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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.
Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - Lag BaOmer 5786 at BJSZ:
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Baltimore, MD - May 5, 2026 - Parents are urged to take immediate action as two major financial deadlines approach this month.
1. BOOST Scholarship Program: Deadline May 8
The application period for the BOOST Scholarship Program officially closes this Friday, May 8, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Administrative leaders have noted that a significant number of families currently receiving BOOST funding have yet to submit their applications for the upcoming year. If your family currently benefits from this program, you must re-apply by Friday to ensure your scholarship remains active.
Pro-Tips for Parents:
Apply even if you were previously denied: Funding availability fluctuates; even if you did not receive an award last year, it is highly recommended to spend the ten minutes required t...
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Baltimore, MD – May 4, 2026 (BJL) — After decades as a community staple, the Baltimore Agudah Scrip program has officially concluded.The Legacy of Agudah ScripThe program allowed community members to purchase scrip - assorted color notes used as communal currency -for tzedakah in lieu of cash or checks. When families purchased scrip, a percentage was retained as a donation, directly benefiting participating local mosdos. Collectors would then redeem the scrip notes through the Agudah office for their cash valueWhat This Means for the CommunityWith the program now discontinued, residents and organizations must adjust: Donors: Physical Agudah scrip is no longer available for purchase. Collectors: Those who have accepted scrip can redeem it thro...
Baltimore, MD – May 7, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mordechai Cohen, z’l, brother of Estie (Chaim) Kahn. The levaya and kevura are taking place in Eretz Yisroel. Mrs. Kahn is currently sitting at 2325 Blackberry Road, Baltimore, MD 21209 from 9:00AM-11:00PM through noon on Sunday, May 10
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - Residents and commuters along Park Heights Avenue - particularly near the intersection with Pinkney Road, where the Agudah is located - may soon see increased traffic enforcement efforts as Baltimore City officials move forward with an evaluation for possible red light camera enforcement at the intersection.
According to correspondence from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, officials have already completed a preliminary evaluation and are now conducting “video validation studies” to assess red light violations, speeding, and overall driver behavior at the intersection.
The city says the review process will also include:
Analysis of crash history and severity trends
Traffic volume and turning movement studies
Signal t...
Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - A proposal to establish a "Community Care Center" in the heart of Pikesville has sparked significant concern among local residents, who worry that the facility’s broad zoning definition and institutional scale could fundamentally alter the character of their residential neighborhood.
The proposal, filed by property owner St. Vincent de Paul-Baltimore, targets 112 Sudbrook Lane—a property located immediately adjacent to single-family homes on Sudbrook, Glenback, and Oak, and directly next to the Yeshivas Torah Simcha school.
What is Being Proposed?
St. Vincent de Paul is seeking a Special Exception to operate a "Community Care Facility." According to early meetings with the organization’s legal counsel, the current plan includes:
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Baltimore, MD – May 7, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Freha Cohen, a”h, wife of Moshe Cohen and mother of Shoshana (Shalom) Addi, Shalom Cohen, Yitzchak Cohen, Yaakov Cohen, Tamar Didi, and Dina Dhei.
Shiva will be observed at Rechov Shimonovitz 13, Kfar Chasidim, Haifa, Israel
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - The family of a 6-year-old boy who left a Northwest Baltimore elementary school unsupervised is now preparing to sue the city.
Belinda Curry and her attorney Thiru Vignarajah are claiming a “near-catastrophic failure” that allowed first-grader Liam Livingston to walk out of Fallstaff Elementary School during a transition period last year.
“Distrust, to say the least, and lack of accountability. They did not do their adult due diligence,” Curry said. “They didn’t. They failed my child, and they need to be held accountable.”
Livingston crossed a busy Reisterstown Road before being found at a nearby store. The family alleges negligent supervision and is seeking damages tied to emotional distress and ongoing therapy.
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Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2026 - Explore the latest issue of Baltimore Jewish Home.Click on the graphic below:
Baltimore, MD – May 7, 2026 – 9:45AM (BJL) A 2-vehicle accident is blocking the “ramp” when making a right from Park Heights onto Old Court.
Baltimore, MD - May 6, 2026 - Lag BaOmer @ TA: Middle School Learning and Bonfire
Baltimore, MD – May 6, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ari and Rosa Bennett on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov grandparents Yossi & Sara Lea Wetstein
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – May 6, 2026 – 1:05PM (BJL) A traffic accident at the intersection of Clarks Lane and Cross Country has traffic slowing in the area
Baltimore, MD – May 6, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi Mordechai & Hadassah Bennett on the birth of twins, a son and a daughter.
Mazel Tov to grandfather Yanky Dollman and great-grandmother Rozzie Bell
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - May 5, 2026 - Every now and then we get those pesky little ants in our home that crawl in and around the kitchen, seemingly minding their own business, but terribly annoying ours. Who invited them anyways? They don’t pay rent. They don’t do chores. All they seem to do is rummage along the floor for dropped crumbs and spilled yogurt. Nasty, right?!But recently, one of these ants actually taught me a lesson. So there it was, a little black house ant crawling along the kitchen counter. I decided that enough is enough. I couldn’t step on it, unless I would have gotten onto the counter, which would have just been weird. I suppose I could have squished it with a napkin, or better yet, let it crawl onto a plate and bring it outside. But I didn’t do that eit...
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