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.
The Trump administration submitted a notice of withdrawal from the World Health Organization to the United Nations secretary-general, a senior administration official told Fox News on Tuesday, after President Trump for weeks had blasted the WHO’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and what he called its pro-China bias.
The White House also notified congressional lawmakers Tuesday of the official removal, effective July 2021.
"Congress received notification that POTUS officially withdrew the U.S. from the @WHO in the midst of a pandemic," Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., tweeted.
Menendez argued, "To call Trump’s response to COVID chaotic & incoherent doesn't do it justice. This won't protect American lives or interests&m...
After weeks of intense advocacy by Agudath Israel and others, the New York City Board of Health is expected to vote today to allow childcare programs to reopen effective Monday July 13th with safety guidelines in place.
When Governor Cuomo released the NYS Pause Executive Order on March 20, the order allowed for childcare programs, with final decisions left to local municipalities. Unfortunately, New York City maintained that childcare should be only for children of essential workers. New York City’s programs under Article 43 (School-Based Programs for Children Ages Three Through Five) and Article 47 programs (Day Care Services) were shuttered since April 6th. The city...
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Baltimore, MD - July 5, 2020 - TA dinner distribution this week: Monday and Thursday, read below for detailsMonday 7/6: Distribution from 4-6pmMenu: pizza, baked ziti, cheese pretzels, yogurt, muffins, corn on the cob, fruit, milk (allergens: wheat, dairy, eggs)Please do not arrive before 3:45pm for dinner distribution, to allow us to complete our camp carpool dismissal in a safe manner. Cars arriving to TA before 3:45 for dinner meals that are not doing camp carpool will be asked to return later. Thursday 7/9: 17 Tammuz Fast Day, Distribution Times TBA, Two Meat MealsOn all dinner distribution days, please arrive to TA via a right turn only onto campus, approaching from Scotts Level Rd. Do not use your cell phone on campus, or you will not receive meals. We look forward to a safe distribu...
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Baltimore, MD - July 5, 2020 - Join Project Community this summer for Baltimore girls’ block parties in your neighborhood! Starting this week, July 8, for girls ages 4-11. For more information and to register, visit pc20.org/blockparty
OU Summer Programming for girls ages 4-11 and girls ages 14-18 For more information: reach out to Batsheva Schecter (443) 314- 0187 schecterb@ou.org.
Click here to join the WhatsApp Group here to stay up to date.
This summer, the OU will be holding block parties around and a teen program, offering programming around Baltimore to girls ages 4-11, and separate programming and volunteer opportunities for girls ages 14-18.
Every week, there will be a “Block Party” in your neighborhood with a different activity tailored to our community&rs...
Baltimore, MD – July 7, 2020 - It is with sadness that BaltimoreJewishLife.com informs the community of the petira of Sarah Willner, a’h, sister of Emma (Jacob) Exler and Judith Willner.
The levayah will take place tomorrow, Wed., July 8 at Sol Levinson at 12:00p. Shiva calls can be made to Emma at 410-486-5537 (home) or 347-628-9335 (Jacob's cell). Shiva will conclude next Tuesday morning, 7/14
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.
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Baltimore, MD - June 19, 2020 - N’shei Agudath Israel of Baltimore Summer Lecture Series.Click on the graphic below for a larger, printable copy
Baltimore, MD - July 7, 2020 - This Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, my office will be co-sponsoring a produce drive with Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim, Jewish Volunteer Connection, CHAI, BHC and County Executive Johnny Olszewski. For those who are in need or know anyone in need, please spread the word. I am so proud of the collaboration between our residents, faith-based organizations and local government to help meet this moment.
Today is #BlackOutDay2020, when many Black Americans plan to showcase their combined economic might by refusing to spend any money on anything at all. Those who have to buy something are being encouraged to spend their money at a Black-owned business.
Social media personality and activist Calvin Martyr has spent the last two months promoting the campaign after raising the idea in a video that has been shared thousands of time on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Major companies like Procter & Gamble (PG) and Cisco Systems, organizations like the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta and celebrities like rapper T.I. have expressed support for the initiative on social media.
The objective of #BlackoutDay2020 is to force politicians and the business world to end institutionally raci...
Professor Siegal Sadetzki, head of Public Health Services in the Israeli Health Ministry, resigned on Tuesday, voicing harsh criticism of the ministry’s handling of the second wave of COVID-19.
Sadetzki stated in her resignation letter that the country had “lost its way” with regard to its handling of the crisis, and that her professional opinion was being ignored.
“The success in the first wave [of COVID-19] is being wiped out by the rapid and extensive lifting of restrictions. The transition to the second stage in Israel was much faster than in other Western countries. The atmosphere regarding treating the virus and how decisions are made changed fundamentally, and we see the results,” wrote Sadetzki.
Israel has experienced a surge in new coronavirus case...
Hundreds of people participated in a protest against Israel and Israeli annexation in Mississauga, Ontario on Saturday.
The demonstration was initiated by pro-Palestinian students in the Toronto area.
During the demonstration, protesters chanted "Palestine is our country and the Jews are our dogs."
The demonstration also featured calls for violence and the destruction of the State of Israel, including "Palestine will be free from the river to the sea," "we will sacrifice our soul and blood for Palestine," and "martyrs by the millions march to Jerusalem." Read more at Arutz-7
Pentagon leaders are considering a draft policy that would ban the display of Confederate flags at military installations, according to reports.
According to the draft, a copy of which was obtained by the Associated Press, a ban would preserve “the morale of our personnel, good order and discipline within the military ranks and unit cohesion.”
It adds that a “significant” portion of the military population and their families are minorities and “it is beyond doubt” that many “take grave offense at such a display.”
Read more at THE NY POST.
Baltimore, MD – July 1, 2020 - It is with sadness that BaltimoreJewishLife.com informs the community of the petira of Tziporah Hurvitz, a’h, wife of Rabbi Dr Elazar Hurvitz and mother of Nachum Hurvitz and Temima Hurvitz.The family will be sitting shiva at 136-44 72 Ave, Flushing NY; there will be NO minyanim. Nachum will be returning to New York on Wednesday morning and will complete the shiva there. He may be reached at 410-949-4463 via phone, video or DUO Video.
For those wishing to make an in-person visit, Nachum will be available outside his home: 2512 Sommerson Road, Sunday July 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family will be sitting shiva at 136-44 72 Ave, Flushing NY; there will be NO minyanim. The hours for shiva visits are as follows: Zoom Meeting wi...
Baltimore, MD – July 7, 2020 – The BJL story of Anat Klotzman’s donating a kidney is so amazing that, in her honor, there will be a community wide ‘Yasher Koach Drive-By’ this Wednesday, July 8, from 6-7 p.m., at 6507 Shelrick Place. The entire community is invited and encouraged to “drive by”.
Former Military Intelligence Iran branch head says explosions in recent days at Iranian sites increases public criticism of authorities.
Former Military Intelligence Iran branch head Lieutenant Colonel Miki Segal, currently a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and State, responded to an Iranian government spokesman who called claims that Israel was behind the explosion in Natanz propaganda and psychological warfare.
"Iran's under heavy pressure - economically, politically, and internally," Segal said in a conversation with Arutz Sheva.
He says the series of incidents in Iran occurs at the height of the Iranian coronavirus crisis and in the midst of the U.S. sanctions against the regime that are inflicting severe economic damage.
Among other things, the ...
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for the coronavirus, he told reporters on Tuesday.
The embattled right-leaning leader revealed Monday night he had undergone testing for COVID-19 after developing symptoms, including a high fever. Read more at FOX News
Nearly 19,000 bottles of hand sanitizer sold nationwide are being voluntarily recalled due to the potential presence of toxic chemicals.
ITECH 361's one-liter bottles of All Clean Hand Sanitizer, Moisturizer and Disinfectant may contain methanol, which can be poisonous if absorbed through the skin or ingested, according to an announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration on Monday.
The recalled product is used as a hand sanitizer and moisturizer and is packaged in plastic bottles with the UPC Code 628055370130, the FDA said.
Substantial exposure to the toxic chemical can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death, the FDA's warn...
On Thursday, August 13, nearly 500 cyclists will ride more than 50,000 combined miles as part of Bike4Chai. Now in its 11th year, the annual cycling event raises funds for Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network which provides emotional, social, and financial assistance to children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses and their families.
“Bike4Chai is one of the world’s largest experiential fundraisers,” said Yoel Margolese, director of Bike4Chai. “Each cyclist enjoys taking part in the world class ride, but more importantly, they appreciate the opportunity to have a profound impact on the lives of children and families living with pediatric illness....
A study in Spain has found that only a small percentage of people have COVID-19 antibodies, warning that herd immunity will be “difficult to achieve.”
With at least 251,789 diagnosed cases and at least 23,388 deaths, Spain has been one of the worst-affected countries in the coronavirus pandemic, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
The Spanish study, which was published in the Lancet, involved more than 61,000 participants. Experts from the Institute of Health Carlos III in Madrid, the Spanish Ministry of Health and Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health worked on the project.
Just 5 percent of those surveyed had antibodies, a number which fell to less than 3 percent in coastal regions, although this was higher in some other parts o...
JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A Chareidi woman posted on Facebook pointing out the difference between the way Israeli police are treating Chareidim not wearing masks and secular people flouting the regulations. In one instance a wealthy man organized a Bat Mitzva celebration for his daughter with 1000 participants- a clear violation of regulations limiting events to 250 people. Police however said that they would give out masks to guests but did not want to fine people in order not to “ruin the event.”
When it came to a young Chareidi girl in Jerusalem who was not wearing a mask while walking her little siblings down the street, police did not feel the need to demonstrate sensitivity. They detained her, causing tremendous emotional pain, and wanted to fine her until passersby in...