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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Baltimore, MD - Sept. 20, 2021 - Due to the COVID-19 uptick, the Hatzalah Monoclonal Antibody infusion center is open again with 24/7 service. With the expansion of the FDA protocols, most people who test positive or who are exposed and not yet positive will qualify for treatment.
Early treatment is essential for best outcome.
Call HOB MAB line 24/7 including shabbos and YT at 410-585-0054 option 2 for more info or visit BJLCovid for more information or to register.
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Baltimore, MD - Aug. 26, 2021 - Baltimore Jewish Community Covid Testing Schedule for the Upcoming Yomim Tovim Season:
Aseres Yimei Teshuva:
Thursday Sept. 9 - Tuesday Sept.14 - Regular Testing Schedule.
Motzaei Shabbos Sept. 11- 9:30pm-10pm
Wed., Sept.15 - Erev Yom Kippur - 9:30AM -11:00 AM
Motzaei Yom Kippur – Sept. 16 - No Testing
Friday Sept. 17 - Regular Testing Schedule
Motzaei Shabbos Sept.18 - 9:30PM -10:00PM
Sunday Sept.19 Regular Testing Schedule
Sukkos:
Monday, Sept. 20 Erev Sukkos - 9:30AM-11:00AM
Wed. night Sept. 22 - Motzaei 1st days 930PM -10:00pm
Thurs., Sept. 23 - Chol Hamoed 9:30AM -11:30AM- No night testing
Fri., Sept. 24 - Chol Hamoed 930AM – 11:00AM
Motzaei Shabbos Sept. 25 - Chol Hamoed 9:30PM -10:00PM
Sunday Sept. 26 - C...
Denver, CO - Sept. 26, 2021 - 4th day Chol HaMoaid Sukkos 5782 - The weather could not have been more appropriate for a Denver Daf Yomi siyum on Masechta Sukkos which took place this morning at the home of Effie & Simmie Sonstein in the Southeast section of the city.
One of the magidei shiur, Rabbi Dovid Gertz, delivered divrei chizuk and bracha. The Hadran was said in unison by the chabura consisting of Effie Sonstein, Rick Gershater, Dimitri Kaufman , Rabbi Shaya Greiniman, and Reuven Wortrich. Also in attendance were R’ Zvi Gelt, who also delivered divrei Torah and divrei chizuk, Yaakov Watkins, Kerry Berman and Steve Shapiro, Moishe Gertz, Shragie Gertz, Yair Greiniman, Yedidya Schiermeyer, and Moshe Tuchman. The chabura was honored by the presence of Rosh Kollel ...
The IDF is bracing for a possible barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip later on Sunday in response to the deaths of at least five Palestinians in a wave of Israeli arrest operations across the West Bank.
Two IDF soldiers were injured and five Palestinians were killed during clashes in a series of anti-Hamas operations across the West Bank. The wave of arrests in five different locations in the West Bank targeted a Hamas cell that Israeli security forces had been tracking for several days and was planning an attack. The raids were led by the Duvdevan counter-terrorism unit as well as the Israel Police and Border Police YAMAM and YAMAS counter-terrorism units and the Shin Bet security services.
IDF sources said that it was possible that Hamas would decide to fire ...
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Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas condemned the killing of five Hamas terrorists in shootouts with IDF forces Sunday.
“These crimes are the continuation of an ongoing series of violations and field executions of our people. Should this policy continue, it will cause the situation to explode," Abbas stated.
An IDF officer and soldier were seriously wounded in one of the shootouts, which occurred during operations to prevent an imminent attack by Hamas terrorists in Judea and Samaria.
The IDF said that the circumstances of the incident would be investigated. The wounded were evacuated for medical treatment at a hospital and their condition is defined as serious. Notices of the situation were given to their families.
The officer and soldier were shot by the te...
The Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli military, LTG Aviv Kohavi, lauded Israeli forces for their efforts against a Hamas terrorist cell in Samaria, saying the recent operation foiled planned attacks on Israeli targets.
On Sunday, Kohavi visited the IDF Judea and Samaria Division headquarters, following the gunfight with Hamas terrorists in the village of in Bruqin in Samaria overnight which left two soldiers, including one officer, seriously wounded.
During the visit, the commanders briefed Kohavi about the incident, and conducted a situational assessment in which the latest developments in the region and troop readiness for various scenarios were discussed.
Kohavi said the Israeli operation managed to thwart a number of planned “serious” terror attack...
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas admitted Sunday that the vast majority of Haitian migrants who crossed the southern U.S. border in recent weeks have already been released into the United States, and it is possible that more will follow them.
So far, approximately 12,400 of the people are having their cases heard by immigration judges, while another 5,000 are being processed by the Department of Homeland Security. Currently,, only 3,000 are in detention.
"Approximately, I think it's about ten thousand or so, twelve thousand," Mayorkas told "Fox News Sunday" when asked how many have already been released. He then acknowledged that this number could very well go up as the 5,000 other cases are processed.
"It could be even higher. The number that are re...
Updated Health Ministry guidance for recovered coronavirus patients takes effect on October 3
A Covid-19 vaccine dose will be necessary from October 3 for patients who have been infected with the coronavirus, six months after the positive result of the screening test, the Israeli Health Ministry announced on Sunday.
The "green passport" will be considered valid only after the jab.
The certificate shows the completed vaccination schedule that allows for entry to sporting events, restaurants, hotels, gyms, tourist attractions and other venues that must comply with the government directive.
hancellor makes a pitch for her center-right successor invoking 'stability'
Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Germans to elect her would-be successor Armin Laschet for the sake of German stability, in a strong pitch for her party as candidates made their final bid for support hours ahead of Sunday's vote.
As hundreds of thousands of climate activists led by Greta Thunberg descended on streets across Germany to demand change and more protection for the environment, the outgoing Merkel acknowledged global warming was a major challenge.
But she said that protection was best achieved "not with bans and commands" but with technological progress, as she reminded voters that it mattered who led Europe's biggest power.
In a strong appeal to a predominantly older el...
Positive test percentage, reproduction rate also trending downward, although holidays could effect results
Israel on Sunday recorded 2,616 new daily Covid-19 cases, the lowest in more than a month, according to Health Ministry data, although the Jewish holidays could effect the results since many people stay home from work and school.
The positive test percentage stood at 3.96 percent out of nearly 70,000 screenings administered, also marking the lowest figure in over a month.
The reproduction rate, or R, has also been trending downward, as of Sunday standing at 0.81. When the number is below 1, it means that the disease is on the decline. A number above 1 means that the virus is spreading.
The holidays began on September 6 with Rosh Hashanah and end on the evening of Septe...
Nordic nation to recognize 'green passport' for visitors from Jewish state starting Monday
Sweden announced that starting Monday it will allow entry for vaccinated Israelis by recognizing the "green passport" after imposing a temporary ban on all travelers from the Jewish state due to rising Covid-19 infections.
The Scandinavian nation had instituted the total travel ban on September 6 for Israel, the United States and four other countries that was set to expire on October 31 unless extended.
The move followed the European Union's recommendation to its 27 member states to reimpose travel restrictions on Israel and seven other countries due to rising coronavirus infections.
At least three people were killed Saturday afternoon when an Amtrak train that runs between Seattle and Chicago derailed in north-central Montana, toppling several cars onto their sides, authorities said.
The westbound Empire Builder train derailed about 4 p.m. near Joplin, a town of about 200, Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said in a statement. The accident scene is about 150 miles (241 kilometers) northeast of Helena and about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the border with Canada.
Liberty County sheriff’s dispatcher Starr Tyler told The Associated Press that three people died in the derailment. She did not have more details. Amtrak confirmed the deaths and said there were multiple injuries.
“We are deeply saddened to learn local authorities are now confirming that ...
A member of the Proud Boys organization texted his FBI handler in real time during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., according to a report in the New York Times.
The unidentified Proud Boys member was working as an informant and keeping his agency “handler” updated on the events at the federal building as supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the building to stop a joint session of Congress from validating the Electoral College results of the 2020 election.
During the ensuing melee, one Trump supporter, Ashli Babbitt, was shot and killed by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died after suffering two strokes, and three others died from natural causes, according to the city’s medical exam...
President Joe Biden will not shield former President Donald Trump’s records from the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by invoking executive privilege, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.
Asked about Trump’s assertion that he would fight subpoenas from the Jan. 6 Select Committee by invoking the presidential power, Psaki said that decision ultimately lies with Biden.
While sitting presidents have traditionally used the power to shield certain information and records from the public at the request of their predecessors, Psaki said what happened during the Capitol riot deserves transparency.
Israeli security forces exchange gunfire with Palestinians in separate incidents in West Bank
Israeli security forces exchanged gunfire with Palestinians early Sunday morning in separate incidents in the West Bank during Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrest operations.
Two IDF soldiers were seriously wounded in an exchange of gunfire with terrorists in the village of Burqin near Jenin, an IDF spokesman confirmed. Please daven for David Banjo ben Ilana and Yishai Shimon ben Siegel.
The wounded officer and combatant were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
At least four Palestinian gunmen — members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the West Bank — were killed during the armed clashes.
The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the four deaths during the firefight...
The YomTov of Succos represents multiple ideas within the Torah and the Mepharshim. The Torah tells us that the Chag recalls how we lived in these makeshift houses as we left Mitzrayim. (Behar 23:43) The Gemara questions whether we are commemorating the actual “houses” in which we lived temporarily or whether we are really referring to the Ananei Hakovod which divinely protected us when we were in the Midbar. (Gemara Succah, 11b) Either way, The Gemara concludes we are recalling an event which took place in Nissan, around the same time as Pesach, immediately after Yitzias Mitzrayim, Indeed, Chazal say that Succos would be more appropriately celebrated in the spring but we shifted it to the fall so it would not appear that it was simply a comfortable time to co...
Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb warned Wednesday that “we’re in for a whopper” of a flu season due to a lack of immunity in the US population.
Gottlieb, who helmed the FDA under President Donald Trump and serves on Pfizer’s board of directors, made the chilling prediction during an interview on CNBC about workplace safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We haven’t seen a flu season last year — we’re in for a whopper because we haven’t put immunity into the population in at least one and maybe now two years. When the flu does come back, and it will come back, it’s going to come back very aggressively,” he said.
Gottlieb explained that the nation “hasn&rsquo...
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filed an intent to appeal with the Minnesota state appellate court in his murder conviction for the death of George Floyd.
A jury found Chauvin, who is white, guilty in April of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Floyd, a Black man. The verdict was widely seen as a landmark rebuke of the disproportionate use of police force against Black Americans.
The video of Chauvin kneeling on the neck of the handcuffed Floyd for more than eight minutes during the arrest caused outrage around the world and the largest protest movement seen in the United States in decades.
Chauvin was jailed for 22-1/2 years in June.
In documents filed on Thursday and seen by Reuters, Chauvin raise...