Baltimore, MD – Feb. 24, 2026 - 6:07PM (BJL) Two left lanes on the inner loop of 695 are closed past Security Boulevard (Exit 17). 
Major delays reported. 



Baltimore, MD - Feb. 24, 2026 -  Maryland State Police are searching for a gunman who shot a trooper during a traffic stop in Baltimore City early Tuesday morning. The officer, whose name has not been released, is being treated at a shock trauma center for injuries.

The suspect is the driver of a silver or gray passenger vehicle, believed to be an Infiniti displaying partial license plates, according to a news release. Police said the vehicle has dark-tinted windows along with front end damage and broken headlights.

Shortly before 3:30 a.m., a trooper from the Golden Ring Barrack attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a gray Infiniti at the intersection of Belle Avenue and Milford Avenue in Baltimore. As the trooper approached the driver side of the vehicle, the door opened slightly and shots were fired from inside the car toward the officer.

State police said the trooper did not return fire. The driver fled the scene traveling east on Belle Avenue.

New educational tagging program helps residents recycle correctly and keeps contamination out of the recycling stream

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 24, 2026 - The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is launching its new OOPS Tag Recycling Initiative, a citywide program designed to reduce contamination in recycling bins, improve recycling efficiency, and strengthen Baltimore’s environmental sustainability efforts.

Baltimore residents care deeply about their neighborhoods and the environment. However, confusion about what can and cannot be recycled has led to increased contamination in the City’s recycling stream. When non-recyclable items or food residue are placed in recycling bins, entire truckloads of materials may become unusable, increasing processing costs and reducing the effectiveness of Baltimore’s recycling program.

To address this challenge, DPW is placing OOPS Tags on recycling bins found to contain incorrect or non-recyclable items. Each tag clearly identifies the contamination issue and provides guidance on how to properly recycle moving forward. When a bin receives an OOPS Tag, residents will be asked to remove the incorrect items before their recycling is collected on the next scheduled pick-up day.

“Baltimore is committed to leading by example in recycling and environmental sustainability,” said Matthew Garbark, Director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. “The OOPS Tag Recycling Initiative strengthens our recycling program, reduces contamination, and helps ensure City resources are used effectively. By working together, residents can make Baltimore a cleaner, more sustainable City for generations to come.”

Why OOPS Tags Are NeededRecycling contamination occurs when non-recyclable items are placed in recycling bins. Common contaminants in Baltimore include:

• Plastic bags and packaging film
• Batteries
• Tangling items such as hoses and wires
• Textiles and clothing
• Construction and demolition debris

Food residue on containers is also a major source of contamination. When recyclables are not properly cleaned, materials such as paper and cardboard can be ruined and sent to disposal instead of being reused.

What Residents Can Recycle CurbsideDPW reminds residents that acceptable curbside recycling items include:

• Clean paper and cardboard
• Metal cans
• Plastic bottles and containers
• Glass bottles and jars

What Residents Can ExpectDPW residents can expect the following as part of the OOPS Tag Recycling Initiative:

• OOPS Tags will be placed on recycling bins containing incorrect materials
• Tags will identify what was placed incorrectly
• Residents will remove contaminants from the bin
• Recycling will be collected at the next scheduled pickup day

All items should be empty, clean, and dry before being placed in the blue recycling bin.

For materials that are not acceptable at the curb, check out your closest Residential Recycling Center. DPW accepts a variety of materials at the Recycling Centers including mattresses, textiles, electronics, food scraps and more. For more info, visit https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/solid-waste/drop-off.

If you are unsure if an item is recyclable, visit DPW’s Recycle Right Tool.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 24, 2026 - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Police Commissioner Richard J. Worley issued the following statement on Maryland State Trooper shot at in Baltimore City: 

"The Baltimore Police Department is working closely with the Maryland State Police and the Baltimore County Police Department to identify and apprehend the suspect involved in the incident this morning where a Maryland State Trooper was shot at during a routine traffic stop in Baltimore. 

"We are committed to using every available resource to help bring this individual into custody alongside our partners. Anyone who recognizes the suspect or the vehicle shown in these images, a silver or gray Infiniti with front-end damage, broken headlights, and darkly tinted windows, is urged to come forward immediately. Even the smallest piece of information could be critical.

"This senseless act of violence against a law enforcement officer endangered both the trooper and our entire city. It will not be tolerated, and we will not rest until the person responsible is held accountable. 

"We are deeply grateful that the officer only experienced minimal injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Our thoughts are with this trooper, their family, and the entire Maryland State Police community as he undergoes medical care, and as the investigation to bring the culprit to justice proceeds."


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 24, 2026 – 9:01 AM (BJL) An accident has just been reported at the intersection of Park Heights Avenue and Clarks Lane, presumably due to the ongoing flashing traffic light issue.
Please avoid the area.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 – 10:36AM (BJL) Park Heights Avenue just before Greenspring Valley, heading toward Bais Yaakov Elementary, is down to one lane due to a truck off the road. 
Proceed with caution and expect delays.

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Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 – 8:55AM (BJL) A fallen tree is completely blocking Greenspring Avenue on the way to Sinai Hospital. 
Avoid the area.

h/t: BMore Traffic

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 – 5:25PM (BJL) A major accident on I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) southbound at Liberty Road has two left lanes closed, causing significant delays.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and allow extra travel time.

Photo Credit: DC







BJL Weather Information Notification System
Community Schedule Changes – Schools, Organizations & Businesses
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 / 6 Adar, 5786

Bais Yaakov – Park Heights
• Open on a 2-hour delay
• School begins at 11:00 AM
• Early arrival begins at 10:30 AM
• No MTA in the morning
• Elementary and Grade 5 daven in school

Bais Yaakov – Smith Avenue
• Open on a 2-hour delay
• School begins at 10:30 AM
• Early arrival begins at 10:10 AM
• ELC opens at 10:15 AM
• No MTA in the morning
• Daven at home
• Grades 6–12 begin with 3rd period

Beth Tfiloh
• Open 2 hours late

Bnos Yisroel
• Begins at 10:00 AM
• MS & HS students should daven at home

Cheder Chabad
• 45-minute delayed schedule
• Drop-off: 8:10 AM | Hodu: 8:30 AM
• Gan & Elementary: Drop-off 9:30 AM, class begins 9:40 AM
• Breakfast and lunch will be served

Darchei Noam Montessori
• Open at 10:30 AM

JCC – Owings Mills
• Open at 9:30 AM

JCC – Park Heights
• Open at 9:30 AM

Ohr Chadash Academy
• Open 2 hours late
• Drop-off begins at 10:15 AM
• Daven before coming to school

Talmudical Academy
• MS/HS: Davening begins at 8:30 AM
• Lower School: Arrive no earlier than 9:30 AM, begins with davening at 9:45 AM

Torah Institute
• Begins at 10:00 AM
• No morning minyan

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dorothy Hettleman, a’h, wife of the late Eugene Hettleman, z’l, mother of Stuart Hettleman, Bruce Hettleman, Leslie Silverberg, Karen Katz, and the late Mark Hettleman, z’l.

Details to follow

בלע המות לנצח

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Baruch Taffel and Sara Leeba Caplan on their engagement.

Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Jay and Deborah Taffel and Rabbi & Mrs. Elya and Chani Caplan  

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Meir & Rivky Klein on the birth of a son.

‎יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 23, 2026 - President Isaac and Michal Herzog hosted the traditional Ramadan Iftar at the President’s Residence on Monday, February 23. The annual gathering brought together religious and community leaders, mayors, social activists, journalists, IDF and police representatives, and ambassadors from Muslim-majority nations, including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The Ivory Coast and Tanzania, and diplomatic representatives from Chad and Nigeria, also attended. 

While the evening marked academic excellence and breakthroughs in higher education within Arab society, with young people as speakers and musicians. 

The President devoted much of his remarks to what he described as a national emergency: escalating violence in Israel’s Arab communities.

“It is impossible to accept the current reality,” Herzog said, noting that the past year was the deadliest on record for murders in Arab society since the establishment of the state. “Only two months into this year, and they have already been the bloodiest. We are in a state of emergency. This is a national security threat of the highest order.”

Referencing a recent meeting at the President’s Residence with families of murder victims, Herzog spoke emotionally about lives cut short and children killed by stray bullets. “This is not a distant country. This is our country. The murdered are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. We cannot continue to live like this.”

He called on decision-makers to advance legislation, including expanded surveillance measures, to provide law enforcement with stronger tools to combat organized crime, while also urging community leaders to continue speaking out unequivocally against violence.

The President also highlighted Israel’s regional relationships, pointing to the importance of expanding the Abraham Accords and deepening cooperation with Muslim-majority countries represented at the event.

“Let us prove to the world that there is no hatred between the daughters and sons of Abraham,” Herzog said. “Just as we are destined to live here together, so we are destined to learn from one another and build a diverse and inspiring society.”

After the speeches, Sheikh Nader Hayeb led the traditional prayer to break the fast. 

The speakers reflected on Ramadan as a time of introspection, charity, and hope, describing the gathering as “a moment of grace” and a reminder of shared citizenship.


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Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 – 11:12AM (BJL)  The traffic lights at the intersections of Park Heights & Clarks Lane and Park Heights & Fords Lane are flashing

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok Sperling on the birth of a daughter.

Mazel tov to grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Yonason & Bryna Sperling          

יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 23, 2026 – 9:43AM (BJL) Thanks to Chaverim the fallen tree on Greenspring Ave. has been moved out of most of the roadway, and one lane is now open. Drivers should proceed with caution.


Annapolis, MD - Feb. 22, 2026 - Gov. Wes Moore said Sunday night that he has declared a state of emergency in Maryland in advance of the major winter storm that is starting to drop snow across the state through Monday, Feb. 23.

Travel overnight will be extremely hazardous, especially in areas under a blizzard warning. Marylanders are urged to avoid travel, to follow local forecasts, to stay prepared for winter storm hazards, and to prepare for power outages.

Liberal leave is in effect for Maryland state government on Monday, February 23. The governor's office previously said incorrectly that the government would be closed on Monday.

The state will continue to assess conditions throughout the night and will update any decision regarding closure if necessary.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 22, 2026 - Every single day at Tashbar begins with a smile and a child who feels he belongs.
With over 60 boys in our school, in small, warm classes, our boys daven, learn, build, create, and lead. Every day brings a breakthrough. Every day builds confidence. Every day reveals new strengths.

They feel capable. Trusted. Connected — to Torah, to their teachers, and to themselves.

This is what happens when education is personal and joyful.

Your partnership helps ensure that the smiles, breakthroughs, and meaningful moments that define Tashbar continue—again and again, Every Single Day.

Donate here


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 22, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Dovie Weinschneider on the birth of a son.

‎יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!

Baltimore, MD- Feb. 22, 2026 -  Last week, Rabbi Zvi Holland of STAR‑K Kosher Certification delivered an engaging shiur to the yungerleit of the  Cincinnati Community Kollel, addressing the sugyos the yungeleit are currently learning; Nat bar Nat and Bishul Akum.

Drawing on his  background in halachah, practical kashrus, and Piskei Halacha of Rav Moshe Heinemann, Shlit'a, Rabbi Holland offered clear analysis, real‑world applications, that enriched the kollel’s ongoing study. The Roshei Kollel Rav Dovid Spetner, Shlit"a , Rav Meir Minster, Shlit'a and Rav Chaim Heinemann, Shlit'a have maintained a decades long relationship with Rav Heinemann and the Rabbonim of the STAR-K and STAR-K  is always honored to be able to assist the Kollel in is Avodas Hakodesh

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Baltimore, MD – Feb. 22, 2025 - A large pothole has been reported at the entrance to Dunkin’. Chaverim reports receiving multiple flat-tire calls from this location this morning.


Baltimore, MD – Winter 2026 - During periods of inclement weather, some usual routes may be impacted by closures or hazardous conditions. Below is a recommended route to help drivers reach Ateres Elka as safely and smoothly as possible**.**

Take 795 to Owings Mills Blvd.

Turn Right at Gwynbrook Ave.

Turn Left into Owings Mills JCC and then immediate right onto Associated Way.

Straight onto Walnut until Ateres Elka.

Pro tip: You can set your GPS to Ateres Elka with a stop at OM JCC

I’ve long been fascinated by the question of what the best predictors of life satisfaction are, in particular, because recent research findings seem to inevitably buttress the Torah’s prescriptions.

So, the following headline caught my eye: “New Study: Helping Others Slows Cognitive Decline by Up to 20%.” Researchers at the University of Texas and the University of Massachusetts followed 30,000 US adults over 20 years and found that those who volunteered or offered informal help to neighbors, relatives, or friends experienced 15% to 20% less cognitive decline associated with aging.

In short, helping others is good for us. As a wise woman quoted in Rav Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler’s Kuntres Hachesed remarked, “Everything I kept for myself was lost; everything I gave to others remained.” When one gives to others, that act of giving creates a relationship that endures. And the quality of our relationships is the best predictor of life satisfaction, according to the famous Harvard longitudinal study.

If anyone served as a living prooftext for the proposition that a life of giving to others helps one remain vigorous and full of zest, it was Morah Dubby Liff, as she was known in Baltimore, who passed away two weeks ago, just three days after her 95th birthday, completely lucid until the end. When flowers arrived on the Erev Shabbos before her birthday, she quipped, “For the grand finale.” In a photo of her surrounded by the flowers, she is smiling serenely.

Her ayin tovah, love of people, and giving nature drew young and old to her — from her four-year-old charges in the pre-elementary school of Talmudic Academy in Baltimore, where she taught for 63 years, only retiring at the age of 93, to her fellow residents in an assisted living facility in Lakewood, where she spent her last 15 months. At the shivah house, a woman told Rebbetzin Liff’s sons that the only reason she ever thought about returning to America for a visit was to see their mother, whose very presence buoyed her so much.

At 91, she flew to Israel unaccompanied for a grandchild’s chasunah, and was able to share a mitzvah tantz with three of her sons.

Mora Dubby was born into one of the few turn-of-the-century families in America that retained its Yiddishkeit just as it was in Europe. Her father was a Drebin, a family memorialized in Hinde Krohn’s memoir of her Philadelphia childhood, The Way It Was. (Hinde Tress, the wife of Agudah leader Mike Tress, was another cousin.)

Her mother was from the famous Lithuanian Tarshish family. Her maternal grandfather, Yechiel Shraga Feivush, was forced into five years of service in the czar’s army and managed to retain his level of observance. But when rumors started to spread of the impending Russo-Japanese war, he decided it was time to depart for America, before he was dragooned again into military service.

He traveled to Dvinsk to receive a brachah from the Rogatchover Gaon. But when he arrived at his home, he found the Rogatchover furiously pacing back and forth in thought. The Rogatchover told him to go first to Rav Meir Simcha and then return.

The latter greeted him regally, and when he heard that he was from the geza Tarshish, he gave his blessing to his plan to emigrate and assured him that his descendants would all remain shomrei Torah u’mitzvos in America. He concluded with the verse, “u’Bnei Yisrael yotzim b’yad ramah” (Shemos 14:8). Reb Yechiel then returned to the Rogatchover, who barely lifted his eyes before pronouncing the exact same words: “u’Bnei Yisrael yotzim b’yad ramah.”

For her entire life, Dubba retained the standards of her childhood home. From the age of bas mitzvah, she never missed even a minor fast day, and in her last 25 years, she added fasting on Behab. Only on her final Yom Kippur did she consume shiurim, as Rav Michel Twerski paskened she should.

Once, she woke from a short midafternoon nap and had a cup of coffee with milk, before she remembered she had eaten fleishigs for lunch. From then on, she never again ate a fleishig lunch. But whatever her private chumras, she never discussed them, and certainly made no effort to impose them on her children or anyone else.

She attended many shiurim in Baltimore, always sitting in the front row and taking notes. When someone asked why so few others were taking notes, she replied, “They have better memories than I do.”

Bubbe Dubby, as she was often called, was happily married three times, each time to a talmid of Ner Yisroel. Her first husband and the father of her five children, Rabbi Abba Yaakov Liff, was a beloved ra”m in Ner Yisroel from the age of 24.

The story is told that Rav Aharon Kotler, on a visit to Baltimore, tried to lure him to come to learn in Lakewood. But the Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, told his old friend from Slabodka, “Take anyone you want, but the masmid of America remains here.”

Rabbi Shmuel Bloom was in Rabbi Liff’s shiur in 1959, when the couple’s third son, Yechiel, was born. Rabbi Liff invited the shiur to learn with him throughout the night prior to Yechiel’s bris. Rabbi Bloom was unfamiliar with the custom of vachnacht, but still vividly remembers the fire of the learning that night, not to mention the special treats that Dubba Liff prepared just a few days after giving birth.

After the passing of Rabbi Abba Yaakov Liff, Dubby married Yitzchak (Ernie) Gutman, a prewar immigrant from Germany who learned through Shas twice with his neighbor Rav Dovid Kronglas, the famed Ner Yisroel mashgiach. He brought Daf Yomi to Baltimore in the vasikin minyan in the Agudah shul, and she brought special homemade cookies and orange juices for the shiur on Rosh Chodesh. Mr. Gutman davened vasikin every morning, and so did Dubby from the time they married, a practice she continued for 25 years, even after Mr. Gutman passed away.

Her third husband, Rabbi Yosef Schecter, was a pulpit rabbi and a renowned public speaker, representing Ner Yisroel to the larger Jewish community. He started a project, Siyum HaTorah, to finish, as a community, all of Tanach, Gemara, and Mishnayos, every year, and would solicit Jews in shul to commit to learning portions.

One morning he returned home for breakfast, and Dubby asked him how many people he had enlisted that morning. He told her three, and she replied, “You better go back and get four more.”

He called Dubby’s son-in-law Rabbi Yosef Ryback, and told him good-naturedly, “I can’t keep up with her.”

Without any formal training, Morah Dubby had a good eye for identifying possible learning difficulties in her charges that needed to be addressed sooner rather than later. (Interestingly, her daughter-in-law, Rebbetzin Symie Liff, opened the first P'tach early intervention program in Israel over forty years ago.)

But her influence on those with whom she worked went far beyond noticing potential learning difficulties. Her son Rabbi Yehoshua Liff once found himself in a shul in Kiryat Sefer looking for a siddur. A man came over to him with a siddur, and after davening, Rabbi Liff went to thank him. They started talking, and the stranger told Rabbi Liff, “Everything I am today, I owe to your mother.”

He explained that Morah Dubby would always bake a cupcake for the birthdays of the children under her care and place a candle on top, telling the birthday boy, “Wish for anything you want, and don’t tell anyone.” Then she would whisper, “But I’m sure you want to be a talmid chacham.”

“Something about the way she said it,” the man told Rabbi Liff, “made it clear to me that there could be nothing better in life.” That Jew is a recognized talmid chacham today, who has written several seforim.

She did not only sell Torah learning to young children. A talmid in Ner Yisroel married a girl from an affluent family in another city. Nothing in her upbringing had prepared her for the life of a kollel wife. Rebbetzin Liff realized that, and drew the newlywed woman close to her, and educated her in the joy to be found in being the wife of a talmid chacham.

Certainly, those joys did not include material comfort. One of the Liff boys was learning in Mirrer Yeshivah in Jerusalem when an older brother was getting married. His father explained to him that there was no money for a plane ticket home, but that he would be like Binyamin, who named one of his sons in remembrance of the fact that he and Yosef had not been at one another’s chuppahs.

But the lack of personal resources did not keep Morah Dubby from giving to others. She parlayed her countless warm friendships in the community into making showers for kallahs. For one daughter of an alter Mirrer, she made two bridal showers. And when she learned that the kallah still did not have silver Shabbos candlesticks, she organized a third shower among her wealthier friends in order to provide the kallah with an elegant set of Shabbos candlesticks.

That lifelong habit of looking out for others in need lasted until the very end. When she learned that one of her fellow residents in her assisted living facility could no longer pay the fees, she called her son Rabbi Yechiel Liff and asked him to enlist all his offspring in Lakewood to raise the necessary money. And they did. Those same offspring often walked for up to two hours to visit on Shabbos just for the pleasure of her company.

The director of the facility told the family that Bubbe Dubby was like an additional staff member, always keeping them informed when a particular resident needed something.

Her passing came very quickly. When her son Yehoshua and daughter-in-law Diane called on Sunday from Israel to wish her happy birthday, she was perfectly alert, and joined her son in singing “Siman tov u’mazel tov,” before pronouncing her familiar blessing to all her married couples, “You should have good, long years together.”

Less than two days later, the hospital called her nearest son, Yechiel, and told him she was failing. But his car was completely snowbound in Brooklyn. Her children worried that their mother, who had given so much to them and to so many others, would pass from the world alone. But a religious pulmonary therapist in the hospital was summoned to her bedside and recited Shema and Vidui with her.

She saw only good in Hashem’s world, through her “rose-tinted glasses,” (in the description of one mechuteneste), never complained or spoke lashon hara about anyone. And she merited to pass from the world quickly and easily, with only joy in the large family she had produced and the thousands she had benefited along the way.

Good News for My Friends

I consider regular readers of this column to be friends (though admittedly I do the lion’s share of the “talking”). And it is incumbent upon friends to inform one another of things that they will enjoy or benefit from. Thus, I feel highly remiss in not having previously announced the appearance of the second volume of Rav Ahron Lopiansky’s Golden Apples series on Shemos.

Rav Lopiansky needs no introduction to Mishpacha readers. He is one of the deepest of contemporary Torah thinkers, while at the same time offering insights of direct applicability to our lives.

One of his essays on Yisro is relevant to the appreciation of Rebbetzin Dubba Liff a”h above. A puzzling Midrash (Shemos Rabbah28:1) describes Moshe Rabbeinu’s receipt of the Torah both as an act of “taking captives” and as a “gift.”

Rav Lopiansky begins by noting that the Rambam lists the laws of selling and those of gift-giving in two separate sections of his great Code, even though it would have been possible to view a gift as merely a sale for which the purchase price is zero. The difference, he explains, is that when one sells something, his connection to that object is severed. But when he gives it to another, the gift binds the giver and recipient, and is attached to both giver and receiver simultaneously.

The greatest gift is that of the Torah at Har Sinai, and the strongest bond that between HaKadosh Baruch Hu and the Jewish People. But to fully appreciate that gift, we must also take it captive through our intense efforts at understanding.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 1100. Yonoson Rosenblum may be contacted directly at [email protected])

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 22, 2026 - Today marked the siyum celebration of the Baltimore chapter of the OU Women’s Initiative Nach Yomi group, which completed the Nach Yomi cycle of 742 perakim in just over two years.

The event began with the showing of a welcome video from Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, head of the OU’s Women’s Initiative. Bracha Poliakoff then delivered an engaging talk on Megillas Esther. This was followed by a fun chidon on Nach facts. The program concluded with a video message from Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, who spoke about the importance of Nach Yomi learning and the worldwide connection it creates among participants.

The Nach Yomi initiative takes place across the globe, with women learning the same perek each day, creating a shared learning experience across continents.

This cycle concluded on February 11, and the next cycle began on February 12. A beautiful buffet was jointly catered by Yesh and Market Maven.

Today's attendees included (in alphabetical order): Chumie Azman, Sarah Barth, Elaine Bodenheimer, Adena Cohen, Chaya Sara Cohn, Sue Dickstein, Ruth Felder, Elizabeth Green, Esther Hollander, Kelila Horowitz, Sima Jacoby, Hayley Koteen-Lichterman, Alissa Kovacs, Tessa Lebinger, Rachel Lebowitz, Chaya Major, Shaina Margolese, Leeba Marks, Adina Michelson, Stefanie Olson, Tikvah Pickett, Bracha Poliakoff, Laura Poliakoff, Risa Prince, Chani Retter, Esty Rosenfeld-Marks, Malka Rosinsky, Andrea Scott, Dvora Sherman, Meira Sperling, Marcy Steingroot, Allison Steinmetz, Tiffy Storch, Tova Taragin, Rina Walter, Sara Wetstein, Mary Jaine Winokur, Rochel Ziman, Susan Zwany

Special thanks and appreciation go to  to Kehilas Shaarei Avodah (KSA) for graciously providing the space and helping make this meaningful celebration possible.


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Baltimore, MD – Feb. 22, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Yehoshua Naftali Hakohen (Josh) Pomeranz, z’l, father of Rabbi Zev (Elana) Pomerantz.

The levayah will take place Sunday, February 22, 4:15 PM (Baltimore: 9:15AM)

Eretz HaChaim Cemetery Route 38, Beit Shemesh

Click here for Livestream: https://t.ly/jUPeA

Shiva will be observed at4 David Shimoni Street, Apt 15, Jerusalem

Minyanim

Shacharis: 8:00 AM

Mincha & Maariv: 5:25 PM

 The family respectfully requests no visitors between 12:30-1:30 PM and after 9:00 PM

 Rabbi Zev Pomeranz can be reached at 720-402-4408.

Israel is 7 hours ahead of Baltimore

בלע המות לנצח

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 22, 2026 – 12:46 PM (BJL) — The traffic light at Old Court Road and Scotts Level Road is currently flashing.

Team USA was able to force overtime in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game against Canada on Sunday and Jack Hughes sent them home with a gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

Hughes scored early into the overtime period, getting the puck past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binngton. The U.S. won the game, 2-1, picking up the first goal since the "Miracle on Ice" squad did it in 1980. It also came on the 46th anniversary of the U.S. upsetting the Soviet Union in the Olympic semifinal.

American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s play was equally, if not more, important in the win. He stopped 40 shots and survived onslaughts in the second and third periods.

Canada’s Devon Toews had a shot to bury one behind Hellebuyck but the American netminder tapped the puck away. Canada’s offense turned up a notch after that as Nathan MacKinnon had a chance for a top-shelf goal and missed.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 21, 2026 – 8:41PM - A fallen tree is blocking both directions of Greenspring Avenue north of the Beltway. 
 
h/t: Bmore Traffic


לְהַעֲלוֹת נֵר תָּמִיד

In the Mishkan, the charge was not merely to keep the lamp lit, but לְהַעֲלוֹת נֵר — to tend the flame so it would rise and shine with strength and clarity. A living light requires care and constancy.

Shearith Israel stands in that tradition. Built on Torah and sustained by devoted members, our light continues to grow through vibrant tefillah, limud haTorah, and communal dedication.

This year’s campaign honors those who embody that mission.

Rabbi and Mrs. Ben Zion Malin are recognized for years of devoted service, with Rabbi Malin faithfully ensuring that our minyanim ran seamlessly day after day.

Mr. and Mrs. Shmuel Leshnoff are honored for Shmuel’s outstanding young leadership on behalf of our community and many local organizations. For our kehillah, he played a key role in helping bring our new Mikva to fruition. Through careful planning, persistence, and determination over the past three years, he ensured that the project continued to move forward.

We also honor the memory of Rabbi Ari Flamm, A”H, whose Torah, askanus, devotion to the Ribbono Shel Olam, and work on behalf of the community continue to inspire our shul and the broader Baltimore community.

Together, we recommit to לְהַעֲלוֹת נֵר תָּמִיד, ensuring that the light of Shearith Israel burns brightly for generations to come.

We invite you to join us in supporting the continued growth and strength of our shul by making a donation at:

https://causematch.com/burnsbright


Baltimore County, MD – Feb. 21, 2026 – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 3:00 p.m. Sunday until 10:00 a.m. Monday.

The warning applies to portions of central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland.

Forecasters are calling for heavy snow, with 4 to 8 inches of accumulation expected. Locally higher amounts, up to 12 inches, are possible in northeast Maryland. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph.

Officials warn that roads — especially bridges and overpasses — are likely to become slick and hazardous, and travel could be very difficult. The storm is expected to impact the Monday morning commute.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 21, 2026 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ohr & Leora Tzadok on the birth of Tehillah

Mazel tov to grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Michael Moses          

יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 21, 2026 – 8:50PM (BJL) - The traffic light at the intersection of Park Heights & Clarks Lane is flashing

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 21, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Rabbi Hershel Klainberg, z’l, father of Avromi (Alf) Klainberg.

The levayah will take place tomorrow in Detroit at 2:00PM

Shiva details to follow

בלע המות לנצח

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 20, 2026 – (BJL) While potholes are widespread across the area, two locations of particular concern have been reported and could cause serious vehicle damage:
* Severe potholes on Cross Country Boulevard at the three-way stop at Fallstaff Road, near recent sewer construction.
* A large pothole on the I-83 South ramp from Northern Parkway, covering at least half of the ramp.
Use extreme caution in these areas.

The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.

The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.

It’s the first major piece of Trump’s broad agenda to come squarely before the nation’s highest court, which he helped shape with the appointments of three conservative jurists in his first term.

The Republican president has been vocal about the case, calling it one of the most important in U.S. history and saying a ruling against him would be an economic body blow to the country. But legal opposition crossed the political spectrum, including libertarian and pro-business groups that are typically aligned with the GOP. Polling has found tariffs aren’t broadly popular with the public, amid wider voter concern about affordability.The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court’s emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of executive power on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 20, 2026 – Baltimore’s women and girls came out Thursday, February 12, for an unforgettable night of achdus and growth at BGCubed’s Rise Together Challah Bake. Mothers and daughters, sisters, neighbors, and friends filled the room — some families spanning three generations.

Each woman and girl was greeted by BGCubed’s “Challah Doctors” — incredible high school girls who helped every person find their seats, handed out pastries, and took pictures by the Rise Together backdrop. On every chair was a Rise Together apron, along with a few thoughtful giveaways waiting for them.

The program opened with a moving video message from Mrs. Sova, followed by Tehillim led by Rebbetzin Hauer. A powerful video featuring Rebbetzin Hopfer, Rebbetzin Feldman, Rebbetzin Gross, and Rebbetzin Weiss brought depth and meaning to the mitzvah of challah, and each shared a heartfelt bracha for the 750 women and girls. Rebbetzin Hopfer and Rebbetzin Feldman both spoke about the special bracha that comes when Jewish women come together b’achdus.

After Mrs. Jackie Bitton encouraged everyone to truly “Rise Up,” gloves went on, challah was made, and the room was full of incredible energy. They then segued into a meaningful kumzitz.

And then came the bracha.

Seven hundred and fifty women and girls answered Amen together. Right after, the room became completely silent for one full minute while everyone davened quietly. The intensity of those few minutes was very real.

The night ended with braiding challahs, dancing, and a surprise giveaway of chulent and potato kugel!

As women left, you could hear it over and over: “We’re leaving on a high.”

Baruch Hashem, it was a night of achdus, of bracha, and of women and girls coming together in a meaningful way — a night where Baltimore’s women and girls truly got to “Rise Together.”

BGCubed programs like Together, We Rise give Baltimore’s girls consistent opportunities to connect, learn, and grow in meaningful ways. Please support BG Cubed and help keep the growth and momentum going by donating here.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 20, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dr.. Mary Lou Rottman, a’h, mother of Dr. Jerry (Elka) Rottman.

The Levayah willl take place at 2:00PM on Sunday, at Feldman Mortuary, 1673 York St., Denver, CO. 80206  

Shivah, through Friday afternoon, will be observed beginning Monday evening at 6905 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD  21215

Details to follow

בלע המות לנצח


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 20, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Eliezer and Ahuva Rappaport on the birth of a son.

Mazel Tov to grandparetns Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe & Tova Rappaport

‎יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 19, 2026 -  Maryland sheriffs who previously participated in the federal 287(g) program say they plan to keep working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in other ways, even after the governor signed a ban on formal 287(g) agreements.

Although the new law eliminates formal memorandums of understanding (MOU) with ICE, it does not end all cooperation with the agency.

Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees said, “So I created a policy.”

Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler said, “So we go forward still in partnership. Even if it’s not formal, even if the MOUs are banned.”

Jeruaalem, Israel - Feb. 19, 2026 - The launch event for the 15th International Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon was held on Tuesday morning at the Givat Ram Stadium in Jerusalem, Israel. The marathon is scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026, featuring various race categories for professional runners, amateurs, and families, plus popular 5Km and 10Km races. Tens of thousands of runners and supporters participate each year.

The launch event marks the beginning of preparations for the marathon, which in recent years has become one of Israel’s largest social sporting events, continuing to highlight the connection between sport, community, and the Jerusalem spirit. Various US non-profit organizations participate each year, raising large sums for their worthy causes. 

The official marathon shirt, unveiled at the launch event, was created by Jinga, an Israeli sportswear company founded in 2015  specializing in performance apparel for running, cycling, and triathlon, combining technological innovation with professional design. 

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said at the event: “The International Jerusalem ‘Winner’ Marathon is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging sporting events in the world, featuring a unique route that passes through the cultural landmarks, landscapes, and historical sites of our capital, Jerusalem. Alongside thousands of participants from Israel and around the world, it offers a community-driven sporting experience that highlights values of hope, perseverance, and the triumph of the Jerusalem spirit. I urge you all to come!”

Meir Bardugo, CEO of the TOTO Winner Organization, mentioned that the International Jerusalem ‘Winner’ Marathon and Toto have been running together for 15th consecutive years.

One of the new sponsors, Azorim Ltd., was represented by Adi Dana, CEO. Azorim, Owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hershey Friedman, received a warm welcome from the Mayor. 

After the brief launch program, Friedman, originally from Canada, told BJL that he attended Ner Israel in Baltimore from 1963 to 1964. 



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Baltimore, MD - Feb. 19, 2026  - Mazel tov Tiferes Yisroel, Rabbi Goldberger’s shul, on reaching 40 years! Your focus this year is on transformation. Can you tell us about that? 

Rebbetzin Goldberger:  My pleasure! Transformation is inherent in the number forty.  An embryo is considered viable on the 40 th day. There are 40 days between Rosh Chodesh Elul and Yom Kippur. Klal Yisroel journeyed for 40 years in the desert, transforming into a nation worthy of entry into Eretz Yisroel.  Rebbe Akiva, at 40, began to learn Torah.  

613: Do the graphics in your campaign of waterfalls over rocks have something to do with this transformation?

Rebbetzin Goldberger:  I’m happy you noticed that.  It certainly does. The Gemara tells us Rebbe Akiva was 40 when he began to learn Torah. Advanced in age, he became motivated when he realized that the deep impressions in the rock were made by the penetration of the water dripping upon it over time. He then was reassured, saying; “So too, will the Torah penetrate me.”.   

Our goal, at Kehillas Tiferes Yisroel, is to experience that transformation.  We are dedicated, under the calm, gentle, yet profound and powerful guidance of Rabbi Goldberger, to be transformed by the constant flow of the waters of Torah.

613: What kind of transformation are you trying to achieve?

Rebbetzin Goldberger: The transformation that occurs when Torah penetrates us in deeper and more comprehensive ways.  We might experience that by thinking more about what we do, what we say, what we think vis a vis what the Torah asks of us, guides us towards, hints to or simply tells us outright.  Rebbe Akiva was so fully penetrated with Torah, that the reality of Torah being the essential medium for us to be fully immersed in was as clear to him as a fish
who cannot breathe on dry land and can only survive in water.  Rebbe Akiva, through his public teaching at penalty of death, demonstrates that the Torah is the source of living, of our every breath.  Rebbe Akiva was brutally tortured and dies by the hands of the Romans for his complete devotion to Torah.  And yet, Rebbe Akiva lives on and inspires the Nation of Israel to this day.

  
The Gemara teaches us that Rebbe Akiva’s soul left him as he pronounced the word echad in the Shema. Echad means “one”: “Hear, O Israel, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One.”.  It would seem that, in reciting the Shema, Rebbe Akiva allowed his Neshama to achieve a complete deveikus – oneness with Hashem. Ordinarily, as such a deveikus has the power to remove a person from this world, a great Tzadik who could achieve such a state would refrain from doing
so. In this extraordinary circumstance, where Rebbe Akiva’s life was at stake, he paradoxically chose life – by completely attaching himself to Hashem.   Now, we can’t do that of course.  Yet we each strive to take our own personal next step.  

613:  And as each one strives, you imply by your Campaign title: “Transforming Ourselves, Transforming Klal Yisroel”, that the whole nation is effected.  How does that happen?

Rebbetzin Goldberger:  
Our Rebbe, Rabbi Shloime Twerski, ztz’l, taught that the Noam Elimelech, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk, said early in his life that he wished to change the world.  As he got older, he made an assessment that the world was a big undertaking and he resolved to change his city.  In time, another assessment was made and he resolved to change his town.  Next, after more time, he decided to change his family.  Finally, he said that he understood that the only one he could
change was himself.  Rabbi Twerski cautioned, don’t ever think he let go of his first ambition to change the world, he only came to understand how to achieve it.  

When we change ourselves, we change the world.  We hope and pray that the transformative power of the number 40 and our 40 years as a Kehilla of aspiring individuals joined by our yearnings for a life in Torah, connected to Our G-d and our people, have brought positive change, not only for each of us, but for all of Klal Yisroel.

Please take a transformational step in our direction and support Kehillas Tiferes Yisroel by contributing to our annual fundraising campaign: “Transforming Ourselves, Transforming Klal Yisroel” on February 22, 2026.  

All donations matched!
Donate at causematch.com/ty26

Naftuli Moster had grown up chassidish but had left the fold, and for years he made it his mission to challenge the world he came from.

He believed he had been shortchanged by the education he received. He felt unprepared for secular life and frustrated that he could not blend easily into American society.

So he turned outward, becoming one of the most prominent critics of the charedi community. Through advocacy groups, media projects, and public campaigns, he exposed what he saw as systemic flaws. He highlighted weak secular education and dependence on government assistance.

His activism triggered investigations, lawsuits, government hearings, and intense public scrutiny, and in the process intensified antisemitism. Yeshivos and community organizations felt that their core values and entire chinuch system were under attack and were forced to spend enormous sums on lawyers, lobbyists, and legal defenses.

When articles, statistics, and social media posts portrayed charedim as leeches on the system, many of those claims traced back to work Moster himself had helped produce. As he later admitted, “Much of the evidence circulating online about Haredi dependence on public assistance comes from reporting I helped produce.” At the time, he felt justified. He believed that public pressure was the only way to force change.

Then something unexpected happened.

When his eldest child reached school age, Moster faced a reality he had never fully considered. Despite all his criticism of religious schools, he found himself unable to send his son to a typical public school. He remembered what he had seen while interning in public schools: classrooms where misbehavior went unchecked and “political and ideological fads shaped curricula.”

Together with his wife, he chose a Modern Orthodox school instead. Strong academics. Serious Jewish education. A community bound by shared values. It forced him to admit something he had ignored for years. As he later wrote, “Education isn’t only about math and reading. It’s about belonging to a community that draws its strength from shared beliefs.”

Slowly, his view of the charedi world softened. He began to see what he had once dismissed. Large families. Strong communal bonds. A culture built around shared purpose and responsibility. “Few groups in the U.S. have figured out how to build stable families and vibrant communal life better than the Haredi community has,” he acknowledged.

Then came the viral video.

A young YouTuber named Tyler Oliveira released a sensational exposé of Kiryas Yoel, branding it a town “invaded by welfare addicted Jews.” The video spread rapidly, gaining tens of millions of views and triggering a wave of open antisemitism. Although it uncovered no actual fraud or criminal behavior, the message was clear: this strange religious community was parasitic, living off American taxpayers.

Years earlier, Moster would have applauded the attack. This time, he felt deep regret.

Instead of joining the pile on, he did something that would have seemed unthinkable a decade earlier. He wrote a public defense of the ultra Orthodox community in the Wall Street Journal (A Hasidic Rebel Grows Up   By Naftuli Moster, WSJ, Jan. 29, 2026).

In it, he openly distanced himself from his former stance and rejected Oliveira’s portrayal as false and damaging.

He explained that most of the men studying Torah in Kiryas Yoel also worked for a living, or would soon enter the workforce. Many earned solid incomes but still qualified for benefits simply because they had large families. Under New York law, they were playing by the same rules as everyone else.

More than that, he sensed something deeper behind the attack. Not outrage, but envy. Communities like Kiryas Yoel represented something many Americans quietly wanted: shared values, strong families, cultural continuity, and a sense of belonging.

“Given the chance,” he wrote, “many people would seize the opportunity to live among like minded neighbors, to educate their children according to their beliefs, and to preserve their culture.” The problem was not that Kiryas Yoel existed. The problem was that so few other communities had learned how to build anything like it.

“The answer isn’t to tear down communities like Kiryas Yoel,” he concluded. “The answer is to make it possible for others to build their own.”

If someone who spent years opposing the community could come to see its worth, then surely we who live it should appreciate and treasure what we have.

Rabbi Shraga Freedman author of Sefer Mekadshei Shemecha, Living Kiddush Hashem, and A Life Worth Living.

Email [email protected] for a free file of amazing stories. Visit LivingKiddushHashem.org for more resources

Baltimore, MD  - Feb. 19, 2026 - Federal prosecutors announced sweeping charges and arrests following a large-scale, targeted law-enforcement operation across the Baltimore area that authorities say focused on violent crime, drug trafficking and organized criminal activity.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland said the coordinated effort, which ran from Jan. 20 through Jan. 31, brought dozens of federal and state charges against numerous defendants.

During that time, law enforcement agencies also arrested more than 200 violent fugitives and individuals affiliated with organized criminal activity throughout the Baltimore area.

Authorities executed multiple search-and-seizure warrants as part of the operation, which was aimed at combatting violent crime and drug trafficking in Baltimore City.

 President Donald Trump announced during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Thursday that nine members agreed to pledge $7 billion toward a Gaza relief package just days after $5 billion was pledged for reconstruction.

The president identified the countries contributing as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait. However, it is only a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild the Palestinian territory devastated during the two-year war between Israel and Hamas.

"Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of new and harmonious (region),” Trump said.

Trump added the U.S. was pledging $10 billion for the Board of Peace, but did not specify what it would be used for.U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz detailed the vast amount of humanitarian aid that has entered Gaza since the ceasefire began in October.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 19, 2026 – (BJL) As Purim approaches, like many communities, we in Baltimore prepare for a season of unparalleled giving. While the halachic principle of Kol HaPoshait Yad encourages giving to “all who extend a hand,” the community is nonetheless urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

As most know from past years, each year “collectors”  - including those from outside the Jewish community - may try to capitalize on the Purim spirit to solicit funds for unverified causes. The females present themselves in tznius attire in an apparent effort to blend in and not arouse suspicion.

The first incident reported to BJL this season involved individuals approaching shoppers -in several cases, including a woman carrying a baby or young child -and asking them to pay for groceries. They were seen leaving the establishment in a gray van (as seen here) with a Virginia license plate, driven by a male associate. In past years, similar activity has been reported at 7 Mile Market, Market Maven, and other locations throughout the community.

To help ensure that Matanos L’Evyonim reaches those truly in need, community members are encouraged to verify that collectors have a valid Teudah from the Agudah.

Prioritize Safety: If you encounter aggressive solicitation or suspicious behavior, contact Baltimore Shomrim at 410-358-9999.


Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 18, 2026 - Following a run of six highly successful performances in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, David the Servant King has received overwhelming acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Audience feedback was unanimously enthusiastic—an across-the-board “two thumbs up”—with many women returning for repeat viewings and bringing along family and friends.

Featuring music and lyrics by composer Shlomit Koffler Weinreb (formerly known as Shalomis Weinreb) and a compelling script co-written by Avital Macales and Weinreb, the by-women, for-women musical was hailed as a true masterpiece. Praise poured in for its professional-level script, powerful acting, soaring music, brilliant directing, choreography, costumes, and exquisite vocal performances and harmonies.

The cast of 28 women included several former Baltimoreans, among them Stephanie (Tamar) Rabinowitz, Shayna Levine-Hefetz, Penina Taylor and her daughter Rachel Anolick, Anne Sperling, Aviva Karpel, Robin Kravetz, and Shlomit Koffler Weinreb.

David the Servant King tells the little-known story—based on midrashim—of David HaMelech’s journey from the shunned black sheep of his family to the anointed shepherd and future king of Israel. It is the first theatrical production to explore how David’s early childhood adversity shaped him into Israel’s greatest king and passionate champion of G-d. Central to the story is David’s mother, Nitzevet—played by Stephanie (Tamar) Rabinowitz—and the challenging choice she made that altered her son’s destiny.

The show’s playbill included haskamos from Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz, shlita, and Rabbi Zev Leff, shlita, and detailed the extensive sources used in researching the script. The two-act musical features 18 beautiful, engaging, and emotionally powerful songs that at times delighted audiences and at others moved them to tears.

Described as “Jewish Broadway,” the production was professionally directed by Ayelet Sanay, with Ellen Macales serving as Musical Director and Chorale Arranger and Gabriella Friedman as Choreographer. Shayna Levine-Hefetz served as the musical’s Production Manager, a pivotal and critical position without which the show would not have succeeded. 

On February 5, audiences in Baltimore and women throughout the English-speaking world tuned in to watch the livestream broadcast live from Jerusalem. For those who were unable to attend the performances or view the livestream, click here for another opportunity to watch the recorded livestream—now available at a discounted price.













Baltimore, MD - Feb. 18, 2026  - Rabbi Zvi Goldberg and Rav Mordechai Frankel will be joined by Rabbi Avrohom Kaufman to discuss the halachos of a kosher haircut. Topics to be discussed will include:

What to watch out for when going to a barber
What to be careful about when giving a haircut at home
Diagrams and photos to demonstrate what is permitted
YOUR questions!

Click here to register

Rabbi Avrohom Kaufman has 15 years of experience as a barber and is a kollel member of Ohr Halacha. He recently translated a sefer on this topic into English, which he entitled A Kosher Haircut. The sefer includes detailed laws and diagrams. He is a Baltimore native who now makes his home in Kiryat Sefer, Israel.

To submit questions:

Email us prior to the program at [email protected]
Ask questions via chat during the show

The conference will run for about one hour. You can join us:

Online: Live via the web. Register here
By Phone: call 1-267-279-9000; pin to enter conference 114119675#
Via ClickMeeting App (Google Play | App Store) Event ID: 148-149-471

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 17, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yair Greiniman (Denver) and Rivka Gourdji (Baltimore) on their engagement.

Mazel Tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim & Devorah Leah Gourdji

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 18, 2026 -The fifth annual Family First Lecture brought together Rabbi Yisroel Motzen, Dr. Tammy Mintz, and Dr. Zipora Schorr for a candid, thoughtful conversation to an audience that included parents and school leaders on how to raise emotionally healthy, resilient Jewish children today. Many attendees described the evening, hosted by Jewish Educational Services, as “refreshing,” noting how well the panelists complemented one another and how “relaxed, informative, and enjoyable” the conversation felt. Moderated by Rabbi Aaron Levitt, Executive Director of Jewish Educational Services, the program also honored the memory and enduring impact of Rebbetzin Dr. Aviva Weisbord, whose warmth, authenticity, and unwavering belief in people continue to guide JES’s work with children and families. Dr. Weisbord, remembered for her gentle wisdom, her ability to make every person feel seen, and her lifelong dedication to strengthening families and schools, embodied the very values the evening sought to elevate.

From the outset, the panelists returned repeatedly to a shared premise, emphasizing that children draw their sense of security from the steadiness of the adults around them. Dr. Schorr encouraged parents to cultivate homes marked by consistency, predictability, and stability, an antidote to the anxiety children inevitably absorb from a noisy world. She offered a simple but powerful practice, urging parents to pause and “take the temperature” of the home; if it feels frenetic, consciously lower it. Joy or simcha, she reminded the audience, is not superficial. It is the emotional tone that allows children to feel safe enough to grow. When calm rhythms shape daily life and gratitude is experienced, not merely spoken, children flourish.

Dr. Mintz approached resilience as both a deeply Jewish value and a developmental imperative. Drawing on decades of research, she highlighted the enduring strength of authoritative parenting, the balance of warmth with clear, consistent boundaries, over either harshness or permissiveness. Parents do “real good,” she noted, when they resist the instinct to solve every problem and instead allow their children to encounter manageable struggle. In those carefully chosen moments of stepping back, children step forward, discovering their own capacity to handle hard things.

Rabbi Motzen connected these themes directly to Torah life. He explained that healthy education requires both structure and spirit, with clear rules and expectations providing stability and the emotional richness of Torah living that gives those rules meaning. He spoke about agency as one of the greatest gifts parents can offer, guiding children to respond to challenges with dignity and inner strength instead of rushing to fix every conflict for them. When boundaries are firm and love is unmistakably felt, children learn to take ownership of their growth. The personal stories he shared brought to life how Torah values play out in everyday parenting moments.

The panel also addressed a paradox familiar to many families: we tend to limit children’s physical independence while granting them wide latitude in the digital world. The speakers suggested that a healthier balance may look like the reverse, gradually expanding age-appropriate real-world independence while setting clearer and more consistent boundaries online. When children are trusted with supervised autonomy in their everyday lives and technology is approached with greater caution, they are better positioned to grow responsibly and safely.

When the conversation turned to school, the panel made a heartfelt case for partnership rather than polarization. Dr. Mintz urged parents to start from a place of trust, remembering that schools genuinely want what is best for each child, even when difficult feedback is shared. Dr. Schorr emphasized the importance of generous communication and the discipline to pause before forming conclusions, noting that a child’s first account is not always the full picture. When home and school stay aligned, sharing information openly and keeping the focus on growth instead of blame, children are the ones who benefit most.

To anchor the evening’s guidance, Rabbi Motzen shared what he called the three P’s, simple and memorable prompts for parents: pay attention, patience, and prayer. Paying attention means noticing small shifts and asking gentle, curious questions. Patience is the reminder that children’s brains are still developing and that one difficult week does not define a child’s future. Prayer reflects the humility to recognize what lies beyond our control and to hold our children in sincere tefillah. Together, these three practices offer parents a grounded and hopeful way to navigate the daily work of raising a child.

Closing the program, Rabbi Levitt shared a classic Talmudic story about a traveler who blesses a life-giving tree with a simple wish, that its offspring be like it. He offered that same blessing to the families in the room, expressing the hope that our children will grow to reflect the best within us - our steadiness, our joy, our integrity, and the care we show in helping others feel seen. It was an apt tribute to Dr. Aviva Weisbord and a fitting distillation of the night’s message to create calmer homes, hold loving boundaries, model the Torah you want your children to love, and trust them enough to grow. One guest shared that the evening “was a wonderful tribute to Dr. Weisbord’s neshama and life.”

The evening was a testament of the deep value JES places on supporting families. Through our parent programming, monthly CHADD meetings, and upcoming events, like the parent lecture with Mariposa Education on March 9, JES strives to provide practical guidance and meaningful connection for every parent. For more information on how JES can help you, please reach out to Faye Friedman at [email protected] or call 410-843-7589.





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 Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is fighting back against President Donald Trump's accusations that the governor is to blame for the massive sewage leak in the Potomac Interceptor pipe.

Moore addressed the President's comments at the start of a Board of Public Works meeting on Wednesday.

RELATED | Trump says FEMA will handle Potomac River sewage spill cleanup

"Before we get started, I know that everybody has seen the President’s tweet about the sewage pipe spill. It is typically unhinged. It is riddled with insults—but it's also riddled with massive inaccuracies, " Moore said.

Top national security officials have informed US President Donald Trump that the United States military is prepared for potential strikes against Iran as early as this Saturday, CBS News reported on Wednesday.

However, sources familiar with the high level discussions told CBS News that the timeline for any potential action is likely to extend beyond this coming weekend.

President Trump has not yet reached a final decision regarding whether to move forward with the strikes, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters of national security. The ongoing conversations were described as fluid, with the White House carefully weighing the risks of escalation against the political and military consequences of restraint.

In preparation for potential action or Iranian counterattacks, the Pentagon is temporarily moving some personnel out of the Middle East region over the next three days. These personnel are primarily being relocated to Europe or back to the United States.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 18, 2026 - This past Motzei Shabbos, dozens of families from across the Baltimore community attended a Naava Kodesh Melava Malka to hear and engage in a meaningful discussion about living in Eretz Yisrael.

The event took place in Ohel Moshe’s new hall and was co-hosted by three local kehillos: Congregations Ohel Moshe, Shomrei Emunah, and Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion (BJSZ).

The evening was made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Dream Raffle, whose partnership enables Naava Kodesh to bring vital resources and open conversations to the Baltimore community about living in Eretz Yisrael.

The program offered both inspiration and a practical discussion focused on keeping Eretz Yisrael at the forefront of people’s minds and, ultimately, on meriting to one day live there.

Joining from Eretz Yisrael was renowned author and speaker Yonoson Rosenblum, who chaired the panel and spoke about the opportunity to effect positive change on Klal Yisrael by living in Eretz Yisrael. He spoke about the ability to build a meaningful life in Eretz Yisrael with chinuch and parnassah, emphasizing that while challenges exist, they are realistically manageable.

The chashuve panel was comprised of local rabbanim, including Rabbi Tzvi Teichman of Ohel Moshe; and Rabbi Shmuel Kimche, Assistant Rabbi of Ohel Moshe. The panel discussed the importance of living in Eretz Yisrael and the ongoing aspiration to strive toward making that goal a reality.

The event highlighted a common drive and hope to live in Eretz Yisroel,’’It was encouraging to see how the pulsing of love for Eretz Yisroel flowed through the hearts of the large audience gathered at the Naava Kodesh event’’, Commented Rabbi Teichman.

There was a palpable sense of a common drive and hope to make the dream of Aliyah a reality.

Naava Kodesh presented an honest picture of both the challenges and joys of life in Artzeinu HaKedosha.’’

Rabbi Daniel Rose, Rav of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion, shared divrei chizuk, highlighting the deep yearning and chashivus of Eretz Yisrael,  ‘’we yearn for Eretz Yisrael not because we are missing something in Baltimore or anywhere else, we yearn for Eretz Yisrael because that's the place we want to be’’.

Also sharing divrei chizuk was, Rabbi Binyomin Marwick, Rav of Shomrei Emunah, who noted the strong connection and aspiration Klal Yisrael has for Eretz Yisrael. ‘’We all have a connection to the land, that is where we all belong, that's where the future is, the destiny of the Jewish people.…Your attitude is,  when the right time comes I am going to be on that plane.’’

Joining virtually from Eretz Yisrael was Rav Eli Levy, Menahal of Yeshivas Yesodei Yisrael in Ramat Beit Shemesh, who himself recently made Aliyah from Baltimore. Rav Levy shared insights into day-to-day life in Israel and spoke about the new realities on the ground that are making living in Eretz Yisrael increasingly attainable for frum families. Rav Levy highlighted that ‘’in the past, you had to fit in a specific “box”. Now, as an American Oleh, you can grow close to Hashem in a way that is unique to Eretz Yisroel while maintaining your unique identity.’’

Dovid Paige, Director of the Naava Kodesh Baltimore Division, directed the evening, remarking:

“Gathering in a room of over 100 people focused on building their future in Eretz Yisroel was a powerful expression of the Baltimore community’s chashivus and deep yearning. We are already hearing thoughtful feedback from members of the kehila and Rabbanim, and I look forward to continuing to work together with community members, leaders, and Rabbanim to help translate the vision into practical, actionable steps.”

Founder and Executive Director of Naava Kodesh, Tzvi Arnstein shared,

“When respected rabbanim and entire kehillos lend their voices to the conversation, it tells you something fundamental is changing. Aliyah is reaching new heights within the frum community, and the excitement we witnessed in Baltimore reflects a growing sense that this is our moment. It’s profoundly moving to see Am Yisroel taking real steps toward coming home to Eretz Yisroel.”

About Naava Kodesh

Naava Kodesh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping English-speaking families build successful, lasting Torah lives in Eretz Yisrael. Through personalized guidance on community and school placement, fully coordinated pilot trips, and a vast network of volunteer mentors across the country, Naava Kodesh has helped countless families navigate their Aliyah journey with clarity and confidence. For more information contact [email protected]

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Baltimore, MD – Feb. 18, 2026 – 11:15AM (BJL) Due to a power surge, the main TA phone line is not currently operational. Parents should email the relevant division office if they need to reach the school. TA’s IT team is actively working on the issue and hopes to have it resolved soon.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 17, 2026 - This past Sunday, February 15, the third grade of Torah Institute celebrated a beautiful and meaningful milestone as the four classes completed their first mesechta of Mishnayos, Meseches Berachos. Each class held its own personal siyum in a different location throughout the school, creating an intimate and proud atmosphere for the talmidim. Each boy participated in the siyum by either saying a dvar Torah related to the last mishnah or by reciting a part of the last mishnah, ensuring that every talmid had a personal role in this remarkable accomplishment.

After the individual siyumim, the entire grade gathered in the gym, which was filled to capacity with proud parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. The audience was privileged to hear inspiring words of chizuk from Rabbi Pinchos Gross and the menahel, Rabbi Shimon Hirsch, who spoke about the significance of a first siyum and the lifelong foundation it creates in a young ben Torah. A beautifully catered seudah followed, celebrating not only the completion of a mesechta but the dedication and growth of each child.

A moving tribute video, creatively prepared by fourth grade rebbe Rabbi Boruch Atlas, captured the journey and added an emotional highlight to the evening. Special thanks were extended to Sgan Menahel Rav Nosson Adlin, all of the third grade Rabbeim, and the entire cheder staff for arranging such a memorable event. The evening concluded with spirited music and dancing, as the joy of Torah radiated throughout the packed gym and left a lasting impression on all who attended.









Baltimore, MD – Feb. 17, 2026 – 6:58PM (BJL)  An accident has occurred at the intersection of Old Pimlico Road and Smith Avenue. There is no access to Pimlico Road from Smith Ave. Expect delays in the area and use caution when approaching the intersection

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 16, 2026  - On Sunday, February 15 (28 Shevat), the JUSA House was filled with the energy of Ahavas Yisrael as the Jewish Uniformed Services Association of Maryland (JUSA-Chabad) and the Maryland Free State Post 167 of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) held their annual Mishloach Manos packing event.

Led by Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum, Director of JUSA-Chabad, and JWV Post 167 Commander Dan Berkovitz, a dedicated group of veterans and community members gathered to assemble over 150 festive packages. These gifts are destined for Jewish veterans across Maryland - many of whom are homebound or in care facilities - to ensure they can fulfill the mitzvah and feel the joy of the upcoming Purim celebrations.

"It is truly a Kiddush Hashem to see our veterans coming together to care for their own," said Rabbi Tenenbaum. "Through the Veteran Circle of Friends, we aren't just sending food; we are sending a message of warmth and connection to those who sacrificed for our freedom."

Commander Dan Berkovitz of Post 167 emphasized the importance of the camaraderie present during the packing. "Our mission is to ensure that no Jewish veteran is left behind, especially during the holidays," Berkovitz stated. "Seeing our members and the community come together today shows the strength of our commitment to our fellow brothers and sisters in arms."

The event serves as a vital reminder of Hakaras HaTov (gratitude) for the service of our military heroes. The community is encouraged to support these vital efforts as both organizations continue their holy work:

Support JWV Post 167: Help the Post reach their goal in the "$130 by 130" campaign, celebrating 130 years of the Jewish War Veterans, by visiting: give.classy.org/JWV167

Support JUSA: To partner with the Veteran Circle of Friends and help bring the joy of Purim to more veterans, please donate at: jewishusamd.org/VCFPurim













Baltimore, MD – Feb. 17, 2026 – 6:25PM  (BJL) A massive accident has occurred at the intersection of Greenspring Avenue and Lightfoot Road. The area is completely shut down. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes.


Washington, DC- Feb. 17, 2026 - A person was arrested Tuesday afternoon after running toward the U.S. Capitol with a shotgun.

Capitol Police Chief Mike Sullivan said that an 18-year-old man exited a white Mercedes SUV parked on the 100 block of Maryland Avenue near the Capitol. The suspect was armed with a shotgun and headed toward the West Front of the building. Officers quickly confronted the suspect and ordered him to the ground. He complied and was arrested. There were no injuries reported.

The suspect, who was not identified during an afternoon briefing, was also wearing a Kevlar vest and tactical gloves, Sullivan said, and he was not from the Washington, D.C., area.

It was later determined that the shotgun was loaded, and the suspect had additional rounds on him. Officers also found a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask in his vehicle.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 17, 2026  - The four-year high school graduation rate in Baltimore County Public Schools has fallen to a 14-year low, despite record funding.

Now, one Baltimore County Board of Education member says graduation rates are down because BCPS has the wrong priorities.

Maggie Domanowski, four years ago, ran for Baltimore County Board of Education because she says the district was failing in its core mission.

“We're not preparing these students to be productive adults, and we have to get better at it,” Domanowski told Project Baltimore.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 17, 2026 - Mazel Tov to Rabbi Hillel Rosenberg's class of Tashbar for starting Gemara! The boys and their parents were zocheh to hear divrei bracha from Rabbi Hopfer, shlita which was followed by lebedig dancing and a custom made cake which pictured the cases of the first Mishna in Elu Metzios.

Thank you to Ohr Hatorah for hosting the event. May the boys continue to grow as Bnei Torah and constantly come closer to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.







Annapolis, MD - Feb. 17, 2026 - Gov. Wes Moore signed emergency legislation Tuesday morning that bans 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements in Maryland.

The Maryland House and Senate both passed versions of bills — House Bill 444 and Senate Bill 245 — to ban 287(g) agreements. The legislation was considered emergency legislation, which meant the final bill takes effect upon the governor's approval.

"Maryland is a community of immigrants. It is not our weakness, it's our strength. This is not rhetoric, it is our reality," Moore said Tuesday morning at a bill-signing ceremony. "Our neighbors, our friends, our family members are afraid because of the actions of the Trump-Vance ICE operation. Making America great does not mean telling people you're not welcome here. Making America great means realizing America would be incomplete without each and every one of us."

"Immigrants have the lowest rate of people that are incarcerated. Immigrants come here because they want a better life. Immigrants have a very strong sense of God and who they are. Immigrants have a strong family unit and they're good people, and we're all immigrants," said House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, D-District 21. "This bill is important because ... Maryland is speaking, it is saying that in our state, we value respect, we value empathy, we value people's contribution, we value the constitution, we value and support and protect Civil Rights. We are against racial profiling and we are going to be unapologetic about the values we stand for."

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 17, 2026 - For decades, regulations required citizens of Israel – including those who also held another nationality – to use an Israeli passport when entering or leaving the country.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted government services worldwide, passport offices and Israeli missions abroad operated at limited capacity or were closed altogether. This created significant challenges for many citizens who were unable to obtain or renew Israeli travel documents. In response, the Interior Ministry introduced a temporary policy allowing dual citizens to travel using their non-Israeli passports. Since then, the arrangement has been renewed repeatedly due to ongoing demand and practical need, most recently in December 2025.

Chaim V’Chessed has actively lobbied on behalf of the community to help ensure the continuation of this important exception.

The Interior Ministry has now announced that this accommodation will remain in place through September 30, 2026. Dual citizens will therefore continue to be permitted to enter and depart Israel using a valid foreign passport during this period.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 17, 2026 - Crews are working to fix potholes across the city, with several visible potholes Tuesday morning being repaired by the afternoon.

Still, drivers said they never know when a new one is going to pop up, so they’ve been taking it slow to prevent damage to their cars.

“It’s like a bump. You can hurt yourself. And if a woman is pregnant, she can have her baby before her time,” one woman said.

The 2026 pothole season has proven to be unforgiving, offering drivers with a variety of sizes to try to avoid on the road.

Baltimore County, MD - Feb. 17, 2026  - The Baltimore County Council took swift action Tuesday night to block the construction of an ICE detention center in Hunt Valley.

The emergency session came after the county executive learned the U.S. General Services Administration leased an office space in the county.

Councilmembers passed the legislation with a unanimous 6-0 vote.

"Bill 14-26, which will effectively outlaw all or any future detention centers here in Baltimore County starting Jan. 1, 2026. So, if there is a permit on file or somebody applied for a permit, it will be cancelled and we won't allow any future detention centers in Baltimore County," said Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones, D-District 4.

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 16, 2026 - After nearly five years of planning, the Alvin S. Mintzes Hatzalah of Baltimore M58 Loni Borck Memorial Garage is officially open and in service.

The garage is dedicated in memory of Loni Borck, one of Hatzalah of Baltimore’s original responders whose dedication and selflessness helped lay the foundation for the organization’s lifesaving mission. This facility ensures that his legacy continues with every call answered from this location.

The project originated from a shared vision and joint leadership effort between Suburban Orthodox and Hatzalah and was realized through broad collaboration and community support.  Howard Brown and his team worked tirelessly to ensure that every logistical and operational detail was addressed.     

The garage was made possible through community donations honoring Loni’s memory, along with vital matching funding secured with the assistance of Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar, State Delegate Shelly Hettleman, and State Delegate Dana Stein. Appreciation is also extended to Shul President Matt Schoenfeld, Yehudah Neuberger, and Shani Topper of SOTC for their partnership and support.
   

Hatzalah leadership also expresses its sincere gratitude to Meir Neuberger for generously donating his legal services and expertise, which were essential in bringing this project to completion.

The M58 Loni Borck Memorial Garage stands as a lasting tribute to a pioneering responder and a critical enhancement to Hatzalah’s ability to serve the Baltimore community.


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 16, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yitzy Bienenstock (Baltimore) and Chana Greenberg (Bergenfield, NJ)  on their engagement.

Mazel Tov to  David & Renee Bienenstock

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 16, 2026 - As part of Kesser Torah’s current Mesikus HaTorah campaign, the yeshiva has released a song titled Mesikus HaTorah. Composed by Mrs. Ruchie Torgow and sung by the KT bochurim, the song gives powerful expression to the campaign’s theme. Its words are adapted from the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh.

In Parshas Ki Savo (Devarim 26:11), the Torah states:

ושמחת בכל הטוב אשר נתן לך ה' אלקיך ולביתך…

And you will be b’simcha with all the tov that Hashem has given you and your home…

On these words, the Ohr HaChaim explains that if a person genuinely grasped the sweetness of Torah, he would be so overwhelmed by its goodness that nothing else would hold any appeal. Torah would eclipse every other pursuit.

At Kesser Torah, this is not an abstract ideal. It is the aspiration that shapes the entire yeshiva.

That vision was powerfully expressed last week at a moving Hachnasas Sefer Torah held on Sunday, 21 Shevat (February 8, 2026). The Sefer Torah was generously donated by the Galbut family, whose longstanding relationship with the yeshiva reflects years of friendship, partnership, and clear hashgachah pratis.

The celebration marked more than the dedication of a new Sefer Torah. It reaffirmed the heart of Kesser Torah’s mission. Torah at Kesser Torah is not merely covered. It is lived, cherished, and approached with simcha and purpose.

The theme of Mesikus HaTorah reflects the environment cultivated daily within the Beis Medrash. The focus extends far beyond completing masechtos or meeting benchmarks. The yeshiva is intentionally structured around warmth, guidance, and authentic rebbi-talmid relationships. Each bochur is known, guided, and challenged to grow.

Through thoughtful chinuch and genuine investment in every talmid, rebbeim foster a relationship with Torah that fills a bochur’s heart with Ahavas HaTorah. This shapes not only how he learns, but who he becomes. Rebbeim work closely with talmidim to sharpen understanding, deepen clarity, and develop independence in learning. The result is a beis medrash marked by intellectual vitality, diligence, and pride in growth.

When Torah is taught with warmth, clarity, and a culture of hasmadah, its sweetness becomes tangible and enduring.

This year’s Mesikus HaTorah campaign, taking place February 16–18, carries a goal of $700,000 to support the yeshiva’s continued growth and its vital educational mission. In a remarkable show of confidence and partnership, a group of generous donors has committed to triple every dollar contributed, transforming each donation into three times its impact and creating an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen Kesser Torah in a meaningful way.

This campaign is not simply about sustaining an institution. It is about strengthening an environment where serious Bnei Torah learn with depth, diligence, and genuine joy. It is about ensuring that the sweetness described by the Ohr HaChaim is not theoretical, but experienced daily in the Beis Medrash.

Those who wish to partner in cultivating the next generation of talmidei chachamim are invited to join Kesser Torah in this mission and help bring the sweetness of Torah to even greater heights.

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Milcha is only 2 months old and is fighting a severe liver disease that is threatening her life. 

Doctors have told her parents that her only chance to survive is urgent, advanced treatment abroad. The costs are overwhelming, and her family cannot do this alone.

Her mother, Feiga Tehila, is begging for help to save her baby girl.

Every donation helps give Milcha another chance to live.

Even sharing this message can help reach someone who can save her.

Please don’t ignore this. A baby’s life is at stake. 💔

👉 Donate and help save Milcha:

 https://go.aloviakids.org/bn688nx1?utm_source=jbl16.2at

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yehuda Lurie and Dasi Epstein on their engagement.

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 – 4:30PM (BJL) Traffic lights are down at Old Court & Reisterstown Road and at Cross Country Boulevard & Clarks Lane.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Rabbi Avi Cohen, z’l, brother of Mrs. Shulamit Gartenhaus.

Shiva will begin at 6503 Park Heights Ave, Apt 1A, Baltimore, MD  21215, on Tueday:

Tuesday afternoon 2pm- 5:30 and 7-8:30,

Wednesday and Thursday 10-12:30 1:30-4 and 6-8pm,

Friday 10-1,  

Motzaei Shabbos 7-9pm

בלע המות לנצח

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Ron Belman and Devorah Elan on their engagement.

Mazel Tov to Anna Belman and Yoav & Sarah Elan

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 – (BJL) A major power outage has been reported along Reisterstown Road, affecting the stretch from Old Court Road to Sudbrook Lane. The outage is due to a transformer failure. Residents and businesses in the area are currently experiencing power disruption.

Jerusalem, Israel  - Feb. 15, 2026 - Led by Conference of Presidents Chair Betsy Berns Korn and CEO William C. Daroff, the delegation, representing the Conference’s 50-member organization and guests, rose to welcome Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who gave the keynote address at the Opening gala of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations’ 51st Leadership Mission to Israel tonight in Jerusalem. 

Against a backdrop of regional tensions in a changing Middle East, and an alarming rise in antisemitism in the United States and globally, seventy key U.S. Jewish leaders are convening this week, February 15–19, at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem for the Conference of Presidents’ 51st Annual National Leadership Mission.

The Prime Minister spoke of his recent trip to the United States, as always, without notes. “I just had a very important meeting with President Trump.  The focus was on Iran. The President is determined to exhaust the possibilities of achieving an agreement.”

On Iran:  I expressed my skepticism of any deal with Iran because Iran is reliable on one thing – they lie and cheat.  But if a deal is reached, it must have several components that we believe are important for the security of Israel and the world.

First, all enriched material has to leave Iran.

Second, there should be no enrichment capability.  Not just stop the process, but dismantle the infrastructure that allows you to enrich.

Third, need to deal also with the question of ballistic missiles.  

And the fourth is to dismantle the axis of terror of Iran.

And finally, distrust and verify. Must have effective inspections for all of the above.

On Gaza: We had three goals– return the hostages, disarm and dismantle Hamas military capabilities, and third, dismantle Hamas governing capabilities.  The first has been achieved.

Hamas must give up its weapons.   The weapon that does the most damage is the AK-47.   Assault weapons.  There are 60,000 such weapons; they must go.

First, disarm Hamas.  Second, demilitarize Gaza.  We dismantled about 150 km of the 500 km of tunnels.   We’re giving the President’s plan a chance. It can be done the easy or hard way.  We hope for the easy way.  Because we know the human cost of war.  But that goal must be achieved.  And one way or another it will be.

Gaza will not pose a threat ever again to the State of Israel.

On the economy: After 2 years of war, our economy is growing rapidly, and our stock market is at an all-time high. The shekel vs the dollar is almost at a 30-year high.  Inflation is going down.

Israel is the number 2 cyber power in the world.  Israel receives more foreign investment in cybertech than any country aside from the United States. Will do the same in AI and quantum.  Israel is a juggernaut of innovation.

Israel is a very strong country coming out of the war.  Strong militarily, strong economically, strong technologically.  The United States just issued a memorandum describing its vision of alliances, and it called Israel “the model ally.”  We are willing to fight for ourselves.

With deep appreciation for American support over the years from both parties, we can afford to phase out the military aid.  Israel will support itself and does.  Over the next ten years, Israel will move from aid to partnership with the United States.  Our goal is to build an independent arms industry in Israel.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister said, "People are shocked by the rise of antisemitism.  But it’s not shocking if you look at the cycle of history."  He stressed, "The great change of Jewish history is the independent state with the power to roll back those attacks."  Fight back.  Do not cower, fight back. People respect those who respect themselves.  We have to fight back.  Silence will not help. To defeat antisemitism, we have to fight it. He concluded by advising the Jewish leaders, "Fight. Fight. Fight."


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Baltimore, MD - Feb. 15, 2026 - A new report from Baltimore’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is offering taxpayers a detailed look at how the city financed Artscape, including the use of more than a half-million dollars in federal COVID relief money for entertainment and related events.

The OIG found the city used more than $500,000 in federal pandemic relief dollars to pay for Artscape entertainment, including $240,000 for one headliner and $125,000 for another. The report also found more than $26,000 was used to pay for the mayor’s VIP reception.

Those expenditures were part of the $641 million the federal government awarded Baltimore for the purpose of recovering from COVID. The city has insisted it complied with the rules governing how the federal dollars could be spent.

“The question is, is that the way the people of Baltimore want their money spent? $600,000 could’ve been used for a lot of different things in the city of Baltimore,” Inspector General Isabel Cumming said.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yehoshua Schmulian and Shulamis Tova Storch on their engagement.

Mazel Tov to Howard & Nechama Schmulian and Frank & Danielle Sara Storch

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 – 7:29 PM (BJL) An accident has occurred at the intersection of Cross Country Blvd. and Clarks Lane, likely due to traffic light issues at that intersection. Expect delays in the area and use caution when approaching the intersection.

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 15, 2026 - Canadian-born sculptor Rachel Rotenberg has spent more than four decades carving a distinctive artistic language — one that, as critics describe, “thinks with a pencil and speaks with wood.”

Born in Toronto in 1958, Rotenberg earned her BFA from York University and continued her studies in Jerusalem and New York, including at the School of Visual Arts. For many years, she lived and worked in Baltimore, where she became an active presence in the city’s vibrant arts community and exhibited widely. In 2015, she relocated to Jerusalem, opening a new chapter in an already accomplished international career.

On Friday, February 13, Rotenberg unveiled works from her evolving Dream Catcher series at 'Studio of Her Own' (סטודיו משלך) in Jerusalem. The exhibition curated by Meital Manor marked a significant local presentation of large-scale cedar sculptures.

Constructed from cedar planks, vines, wire, and oil paint, the sculptures twist and arc with organic energy. Rotenberg’s work has long explored the tension between weight and lift, structure and vulnerability, and the meeting of conscious and subconscious thought. 

Rotenberg says, "Dreams, like art, speak the language of symbols and emerge from the unconscious."

While the title may evoke the traditional protective talisman, Rotenberg’s interpretation is more abstract and psychological. Her sculptures do not enclose or trap dreams; they appear to hold space for them. Open frameworks and layered wooden planes suggest memory, resilience, and the filtering of experience. The cedar itself, sourced in British Columbia, Canada, is strong, aromatic, and enduring, adding a quiet symbolism of protection and sacred architecture.

Rotenberg’s career includes prestigious grants from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, and the Canada Council for the Arts, among others. She has exhibited across North America and Israel, including at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Katzen Arts Center at American University in Washington, DC, where a major 2023 solo exhibition was curated by Jane Livingston, who also authored a book on her sculptures, which was on display during the exhibition. Her participation in the Jerusalem Biennale, led by Rami Ozeri, further situates Rotenberg within Israel’s contemporary art community.

Now based in Jerusalem with her husband, painter Jean-Pierre Weill, and their five children, Rotenberg was previously featured in BJL in December 2019, in coverage of the Jerusalem Biennale. Her Jerusalem exhibition represents not a departure, but an expansion: an artist whose work remains connected to the communities that shaped her, even as her forms reach toward new horizons.

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Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Louis Safier, z’l, brother of Mrs. Laura Ann (Rabbi Mordechai) Glazer.

The levaya will take place tomorrow, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at 1:00PM at the Baron Hirsch cemetery in Memphis, TN.

Shiva in Baltimore will be observed at 3904 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 on Friday and Motzaei Shabbos.

Details to  follow   

בלע המות לנצח

Baltimore, MD - Feb. 14, 2026  - Thousands of traffic tickets issued to Baltimore city-owned vehicles last year have added up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, but most of that money has not been paid to the city, according to reporting by our media partners at The Baltimore Sun.

Vehicles driven by city employees racked up 4,088 traffic citations in 2025 totaling about $452,000, with speeding listed as the most common traffic violation for city agencies, the Sun reported. The majority of those citations were waived by the city.

“There seems to be an abuse of the system, abuse of the process,” David Williams, a taxpayer advocate, said.

Williams, who is president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, said the issue goes beyond lost revenue.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 15, 2026 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yaakov and Lena Resnick on the birth of Miriam Shoshana

Mazel tov to grandparents  David & Esther Resnick       

יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 13, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Avigdor Tendler and Leeba Cohen on their engagement.

Mazel Tov to Eliyahu & Sara Nechama Tendler and Sholom & Yocheved Cohen

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 13, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Eliezer Krawatsky and Faigy Eisenberg on their engagement.

Mazel Tov to Shmuel & Shira Krawatsky and Akiva & Rivky Esinberg

יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!

Baltimore County, MD – Feb. 13, 2026 – Baltimore County officials clarified that trash and recycling will be collected on Presidents Day this Monday, Feb. 16, correcting earlier information that suggested a holiday slide schedule. Correction notices were mailed to residents this week to address the error.

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 13, 2026 -  BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Simcha and Tehila Loewenthal on the birth of a daughter.

Mazel tov to grandparents Mr. Abe and Judge Michele Loewenthal       

יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!

Baltimore, MD – Feb. 13, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Halina Schwartz, a’h, mother of Rivky (David) Stern.  

Details to follow

בלע המות לנצח


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 12, 2026 – 8:30AM (BJL) The Western Run bridge at Clarks Lane is currently closed due to snow removal operations


Baltimore, MD – Feb. 12, 2026 – 8:08 AM (BJL) An accident on Old Court Road on the way to TA has Old Court Road blocked off between Naylors Lane and the 7-Eleven at Greenwood Road, with all lanes closed in both directions.