Parashat Vayechi: Know Yourself
What is the greatest blessing you can receive? To truly know who you are. In this week's Torah portion, our Yaakov Avinu bids farewell to his children and blesses them. However, some of them hear not blessings but rebukes, words of criticism.
Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe explains why the Book of Bereishit, which begins with the creation of the world, ends with delving into the depths of our souls:
"The most profound work that a person is called upon to do during his lifetime is to perfect his character traits, the root of his soul. A person can live his entire life without truly knowing himself. The greatest blessing is to achieve an understanding of one’s virtues and faults. Yaakov revealed to each of his children their particular traits. When someone i...
PINNED
Scroll for more news
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 1, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Nachum Pechatnikov, z’l, father of Dr. Esther (Yakov) Krug and Mrs. Olia (Ed) Margolin.Dr. Esther Krug: 410.274.5446 is sitting Shiva through Tuesday morning at 2314 Smith Ave., Baltimore, MD , 21209.Mrs. Olia Margoli is now sitting in Montreal, Canada: (International call) 416.892.7230
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
OTTAWA, Canada (TNND) — Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to resign Monday as leader of the country's Liberal Party, according to Canadian outlet Globe and Mail.
Trudeau has led the left-leaning party since 2013 and the nation since 2015. He will reportedly stay on as prime minister until a new leader is selected.
Speculation about the prime minister’s party exit comes as the Liberal Party faces a leadership crisis. Several of Trudeau’s cabinet members resigned in 2024, such as Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Freeland’s scathing resignation letter acknowledged she and Trudeau had been "at odds about the best path forward for Canada."
President-elect Donald Trump recently put addition...
Between Karnei Shomron and Kedumim - Jan. 6, 2025 - This morning (Monday) at 9:18, a report was received at MDA's (Magen David Adom) 101 dispatch center in the Yarkon region about a shooting attack targeting a bus and two vehicles on Route 55, near Al-Funduq (between Karnei Shomron and Kedumim).Large MDA forces were dispatched to the scene, including ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and MDA medicycle first responders.MDA EMTs and paramedics provided medical treatment at the scene to the victims and pronounced the deaths of three individuals traveling in the vehicles – two females approximately 60 years old and a male around 40 years old – who were found unconscious and without signs of life.Eight additional injured individuals were evacuated to Meir and...
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 6, 2025 – 7:56AM - BJL Weather Information Notification System
Bais Yaakov Elementary - Closed
Bais Yaakov Middle/High School - Closed
Baltimore City Public Schools - Closed
Baltimore County Public Schools - Closed
Beth Tfiloh - Closed
Bnos Yisroel - Closed, Day Care Also - Closed
Darchei Noam Montessori - Closed
JCC - Owings Mills - Closed
JCC - Park Heights - Closed
JCC Pre-School - Closed
Khal Chassidim (Mosdos) - Cheder Open
Khal Chassidim (Mosdos) - Daycare Closed
Khal Chassidim (Mosdos) - Elementary Closed
Khal Chassidim (Mosdos) - Preschool Closed
Market Maven - Open at 10AM
Mesorah...
Towson, MD - Jan. 6, 2025 — With the first significant winter weather event of 2025 expected to impact Baltimore County Sunday night into Monday morning, the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) is prepared to ensure the safety of residents. According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is in effect from 10 p.m. tonight until to 1 a.m. Tuesday for much of the Baltimore region. Forecasters are projecting between 5 and 10 inches of snow with up to 12 inches possible in isolated spots if heavy banding sets up in the area. Due to the expected winter weather, the main office of the Department of Public Works and Transportation, the landfill and drop-off centers will all be closed on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. There will also be no trash or recycling p...
NWS Moves to Winter Storm Warning, Snow Teams Continue To Pre-Treat Roads & Prepare Plows, Code Blue Declaration Issued
Baltimore, MD - Sun., January 5, 2025) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following update regarding preparations being made to confront the impending winter storm that is forecasted to cause significant snow accumulation, dangerous road conditions, and freezing temperatures across Baltimore.
The Baltimore City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will activate at 9:00 p.m. ahead of snowfall expected to begin later Sunday night.
For updated weather forecasts and traffic conditions, residents should tune into local news stations, check social media resources and visit the city’s snow page at snow.baltimore city.gov.
Forecast Update
The Natio...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 5, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the sudden petira of Mr. Joel Becker, z’l, husband of Tenise Becker father of Dovi (Miriam) Becker, and Niema Schertz and brother of Linda Zurndorfer.
BALTIMORE: Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, Dovi Becker will sit Shiva at 6803 Diana Court, Baltimore, MD, 21209.Mincha/Maariv on Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:50PMShacharis on Wednesday & Thursday: 6:30AMVisitation Times:
Tuesday: 2:00–6:00 PM and 7:00–10:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM–1:00 PM, 2:00–6:00 PM, and 7:00–10:30 PM
Tenise Becker can be reached by WhatsApp at 301-873-7084. Niema Schertz will sit shiva at 2945 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110, t0day (Thursday) and tomorrow and in S...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 5, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mr. Eliyahu Ohayon, z’l, father of Shula (Yaffa) Ankri and Yaffa Arnson.
They will be sitting shiva in Israel at 14/4 Natan Albaz Street, Ashdod, Israel, through Friday afternoon. Mrs. Ankri can be reached at 443.527.4537 and Mrs. Arnson at (410.800.8668) beginning late on Monday Israel time (7 hours ahead of Baltimore).
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
Israel is considering responding to Hamas' offer for a week-long ceasefire in exchange for a list of hostages in light of Mossad Chief David Barnea's expected visit to Qatar tomorrow, Ynet reported.
According to the publication in Ynet, Israel is considering responding to Hamas' offer with a counter-offer - accepting Hamas' offer in exchange for the release of several hostages as proof of Hamas' intentions to release the hostages.
In order to reach at least 24 men who will be released in the first stage of the more permanent ceasefire deal, Israel is trying to pressure Hamas to also release wounded men under the age of 50 under the humanitarian category.
Hamas claims that this demand was not part of the "summaries" presented to it a...
The United States Department of State has informed Congress about an $8 billion arms deal with Israel, an American official confirmed to the BBC on Saturday.
This planned shipment, which requires approval from both the House and Senate committees, includes a range of military supplies such as missiles, artillery shells, and other munitions, according to the report.
The announcement comes just weeks before President Joe Biden is set to leave office. Despite calls to halt military aid to Israel due to the high civilian death toll in Gaza, Washington has remained steadfast in its support.
In August, the US approved a $20 billion deal for fighter jets and other advanced military equipment for Israel.
Days earlier, multiple officials told CNN that the US is set to p...
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 4, 2025 - This past Thursday night, The Tent @ Ahavas Chaim was transformed into a vibrant scene of inspiration and reflection during an electrifying Maamad Sereifas Hapesilos. Hosted by Rabbi Shaya Kohn, the event featured the uplifting presence of HaRav Amrom Yungreis, shlita, Rosh Kollel of Khal Chasidim. Rav Yungreis delivered stirring divrei hisorerus, delving into the heart of Chanukah’s message—our deep and unbreakable connection to Hashem—and offering guidance on how to carry its glowing warmth into the colder months ahead. The evening concluded with the ceremonial burning of the pesilos and a mouthwatering Toameah, leaving everyone spiritually uplifted and satisfied.
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 4, 2025 - Maryland’s U.S. attorney said the state has seen a sharp decline in violent crime and touted collaboration statewide for the reductions.
Statewide, numbers are down 32% since 2021.
U.S. Attorney Erek Barron told 11 News it is all about working on the same mission together — it’s also about accountability and justice.
“I’m enormously proud of it. This is our goal. This is our number one mission: to keep communities safe. To keep the nation safe,” Barron said.
Barron said Maryland’s 2024 violent crime numbers show significant reductions in homicides and non-fatal shootings. He said it proves team building and collaboration among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and community groups is working....
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 4, 2025 - The average price for regular unleaded fuel in Maryland is nearly 25 cents more compared to this time last week.
I Interactive Chart: Average gas prices in Maryland by county
According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded fuel in Maryland on Saturday was $3.13 per gallon. This time last week, the price was $2.90.
Maryland’s price of fuel was above the national average. The country’s average on Saturday was $3.06 per gallon of regular gas.
Maryland ranked 12th out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. for most expensive regular fuel prices. Hawaii was the most expensive with it’s average being $4.53 per gallon.
The three cheapest metros for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Maryland were Frederick ($3...
Maryland’s new congressional delegation was sworn in Friday, with Vice President Kamala Harris officiating incoming senator Angela Alsobrooks’ swearing-in.
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 4, 2025 - Congressman Johnny Olszewski, D-District 2, along with his other fellow freshman class members, will have their offices in the Longworth House Office Building.
“Got here, my team is already unpacking boxes, and it’s been a priority just to make the office feel welcoming to our guests,” said congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, D-District 3. “I already had our first constituent call, which was really exciting.”
Elfreth was also sworn in Friday, transitioning her team from Annapolis to Capitol Hill.
“It has not lost on me. As you know, Maryland hasn’t h...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 3, 2025 - On the final night of Chanukah, a memorable Maamid Hadlaka and Zos Chanukah Tish took place at Mercaz, presided over by the Zidichover Rebbe. Hundreds of attendees packed the Bais Medrash to witness the Rebbe lighting the last flames of Chanukah and to participate in the inspiring event.
The atmosphere was electric, with perenches (bleachers) filled to capacity by children, bochurim, and families, as the oilam joined in stirring zemiros led by the talented Mezamrim.
Prominent local rabbanim graced the occasion with their presence, including Harav Moshe Heinemann, Harav Pinchas Gross, Harav Simcha Wein, Harav Menachem Goldberger, Harav Amrom Jungreis, and Harav Zvi Teichman, shlita, among others.
Community leaders and askanim, such as Councilman Yitzy...
The IDF confirms that a ballistic missile launched at Israel from Yemen was successfully intercepted by air defenses.
The military says the missile was shot down before reaching Israeli territory.
Sirens had sounded in the town of Talmei Elazar, close to Hadera, amid the incident.
The IDF says the sirens were activated there “according to protocol.”
Unlike previous Houthi attacks, sirens were not triggered across wide areas of the country, apparently indicating that fragments from the interception had not been projected to reach Israel.
Annapolis, MD - Jan. 4, 2025 - Governor Wes Moore has issued a State of Preparedness ahead of the snowstorm starting Sunday, January 5 to Monday, January 6 as the storm could impact roads and transportation across Maryland.
The announcement stated that several state agencies and departments, including law enforcement, emergency management, transportation, and public health are coordinating to prepare for the upcoming snowstorm.
Marylanders are warned to avoid travel, if possible, as icy road conditions are expected. Also, to stay prepared for potential winter storm hazards, and frequently monitor local forecasts, according to the announcement.
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 4, 2025 - Preconstruction work to collect data to design a new Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is scheduled to begin this month, according to Maryland officials.
The Baltimore Sun reports that work is scheduled to include topographic and underwater surveys, as well as soil sampling, according to Bradley Tanner, a Maryland Transportation Authority spokesman.
The bridge collapsed March 26 after a container ship lost power and crashed into one of its supporting columns, sending six members of a roadwork crew plunging to their deaths.
A Coast Guard notice obtained by The Sun alerts mariners to construction activity in the Patapsco River starting Jan. 7 through the state’s estimated completion of the new bridge in October 2028.
Demo...
