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.
The IDF announced on Friday evening that it is working to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip as part of the preparations to expand the military campaign against Hamas.
"Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has begun extensive strikes and deployed forces to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip, as part of the initial stages of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' and the expansion of the campaign in Gaza, to achieve all objectives of the war, including the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas," said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit in a statement.
"IDF forces under the Southern Command will continue to operate to protect Israeli citizens and fulfill the war's objectives," it added.
A senior defense official recently provided more details about "Operation...
Baltimore, MD – May 16, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shlomo Levenbrown & Chaya Pessi Zuckerman on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Yosef & Suzy Levenbrown and Ben & Sara Shayndle ZuckermanMazel Tov Grandparents Mr and Mrs. Irwin Levenbrown, Mr. & Mrs. Yosef Strimber, Ms. Sharyn Greenberg Rauer, Rabbi & Mrs. Zvi Yaakov Zuckerman, and Rabbi & Mrs. Ben Zion Malin
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – May 16, 2025 - The National Weather Service is warning of potentially severe thunderstorms across the Baltimore area this afternoon and evening, with showers and storms likely through 4 PM and continuing intermittently into the night.
This Afternoon: Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 86°F, but don’t be fooled by the sunshine — storms are expected to develop and some may be severe. Showers are likely before 4 PM, followed by scattered thunderstorms. Winds from the west will be around 6 mph. There's a 60% chance of precipitation, with localized rainfall possibly exceeding a quarter of an inch in stronger cells.
Tonight: Storm chances return after 4 AM, with more severe weather possible overnight. Skies will remain mostly cloudy with lows ...
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected the Trump administration’s appeal to quickly resume deportations of Venezuelans under an 18th century wartime law.
Over two dissenting votes, the justices acted on an emergency appeal from lawyers for Venezuelan men who have been accused of being gang members, a designation that the administration says makes them eligible for rapid removal from the United States under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
The high court had already called a temporary halt to the deportations from a north Texas detention facility in a middle-of-the-night order issued last month.
Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented.
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A mother’s letter. A child’s fight. Shira urgently needs life-saving care. You can help - but only if we act now.
My name is Bracha, and I’m writing not only as a mother, but as someone who deeply believes in the quiet power of kindness.
My daughter Shira is a bright, tender-hearted little girl. She’s been diagnosed with leukemia — a cancer of the blood. Her eyesight has already been affected, and the emotional toll on our family has been immense.
Shira is currently receiving care in a local hospital in Poland, but doctors have urged us to transfer her to a specialized children's hospital in Vienna. There, she can receive the advanced, life-saving treatment she urgently needs.
The cost of this treatment is over $150,000 — far beyond anything we ...
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A 25-year-old police officer was moderately wounded in a stabbing attack at the Chain Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on Friday evening.
According to an initial investigation, the terrorist exited a mosque after evening prayers, drew a knife, and stabbed the police officer in the back.
The Israel Police said that the terrorist was shot dead by other officers who were at the scene.
Magen David Adom said that a report was received at 9:12 p.m. at MDA's 101 Emergency Call Center in the Jerusalem region of a stabbing victim near the Chain Gate of the Old City, adding that MDA EMTs and Paramedics are treating a conscious 25-year-old male victim.
The victim is being transported to Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem.
Police forces in large numbers are present at the scene.
A controversial resolution recognizing the 77th anniversary of the "Nakba," the Arabic term utilized by Palestinian Arabs to describe what they view as the "catastrophe" or "disaster" associated with the establishment of the modern State of Israel, was introduced in the US Congress on Wednesday, according to JNS.
The legislation was spearheaded by Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), all prominent members of the so-called "Squad" in the House, notorious for their anti-Israel views.
Rep. Tlaib issued a sharp statement upon the bill's introduction, saying, "The Makba never ended. Today, we are witnessing the Israeli apartheid regime carry out genocide in Gaza. It is a campaign to erase Palestinians from existence."
Tlaib h...
According to foreign media reports, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes Friday on terror targets in the western Yemeni port city of Al-Hudeidah, targeting Houthi infrastructure in response to repeated missile launches toward Israel.
Reports indicate that the IDF targeted three key maritime ports—Hudeidah, Ras Isa, and Al-Salif—which Israel had previously warned must be evacuated. These ports have been linked to the Houthi terror organization’s efforts to smuggle arms and launch attacks.
Senior Houthi official, Nasr al-Din Amer, declared, 'We are in an open battle against Israel and we will not stop our attacks nor lift the siege on the Gulf of Eilat, and we will not cease our efforts to continue the aerial siege on Israeli airports. We will expand our militar...
Fiscal hawks on the House Budget Committee on Friday sunk a key vote on advancing the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that encompasses President Trump’s legislative agenda, marking a stunning setback for the legislation.
The 16-21 vote throws up a hurdle for leaders hoping to send the bill to the Senate by Memorial Day — but are still haggling over last minute changes to appease not only the fiscal hawks but moderates seeking bigger blue-state tax breaks.
Five Republicans voted no: Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) and Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.). Republicans could only afford to lose two of their members and still advance the legislation. Smucker changed his vote from yes to no in a procedural move.
“To b...
Baltimore, MD - May 16, 2025 - TA administration, Rebbeim, Morahs, staff, and elementary talmidim participated in the levaya this morning of Mrs. Dina Karlip, a”h. Mrs. Karlip, a'h, was a beloved former elementary school teacher at TA.
"It's on your head!"
This expression is often hurled at a person about to do something that we suspect will fail with miserable consequences, conveying that it will be their responsibility.
This is used in several places, among them in the episode when King David takes to task the Amalekite proselyte for killing King Shaul, דמך —Your blood, על ראשך — is on your head, holding him accountable for the crime.
The notion appears earlier in the episode of the blasphemer, who cursed G-d is to be stoned after 'all those who heard shall lean their hands על ראשו — upon his head'.
This unusual process is solely employed in this one instance. All other sinners undergoing capital punishment do not require any placing of hands upon their heads prior to...
Israel has been holding secret talks with Syrian officials in recent days, including on the possibility of the new regime joining the Abraham Accords, according to a report Thursday, a day after US President Trump invited new Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to join the accords and normalize ties with Israel.
The talks are being mediated by the United Arab Emirates, Channel 12 news said, also referring to unspecified wider regional moves being advanced by the United Arab Emirates. A Haaretz report, by contrast, said the talks were being mediated by Qatar and had been going on for months.
Sharaa confirmed last week that security-related talks were being held through mediators, though he did not comment on potential diplomatic relations.
Channel 12 said one meeting was held in r...
US President Donald Trump says he did not consult ally Israel about the US decision to recognize Syria’s new government, despite deep Israeli suspicion of Islamist President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration.
“I didn’t ask them about that. I thought it was the right thing to do. I’ve been given a lot of credit for doing it. Look, we want Syria to succeed,” Trump tells reporters aboard Air Force One, shortly after departing Abu Dhabi at the close of a four-day Middle East trip.
Trump said on Tuesday he would order the lifting of sanctions on Syria, a major policy shift before meeting Sharaa.
EX-FBI chief Comey’s ‘86 47’ social media post condemned by White House as attempt to put ‘hit’ on president
The Secret Service is investigating after ex-FBI Director James Comey posted an Instagram photo of seashells arranged to make the numbers "86 47" — a message that White House officials swiftly condemned as an attempt to put out a "hit" against the 47th president.
Comey later deleted the post after online backlash from government officials, lawmakers and President Donald Trump’s son. Trump has faced two assassination attempts — one of which resulted in him being shot and a bystander being killed — in the past year.
The post including the alleged "hit" showed the numbers in question etched into the sand at a beach usin...
R' Elimelech Biderman - Hadlukah
Lag Ba’omer Hadlukah in Meron - 2025