|
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 – June 18, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yosef Wertenteil (Baltimore) and Dina Widroff (Cedarhurst) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Peretz Wertenteil
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
PINNED Scroll for more news 
Baltimore, MD - June 11, 2026:
Q: Rabbi Schwartz, congratulations on becoming the new Executive Director of the Jewish Caring Network and Tikva House. What drew you to this role?
What drew me in is deeply personal. My wife and I have experienced what it means to have children facing life-threatening illness. We spent long periods in out-of-town hospitals, frightened and exhausted, without guidance or a place to stay. We learned firsthand that healing is not just about the patient—it requires a family to be there to help.
JCN and Tikva House exist to provide that support. We empower families to remain as their loved one's greatest source of healing, hope, and strength.
With diverse experience across rabbinic and financial sectors, and most significantly, as a JCN board member...
Jerusalem, Israel - June 17, 2026 - The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, received the Friends of Zion Award during a special ceremony at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, Israel, on Tuesday night.
The award was presented by Friends of Zion founder Dr. Mike Evans in recognition of Somaliland's support for Israel and its plans to establish an embassy in Jerusalem. Diplomats, business leaders, and guests from the delegation, from Israel, and abroad attended the event.
Accepting the award, Abdillahi described it as a symbol of the growing relationship between Somaliland and Israel.
"It is a great honor for me to receive the Friends of Zion Award," he said. "This award symbolizes the growing friendship and strengthening ties between Somaliland and I...
Baltimore, MD - June 17, 2026 - Early voting ends Thursday June 17th. You may still vote in person on Tuesday June 23rd. Zohran Mamdani was elected Mayor of New York with nearly 70% of the voters staying home. We cannot allow that to happen here. Make no mistake about it, Dalya Attar's opponent has some of the same vile, ideas of hatred that Mamdani has. The difference is we have a candidate on our side who has represented the ENTIRE 41st district over the last number of years, securing much needed funds for the Jewish Community, the African American community, the impoverished and disadvantaged community. Simply put, Dalya Attar has done her job, fighting for everyone in our district. Her opponent, who in the past has thanked Dalya for securing funds for his constit...
Hadran Aloch is more than a campaign.Yes, over the past few weeks, parents, ambassadors, staff, grandparents, alumni, and friends came together with extraordinary dedication on behalf of TA.But at the heart of Hadran Aloch is something even deeper: the Torah learning of our talmidim.Throughout the year, and especially over the last several weeks, TA talmidim set goals, learned, reviewed, pushed themselves, and grew. Their Hadran Aloch was not measured in dollars raised, but in Torah learned, chazarah completed, and the pride of genuine accomplishment.On Monday, June 15th, that achievement came together in a beautiful culmination of siyumim, song, and Simchas HaTorah.
It was the final moment of this year’s Hadran Aloch — and it captured what this campaign was always about.Enj...
Baltimore, MD - June 17, 2026 - As the school year began to wind down, Jewish Educational Services staff and members of the New Teacher Cohort gathered to celebrate a journey full of growth, resilience, and connection. Our Finishing Well session was more than a celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor a year of learning, collaboration, and transformation.
Throughout the year, this group met monthly to build the foundations of strong teaching practice. Together, they explored classroom management, student engagement, thoughtful lesson planning, supporting diverse learners, and building partnerships with families. With participants from five different schools across the community, each session was enriched by a wide range of perspectives and experiences. The...
The United States is expected to grant Iran an exemption from sanctions on the sale of oil and fuel immediately upon the signing of the agreement to end the war, the Wall Street Journal reported today (Tuesday), citing sources familiar with the understandings between the sides.
According to the report, the clause dealing with relief for Iranian oil exports will take effect immediately once the agreement is signed, which is expected to happen later this week. The move is intended to provide Tehran with an initial economic incentive as part of efforts to reduce tensions and bring the war to an end.
Sources familiar with the matter noted that Iran will be able to immediately begin selling oil and fuel on international markets after years of restrictions and sanctions imposed on it...
Washington, D.C. - June 16, 2026 - Agudath Israel of America hosted a dinner last Tuesday night marking the opening of its new office location just steps away from the U.S Capitol, and honoring Rabbi Abba Cohen for his 36 years of distinguished service as director of Agudath Israel's DC office.
At the dinner Rabbi Avi Schnall, COO, Agudath Israel of America, announced that Agudah’s director of National Government Affairs, Rabbi A.D. Motzen will move to the new office and oversee Agudath Israel's Washington operations.
The dinner also featured remarks from Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Rosh Yeshiva, Ner Israel Rabbinical College, and Martin Marks, Special Assistant to the President and White House Director of Jewish Engagement, as well as a ‘fireside&rsquo...
Baltimore, MD - June 16, 2026 - Over the past year, Mental Wellness Mini Grants from Jewish Educational Services (JES) have provided meaningful support to organizations working to strengthen the emotional wellbeing of children, parents, and families in our community. At a time when young people are facing increasing stress, anxiety, and social pressures, investing in mental wellness is more critical than ever to ensure they have the tools and support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. JES plays a vital role in championing this work, between supporting school counselors, hosting the Mental Wellness Summit, and fostering a culture in which mental health is prioritized.
By offering targeted funding for innovation in school settings, these grants bring mental wellness ...
Baltimore, MD – June 15, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Rabbi David Reznick, z’l, brother of Connie (Avi) Lazar.
Shiva is being observed in Atlanta through Thursday and Teaneck through Sunday morning. (No Baltimore shiva)
Contact: 443-756-2089 or connielazar116@gmail.com.
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – June 15, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Edith Nathan, a’h, sister of Lillian (Phillip) Keehn.
Shiva is being observed in New Jersey. Lillian will be returning to Baltimore on Wednesday, June 17 and will be receiving visitors on Wednesday afternoon 4:30pm-6:30pm at 3216 Northbrook Road, Baltimore, MD 21208.
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore , MD - June 15, 2026 - Halfway to Sinai Ayshel Avraham is open for the summer season through the month of August, be"H.
If you are walking to Sinai Hospital, Levindale or any other distant destination on Shabbos, you can rest your feet and have a cold drink on the porch at 3000 Glen Avenue (corner Key Avenue). For more information, call 410-299-5921.
Wishing everyone a healthy summer!
Baltimore, MD - June 15, 2026 - Mazel Tov to the Ohr Chadash Academy (OCA) Class of 2026! As part of the graduation ceremony, OCA Middle School teachers write heartfelt letters to their students, reflecting on the growth, talents, and qualities that make each graduate unique. A special excerpt from each letter is shared aloud, creating a meaningful and memorable moment for students and families alike. It is a powerful reminder that every child is seen, known, and valued. OCA is so proud of the graduates and grateful to have been part of their journey.
A Letter from New Zealand
The following is a letter I received from Rabbi Netanel Kaszovitz, rabbi of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation in New Zealand:
“Shalom, Sivan. You recently published a story about a small Jewish village that consisted of ten families. Every morning there was a minyan in the village because a man from each family felt responsible to ensure that there would be a minyan that day. But then another family moved to the village—family #11—and the next morning, there was no minyan. Everyone felt less responsibility towards the community.
“This past Pesach, we experienced in our community the very opposite situation. Even though we have a small community, there is a minyan, thank God, every Shabbat. But on the last day of Pesach, there was a ...
More articles
|
Fri 8:18 pm
Fri 8:18 pm
