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.
Posuk yud zayin in Perek chof heh in Chumash Devarim tells us that we should remember what Amalek did to Bnei Yisroel. That is why we have the mitzvah of Parshas Zachor, to be leined for all to hear.
The Gemara in Brachos, daf mem zayin, amud bais brings down a story about Reb Elazar who came to Shul and found that there were only nine people for the minyan. Reb Elazar freed his Eved Knani, Tevi, who then completed the minyan. The Gemara questions how he was allowed to do that if Reb Yehuda says that one who frees his slave is oiver an aseh that one should keep an Eved Knani forever. The Gemara answers that since minyan is a mitzvah of a rabim, it therefore was allowed.
The Rosh in siman chof s...
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 1, 2025 – On September 1, 2025, at approximately 11:25 a.m., Northwest District officers responded to the 3300 block of Clarks Lane for a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located a 43-year-old male inside a residence suffering from what was later determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Northwest District Detectives confirmed that this incident was self-inflicted. There is no indication of foul play, and no suspects are being sought.
Elul is here. Again.
I look for change. Again.
What can I do that I haven’t already tried?
I’ve got it — I’ll start saying Perek Shirah daily! Or maybe that new segulah tefillah on bitachon my friend posted that’s going frum viral. Or maybe...
Wait a minute. What about the dozens of brachos I recite daily? Do I ever truly think about them?
Maybe instead of accepting something new, I’ll try to work on some of the things I already do.
Listen to a story.
I was asked to perform a bris milah for a new baby boy born to a not-so-Jewish-looking couple. Upon investigation, I was informed that the mother had converted to Judaism about a year prior to the baby’s birth, and that it had been conducted by a certain rabbi known to allow conversi...
Baltimore, Md - Sept. 1, 2025 - On September 1, 2025, at approximately 11:25 a.m., Northwest District officers responded to 3300 block of Clarks Lane in reference to a reported shooting.Once at the scene, Officers located a 43-year-old male inside a residence, suffering from gunshot wounds to his body. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Northwest District Detectives are investigation this incident and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2466. Those who wish to remain anonymous may utilize the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-7LOCKUP. You may also anonymously text a tip by visiting the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website.
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 – Sept. 1, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov Lipoff on the birth of twins — a daughter and a son
Maze Tov to grandparents Larry & Chaya Tova Lipoff and Nathan & Beth Adler
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנותיהם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 1, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dov Chapman and Chany Kaufman on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven & Janine Chapman
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 1, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Yale Newman, z’l, brother of Mrs. Gail Gerstman.
Shiva will be observed at 7121 Park Heights #110, Baltimore, MD 21215Visiting:
Wednesday and Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Motzaei Shabbos: 9:15 PM – 10:30 PM
בלע המוות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 1, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dovid Bender and Miriam Tendler on their engagement!
Mazel Tov Avrohom & Yocheved Bender and Sholom & Rivky Tendler
Mazel Tov to grandparents HaRav & Rebetzin Yaakov Bender, Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Abrams, Rabbi & Mrs. Hillel Tendler and Rebbetzin Feige Gruman
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 1, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Theodore “Ted” Chernak, z’l, father of Wendy (David) Hefter.
The levaya will be held at Sol Levinson today, Monday, September 1 at 2:30 pm.
Shiva will be observed at 101 Brightside Ave., Baltimore, MD 21208
Visiting hours: Monday 6:00-8:00 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 3:00-7:00 pm, Friday 1:00-4:00 pm, Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm
The family respectfully requests no visitors between 12:00PM-1:00pm and 6:00pm-7:00pm or after 10:00pm.
בלע המוות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 1, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Avi & Kayla Wolasky on the birth of a daughter.Mazal Tov to Grandparents Jerry & Sora Wolasky and Oded and Alicia Jacobowitz יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנותיהם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 1, 2025 - FREE FOOD TODAY 11:00AM-1:00PM @ MitzvahMo Headquarters
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 31, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Aron Youseflaleh (Brooklyn, NY) and Ayala Attar (Baltimore, MD) on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Behzad Youseflaleh and Mr. & Mrs. Yitzchak Attar.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 31, 2025 – Customers at the Walgreens Quarry location were asked to leave the store around 4:30 p.m. after a computer system outage halted all transactions. Staff reported they were unable to process payments, including cash.
All Walgreens pharmacies are closed for Labor Day, and the Quarry store hopes to reopen within a few hours once the system is restored.
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 31, 2025 - Monday, Sept 1, 2025 is Labor day, a legal holiday.
Baltimore City:
There is no trash and/or recycling pickup on Monday, Sept.1, 2025.
NOTE: Extended summer hours for DPW Residential Recycling Drop-off Centers will end on Labor Day. Starting Tuesday, September 2, the centers will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Baltimore County:
There will be no recycling collection on Monday, Sept.1, 2025 in Baltimore County. Collection will be delayed by one day to Tuesday, pushing the regular schedule forward. This means the usual Friday trash collection will occur on Shabbos this week.
Please remember to bring your receptacles to the street before Shabbos
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was seriously injured in a freak car accident in New Hampshire on Saturday night, a rep said.
Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized with a fractured vertebrae and multiple cuts and bruises, including injuries specifically to his left arm and lower leg, after his rent-a-car was hit from behind, spokesman Michael Ragusa said Sunday.
“Mayor Giuliani was flagged down by a woman who was a victim of domestic violence prior to the accident. He rendered assistance and contacted 911, remaining on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety,” said Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security.
“The accident occurred after he re-entered his vehicle, which was then hit from behind at high speed.”
Ragusa said Giuilan...
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 31, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moshe & Ella Deutsch on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Shea and Chumi Deutsch and Adam & Phran Edelman.
Mazel Tov to great-grandparents Dr. Robert & Marge Edelman.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 31, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Gavi Rosenbloom and Miriam Jacobson on their engagement!
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Annapolis, MD - Aug. 31, 2025 - Before National Guard troops even stepped foot in Washington, D.C., leaders in Maryland have pushed back on the idea of the same thing happening here. The controversy has grabbed national headlines as Gov. Wes Moore and President Donald Trump sparred publicly about crime in Baltimore and now, FOX45 News spoke with Gov. Moore about the situation.
Gov. Moore has maintained that he does not believe the National Guard is trained to patrol the streets of Baltimore; he has said it during several interviews on national television and in various statements when asked whether he would authorize the use in Maryland.
Data from the police in Washington, D.C. shows carjackings are down 87% since the federal surge of resources, however, and a 45% red...