The last Yom Ha’Atzma’ut feels like it was a decade ago. The past year has been a long and traumatic one for the State of Israel and for all of us. Those younger than fifty-five do not remember one as challenging for our people.
How should we approach Yom Ha’Atzma’ut this year? Should we celebrate under such circumstances? Should we dance while thousands mourn and heal from their wounds? Should we sing while over one hundred families wonder about the fate of their loved ones held hostage? Should we celebrate the founding of the state that suffered the October 7 massacre and is enduring the subsequent war?
Why We Should Celebrate
Though we need to be sensitive to those suffering, yes — we should still celebrate.
Despite experiencing hardships (and maybe e...
Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2024 - Rabbi Boruch Neuberger shares his voting preferences for the upcoming election.Click on the graphic below for a larger, printable version
For most people, Pesach is already a distant memory. The dishes have all been packed away. But those who participated in the outstanding pre-Pesach shiurim sponsored by Agra D’Pirka are no doubt still feeling the effects of the spiritually uplifting program even after Yom Tov is over.
Agra D’Pirka’s pre-Pesach shiurim were held in four locations – Flatbush, Queens, Baltimore, and Boca Raton. In all, close to 400 people participated in person, and many more were privileged to watch the shiurim on TorahAnytime.
HaRav Aharon Kahn at a recent legal holiday shiur
In Flatbush, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO of the O-U, discussed many relevant and timely issues about Pesach, including post-Pesach kashrus issues. Rav Aharon Kahn spoke about concepts related to Purim, P...
Baltimore, MD - May 13, 2024 - In the realm of Slabodka, ignited by the vision of Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, the Alter of Slabodka, we enter the world of gadlus ha’adam, where our greatness and significance are illuminated. Here, we are called to recognize this inherent significance and weave it into the fabric of our actions.
Conversely, in the domain of Novardok, established by Rav Yosef Yoizel Horowitz, the Alter of Novardok, we encounter the world of katnus ha’adam, where our smallness and insignificance are revealed. Within this realm, we are summoned to acknowledge this humility and integrate it into the essence of our being.
With Rav Yechiel Perr, a son of a talmid of Slabodka and a husband of a descendant of the Alter of Novardok, those two worlds converged.
The r...
Baltimore, MD – May 13, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Rand Feinstein , z’l, son of Rochelle Feinstein and brother of Louis Feinstein.
The family will sit shiva at The Imperial 3601 Clarks Lane #236, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, beginning Tuesday.
There will be no minyanim at the shiva home.
Shiva visiting:Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
2:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Family will get up from Shiva Sunday morning.
Bila Hamaves LaNetzach...
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 - May 13, 2024 - On Monday Unified Command used precision cutting to clear the wreckage on top of the Dali.
Following the controlled demolition, crews are working to survey the debris that surrounds the Dali. From there, they will be able to remove the remaining steel and work toward refloating the ship, ultimately removing it from the channel.
Officials with the Key Bridge Unified Command said the controlled demolition went as expected.
"That will allow us now, over the next 48-hours safely move the vessel Dali inside the Port, from the Federal Channel, and it will also allow us to take out the remaining wreckage, steel truss and concrete pavement at the bottom of the river, get that out of the way, so we can meet our commitment at the end of this month to fully ope...
Baltimore, MD – May 13, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yechiel Reischer & Chaviva Martin on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Sulky & Shira Reischer and grandparents Dr. Marcel & Pearl Reischer יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
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 - May 13, 2024 - As you may already be aware, the JCC in Park Heights is about to undergo a major transformation as it becomes the home of The Associated’s new headquarters.
In addition to new staff offices and community meeting spaces, our J Sports & Wellness facilities will also be renovated and expanded. More details about these changes will be shared with you very soon, but first we want to provide you with updates on what to expect on your upcoming visits to the JCC.
Here’s what you can expect beginning Sunday, May 19
Temporary Entrance Starting Sunday, May 19, our main lobby entrance will be closed. All members and guests will enter through the glass atrium doors, to the left of our current entrance.
Directional signs w...
As we have mentioned many times, Kedoshim contains the most mitzvos per pasuk of any other parsha – 51 mitzvos in only 64 pesukim. The potpourri of various types of mitzvos really runs the gamut. However, there is one aspect of the parsha that stood out to me, going through the parsha. With the apparent lack of direct connection between the mitzvos discussed, one might have expected more divisions between the pesukim with a samech or peh. However, you have to go quite far in the parsha before you encounter the first break. Contrast this with Mishpatim, for example, where there are many breaks between the pesukim.
I wasn’t quite sure where to even look for someone who discusses this but I have come up with a basic, rough idea as a theory of my own. There is a well-known discussion between the commentaries – Rashi and Ramban foremost – about the exact definition of kedoshim. This is understanding the term as a specific idea which stands on its own. However, we can also understand the kedushah as that which is attained through the performance of all of the mitzvos, each adding to one’s level of kedushah.
Perhaps this idea is conveyed in the inclusion of so many mitzvos in one block without a break. This allows us to understand the leading pasuk of our parsha not (just) as a commandment unto itself but as a means of introduction to everything that follows.
Divisions 99, 98, and 162 are engaged in intense combat in the north, center, and south of the Gaza Strip.
Alongside the fighting, the forces held memorial ceremonies for the commemoration and memory of the fallen of Israel's wars and victims of hostilities over the last day.
In the 401st Brigade, every soldier currently in the Gaza Strip received a kit containing a memorial candle, matches, a photo, and the name of one of the fallen, along with a memorial sticker.
"IDF forces embrace the bereaved families and continue to fight in their light and spirit," the IDF stated.
Baltimore, MD – May 13, 2024 - Faces of Orthodoxy is a social media initiative powered by the Orthodox Union. Launched in 2022, Faces of Orthodoxy puts a human face on Orthodox Jews by telling the day-in-the-life stories of diverse religious Jews through portrait photography, personal photos, and journal-style posts. Each season takes place in a different city in the United States. The account highlights everyday heroes of faith who share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs.
The mission of Faces of Orthodoxy is to expose the non-Jewish and non-Orthodox communities to the diversity within the Orthodox community while emphasizing the universal values we all share. The initiative also aims to inspire Orthodox Jews to be proud of who they are, what they do, and what they bel...
Baltimore, MD – May 13, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Aron & Rocheli Rosskamm on the birth of a daughter.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – May 13, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Tzvi and Adena Hefter on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Yossi & Tobi Hefter
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
What Unites Us?
One of the symbols of Israel Independence Day is the annual Bible Quiz. Excited teenagers from around the world take to the stage to be tested on their knowledge of the Bible. When Yuli Edelstein presided as Speaker of the Knesset, he was chairman of the panel of judges for the quiz. One year he gave the following speech:
“I was once a prisoner of Zion in the Soviet Union, a country that no longer exists, thank God. I taught Hebrew and Judaism. I did not know as much as you, but I knew a little, and that was enough to teach other Jews underground. This did not end well. They put me in prison and afterwards in a forced labor camp. I was in Siberia, completely cut off, with no way of knowing anything happening outside, beyond the barbed wire.
“One day, after el...
Baltimore, MD - May 13, 2024 - Gas prices in Baltimore dropped 10.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.54 per gallon, according to GasBuddy's new survey.
Prices in Baltimore are 15.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 14.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
The national average price of diesel has fallen 4.6 cents in the last week and stands at $3.90 per gallon.
"While pump prices haven't exactly plummeted, we've seen the average price of gasoline drop in a majority of states over the last week as refineries finish maintenance and ramp up output of products like gasoline," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "With gas prices now nearing a 10-cent drop to the high we saw a few weeks ago, the futu...
After her son’s heroic escape and death by Israeli forces, Iris Haim’s message of love is giving Israel hope.
Today, one of Israel’s greatest heroes is a middle-aged mother whose son was held hostage in Gaza and accidentally killed by Israeli forces after escaping with two other hostages. Since the death of Yotam, her son, Iris Haim has been spreading a message of love and support that’s buoyed the entire nation.
Yotam was one of over 240 Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. After 65 days in captivity, he managed to escape, along with two other Israelis, Alon Shamriz and Samer Talaka. Five days later they were mistakenly thought to be terrorists by Israeli troops who shot them. Instead of blaming the soldiers or seeking revenge for her son’s d...
Baltimore, MD - May 13, 2024 - Last night, the Baltimore Zionist District, in collaboration with several Baltimore synagogues and organizations, hosted their annual Yom Hazikaron ceremony. The event took place at Beth Tfiloh Congregation and was attended by approximately 350 members of the Baltimore community. Together, we paid tribute to the men and women of the IDF who made the ultimate sacrifice for our homeland, as well as the victims of terror. This year's ceremony included a dedication to the victims of the October 7th massacre, further underscoring the significance of the event and its impact on our community.
Day 220Over a span of 10 days, there are three observances in Israel: Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day), Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day ), and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day). Each of them is powerful, standing alone but intertwined; they give pause from our daily routine and time for introspection. You can summarize the entire history of the Jewish People by these three national holidays. As sad as we may be, there is always hope, and as happy as we may be, there is always sadness. We look towards the future while we remember the past. Nothing describes this sentiment better than "breaking the glass" at the end of the Jewish wedding ceremony. During the most celebrated day of a couple, the groom breaks the glass, symbolizing the destruction of the 2nd...
Jerusalem, Israel - May 13, 2024 - One of the fiercest battles of the Six-Day War was at Ammunition Hill (גִּבְעַת הַתַּחְמֹשֶׁת, Giv'at HaTachmoshet) on the western slope of Mount Scopus. It was the site of Ammunition Hill, now a national memorial site, where a special ceremony was conducted in English for the evening of Yom HaZikaron 5784.
The Michael Levin Base Memorial program began with the lowering of the Israeli flag by Norman Blaustein and the lighting of a torch by Mark and Harriet Levin, parents of Michael H "yd for whom the organization is named.
The Michael Levin Base, founded in 2020, services lone IDF soldiers and lone B'nei Sherut, those volunteering to do national service fr...