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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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Shabbos Vayechi highlights an important and often overlooked message. As we read about Yaakov Avinu preparing for the end of his life and giving clear instructions regarding his kevurah, we are reminded that planning ahead is not only responsible but deeply rooted in Torah values.Yet for many, end-of-life planning is postponed indefinitely. Even in the frum community, many are unaware of the practical and halachic details that can significantly affect kavod hameis and a family’s peace of mind. When these matters are addressed thoughtfully in advance, families avoid unnecessary stress and uncertainty during already difficult moments.To help the community gain the clarity they need, NASCK is offering two free live workshops over Shabbos Vayechi weekend, presented by Rabbi Elchonon Zohn...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 31, 2025 - On Sunday, the 1st grade classes of Rabbi Eisenberg and Rabbi Mitnick at Torah Institute (TI) celebrated a beautiful siyum on Parshas Bereishis. Parents looked on with pride as they watched the joy on their children’s faces during what is, iy”H, the first of many meaningful siyumim to come. Each boy recited his pasuk with confidence and care, bringing much nachas to their families. The menahel, Rabbi Shimon Hirsch, shared divrei bracha and words of encouragement, and the celebration concluded with delicious refreshments enjoyed by all.
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Baltimore, MD - Dec. 30, 2025 - The Eruv of Baltimore has launched a centralized online hub at eruvofbaltimore.org. Community members can now check the Eruv status, support the organization through donations, and manage their listings in one place. To ensure you stay informed, the site also offers sign-ups for weekly Erev Shabbos alerts via email, text, or phone.
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Baltimore, MD - Jan 1, 2026 - Explore the latest issue of Baltimore Jewish Home.Click on the graphic below:
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 24, 2025 - Laniado Hospital recently concluded a powerful three-event visit to the Baltimore–Washington area with renowned Israeli speaker and global Israel advocate Hillel Fuld, delivering a message that was both inspiring and urgent: even in times of war, protecting human life must remain paramount.
The visit began Sunday evening, December 7, with a major community gathering at Beth Tfiloh Congregation in Baltimore, drawing approximately 500 attendees. The evening was emceed by New York–based businessman and musical artist Shalom Jacobs, who infused the program with warmth and soul. Jacobs performed his iconic Mi Shebeirach, and for the emotional finale was joined by Beth Tfiloh’s Cantor Yoni Rose, accompanied by Yehuda Mond on keyboard and Yitzy K...
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 31, 2025 - In this column, I often explore the stories behind Israeli street names which honor historical figures who shaped our Jewish past and present. But this time, I’d like to nominate someone whose name should appear on an Israeli street, but doesn’t yet: Giorgio Perlasca, the Italian businessman who risked his life to save thousands of Jews in Budapest, Hungary, during the Holocaust.
Perlasca’s story borders on unbelievable. Born in Italy in 1910, he once supported Mussolini’s Fascist regime but broke with it after Italy enacted racial laws and aligned with Nazi Germany. In 1944, while on a business trip to Hungary, Perlasca witnessed the systematic deportation of Jews and felt compelled to act. When the Spanish ambassador was forced...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 31, 2025:
Are you a…BT ?FFB ?FFB WSL*?(*With Slight Lapses)Are we living on different planes? Are we really so different?Join us for an inspiring shiur and candid discussion on our common struggles and aspirations for a meaningful relationship with Hashem.Rabbis Teichman and Goldberger and their respective Shuls invite you to join them, January 1st at Ohel Moshe 2808 Smith Ave. (Parking across the street at the Shopping Center) See flyer for schedule.Hope to see you there!
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 31, 2025 - Prices at the gas pump are the lowest since the coronavirus pandemic and they are still falling, giving consumers wallets a break as the new year starts.
With many Americans traveling after celebrating the holidays, The National News Desk’s Taylor Murray spoke with Gas Buddy Petroleum Analyst Matt McClain and asked him the best way to help people find the cheapest gas along their route home.
McClain said the Gasbuddy app is easy to download and used millions of times each month.
“The reality is you can actually place your final destination in Gas Buddy app. It’s going to give you driving directions, but most importantly along your route it’s going to give you the cheapest gas prices along the...
Maryland ends the year with almost 15,000 fewer federal jobs than it had at the start of the year, according to the latest estimates from the Maryland Department of Labor.
The department reported this month that the state lost another 700 federal jobs in September, the most recent month for which estimates were available. That continued an eight-month string of falling federal employment numbers and maintained Maryland’s spot as the state with the most federal jobs lost this year.
Maryland has lost about 9% of its federal workforce since January, falling from an estimated 163,100 federal jobs in the state then to about 148,500 as of September, the department said.
The loss of 14,600 federal jobs in Maryland is part of the larger effort by the Trump administration to slas...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 30, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi Yona Yaakov & Batsheva Lapidus on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to gandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Dovid Lapidus and Rabbi and Mrs. Avrohom Yitzchak Nulman.Mazel Tov to Great-Grandmother Mrs. Fruma Esther Gradman.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Maryland businesses and homeowners could see their property taxes rise yet again in the new year.
In 2025 nearly 93 percent of more than 789,000 properties rose in value by an average of 12.7 percent, potentially leading to another round of tax hikes.
State property values are reassessed every three years, according to a schedule that divides commercial and residential properties into three groups.
This upcoming year, it's group two's turn. They were last assessed in 2023.
Broken down, home and business owners in Washington and Talbot Counties experienced the highest value increase at 19.5 and 18.4 percent respectively.
That's still down significantly from last year's statewide increase of 20.1 percent imposed on group one.
“Property values are st...
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 31, 2025 - The Maryland Public Service Commission issued an order Tuesday, detailing steps Baltimore Gas and Electric needs to take to remedy call center issues.
"BGE acknowledges there are systemic failings with its call center. These issues, which are anticipated to worsen over the coming weeks with increased call volumes, drive the need for immediate and corrective action," the order said.
Officials said over the last few months, there have been more than 650 complaints against BGE's call center with customers being stuck on hold for hours, being disconnected entirely, never receiving callbacks, dealing with unsuccessful attempts to reach customer service representatives and the inoperability of BGE's customer self-service website and mobile app.
During...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 31, 2025 –10:08 AM (BJL) - The traffic light at the intersection of Reisterstown and Patterson is blinking red for Patterson and yellow for Reisterstown
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 31, 2025 - A new report revealed that Maryland is the most expensive state for utilities, while Baltimore is the country's 5th-most expensive city.
Households in Maryland pay a median of $546 monthly and over $6,500 annually, while Baltimore residents fork over $503 monthly and over $6,000 yearly, according to the report by doxo, an online bill-paying platform.
elegate Brian Chisholm, a Republican representing Anne Arundel County, expressed concern over the state's energy policies. "It's not surprising at all. Obviously, we've had this assault on any energy generation in the state of Maryland for 10 years now," he said. "Baltimore City people are trying to decide now whether they're going to pay their utility bill, their rent bill,...
Baltimore, MD – Dec. 30, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok Ottensoser on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to the grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov Ottensoser
Mazel Tov to the great-grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Jonah Ottensoser
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD — Dec. 30, 2025 – 6:23PM - (BJL) — The traffic lights at the intersection of Park Heights & Seven Mile Lane are flashing.
Baltimore, MD — Dec. 30, 2025 - 3:54 PM (BJL) — The area between Naylors Lane and the Beltway, hours after an earlier accident in the area, has finally been cleared.
'David the Servant King' brings a little-known Biblical story to the stage
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 30, 2025 - 'David the Servant King' explores through music, drama, and a deeply Jewish lens, the rarely told early years of King David, long before his rise to the throne. Conceived by Baltimore olah, Shlomit Koffler Weinreb, the original English-language musical for women, by women, includes many Baltimore olot, and several women with family connections to the city, reflecting the close and ongoing relationship between Baltimore and Israel’s English-speaking cultural scene. To give women in Baltimore and around the world the opportunity to experience the show live from Jerusalem, a livestream broadcast will be available for the Sunday, February 1st performance.&nb...
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