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.
Elyashiv, a soldier in the IDF Military Rabbinate, may have inadvertently saved many lives by providing a religious service to soldiers.
Approximately a month and a half ago, as part of his job, Elyashiv installed an eruv at a military outpost near the Lebanese border.
A few days after the installation, Hezbollah launched an explosive FPV drone toward the area. The drone got tangled in the eruv's string and could not continue its flight.
As a result, the drone detonated on the eruv and did not fall to the ground. No one was injured in the incident.
Elyashiv's fellow soldiers are referring to the incident as a "miracle" as the eruv prevented the drone from striking the soldiers in the outpost.
A senior US official told Reuters that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that will take effect at 4:00 p.m.
Earlier, the US informed Iran that Israel was not expected to escalate its strikes in Lebanon despite the deadly incident in southern Lebanon in which four Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah fire, CNN reported on Friday afternoon.
Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks. The IDF will act to eliminate any threat to our forces and our territory. As I made unequivocally clear, including yesterday, Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long...
This past week I had the privilege to address the entire 4th and 5th graders at Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim — Talmudical Academy of Baltimore, as they celebrated the Hadran Alach project where all the students had engaged for several months in reviewing multiple times the material they have studied over the year.
There were several things that struck me at the event. Every single child, without exception, was enthusiastically studying as I arrived. The joy on their faces was palpable.
It made no difference whether it was the most advanced student or challenged ones. You simply could not discern which category they fell into.
At that moment a thought occurred to me that answered a dilemma in a verse in this week's reading of the portion of Korach.
The gauntlet was thrown dow...
Baltimore, MD - June 18, 2026 – (BJL) There will be no trash or recycling collections on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth city holiday.• Friday’s missed collections will take place on Shabbos, June 20.• Please make sure your bins are set out before ShabbosSummer Heat Reminder: Because summer hours are in effect to protect sanitation workers from extreme heat, collections begin early at 5:00 a.m
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 18, 2026 – 2:55PM (BJL) The traffic lights at the intersection of Willow Glen and Greenspring are flashing.
Baltimore, MD – June 18, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef Wertenteil (Baltimore) and Dina Widroff (Cedarhurst) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Peretz Wertenteil
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Jerusalem, Israel - June 17, 2026 - The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, received the Friends of Zion Award during a special ceremony at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, Israel, on Tuesday night.
The award was presented by Friends of Zion founder Dr. Mike Evans in recognition of Somaliland's support for Israel and its plans to establish an embassy in Jerusalem. Diplomats, business leaders, and guests from the delegation, from Israel, and abroad attended the event.
Accepting the award, Abdillahi described it as a symbol of the growing relationship between Somaliland and Israel.
"It is a great honor for me to receive the Friends of Zion Award," he said. "This award symbolizes the growing friendship and strengthening ties between Somaliland and I...
Baltimore, MD - June 17, 2026 - Early voting ends Thursday June 17th. You may still vote in person on Tuesday June 23rd. 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 constit...
Hadran Aloch is more than a campaign.Yes, over the past few weeks, parents, ambassadors, staff, grandparents, alumni, and friends came together with extraordinary dedication on behalf of TA.But at the heart of Hadran Aloch is something even deeper: the Torah learning of our talmidim.Throughout the year, and especially over the last several weeks, TA talmidim set goals, learned, reviewed, pushed themselves, and grew. Their Hadran Aloch was not measured in dollars raised, but in Torah learned, chazarah completed, and the pride of genuine accomplishment.On Monday, June 15th, that achievement came together in a beautiful culmination of siyumim, song, and Simchas HaTorah.
It was the final moment of this year’s Hadran Aloch — and it captured what this campaign was always about.Enj...
Baltimore, MD - June 17, 2026 - As the school year began to wind down, Jewish Educational Services staff and members of the New Teacher Cohort gathered to celebrate a journey full of growth, resilience, and connection. Our Finishing Well session was more than a celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor a year of learning, collaboration, and transformation.
Throughout the year, this group met monthly to build the foundations of strong teaching practice. Together, they explored classroom management, student engagement, thoughtful lesson planning, supporting diverse learners, and building partnerships with families. With participants from five different schools across the community, each session was enriched by a wide range of perspectives and experiences. The...
The United States is expected to grant Iran an exemption from sanctions on the sale of oil and fuel immediately upon the signing of the agreement to end the war, the Wall Street Journal reported today (Tuesday), citing sources familiar with the understandings between the sides.
According to the report, the clause dealing with relief for Iranian oil exports will take effect immediately once the agreement is signed, which is expected to happen later this week. The move is intended to provide Tehran with an initial economic incentive as part of efforts to reduce tensions and bring the war to an end.
Sources familiar with the matter noted that Iran will be able to immediately begin selling oil and fuel on international markets after years of restrictions and sanctions imposed on it...
Washington, D.C. - June 16, 2026 - Agudath Israel of America hosted a dinner last Tuesday night marking the opening of its new office location just steps away from the U.S Capitol, and honoring Rabbi Abba Cohen for his 36 years of distinguished service as director of Agudath Israel's DC office.
At the dinner Rabbi Avi Schnall, COO, Agudath Israel of America, announced that Agudah’s director of National Government Affairs, Rabbi A.D. Motzen will move to the new office and oversee Agudath Israel's Washington operations.
The dinner also featured remarks from Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Rosh Yeshiva, Ner Israel Rabbinical College, and Martin Marks, Special Assistant to the President and White House Director of Jewish Engagement, as well as a ‘fireside&rsquo...
Baltimore, MD - June 16, 2026 - Over the past year, Mental Wellness Mini Grants from Jewish Educational Services (JES) have provided meaningful support to organizations working to strengthen the emotional wellbeing of children, parents, and families in our community. At a time when young people are facing increasing stress, anxiety, and social pressures, investing in mental wellness is more critical than ever to ensure they have the tools and support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. JES plays a vital role in championing this work, between supporting school counselors, hosting the Mental Wellness Summit, and fostering a culture in which mental health is prioritized.
By offering targeted funding for innovation in school settings, these grants bring mental wellness ...
