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You may have heard that the New York State Education Department recently published proposed Regulations about “substantial equivalency of instruction” required for students attending nonpublic schools. This can have severe ramifications for yeshivos and day schools across the board in NYS, so we wanted to provide some answers to common questions we are receiving about this serious development. Q: How might the proposed regulations affect my child’s yeshiva? A: The Regulations, on their face, may require schools to make major adjustments to their limudei kodesh and secular programming. For example, the proposed regulations specify 1) the number of required hours – as many as 4-5 hours per day, depending on grade level; 2) more than 12 required subjects, including, at the lower elementary level, consumer and family science, visual arts, theater, media arts, career development, occupational studies, etc.; 3) assessment of teachers to an undefined standard. Results, grades, competencies, graduation rates, or other factors regarding equivalency to public schools are not taken into account for these purposes. To view the proposed Regulation click here. Q: Didn’t the court already strike down the SED Guidelines 3 months ago? A: Yes, those Guidelines were thrown out by the NY State Supreme Court in response to lawsuits brought by Agudath Israel, PEARLS, Torah Umesorah, and other groups. However, the court struck down the Guidelines because the State Education Department failed to comply with the technical requirements for new rulemaking. By publishing its “proposed Regulations” in the NYS Register, SED has now started an “official” process in compliance with those requirements. Q: How do the new proposed Regulations differ from the previous Guidelines?? A: The new Regulations are substantially identical to the previous Guidelines. Q: What happens now? A: There is a sixty day public comment period (until September 2) when individuals can voice their concerns regarding these proposed regulations. At the conclusion of the process, the Regulations come before the Board of Regents for a vote, expected this fall. Q: I heard that State Education Commissioner Elia resigned earlier this week. Does that mean this is over? A: No. The impact of Commissioner's Elia's resignation on this issue is still to be determined, but the proposed Regulations have already been published and the comment period is in place. Q: What is being done to fight for parents who choose, and sacrifice dearly, for their children to attend yeshivos? A: The Agudah has been working with organizations in the community - PEARLS and Torah Umesorah, among others - to oppose the newest incarnation of the state's attempt to control yeshivos. It should be noted that the Catholic and NYSAIS independent schools (which, together with Jewish schools, form the majority of nonpublic schools in NYS) also strongly oppose these regulations. Q: Is there anything I can do? A: Yes! SED is required, by law, to read comments submitted. While many have previously signed petitions, which is important, these comments are required to be read by law. We have set up a system, where, with just a few clicks, you can voice your opinion on this critical matter. Q: I live in Chicago, but the overreach of these regulations concerns me. May I register my comment? A: The regulations do not restrict comments to NYS residents.
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Baltimore, MD - July 2, 2026 - The Baltimore community recently marked the shloshim of Karen Cohn, יוכבד רבקה בת מאיר ע״ה - a milestone of grief and reflection for a woman whose impact radiated far beyond her immediate family. To the countless close friends who made up her massive, lifelong circle, she was a fiercely loyal confidante. To hundreds of young singles over the years, she became an “Aunt” - a surrogate mother, an advocate, and a living example of selfless devotion.
Her passing on the 9th of Sivan has left an unimaginable void. For over 51 years, Karen and her husband, Jeff, built a beautiful, vibrant life together. Their home was a place of endless warmth, laughter, and a beautiful legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandch...
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Baltimore, MD – June 30, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dr. Joseph H. Miller, z’l, husband of Ellen Miller, father of Ed (Iris) Miller and Leslie (Adam) Rosen.
The levaya will be held tomorrow morning at 9:00am at Levinson’s
The kevura will take place at the Beth Tfiloh Cemetery, 5800 Windsor Mill Road, Woodlawn, MD 21207.
Shiva will be observed at 3503 Southvale Road, Baltimore, MD 21208.Please park at Pikesville Middle SchoolViisting: 8:00AM-Noon, 2:00-9:00PM Friday until after MinchaMinyanim:Shacharis:Thursday 7:00am Friday and Sunday 8:00am Monday & Tuesday 7:00amMincha/Maariv will be at Plag: 6:55pm - Mincha/Maariv: Thursday, Shiva Asar B'Tammuz: 8:15PMMincha Erev Shabbos: 3:00...
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Your year to grow.
Your year to ask.
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Your year to make it all your own.
Experience real life, not just another year of school, through warm, amazing teachers and thoughtful conversations. Learn about yourself beyond the curriculum, develop a meaningful relationship with Hashem, and connect learning and life in a way that feels personal, relevant and truly yours.
NEW! TTI DEGREE PARTNERSHIP
Work toward your degree while attending seminary. Scholarships, financial aid, and discounted tuition available.
Outstanding Hashkafa-Based Program Designed to answer the questions of the mainstream Bais Yaakov graduate.
Half-Day Shana Aleph
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Comfortable Dormitory In the heart of Flatbush.
Trips, Shabbatons & Mo...
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Baltimore, MD - July 2, 2026 - Explore the latest issue of Baltimore Jewish Home
Click on the graphic below
Baltimore, Md - July 2, 2026 - For many years, the Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore, through the Agudah of Baltimore, provided a Scrip Program that allowed community members to purchase certificates to give to Meshulachim. These certificates were sold at a modest premium above their face value, with the additional funds remaining here in Baltimore to support our local mosdos.
This program was a tremendous benefit to our community, and we are deeply grateful to the Agudah for managing and facilitating it for so many years. Unfortunately, the Agudah is no longer able to continue operating the Scrip Program.
Announcing Our New Program:
Baruch Hashem, we are pleased to share that a replacement program has now been arranged through The Donors’ Fund. The new program will...
Baltimore, MD – July 2, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Lawrence Niemen, z"l, husband Dr. Linda Niemen, and father of Danielle Sarah (Frank) Storch and Aaron Niemen.
Levayah & kevurah details to follow
Shiva will be observed at 3209 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21208
Baltimore, MD - July 2, 2026 - 12:26PM (BJL) Due to a partial power outage Market Maven is currently closed
לעילוי נשמת Karen Cohn (יוכבד רבקה בת מאיר ע״ה) I will forever remember her beautiful smile, and the astounding care she gave to my patientsTamuz
From Sefer HaToda’ah
Summarized by J. Sunness 5772
Associated mazal: Sartan (crab)
3rd Tamuz: Yehoshua halted the sun and moon. (Yehoshua 10)
Shiva Asar B’Tamuz
The main purpose of a fast is to bring us to do teshuva
Five bad things that occurred on 17 Tamuz:
The 1st Luchos broken (Egel);
In Ma’aseh haEgel, why did only Shevet Levi answer to Moshe’s Mi laShem eilai? The zekainim and tzaddikim felt that those few who sinned with the egel were no longer worthy of rejoining the Holy Nation; by thinking this way, the tzaddikim gave power to ...
Baltimore, MD – July 2, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shlomo Khulin and Noa Stier on their engagement.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Jerusalem, Israel - July 2, 2026 - The Maccabiah 2026 kicked off on July 1, 2026, with an impressive opening ceremony at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, Israel.
Under the slogan MORE THAN EVER, the Maccabiah 2026, postponed from 2025 due to the war, officially began with a musical opening ceremony.
The event was attended by President of Israel Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara; Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar and his wife, Yamit; Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion and his wife, Stav; Chairman of Maccabi World Union Amir Peled; President of Maccabi World Union Michael Siegel; dignitaries; and tens of thousands of supporters in the audience.
During the ceremony, approximately 5,000 athletes from more than 30 countries marched in, ...
Baltimore, MD – July 1, 2026 - This morning at Torah Institute (TI), a simple but heartfelt act of kindness left a lasting impression.
According to those in the area, an unidentified parent took the time to go around to the construction workers, personally take everyone's slushy order, and then drove to Royal Farms to purchase and deliver them.
The thoughtful gesture was greatly appreciated by the crew, who have been working hard on the school's construction project. It was a meaningful expression of appreciation for their dedication and hard work especially in today's intense heat.
While the identity of the parent remains unknown, Torah Institute wanted to publicly express its gratitude.
"Whoever you are, thank you. We truly appreciate that you went out of yo...
Baltimore, MD – Jul 1, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Erich & Tsiporah (Orshan) Kauffman on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Bruce & Lois Kauffman and Martin & Sheila Orshan
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - July 1, 2026 - Excitement filled the air as Torah Institute's Pre-1A talmidim celebrated their Chumash Siyum at Ateres Elka last Sunday.Beautifully organized by Preschool Director Mrs. Fleurli Muller and her dedicated staff, the event marked a memorable milestone in the boys' Torah learning. Menahel Rabbi Shimon Hirsch and Sgan Menahel Rabbi Doniel Hexter of Grades 1 & 2, proudly assisted each talmid as they read their individual pesukim before the audience. Hundreds of proud parents, grandparents, and family members gathered to share in the simchah, celebrating the boys' achievements with spirited, leibedig dancing that brought the event to a joyous and unforgettable conclusion.
Baltimore, MD - July 1, 2026 - For over 18 years, Menucha has served as a vital sanctuary for families, providing menucha – rest and peace of mind – through high-quality programming. Rabbi Engelsberg will now oversee these critical operations, ensuring that the organization continues to provide the genuine care and expert programming that Baltimore families rely on. In addition to daily operations, he will work closely with the Board of Directors to advance financial planning and strategic growth initiatives to ensure Menucha’s long-term sustainability.
Rabbi Engelsberg brings a new dimension to the organization, including experience in non-profit fundraising, public speaking, and community engagement. He joins the team following his most recent positio...
In the first Haftorah of the Three Weeks, Yirmiyahu sees a vision of a bare almond branch. He describes this to Hashem as “makel shakaid” an almond ‘stick’. He uses neither the word for branch nor the word for staff; rather, he uses the word makel, the stick used by the shepherd to prod the flocks in the right direction. Hashem rarely compliments nevi’im on what they see, but He tells Yirmiyahu that he saw well. What was special about how Yirmiyahu perceived the vision? He identified an almond branch despite the fact that its blossoms were not present. The almond branch blossoms early, so the shakaid aspect implies that Hashem will act soon in punishing Bnei Yisrael. Three weeks after the almond...
Baltimore County, MD - June 30, 2026 - In Baltimore County, curbside collection (trash, recycling, and yard materials) for Independence Day will not be affected on Friday, July 3, 2026. Normal Friday pick-ups will occur as scheduled. However, because the holiday falls on a Shabbos, there is no collection on Shabbos, July 4, 2026.
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