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".
Baltimore, MD — April 23, 2026 — Take advantage of clear viewing conditions for Kiddush Levanah tonight, as deteriorating weather is expected to obscure the moon through the upcoming weekend through Sunday night.
Forecast Highlights:
Tonight (Thursday): Clear with periodic clouds and a low of 52°F.Motzaei Shabbos (April 25): Overcast conditions with light rain and a high chance of precipitation (45%), likely making the moon not visible.
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 23, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yair Reich and Leora Strimber on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Reuven & Estie Reich and Yossi & Rachael Strimber
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 23, 2026 - This past week, the Baltimore community was privileged to host Rabbi Baruch Rabinowitz, an educational consultant, renowned lecturer, and father of an adult child with Down syndrome. A talmid of Rabbi Moshe Shapiro, Rabbi Rabinowitz has made it his mission to highlight the inherent greatness of individuals with disabilities, emphasizing that what may appear as a limitation in this world reflects an especially deep and pure neshama.
The visit, organized by Yahalom MD, Agudah Maryland’s special needs division, partnering with BGCubed, began Sunday evening with a special “Sisters’ Night Out,” for middle and high school girls who have siblings with special needs. Alongside a fun activity and dinner, Rabbi Rabinowitz shared heartfel...
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,...
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.
Talks between Israel and Lebanon began at the White House on Thursday.
The talks are to discuss possibly extending the current ceasefire in Lebanon and continuing efforts to disarm Hezbollah, even as the IDF continues to operate against the terrorist group.
US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he, along with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the US's ambassadors to Israel and Lebanon, respectively, Mike Huckabee and Michel Issa, hosted the "High Ranking Representatives of Israel and Lebanon in the Oval Office."
"The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah. The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS," he wrote.
"I ...
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. 23, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira Mrs. Messody Benhamou, a’h, mother of Mrs. Annie Attar.
The graveside levaya will take place today, April 23, 2026, at 3:00 pm, at Rosedale Agudah Cemetery 6326 Hamilton Ave, Rosedale, MD 21237 Shiva will be observed at 3408 Hatton Road, Baltimore, Md 21208Minyanim:Mincha/Arvit: 7:30PMShacharit: 8:00AM
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 22, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mark Leslie Edelman, z’l, brother of Dr. Robert (Marge) Edelman.
The Levaya will be graveside at Chevra Ahavas Chesed Cemetery, 9780 Liberty Road, Randallstown, Maryland 21133, on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
Shiva will be observed at Park Towers West (corner building) 7121 Park Heights Ave #409 Baltimore, MD 21215.בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 23, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of R' Yona Feldman, z’l.
The Levaya will be held today at 4:00 pm at Levinson's.
Shiva will be observed at 6103 Benhurst Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209, beginning with Mincha/Maariv this evening at 7:35.
Details to follow
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 23, 2026 - Ohr Chadash Academy (OCA) once again hosted their annual community-wide Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, welcoming over 1,000 members of the Baltimore community for a truly special day. Following a beautiful tekes, this year’s carnival-style program focused on Israel’s rebuilding, with participants enjoying hands-on activities like decorating suncatchers, writing letters to volunteers rebuilding the south, creating an edible Kotel, exploring the shuk, and so much more.
Next year in Yerushalayim!
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has ordered the US Navy to eliminate any boat caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
"I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be, that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation." The President wrote on Truth Social.
In parenthisis, Trump mockingly explained why the boats laying mines are small: "Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!"
He also noted that US minesweepers "are clearing the Strait right now. and that he is "hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled-up level!"
President Herzog: “My dream is to get into a car and drive straight to Beirut, to visit that beautiful city, to befriend the good people of Lebanon.” Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 23, 2026 - On April 22, 2026, President Isaac Herzog hosted a reception for ambassadors, diplomats, military attachés, and faith leaders in honor of Israel’s 78th Independence Day at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, Israel.
The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, who spoke of warming relations and peace in the region. Ambassadors and military attaches from around the world posted in Israel enjoyed wine and dairy delicacies from food businesses from the north and south of Israel affected by the war.
In a moving moment, former hos...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 23, 2026 - The vacancy rate is rising at the Towson Town Center, as Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is the next business to file for closure.
The restaurant is set to close on June 26th, according to the Maryland Department of Labor's website.
This closure comes as Capitol Luggage & Leather prepares to leave the mall this month after 15 years.
Nearly two weeks ago, the Apple store announced it would be closing in June due to the “departure of several retailers and declining conditions," according to a company statement.
In the past two years, Banana Republic, Tommy Bahama, and Madewell have closed.
The Towson Town Center currently has a 26% storefront vacancy rate, according to the Towson Chamber of Commerce.
...