked, and no one treated him unkindly.
...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 20, 2026 – When the BOOST application window opened in early March, Agudah Maryland released its annual information guide and noted that final household eligibility figures were still pending federal updates. With last week's release of the 2026-27 income guidelines, new numbers are now available. Many families with household income slightly above last year’s limits may now qualify for tuition assistance through the program.Please find the letter below, with the updated figures, to see if your household is eligible. As indicated on the info sheet, the Agudah Maryland office is standing by to provide assistance to any family with their BOOST application.
Mossad, IDF and ISA Joint Announcement: The Fight to Thwart Terrorism Continues – Exposure of a Secret Iranian Terrorist Network behind an Assassination and Terrorism Campaign Targeting Senior Israeli Officials and Strategic Objectives in Israel and around the WorldJerusalem, Israel - Apr. 20, 2026 - The Mossad, the IDF, and the Shin Bet are, for the first time, exposing a secret Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) terrorist network, mission of which is to strike at senior Israeli officials and strategic infrastructure globally.This disclosure comes against the backdrop of a series of targeted strikes carried out by the Israel Air Force (IAF) during Operation Roaring Lion, which resulted in the elimination of senior officials and key operatives within this clandestine terrorist ...
