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 - June 17, 2025: Dear All, Please be advised that the last day of the 2024-25 school year for Baltimore City Public School was yesterday. There are no plans for summer school at Cross Country Elementary Middle School this summer.
There are plans to replace the HVAC system in the building. There will be HVAC workers on the site in the daytime. Hopefully the worker's vehicles will be parked in the parking lot and not on the street.Please keep this in mind when you send your children out to play in the school play areas. Last year the counselors at backyard camps brought their campers to the school playgrounds. This year we recommend that camp counselors and daycare operators assess the area for safety before bringing the children to a possible worksite.
The IDF is continuing to strike targets in Iran as part of Operation Rising Lion. According to a defense official, the operation is in full swing, and the regime in Tehran took "a hard blow on its home field."
According to the official, "We can't give details yet about the achievements, but they are impressive. We know how to act in every part of Iran, not without dangers and challenges."
The IDF stated that the IAF will soon begin striking "new families" of targets. "The next step will be painful and surprising. Layer after layer, with orderly operational logic, which was planned out over the past year and a half at the Operations Directorate. We have plans for many days ahead."
Operations Directorate Chief Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk stated: "Yesterday, we neutralized the Iranian regim...
Baltimore, MD - June 17, 2025 – 3:24PM – (BJL) A car is currently blocking the northbound lanes of Reisterstown Road at Seven Mile Lane.
A tow truck has just arrived on scene.
Baltimore, MD – June 17, 2025 – It is June, and instead of being bright and sunny, the weather is rainy and cool. The heavens are pouring. Maybe this is how the skies act in the Diaspora as we watch from afar at what is happening in the Holy Land. The clouds reflect our tears that are streaming from within, and they cry with us from above.
The school year is almost over. It was a strange one. Strange in that I still went about my daily routine and taught my preschool students. Strange that I still go about my life, B”H, almost normally, with errands and exercise and the blessed little things that are really big ones indeed. Strange that I continue to do all this while we are almost two years into the nightmare of October 7th. We take care of our families and friends, mak...
Exit Plan May Involve Air or Sea Travel; Information Collection Underway
Jerusalem, Israel - June 17, 2025 - In a new development, Israeli authorities have begun preliminary preparations to assist foreign nationals who remain stranded in Israel due to the ongoing security situation.
While no official exit plan has yet been announced, Chaim V’Chessed has learned from sources that the developing arrangement may include evacuation by air or sea to a third country. At this stage, the government is focused on collecting data from those affected.
Tourists and other foreigners currently in Israel who wish to return to their home countries are encouraged to submit their personal details using this online form.
This move comes as part of broader efforts to support...
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.
Baltimore, MD - June 17, 2025 - With heavy rain and thunderstorms continuing, up to 5 inches of rain may fall Tuesday as storms push through Maryland. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for portions of the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” according to NWS. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded.”
The flood watch will be in effect from 2 to 10 p.m. Tuesday. More severe weather looms for Thursday.
Areas in the flood watch include: Frederick, plus Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
A hazardous weather outlook...
US President Donald Trump stated that America and Israel have control over the skies of Iran in a post on Truth Social today (Tuesday).
"We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured 'stuff.' Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA," Trump wrote.
In a separate post, Trump wrote, "We know exactly where the so-called “'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this m...
Annapolis, MD - June 17, 2025 - Ed Hale, in July, plans to officially file his candidacy to challenge Wes Moore in next year’s Democratic primary for Maryland Governor. As the Baltimore businessman prepares his campaign, he says his political platform will include improving public education.
Hale, in 1958, was in sixth grade in Baltimore County Public Schools. And one lesson he learned that year was so important, it’s framed on his wall.
“’I wish you would speak to Edwin concerning his behavior in class,’” read Hale from his sixth-grade report card. “‘His behavior has been not good.’”
“The response from my mother,” Hale continued. “‘I'm sure you will see a change in Eddie.’ Punishment ca...
Balimore, MD - June 17, 2025 - Baltimore's City Council approved the mayor's $4.6 billion budget proposal, which aims to address an $85 million deficit without raising property taxes. However, the plan includes significant increases in city fines and fees, sparking debate among council members.
Councilman Yitzy Schleifer voiced his opposition to the timing of the tax and fee hikes, saying, "Now is not the time to raise tens of millions of dollars in taxes and fees, especially on our most vulnerable population like our older adults who say they're choosing between their oxygen tanks and their utility bills."
The budget proposal includes a 20% increase in ambulance transport fees, a 50% increase in taxi ride taxes, and a doubling of landfill tipping fees. Despite t...
Jerusalem, Israel - June 17, 2025 - President Isaac Herzog today, Tuesday, visited the site of an Iranian missile attack on the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot.
The Weizmann Institute is one of Israel—and the world’s—leading science and research institutions on the cutting edge of medical advances.
President Herzog said: “For almost 100 years, the Weizmann Institute of Science—one of the great life ventures of the first President of Israel, Professor Chaim Weizmann—has advanced science, advanced humanities has advanced the development of humanity at large and universal values. And the Iranians, with their cruel missiles launched at civilian populations, have targeted also the Weizman Institute of Science, so they did hurt buildings on ca...
Baltimore, MD – June 17, 2025 – Maryland residents are being targeted in a growing nationwide scam in which fraudsters impersonate the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) and similar agencies in other states to trick people into paying fake tolls and fines.
The scam comes in the form of both text messages and emails that appear highly legitimate. Victims report receiving alerts claiming they owe money for an unpaid toll or violation, along with threats of license suspension, late fees, or even jail time unless immediate action is taken.
“It looks like it’s coming straight from the MVA,” one Baltimore resident said, “and it says if I don’t pay today, I could be arrested.”While the scam is hitting states acros...
Jerusalem, Israel - June 17, 2025 - As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to impact daily life across the country, Chaim V’Chessed brings you several key updates have been announced regarding government services and procedures.
Interior Ministry Grants Visa Extension
In an important step to ease bureaucratic burdens during this time, the Ministry of Interior has declared an automatic visa extension. Any visa that was valid as of June 12, 2025, will now remain valid until September 30, 2025, without the need for immediate renewal or additional filings.
Bituach Leumi
Foreign residents of Israel are eligible for Bituach Leumi coverage in Israel – but only if they hold valid visas. Chaim V’Chessed has contacted Bituach Leumi ...
Tel Aviv, Israel - June 17, 2025 - As the attacks between Iran and Israel continue to intensify, a Baltimore County congregation in Israel is taking shelter as the conflict plays out.
"I wanted to be able to show people the beauty of the land of Israel," Rabbi Posner said.
He, along with dozens of other adults and children, arrived in Israel last week on Thursday afternoon, just hours before Ben Gurion Airport closed.
A few hours after arriving, the trip took a turn.
"Overnight, we started hearing the sirens go off and running to the shelters and slowly starting to find out what was going on," he said.
In the days since, Rabbi Posner said with sirens going off multiple times a night and even during the day, they have to stay close to a shelter.
"We're a family of seven, and we a...
Paris, France - Le Bourget Airport - June 16, 2025 - Last night, just one day before the Paris Air Show opened in Le Bourget Airport, exhibition organizers acting on behalf of the French government ordered the removal of offensive weapons systems from Israeli defense industry pavilions - breaking with standard practice at defense exhibitions worldwide.
Following instructions from Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, the Ministry informed organizers that it categorically rejects this demand. The exhibition organizers responded by erecting a black wall that blocks the Israeli pavilions and creates segregation between the Israeli industry pavilions and dozens of other pavilions (Turkish, Chinese, and others). This unilateral action was c...
US President Donald Trump issued an unusual warning on his Truth Social platform on Monday, calling for the evacuation of Tehran.
"Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" he wrote.
Trump’s warning came just over an hour after he told reporters at the G7 summit that Iran is back at the negotiating table and will sign an agreement, adding, “They would be foolish not to.”
“I'm in constant touch [with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu], and as I've been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Ir...
The IDF identified, shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning, that Iranian missiles had been launched towards Israeli territory.
"A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the IDF stated.
"The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command. At this time, the IAF is operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat."
"The defense is not hermetic, therefore, it is essential to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command," said the IDF.
Baltimore, MD - June 16, 2025 - To raise awareness about the 988 Helpline, Behavioral Health System Baltimore has installed four full-sized, bright purple phone booths at historic locations throughout the city, including the Inner Harbor and Mondawmin Mall.
The booths, which are part of a two-week campaign, play recorded messages that guide individuals on where to seek help if needed. Although the phones within the booths are not operational for direct calls, they offer an experience akin to speaking with a specialist.
"The booths are part of an ongoing effort to encourage Baltimoreans to use the 988 Helpline to support their emotional health and wellbeing," the organization said in a statement.
The vibrant colors of the booths, purple and orange, pay homage to Baltimore's sports t...
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced Monday that all 55 attorneys general that represent all eligible states and U.S. territories have preliminarily agreed to sign a settlement with Purdue Pharma, and its owners, the Sackler family.
According to a press release, the Sackler family informed the attorneys general of its plan to proceed with the settlement, which could resolve litigation against Purdue Pharm and the Sacklers for their role in creating and worsening the opioid crisis across the United States.
Both local governments in Maryland and across the country will be asked to join the settlement contingent on bankruptcy court proceedings.
"The Opioid Crisis is responsible for thousands of deaths across Maryland, forever changing the lives of countless families who ...