יום ירושלים, Yom Yerushalayim, is an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel declared Jerusalem Day a minor religious holiday to thank Hashem for victory in the Six-Day War and for answering the 2,000-year-old prayer of "Next Year in Jerusalem".
Israeli paratroopers at the Western Wall after the Battle of Jerusalem, 1967. David Rubinger's famous picture.
יום ירושלים, Yom Yerushalayim, is an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel declared Jerusalem Day a minor religious holiday to thank Hashem for victory in the Six-Day War and for answering the 2,000-year-old prayer of "Next Year in Jerusalem".
BJH: Before we talk about the campaign itself, what is SHINE?
TI: SHINE is one of the most important programs at Torah Institute because it reflects a core belief of our school: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. SHINE provides the resources, support, and expertise needed to help students overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. For some children that means extra academic help, while for others it means specialized instruction, counseling, or targeted interventions. At its heart, SHINE is about making sure every student has what he needs to thrive.
BJH: Who benefits from SHINE?
TI: The simple answer is: almost everyone. While SHINE provides direct services to students who need additional support, its impact extends throughout the entire school...
Baltimore, MD – June 19, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Miriam Steinharter, a’h, wife of Bernie Steinharter (formerly of Menlo, now of Lakewood), mother of Mordechai Steinharter, Shira Stefansky, Hudi Steinharter, Gili Blumenthal, Ezi Steinharter, Sarala Plotnick, and sister of Abe Gutman and Debbie (Aaron) Gibber.Kevura in Bais Shemesh Israel (Flight leaves JFK 10:30 a.m. Sunday).Abe Gutman and Debbie (Aaron) Gibber will be observing shiva at 6311 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209. Please note: they will be sitting in Lakewood on Tuesday and will be back in Baltimore for Wednesday morning Shacharis [They conclude shiva on june 25]
Baltimore: Shacharis: 5:15 (Neitz)
Baltimore: Mincha/Maariv: 6:50 (Plag) Lakewood Shiva:...
Baltimore, MD – June 22, 2026 - BJL deeply regrets to inform the community of the petira of Chaim Herman, z'l, son of Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid & Yetty Herman and brother of Yoni (Tova) Herman, Malka Sara (Moshe) Gerstle, and Nachum (Batsheva) Herman. The levayah will be held this afternoon, Monday, June 22, 2026, at Levinson's at 2:00pm. Kevurah will take place at the Agudah cemetery in Rosedale.Shiva through Sunday morning will be observed at 6507 Western Run Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215 The family respectfully requests no visitors between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, or after 9:30 PM.Shacharis: 730AM (Sunday: 8:00AM)Mincha/Maariv: 8:00AMMincha Erev Shabbos: 3:00PM בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - June 23, 2026 - The polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Please call or text any question you have to 443-YES-VOTE (443.937. 8683), and you will receive a prompt response
Jerusalem, Israel - June 23, 2026 - The JNS 2026 International Policy Summit, held June 21–23 at Jerusalem’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, brought together over 900 Israeli and international political leaders, diplomats, security experts, journalists, and Jewish communal figures for three days of discussions on the most pressing issues facing Israel and the Jewish world.
This year’s summit focused on regional security, Iran, diplomacy, antisemitism, and Israel’s role on the global stage, and featured appearances by senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Minister Amichai Chikli, as well as prominent voices from the United States and beyond.
US Ambassador...
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 – June 23, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mr. Gershon Weinstock, z’l, husband of Mrs. Esther Weinstock and father of Eliyahu Weinstock, Simcha Dovid Weinstock, Chaim Weinstock, Yaakov Weinstock, Leah Soloveitchik, Baila Weinstock and Chana (Eli) Neuberger.Shiva in Baltimore will be observed at 6535 Pebble Brooke Road, tomorrow (Wednesday June 24) from 3:00 pm through 11:00PM, and Thursday morning June 25 with visiting from until 8:30AM - 10:00AM
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – June 23, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Stanley Rosenberg, z’l, father of Ms. Rachel Rosenberg
The Levaya/Kevura took place on June 22 in Savannah, GA
Ms. Rosenberg returns to Baltimore on Wednesday, June 24 and will observe shiva at 7121 Park Heights Avenue Apt 508 (Park Towers West)
Visitng:
Wednesday: 2 pm - 9pm
Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm
Friday: 10 am - 5 pm
Motzaei Shabbos: 10 pm -11 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 10 am
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 - June 23, 2026 - The Agudah MD office has just confirmed with church staff at Aldersgate United Methodist Church that prayer services are held upstairs in the sanctuary, NOT in the room where the voting takes place.
Baltimore, MD - June 23, 2026 - I met Izzy Patoka more than 20 years ago, long before I ever held public office. Over the years, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in politics. I’ve supported candidates I later regretted supporting, and I’ve regretted not supporting others.
No political decision I’ve made has proven better than supporting Izzy in all of his elections.
While no two elected officials always agree on every issue, no elected official I’ve worked with has been a more genuine partner or accomplished more for our region than Izzy.
As Rav Sheftel Neuberger, zt”l, often said, “It’s incredible how much can be accomplished when you don’t care who gets the credit.” That perfectly describes Izzy. He...
Baltimore, MD – June 21, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Yael Berger, a”h, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Yossi and Batsheva Berger, and grandaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Yaacov and Chava Drebin and Mrs. Yona Berger.
The levayah will be held today, Sunday, June 21, at 4:00 pm at Levinson's.Click here to watch LivestreamKevura will take place at Chevra Ahavas Chesed Cemetery, 9780 Liberty Road Randallstown, MD 21133.Shiva will be observe at 3210 Timberfield Lane, Baltimore, MD 21208Minyanim:Shacharis: 7:30AMMincha/Maariv: 8:25PMNo Mincha Erev ShabbosShiva visiting hours:M-TH: 9:30AM-Noon, 1:00-4:00PM, 7:30PM-9:30PMFriday: 9:30AM-Noon, 1:00PM-4:00PM
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - June 22, 2026 - Rav Yehoshua Hartman will be visiting Baltimore this week and will be delivering the following shiurim:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Commerce Center Lunch & Learn Shiur: 1:30 PM | Mincha: 2:00 PM 1777 Reisterstown Road, East Building, Suite 354 Topic: A Deeper Look into the חטא מי המריבה
Kehillas Derech Chaim Maariv: 9:00 PM | Shiur: 9:15 PM 6603 Old Pimlico Drive Topic: The Power of Speech
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Women's Shiur – Sova Residence 10:00 AM 6506 Clarington Road Topic: What Do You Mean When You Say "שעשני כרצונו"?
Kollel Nachlas Yosef 12:30 PM 2324 Smith Avenue Topic: Is There Kavod Toward a Talmid Chacham Who Is a בעל מחלוקת?
Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion 9:00 PM 6602 Park Heights AvenueTopic: If You Are...
Baltimore, MD – June 22, 2026 - Tomorrow is the day. Zohran Mamdani was elected Mayor of New York with nearly 70% of the voters staying home. We cannot allow that to happen here. Make no mistake about it, Dalya Attar's opponent has some of the same vile, ideas of hatred that Mamdani has. The difference is we have a candidate on our side who has represented the ENTIRE 41st district over the last number of years, securing much needed funds for the Jewish Community, the African American community, the impoverished and disadvantaged community. Simply put, Dalya Attar has done her job, fighting for everyone in our district. Her opponent, who in the past has thanked Dalya for securing funds for his constituency, is not about representing the d...
Baltimore, MD - June 22, 2026 - Yeshivas Toras Simcha proudly celebrated the graduation of its third graduating class. Together with their rebbe, Rabbi Yitzy Shulman, the graduates completed a siyum on Maseches Tamid, which they had reviewed multiple times throughout the year.Special divrei bracha were delivered by YTS Menahel Rabbi Hillel Shepard, YTS General Studies Principal Rabbi Aharon Levy, and Rabbi Tzvi Teichman, Rav of Congregation Ohel Moshe. The joyous occasion was attended by a capacity crowd of parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends, who gathered to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments. The program concluded with festive dancing and refreshments, creating a memorable and uplifting celebration for all.
Baltimore, MD – June 22, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Zelda Statfeld, a’h, mother of Mrs. Sari (Shlomie) Bienstock and Chaim Statfeld.
Shiva will be observed at 1533 East 13th Street, Brooklyn NY through Thursday night, and then returning to Baltimore at 2404 Shelleydale Dr. on Friday morning until 5:00 pm.
Minyanim in Baltimore:
Shacharis: 7:00 am
Mincha: 4:00 pm
Baltimore, MD - June 22, 2026 - Drivers in Baltimore saw gas prices tick back up last week, even as national averages continued to fall, according to a new GasBuddy survey.
Average gas prices in Baltimore rose 4.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.79 a gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 663 stations in the city.
Prices were still 73.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago but stood 61.4 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
GasBuddy reported the cheapest station in Baltimore was priced at $3.49 a gallon Sunday, while the most expensive was $4.97 a gallon, a difference of $1.48 per gallon.
Across Maryland, the lowest price Sunday was $3.19 a gallon and the highest was $5.99 a gallon, a difference of $2.80 per gallon.
Nationally, the average p...
Baltimore, MD - June 22, 2026 - As part of the community-wide effort led by the Vaad HaRabbonim to maximize our community's VOTER TURNOUT, please join us tonight from *6:00–9:00 PM* at *Kol Torah Simcha Hall* @ 2929 Fallstaff Road to reach out community members who haven't voted yet. HOT refreshments served It's easy: just come with your cell phone — and we'll provide you with the rest.This is a critical election and every vote matters. Can you spare an hour or two tonight?Thank you for stepping up for our community!The Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore
Shai Gross, known to many as “the child from Entebbe,” was hijacked to Entebbe as a child together with his parents. Now, as the Jewish people mark 50 years since the miraculous rescue operation, Shai says it is important to pay attention to the dates and events that shape our lives. That is why he held a special kiddush of thanksgiving in his home last Shabbat.
For Shai, the occasion was an opportunity to thank God for the life he and his family were given, and to remember the heroism of the soldiers who risked their lives to save them, foremost among them Yoni Netanyahu.
Since October 7, the memories of Entebbe have returned to him with new force. He sees a direct line between the hostages who were held in Entebbe and the hostages who were held in Gaza: people who encounter...
Baltimore, MD - June 22, 2026 - Yesterday, June 21, 2026, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA Department of the Mid-Atlantic Area and Israel officially convened for their annual Department Convention at the historic Pikesville Armory. The day was marked by a profound sense of camaraderie, historical tribute, and a forward-looking commitment.
Installation of 2026/2027 Department Officers
A core highlight of the convention was the formal installation of the Department leadership team for the upcoming term, gracefully conducted by National Vice Commander Selina Kanowitz. The newly installed leadership roster:
Department Commander: Scott Schlesinger Senior Vice Commander: Charley Jay National Executive Committee: Andrew Swedlow Judge Advocate: Harvey Kaplan Chaplain: Rabbi Chesky...