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 – July 24, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Daniel Dovid Rosenwasser and Yael Englard on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Yaakov & Riva Rosenwasser and Yudi & Jennifer Englard
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - July 22, 2026 - Dear Neighbors,
We are excited to announce the launch of the Home Protection Upgrade Program, a new community safety initiative modeled after a highly successful security program in Monsey. Our goal is to help make our neighborhood more secure while providing every family with greater peace of mind.
Program Boundaries
This initial phase of the program is available to residents living within the area bounded by Fallstaff Road, Clarks Lane, Park Heights Avenue, and Reisterstown Road. We hope to expand the program to additional neighborhoods in the near future.
How the Program Works
Complimentary Home Security Assessment
Residents may request a free home security assessment. A qualified professional will evaluate your property and provide recommendations ...
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 - July 22, 2026 - A new state audit found Maryland improperly continued providing public assistance benefits to a lottery winner and incarcerated people, while uncovering a series of repeat management failures that auditors say have gone unaddressed for years.
The Office of Legislative Audits reviewed the Department of Human Services' Family Investment Administration, FIA, which oversees nearly $1.9 billion in public assistance programs serving roughly one million Marylanders each year.
Among the audit's most striking findings, auditors discovered a recipient who won a $2 million Maryland Lottery prize in July 2023 continued receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, benefits until February 2026.
Federal regulations require households to lose el...
Baltimore, MD - July 21, 2026 - When Yecheskel signed up for a kosher hotel program on his winter vacation, he had no idea that he would be drafted as the ‘emergency mashgiach’; the scheduled mashgiach’s flight was cancelled. It was then that he made a mental note to find a program such as STAR-K’s 13th Annual Food Service Mashgiach Training Seminar, held July 6-8.
Opines Yecheskel, “This seminar was awesome, no words. I don't remember the last time I was screwed to my seat from 9 a.m. straight through to 6 p.m. Only complaint - the breaktime was too short, and I was afraid to take a break otherwise in order not to miss anything…It was very informative - lots of knowledge, thought, and the "vibe" by Rabbis Tendler and Flam and the others made it a...
Baltimore, MD – Jul 21, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yaakov & Chen Abergel on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Bebe Abergel and Shai & Tami Tsaig of Ashkelon Israel
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – July 21, 2026 – (BJL) At this time, all projections indicate that there is no need for consumers to be concerned about any Chodosh flour or products until at least August 25th. Further updates will be issued mid-August.
For Yoshon updates, please see star-k.org/Yoshon
Jerusalem, Israel - July 21, 2026 - Israel’s next Knesset elections have officially been set for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Those wishing to participate in these important elections must be listed in the Pinkas HaBochrim (voter registry), which will close on September 3, 2026. Eligible individuals who hope to vote should therefore complete the Aliyah process as soon as possible to maximize the likelihood of being included in the voter registry.
For those already residing in Israel, this period presents a unique opportunity. Chaim V’Chessed has been informed by Nefesh B’Nefesh that its Guided Aliyah program for individuals living in Israel has been expanded and is prepared to make every effort to assist eligible applicants seeking t...
Jerusalem Itself Consoles
There are hardly words to describe this past Shabbat. Dozens of police officers who were wounded in the line of duty came to Jerusalem for a special Shabbat of strength and support. There were lectures, tours, festive meals, songs and, above all — appreciation.
Motzaei Shabbat dancing at the special event for police and their families.
Throughout the weekend, I heard extraordinary stories of heroism. Stories of physical and emotional wounds. Stories from October 7 that we will probably never fully comprehend.
Again and again, one idea came up, something we often hear from groups that visit Jerusalem. The prophet Yeshayahu says: “And in Jerusalem you shall be comforted.” Jerusalem itself offers comfort. It is a source of strength and conso...
Baltimore, MD – July 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef and Huvi Ciment on the birth of a daughter.Mazel Tov to grandparents Rabbi and Mrs. Elchonon Ciment and Rabbi and Mrs Hillel Hexter Mazel Tov to great-grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Perry Ciment, Rabbi and Mrs Shmuel Glazer, and Rabbi and Mrs Naftoli Hexter
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!