The Belgian city of Aalst on Sunday went ahead with its traditional carnival despite calls from Israel to ban the event over its anti-Semitic floats and costumes. Once again, reported Deutsche Welle, this year's parade included participants dressed in costumes of caricaturistic Jewish stereotypes, with some wearing hooked noses, insect costumes, and exaggerated outfits meant to depict Orthodox Jews. One of the floats also included three Jewish caricatures placed alongside gold bars. Some revelers were also dressed in costumes meant to represent Nazi officers, the report said. Lawmakers in the European Parliament had urged officials in Aalst to make sure this year's parade was free from "manifestations of hatred." This is the second year in the row that the carnival features anti-Semitic tropes. Last year, it featured a float caricaturing Orthodox Jews with hooked noses and sitting on gold bags. Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz on Thursday called on the Belgian authorities to ban the carnival in the city of Aalst. “Belgium as a Western Democracy should be ashamed to allow such a vitriolic anti-Semitic display. I call upon the authorities there to condemn and ban this hateful parade in Aalst,” Katz tweeted. Aalst Mayor Christoph D’Haese said on Thursday that Katz’s call to cancel the festival was “truly disproportional.” “I absolutely call on people to avoid these sensitive subjects,” he said in an interview with the VRT network, as quoted by The Associated Press. “But that is something completely different than the ban which is called for here.” On Sunday, D'Haese again dismissed the criticism and calls for a ban on the festivities, saying "let Aalst be Aalst." "This is not an anti-Semitic parade," he told reporters, according to Deutsche Welle. "Aalst is not an anti-Semitic city." In December, UNESCO, the UN’s culture committee, withdrew the Aalst carnival from its heritage list over the anti-Semitism. D'Haese initially defended the presence of the anti-Semitic float, saying that “it’s not up to the mayor to forbid” such displays, and that “the carnival participants had no sinister intentions.” However, ahead of UNESCO's decision to withdraw the carnival from its heritage list, D'Haese renounced Aalst's place on the list before it could be stripped of the designation. PINNED Scroll for more news 
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 2026 - Are you nervous about Kashering for Pesach; unsure you will get it done properly? Are you afraid the water will ruin your cabinets and create a mess in your kitchen? Are you moving into a new house and need the kitchen kashered; stress-free? Click here: https://t.ly/UknmP For the last seven years, The Kashering Konnection, has been servicing the Baltimore and DC communities. Coordinated through Star-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Sholom Tendler, experienced, professional Mashgichim are available to come to your home and ensure an easy, mess-free and 100% properly-done Kashering of your kitchen and appliances. From ovens to stoves, counters to sinks, The Kashering Konnection can help you prepare for Pesach in an easy and affordable w...
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Baltimore, MD - Mar. 9, 2026 - Sample 354 is bringing the American Dream Mall warehouse sale tour to Baltimore with a one-day pre-Yom-Tov event offering 70-80% off spring and summer styles.
Shoppers can browse thousands of items from leading modest fashion brands, including clothing for women, teens, and children, with sizes XS through plus. The sale will also feature a newly organized system with merchandise arranged by size to make shopping easier.
The event is taking place Sunday, March 15, from 12 PM-6 PM at Reisterstown Road Plaza, 6516 Reisterstown Road (next to Five Below).
For more information, email samplesale354@gmail.com or call/text (845) 608-2997.
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 13, 2026 – An accident has just occurred on Walker Ave between Old Court and Reisterstown Road causing a significant backup.
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 13, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Gavriel Aaron and Molly Prero on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Michael & Heather Aaron and Yehuda & Sossy PreroMazel Tov to grndparents Mrs. Chaya Zwick and Mrs. Millie Prero
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
BaltimoreJewishLife.com (BJL) is proud to partner with STAR-K CERTIFICATION that realizes that there is no substitute for a person’s own Rav. In an effort to offer a possible solution, it has launched its Institute of Halachah as a public service. Over the years, the agency’s Kashrus Hotline has answered generic halachic questions from kosher consumers the world over, including inquiries regarding the kosher status of foods and certified Sabbath mode appliances. The formation of a separate official division within STAR-K testifies to the need for addressing these issues. The Institute of Halachah is directed by HaRav Mordechai Frankel, under the guidance of HaRav Moshe Heinemann, STAR-K’s Rabbinic Administrator. It is an invaluable resource for a diverse array of rabbis to discuss general halachic matters, as well as gain access to source materials for shiurim and answers to congregants’ questions. Shailos for regular or Kashrus shailos may emailed or discussed using this widget. 
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 12, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Michael Stern, z’l, brother of Efraim (Sarah) Stern .
The levayah will be held at Beth David Elmont on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:15AM
Shiva wil be observed beginning with Shacharis Monday,Mar. 16 at 2717 Cheswolde Road, Baltimore, MD 21209
The family respectfully requests no visitors between 12:00 PM and 1:30 and 5:30-6:30PM, and after 9:30 PM. Ephraim can be reached at 410-382-3248
Shacharis: 7:30AM
Mincha/Maariv: 7:00PM
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 11, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Hanna Berger, a’h, mother of Tomer Hamami (Rachel Kurinsky), Oren Hamami, Barak (Megan) Sanford, and sister of David Sanford.
The levayah will be held at Levinson’s today, March 11, 2026, at 2:30PM.
Kevura will take place at Beth Jacob Cemetery - 2901 Baltimore Blvd Finksburg, MD 21048
Shiva will be observed at 6010 Stuart Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209.
The family respectfully requests no visitors before 10:30 AM, from 12:30–1:30 PM, from 5:30–6:30 PM, or after 8:30 PM. Mincha-Maariv will take place daily at 6:55 PM. בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 9, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Ephraim Himelstein, z’l, father of Mr. Uri (Meira) Himelstein.BALTIMORE from Friday: Shiva will be observed at 3330-C Clarks Lane beginning Friday Shacharis through Sunday:
Shacharis: 7:15AM
Mincha: Erev Shabbos: 1:50PMMaariv: Motzaei Shabbos: 8:03PM בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 9, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira Sybil Scheiner, a’h, mother of Julie (Bruce) Fried
Shiva will be observed at 36-14 High St., Fairlawn, NJ, 07410.BALTIMORE:Julie will conclude Shiva in Baltimore on Sunday, March 15th, at 6302 Shelrick Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209Visiting: 10:00 AM – Noon, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 13, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Nate and Perri Smith on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov grandparents Noah & Beth Smith and Ari & Este LichtmanMazel Tov to great-grandparents Rochel & Shimshon Luxenburg
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
The Book of Shemos spans the most remarkable era in our history — from slavery to the exodus to the revelation at Sinai and the construction of an abode for the Divine Presence — concludes with the משכן — the Tabernacle finally emplaced.
The cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Presence of G-d filled the Tabernacle. Moshe could not enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud had settled upon it and the Presence of G-d filled the Tabernacle. (40 34,35)
This depiction of Moshe, the greatest leader of all time, seemingly shunned from entering the Mishkan, casts a disappointing shadow upon the fulfillment of his greatest dream.
There is also an apparent redundancy in these two verses and it's describing the 'Presence of G-d that filled the Tabernacle&#...
Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 13, 2026 - In response to the widespread flight cancellations caused by the ongoing war-related disruptions, El Al has announced that it will be operating six special nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to New York (JFK) beginning March 16.
At this stage, priority placement is being given to passengers who were originally holding El Al tickets whose flights were canceled.
Chaim V’Chessed has learned that in the coming days, registration is expected to expand to additional passengers who were booked on other airlines as well, subject to availability and operational approval.
Passengers who believe they qualify are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible using this link.
Please note:
Registration does not guarantee placement.
Flight schedules...
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 13, 2026 – 8:56AM (BJL) – The right lane leading to northbound Reisterstown Road at Old Court Road is partially blocked due to an accident.
Mazel Tov to Dovid Boehm and Yehudis Brecher on their engagement
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 13, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dovid Boehm and Yehudis Brecher on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Moshe & Tzippy Boehm and Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi and Rivky Brecher
Mazel Tov to grandparents Hershel & Esther Boehm and Paul & Lois Volosov
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Sefer Shemos concludes with the much anticipated completion of the Mishkan. Several Parshiyos were devoted to the details of its construction, how to craft the Kaylim and the order to its consecration. Yet, as we near the culmination of all these efforts, this weeks Parsha opens with Moshe gathering all of B’nei Yisroel together and warning them not to violate Shabbos, even for the purpose of building the Mishkan.[1] After issuing this reminder, the remainder of Vayakhel and Pikudei are once again devoted to the building of the Mishkan. Why is it necessary to remind B’nei Yisroel of the sanctity of Shabbos at this time? We are not reminded of the prohibition of idol worship or any of the other “cardinal” sins here? Moreover, why i...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 12, 2026 - As concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement are rising across the political spectrum, Mayor Brandon Scott discussed the topic on the “C4 and Bryan Nehman” show.
“For people that have just been living here and working here peacefully for all these years, paying taxes, sending their kids to school, helping with jobs that other folks don’t want to do, why would we be removing these folks?” Scott said.
When asked if he is expecting some type of ICE surge coming to the city, Scott said, “We’re going to be prepared in Baltimore to do whatever we can to not have some of the stuff that we’ve seen around the country.”
Scott also made sure to address crime concerns and the crime redu...
Senate Republicans are accusing Senate Democrats of trying to rip apart the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) piece by piece after again blocking a bid to reopen the agency.
Little has changed in the stalemate over the last 27 days of the partial shutdown, and communication breakdowns are dominating what could be opportunities for negotiations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his caucus are still demanding stringent reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while Senate Republicans are dug in against their top demands.
Throughout the day, Senate Democrats tried to offer individual bills to fund pieces and parts of DHS. A fired-up Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., accused Senate Democrats of trying to rip the agency apart at a mom...
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Watch: Anti-Semitic Belgian Carnival Goes Ahead Despite Calls For It To Be Cancelled (Video & Photos)
The Belgian city of Aalst on Sunday went ahead with its traditional carnival despite calls from Israel to ban the event over its anti-Semitic floats and costumes. 
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