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.
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yaakov Shoob and Esther Leah Paige on their engagement.Mazel Tov to Mordechai & Chavi Shoob and Dovid & Sara Paige. Mazel Tov to grandparents Yosef and Liba Paige and Drs. Menachem and Moshay Cooper.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 28, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ezri and Shoshana Lowenthal on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Rabbi and Mrs. Normie Lowenthal
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
The United Arab Emirates said it would leave OPEC as of May 1, in a move it says will help it meet changing demand but which analysts see as a heavy blow to the organization.
“This decision follows a comprehensive review of the UAE’s production policy and its current and future capacity and is based on our national interest and our commitment to contributing effectively to meeting the market’s pressing needs,” the Gulf state said in a statement.
The country will also exit OPEC+, a group of major oil producers, and gradually increase production afterward, it added.
The move threatens to hobble the cartel at one of its most pivotal periods in recent years. After the debut of U.S. shale oil, OPEC’s power to sway markets appeared greatly diminished. It teamed...
On April 28, 2026, President Isaac Herzog met with leaders and members of the Jewish community from across Kazakhstan and Central Asia at the “Beit Rachel” Synagogue in Astana. Attendees at the meeting included the Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan, Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, and the Rabbi of Astana, Rabbi Shmuel Karnauch. The President heard from them about the activities of the community and discussed the challenges they face, efforts to preserve Jewish identity, and the importance of the connection with the State of Israel.President Isaac Herzog:“I am moved to be here as the President of the State of Israel. The Jewish story of Kazakhstan spans hundreds of years, which today translates into a modern and developing relationship. “I thank President Tokayev for inviting...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 28, 2026 - This past Wednesday night, TA was zoche to host Rav Ahron Lopiansky, shlita, Rosh HaYeshiva of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington – Tiferes Gedaliah, for a powerful and timely presentation on Parenting in the World of AI.
The rosh Yeshiva addressed a packed room of parents and staff, sharing real-world, practical insights on how to approach and utilize this emerging technology thoughtfully and in alignment with our Torah way of life. Following his presentation, Rav Lopiansky answered both pre-submitted and live questions from the audience. Afterward, Rav Lopiansky met with TA Rabbeim, continuing the conversation and exploring the challenges and opportunities this presents within our classrooms. He provided guidance and perspective to he...
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 - Apr. 28, 2026 - The Baltimore Bandits secured a hard-fought championship at the RCCS hockey tournament. Led by captain Shlomo Trachtenburg, the Bandits won a thriller in double OT in the playoffs and then beat the North Woodmere Wolves 3-0 in the championship. The annual RCCS hockey tournament, run by Yisroel Merkin, raised over $6 million to assist cancer patients in our communities. The Baltimore team raised over $125,000 and was also led by Alternate Captains Harry Auster, Dovie Gibber, and R’ Yitz Cusner. Other Baltimore players included Reuven Klein (honorary captain), Meir Bohbot, Dov Frankel, DJ Listhaus, Shmuli Ellis, Dan Ellis, Justin Nichols, and Eric Pines.
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 27, 2026 - Sixteen students from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School have qualified for the National Finals of the Chidon HaTanach - the Dr. Shimshon Isseroff US National Bible Contest for Jewish Youth - which will take place in New York on May 17. The Chidon challenges students to develop deep knowledge of Tanach, and participation is voluntary. These students chose to take on the extra limud, committing themselves to serious study, review, and preparation throughout the year.At Beth Tfiloh, participation in the Chidon program reflects a genuine commitment to serious Tanach learning. Students dedicate time outside the regular school day to mastering the material. Along the way, they develop strong relationships with classmates and with their Rebbe, Rabbi Lei...
Finding an Anchor in the Shelter
“Hi Sivan, in our building in Kiryat Shemona, we decided that whenever there is a siren and we go down to the shelter, we will learn one halachah together in preparation for Pesach.”
That is what Chen Lilienthal of Kiryat Shmona wrote to me before Pesach. Since then, I have been following what is happening in her building on Solomonovich Street in the northern city. Chen, her husband Avi, and their six children chose to move there several years ago. “The security situation since October 7 has only strengthened that decision. We understood how historic and meaningful it is that we moved here, with the hope of seeing a real change in thinking about northern Israel.”
Six families live in the building. The Schwartz family started the ...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 26, 2026 - Read the Latest: Kashrus Kurrents Spring 5786/2026
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Moshe & Shira Heideman on the birth of a daughter!
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yaakov and Avigayil Ribakow on the birth of a son.Mazel Tov to grandparents Phyllis & Tuvia Aizer and Dr. & Mrs. Gedalya & Chana Price
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Nolan Drazin (Baltimore) and Renee Lisbon (Tampa) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Stephen & Wendy Drazin and Dennis & Rachel Lisbon
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yitzchok Meir Deutsch and Esti Glazer on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Avi & Zahava Deutsch and Chaim & Chaya GlazerMazel Tov grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Glazer
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Apr. 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Rafi and Aviva Shenk on the birth of Shaindel Temima.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were seated on the stage of the cavernous Washington Hilton ballroom just after 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday evening, playfully engaging with the evening’s entertainer, mentalist Oz Pearlman.
Just outside, a man sprinted through a security checkpoint with a shotgun in hand, exchanging fire with Secret Service agents who chased behind him, according to security footage released of the incident.
Within seconds, the gunman was subdued by Secret Service — before he could reach the ballroom where the president, Trump administration officials, members of Congress and some of the nation’s most prominent reporters and editors were all in attendance for the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinne...
Baltimore, MD - Apr. 26, 2026 - Consumer sentiment has cratered to its lowest level on record, as inflation-weary Americans are feeling additional stress from higher gas prices, the University of Michigan's nationwide survey showed Friday.
The school’s consumer sentiment tracking goes back to 1952, and its index of consumer sentiment hit an all-time low of “49.8” this month.
The previous low was 50-flat, which was hit in June 2022 at the peak of pandemic-period inflation.
The index is derived from nationwide surveys asking people about business conditions, buying conditions and personal finances.
Joanne Hsu, the survey's director and chief economist, said consumer sentiment has been persistently low and has recently gotten worse. But she cauti...