Watch Rabbi Chaim Schwartz: What Happened to Perth Amboy? A Tisha B’Av Story (Video)
By: BJLife/Rabbi Chaim Schwartz
Baltimore, MD - July 29, 2020 -Tisha B'Av (the 9th of Av 2020 or 9 Av 2020) this year is different because of the pandemic. But has the pandemic changed us? Will Tisha B'Av change us? Tisha B'Av is about the loss of the Bais Hamikdash and how we continue thereafter. Tisha B'Av is about eternity. Buildings come and go but eternity is found in our homes. The fortunate this year have spent more time at home than ever before with loved ones but have we taken advantage of it? Listen to this story about Perth Amboy -"The Camelot for the Jews" a once great Jewish city of the diaspora...like so many others that have gone...and a message about eternity.
Rabbi Chaim Schwartz: What Happened to Perth Amboy? A Tisha B’Av Story
Baltimore, MD - July 29, 2020 -Tisha B'Av (the 9th of Av 2020 or 9 Av 2020) this year is different because of the pandemic. But has the pandemic changed us? Will Tisha B'Av change us? Tisha B'Av is about the loss of the Bais Hamikdash and how we continue thereafter. Tisha B'Av is about eternity. Buildings come and go but eternity is found in our homes. The fortunate this year have spent more time at home than ever before with loved ones but have we taken advantage of it? Listen to this story about Perth Amboy -"The Camelot for the Jews" a once great Jewish city of the diaspora...like so many others that have gone...and a message about eternity.
Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to block a House-passed stopgap funding bill that would reopen the federal government until Nov. 21, but several Democrats broke with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and supported the measure.
Wednesday’s vote marked the third time in two weeks that the House-passed continuing resolution failed to advance on the Senate floor — but it was the first time senators voted on the issue while the government is closed. The measure needed 60 votes to advance and failed 55-45, the same margin as Tuesday’s vote.
Three members of the Democratic caucus voted to advance the GOP resolution: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), a member of the Democratic leadership team; Sen. John Fetterman (Pa.); and...
Annapolis, MD - Oct. 1, 2025 - Maryland’s governor on Wednesday called the federal government shutdown unnecessary and said it will hurt residents, not just federal workers.
“Leaders at the highest levels of government, and inside the White House itself, are looking at each and every one of us, all 50 states, and saying, ‘You’re now on your own,'” Gov. Wes Moore said. “But while Washington sows division, in Maryland, we stand united.”
Moore, a Democrat, announced three immediate actions to protect residents, particularly the state’s 150,000 federal workers, amid the shutdown.
“We will do everything in our power to deliver relief to those who are struggling,” Moore said.
The governor announced state agencie...
A Final Chesed in Loving Memory of Rav Dovid Frid Z'tl
Dear Friends,
With profound sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Rav Dovid Z'tl. On behalf of the family, we want to thank all those who stood by their side throughout the years. You were an amazing team that gave Rav Dovid lifesaving care. May you and yours be blessed with health, happiness and prosperity in the coming year and always.
For almost fifteen years, Rav Dovid was not only a beacon of strength and Emunah, but a true warrior, living each day with courage, dignity and deep devotion to Torah despite his struggle with the devastating and cruel disease, ALS. Unfortunately, years of 24/7 care, medical expenses and household needs have left enormous debts and there is no savings or insu...
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 – Oct. 1, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mr. Avraham Shalisaboo, z’l, father of Daniel Shalisaboo, Benyamin Shalisaboo, Shlomo Shalisaboo, Moshe Shalisaboo, Michael Shalisaboo, Yitzchok Shalisaboo, and Feridah Baalhanes.
The levayah is currently taking place at Ohr Hamizrach
Kevura will take place at the Agudah Cemetery 6300 Hamilton Ave., Baltimore, MD 21237Shiva will be observed today from noon through Mincha at 3:00PM at 6813 Williamson Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215
בלע המוות לנצח
During the Second Temple, the Greek empire reigned (over Israel),1 and they (the Greeks) passed decrees against the Jews and (tried) to erase their religion, and did not allow them to carry out Torah (study) or the commandments. They put their hands on their property and their daughters. They entered the Temple, destroyed and made the pure unclean. The Jews were in great distress because of them and were much oppressed, until the G-d of their fathers had mercy on them, delivering them from their hands and saving them. Then overcame, the sons of the Hasmonean High Priest, (the Greeks) and killed them and saved the Jews from their hands. They appointed a king from the Priests, and the kingdom of Israel was restored for more than 200 years until the destruction of (the) second (Temple). When the Jews overcame their enemies and destroyed them, it was the 25th of Kislev2 when they entered the Sanctuary (inner room) and did not find pure (olive) oil in the Temple, except one jar sealed with seal of the High Priest, and it did not contain enough to light except for one day only. But they lit from it the lamps of the Menorah3 for eight days, until they could crush olives and produce a (new quantity) of pure oil. For these reasons, decreed the Sages of that generation that these eight days that begin on the 25th Kislev, will be days of joy and praise. One lights on them lamps at evening at the entrance to the houses, every evening of the eight nights to show off and demonstrate the miracle. These days are called ''Hanukah'' that is to say ''they rested'' (chanu) on the ''25'' ('th of the month) because on the 25th they rested from their enemies. and also because of those days they (re)-dedicated the house (Temple) which their foes had defiled. Also some say that it is a commandment to increase slightly the festive meals on Hanukah. Another reason is because the work of (building) the Sanctuary (in the desert) was completed in these days. One should tell one's children the story of the miracles that were done for our fore-fathers in those days, (see Josephus) However, these meals are not considered as part of the commandment unless one says at the meal songs of praise. One should increase charity in these Hanukah days, for this can help mend any defects in our souls. This charity, should be given particularly to poor Torah scholars. (KSA 139:1) 1) 352 BCE until 70 CE 2) 139 BCE 3) The Menorah was made of gold and had seven branches.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an unprecedented executive order stipulating that any armed attack on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty, or infrastructure will be considered a direct threat to the security of the United States.
According to the order, in the event of an attack against Qatar, the U.S. will act, "by all lawful and appropriate means — diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military — to protect the interests of the United States and Qatar and to restore peace and stability."
The order was signed on the day Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a joint statement on the "21-point Initiative" to end the war.
During the same visit, Netanyahu called the Emir of Qatar to apologize for violating Qatar's sovereignty during Operation Summ...
Baltimore, MD – Oct. 1, 2025 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Judith Lyn Deiner, a’h, mother of Emily Jacobs and Ben Deiner.
The levayah will be held today, Oct. 1, 2025 at 10:30AM at Levinson’s
Kevura will take place at Mikro Kodesh Beth Israel Cemetery 6700 Bowleys Lane, Baltimore, MD 21206
Shiva will be observed today at 16 Dulaney Hills Court, Cockeysville, MD 21030,
The family will receive guests on Sunday from 1pm until 4pm.
בלע המוות לנצח
The federal government is officially entering a partial shutdown on Wednesday after the midnight funding deadline passed with Democrats and Republicans failing to agree on a funding bill.
An earlier attempt by Senate Republicans to pass a short-term extension of fiscal year (FY) 2025 government funding levels, called a continuing resolution (CR), was sunk by Democrats who were furious about being sidelined in shutdown negotiations.
The bill, which would have given Congress until Nov. 21 to set FY 2026 funding priorities, passed the House largely along party lines on Sept. 19. The Senate is expected to vote on the same bill again on Wednesday, with more votes to come through the rest of the week and into the weekend until either a deal is struck or Democrats relent. House R...
Senate Democrats have voted down a Republican bill to keep funding the government, putting it on a near-certain path to a shutdown after midnight Wednesday for the first time in almost seven years.
What we know:
A partisan standoff over health care and spending may cause the first U.S. government shutdown in seven years.
The Senate has voted down two short-term spending bills — one Democratic proposal and one Republican proposal.
Senate Democrats demand health care subsidies and Medicaid cuts be addressed before passing a funding bill.
Thousands of federal workers face furloughs or layoffs if the government shuts down at midnight Wednesday.
There are currently 4 hours before the government shuts down.
The 55-45 vote Tuesday on the bill to extend federal funding...
The U.S. Postal Service policy banning people from bringing firearms into post offices violates the Constitution, a federal judge in Texas ruled Tuesday.
Judge Reed O’Connor, a Trump appointee, said both the Post Office’s own regulation and a federal law barring firearms possession in a “federal facility” cannot survive scrutiny after the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in the Bruen case. That ruling said that for firearms restrictions to stand, they must be consistent with what the founders who crafted the Second Amendment would have envisioned.
Judge O’Connor said post offices existed at the time of the founding. Lawmakers at the time made laws punishing attacks on mail carriers and postal facilities, but did not bar weapons themselves.
It wasn&rs...
It was Erev Yom Kippur, and Rabbi Tzvi Schabes* received an unexpected phone call. “I’m going to charge you six months’ rent,” said the voice on the other end. Startled, Rabbi Schabes asked, “Why?” The dry cleaner explained: “Because you dropped off your kittel right after Pesach, and it’s been sitting here ever since, ready for you.”
Rabbi Schabes was stunned. He had honestly thought he had lost his kittel and, assuming it was misplaced, had purchased a new one for the upcoming Yom Kippur. Now he had two. Somehow, he brought both with him to Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, where he would daven. One he wore; the other hung quietly in the coatroom.
As Kol Nidrei began and the beis medrash filled with mispallelim, a good friend of...
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 28, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shmuel Berzon (Baltimore) and Shoshana Savir (Silver Spring) on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yeshaya & Shoshana Berzon, Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef & Stephanie (Savir) Perlman, and Ms. Alisa Berzonיה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 30, 2025 - The new school year is underway and Jewish Educational Services (JES) found a sweet way to show appreciation for the community’s educators: Back-to-School baskets brimming with snacks and supplies for the rabbeim and teachers. JES staff visited nearly every Jewish day and yeshiva school in Baltimore - including Ateres, Bais Yaakov, Beth Tfiloh, Bnos Yisroel, Cheder Chabad, Darchei Noam Montessori, Krieger Schechter Day School, Ohr Chadash Academy, Talmudical Academy, Tashbar, Torah Institute and Toras Simcha - delivering baskets and warm wishes for a successful year ahead.
“These baskets are a small way to recognize our teachers, who put so much heart and energy into their students every single day,” said Yael Zelinger, JES Day Scho...
Baltimore, MD – Sept. 30, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dovid Schwartz (Clifton, NJ) and Rina Lipsky (Baltimore, MD) on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Andrew & Cari Schwartz and Yaakov & Cookie Lipsky
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration ’s efforts to deport noncitizens for protesting the war in Gaza was unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge William Young in Boston agreed with several university associations that the policy they described as ideological deportation violates the First Amendment. The ruling came after a trial.
An email to the Homeland Security department for comment was not immediately returned.
During the trial, lawyers for the associations presented witnesses who testified that the Trump administration had launched a coordinated effort to target students and scholars who had criticized Israel or showed sympathy for Palestinians.
“Not since the McCarthy era have immigrants been the target of such intense repression for law...
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 30, 2025 - The STAR-K establishments listed below will have a Sukkah on their premises during Chol Hamoed. Please note that space may be limited.
Accents Grill/Serengeti
Caramel’s Pizza
Cocoaccino’s PizzaCroustille Cafe
David Chu’s
Goldberg’s Kosher Bagels
Mama Leah’s Gourmet Pizza
Taam Thai
The Club
Yesh
Yossef's Laffa-Milia
Other establishments may be open, but for takeout only. Please check with each establishment to confirm operating hours.
STAR-K wishes the entire community a gmar chasima tova and a gut Yom Tov.
Nothing quite says "Yomim Noraim is here!" more than the Shul’s very first reminder announcing "Yomim Noraim Seats," which usually occurs a couple weeks before Elul even begins. Hashgacha has it that our very first "taste" of the Yomim Noraim is not the recitation of selichos, not the sound of shofar, and not even the delicious apples with honey...but rather, Yomim Noraim Seats! Yomim Noraim seats are an amazing part of Yiddishkeit, as they sort of just fall into a category of their own within Jewish symbolism. So important, valuable and integral to our lives, the seating arrangements for Yomim Noraim are almost always run by committees—unsung heroes of Klal Yisroel who deal with everything from managing the sign-up forms, assigning seats, and collecting payments.&nb...
