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.
One of the Torah’s fundamental principles, cited in Parshas Mishpatim, is the concept of eyen tachas eyen, shayn tachas sheyn – that the Torah ascribes punishments on a mida k’neged midah basis. Nevertheless, within this framework, we understand that the Torah does not literally call for blinding one who blinds or cutting off the arm of one who steals, rather monetary damages are paid to the victim of a crime by the perpetrator. This doctrine is consistent with the Torah’s approach to the Eved Ivri. (21:2) There are two ways in which a person can become an Eved Ivri. Either, one chooses to sell himself so as to eliminate the burden of supporting himself for a period of time or Bais Din may sell someone into avdus if they steal and are unable ...
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Baltimore, MD - Jan. 16, 2022 - Accu Testing is now expanding our hours to be able to accommodate the community needs. Starting tomorrow Monday January 17, we will be open at 122 Slade Ave Monday thru Thursday ALL DAY from 9am until 8:15pm. Sunday hours remain 10am-12pm and 7-815pm and Friday 730am-11am. Click here to register.
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For decades after its liberation, Jews of all affiliations – or no affiliation – prayed at the Kotel in accordance with the 1,500-year-old prayer tradition at the site.
Recently, the Reform movement orchestrated a crisis in “Diaspora-Israel relations” and convinced Israeli politicians that a “Kotel Compromise” is necessary. Following negotiations between the Israeli government, Women of the Wall, and Reform and Conservative movements, the Israeli government’s solution – the Kotel Compromise – would partition the Kotel into two plazas – the “traditional” Kotel Plaza, and a heterodox plaza for mixed prayer. This, said the Reform and Conservative movements, would mend the rift between Diaspora Jews and Israel.
With the ...
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Updated as of 9:15AM - Baltimore, MD - Jan. 27, 2022 - Moshe (Miki) Rosenfeld will be concluding shiva in Baltimore from Thursday 12pm through Sunday morning at his home, 6512 Baythorne Road, Baltimore, MD, 21209. Minyanim:Thurs.: Mincha/Maariv 5:05pmFriday: Shacharis 7:00amFriday: Mincha 3:00pmSunday: Shacharis 7:30amShiva times:Thursday Noon - 10:30pmFriday 7:45am - 3:00pmMotzaei Shabbos 6:45pm - 10:30pm ***Baltimore, MD – Jan. 23, 2022 - It is with regret that BaltimoreJewishLife.co...
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan 27, 2022 - 3:20AM - Yerushalayim is currently receiving a real snowstorm the likes of which it has not experienced in a very long time.
The photos below were just taken and it is still snowing heavily.
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.
Orange juice has been getting more expensive, and now forecasters say frost could hurt groves in Florida, the nation’s biggest supplier.
Most of the state’s growing areas are under a frost watch, and temperatures could descend this weekend below 30 degrees Fahrenheit by Sunday morning, according to Drew Lerner, the president of World Weather. Cold winds could hurt developing fruit and further reduce yields, tightening supplies at a time of surging costs.
Futures are trading at the highest since 2018 in New York and have climbed 35% in the past year driven by shrinking supplies.
The Sunshine state was already on track to harvest the smallest crop since the 1940s due to decades-long damage from citrus greening disease, which shrivels fruit and kills trees. This has raised main...
Boris Johnson batted away calls from opposition Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer for him to resign over allegations of rule-breaking parties at Downing Street during lockdown.Johnson told the House of Commons that he couldn’t comment on the matter while it’s still under investigation, and reiterated a promise to publish senior civil servant Sue Gray’s report once he’s received it. The exact timing of that has been thrown into disarray by the surprise announcement on Tuesday of a separate probe by the Metropolitan Police.
Several Conservative MPs told Bloomberg they would wait for the police to publish their findings before deciding whether to call for Johnson’s resignation. Some believe the outcry over alleged partying is overblown, when the focus should be o...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 2022 - Every Shabbos table offers every Jewish family an incredible opportunity by which they can share their joy for Shabbos, for Yiddishkeit and for HaShem with their children. Unfortunately, our schedules are hectic and many people don’t have the time to prepare themselves to utilize the Shabbos table to its fullest. Therefore, we at ACHIM created TableTalk as a pre-packaged talking points pamphlet which is attractive, fun and has something for everyone. Limited copies are distributed to many shuls on a weekly basis but they are snatched up very quickly. Get yours ASAP or click on the graphic below and print your own.What’s in it and what’s all the excitement about?TableTalk features:• Weekly halachic dilemma creating l...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 26, 2021 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Baruch Gross on the birth of a son.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Proposed Increase to Nonprofit Security Grant Program Comes in Wake of Attack on Texas Synagogue New York, N.Y. -- The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – today applauded Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s announcement proposing to double funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to $360 million to better protect synagogues, other houses of worship and other nonprofits at risk of terror attacks.
Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament spoke alongside Sen. Schumer and other faith leaders at the press conference in midtown Manhattan, calling for the increase to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
At the press conference, Diament stated...
Do not murder.
Do not steal.
Do not bear false witness.
There are any number of direct commandments that set the boundaries for lawful behavior but fewer that carry with them the certainty of God’s response. Kol almana v’yatom lo te’anun – “Do not abuse a widow or orphan… for if you do abuse them, if they cry out to Me, I will unquestionably heed their cry.” (Shemot 22:21-23) “My anger will flare, and I will kill you by the sword…”
The Torah sees the widow and orphan as emblematic of those most vulnerable in our community; those whose physical and emotional existence are most precarious. Anyone – particularly those entrusted to lead the community – who adds to the misery of these poor souls will hav...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 26, 2022 - It is with regret that BaltimoreJewishLife.com informs the community of the petira of Joshua Goldman, Z’L, brother of Dr. Emanuel (Manny) (Noa) Goldman.
The levayah took place earlier today.
Shiva is being observed through Tuesday morning at 2902 Terry Drive, Apt B, Baltimore, MD, 21209.
Please wear a mask when visiting.
Minyanim:
Mincha/Maariv: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Monday 5:05 pm No Shacharis minyan.
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Sherman says 'President Xi Jinping would not be ecstatic if Putin chose that moment to invade Ukraine'
A senior United States diplomat said on Wednesday that the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics could influence the timeline of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“We all are aware that the Beijing Olympics are beginning on February 4th, the opening ceremony, and President Putin expects to be there,” United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said during virtual talks held with Ukraine’s Yalta European Strategy forum.
“I think that probably President Xi Jinping would not be ecstatic if Putin chose that moment to invade Ukraine,” she said, adding that this “may affect his timing and his thinking.”
Another winter storm could hit Maryland later this week. The forecast is still uncertain, but most of the state could see 2 to 5 inches on Friday.
"Confidence is high on an accumulating snowfall across most of the area but remains low with regards to totals," the National Weather Service said in its forecast discussion.
Southern Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula are currently expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Parts of St. Mary's and Calvert counties may get 5 to 8 inches.
The southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties may collect 4 to 5 inches. The northern halves of both jurisdictions are on track for 3 to 4 inches.
Most of these areas are preparing for 2 to 3 inches
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 26, 2022 - 8:15PM (IL) - Watch the snow as it falls pretty heavily in Yerushalayim.
Justice Stephen Breyer will step down from the Supreme Court at the end of the current term, according to people familiar with his thinking.
Breyer is one of the three remaining liberal justices, and his decision to retire after more than 27 years on the court allows President Joe Biden to appoint a successor who could serve for several decades and, in the short term, maintain the current 6-3 split between conservative and liberal justices.
At 83, Breyer is the court's oldest member. Liberal activists have urged him for months to retire while Democrats hold both the White House and the Senate. They contended that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stayed too long despite her history of health problems and should have stepped down during the Obama administration.
Ginsburg's death ...
In a controversial decision by the current Israeli government, the illegal Bedouin village of Khan El-Ahmar will be evacuated and rebuilt 300 meters away – on state land. Right-wing elements blasted the outrageous decision to leave the illegal outpost in place for two different reasons.
Firstly, the government routinely demolishes illegal Jewish outposts and does not offer them the option of staying on state land nearby. Recently the illegal outpost of Evyatar was removed in return for a government promise that a yeshiva could be maintained at the strategic location – a promise which has yet to be fulfilled. The outposts at Chomesh and Kumi Ori suffered a similar fate, with the government refusing to compromise or find a solution for residents elsewhere.
Moreover the illegal ...
On the occasion of the 39th
yartzheit of Rabbi Aryeh Moshe Eliyahu Kaplan, NCSY – the national youth
movement of the Orthodox Union – has launched the NCSY Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
Library. The reissuance of Rabbi Kaplan’s illuminating writings is designed to help
preserve his unique legacy and introduce it to contemporary youth.
Rabbi Kaplan, one of the central figures
in the American Jewish spiritual awakening “teshuva movement” of the 1960s, was
one of NCSY’s foremost thinkers who influenced thousands of unaffiliated Jewish
teens over the course of several decades. The physicist-turned-rabbi’s prolific
output of books, essays, pamphlets and translations of complex Kabbalah works
were clear and compelling. Most notably, perhaps, Rabbi K...