Watch: Jewish Life Network's 613 Seconds Podcast - Star-K: The Pulse of Pesach - A Conversation with Rabbi Zvi Holland
By: BJLife Newsroom
Baltimore, MD - April 9, 2025 - In this episode of 613 Seconds, we sit down with Rabbi Zvi Holland, Kashrus Administrator at Star-K, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s leading kosher certification agencies. Rabbi Holland shares his journey from Scranton and eventually to Baltimore, and how his role at Star-K spans global shechita, wine certification, and support for Israeli companies. He offers a deep dive into the massive year-round effort behind Pesach preparation -- from kashering guides to medication lists --and highlights the importance of clear halachic guidance in today's complex world. Plus, hear how Star-K is innovating with digital tools, handling thousands of questions during peak season, and staying true to its mission of consumer support and Torah values.
Jewish Life Network's 613 Seconds Podcast - Star-K: The Pulse of Pesach- A Conversation with Rabbi Zvi Holland
Baltimore, MD - April 9, 2025 - In this episode of 613 Seconds, we sit down with Rabbi Zvi Holland, Kashrus Administrator at Star-K, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s leading kosher certification agencies. Rabbi Holland shares his journey from Scranton and eventually to Baltimore, and how his role at Star-K spans global shechita, wine certification, and support for Israeli companies. He offers a deep dive into the massive year-round effort behind Pesach preparation -- from kashering guides to medication lists --and highlights the importance of clear halachic guidance in today's complex world. Plus, hear how Star-K is innovating with digital tools, handling thousands of questions during peak season, and staying true to its mission of consumer support and Torah values.
If you’re part of an organization or business with a story to share, contact us at Media@baltimorejewishhome.com to learn more about being interviewed on the Jewish Living Network podcast.
Baltimore, MD - April 16, 2025 - Please note the following updates to the Post-Pesach store info below. This info only applies to chometz items (see chart, below). Non-chometz items may be purchased anywhere.
Shoprite: Chometz may be purchased ONLY from the Shoprite store located at 37 Aylesbury Rd. Timonium, Maryland. We cannot confirm the chometz status of other Shoprite stores in the Baltimore area.
Target: It is commendable NOT to buy any Chometz at local Target stores until Monday May 19th.
Dear Friends, Supporters & Family,
With profound sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Rav Dovid Frid Z"l, who returned his soul to Hashem on Shabbat March, 22. He left this world after sudden complications which tragically escalated, overwhelming his body in a matter of hours.
For the past 15 years, Rav Dovid was not only a beacon of strength and Emunah, but a true warrior — living each day with courage, dignity, and deep devotion to Torah despite his health challenges. By his side every moment stood his beloved wife Rochel who,together with their children, was fully devoted to his care. Their lives revolved around keeping Rav Dovid comfortable, cared for, and surrounded by love.
Now Rochel and the family are facing an unimag...
Baltimore, MD - April 17, 2025 - Please note: The Star-K advises that no one purchase from Dunkin' Donuts at Fallstaff on Motzaei Pesach, Sunday night, April 20, until after 9:45 PM.
Baltimore, MD – April 14, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Esther Kranton, a’h, mother of Mrs. Deena (Yitzchok) Perelmuter.Shiva begins Motza'ei Yom Tov (Sunday night) at 6350 Red Cedar PL, unit 100, and will be observed through Friday afternoon. Visiting hours: 4/21 - 4/25 Mon. 10 am - 12 pm, 2-5 pm & 7-8 pm Tues., 10 am- 12 pm Wed, 10 am - 12 pm, 2-5 pm & 7-8 pm Thurs. 10 am - 12 pm, 2-5 pm & 7-8 pm Fri. 10 am- 1 pm
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
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.
Shailos for regular or Kashrus shailos may emailed or discussed using this widget.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Harvard University is abusing its tax-exempt status, describing the university as “antisemitic” over its handling of anti-Israel protests on campus.
“I think Harvard is a disgrace. They're obviously antisemitic, and all of a sudden they're starting to behave,” Trump told reporters.
“But when you see what they were saying, what they were doing, when you see the way they took care of events, when you watch that woman, that horrendous president that ruined the image of Harvard, maybe permanently, in Congress…when you take a look at what happened there, it was horrific.”
Noting that the issue of Harvard’s tax-exempt status is being handled by lawyers, Trump continued, “Tax-exempt...
Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced that he successfully met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
"I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return," Van Hollen said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return. pic.twitter.com/U9y2gZpxCb
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 18, 2025
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. 17, 2025 – Friday, April 18, 2025, Good Friday, is a Baltimore City holiday, and all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be closed.
There will be no trash or recycling collection in Baltimore city on Friday, April 18.
Trash and recycling make-up day will be Shabbos, April 19.
Please be sure to place your trash/recycling receptacles at the curb before Shabbos/Yom Tov.
Baltimore, MD – April 2025 - Every Shabbos table offers every Jewish family an incredible opportunity by which they can share their joy for Shabbos, for Yiddishkeit and for HaShem with their children. Unfortunately, our schedules are hectic and many people don’t have the time to prepare themselves to utilize the Shabbos table to its fullest. Therefore, we at ACHIM created TableTalk as a pre-packaged talking points pamphlet which is attractive, fun and has something for everyone. Limited copies are distributed to many shuls on a weekly basis but they are snatched up very quickly. Get yours ASAP or click on the graphic below and print your own.What’s in it and what’s all the excitement about?TableTalk features:• Weekly halachic dilemma cre...
Rabbi Dovid Fink: Shvii Shel Pesach: From the Horses Mouth
On the 7th day of Pesach, we commemorate the Greatest Nes done in the presence of man. 600,000 people witnessed the Splitting of the Sea and all of the other associated miracles. Indeed, the Nes was of such a magnitude that Moshe Rabbeinu and all of the men busrt out into Shira – song to commemorate, admire and appreciate what Hashem had just done for them. Then, the Torah diverts to tell us that Miriam Haniviya took drums and all the women sang Shira with her. In telling us that Miriam also sang Shira, the Torah repeats one Pasuk and one Pasuk only, in alluding to her having sung the whole Shira. The Pasuk says “Sus Verochvo Rama Vayam” – That the horse and its rider were drowned in the sea.
Why was this Pasuk chosen and associated with Miriam and the women singing Shira? Moreover, why do we emphasize that the horse was drowned with its rider? Did the horse have any choice in his conduct? The Gemara (Sotah 11b ) explains that it was the women of Klal Yisroel in whose Zchus Yitzias Mitzrayim was possible. It was the women who maintained the Jewish names of their children, it was the women who enticed the men to continue having children while suffering under slavery, it was the women who maintained the purity of the home under the most oppressive conditions. In fact, Rashi says that was why Miriam had drums with her. So certain were the women that Hashem would continue to perform miracles for them as they left Mitzrayim, that they wanted to be prepared to celebrate.
With this we can begin to understand these Psukim. Bnei Yisroel cross the Yom Suf on dry land after it’s waters split and they sing Shira. Comes along the Torah and reminds us that it was the women who behind the scenes were the main Zchus for the miracle. Not only Sus but the Mesaye Lidvar Mitzvah is on a higher Madrega than the Rochvo. Hence this Pasuk which places the horse (The Mesaye) ahead of the riders is the perfect illustration of the primary role the women had in our leaving Mitzrayim. It seems only fitting that they still shoulder the lions share of all the care that goes into our prober observance and celebration of Pesach. Today, we still have the Nashim Tzidkuniyos of Klal Yisroel, without whom we would be lost.
The Hamas terrorist organization has rejected Israel's proposal for a partial Gaza hostage deal.
Khalil al-Hayya, who oversees the negotiations on behalf of Hamas, claimed that "Netanyahu set impossible conditions for a deal that does not lead to the end of the war or full withdrawal. He and his government violated the agreement before its first phase ended.
"We are prepared to immediately hold true negotiations for the release of the captives that we hold in return for an agreed-upon number of prisoners being held by the occupation. The occupation in return must totally stop the war and totally withdraw from the Gaza Strip," he demanded.
Earlier in the week, the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen channel, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, published the alleged details of the Israeli offe...
Two people were killed, and six others were injured in a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, authorities said.
Police identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at the school. They also said his mother is a Sheriff's Deputy, and said Ikner used his mother's weapon in the killing. His mother has been an officer for over 18 years and authorities say she has done a "tremendous job."
Authorities have said that the two who were killed were not FSU students.
The university and authorities are asking students, staff and faculty to call their loved ones if they haven’t already. The area is still considered an active crime scene.
The FBI was able to dispatch agents from its Tallahassee field office to the scene quickly, as they a...
Annapolis, MD - April 17, 2025 - An energy ratepayer report published Tuesday claims regional electricity bills could continue skyrocketing by double digits over the next decade.
The independent power sector analysis conducted by Massachusetts-based Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. said that power customers in the PJM Interconnection region may experience an increase of up to 60% in ratepayer costs by 2036.
“Electricity customers in the PJM region (which spans all or parts of 13 Mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C.) are facing a looming cost crisis stemming from two major issues: (a) worsening barriers to building and connecting new generation resources needed to supply the electric grid, and (b) unprecedented increases in projected electricity demand,” Synapse wrote....
Orthodox Jew Judge Matthew H. Solomson Named Chief Judge of U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Washington, D.C. – April 17, 2025 – President Donald Trump has designated Judge Matthew H. Solomson, a deeply committed Orthodox Jew and respected legal scholar, as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, marking a historic milestone as the first Orthodox Jew to hold this role on the prestigious federal bench.
A resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, Solomson’s life reflects a uniquely American Jewish journey—son of a U.S. Army colonel, grandson of immigrants, and now entrusted with overseeing justice between citizens and the government. A graduate of Brandeis University and holder of both a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Maryland, Solomson has built a career of...
Baltimore, MD – April 14, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mr. Norman Feinberg, z’l, father of Dovid Emanuel (Emily) Feinberg.Shiva begins Motza'ei Yom Tov (Sunday night) at 2505 Summerson Rd and will be observed through Friday afternoon.
Minyanim
Maariv Motza'ei Yom Tov - 8:35 pm
Shacharis - 7:15 am
Mincha/Maariv - 7:40 pm
Mincha Erev Shabbos - 3:00 pm
Please note: The family requests no visitors between 1:30 - 2:30 pm and 6:00 - 7:00 pm, and after 10:00 pm.Bila HaMaves LaNetzach…
UPDATE as of 1:19PM: This has been fixed.Baltimore, MD – April 17, 2025 – 1:05PM - There are reports that the traffic lights at the intersection of Park Heights and Seven Mile are seriously malfunctioning — with all directions allegedly receiving a green light simultaneously. Drivers should proceed with extreme caution and treat the intersection as a 4-way stop until resolved.------------------------------------------------------------------
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Jerusalem, Israel - April 17, 2025 - With the participation of families of hostages and Nova Festival survivors: Over 50,000 people attended the second Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) this morning • So far, approximately half a million people have visited the Western Wall during Passover • The multitudes prayed for the return of the hostages, the success of IDF soldiers, and the recovery of the woundedTens of thousands took part this morning (Thursday) in the second Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony during the Shacharit and Musaf prayers of the Passover holiday, held at the Western Wall Plaza.The ceremony was attended by the rabbi of the Western Wall and the holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, government ministers, members of Knesset and public figures, the fa...
Google has illegally built “monopoly power” with its web advertising business, a federal judge in Virginia has ruled, siding with the Justice Department in a landmark case against the tech giant that could reshape the basic economics of running a modern website.
The ruling that Google violated antirust law marks the U.S. government’s second major court victory over Google in recent months amid claims the company has illegally monopolized key parts of the internet ecosystem, including online search. And it is the third such decision since a federal jury in December 2023 found that Google’s proprietary app store is also an illegal monopoly.
Taken together, the trio of decisions highlights the breadth of trouble Google faces, raising the prospect of sweeping penaltie...
Baltimore, MD - April 17, 2025 - Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BGE) is replacing CEO Carim Khouzami at a time when electricity bills have been under fire across the region.
BGE said Thursday that Khouzami will be succeeded by Tamla Olivier, the senior vice president and chief operating officer of Pepco Holdings, effective May 1.
She served as BGE's senior vice president of customer operations and chief customer officer before her current role at Pepco Holdings.
“It is an honor to return to a company and community that taught me so much about how to understand and meet the diverse needs of those customers we have the privilege to serve,” said Olivier, via a press release. “I’m excited to partner with BGE’s dedicated team to ensure our cust...
Baltimore, MD – April 17, 2025 – BJL wishes a very happy birthday to Baltimore City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer.
Your dedication to our city, your tireless advocacy for the community, and your commitment to public service continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. May this year bring you strength, success, and many reasons to celebrate. Here's to continued leadership and good health—Baltimore is lucky to have you!
