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.
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Baltimore, MD - Mar. 5, 2026 - Explore the latest issue of Baltimore Jewish Home.Click on the graphic below:
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Baltimore, MD – Feb, 2026 - Are you nervous about Kashering for Pesach; unsure you will get it done properly? Are you afraid the water will ruin your cabinets and create a mess in your kitchen? Are you moving into a new house and need the kitchen kashered; stress-free? Click here: https://t.ly/UknmP For the last seven years, The Kashering Konnection, has been servicing the Baltimore and DC communities. Coordinated through Star-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Sholom Tendler, experienced, professional Mashgichim are available to come to your home and ensure an easy, mess-free and 100% properly-done Kashering of your kitchen and appliances. From ovens to stoves, counters to sinks, The Kashering Konnection can help you prepare for Pesach in an easy and affordable w...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 6, 2026 - Last night the Baltimore community commemorated the yahrzeit of Sar HaTorah, HaGaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky, ZTL, at Shomrei Emunah. In a show of our special community, over 20 shuls joined in sponsoring this event.The crowd was privileged to hear divrei chizuk and bracha from Harav Daniel Glatstein, noted Rav and renowned author and speaker. He spoke about Rav Kanievsky’s unique hasmada, humility, and diligence, and infused the crowd with chizuk at a time of great uncertainty in the world. He also spoke about how the world certainly misses Rav Chaim's presence to help guide us during these times.
The oilam was also zoche to join in a siyum made by Reb Shlomo Shulman on Yerushalmi Maseches Beitza.
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 6, 2026 - Excitement is building at Torah Institute Yeshivas Kochav Yitzchak as visible preparations for the school’s new building project continue to move forward. Pink ribboned stakes and high-visibility fencing have been placed around the campus, clearly marking the areas where work will soon begin. In addition, several tractors and pieces of construction equipment have already arrived on site, signaling that the long-anticipated project is about to get underway.
These early steps are part of the preparation for grading the property and installing the necessary stormwater management systems, an important phase that ensures the site is properly prepared for the construction that will follow.
The official start of construction is scheduled for Mond...
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.
Within forty days from the revelation at Mount Sinai, the Jews already falter and sin with the procuring of the Golden Calf.
G-d directs Moshe to go and descend — for 'your' people that you brought up from Egypt has become corrupt. סרו מהר — They have strayed quickly מן הדרך — from the path I have commanded them, to make a molten calf to worship it.
There seems to be a primary emphasis on their 'quickness' to sin and having strayed from the 'path', with the sinning in worshipping the calf secondary.
When G-d refers to 'your' people becoming corrupt, we are taught it relates to Moshe being rebuked for having advocated to accept the ערב רב — The Mixture of Multitudes, of other nations who sought to enter the...
We are reminded in many places that the Torah does not necessarily record events in precise chronological order. Sometimes there are specific lessons to be learned from the juxtapositions and other times the reason is more elusive. Virtually all commentaries agree that the events of the Eigel Hazahav are not in correct chronological order. Most agree that this event occurred close to the giving of the Aseres Hadibros in Parshas Yisro. Many varying explanations are offered for why the Torah records Parshiyos Mishpatim, Teruma and Tetzaveh before returning to this watershed moment.
It is interesting to note that the center pieces of these Parshiyos is the building of the Mishakan. Rashi points out (Pikudei 38:21) that the building of the Mishkan was...
Expect Ramp Closures 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. March 9–13
Baltimore, MD - March 5, 2026 – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will close and detour various ramps at the I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) / I-70 interchange overnight beginning Monday, March 9, in preparation for a bridge painting and cleaning project scheduled for this spring. The ramp work is expected to be completed by Friday, March 13, weather permitting.
Ramp detours will be in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night, with detour routes posted. In the event of inclement weather, the schedule may change and overnight work with temporary lane closures and detours will take place on the next available weeknight (Sunday through Thursday).
Each night, contractor crews will ins...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 5, 2026 - Purim Around Baltimore with B. Ansbacher Photography
Baltimore, MD – Mar. 5, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dovid and Sara Leah Nissel on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai and Ducky Nissel and Avromi (Alf) & Riffy Klainberg
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media he was pushing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem out of her position and would nominate Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her.
Noem, who was tapped by Trump to helm DHS at the start of his administration, has faced growing scrutiny over her conduct in the position, including her alleged romantic relationship with her chief adviser, distribution of the windfall of cash the department has received — particularly for an ad campaign that showcased her prominently — and her conflicting accounts over fatal incidents involving federal immigration agents.
Current and former Homeland Security officials have privately questioned how much longer the secretary would remain in the post following what they perceived as a se...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 5, 2026 - Amid a battle over federal immigration policy and implementation, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott signed an executive order aimed at "Protecting the Rights and Well-Being of Baltimore City Residents."
The move comes after reports that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is transferring supplies to a warehouse near Hagerstown, MD, just over an hour west of Baltimore.
“For months, our team has been closely monitoring aggressive, reckless, and violent federal immigration enforcement in cities and communities around the country,” Mayor Scott said. “This executive order is one of many actions we’re taking to protect public safety and our residents in Baltimore. Our immigrant neighbors are an integral part of Baltimore'...
Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 5, 2026 - A 2,200-year-old Biblical manuscript stretching more than 24 feet is the highlight of new exhibitions, marking the 60th anniversary of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Israel.
At the center of the anniversary displays is the rare presentation of the Great Isaiah Scroll, מגילת ישעיהו, Megillat Yeshayahu, shown fully unrolled for the first time since 1968 inside.
The exhibition, titled “A Voice from the Desert: The Great Isaiah Scroll,” allows visitors to see the ancient manuscript in its entirety, something normally impossible because of strict conservation requirements.
“This is the only complete biblical manuscript ever discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls,” curator Hagit Moaz said during a media...
Margo Thomas is fighting the state’s recent denial of disability services for her son, Bret Barwick – services he’s received for the past 12 years.
The services greatly contribute to his quality of life by providing him with social engagement and skill-building opportunities.
“I can’t even imagine not having the help,” she said, during a recent interview at the State House in Annapolis, where she traveled to advocate for her son’s care.
Thomas, a single parent, said she’s so far spent $10,000 on a lawyer to challenge the denial of her son’s Developmental Disabilities Administration plan and took out a home equity line of credit (HELOC) loan on her house to cover the legal fees. Even if her son gets back on his DDA plan, Thomas said...
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 5, 2026 - Consumers looking to buy beer and wine in grocery and other retail stores may have to wait a little longer.
What is practically a perennial effort to let other retailers sell some alcoholic beverages appears destined to stall again, with two key Senate Democrats saying a Senate bill is not poised to move forward, and a House version hitting a brick wall of concerns about small business owners Wednesday.
“I don’t foresee us this year taking on this issue in a significant way,” Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) told reporters Tuesday. “I do think probably in the next term, we’re going to have to figure out some sort of compromise here.”
He said he does not see that compromise emerging in the remaining...
