Rabbi Yitzhak Kesselman, a 40-year-old Chabad Hasid and Microsoft's most senior ultra-Orthodox engineer, has been promoted to corporate vice president (CVP) at the tech giant. Kesselman specializes in enterprise software and leads Microsoft's "real-time data analytics" sector through a management product called Fabric. This software enables even non-technical employees to extract meaningful insights from massive datasets. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the product's significance at the company's conference in May, describing it as a tool that will "fuel the next generation of AI services."
Now based in New York, Kesselman is married with five children and was one of the first ultra-Orthodox employees at Microsoft's development center in Israel. Born in ...
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๐ฅA Father's Strength - Stand with Rabbi Dovid Frid this Purim!Open your ๐heart and make a donation – Help Rabbi Frid, Father with ALS get the LIFE SAVING support he needs ๐
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For ten+ long years, Rabbi Dovid Frid has been trapped in his own body, completely bedridden, unable to move, unable to speak—only his eyes remain his voice.
Yet, through the unimaginable pain, the isolation, the relentless challenges, he has never given up.
He watches his children grow, unable to hold them. He listens to their voices, unable to answer back. He sees his devoted wife, Rochel, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders—managing the home, the endless medical needs, the unbearable financial burden.
Still, he holds on.
Because even i...
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๐ญ Purim is Over—But There’s Still Time! ๐ญThe costumes are packed, the fun’s all through ,But one more thing is left to do!Before the memories fade away,Send your pics in—don’t delay!A $100 meal could still be yours,At your favorite restaurant’s doors!Two runners-up will win a treat,$50 to make their feast complete!The clock is ticking—don’t be late,Enter NOW before it’s too late!๐ธ LAST CHANCE! Submit here
The IDF has observed preparations by terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip over the past two weeks to resume fighting, Kan 11 News reported on Monday evening.
According to the report, this is reflected in the recruitment of hundreds of new terrorists, the distribution of combat equipment, the establishment of positions, and the restoration of command structures that were damaged during the intense fighting.
The defense establishment also identified an unusual incident in Gaza in recent days, which could indicate preparations for an attack or raid. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with defense establishment leaders, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, Mossad chief David Barnea, Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) chief Ronen Bar, and IDF Chie...
Annapolis, MD - March 17, 2025 - Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced Monday that the state would not impose the controversial business-to-business tax and the sugary drink tax in the final budget.
The 2.5% business tax would have been on things like accounting, social media and other services businesses get from one another. The “For Our Kids Act” would have added a two cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks, syrups and powders.
When speaking on the decision to not include the business tax in the state budget, Moore said he wanted the state to be economically competitive and business friendly.
“When I laid out that we had to make ourselves more economically competitive and more business friendly, that meant actually creating and opening up pathways for ...
An assistant professor from Brown University’s medical school with a valid visa was deported from the U.S. despite a judge’s order that she was not to be removed.
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin, an appointee of former President Obama, was set to hold a hearing Monday after Rasha Alawieh was deported to Lebanon but canceled it shortly before it began. The deportation came after Sorokin said Alawieh, a kidney transplant specialist, was to stay in the country.
Alawieh was detained Thursday after returning to the U.S. following travel abroad. Sorokin on Friday ordered the government to provide 48 hours notice before deporting her, but she was then put on a flight out of the country.
Her attorneys argue the federal government “willfully” disobey...
President Trump announced he will release 80,000 pages of unredacted files Tuesday about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, after promising on the campaign trail to declassify the documents.
“While we’re here, I thought it would be appropriate — we are, tomorrow, announcing and giving all of the Kennedy files. So, people have been waiting for decades for this, and I’ve instructed my people … lots of different people, [Director of National Intelligence] Tulsi Gabbard, that they must be released tomorrow,” the president told reporters while touring the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
“You got a lot of reading. I don’t believe we’re going to redact anything. I said, ‘just don’t redact...
Several Houthi leaders involved in its drone program were killed during a US strike on Houthi targets in Yemen, the Pentagon announced in a press conference Monday.
Overnight, US Central Command (CENTCOM) continued to carry out strikes on the Iran-backed terror group. The US agency announced via X overnight that attacks would continue.
The Houthis claimed 53 people have been killed as a result of the strikes, which began on Saturday.
Speaking with ABC on Monday, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said the US strikes "took out" several Houthi leaders.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday that the United States would conduct "unrelenting" strikes against the Houthis in Yemen until the terrorist group ceases their military actions...
Baltimore, MD – March 17, 2025 - Today, the annual Derech Chaim (HaRav Pinchas Gross) matzah baking trip occurred in Lakewood, with 20 men and 15 young men participating in baking matzos for several hours. The participants had the zechus of hearing a shmuz from HaRav Nachum Binder, Rav of Khal Hampshire Heights, Lakewood, NJ.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the call of a French politician that America return the Statue of Liberty to France, nearly 140 years after the skyscraper-sized figure was given to the US as a gift from France.
Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MP Raphaël Glucksmann had stated in response to the recent US policy on the Ukraine war, “Give us back the Statue of Liberty. We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.’ We gave it to you as a gift.”
When asked about Glucksmann's statement, Leavitt stated, “It’s only because of America that the French are not spea...
Houthi leader Abdel-Malek al-Houthi sent a threatening message to Israel following US President Donald Trump's latest warning against both the Houthis and their Iranian masters.
"The naval blockade of Israel is a first step. If the hunger in Gaza increases, we cannot wait and see that our position remains at this level. If the situation requires it, we will not hesitate to take greater action," he said.
At the same time, a Pentagon spokesman said that the US is working against the Houthis, one of Iran's regional terrorist proxies, to restore calm and safety to maritime trade.
He stressed that they do not intend to cause a change of government or enter into an endless operation in the Middle East. According to him, the US military will stop the operation as soon as they receive...
Light and Joy, Gladness and Honor … in Goebbels’ Retreat
Just before Purim, I received this incredible photo which portrays a turnabout reminiscent of what we experienced in the time of Mordechai and Esther.
The photo was taken on Purim 1945, during the Holocaust. A group of Jewish American soldiers arrived at the grand, ancient castle where Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi regime's Minister of Propaganda, would vacation with his family. The place was filled with swastikas, and a giant portrait of Hitler ym”sh.
And in this very location, a scene that no director could have invented took place: Jewish soldiers, who were fighting against absolute evil, took a break to read Megillat Esther and celebrate Purim—the holiday that marks the Jewish victory over complete ev...
Baltimore, MD - March 17, 2025 - We are thrilled to announce that Senator Attar’s legislation, enabling Hatzalah volunteers’ personal vehicles to use emergency lights, has passed the Senate with unanimous support. This crucial development will enhance the efficiency and safety of Hatzalah’s life-saving services. We extend our gratitude to Senator Attar for her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to our community.
The United States and Israel have explored the possibility of resettling Gazan Palestinian Arabs in Syria, CBS News reported.
The report revealed that the Trump administration attempted to reach Syria’s interim government through a third party regarding potential resettlement. However, a senior Syrian official denied any knowledge of such discussions.
Israeli officials have reportedly been encouraged by Trump’s comments on resettlement to explore options in various countries. Trump suggested Gazans could leave voluntarily but indicated their departure could be permanent, citing Gaza as "not habitable" for years to come.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the idea, calling it a "remarkable" proposal that should be explored, though Trump stated he is i...
Baltimore, MD – March 17, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yaakov Braun & Shani Samuels on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Chaya (Menachem Mendel, z’l) Braun and Yonason & Elisheva Samuels
ืื"ืจ ืฉืืืื ืืื ืืช ืืืช ื ืืื ืืืฉืจืื. ืืื!
Baltimore, MD – March 17, 2025 - 9:27 AM - One lane is now open as a tow truck clears one of the vehicles from this morning’s crash------------------------------------------------------------------
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Baltimore, MD – March 17, 2025 - 8:54AM - A serious crash on Park Heights (just before Brooks Robinson) heading toward Owings Mills/BYPH has just occurred forcing cars to turn around and take another route. Expect significant delays.
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Baltimore, MD – March 17, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shlomo Krakowitz (Toronto) & Devorah Menken (Baltimore) on their engagement!
Mazel Tov to Yanky & ZC Krakowitz and Rabbi Yaakov & Tova Menken
ืื"ืจ ืฉืืืื ืืื ืืช ืืืช ื ืืื ืืืฉืจืื. ืืื!
Search Begins for Successor to Lead Maryland Health System
Baltimore, March 16, 2025 – Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health, has announced his plan to retire following more than 12 years at the helm of one of Maryland’s leading health systems and more than 37 years of dedicated service to the organization. The LifeBridge Health Board of Directors is launching a national search for Meltzer’s successor to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Meltzer will continue to serve as president and CEO until his successor assumes the role.
“LifeBridge Health is more than a workplace—it’s a community of passionate healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care,” says Meltzer. “Leading this incredible ...
Jerusalem, Israel - March 16, 2025 - President Isaac Herzog hosted a meal to break the Ramadan fast (Iftar) at the Beit Hanasi on Sunday, 16 Adar, March 16, attended by leaders and public figures from Arab society in Israel. The custom of the Israeli President began with Moshe Katsav, who had many friends in the Arab Israeli community. Israel Police and Israel Defense Force officers were represented.
The President and his wife, Michal, came out to greet the guests before dinner.
After the elegant and elaborate dinner was served in the main diplomatic reception room, after sunset to break the fast, he began, "Michal and I are happy and excited to host you today at the traditional Iftar dinner in the President's Residence. This is one of the most impo...
