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.
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Shalom Bayis. Two words that carry so much weight.If you’ve been asking yourself why communication feels so hard — or why other couples seem to “get it” while you’re stuck in the same arguments — you’re not alone.Bickering, tension, and feeling unheard can be extremely draining.But with the right support, you can gain clarity and connection.I offer direct, gentle, solution-focused guidance to help couples:* Reduce conflict* Communicate effectively* Rebuild connection* Create a calmer, more peaceful homeShalom Bayis doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes you just need tools that actually work.Virtual Sessions available, with flexible evening availabilityYour home can feel different.Visit: FixOurMarriage.solutions or Call: 678-977-0515D...
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Baltimore, MD – January 6, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Susan Bergman, a’h, mother of Nitzan Bergman.
Shiva in Baltimore: Beginning Tuesday night at 3310 Labyrinth Rd., Baltimore, MD 21215 with Maariv at 8:00 p.m. visiting until 10:00PM Wednesday: Shacharis 7:45AM Mincha/Maariv at 4:45 p.m. Visiting until 10:00PMThursday: Shacharis 7:45AM
Those wishing to share memories and tributes may do so at: https://www.remembr.com/susan.bergman
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 7, 2026 - Fresh off a strong showing, Baltimore’s Bas Melech Gymnastics Team traveled to Morganville, NJ, to compete in the JGL Elevate Classic 2025 Competition, hosted by Team Apex.
The JGL brings multiple Jewish gymnastics teams together several times a year, providing an appropriate competitive framework for Orthodox girls at USAG levels to compete while maintaining their religious observances.
Competing in Levels 3 and 4, Bas Melech delivered another confident, composed performance, resulting in an outstanding team victory and leading us to first-place in Level 3 and 3rd-place in Level 4!
Although this is their first year competing, Bas Melech has firmly established itself as a formidable contender in the Jewish gymnastics competitive arena.
Com...
Protests against Iran’s ruling regime continued unabated over the past 24 hours, with large demonstrations reported in the capital, Tehran, and in several provinces across the country.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in southern Tehran, chanting slogans denouncing the regime and targeting senior clerics, Islamist groups, and left-wing activists. The protests reflected growing anger toward the country’s political and religious leadership.
Protesters also referenced a recent post by Elon Musk condemning the Iranian regime, adopting the term “murderer" that he used in reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a symbolic act, one demonstrator hung a sign in central Tehran reading “President Trump Street."
According to reports from Iranian opposition ...
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 - Jan. 7, 2026 - Baltimore police Commissioner Richard Worley discussed the city’s notable decrease in homicides last year and the importance of community involvement and partnerships.
The city ended the year with 133 homicides, which is the lowest Baltimore has recorded in nearly 50 years. Non-fatal shootings also decreased from 413 in 2024 to 311 in 2025.
Worley joined the C4 and Bryan Nehman show Wednesday morning. When asked about the city’s historic reduction in violent crime, Worley gave credit to not only the police department and partnerships, but also the community involvement.
“Without the community support, we could still solve some cases, but nowhere near the pace that we are now, and I think that’s an indication that the cultu...
A major state audit in Minnesota conducted by the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor found widespread failures and internal control problems in the Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) grant program, reaffirming concerns about massive fraud issues.
The report, released on Monday, found that between July 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2024, DHS dished out more than $425 million in grants to 830 organizations, the majority being nongovernmental, and did not show proper oversight in watching over those taxpayer funds, which in many cases were meant to help those with addiction and mental health issues.
The audit found missing progress reports and discovered BHA could not show it had completed all required monitoring visits and had no do...
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, after authorities said she used her vehicle to try to run over federal officers during a targeted enforcement operation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement that rioters began blocking ICE officers when one of the rioters allegedly attempted to "weaponize her vehicle" to hit law enforcement officials in what they described as an act of "domestic terrorism."
"An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers," the agency added."The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. Thankfully, ...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 7, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shaya and Adinah Swiatycki on the birth of a son.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 7, 2026 - In a major development for the English-speaking community in Israel, Chaim V’Chessed, the leading organization supporting Olim with guidance, resources, and advocacy across all areas of life, has appointed former Knesset member Rabbi Yitzchak Pindrus as Senior Governmental Liaison. This appointment represents a significant milestone in Chaim V’Chessed’s history.
Rabbi Pindrus brings extensive experience in public service, having served as Mayor of Beitar Illit, Assistant Mayor of Jerusalem, and a Member of Knesset. His considerable connections with municipalities, government ministries, and senior officials across Israel position him to dramatically enhance Chaim V’Chessed’s reach and influence.
As the s...
President Donald Trump said Tuesday night that Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, to be sold at market value and with the proceeds controlled by the US.
“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!”
Trump said he has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to “execute this plan, immediately” and that the barrels “w...
After ordering from the Kosher Dunkin and receiving a delivery from a non-kosher Dunkin, a community member asked us to repost this valuable interview regarding proper use or potential risks of ordering through food delivery apps.
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - Some topics need to be revisited as technology evolves. Food delivery service apps such as Door-dash and Uber-eats definitely fall in that category. So even though we already covered the basics last year, let’s find out what’s new in this field with Rabbi Sholom Tendler a Kashrus Administrator at the STAR-K.
Dr. Tamar Eilam-Gindin, an Iranian expert from the Azrieli Academic College at the University of Haifa, believes that the Iranian regime is currently in an unprecedented defensive position in response to the ongoing wave of protests spreading throughout the country.
According to Dr. Eilam-Gindin, while opinions among social media users may seem divided, the reality on the ground is quite different. "If you look at opinions on social networks, it seems about 50-50, but if you look at video footage and testimonies from the ground, it's really not 50-50. There are many regime opponents who don’t take to the streets but do tweet. There are many protest videos, but none of them are as full as the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, except for the first day. We are not seeing ...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 6, 2026 – (BJL) Baltimore Shomrim has released its November 2025 Community Safety Update, highlighting call volume, response activity, and emerging crime trends impacting the community. The report outlines how Shomrim continues to work closely with residents and law enforcement to address suspicious activity, vehicle-related crime, and safety concerns, while also providing practical reminders and insights to help residents remain vigilant and informed
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - GasBuddy has released its 2026 Fuel Price Outlook, forecasting the national average price of gas to fall below $3 per gallon for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The projected yearly average is $2.97 per gallon, a decrease of 13 cents from 2025's average of $3.10, marking the lowest yearly average since 2020.
Despite the anticipated relief, GasBuddy warns of continued volatility due to seasonal demand, refinery maintenance, hurricane season, and geopolitical risks.
Diesel prices are expected to remain higher than gasoline but will ease from recent peaks, averaging $3.55 per gallon for the year.
Key highlights from the outlook include a spring peak where prices may briefly reach the low $3.20s, followed by a decline after Jun...
Columbia, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - Columbia, Maryland, has been ranked as the second-best city in the United States to find a job in 2026, according to a new report by WalletHub.
The personal finance company evaluated over 180 cities using 31 key metrics, including job opportunities per seeker, employment growth, and average starting salaries.
Columbia stood out in several major categories. The city has the highest median household income in the nation when adjusted for cost of living, at nearly $129,000, a factor WalletHub says played a significant role in its high ranking. That income level is more than three times higher than Detroit, Michigan, which ranked last in the study.
Columbia also ranked fourth nationwide for net employment outlook, which measures the percentage of employers...
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - The CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools is receiving national recognition. Dr. Sonja Santelises has been named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year. But some feel that scandals during the CEO’s tenure should disqualify her.
“I was flabbergasted,” said Yolanda Pulley, a former Baltimore City mayoral candidate and founder of People Empowered by the Struggle.
Pulley attended Baltimore City Public Schools. So did her children and grandchildren. And she does not believe the school system is doing a good job.
“At this point it's nothing but failure. A failure, failure, failure factory,” Pulley told Project Baltimore.
Which is why Pulley was stunned that Santelises has recently named a finalist for th...
Annapolis, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - With Maryland staring down a projected $1.4 billion budget deficit that state analysts warn could deepen in the coming year, scrutiny is intensifying over how effectively the state protects taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse.
The questions have grown louder amid the national fallout from a Minnesota fraud scandal that federal prosecutors say could exceed $9 billion. Facing backlash, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said Monday he will not seek a third term.
Though Minnesota fraud investigations have been ongoing for years, allegations exploded into public view late last month after media outlets and citizen journalists began documenting what appeared to be daycare centers operating largely on paper -- licensed, publicly funded,...