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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 - June 8, 2026 - This past Sunday, four of the leading roshei yeshiva of Eretz Yisroel walked into Baltimore. Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Avraham Salim, Rav Yosef Chevroni, and Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband left their yeshivos and traveled across the world because the Torah of Eretz Yisroel is fighting for its very survival, and they came to ask us to help carry it.
We watched a Rosh Yeshiva break down in tears as he described his fear for the bochurim who learn under constant threat, and another explain the contrast that in Eretz Yisroel the lomdei Torah are pursued and disgraced, yet here in Baltimore they are embraced.
From visits in private homes through the packed asifa at Shomrei Emunah, one message was repeated again and again: ish nidcheh, v'ein hatzibbur nidche...
Cincinnati, OH - June 11, 2026 - When Rabbi Chaim Tropp, a menahel in Cincinnati, heard that the city's first Rita's Italian Ice had opened, he decided to visit with his family.
As they entered the store, Rabbi Tropp and his family met the owner, an African American woman in her forties who greeted them warmly and professionally.
Wanting to verify that the store was indeed kosher certified, they respectfully asked to see the certification.
"It's right over here," she said proudly. "We're very happy to be certified. We very much want to accommodate the Jewish community."
Curious about her enthusiasm, Rabbi Tropp asked what made the certification so meaningful to her.
Her answer surprised them.
She explained that she had grown up in a rough neighborhood in Baltimore...
Jerusalem, Israel - June 11, 2026 - The Tower of David Jerusalem Museum is currently hosting a special exhibition celebrating the life and career of Israeli cultural icon Yehoram Gaon, tracing more than seven decades of creativity in music, theater, film, and public life.
A guided tour of the exhibition takes visitors through two galleries chronicling Gaon's remarkable journey—from his childhood in Jerusalem's historic neighborhoods and his service in IDF entertainment troupes to his success on the stage and screen, his celebrated recordings, and his continuing artistic work today.
Born in Jerusalem in 1939, Gaon became one of Israel's most beloved entertainers. Often described as the soundtrack of a nation, his songs have accompanied generations of Israelis through ...
Baltimore, MD – June 11, 2026 – 9:30AM (BJL) – Road construction on the northbound side of Reisterstown Road just past Hooks Lane is causing significant delays. Traffic is backed up past the I-695 beltway, extending south of the interchange.
Baltimore, MD – June 11, 2026 – A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11:00 AM this morning until 8:00 PM this evening.
Heat index values up to 105 degrees are expected.
The United States launched strikes in Iran early Thursday morning, a senior US official confirmed, following reports that air defense systems were activated across several regions in the country.
Among other locations, the systems were activated in Fars Province, on Qeshm Island, and in the capital, Tehran.
Additionally, reports indicate an explosion at the petrochemical plant in Assaluyeh - the largest facility of its kind in the country, responsible for approximately 50% of Iranian petrochemical production. Further explosions were reportedly heard on Kish Island, Qeshm Island, and in Sirik, near the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) also confirmed that its forces "began launching additional self-defense strikes" against "multiple targets" in Iran.
"The strikes are in res...
Baltimore, MD – June 10, 2026 – (BJL) Yet another update on the exciting progress taking place at TI's construction site. Clearing done, grading underway, Stormwater Management Vaults should finish this week. With each passing day, the vision moves closer to reality, B'H, and the remarkable progress is becoming increasingly visible across the campus.
The Torah recounts how after the enumeration of the names of the spies who were to scout out the land, ויקרא משה — Moshe called הושע — Hoshea son of Nun, יהושע — Yehoshua.
The Rashbam adds that it was customary for a ruler to confer a name upon those who were appointed to special roles.
Yehoshua, his primary disciple who so ably assisted him had his name altered to indicate that stature.
Rashi, quoting the Talmud, explains that by adding a י at the front of his former name, the first two letters now spell out the Name of G-d, י-ה.
This now alters the original name הושע from its meaning as one who was saved in the past, to the future tense, יהושע — one who will be saved.
This alludes to Moshe adding a prayer for his prized student th...
Anne Arundel County, MD - June 10, 2026 – (WBALTV) Maryland State Police are investigating a road rage incident that shut down Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Anne Arundel County.
According to police, a man was shot during an alleged road rage incident Wednesday morning on northbound I-295 near Route 175. The victim was taken to Shock Trauma, where he is being treated for his injuries. The victim had a passenger in his vehicle that did not suffer any injuries.
The roadway was shut down for the investigation and police are asking drivers to use alternative routes through the area.
Baltimore, MD – June 10, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Elinor Weil, a’h, mother of Michelle Weil and Marc Weil.A revered teacher at Baltimore’s Talmudical Academy, she will be remembered with great fondness and respect by the generations of students she taught there.The funeral and shiva are being conducted privately.בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – June 9, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef Kimelfeld (Baltimore) and Chavi Tyberg (Ramat Beit Shemesh) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to grandmother Amira Cohen Elling
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday night that its forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at the direction of US President Donald Trump.
CENTCOM said in a statement that the strikes were in response to Monday’s downing of a US Army Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression," it stated.
The announcement came shortly after Iranian media outlets reported at least four explosions near Sirik Port in the Bandar Abbas district of the country. Explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island.
The Aerospace Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) responded to the US strikes and threatened it would deliver a “heavy response" to what it described as &...
Baltimore, MD – June 9, 2026 – 4:06PM (BJL) A stalled bus in the turning lane on Park Heights at Old Court is causing a traffic backup toward the Beltway.
h/t: Bmore Traffic
Baltimore, MD - June 9, 2026 - BJL just received this notice from a community member:
"I wanted to add to the warnings posted about the missionaries targeting our community. We just received a curious handwritten letter addressed to us by name. It's so rare to get handwritten mail these days. It was a handwritten letter from a ".... Witness" and included one of their pamphlets. While we can choose to keep our doors shut to solicitors, these letters bypass that boundary to get directly into our homes.The Tactic: They use highly convincing, handwritten envelopes addressed to you by name that seem to be a personal letter until you open it and begin reading.
US President Donald Trump revealed that Iran shot down an American Apache helicopter this morning (Tuesday) and that the US would respond to that attack.
"I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the President wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The Apache helicopter crashed during operational activity near the Strait of Hormuz earlier today.
The New York Times, citing two officials briefed on the incident, reported that the two cre...
The Bas Melech Gymnastics Team traveled to Athletic Edge Gymnastics in Staten Island last month to compete against some of the top orthodox gymnastics programs in the region. With more than 100 gymnasts from across the country competing in nine gyms, the competition was fierce. As usual, Bas Melech soared to the challenge.
The highlight of the day came when our Level 3 team was crowned All-Around Team Champions, bringing home a magnificent championship trophy and earning Bas Melech's place at the top of the podium.
Throughout the competition, our gymnasts demonstrated skill, composure, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that have become hallmarks of our team. From the first event to the final awards ceremony, the girls cheered one another on and represented our commun...
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