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 that on Sunday, the Israeli Air Force struck a building near Tehran housing four senior figures in the Iranian regime’s intelligence apparatus. The operation was carried out based on precise intelligence provided by the IDF Intelligence Directorate.
Among those killed was Mohammad Kazemi, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization since 2022, responsible for counterintelligence, espionage, and domestic repression.
His deputy, Mohammad Hassan Mahdaki, formerly chaired the Strategic Intelligence Division and played a central role in terrorist operations targeting Israel and Western nations.
Also eliminated were Mohsen Bagheri, head of the Quds Force Intelligence Division, and his deputy, Abu al-Fadl Nikouei. Both were involved in...
Petach Tikva, Israel - June 16, 2025 - A preliminary investigation by the IDF's Home Front Command revealed that the missile which struck a residential building in Petah Tikva early Monday morning, killing four civilians, hit directly between two reinforced safe rooms ("mamad").
The projectile was identified as a heavy ballistic missile, and the direct impact left no chance for survival in the targeted area. Two of the fatalities were inside one of the reinforced rooms at the time of the strike.
The other two victims included one individual likely located outside a bomb shelter on a floor above the impact, and another person in a neighboring building who was killed by the blast wave.
Home Front Command officials clarified that "mamad" rooms are not designed to withstand direct hits...
The IDF early Monday morning, around 4:00 a.m., said it identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.
"Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice," said the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.
"Leaving the protected space is only permitted following an explicit directive. Continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command," it added.
The Home Front Command announced shortly after midnight on Monday morning that residents must stay near a protected space. This directive applies to residents of northern and central Israel.
“The Home Front Command has now instructed residents in several areas across the country to...
Baltimore, MD – June 15, 2025 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shimon & Tziporah Pensak on the birth of a daughter.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Sirens sounded on Sunday across northern and central Israel, Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Arava after the IDF identified missiles that were launched from Iran.
The IAF is operated to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat.
There were multiple reports of fallen projectiles in both northern and southern Israel. In the Lachish area, four people were lightly injured, and missile fragments hit a building and set a brush fire.
A projectile reportedly fell in the Haifa area, where MDA crews tended to seven individuals: a woman who was moderately injured, three who were lightly injured, and three who suffered shock.
The IDF stated that search and Rescue forces are operating in several locations across the country where reports of fallen projectiles were received....
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The IDF announced on Sunday that the IAF struck an Iranian aerial refueling aircraft at Mashhad Airport in eastern Iran, approximately 2,300 kilometers from Israel.
This marks the longest-range strike conducted since the beginning of the operation.
The IDF noted that the IAF is operating to establish aerial superiority over Iranian airspac
Earlier in the day, IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment in the IAF Underground Operations Center with the Commander of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the Israeli Air Force Chief of Staff, Head of Aerial Operations, and additional senior commanders.
The Chief of the General Staff visited the defense and offense departments during the Israeli Air Force strikes in Tehran and expressed his deep appreciation for th...
Tens of thousands of Israelis have found themselves stranded across the globe after numerous international airlines canceled their flights to Israel in the wake of escalating regional tensions.
Israel's airspace was closed following the IDF's strike on Iranian territory late Friday night. Security officials estimate that Ben Gurion Airport will remain shut for at least three to four days.
El Al announced that civilian departures and arrivals are suspended due to the airspace closure. As a result, all flights have been canceled through Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Additional cancellations have been announced through Monday, June 23, from destinations including Berlin, Barcelona, Munich, and Venice.
Foreign carriers have also implemented sweeping cancellations. US-based Delta Airline...
Tel Aviv, Israel - June 15, 2025 - Sirens sounded across northern and central Israel on Sunday afternoon after the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.
The IDF stated that defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.
Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.
Leaving the protected space is only permitted following an explicit directive. Continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
In the opening strike of Operation "Rising Lion," IAF fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate, eliminated both the head of the Intelligence Directorate in the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff and the commander of the IRGC’s Surface-To-Surface Missile Array.
Since the beginning of the operation, over 20 commanders in the Iranian regime’s security apparatus have been eliminated.
The head of the Intelligence Directorate in the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, Gholam-Reza Marhabi, was responsible for intelligence situational assessments for the Iranian Armed Forces and was considered Iran’s most senior intelligence officer.
Marhabi played a key role in intelligence evaluations, operational planning, and combat preparations ag...
Jerusalem, Israel - June 14, 2025 - As tensions continue in the wake of Israel’s military action against Iran, widespread disruptions across the country persist. While Chaim V’Chessed is not a news outlet, the organization continues to provide critical updates on how the conflict is affecting schools, government services, transportation, and travel.
Here is the latest information:
Government Services: Most government offices are expected to remain closed in the coming days. Services such as Interior Ministry branches, Bituach Leumi, and Misrad HaKlita are not operating regularly and may be inaccessible altogether in some areas.
Individuals facing urgent government-related issues are encouraged to contact Chaim V’Chessed for assistance.
...
Tel Aviv, Israel - June 14, 2025 - Sirens sounded early Sunday morning in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles and UAVs launched from Iran toward the State of Israel. In addition, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted.
Three individuals pronounced dead at the scene of a missile impact in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv. In Bat Yam, 103 individuals were hurt, including four who are in serious condition, six in moderate condition, and 89 who suffered minor injuries. 37 injured victims were evacuated from the scene in Rehovot, including two in serious condition, 12 in moderate condition, and 23 who were lightly injured.
Rescue teams are currently operating at the scene to search for additional victims under the rubble.
At the same time, air defense system...
Sirens sounded across Israel on Friday evening as Iran launched several barrages of missiles towards the Jewish state, in what the Revolutionary Guards said was retaliation for Israel’s Operation Rising Lion against Iranian military officials and nuclear facilities.
Despite earlier reports of more than 200 missiles having been fired, IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin said that less than 100 missiles were fired towards Israel from Iran and that the majority of them were intercepted.
An Israeli official said the US assisted Israel with the interceptions.
The sirens were heard from the Galilee region in northern Israel to Be’er Sheva in the south.
Explosions were heard in central Israel, as a building was directly hit by a missile. Footage from the scene showed extensive damage to...
Baltimore, MD – June 13, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Ricki Stern, a’h, sister of Mrs. Debbie (Rabbi Boruch) Beyer.
Shiva is being observed through Thursday morning at 5912 Key Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21215
Visiting times:
10:00AM-12:00 Noon
2:00PM-5:00PM
7:00PM-9:00PM
Bila HaMaves LaNetzach
הִנֵּה לֹא יָנוּם וְלֹא יִישָׁן שׁוֹמֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל
The Guardian of Israel Neither Slumbers Nor Sleeps
We are profoundly grateful to Hashem for the outstanding successes achieved thus far in Operation Rising Lion against the malevolent regime in Iran and its forces and for His constant protection of Israel. We are overwhelmed by the stunning efforts of the soldiers of Israel’s Defense Forces and other security services, heroically committed to operating as God’s hand, acting tenaciously and tirelessly to protect Israel and the entire civilized world from the Iranian threat. We pray for Israel’s continued safety as this situation unfolds.
Jewish communities everywhere are exercising appropriate vigilance due to the curren...
Baltimore, MD – June 13, 2025 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petirah of Chazzan Samuel Stal, z’l, husband of Mrs. Evelyn Stal, father of Chaya Azer, formerly known as Phyllis Ribakow, Yossi (Tami) Stal and Naomi Stal-Johnson and brother of Sonia Ostrow.
The levaya will be held today, Friday, June 13, 2025 at Levinson’s at 1:00PM
Kevura will take place at the Chevra Ahavas Chesed Cemetery 9780 Liberty Rd, Randallstown, MD 21133.
Shiva will be observed at 2903 Fallstaff Road, Unit 206 - Bartonwood Apartments (corner of Willow Glen and Fallstaff). Please enter from patio on Fallstaff. It's the first unit on the ground floor.Minyanim:Mincha: Erev Shabbos - 5:00 pmMaariv Motzaei Shabbos - 9:20 pmShacharis: Sund...
Pikesville, MD - June 13, 2025:
Dear Pikesville Community,As your Commander, I want to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and assure you that the safety and security of all citizens in Pikesville remains our paramount concern.Please know that the Baltimore County Police Department's Pikesville Precinct is actively monitoring the situation.As a precautionary measure, you will see an increased police presence throughout our area. Our officers are conducting more frequent check-on-locations and will be highly visible in your neighborhoods, business districts, and places of gathering.We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone. We encourage you to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. Your cooperati...
Baltimore, MD - June 13, 2025 -Shomrim wants to assure the community that safety and security remains our top priority. We're actively working with local law enforcement officials to ensure there is appropriate resources assigned to our neighborhoods in light of recent developments.While there are no specific credible threats, you'll notice an increased Shomrim and local law enforcement presence in our neighborhoods, business districts, and Jewish institutions. Our volunteers and local law enforcement officers are conducting regular patrols to maintain a safe environment.We encourage you to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911 and Shomrim at 410-358-9999.Your cooperation is crucial in helping us keep our communities safe! S...
Dan's DealsUpdate: Delta announced that it will cancel flights to Tel Aviv through August 31st. Their next available JFK to Tel Aviv flight is now September 1st. Customers can request a refund or change to dates through 11/15 with no change in fare.
Per this NOTAM, Israeli airspace will remain closed to commercial flights at least through Sunday at 8pm local time (5pm UTC):
HT: chff
Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran has been an incredible success so far and will make the entire world a safer place. Our prayers go out for the mission’s continued success.
In the meantime, Israeli airspace remains closed to commercial flights and planes on the ground have been ferried to Larnaca and other locations. It will take some time to get things up and runnin...