ספירת העומר : 36 - היום ששה ושלשים יום שהם חמשה שבועות ויום אחד לעומר
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Baltimore, MD – May 19, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the  petirah of Nomi Gordon, a’h, daughter of Drs. Daniel and Beth Gordon, and sister of Zacharya (Mijal) Gordon,  Josh Gordon, Moshe Gordon, Avraham Gordon, Sara Riva Gordon, Zahava Gordon, and Michoel Gordon. The   levayah will be held at Levinson's today, May 19, 2025 at 3:00PMThe kevurah will take place at the Agudah Cemetery 6300 Hamilton Ave, Rosedale, MD  21237 Shiva will be observed at 3311 Labyrinth Road, Baltimore, MD  21215Minyanim:Mincha/Maariv  8:00PMShachari...
Baltimore, MD – May 19, 2025:Dear Baltimore Jewish Community,  Today, the 21st of Iyar, marks a very tragic date on our community’s calendar. Exactly 4 years ago Efraim Gordon, z’l, H’yd, was brutally murdered in the heart of the Jewish community.As most of you know, Efraim came from Israel for a wedding, a most joyous occasion, and his life was brutally taken. Efraim was a gentle giant with the greatest heart someone can possibly imagine. He was humble and  every person he met was his friend. Many community members joined our family in court for the last three years, while the state did a phenomenal job of catching all 4 culprits in the case and sentencing all of them to life in prison.  We are grateful to all those that showed our famil...
Jerusalem, Israel - May 19, 2025  - The World Jewish Congress (WJC) officially opened its 2025 Plenary Assembly with a moving gala event on May 18 at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, Israel, marking the organization’s first assembly in Israel since 2009. The three-day gathering brings together more than 300 Jewish leaders and representatives from over 70 countries to elect WJC’s senior leadership and set its policy agenda for the next four years. Hosted by WJC-Israel Regional President Sylvan Adams and emceed by Israeli actress and singer Ester Rada, the evening blended powerful addresses with emotional tributes and musical performances. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee delivered a fiery keynote, warning of the threats posed by Iran and its regional proxies. ...
The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to strip legal protections from 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially exposing them to deportation. The court’s order, with only one noted dissent, puts on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that kept in place Temporary Protected Status for the Venezuelans that would have otherwise expired last month. The status allows people already in the United States to live and work legally because their native countries are deemed unsafe for return due to natural disaster or civil strife.
Five trucks of humanitarian aid, including baby food, entered the Gaza Strip today via the Kerem Shalom Crossing, the Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announces, marking the first such delivery since March 2. COGAT says the aid delivery comes “following the recommendation of professional IDF officials and in accordance with the directive of the political echelon.” “All aid was transferred following a thorough security inspection by personnel from the Ministry of Defense’s Crossing Points Authority,” it says.
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A mother’s letter. A child’s fight. Shira urgently needs life-saving care. You can help - but only if we act now. My name is Bracha, and I’m writing not only as a mother, but as someone who deeply believes in the quiet power of kindness. My daughter Shira is a bright, tender-hearted little girl. She’s been diagnosed with leukemia — a cancer of the blood. Her eyesight has already been affected, and the emotional toll on our family has been immense. Shira is currently receiving care in a local hospital in Poland, but doctors have urged us to transfer her to a specialized children's hospital in Vienna. There, she can receive the advanced, life-saving treatment she urgently needs. The cost of this treatment is over $150,000 — far beyond anything we ...
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Following reports that US Vice President JD Vance was considering a trip to Israel, a senior US official tells Axios the visit was ultimately scrapped due to the escalation of Israel’s military operation in Gaza. The potential stop would have followed Vance’s appearance at the Vatican on Sunday for the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV. Vance decided not to come, says Axios, citing the US official, “because he didn’t want his trip to suggest the Trump administration endorsed the Israeli decision to launch a massive operation at a time when the US is pushing for a ceasefire and hostage deal.” Hebrew media reported yesterday that talks were underway to coordinate a visit, with Channel 12 suggesting Tuesday as the likely date. However, a White House official d...
Baltimore, MD – May 19, 2025  - 10:28AM – A broken-down vehicle is currently blocking the exit lane from I-695 to Reisterstown Road, heading toward Hooks Lane.   H/T: Bmore Traffic
Jerusalem, Israel - May 19, 2025  - Ahead of Jerusalem Day 5785, the Western Wall is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors expected to arrive and participate in prayer gatherings and thanksgiving dances in honor of Jerusalem, from Sunday evening through Monday evening. Schedule of festive events and prayer gatherings at the Western Wall Plaza: Jerusalem Day Eve – Sunday | 27 Iyar | May 20 | 19:30 A festive maariv evening prayer service and the unfurling of a giant Israeli flag at the center of the Western Wall Plaza, attended by thousands, with the participation of:The Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, The Minister for Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, Rabbi Meir Porush, The Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion, The Director of the We...
Baltimore, MD – May 19, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yossi Katz on the birth of a daughter. Mazel Tov to grandparents Mr. & Mrs Shlomo Rosenbaum יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Parsha Hashavua
Rabbi Zvi Teichman on Parshas Emor: Keep Your Lid On!

"It's on your head!"


This expression is often hurled at a person about to do something that we suspect will fail with miserable consequences, conveying that it will be their responsibility.


This is used in several places, among them in the episode when King David takes to task the Amalekite proselyte for killing King Shaul, דמך —Your blood, על ראשך — is on your head, holding him accountable for the crime.


The notion appears earlier in the episode of the blasphemer, who cursed G-d is to be stoned after 'all those who heard shall lean their hands על ראשו — upon his head'.


This unusual process is solely employed in this one instance. All other sinners undergoing capital punishment do not require any placing of hands upon their heads prior to their execution.


Rashi adds that the placing of their hands upon his head is a prelude to a declaration made to the blasphemer, "Your blood is on your own head, we are not to be punished for your death, for you brought this on to yourself!"


Why the emphasis on 'his head'?


Wouldn't it be more appropriate to say his blood 'is on his own hands'?


Rav Shlomo Esulin suggests that the story of the blasphemer is unfortunately a familiar one.


There are malcontents who never self-reflect and blame everyone else for their misfortune. The blasphemer, an unfortunate child born from an abusive Egyptian taskmaster who took advantage of his mother, fathering him, sought an identity and a place among the tribe of Dan. They said he was not entitled as he lacked patrilineal descent from this tribe. He blamed them for his troubled state. Taking his case to the court of Moshe, he was told that destiny is controlled by one force, G-d, we must accept His will. The blasphemer criticized Moshe as wrong. He refused to accept responsibility for his future, making do with his situation, he cursed the G-d Who had abandoned him.


One whose angry frustration disallows one to take ownership of one's life, wallowing in bitter accusations the world is against him, can never crawl out of that pain.


It is to this discontented one that we declare, "No my friend, the blood is on your own head, we are not to blame, nor will we be held accountable for it."


The devoted disciple of Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato, Rav Moshe David Valli, directs us to the translation of Unkelos on the word המקלל — the blasphemer, who translates it as, ית דארגיז — the one who caused anger.


He goes on to explain that when one 'blows his lid' with anger it has the capacity to create negative reverberations for others. The placing of the hands on his head symbolizes our containing the anger upon his head alone, preventing it from encompassing others with its force. By asserting firmly this principle, that man must take ownership for whatever comes one's way, we keep the lid on this poisonous force.


We say each morning a blessing when covering our heads, עוטר ישראל בתפארה — Who crowns Israel with splender.


 Tiferes — splendor, is the attribute Tiferet which is the desire to connect and form a meaningful relationship with another. Tiferet, therefore, listens to feedback from the other person before deciding what and how to give.  Tiferet is called the attribute of truth, due to its ability to overcome bias and personal perceptions and discover the ideal method of connectivity and resolution.


It is the key to quashing frustrated anger that stifles us and coaxes us to blame others.


Perhaps the covering of our heads, instilling humble recognition of G-d above us, is the lid that keeps our emotions contained.


Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai in the Zohar teaches about the poison called anger. It is tantamount to worshipping idols, because in lashing out especially towards others, it leaves G-d out of the equation.


With the cognizance of His orchestration of all that transpires in life, we can aspire to achieve that marvelous 'splendor' that dissipates anger in its presence.


About Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai it is sung in the famous piyyut, Bar Yochai: חבוש על ראשך פארך — an aura of splendor bound eternally upon your head.


When we keep 'our lids on' our we are assured to live joyously. If we can't, we are told that the consequence will be 'blood on our own heads!


In the merit of striving to gain that glorious splendor, may Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai keep us away from the negative forces of anger.


באהבה,


צבי יהודה טייכמאן


  





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What Should We Call This Era? It seems to be the dawning of a new Jewish era, and I’m trying to find an appropriate name for it. On the surface, everything appears to be continuing as usual. Political commentators speak with confidence and certainty. Yet beneath it all, a deeper, more surprising story is beginning to unfold—a story of dramatic highs and lows, of spiritual awakening and connection.  Last week, I went to attend the birthday party of Bracha Shilat in Kfar Chabad. She had invited women from across the religious spectrum to participate in a special celebration. Among the speakers was professional dancer Leah Yanai, sister of Moran Stella Yanai, who had been kidnapped from the Nova festival. Leah shared how October 7 changed her life. She began: “On Oct...
While the new regime in Damascus publicly promotes a policy of reconciliation with the Jewish community, behind the scenes, an entirely different approach is unfolding. According to a report by Roi Kais on Kan 11 News, the new Syrian regime has transferred between dozens and a hundred homes belonging to Jews who left the country to local residents. The Syrian Interior Ministry authorized a local entity, headed by Yousef Hamdan and Ahmad Abu Shukr, to transfer properties of "absent Jews" to new owners. This is despite the fact that during former Bashar Al-Assad’s rule, these properties remained in Jewish ownership and were not harmed. Bechor Simantov, a senior member of the small Jewish community still living in Syria, protested to the new authorities, demanding they halt the ...
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Despite opposition from some of the ministers, the Prime Minister has approved the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a meeting of the Security Cabinet on Sunday, approved the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, per the previous decision and in coordination with the security officials. The decision was made despite the opposition by several cabinet ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who demanded a new discussion on the matter and a revote, but his proposal was denied. According to sources who were present at the meeting, the humanitarian aid will flow to all parts of the Gaza Strip and will not be limited only to the corridors. The decision was highly opposed by several ministers who saw this as a...
The IDF has increased the pace of its Gaza invasion over the weekend, expanding its operations in the enclave, killing dozens of Hamas terrorists, and striking 670 Hamas targets, it announced on Sunday. IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin said on Sunday that five IDF divisions were operating in Gaza, which is the first time since late 2023 to early 2024 that such a large volume of soldiers is inside the enclave. The IDF's 143rd, 36th, and 252nd Divisions have been involved since early March and the 162nd Division eventually joined. Previously, the 98th Division was also involved in a Gaza incursion. Each division usually consist of anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 soldiers. For much of the war after the IDF withdrew from Khan Yunis on April 7, 2024, there were o...
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President Donald Trump said he and the first lady were "saddened" after learning that former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer, wishing him a "fast and successful recovery." "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., also weighed in on the former president’s diagnosis.In a post on X, Trump Jr. shared another post that read, "BREAKING: Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery!" "Agreed 100%," he wrote on top of the post. Biden's office confirmed on Sunday that he...
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer just months after he left office, his representatives said Sunday. Biden received the diagnosis of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone after he was experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” according to a statement from Biden’s personal office. The diagnosis arrives as Biden, who was 82 when he left office in January, has come under scrutiny for age-related mental and physical declines he suffered while he was president. The former president had campaigned for ...
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White House envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff delivered an updated proposal to Israel and Hamas a few days ago for a deal to release the remaining hostages and to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, and is putting pressure on both sides to accept it, according to a senior Israeli official and a separate source familiar with the details. Although Israel and Hamas have negotiating teams in Doha, the talks on Witkoff's proposal are currently taking place through other channels, according to the sources. This channel was critical to the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander last week, according to the report. Senior Hamas officials were disappointed that the release of Alexander did not lead to a more positive US stance toward the terrorist organization, a sou...
Baltimore, MD – May 18, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the  petirah of  Mark Singerman, z’l, husband of Lore Singerman, and father of Murray (Shifra) Singerman. The levayah will be held place on Monday, May 19 at 10:30am at Sol Levinson. The kevurah will take palce at Kneseth Israel Cemetery 101 Defense Hwy. Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Shiva will be observed through Sunday morning May 25 at 2A Stonehenge Circle, Unit 1, Pikesville, MD. 21208 Minyanim Monday 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday mornings 6:45 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday evenings 7 p.m. Sunday morning 8 a.m.  The family respectfully requests no visitors between 12-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. or after 9 p.m. Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
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Baltimore, MD – May 18, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dani Rosenfeld & Shaindy Lefkovitz on their engagement! Mazel Tov to  Moshe & Leah Rosenfeld and Yanky & Shana Lefkovitz Mazel Tov to Grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Yehuda Lefkovitz יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!   
In a covert and complex Mossad operation, in cooperation with an allied foreign intelligence service, the official Syrian archive on Eli Cohen – with thousands of findings that were held for decades by the Syrian security forces in a highly compartmentalized manner – have been brought to Israel. The material was brought to Israel close to the emotional and symbolic 60th anniversary of his execution on 18 May 1965, in a main square in Damascus. At a special meeting held today (Sunday, 18 May 2025), with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea, several original documents and personal items that were located in Syria, were presented to Eli Cohen's widow, Nadia. Among the documents were the original will written by Eli Cohen himself, of blessed mem...
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