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.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Reinstates Censored Film On October 7 After Public Outcry
Toronto, Canada - Aug. 14, 2025 - A controversial decision by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to pull a film depicting the October 7 Hamas massacre in southern Israel has been reversed following a wave of international condemnation and intense negotiations, the Toronto Sun reported.
The film, “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue”, directed by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, chronicles the extraordinary actions of retired Israel Defense Forces General Noam Tibon. On October 7, Tibon risked his life to save his son and his son’s family, who were under siege by Hamas terrorists at their home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
The initial cancellation of the film’s screening sparked outrage, with critics accusing TIFF of silencing a vi...
Parshas Eikev falls between the two places in the Torah where we are warned of the calamities which would befall Klal Yisroel if they turned away from Hashem. In between those readings of Parshas Bechukosai and Ki Savo we also experience Tisha B’Av, when we vividly recall and reflect on many of those warnings which came to pass on multiple occasions in our history. Conversely, Parshas Eikev begins with promises of great rewards for fulfilling Hashem’s Mitzvos. Specific blessings of ample crops, health, great families and security from our enemies are just some of the assurances given. Our Parsha gives us perhaps the greatest blessing of all, it tells us the failures of mankind which lead us to go astray. Not only does Hashem urge us to do what&rsqu...
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 14, 2025 – 5:04PM – Be advised of a fire at an apartment complex at 1803 Rambling Ridge Way, across from Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation (MMAE) off Old Willow.Fire and other emergency personnel are on scene. Avoid the area
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 12, 2025 - BJL deeply regrets to inform the community of Mr. Eli Wolf, z’l, father of Ben Wolf, Leigh Wolf, Kelly (Chaim) Yudkowsky, Josh (Ahuva) Wolf and brother of Mr. David Wolf.BALTIMORE: Mr. David Wolf is currently observing Shiva through Monday morning at 3220 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21215. Baltimore Minyanim: Shacharis: Wednesday, Friday, Monday - 7:15 am Shacharis: Sunday - 8:15 am Mincha/Maariv: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 6:25 pm Mincha/Maariv: Sunday 6:20 pmThe Levaya will take place today, 8/14, at 1pm at Chicago Jewish Funerals:
Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL 60077.Click here for LivestreamThe Kevura will take place at Sunset Memorial Lawns:
3100 Shermer Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062
Shiva will tak...
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.
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Baltimore, MD - Aug. 14, 2025 - Explore the latest issue of Baltimore Jewish Home.Click on the graphic below:
This past week was a particularly difficult one for me since the beloved individual who greatly impacted my life's trajectory passed away.
Rav Avrohom Gurewitz, zt'l, the renowned founder of Yeshivas Ner Moshe, and author of the twenty-three remarkable volumes entitled Ohr Avrohom, had entered my life when I was yet in High School, inspiring me by his warmth, wisdom, and wit. I had maintained a lifetime connection that has left an eternal imprint on my soul.
At a shiva visit with one of his daughters this past week I was asked how I would describe a man I had known and admired for nearly sixty years, I said that he was the Marlboro Man, Clint Eastwood, and Moshe Rabbeinu all wrapped into one. This may sound strange, but for those who were fortunate to know him they under...
Baltimore, MD - Aug. 14, 2025:
Mt. Washington Community Break-Ins Update:Since July 30th, there have been five confirmed break-ins and several attempted break-ins reported in Mt. Washington.Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has obtained photos of the suspect. However, due to Maryland’s current facial recognition restrictions, BPD is unable to use that technology to identify the individual. Investigators are actively pursuing multiple leads and are preparing a Metro Crime Stoppers flyer. Once approved, we will share it widely with the community.In the meantime, BPD has deployed overnight crime suppression units in the neighborhood during the times the break-ins have occurred. Additional tactical units and patrol shifts have been instructed to increase their presence in the area.We wi...
I only know a few things about Australia. I know that kids ride to school on their pet kangaroos. I know that little kids collect giant huntsman spiders to trade with each other at recess. And Alexander’s mom told me that they also occasionally have terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. I also know that they have Chanukah during summer camp and the 9 days during school, because their whole country is upside down. (These are all 100% real facts that I did not just make up. They are like, “Snapple Cap” true.)
I haven’t ever had to plan school activities for the days that lead up to Tisha B’av but I suspect it’s more complicated than the planning we do for our high school’s Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony. (Which might often feature a round o...
At a recent high-profile fundraising gala for the South Carolina Republican Party, Sen. Lindsey Graham delivered a fiery address defending Israel. He sharply criticized the global narrative that paints Israel as the aggressor and warned of serious consequences if the United States were to withdraw its support. Graham cautioned the audience, "A word of warning—if America pulls the plug on Israel, G-d will pull the plug on us. So we’re not going to let that happen."
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s initial framework for major Gaza operation calls for 80,000-100,000 reservists; army says a call-up is certain, with timing and scope still under review.
The initial framework set by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir will require the call-up of between 80,000 and 100,000 reservists under emergency call-up orders (Tzav 8), Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
The large-scale operation in Gaza, focused mostly in Gaza City and northern Gaza, will target high-rise buildings in the city’s west and focus on confronting the guerrilla cells prepared by Hamas. It is expected to continue well into 2026.
Earlier this week, before Zamir approved the initial framework, the IDF had already made clear that such an operation could not proceed without a reser...
Baltimore, MD - Aug. 14, 2025 - Someone is targeting and breaking into Mount Washington homes, with six burglaries in the last two weeks, officials said.
“It’s an unfortunate set of circumstances where someone felt like they needed to do this,” one Mount Washington resident said.
A Metro Crime Stoppers poster shows a suspect, along with a $2,000 reward for information.
Surveillance video obtained by 11 News shows the alleged person driving past homes multiple times before ringing the doorbell. In some cases, windows and doors have then been broken into. The person has stolen valuable items, officials said.
Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer wants to see facial recognition technology used to determine who the suspect is.
“We want to ge...
Baltimore, MD – Aug. 13, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ben Zion and Rivkie (Pretter) Kapustin on the birth of twins – a son and a daughter!
Mazel Tov to grandparents Yitzie & Nancy Pretter (Baltimore) and Natan & Melissa Kapustin (Passaic).
Mazel Tov to great-grandparents Eli & Rebecca Almo (Seattle), Simie Pretter (Staten Island), Allen and Barbara Rothenberg (Lakewood), and Sam and Marsha Kapustin (Yerushalayim)
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם ובתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן
Baltimore, MD - Aug. 13, 2025 - In an industry often defined by competition, one event stood out for its spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
The goal was clear: to equip beauty professionals with the skills to recognize signs of abuse and respond safely and compassionately.
Hosted by Adina Burstyn, owner of Adina B Salon, and Rebbetzin Hindy Motzen of Congregation Ner Tamid, local beauty professionals gathered in early August for a morning of education and empowerment. The event was held in partnership with CHANA, a Baltimore-based organization supporting victims of domestic abuse.
Lauren Shaivitz, executive director of CHANA, spoke powerfully about the unique role stylists play in their clients’ lives and how they can be the first step toward safety and hope.
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