Bodkim and askanim from across the country convened for chizuk, professional networking, and discussions on emerging issues and industry developments
New York, NY - July 9, 2026 - It’s a process most people barely think about when dropping off suits, sweaters, coats, or even tablecloths at a shatnez laboratory. Yet for the approximately 150 shatnez testers in the U.S. who inspect materials for mixtures of wool and linen, it is painstaking, meticulous work requiring extensive training, experience, and unwavering attention to detail.
It’s a craft that Rav Yosef Sayagh knows inside out. A world-renowned expert on hilchos shatnez, he has spent nearly 36 years in the field and trained approximately 250 bodkim to identify wool and linen under microscopes using specialized techniques, while performing inspections without damaging garments.
The director of the International Association of Professional Shatnez Labs (IAPSL), Rav Sayagh was among the presenters at the Orthodox Union’s recent National Shatnez Conference at OU headquarters in New York, which drew 55 bodkei shatnez and askanim from Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
“I want consumers to know how thoroughly testers check,” he says. “In a man’s suit, for example, we inspect approximately 35 places. Additionally, testing procedures are complex and time-consuming, particularly when examining tweed fabrics that require inspection of every single color.”
Following its recent City Eruv and Chevra Kadisha Leadership conferences, the OU's National Shatnez Conference continued a broader initiative to support professionals whose highly specialized work is essential to Jewish communal life but is often performed in relative isolation. Through chizuk, networking, and discussions of emerging issues and complex halachos, the conferences help strengthen those who dedicate themselves to serving Klal Yisroel.
“Shatnez is a unique type of prohibition, and the poskim treat shatnez with unique stringency,” says OU Director of Torah and Halacha Initiatives Rabbi Ezra Sarna, the conference organizer. “If a person mistakenly buys a piece of non-kosher meat and eats it, it's a terrible thing, but it is an isolated experience. Every moment you are wearing shatnez is an additional aveira. Every community relies on shatnez testers and askanim. The conference’s core goal was to be mechazeik their yiras sh__omayim and expertise. Beyond that, my hope is that bringing together leaders in the industry will foster greater collaboration and new ideas that will enable clothing companies to obtain ‘shatnez-free’ certification.”
The program combined practical guidance with broader discussions about the future of the profession. Sessions explored common shaylos and teshuvos; the challenges inherent in garment factories and how shatnez may be unknowingly incorporated into garments; advancements in shatnez testing over the years, new resources for testers; and the responsibility of the bodek.
The gathering served as the launching ground for shatnezlist.com, a searchable tool for testers and consumers designed by Rabbi Sarna, which identifies clothing and other items found to contain shatnez according to brand.
Other event highlights included inspiring words from OU Kosher Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who offered chizuk to the bodkim and askanim serving Klal Yisroel.
Among the recurring themes was the need for greater consistency across the industry. Rav Sayagh called for testers to adopt unified standards and policies, noting that questions frequently arise regarding whether certain items require inspection.
“These items include polyester and viscose men’s jackets, inexpensive suits, sweaters that contain only five percent wool, 100 percent linen shirts, and recycled materials, among many others,” he explains. “I emphasized that all shatnez laboratories should operate according to the same guidelines and provide the same guidance to consumers.”
Another key takeaway was the importance of staying current. Rav Sayagh underscored the importance of staying up to date with colleagues on developments in the field, including new fibers and new places to check for shatnez inside garments.
“In the past, for example, baseball gloves were made with recycled materials, then they were not, and now they often are. Some are permissible, some are not. Testers must be up to date with the current standards,” he says. “That is why bringing the industry together is so important. When everyone is operating from the same knowledge base, consumers can have greater confidence in the results.”
The conference also gave participants a rare behind-the-scenes look at how garments are manufactured. OU Kosher Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi Daniel Sharratt shared findings from his observations of textile manufacturers at work.
“Having an understanding of what actually takes place on the factory floor during textile manufacturing really brings to light the issues and pitfalls surrounding the prohibition of shatnez,” he says. “It’s a privilege to share these insights with shatnez testers, who help protect Klal Yisroel from violating this prohibition, so that they can gain a better understanding of the textile industry as a whole.”
Other presenters included IAPSL Founder Rabbi Yoel Schocket; Dayan and Rosh Chabura of the Greater Washington Community Kollel Rabbi Yitzhak Grossman; Rabbi Moshe Bresler of the Vaad L’Mishmeres Shatnez; and Director of Private Labels and Rabbinic Coordinator at Kof-K Kosher Supervision Rabbi Dov Chastain.
A close talmid of Rav Sayagh, Rabbi Chastain also serves as the shatnez tester for the Rochester, New York, community. He especially valued the opportunity to learn where shatnez has been found in new products, information that he and Rav Sayagh then disseminate to shatnez testers around the world.
“The conference created a great platform to network with other bodkei shatnez_,_ learn about new developments in the shatnez landscape, and hear what other testers are finding so I know what to look out for,” says Rabbi Chastain. “It was also a tremendous source of chizuk, both from the stories and experiences that were shared and from the opportunity to discuss relevant shaylos and teshuvos. A huge yasher koach to Rabbi Sarna and the OU for organizing it.”
Rabbi Mordechai Djavaheri, teaches experiential areas of halacha, including shechitah, safru__s, shofar, tzitzis, eruvin, mikvaos, and bedika__s tola’im. As he prepares to add shatnez to his curriculum, he is among a group of rabbis studying with Rav Sayagh to become bodkei shatnez. The group was invited to attend the conference.
“We hope to open shatnez laboratories in Riverdale and Washington Heights to meet the strong demand for local shatnez testing among the many students, young professionals, and families in the area,” he says. “Learning shatnez not only enables me to practice, but also allows me to teach my students how real the issues of shatnez are by demonstrating the actual shatnez issues found in their own clothing.”
Rabbi Djavaheri was particularly struck by the participants’ shared commitment to working together for the benefit of Klal Yisroel.
“It was inspiring to see the broad range of backgrounds and ages represented among the testers in attendance. Some were meeting for the first time, while others were longtime friends, yet all were networking, collaborating, and literally feeling their way through complicated garments while discussing the techniques and science of shatnez. More than once, small groups naturally clustered around a few individuals engaged in an electrifying conversation or closely examining a piece of fabric.”
Rabbi Aharon Drebin (second from left), of Flatbush, New York, and Rabbi Mordechai Gholian (second from right), of Baltimore, Maryland, analyze fabric at the OU National Shatnez Conference.
Shatnez testers from Borough Park, New York, and Linden, New Jersey, together with OU Kosher's Rabbi Daniel Sharratt (second from left).
OU Director of OU Halacha Initiatives Rabbi Ezra Sarna introduces the new shatnezlist.com website.
Shatnez testers learn from Lakewood’s Rabbi Yoel Schocket, founder of the International Association of Professional Shatnez Labs (seated, left), and Flatbush’s Rabbi Aharon Drebin (seated, right), at the OU National Shatnez Conference.
Baltimore, MD - July 9, 2026 - A new WalletHub study that compared more than 180 cities in the United States found that Baltimore is the second-most stressed city in the United States, just behind Detroit, Michigan.
The study examined 39 key metrics, including work, financial, family and health-related stress to rank the most and least stressed cities. Baltimore earned the top rank in the work-related stress metric.
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"Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends or employers. However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. "Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health and congested transportation systems naturally lead to elevated stress levels for residents."
Baltimore, MD - July 9, 2026 - A quiet Wednesday evening commute turned into a scene of utter devastation when a Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus lost control on Reisterstown Road, striking nearly a dozen vehicles before crashing into a commercial building. The chaotic, chain-reaction pileup triggered a massive emergency response, left dozens injured, and is causing traffic delays throughout the area today.
The incident began just before 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, when an MTA bus traveling along the busy Reisterstown Road corridor suddenly lost control. Over a span of several blocks between Old Court Road and McHenry Avenue, the transit bus plowed through traffic, striking 11 vehicles in its path. The destructive sequence finally came to a halt in the 1500 block of Reisterstown Road, where the bus snapped a utility pole, tore down power lines, and crashed directly into the front of a FedEx Office storefront.
The force of the multi-vehicle pileup left a massive field of debris scattered across several blocks. At least one vehicle was flipped entirely onto its roof, while others were left unrecognizable with severe frame damage. Responding to the sheer volume of vehicles and victims involved, the Baltimore County Fire Department quickly upgraded the emergency to a second-alarm mass casualty incident, bringing over 100 first responders rushing to the scene.
"It looks more like a war scene," Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph Dixon said during an evening press briefing, describing the scale of the destruction.
The crash completely overwhelmed local emergency resources, requiring medical ambulance buses from Hatzalah of Baltimore, (providing 3 ambulances, EMTs and paramedics), and neighboring Howard and Anne Arundel counties to assist Pikesville and Baltimore County crews with triage and transport. At least 15 ambulances were on the scene alongside the University of Maryland Shock Trauma GoTeam. In total, first responders evaluated and transported 33 people to local hospitals.
While most injuries were described as non-life-threatening, one victim suffered critical injuries, had to be extricated from a passenger vehicle, and was airlifted from the scene via a Maryland State Police Medevac helicopter. The driver of the MTA bus became trapped inside the heavily damaged cab of the vehicle. Rescue crews worked frantically to extricate the driver, who was eventually freed and rushed to a local hospital on a stretcher.
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown and is under active investigation by the MTA Police and local authorities. Investigators will be looking into whether a mechanical failure, a sudden medical emergency, or specific traffic conditions triggered the event. Because the final impact brought down heavy utility lines and caused potential structural damage to the FedEx building, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) personnel and building inspectors remained on site through the night.
Commuters are advised that the affected stretch of Reisterstown Road will experience disruptions today while cleanup and utility repairs continue. Motorists should anticipate local traffic delays throughout the day and are encouraged to allow extra travel time or seek alternate routes through the area.
This article was compiled and summarized using AI technology from local news reports.
Jerusalem, Israel - July 9, 2026 - Koach Eitan, an Israeli nonprofit supporting individuals and families living with stroke, brain injury and aphasia, won a $10,000 grant at the Nonprofit Navigator Conference in Jerusalem, Israel, after being selected as one of four winners in a "Shark Tank"-style pitch competition.
The organization was chosen from 40 nonprofits that presented their work at a conference held at the Nefesh B'Nefesh Campus in Cinema City Jerusalem
Koach Eitan was founded after native Baltimorean Eitan Ashman suffered a massive stroke in August 2017 at the age of 42. His wife, Leora**,** initially created a Facebook page to update family and friends on his recovery and share the realities their family faced. That effort gradually evolved into Koach Eitan, which today supports families in Israel and abroad.
"The struggle of building something from nothing while living through it was and is extremely challenging," Leora Ashman said. "But we do it to fill a void that is so needed."
The nonprofit focuses on three areas: peer-to-peer support, community inclusion, and public education about stroke, brain injury, and aphasia. One of its signature initiatives is the Let's Talk communication tool, which provides practical strategies for communicating with individuals living with aphasia. This condition affects language but not intelligence.
To promote inclusion within Jewish communal life, Koach Eitan also created an annual World Aphasia Shabbat, observed each January by a growing number of synagogues worldwide. The organization has developed accessible Jewish resources, including blessing cards with visual icons and a Passover Haggadah designed to encourage meaningful participation for people living with aphasia.
The Ashmans have also shared their message with communities in the United States. During Eitan's first trip to America since his stroke, they visited Atlanta and Baltimore for World Aphasia Day programming. While staying with family in Baltimore, they spoke at Sinai Hospital, local synagogues, and parlor meetings.
Leora Ashman praised the response of Baltimore rabbis, including Rabbi Motzen, Rabbi Marwick, and Rabbi Goldberger, for recognizing the importance of understanding the challenges faced by individuals living with aphasia and their families.
Ashman said the award comes at a particularly difficult time for many Israeli nonprofits.
"The war has taken so much of the charitable giving that many incredible organizations rely on," she said. "For a cause as misunderstood as brain injury and aphasia, fundraising has become even more challenging. That is what made this win especially meaningful. Finally, someone listened and saw that there is a whole community of people who need to be seen and understood. Just being seen can further recovery and give families the strength they need every single day."
Nearly 100 nonprofit leaders attended the conference for workshops, meetings with funders, and live pitch sessions before a panel of Israeli philanthropists.
The grant will help Koach Eitan strengthen partnerships with rehabilitation centers across Israel, expand its Lifeline peer-support program, and increase its team of social workers and volunteers so families can connect with the organization before leaving rehabilitation and continue receiving support as they transition home.
The need continues to grow, Ashman said to BJL.
"In the past week, I received two calls from new families with no one to talk to who understands what they are going through or what they need," she said. "We help those families navigate their new reality and replace the feeling of isolation with one of belonging."
Koach Eitan World Aphasia Shabbat parlour meeting in Baltimore
Smiling after winning the prize at NBN confernce
Baltimore, MD - July 9, 2026 - A Flood Watch is in effect from 2:00 PM through 11:00 PM today.
The National Weather Service warns that strong thunderstorms moving through the area, combined with a tropical air mass, may produce torrential downpours capable of causing flash flooding.
Baltimore, MD - July 9, 2026 - The Pikesville Library will be closed tomorrow for building maintenance.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, that US forces were likely to strike Iran again tonight.
"They are behaving very badly, as they have for 47 years," Trump said about the regime, noting that the US "hit them hard" after they launched drones and a missile at ships.
"We'll probably hit them again tonight. I'll give them a little warning; we're going to hit them hard tonight," he added and stressed his dissatisfaction with the regime.
According to the President, "It's not even a war; it's the denuclearization of Iran. It's not about regime change. Even though I think it's regime change when you knock out the first group, the second group, I think that's the ultimate regime change, but that's not what it's about. It's about not wanting them to have nuclear weapons."
US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday evening announced that its forces have begun launching strikes against Iranian targets.
The confirmation came after explosions were heard in Iran. The explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas and in Chabahar, among other places.
“At the direction of the Commander in Chief, US Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," said CENTCOM.
“The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway," it added.
Jerusalem, Israel - July 8, 2026 - Changing the Jewish narrative from victim to victor was the theme of Pulse of Israel’s Fourth Annual Conference at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem, Israel, on Tuesday night. With hundreds of participants attending in person and online, From Victims to Victors: The Jewish People’s Next Chapter focused on Jewish strength, Israel’s sovereignty and regional leadership**.**
Offering perspectives on what’s ahead for the Jewish state and broader Middle East was an impressive line-up of government, military, technology, and business experts, including in person or via video message: Avi Abelow, Pulse of Israel CEO; Brigadier General (Res.) Oren Solomon; Congressman Marlin Stutzman (R-IN); Caroline Glick, International Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich; Middle East scholar Dr. Mordechai Kedar; Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy; tech expert Hillel Fuld; geopolitical analyst Topaz Ram; Ken Abramowitz, President/Founder of SaveTheWest.com; Regavim International Director Naomi Linder Kahn; JNS CEO and journalist Alex Traiman; Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council; and Yishai Fleisher, International Spokesman of the Hebron Jewish Community.
The evening was moderated by Israeli media personality Ari Abramowitz, co-founder of The Land of Israel Network and Arugot Farm, projects devoted to reconnecting people with the heart and spirit of the Land of Israel.
In opening the conference, Abelow spoke about “pushing the envelope to change the narrative,” after decades of focusing on Jewish victimhood. “The real narrative today is that of victors, not victims,” he said. “We shouldn’t be ashamed of bringing God into the narrative, front and center. We are stronger now than we were in Biblical times…living in geulah times, rebuilding our eternal capital, and we stood strong in the middle of a seven-front war. This isn’t about luck or our leaders. It is the fulfillment of Hashem’s ancient promises to us.”
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, Glick addressed Israel’s standing in the world since October 7, 2023, from diplomatic, economic and military perspectives. She noted his economic legacy as proof that strength underpins everything Israel has achieved: per-capita GDP has grown from $1,700 when he first took office in 1996 to roughly $70,000 today, placing Israel 14th in the world, ahead of Germany, France and England. She asked why every Abraham Accords country has held its peace with Israel since October 7, noting that "Both Netanyahu and Trump were correct: you achieve peace through strength," Glick said. "Everything we've achieved is a function of our own capabilities and the incredible courage of our people."
Middle East analyst and expert on Islam, Kedar, explained how Israel's victorious rounds of fighting with the “axis of resistance” have made Israel a key player in the Middle East.
Sharing multiple slides, Linder Kahn illustrated the work Regavim has done to document illegal Arab building.
Filled with emotion, Abelow presented Pulse of Israel’s Brave Leadership of Zion Award to Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council. Dagan was a resident of Sa-Nur in the northern Shomron, one of four communities that were dismantled as part of the 2005 disengagement plan. Abelow was there in the summer of 2005, those very difficult days. “For us, the gerush wasn’t 21 years ago; it was yesterday,” Dagan said. “This prize doesn’t belong to me — it belongs to those who fought the disengagement, and especially to the thousands of families who will return to Yehudah v’Shomron. We are building 18 new settlements in the same area. The northern Shomron will have many more Jews than before. We are fixing the mistake.
Abelow closed the conference with an uplifting message of strength and gratitude. “Thank you to all for choosing truth, strength and faith,” he said. “The world is starving for moral clarity and principled leadership. No matter how strong the lies or the pressure, we’re not here to apologize. We are reclaiming the land and living our truth amid the birth pangs of a new era. Victory doesn’t just mean defeating our Islamist enemies in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Victory is the Jewish people reclaiming their mission as a people living with deep faith, Torah values, and an acknowledgment of something far greater than ourselves.
“Together we are ch_anging the story, bringing the redemption closer. The best days are ahead of us.”_
Tour guide and former Baltimore resident Peter Abelow led special tours before and after the evening conference for VIP supporters.
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Pulse of Israel is a project of the 12Tribe Films Foundation, featuring high-quality short videos with VIP personalities that entertain, inspire, and educate about Israel. The heart of the project is a dedication to the truth. The Pulse of Israel aims to cut through the noise of public opinion by amplifying the truth vis-à-vis current events in the State of Israel and the world.
Baltimore, MD – July 8, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Eli and Ahuva Englander on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Dovid & Chaya Fink
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – July 8, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mr. Chaim Shenker, z’l, father of Mrs. Hadassah (Rabbi Yitzchak) Sanders.
Shiva, through Tuesday morning, will be observed at 760 Cedarlawn Avenue. Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Minyanim:
Wednesday
Mincha/Maariv - 8:10 pm
Thursday
Shacharis - 7:30 am
Mincha/Maariv - 8:10 pm
Friday
Shacharis - 7:30 am
Mincha - 1:45 pm
Sunday-Monday
Shacharis - 8:00 am
Mincha/Maariv - 8:10 pm
MIDTOWN EAST, Manhattan (WABC) -- The effort to stabilize an under-construction high-rise in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday is expected to last "into the night," keeping streets shut down and buildings evacuated, officials said.
A city official said a team that was sent in late Tuesday afternoon has completed their initial assessment and contractors can now move forward with the installation of temporary shoring to stabilize the building.
It all started when a structural column buckled on the 21st floor, and additional structural issues were subsequently discovered, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.
"The building remains unstable," Mamdani said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon, as there had been additional movement in one of the columns since city officials arrived. "This is an extremely serious situation."
Baltimore, MD – July 7, 2026 – (BJL) Despite a power outage affecting part of the Agudah Park Heights neighborhood, life at Agudah continued without missing a beat. The photos capture the resilience and determination of the community, as the boys remained focused on their learning in the dark and Maariv proceeded as scheduled. Even without electricity, the commitment to Torah and tefillah never flickers.
Baltimore, MD - July 7, 2026 - Just months after Maryland lawmakers approved a utility relief package aimed at lowering energy costs, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is seeking another increase that would raise the average residential customer's bill by about $8 a month.
The utility has asked the Maryland Public Service Commission to approve the increase as part of its latest rate case, saying the additional revenue is needed "to sustain a safe and reliable system," not to fund new programs or services.
If approved, the increase would cost the average customer about $96 a year, offsetting a significant portion of the estimated annual savings many customers are expected to receive under Maryland's recently passed Utility Relief Act.
The request comes as many Marylanders continue to struggle with high energy bills. Over the past year, FOX45 has spoken with numerous residents who said rising utility costs have forced difficult financial decisions, including choosing between paying electric bills and buying groceries.
Baltimore, MD - July 7, 2026 - With the recent extreme heat subsiding, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will resume normal solid waste operations effective Tuesday, July 7. Residents should place their trash and recycling out according to their regular collection schedules.
In addition, Residential Recycling Drop-Off Centers, the Quarantine Road Landfill, and the Northwest Transfer Station have returned to their normal operating hours.
Solid Waste crews will continue to complete any remaining delayed collections as quickly as possible.
We appreciate residents' patience and understanding while crews worked safely during the period of excessive heat.
Summer Collection Hours Remain in Effect
DPW's summer sanitation collection schedule remains in effect. Collections may begin as early as 5:00 a.m., so residents are encouraged to place their trash and recycling out the evening before their scheduled collection day, allowing crews to complete routes before temperatures rise.
For real-time updates, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to DPW on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The United States decided on Tuesday to revoke the general license authorizing the sale of Iranian oil after several Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior administration official called Iran's actions in the Strait "wholly unacceptable" and said they will be met with consequences.
The official reiterated, "As President Trump and the administration have repeatedly affirmed, the MOU in effect with Iran is entirely performance-based. Iran will only reap benefits if they exhibit good behavior."
Earlier, three tankers reported being hit by Iranian missile fire in the Strait of Hormuz and a nearby area. One of the vessels struck by Iranian missiles was a Qatari-owned liquefied natural gas tanker. In response, Qatar summoned the Iranian ambassador for a formal reprimand.
Baltimore, MD – July 7, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dani Samet (Baltimore) and Gitty Schneider (Ramat Beit Shemesh) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Ronnie & Aliza Samet and Ari & Leba Schneider
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - July 7, 2026 - Bonnie Road is Closed Between Labyrinth and Szold
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early Wednesday morning that its forces launched a series of powerful strikes against Iran.
The official statement was published minutes after Iran reported intense explosions in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and the port city of Sirik.
CENTCOM said the purpose of the strikes was "to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway."
It added, "The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire."
Baltimore, MD – July 6, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Elsie Blum, a''h, sister of Rabbi Elchonon Oberstein.
The levaya and kevura will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Shiva will be observed at 3002 W. Strathmore Avenue, from Wednesday morning through Monday morning.
Minyanim:
Shacharis: 8:30 am
Mincha/Maariv: 6:50 pm
The family respectfully requests no visitors from 12:30-1:30 pm, 5:30-6:30 pm and after 10:00 pm.
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – July 6, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Roberta Shnier a"h, mother of R' Dovid Shnier.
The levaya will be tomorrow (Tuesday) in Toronto.
Shiva in Baltimore, through Monday morning, will begin with Mincha & Maariv on Wednesday at 3401 Olympia Avenue.
Minyanim:
Shachris (Th, Fri, Mo) - 6:40 a.m.
Shachris (Su) - 7:10 a.m.
Mincha & Maariv (We, Th, Su) - 8:20 p.m.
Mincha (Fr) - 3:00 p.m.
Maariv (Motzei Shabbos) - 9:20 p.m.
Visiting Hours:
After Shachris until 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
בלע המות לנצח
“Have people in Israel heard about Charlotte?” one of my readers in New York asked me this past week. She urged me to write about one of the most talked-about events to have shaken the local Jewish community in recent days.
Charlotte Herzberg, an eight-year-old girl from Monsey, New York, was riding her bicycle near her home when she was struck and killed by a car. The driver, who immediately accepted responsibility for the terrible accident, was the best friend of Charlotte’s father, Yudi.
“At that moment, my wife and I understood that we were facing an enormous challenge and test,” Yudi said in his eulogy for his daughter. “My best friend did not do this deliberately. It was a terrible accident, and we were not going to allow this tragedy to tear us apart. The Satan was testing us. He wanted to show that our beautiful neighborhood could not withstand machlokes—conflict and division. But the Satan underestimated us. We were going to prove him wrong.”
Yudi and his wife were determined to transform their tragedy into a force for unity and peace among the Jewish people.
The following day, when members of the community came to pay a shiva call, they witnessed an extraordinary sight: Yudi and his best friend—the driver who had struck Charlotte—embracing, crying, and literally holding one another up. Nearby, Chumi, Charlotte’s mother, and the driver’s wife held each other and wept.
Before the shiva ended, Charlotte’s family launched a campaign called “Shalom for Charlotte,” encouraging Jews everywhere to forgive, let go, and move forward. The grieving family is asking people to reach out to friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues, to release old grudges and resentments, repair broken relationships, and then share their stories.
At the time of writing, 2,409 stories from 42 countries had already been posted on the campaign’s website.
We can all choose to assign blame and cling to our grievances, the family says. But instead, they are asking people to “take the pledge and make shalom for Charlotte. Bring more shalom into the world and help bring Moshiach.”
The stories are remarkable. Two brothers who had not spoken for years began speaking again. Business partners who had been estranged for three months cleared the air and started rebuilding their relationship. A shul that could have been torn apart by the tragedy chose instead to unite around the campaign. Parents who had become estranged from their son sent him a message saying, “We’re thinking about you, and we hope everything is okay”—and received a response from him for the first time.
During the Three Weeks, we speak often about ahavat chinam—unconditional love. When the “Shalom for Charlotte” website had received “only” 500 stories, Rabbi Elya Brudny, one of the leading rabbis of American Jewry, devoted a class to the campaign.
“I could give many classes about the importance of creating peace within a community and refining one’s character,” he said. “But these days, we are witnessing a living lesson before our very eyes. There are extraordinary people among us who are asking us to rise higher.”
You can take part at: https://shalomforcharlotte.com/
Sasha and Sapir Came Home—and Are Now Building a Home of Their Own
Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen were abducted to Gaza two and a half years ago. On Sunday, they were married and began building a home together in Israel. That sentence is worth re-reading.
Every word spoken beneath the chuppah suddenly took on a deeper meaning.
“Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel,” Sasha said as he placed the ring on Sapir’s finger.
In interviews after his release, he said: “When I was abducted, my Jewish identity meant nothing to me. The first time I ever put on tefillin was after I was freed from captivity. I did not know there was a God. It is incredible. I was abducted because I was Jewish, yet I did not even know what that meant. Today, I do.”
Then came the breaking of the glass.
Rabbi Berel Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, who has supported the couple and officiated at their wedding, placed the glass on the ground and recalled the surgery Sasha had undergone on his leg after being wounded in captivity.
And there he stood, on both feet, healthy, strong, and smiling, as he declared:
“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill. Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not place Jerusalem above my greatest joy.”
By then, many were in tears.
Sasha and Sapir were abducted from Nir Oz, but their story is also the story of Jerusalem. They both understand that.
Sapir once told me in an interview that her captors would speak to her about Judaism, the Ten Commandments, Jerusalem, and the Torah. The more she knew, the more unsettled they became.
“Ana Yahud,” she would tell them. “I am Jewish.”
One of the terrorists told her he disliked her because she was constantly looking out for the people around her, helping them and bringing “light into the darkness of Gaza.”
He was right.
The seven wedding blessings were recited beneath the chuppah. Sasha’s mother, Yelena Troufanov, and his grandmother, Irena, were there. Both had also been abducted to Gaza and later returned home. Since then, they have become symbols of faith, hope, and Jewish identity, particularly among Russian-speaking Jews.
One person was deeply missed: Sasha’s father, Vitaly, of blessed memory, who was murdered on October 7.
Once again, the ancient words carried extraordinary meaning, a prayer for all that will now fill this new home, and for the home of the Jewish people:
“Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, rejoicing and song, delight and celebration, love and fellowship.”
Amen. Mazel tov!
Dor Holech VeDor Ba
When I was born 80 years ago, my parents had three teenage children. All have now passed away, my sister at the age of 96½. This marks the end of that era.
Many of you know that we come from Montgomery, Alabama, the Heart of Dixie. I was fortunate to go away to yeshiva, but what was it like in those years—the 1940s, before I was born? In short, what type of Jewish environment did my big sister have growing up?
One year ago, my daughter Shani decided the two of us should go visit Elsie. She said, "Let's go while she is alert and able to appreciate our visit." She bought the tickets and made all the arrangements.
I want to share with you what my sister told me about growing up in the Oberstein home long ago.
First of all, the grandparents lived in the house. Zayde Eliezer had a long white beard and was so frum that he refused to eat meat or chicken in America. He ate milchigs and fish.
Zayde had a Maariv minyan in our home every night. Elsie remembered sitting on the front porch when a car pulled up. There were three brothers from Georgia, and one said, "Is this the house where we can say Kaddish? We're passing through town, and they told us that at your house we can say Kaddish."
Elsie told them they had the right address: "Come on in."
Was Elsie close to her Bubby, Leah Weinstock? You couldn't get closer. They shared the same bed. Zayde slept in one bed, and Elsie and her grandmother shared the other. Elsie said that every night they would say Krias Shema together.
Bubby was in charge of the kitchen. The standards were set by her. I remember we had a blech on the stove, and my mother never, ever cooked on Shabbos. This was many years after her parents were no longer alive.
When I was about 5 years old, my sister got married. I wasn't allowed to attend because they thought I would act up.
She was a Jewish girl from a small Southern town. I think Hadassah gave her a scholarship to a one-week Zionist camp for college students, Brandeis Camp. Elsie was 17, and she met Julius, who was already a college graduate. They were told to bring a blanket for the campfire. Elsie "forgot" and asked this handsome guy if there was room on his blanket.
Fast forward: when they renewed their vows after 50 years, I was asked to officiate.
For many years, up to very recently, Elsie was the pillar of the shul in Fort Worth. She was the most devoted person, personally making sure that there was a luncheon every Shabbos. Otherwise, no one would come to shul. She raised her family and passed on her Yiddishkeit.
Then something amazing occurred.
One day, I got a phone call from Elsie's granddaughter, Elizabeth. She said, "Uncle Leonard, I have an Orthodox boyfriend, Ira. What do I do?"
She was a student at NYU at the time, and I put her in contact with Rabbi Yonoson Schippel of Gateways, and he took it from there.
Elsie's granddaughter became observant.
But it's more than that.
Lizzy Savetsky is a major influencer with over 500,000 followers. Originally she was a fashion influencer, but several years ago she gave that up because she now devotes her passion to supporting the State of Israel and promoting Jewish identity.
She lost many followers and received threats when she became pro-Israel, but she gained many more.
Today, Elsie's granddaughter and her husband, Dr. Ira Savetsky, are in the top echelons of the American pro-Israel scene. Best of all, their children are growing up shomer Shabbos and attend the same day school as a number of my grandchildren, SAR.
The moral of the story:
Elsie lived to see her own flesh and blood—her great-grandchildren—grow up in a way that would have made Zayde Eliezer and Bubby Leah proud.
Something eternal came from saying Krias Shema with her Bubby.
Baltimore, MD – July 6, 2026 – (BGE) As of 9 a.m., more than 70,000 customers have had power restored following the first storm on July 4, with 14,451 customers remaining without service. Following the second storm on July 5, 14,000 customers have had power restored, with 10,500 customers still experiencing outages.
Baltimore, MD - July 5, 2026 - On June 21, more than 100 women from across the Baltimore Jewish community gathered for an inspiring evening of connection, chizuk, and growth. The event, organized by Elevate and hosted at the new Ohel Moshe hall with the support of A Single Impact, The Amida Army, Elite Rise, and Let’s Connect, drew a diverse crowd representing a broad spectrum of ages, backgrounds, and stages of life. The women in attendance reflected the unity and diversity that defines Baltimore’s Jewish community.
Elevate, an organization dedicated to supporting young married women, fosters meaningful connection and Torah growth for women in the community. Through weekly chaburahs, Rosh Chodesh gatherings, shiurim, and special events, Elevate creates opportunities for women to engage with Torah, build relationships with mentors, and form lasting friendships.
The highlight of the evening was the powerful presentation given by Rabbi Zave and Rebbetzin Rachel Rudman, beloved mechanchim visiting from Eretz Yisroel. The Rudmans shared their deeply personal journey following Rabbi Rudman’s diagnosis with epilepsy, a challenge that significantly impacted their daily lives, including multiple daily seizures which necessitates stopping to drive.Their story highlighted how they navigated these difficulties while maintaining their Emunah and ability to see the yad Hashem throughout their journey.
The Rudmans’ message to the crowd was the importance of leaning on Hashem and trusting that He provides each individual with the tools needed to endure and grow through life’s challenges. Rebbetzin Rudman offered a poignant metaphor, comparing times of struggle to a tulip bulb hidden beneath the soil, unseen, yet quietly preparing to blossom. In time, she explained, the purpose behind our nisyonos becomes clearer, strengthening us in ways we could not have imagined. The Rudmans also highlighted the extraordinary support of the Jewish community during their journey, from meals and housing during treatment in America to occasional kumzitzes organized by family to uplift their spirits. The evening left attendees inspired, reminded of the power of Emunah, community, and resilience.
Elevate is grateful to Mr. Klugman for the tech setup and for helping to ensure the evening ran smoothly.
Baltimore, MD - July 5, 2026 - Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion will host a daily Plag Mincha/Maariv minyan Sunday through Thursday throughout the summer.
Mincha will begin this week at 6:51PM.
Baltimore, MD – July 5, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Sidie Weiskopf, a’h, mother of Rabbi Mordechai Weiskopf.
The Levayah took place today, Sunday July 5th, at 12:00 pm at 142 Grandview Avenue, Yeshiva of Spring Valley, Girls Building.
Shiva details to follow.
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – July42, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Uriel Schwartz and Chanie Meiselman on their engagement.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - July 4, 2026 - Over 80,000 Marylanders are without electricity on Motzaei Shabbos after extreme heat hit the area and severe storms hit the state during the evening hours of the Fourth of July.
According to the BGE Outage map, over 80,000 people are affected by power outages statewide.
As of 9 p.m., over 33,900 people are without power in Harford County.
Over 19,000 people are without electricity in Baltimore County, and nearly 11,000 people are powerless in Anne Arundel County.
My parents’ rescue at Entebbe taught me that freedom survives only because people choose to defend it.
On July 4, 1976, as America celebrated its bicentennial, four C-130 aircraft flew blind over the dark waters of the Red Sea and across the Horn of Africa. The pilots took their planes beneath the sweep of commercial radar, their crews relying on basic radio, manual navigation, and raw nerve. The planes were carrying Israeli commandos to a disused airport-terminal building in Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Inside that terminal were 106 hostages. Two of them were my American parents.
For nearly a week, Palestinian and German terrorists had held the passengers from a hijacked Air France flight hostage inside the airport terminal, threatening to kill them unless imprisoned terrorists held in five countries were released.
Baltimore, MD - Jul 3, 2026 - Parents, grandparents, Rebbeim, and friends gathered at the Cheder's annual Mesibas Preida to celebrate the graduating eighth-grade class and their years of growth as Bnei Torah.
The program commenced with heartfelt words of inspiration from Board Chairman Rabbi Hillel Tendler and Rabbi Hirsch, who encouraged the graduates as they prepare for the next stage of growth in Torah.
A special highlight of the evening was the tribute to Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz, beloved first-grade Rebbe for more than 35 years, recognizing his decades of dedication to generations of Talmidim.
Rabbi Hexter arranged for two first-grade boys to perform a touching song in honor of the graduates, symbolizing the beginning and culmination of their experience in the Cheder.
Representatives from each of the three eighth-grade classes shared Divrei Torah, followed by a moving video chronicling the boys' years at the Cheder, including Divrei Bracha from the three Sgan Menahalim.
Rabbi Hirsch, together with Rabbi Adlin and Rabbi Reischer, concluded the evening by presenting each graduate with a special gift, with dancing that followed.
We wish all the parents and grandparents lots of Nachas.
Baltimore, MD – July 3, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Ori Dek, z’l, brother of Rabbi Alon Dek
The levaya will take place on Sunday, July 5, at 7:00 p.m.
in the New Cemetery, Ben Tzvi Street, Hadera, Israel
Shiva will be observed at:
21 Ebn Gvirol St, Apt. #1, Hertzliya
Minyanim:
Shacharis: 8:00 a.m., Mincha/Maariv at 7:35 p.m.
Visiting hours from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 4:00–10:00 p.m.
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD - July 2, 2026 - The Baltimore community recently marked the shloshim of Karen Cohn, יוכבד רבקה בת מאיר ע״ה - a milestone of grief and reflection for a woman whose impact radiated far beyond her immediate family. To the countless close friends who made up her massive, lifelong circle, she was a fiercely loyal confidante. To hundreds of young singles over the years, she became an “Aunt” - a surrogate mother, an advocate, and a living example of selfless devotion.
Her passing on the 9th of Sivan has left an unimaginable void. For over 51 years, Karen and her husband, Jeff, built a beautiful, vibrant life together. Their home was a place of endless warmth, laughter, and a beautiful legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Watching that light go out feels like a collective Churban - the dismantling of a beautiful chuppah that stood as a sanctuary for so many.
Yet, the way Karen left this world was a reflection of the quiet righteousness and fierce conviction that defined her entire life. Surrounded by her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and closest friends who gathered to say goodbye, she used her very last bit of strength to mouth her final words of love to Jeff. Then, in an incredibly moving moment of profound emunah, she clearly recited every single word of Shema in unison with Rabbi Shmuel Silber during Vidui.
Karen was a true rodefet shalom - someone who actively pursued peace, entirely devoid of ego, and driven by a deep sense of responsibility for other people. That instinct started early. Even as a young girl, she stepped up to take charge of her family’s home on Fridays while her parents worked. It wasn’t because she had to, but because her heart was simply too big to ignore a need.
That same drive is what transformed her kitchen into a legendary, informal counseling center starting back in 2006. For nearly three years, a steady stream of young men from Ner Yisrael and young women from Maalot found their way to the Cohn home. They came for guidance, a safe space, or just a listening ear. Conversations regularly stretched late into the night, sometimes until the sun came up. Karen would go straight to work the next morning without a complaint, routinely opening her doors to do it all over again multiple nights a week, sometimes back-to-back. Through that relentless devotion, she became a maternal lifeline for hundreds of young people who are now married and scattered across the Jewish world.
Where others might see an inconvenience or an interruption to their night, Karen only saw a neshama. When people facing complex, difficult struggles would call the house, she refused to screen them. She would simply say, “Give me the phone.” She firmly believed that if Hashem put someone in her path, it was her job to care for them. She taught everyone around her what it actually means to love unconditionally, even when it isn't easy.
The depth of her connection to people became even more obvious after her passing. Sorting through decades of her belongings, her family found boxes packed tight with old letters, cards, and little mementos. Karen hadn't kept them as mere clutter; she kept them because every single piece represented a real relationship that she valued and refused to let go of.
Through it all, family was her ultimate anchor. Whether it was her own relatives or Jeff’s, Karen invested herself completely - never missing a milestone, keeping people connected, and holding the family together with a quiet, steady strength. Her dedication to Jeff was remarkable, marked by a deep, consistent kavod that truly elevated their partnership.
Even in her final chapter, while enduring immense physical hardships, her faith never flickered. “It’s Hashem’s plan,” she consistently proclaimed. She carried her pain with absolute grace, never questioning and never complaining, inspiring every single person who visited her.
Our Sages teach that while the loss of a righteous woman impacts an entire community, the void is felt most deeply by her husband. For more than five decades, Karen didn't just share a life with Jeff - she was his life. She refined him, cheered him on, and believed in him without a shred of reservation.
The physical presence of her chuppah is gone, but the incredible foundation she built remains unshakable. Her legacy is alive in the families she helped build, the people she pulled out of loneliness, and the values she lived by every single day.
The greatest tribute we can give to Karen’s memory is to strive to live as she did: to care more deeply, to judge less, to listen longer, and to look out for one another with real, selfless concern.
May her heilige neshama have a lichtige Gan Eden.
Baltimore, MD – July 2, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Lawrence Niemen, z"l, husband Dr. Linda Niemen, and father of Danielle Sarah (Frank) Storch and Aaron Niemen.
Levayah & kevurah details to follow
Shiva will be observed at 3209 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21208
לעילוי נשמת Karen Cohn (יוכבד רבקה בת מאיר ע״ה)
Tamuz
From Sefer HaToda’ah
Summarized by J. Sunness 5772
Associated mazal: Sartan (crab)
3rd Tamuz: Yehoshua halted the sun and moon. (Yehoshua 10)
Shiva Asar B’Tamuz
The main purpose of a fast is to bring us to do teshuva
Five bad things that occurred on 17 Tamuz:
Also, Noach sent the dove from the Ark the first time, and the dove could not find rest, like B’nei Yisrael on this harsh day.
Three weeks called ‘Bain HaMetzarim (from Eicha Rabbah; kol rei’echa hisiguha bain hametzarim)
Baltimore, Md - July 2, 2026 - For many years, the Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore, through the Agudah of Baltimore, provided a Scrip Program that allowed community members to purchase certificates to give to Meshulachim. These certificates were sold at a modest premium above their face value, with the additional funds remaining here in Baltimore to support our local mosdos.
This program was a tremendous benefit to our community, and we are deeply grateful to the Agudah for managing and facilitating it for so many years. Unfortunately, the Agudah is no longer able to continue operating the Scrip Program.
Announcing Our New Program:
Baruch Hashem, we are pleased to share that a replacement program has now been arranged through The Donors’ Fund. The new program will function very similarly to the previous Agudah Scrip Program, allowing community members to continue purchasing certificates for Meshulachim while helping keep meaningful tzedakah dollars here in Baltimore. When certificates are purchased through TA, the local portion of the purchase will support TA.
The Baltimore Vaad HaRabbonim strongly recommends that community members keep a portion of their tzedakah dollars here in town to support Torah education and our local mosdos. This program provides a simple and practical way to do so.
How it Works:
Certificates are sold by the book (similar to a checkbook). Each book contains 50 certificates, and are available in various denominations. In each case, a portion of your purchase remains here in Baltimore to support our local mosdos - in this case, TA. Click here to pick your book of certificates, and place your order!
Once your order is placed, The Donors’ Fund will mail the certificates directly to you at no charge, unless you choose and pay for rush delivery.
Please note the following delivery information:
Two Extra Perks:
The new certificates have an advantage over the previous system. Meshulachim anywhere can accept these certificates. That means that even if you live outside of Baltimore, or travel outside of Baltimore, these certificates can be used wherever your tzedaka giving takes you.
As in the past, TA is pleased to offer a $25 Knish Shop gift certificate as a small token of appreciation for Scrip orders of $500 or more. Previously, we were able to include the Knish Shop gift certificate together with the Scrip certificates. Under the new system, the Knish Shop gift certificate will be mailed separately.
Think Ahead:
Please be sure to order in advance so that your certificates arrive when needed.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
We appreciate your patience while we worked to put together this new program. We are grateful that, through this new arrangement, we can continue a program that supports Meshulachim while also keeping significant tzedakah dollars in our community
Baltimore, MD - July 2, 2026 - 12:26PM (BJL) Due to a partial power outage Market Maven is currently closed
Jerusalem, Israel - July 2, 2026 - The Maccabiah 2026 kicked off on July 1, 2026, with an impressive opening ceremony at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, Israel.
Under the slogan MORE THAN EVER, the Maccabiah 2026, postponed from 2025 due to the war, officially began with a musical opening ceremony.
The event was attended by President of Israel Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara; Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar and his wife, Yamit; Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion and his wife, Stav; Chairman of Maccabi World Union Amir Peled; President of Maccabi World Union Michael Siegel; dignitaries; and tens of thousands of supporters in the audience.
During the ceremony, approximately 5,000 athletes from more than 30 countries marched in, marking the official opening of the Maccabiah 2026 Games—the largest Jewish sporting event in the world.
Israel had a delegation of more than 2,000 athletes, including Paralympians. The United States followed with 900 participants, who received loud cheers when entering the stadium. In previous years, Canada, Australia, and South Africa had large delegations; this year, they did not. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina were well represented in the procession.
Countries represented by a single athlete included Belgium, Bolivia, Estonia, Finland, Guatemala, Poland, and Taiwan.
The evening, hosted by Assi Azar and Anna Aronov, opened with "Rise Up" in a special new musical arrangement created especially for the opening ceremony. Various musical performances and modest fireworks entertained the crowd.
The ceremony also featured international content creator and American social media personality Montana Tucker. Since October 7, she has become one of the world's most prominent voices advocating for Israel and combating antisemitism.
One of the evening's most emotional moments was the lighting of the Maccabiah Flame. This year, the torchbearers were chosen to represent the resilience, excellence, and mutual responsibility of Israeli society and the Jewish people. The torch was carried by Avitar Zeitouni, an IDF disabled veteran and former officer in the Paratroopers Brigade, who was seriously wounded while defending Kibbutz Kissufim on October 7. He was chosen as a symbol of recovery, heroism, and the healing power of sports. Several athletes also carried flags in memory of fallen soldiers.
For the first time, Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, is included in the Maccabiah. In addition to the competitions, the opening ceremony launched a series of special events taking place as part of Maccabiah 2026, including the "Maccabiah City" sports festival, which is joining the Maccabiah for the first time and will be held at Expo Tel Aviv.
An important day will also be held in the Western Negev (Otef Gaza region) — "The Maccabiah and KKL Hug the Otef" — featuring community sports and volunteer activities, alongside memorial ceremonies honoring the 18 young men and women who were murdered in the October 7 attack or fell during the Iron Swords War.
The sports celebration will take place in Israel from July 1 through July 13, bringing together thousands of athletes, families, and sports fans from around the world. Under the slogan MORE THAN EVER, the Maccabiah expresses strength, hope, and the renewed connection between Israel and world Jewry—at a time when that connection is more meaningful than ever.
Baltimore, MD - July 2, 2026 - With Rabbi Naiman’s recent decision to retire from his position as Rav and assume the role of Rav Emeritus, we take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude and appreciation. We recognize our founding Rav and Rebbetzin, Rabbi Abba Zvi and Rebbetzin Rochel Naiman, whose vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment established the foundation of our kehillah approximately 27 years ago.
From the very beginning of BMR, a trailblazer shul in Ranchleigh, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Naiman set out to build a mikdash me’at, a makom Torah and tefillah marked by serious davening, meaningful learning, and genuine achdus. Through their tireless efforts, they transformed a vision into a shul that has become an anchor for many in the Ranchleigh/Greenspring area. We are deeply grateful for the remarkable legacy they have created and thank them for laying the foundation upon which our shul will continue to grow and flourish.
At the same time, we are excited to announce the appointment of Rabbi Rafi Neuberger as the new Rav, and welcome him and Mrs. Rochel Neuberger as the new Rav and Rebbetzin of Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh.
The Neubergers have been valued members of BMR for the past ten years and have become an integral part of our kehillah. Rabbi Neuberger's service as Assistant Rav over the past number of years has allowed him to develop close relationships, while demonstrating his leadership, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to the needs of our members.
A native of Baltimore and a musmach of Ner Yisroel, Rabbi Neuberger brings a deep commitment to Torah, Halacha, and the enduring mesorah that has long guided our shul. We are confident that, with Hashem's help, he will build upon the strong foundation established by Rabbi Naiman while leading BMR into its next chapter of growth.
We warmly invite the community to join us for our daily minyanim and inspiring shiurim. We encourage you to participate, learn, daven, and grow together with us as we embark on this exciting new chapter.
We wish Rabbi and Mrs. Neuberger much hatzlachah and siyata d'Shmaya as they assume this important responsibility. With the help of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, may BMR continue to flourish as a vibrant makom Torah, tefillah, and chesed for many years to come.
Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh 6618 Deancroft (corner Smith) Baltimore MD 21209
Baltimore, MD – July 2, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Shlomo Khulin and Noa Stier on their engagement.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - July 2, 2026 - Explore the latest issue of Baltimore Jewish Home
Click on the graphic below
Baltimore, MD - July 1, 2026 - Excitement filled the air as Torah Institute's Pre-1A talmidim celebrated their Chumash Siyum at Ateres Elka last Sunday.
Beautifully organized by Preschool Director Mrs. Fleurli Muller and her dedicated staff, the event marked a memorable milestone in the boys' Torah learning.
Menahel Rabbi Shimon Hirsch and Sgan Menahel Rabbi Doniel Hexter of Grades 1 & 2, proudly assisted each talmid as they read their individual pesukim before the audience.
Hundreds of proud parents, grandparents, and family members gathered to share in the simchah, celebrating the boys' achievements with spirited, leibedig dancing that brought the event to a joyous and unforgettable conclusion.
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Baltimore, MD – July 1, 2026 - This morning at Torah Institute (TI), a simple but heartfelt act of kindness left a lasting impression.
According to those in the area, an unidentified parent took the time to go around to the construction workers, personally take everyone's slushy order, and then drove to Royal Farms to purchase and deliver them.
The thoughtful gesture was greatly appreciated by the crew, who have been working hard on the school's construction project. It was a meaningful expression of appreciation for their dedication and hard work especially in today's intense heat.
While the identity of the parent remains unknown, Torah Institute wanted to publicly express its gratitude.
"Whoever you are, thank you. We truly appreciate that you went out of your way—not only to buy the slushies, but to take everyone's order and personally deliver them. It was a beautiful gesture that showed how much you appreciate all that these workers are doing for our school."
Baltimore, MD – Jul 1, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Erich & Tsiporah (Orshan) Kauffman on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Bruce & Lois Kauffman and Martin & Sheila Orshan
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - July 1, 2026 - For over 18 years, Menucha has served as a vital sanctuary for families, providing menucha – rest and peace of mind – through high-quality programming. Rabbi Engelsberg will now oversee these critical operations, ensuring that the organization continues to provide the genuine care and expert programming that Baltimore families rely on. In addition to daily operations, he will work closely with the Board of Directors to advance financial planning and strategic growth initiatives to ensure Menucha’s long-term sustainability.
Rabbi Engelsberg brings a new dimension to the organization, including experience in non-profit fundraising, public speaking, and community engagement. He joins the team following his most recent position as a full-time member of Kollel Toras Moshe in Toronto, Canada, having previously learned at Kollel Tiferes Tzvi in Yerushalayim for many years.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Engelsberg to lead our team," said Rabbi Yaakov Wealcatch, president of the Menucha Board of Directors. "Menucha is built on the belief that every family deserves support, acceptance, and community. Rabbi Engelsberg’s leadership will be instrumental in nurturing our programs – from our Day Program and Sunday Funday to our Mishmar programs and other respite programs – ensuring we continue to meet the needs of the 150+ families we are privileged to serve."
Rabbi Engelsberg expressed his commitment to the organization’s mission:
"I feel truly honored and privileged to be joining Menucha. I look forward to partnering with our incredible staff, dedicated volunteers, and generous donor community to provide wonderful programming for our participants, thereby giving much necessary menucha to our families ."
The community is invited to welcome Rabbi Engelsberg as he assumes his new role this July. A formal event will be scheduled later this year to give supporters and families an opportunity to meet him in person.
To learn more about Menucha’s mission, its programs, or how to support local families, please visit menuchainc.org or contact us today at 410-635-1034.
Baltimore County, MD - June 30, 2026 - In Baltimore County, curbside collection (trash, recycling, and yard materials) for Independence Day will not be affected on Friday, July 3, 2026. Normal Friday pick-ups will occur as scheduled. However, because the holiday falls on a Shabbos, there is no collection on Shabbos, July 4, 2026.
In the first Haftorah of the Three Weeks, Yirmiyahu sees a vision of a bare almond branch. He describes this to Hashem as “makel shakaid” an almond ‘stick’. He uses neither the word for branch nor the word for staff; rather, he uses the word makel, the stick used by the shepherd to prod the flocks in the right direction. Hashem rarely compliments nevi’im on what they see, but He tells Yirmiyahu that he saw well. What was special about how Yirmiyahu perceived the vision? He identified an almond branch despite the fact that its blossoms were not present. The almond branch blossoms early, so the shakaid aspect implies that Hashem will act soon in punishing Bnei Yisrael. Three weeks after the almond blossom emerges, the fruits are present, so the vision contains a reference to the three weeks. The makel suggests Hashem will deal harshly with Bnei Yisrael. And yet, in the end, there will be fruit. (Ma’aseh Rokem, Rav Karman Barr, cited in 1).
Yirmiyahu’s vision is an apt description of how Chazal perceived the Three Weeks. Hashem has dealt harshly with Bnei Yisrael, but does so to move them in the right direction and not to desert them. If we can use the opportunity of the Three Weeks to increase our feeling of closeness to Hashem, we can make this time more meaningful and fruitful, and have it contribute to our daily spiritual level throughout the year.
Halekach v’halibuv (cited in 1) says that some say that Shabbos Chazon has more kedushah than any other Shabbos of the year. The Tiferes Shlomo cites a hint to this in the verse in Lecha Dodi, “Rav lach sheves b’emek habacha”. One can read ‘sheves’ as ‘Shabbos’, in which case the sentence can mean that the Shabbos that is within the valley of tears (i.e. the 9 days) is the greatest. There is no mourning on Shabbos, because Shabbos represents in the time domain what the Bais Hamikdash represents in the space domain. That is, on Shabbos, the Shechina is present within us, even while we are in galus. The contrast between our mourning for the absence of the Bais Hamikdash and the close presence of the Shechina during the other days, and experiencing the presence of the Shechina on Shabbos, makes Shabbos Chazon potentially truly great. Chazon means vision, and on this Shabbos we are to have a vision of the way we should live our lives and of our hopes for the future.
In Rav Yitzchok Mirsky’s Hegyonei Halacha (part 2, pp 233-241), there is a beautiful exposition of what the process of mourning for Yerushalaim is all about. He brings the statement from Chazal “Kol hamisabel al Yerushalaim zocheh v’roeh b’simchasah”. The Chasam Sofer and Torah Temimah, among others, ask why the statement is said in the present tense (Everyone who mourns for Yerushalaim merits and sees its joy; why doesn’t it say will merit and will see?). A second question is why Tisha Ba’av is called a Mo’ed (like the other holidays), with some of the halachic aspects of a Mo’ed. Rav Mirsky points out that the mourning for Yerushalaim has a different character from mourning for someone who has died, in that there is an aspect of joy and comfort within it. In the Chumash, Ya’akov would not be comforted for the loss of Yosef. Rav Yossi says that we are comforted for the dead but not for the living. When someone has died, there is no hope remaining of seeing him, and with time the mourner is comforted. But for one mourning over Yosef who was still alive, there is still a purpose for the mourning and the seeking of the person, so that Hashem does not provide the nechama that one has when mourning the dead. Similarly, the fact that we have been mourning for Yerushalaim for the past 1,900+ years is a sign that our hope is true and that Yerushalaim will return to us; otherwise it would have been forgotten. There is a famous story told variously about Napoleon, a Czar, or another powerful ruler who heard Jews mourning. When told they were mourning for the temple lost hundreds of years before, the ruler said that if people can still mourn for Jerusalem after so long, surely it will be revived and return to them. There is an aspect of joy and of mo’ed in knowing that the connection with Hashem and Yerushalaim is still present. We are to observe Tisha B’av with awareness of Hashem’s love for us, in the same way that we experience this love in observing the shalosh regalim.
So we are supposed to recognize the part of Yerushalaim that remains living, and work on intensifying our connection to the Shechina that is here. The Nesivos Shalom (cited in 1) notes that in the Haftorah, even after we sin and while Hashem is rebuking us, Bnei Yisrael are called banim mashchisim, corrupt children, but we remain ‘banim’, children, nonetheless. Similarly, it is said that a sefer of the Tanach never ends in complete punishment. Yet, the last sentence of Eichah seems to: “For even if You had utterly rejected us, You have raged sufficiently against us.” We repeat the previous sentence, Hashivenu, to end Eichah on a more positive note. Yet, even the last sentence has comfort. If Hashem did not still care about us, did not have a connection with us, He would reject us but would not be angry at us. One is angry at a child, with whom there remains a connection, not at someone not cared about.
Rav Shimshon Pincus emphasizes our ongoing relationship with Hashem in a different way in his Galus u’Nechama (beginning p. 113). He asks why believing in the coming of Moshiach is one of the 13 Ikarim of the Rambam. How does this affect our everyday life? He says that Bnei Yisrael are to live a “chaim meshutafim” a life in partnership with Hashem. If there is a business and it is not going well, the partners worry but the employees generally continue receiving the same salary and don’t have to share the concerns of the business partners. When Hashem entered into the Bris Bain Ha’besarim with Avraham, He included in it revealing to Avraham the difficult times that Bnei Yisrael will have in the future, being strangers and enslaved in Mitzraim. Likewise, partners share in the anticipation of future events as part of their ongoing relationship. Rav Pincus gives a mashal. A newly married choson is in the yichud room with his kallah. He talks about how he hopes they have many children so that they can say kaddish for him in the future. The choson is missing the boat; being married is about having a relationship with your wife and sharing experiences, positive and negative. Similarly, the belief in Moshiach reflects our shared life with Hashem, which includes living now in partnership with Him.
Finally, our connection to Yerushalaim and the Mikdash, both now and when the geulah is realized, supplies us with strength. Rav Yaakov Emden (cited by Rav Mirsky) asked why, in Pirkei Avos, does the mishnah that contains “Rabbi Yehuda ben Taima say, be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and strong as a lion to do the will of your Father in heaven” continue with “Yehi ratzon milfoneicha…sheyibaneh Bais Hamikdash Bimhaira v’yameinu.” the yehi ratzon asking for the building of the Bais Hamikdash that was incorporated into the end of the shemonah esreh? What does this plea have to do with the first part of the mishna? Rav Yaakov Emden explains that in galus we are weakened and do not have the strength to serve Hashem properly. The plea to build the Bais Hamikdash is a plea to restore our strength and serve Hashem in this more powerful way. May we merit this speedily.
Note: Two talks on the naaleh.com website were tremendously helpful in preparing this talk. These were:
1. Mrs. Shira Smiles, Shabbat Chazon: Valuable Vision
http://www.naaleh.com/viewclass/2186/single/ (There is an accompanying 8 page source sheet as a pdf file)
2. Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg, Mourning over the Real Jerusalem
http://www.naaleh.com/viewclass/2164/single/ (discusses Rav Mirsky’s article)
Six months after 4,000 donors bought a building, the hard hats have arrived — and the goal is in sight: after-school programming for Baltimore’s children, beginning this coming school year.
Baltimore, MD - June 30, 2026 - If you drove past 201 Milford Mill Road this month, you saw something that didn’t exist a year ago: a crane, a work crew, and a building mid-transformation. The hum of a generator where there used to be an empty lot of waiting. After months of paperwork, permits, and quiet preparation, Miriam’s Library and Learning Center has reached the milestone the community has been waiting for — construction has begun, with one clear target ahead: opening the doors to after-school programming for the coming school year.
It is a long way from where this started: a tribute evening, a grieving husband, and a vision most people would have filed away as a beautiful idea. Instead, Mendel Mintz turned the memory of his late wife, Mrs. Miriam (Fink) Mintz a”h, a beloved special educator, into bricks, drawings, and now an active job site.
Step through the door of the Phase One suite today and you won’t find a library — not yet. You’ll find the honest, dusty middle of a renovation: ceiling tiles pulled, wiring exposed, old carpet rolled and stacked against the wall, ready to be hauled out. It is the least glamorous stage of any building project, and to the people who have followed this from the beginning, it may be the most beautiful.
That 1,400-square-foot suite is the opening move in a much larger plan. Rather than wait years to renovate all 14,000 square feet at once, the organization chose to open a smaller space first — begin serving children sooner, learn what families actually need, and build the rest responsibly. Phase One is designed to begin small, learn quickly, and grow.
The building has also become a destination for Maryland’s elected leadership. Through May, a striking roster of officials toured the site and sat down to hear the plan: House Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, Senator Shelly Hettleman, Delegates Dana Stein, Cheryl Pasteur, Jon Cardin, and Samuel Rosenberg, Baltimore County Councilman Israel “Izzy” Patoka, and Jane Lichter, Chair of the Baltimore County Board of Education, among others.
The visits weren’t only ceremonial. Baltimore County followed through with a $35,000 capital grant toward Phase One’s STEM lab and activity space — the organization’s first government award, and a signal to other funders that this project is real and moving.
Behind the construction sit three quieter wins: the IRS expedited the center’s 501(c)(3) status, existing building tenants were kept on through 2027 to help carry costs, and new foundation and government funding channels were opened — so the work can outlast a single campaign.
The whole effort is pointed at a single date: this coming school year. When Phase One opens its doors, targeted for September 2026, it will begin with what the community needs most — after-school programming for local children. That means tutoring and homework support, digital learning and structured enrichment, and Heichal HaBaal Shem Tov programming, all in a space designed, from the floor up, around children. The aim is for students to walk in this fall to a consistent, welcoming place to learn and grow after the school day ends.
The program is already being built alongside the building. Mrs. Esther Ehrman has joined as Program Director, planning the schedule, instructors, and opening-year experience so that the moment the dust settles, the after-school program is ready to run — not months later, but for the school year now beginning.
For a project born out of loss, the sound of construction carries a particular kind of meaning. Miriam Mintz spent her life making sure children who learned differently were never left behind. On Milford Mill Road this summer, that work is no longer a memory or a rendering. It is a building going up, one wall at a time.
Miriam’s Library and Learning Center
201 Milford Mill Road, Pikesville, Maryland
Boom day. A crane towers over 201 Milford Mill Road in June as exterior work gets underway. The 14,000-square-foot building, directly across from the Pikesville Armory, was purchased on closing day this past December.
The honest middle. Interior demolition inside the 1,400-square-foot Phase One suite. The exposed ceiling and stripped floor are the first physical steps toward a warm, flexible learning space for children.
Down to the bones. Removed ceiling tiles and drywall pile up as the old office layout comes apart, clearing the way for the new tutoring and learning zones.
Eyes on the vision. Mendel Mintz welcomes elected officials and education leaders to the building during a spring site visit. The visits turned letters and phone calls into face-to-face support.
Building our future together. A banner on the Milford Mill Road building tells passersby what’s coming. Phase One is the beginning — the long-term plan calls for the full 14,000-square-foot center, then a campus-style expansion.
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Baltimore, MD - June 30, 2026 - This past Sunday, Bikur Cholim of Baltimore hosted it's annual cycling event now known as Tour de Kindness. The event brought riders together from Baltimore and all over North America to ride the scenic roads of Maryland while raising funds for Baltimore Bikur Cholim. Many records were broken this year! We had 30 riders from out of town! We had 17 riders ride 130 miles all the way up into the Cantocin mountains and the Sunday before which was TDKJr brought 98 riders cycling around our community. We thank the riders for helping raise money and we thank the many volunteers who helped make this such a success!
Baltimore, MD - June 30, 2026 - Firefighters are responding to a fire that broke at Pulaski Tire Service in Rosedale in Baltimore County. According to preliminary information, when crews arrived at the scene near the 7800 block of Pulaski Highway, they found multiple trailers containing tires on fire. The fire department said no buildings are affected as of 3:08 p.m.
Pictures sent by eyewitnesses to WBAL-TV 11 News and SKY 11 video shows a black cloud of smoke emerging in the area.
Due to the fire and the emergency response, Pulaski Highway is closed on both directions at Chesaco Avenue.
It is unclear what caused the fire.
Baltimore, MD - June 30, 2026 - Maryland drivers will pay slightly more at the pump beginning Tuesday as the state's annual gas tax adjustment takes effect.
The increase raises Maryland's gas tax by 0.6 cents per gallon, bringing it to 46.6 cents per gallon. The adjustment is automatic under state law and is tied to inflation.
For most drivers, the increase will have only a modest impact on a single fill-up:
10 gallons: About 6 cents more
15 gallons: About 9 cents more
20 gallons: About 12 cents more
Still, many drivers told FOX45 the issue isn't the size of the increase—it's that it comes as families continue to face higher costs across the board.
"It's just one more thing," one driver said.
Another added, "It just feels like it's not the best time for it."
"People like in the lower income, myself, we feel that type of stuff,” said a third driver.
While the gas tax increase itself is relatively small, drivers said it's another expense piling onto an already growing list. Last July, Maryland implemented a series of tax and fee increases that affected everything from vehicle purchases to emissions inspections. Those changes included:
Vehicle excise tax increased to 6.5% (up from 6%)
Emissions inspection fee increased to $30 (up from $14)
New $5-per-tire fee
New 3.5% rental car tax
New 6% vending machine tax
Cannabis tax increased to 12%
New 3% tax on many technology services
For those with daily commutes, families with multiple vehicles, and small business owners, drivers say those costs can add up over time.
"I don't have a large car, but I know from people who do, a couple of cents makes dollars of difference over time," one driver said.
Another resident argued lower fuel taxes could benefit the state's economy, “It would bring a lot more money into the state for businesses if they brought the gas tax down."
Ultimately, the drivers FOX45 spoke with said their frustration extends beyond the gas pump.
"A lot of people are struggling," one resident said.
Another added, "I think they're forgetting about low-income families."
State-of-the-Art Outpatient Facility Brings Together Multidisciplinary Cancer Services, Improving Access, Convenience and Care Coordination for Patients; Modern Space Provides Views of Cylburn Arboretum, Art Therapy Room,
Survivorship Programs, “Infusionarium” for Pediatric Patients and More
Baltimore, MD - June 30, 2026 — The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building on the campus of Sinai Hospital of Baltimore is expanding access to comprehensive outpatient oncology services for patients of all ages in one centralized, state-of-the-art facility.
The three-story, 125,000-square-foot building will house outpatient adult and pediatric cancer services, bringing together specialized physicians, cutting-edge technology, infusion treatment, radiation therapy, research and supportive care in a modern, patient-centered environment.
The building offers views of the neighboring Cylburn Arboretum in private spaces for those receiving chemotherapy and other infusion treatments. With the guidance of patient and family advisory panels, the facility features natural light and surfaces as well as a curated art collection and a living room with fireplace, all designed to create a comfortable and healing environment. For pediatric patients, there is a playroom, art therapy room and an “Infusionarium,” a special space providing an immersive experience for children undergoing chemotherapy and infusions.
The hospital will dedicate the $95 million building with a “gong-ringing” ceremony on June 30 featuring Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, doctors, donors, elected officials, community leaders and patients, followed by tours of the new facility. There will be a community open house that afternoon.
“The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building represents a transformational moment for Sinai Hospital and the patients we serve,” says Amy Shlossman, president of Sinai Hospital and Grace Medical Center. “Every detail of this facility, from bringing outpatient services together in one location to creating welcoming spaces that support healing and well-being, was designed with our patients in mind. We are proud to offer a destination for cancer care that reflects the excellence, compassion and innovation our patients deserve.”
Teams from Sinai’s Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute will begin seeing patients in the Weinman Building on July 10, when the facility is fully open for patient care_._
Adult Services
The upper floor of the Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building is dedicated to adult oncology services, offering a modern, patient-centered environment designed to support comfort, efficiency and coordinated care for patients who often interact with a wide variety of specialists and services, ranging from oncologists and surgeons to social workers, lab technicians, genetics specialists and researchers.
"Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding on patients and their families. Our vision was to bring outpatient oncology services together under one roof in a modern, thoughtfully designed and bright space. Our team wanted to provide a seamless experience that allows patients to focus on their treatment and recovery," says Pallavi P. Kumar, M.D., cancer center director for the oncology service line at LifeBridge Health, including the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute at Sinai and Northwest hospitals and the William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center at Carroll Hospital.
She adds, “This building reflects what our patients and families shared was important, and spaces were created that feel calm, open and filled with natural light. Delivering excellent clinical care is our priority. As we care for our patients, the vision is to be recognized regionally for our commitment to compassionate, innovative, comprehensive care that reduces disparities and the burdens of cancer in our communities.”
The adult infusion area includes 32 bays featuring a mix of private and semi-private spaces organized into smaller care pods to create a more personalized treatment experience. Two nourishment stations are conveniently located within the infusion area to enhance patient comfort during visits. A dedicated fast-track infusion section accommodates treatments lasting less than one hour, helping improve convenience and patient flow.
This floor also includes 16 exam rooms designed to streamline the patient experience. Patients enter through the public-facing corridor while physicians and care teams access rooms from a separate staff corridor and centralized workroom. This layout enhances collaboration among care teams while supporting patient privacy and operational efficiency.
In addition, the second floor includes a procedure room for minor outpatient procedures performed under local anesthesia, including select gynecologic, melanoma-related and other minimally invasive treatments.
Pediatric Services
The pediatric area was designed to create a comforting, family-centered environment that supports children through every stage of treatment. Located on the first floor, the space combines advanced clinical care with engaging, age-appropriate services aimed at reducing stress and promoting healing.
The clinical area includes seven private infusion bays and seven exam rooms, each designed with ample space to accommodate family members and caregivers. Additional specialized spaces include a dedicated phlebotomy room and an area for patient vital signs at check-in.
The pediatric infusion area features recliners, PlayStation gaming systems and a variety of activities and entertainment options designed to provide comfort and distraction during treatment. The Stacy’s Place “Infusionarium” has lights on the walls and ceiling, giving a theater-like feel with a large wall screen, designed to create an immersive experience for patients.
Large, bright and colorful, dedicated art therapy and playroom spaces encourage creative expression and play, recognizing the important role both can have in a child’s emotional well-being and healing journey. The availability of Child Life specialists, art therapy, music and pet therapy all add to that experience.
“Children experience cancer differently than adults, and their care should reflect that,” says Aziza Shad, M.D., the Ellen W. P. Wasserman chair of pediatrics and chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai. “Art therapy gives our young patients a way to express emotions that can be difficult to put into words while creating moments of comfort, creativity and normalcy during treatment. Spaces filled with color, light and opportunities for self-expression can play a vital role in supporting a child’s emotional well-being and physical healing throughout their cancer journey.”
Dr. Shad adds, “As cancer affects the entire family, we also want to ensure that our families feel cared for and supported, so there are quiet spaces for family members to relax and recharge. Our Child Life specialist and social worker will be onsite in the new building to provide essential support for children facing illness and their families.”
The pediatric outpatient clinic is named the Alfred I. Coplan Pediatric Hematology Oncology Outpatient Center.
Radiation Oncology
As part of Sinai’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, many patients also receive radiation treatment, which is located on the ground floor of the Weinman Cancer Building.
“With multidisciplinary cancer treatment, it is more important than ever that patients can easily access the many specialists involved in their care and that those physicians can work together to support each patient’s individualized care,” says David Perry, M.D., chair of radiation oncology for LifeBridge Health. “As the Sinai campus evolved and grew over time, patients often faced a 10-minute walk between their oncology and radiation appointments. Now, with services located together in one building, patients can move more easily between appointments, care teams can collaborate more efficiently and the overall experience is significantly improved for everyone.”
The radiation oncology department offers a comprehensive range of advanced radiation therapies, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), brachytherapy and other highly targeted treatments designed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. LifeBridge Health’s radiation oncology program is accredited by the American College of Radiology, and the cancer program is additionally accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer through the Integrated Network Cancer Program.
The department also offers radiotherapy for osteoarthritis and will soon provide radiopharmaceutical treatment for metastatic disease, including radioligand therapy for prostate cancer_._
The Weinman Family Department of Radiation Oncology was named in 2006 by the Toby and Melvin Weinman Foundation and the late Michael Weinman. The Toby and Melvin Weinman Foundation was created by Dennis’ grandparents and run by Dennis’ uncle and late father. Michael Weinman was a long-time Sinai Hospital Board member and a nephew of Melvin and Toby.
Research
As part of LifeBridge Health’s commitment to innovation, discovery and advancing cancer care, a laboratory within the Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building will support clinical research, allowing onsite collection and processing of specimens.
Sinai Hospital offers patients access to clinical trials that may provide early access to emerging and potentially life-saving therapies. Clinical trials are the foundation of cancer research and play a critical role in identifying better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Through affiliations with leading national cancer research organizations, LifeBridge Health connects patients with cutting-edge clinical trials and investigational therapies. Available research opportunities are reviewed through multidisciplinary clinics and weekly tumor board meetings, where specialists from across oncology collaborate to identify the most appropriate treatment options, including clinical trials, for individual patients.
Currently, LifeBridge Health has 30 adult oncology clinical trials and 45 Children’s Oncology Group pediatric trials, available through the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai. Research opportunities span a wide range of areas, including treatment, prevention, screening, supportive care and observational studies. Clinical trials may be appropriate at many points along a patient’s cancer journey, from newly diagnosed, early-stage cancers to advanced disease.
The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building will serve as a hub for adult and pediatric survivorship services designed to support patients beyond diagnosis and treatment, recognizing that cancer care continues long after therapy ends.
For adult patients, the building will house the Dr. Michael J. Schultz Cancer Survivorship Program, developed around the belief that survivorship begins at the moment of diagnosis. Named to honor retired LifeBridge Health surgeon Dr. Michael Schultz, the program is designed to connect patients with navigators, coordinators and a range of supportive services to address the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer care. Resources may include nutritional counseling, financial planning support, psychosocial services, healing therapies such as yoga and massage, and rehabilitation services through the Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai. The program also includes Survivors Offering Support, which connects newly diagnosed patients with trained cancer survivor mentors.
The Weinman Cancer Building will also be home to “The Next Step”: The Kara Amey Cancer Survivorship Program, established and funded through the generosity and vision of the Amey family, which provides specialized long-term follow-up care and education for childhood cancer survivors. Through an interdisciplinary team that includes pediatric oncologists, primary care providers, pediatric and adult sub-specialists, a nurse navigator, social worker, art therapist, dietitian, neuropsychologist and other clinical experts, the program supports childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors' physical, emotional and psychosocial well-being throughout their lives.
The pediatric survivorship program also participates in research focused on the long-term effects of cancer and cancer treatment, helping advance knowledge and improve quality of life for future generations of survivors. Through a ‘Shared-Care’ model, survivors can maintain connections with the physicians who treated them as children while benefiting from coordinated care from survivorship specialists and primary care providers.
Healing by Design
The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building was thoughtfully designed with the help of a patient and family advisory committee that envisioned a space centered on healing, comfort and well-being. Multidisciplinary teams of healthcare providers and other staff put in hundreds of hours to ensure the building will meet the needs of caregivers, patients and their families, now and into the future.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the neighboring arboretum, filling the space with natural light and calming views of nature. Thanks to the generosity of local artist and philanthropist Wendy Jachman, more than a dozen curated works are featured throughout the building as the first phase of the Jachman Family Art Collection. Jachman, whose work has long focused on art that elevates feelings of strength and self-healing, also created several custom tapestries for the space.
Natural design elements such as stonework, soft pastel tones and organic patterns create a serene, welcoming atmosphere. To deepen the building’s connection to nature and its focus on healing and wellness, one of the building’s architects designed a unique moss installation that is safe for immuno-compromised individuals, complemented by a custom light fixture above the stairs from the parking level to the ground floor.
Throughout the building there are spaces designed for families and visitors, including the SECU MD Foundation Living Room with a fireplace and an area where people can work while waiting.
About Mandy and Dennis Weinman
Mandy and Dennis Weinman share a long-standing connection to Sinai Hospital and a deep commitment to advancing compassionate cancer care in the community. Their transformative $5 million gift helped make possible the creation of the Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building.
Dennis Weinman, who serves on the LifeBridge Health board of directors and served on the Sinai Hospital board for 12 years, was inspired to support the project after hearing the vision for the future of cancer care at Sinai. The Weinmans have also shared that Dennis’ grandmother, Toby, received compassionate cancer care at Sinai years ago, an experience that helped shape their commitment to this transformational project.
This quote from the Weinmans is on display in the new facility: “The Mandy & Dennis Weinman Cancer Building stands in honor of the resilient spirit of every patient and the dedicated team of physicians, nurses and caregivers who walk beside them. This union of quiet bravery and compassionate care transforms and inspires us all.”
Final Notes
The Weinman Cancer Building features its own entrance and dedicated parking, further enhancing convenience and accessibility for patients and families navigating cancer treatment.
The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute serves more than 30,000 patients annually, creating the need for a larger, more integrated facility designed to support the future of cancer care in the community. The Weinman Cancer Building marks an investment in cancer services at Sinai, including the recent recruitment of additional specialists in hematology, thoracic and colorectal surgery and an expanded focus on research.
Along with the $5 million gift from the Weinmans, the health system has received more than 60% of its $20 million goal, through both private and public funding, to support the building and the services offered there. This includes $1.5 million in federal funding and $2.5 million in state funding.
Building construction began in summer 2023 and was completed at the end of 2025. In the project’s final phases in 2026, crews finished internal renovations of the radiation oncology treatment area and the radiation oncology administrative offices.
Sinai Hospital is also recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters and escorts in the Weinman Building.
Baltimore, MD - June 30, 2026 -Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Matthew Garbark reminds residents that DPW administrative offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Because the holiday falls on Shabbos this year, the City will observe it on Friday, July 3.
In response to the extreme heat emergency, DPW is temporarily suspending residential recycling collections beginning Wednesday, July 1, through the remainder of the week. This temporary adjustment reduces crews' exposure to dangerous heat while allowing sanitation workers to prioritize trash collection.
Residential Recycling Centers will operate from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the remainder of the week, giving residents earlier access while reducing heat exposure for employees. Residents should be prepared for additional changes to sanitation operations as the extreme heat continues.
DPW sanitation yards will be open during their normal business hours on Friday, July 3, but will be closed on Saturday, July 4.
The following DPW facilities will be closed on Saturday, July 4:
Summer Hours in Effect
Extended summer hours are now in effect at DPW Residential Drop-off Centers. Through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, Residential Drop-off Centers are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays. This week's hours are an exception due to extreme heat, with centers operating from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Northwest Transfer Station remains open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Quarantine Road Landfill Residential Recycling Center remains open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
To help protect sanitation workers during the summer heat, trash and recycling collections begin at 5 a.m. and will continue through September 30, 2026. Residents are encouraged to place their trash and recycling at the curb the night before their scheduled collection day.
City's 311 Call Center Remains Open
The City's 311 Call Center will remain open on Independence Day and all City-observed holidays. Representatives are available to take service requests from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Residents should continue to report water and sewer emergencies through 311. Baltimore City residents can dial 311, and Baltimore County residents can call (443) 263-2220.
Service requests may also be submitted online or through the Balt311 mobile app
Baltimore, MD – June 30, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Dr. Joseph H. Miller, z’l, father of Ed (Iris) Miller and Leslie (Adam) Rosen.
The levaya will be held tomorrow morning at 9:00am at Levinson’s
The kevura will take place at theBeth Tfiloh Cemetery, 5800 Windsor Mill Road, Woodlawn, MD 21207.
Shiva and Minyan details to follow
Baltimore, MD – June 30, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Saadiah and Ruthie Angster on the birth of a son.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
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Annapolis, MD - June 29, 2026 - On Mar. 1, 2006, just days before the headquarters of the 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, completed its deployment to Afghanistan, Capt. Wes Moore stood in formation at Forward Operating Base Salerno for an end-of-tour awards ceremony.
The brigade’s commander, then-Col. Patrick J. Donahue, trooped the line, presenting military medals and badges to soldiers and officers. Each award citation was read aloud by an announcer.
When Donahue stopped in front of Moore, the award presented to him was not a Bronze Star Medal.
It was an Army Commendation Medal, or ARCOM.
Baltimore, MD - June 29, 2026 - Local forecasters are warning Maryland residents to prepare for a severe and prolonged summer heat wave. While Tuesday will provide a brief break with highs near 90 degrees, an intense ridge of high pressure will send temperatures and humidity soaring by midweek, with dangerous conditions expected to continue through the holiday weekend.
The real heat arrives on Wednesday, when temperatures climb into the upper 90s. By Thursday—the 4th of July—and continuing through at least Saturday, highs are expected to reach the low 100s.
Adding to the danger, dew points will remain in the muggy 70s, making it difficult for the body to cool itself. As a result, the heat index—or "feels-like" temperature—will be well above the actual air temperature.
Baltimore, MD – June 28, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Baruch Eidelman (Lakewood) and Yehudis Sauer (Baltimore) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Mrs. Toby Sauer
Mazel Tov to grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Sauer
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - June 27, 2026 - The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will upgrade sections of guardrail and resurface pavement on the right side of westbound (outer loop) of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between MD 140 (Reisterstown Road) and I-795 (Northwest Expressway) in Pikesville beginning 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28. This will be a continuous right lane and right auxiliary lane closure through 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, weather permitting.
Beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, crews will begin the lane closures that will be in effect for 34 hours and open by 9 a.m. Tuesday. Drivers should build additional commuting times and consider alternate routes.
The guardrail replacement and paving work is part of the $184 million Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) project on I-695 between I-70 and MD 43 (White Marsh Boulevard) that will ease peak-hour congestion, enhance safety and travel time reliability along I-695.
Baltimore, MD – June 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi Yonnatan and Estee Sonnennschein on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Rabbi Gershon & Fran Sonnenschein and Aaron & Debbie Billig
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – June 26, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yitzy Bienenstock (Baltimore, MD) and Chana Greenberg ( Bergenfield, NJ) on their chasunah.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
As Bilaam initiates his expedition to curse the Jewish nation the Torah tells us that שני נעריו — two young men accompanied him.
When Avraham headed out to discover the mountain upon which he will slaughter his son Yitzchok, the Torah reports that he took שני נעריו — his two young men with him.
Why is it necessary to point out this seemingly tangential detail?
Rashi in both places addresses this question.
As regards Bilaam he says that it simply reveals that a prominent person should travel with two aides so that they may serve him and help each other.
Similarly, Rashi by the episode with Avraham explains its purpose is to emphasize that one may not travel without two lest one aide leave to relieve himself leaving the prominent person alone.
The question lingers as to the relevance of this lesson being taught specifically in these two scenarios.
Why is this being depicted particularly by these two 'prominent' people?
Upon more careful examination of the text there is a significant difference in the two tales.
Avraham after receiving his mission, וישכם —'woke' up early in the morning, saddling his donkey, taking his two young men with him and Yitzchok. (שמות כב ג)
The Torah clearly indicates how Avraham initiated the taking of his two young men.
In a similar vein, Bilaam ויקם — 'arose' in the morning and saddled his she-donkey and went… (במדבר כב כא)
It is only in the next verse where G-d's wrath flared because he was going, an angel of Hashem stood on the road to impede him, that the Torah then describes how Bilaam was riding on the she-donkey and his two men were with him. (שם שם כב)
The two young men appear suddenly without any mention of them earlier when Bilaam first set out on his journey.
Rav Eliyahu HaKohen Itamari, 17th century Turkish scholar and Kabbalist, author of the famed sefer Shevet Mussar, takes note of this and suggests that Bilaam in his blind hatred forwent the normal protocols appropriate to his station in life, rushing towards his objective literally losing himself like a raging bull. His loyal aides though seeing him run off mindlessly catch up with him just as the angel makes its appearance stopping Bilaam in his tracks.
In stark contrast to this lunatic, Avraham Avinu proceeds towards his greatest test — despite the obvious consequence and fear that with his fulfilling G-d's command to slaughter his beloved son his life's mission of promoting G-d's benevolence will likely come to a sad conclusion — with great dignity and equanimity.
He summons two young man to accompany him, as appropriate to his stature, accepting that this moment is integral to everything he stands for — the nobility of man created in the image of his Creator.
The Chidushei HaRim points out that the word נער is an acronym for the three components that man is comprised of.
נפש עין רוח— Our physical matter, our preceptive eye — our intellect, our spirit — our neshama — soul.
Avraham 'taking' his young men symbolizes his total control of his three faculties integrating them to serve G-d in perfect harmony to His will.
Bilaam flees from that greatness, forsaking that opportunity, driven away by his pursuit of carnal delights, possessing a stingy eye and his arrogant attitude.
The great Ohev Yisroel and Chovev Tzion, Rav A.Y. Kook writes in his Olas Reiyah on this verse that highlights Avraham's selecting two young men this remarkable thought:
He sensed the significance of this impending act of holiness. Aside from the fact his spirit did not fall within him, he mindfully did not deviate from the protocols of dignity appropriate to his nobility. Taking these two young with him who were designated to honor and serve him, thereby broadening his consciousness of the gravity of the moment, young men who joined him in his everyday life, together with his son Yitzchok, filled with burning fervor for a life infused with his deepest love.
Earlier on the verse that describes how וישכם אברהם — And Avraham awoke on the morning of the Akeidah, Rav Kook adds:
The serenity of a holy soul — that of a holy and steadfast father, the mighty citizen, never ceases. His sleep was not disturbed, for the absolute clarity of the 'word of G-d' infused a sense of calm. No sensation of weakness, nor laxity or depression stifled the inner stirring of his soul. A sleep of the upright which was peaceful and exhilarating passed, the time to awaken arrived with the strength of G-d that empowers man's feet like a gazelle, to run like a deer, to be strong as a lion, to do the will of the Omnipotent, may He be blessed, that supported him, so when morning arrived he naturally awoke refreshed, ready to conquer the day.
On the day Bilaam sets out to curse the Jewish nation it merely says ויקם — and he 'stood up' from his bed. This term describes his merely going from a horizontal position to a vertical one, not addressing the quality of his sleep. Likely because of his self-imposed emotional distress he couldn't sleep, twisting and turning in angst in his bed all night, never catching a wink.
One may have moments of greatness, but to be truly great is measured by the consistency of our enthusiasm and appreciation of life no matter what obstacles may seek to deter us from that inner calm that is truly and fully bonded with G-d, that defines our very essence.
באהבה,
צבי יהודה טייכמאן
Baltimore, MD – June 25, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Yosef Hillel Schreiber z"l, father of Yechezkel Schreiber.
Shiva will be observed in Baltimore at the Imperial Condominiums Apt. 511 from Motzaei Shabbos through Wednesday morning.
Minyanim
Motzei Shabbos Maariv: 9:30 pm
Shacharis: Sunday: 8:00 am
Shacharis: Monday-Wednesday 7:30 am
Mincha/Maariv: Sunday-Tuesday at 8:20 pm
Visitors welcome until 10:00 pm
Baltimore, MD - June 24, 2026 – (BJL) Shearith Israel is happy to announce that Baruch Hashem our new Community Mikvah is open!
Our old Mikvah was shut down almost a decade ago due to disrepair. After many years of plans and replanning, we are finally open again in a brand new, beautiful extension to the shul.
Thanks to AEG Construction for working so hard to make this happen.
Baltimore, MD – June 24, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yechiel Cohen and Basya Grunberger on their engagement.
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – June 24, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Simcha and Chani Weisbart on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Norman & Arlene Weisbart and Efy & Penina Flamm
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD - June 24, 2026 - Unfortunately, many of the important elections our community supported did not go the way we had hoped. Senator Attar and Sheriff Cogen have officially lost their races, and Izzy Patoka is significantly behind his opponent, indicating a loss as well.
While this is deeply disappointing and represents a significant loss for our community, we are profoundly grateful for everything these public servants have done on behalf of our community over the years.
If there is one lesson to be learned from this election, it is the critical importance of voter participation. The turnout numbers suggest that too many people stayed home this time. We must learn from this experience and ensure that in future elections our community's voice is heard clearly and forcefully at the ballot box.
To Senator Attar, Sheriff Cogen, and Izzy Patoka: thank you for your years of dedication, service, and friendship to our community. Your efforts and commitment have made a lasting difference.
Baltimore, MD - June 24, 2026 - With schools just ending, camps beginning, and many families adjusting to new summer schedules and routines, Chaverim is reminding everyone to remain extra vigilant when traveling with children. Changes in daily routines can increase the risk of a child being unintentionally left in a vehicle.
Before locking your car, always take a moment to check the back seat and make sure every child has safely exited. A simple glance can save a life. Please stay alert, stay mindful, and remember: Look Before You Lock!
Baltimore, MD - June 24, 2026 - School has ended or switched to a different schedule. Young adults and children have graduated. Teachers have packed up their rooms and camps are in session or just about to start. Summer is here! This is the season of endings and at the same time beginnings, or maybe just a pause in between from that here-to-there stage. For me personally, I am experiencing both. As a teacher, it is a welcome recharge after a wonderful and productive and very busy year. For the children, the same holds true. For the rest of you, I wish you a break at some point in that 12-month work cycle. Oh, how crucial it is! This year, my husband and I experienced a milestone. Our son, who is the youngest, completed the 8th grade at the Yeshiva we have sent our other boys to for the past twenty-five years; a milestone indeed on many levels. The different emotions have been percolating in my head for the past couple of weeks as their end of year program was approaching. I know I am not the only one feeling this as there were many other parents there who were also enjoying the nachas of their youngest graduate. While it isn’t a high school or college graduation, it is a big step as we watched our boys who started out in nursery, grow up together, celebrate siyumim and hascholas gemorah with covid somewhere in between. Progressing to middle school and then becoming bar mitzvahed, we behold the end of a chapter in Childhood. For some, the early school years were just a natural progression from one grade to the next, and educational markers checked off. For others, it may have been a struggle as learning challenges became present, endured awkward and painful social interaction (bullying), with mental health issues entering the foray of the child development process. And, let’s be honest, some years were better than others with the quality of educator and class mix of personalities. That’s the way it goes. There is no one hundred percent amazing anywhere, other than the Yeshiva Shel Maaleh. These are not easy moments and times for the struggling child nor his parents. For those who bypassed that, consider yourself blessed, and for those who didn’t, I also say consider yourself blessed. Our children’s school experience is but a microscosm of the macro world where they will all face difficulty and challenge at some point and will need to learn to push through. For those who did not have smooth sailing, the middos, of what I consider Gevurah and Ratzon, are inherent and will serve them well. For those who did, it will be a learning process and middos in the making. There are two big words in the progression of human development that are sometimes tossed around a bit too casually. They are Resiliency and Grit. Much research has been done on these traits, and for the sake of brevity here, they both essentially refer to the same thing. The difference is in short term vs. long term of adjusting to change and difficulty and moving forward. Resiliency and Grit are not developed in a vacuum of easy times. They are slowly built up like a building that starts with the essential foundation of first the hole in the ground, followed by the cement poured in, then the placing of studs for the framework, and finally the tedious but necessary task of layering each brick in its measured way. The innards of the structure are detail-specific with first the room placements and windows and doors that makes way for the intricate electric work and wiring. Lastly comes the nachas part of picking paint colors, etc, however, you can’t skip a step in the building process. You can’t skip a step in the building of a child, of his self, and essentially, his Neshama. This is hard work but oh so critical in the development of Man.
Recently, after the beautiful Hadran at Talmudical Academy for all the students completing their year’s learning, we were treated to an interactive performance by Eli Marcus. The talmidim and Rebbeim enjoyed a wonderful time singing and dancing together relishing in their accomplishments. One of the songs that Eli Marcus sings (not at the hadran) is “Yogati.” I have been listening on repeat as they say. The words are from the gemorah, in Maseches Megillah, Vav: Beis.
Amar Rabi Yitzchok; Yogati V’Lo Matzasi Al Taamin. Lo Yagati U’Matzasi Al Taamin. … Yogati U’Matzasi Taamin…
Rabi Yitzchok says if someone says, “I tried and I didn’t succeed, don’t believe him. I didn’t try and I succeeded, don’t believe him…. I tried and I succeeded, believe him.
This statement refers specifically to learning Torah. It really resonated with me, and I decided to research some more. Don’t ask me how, but somehow, I “stumbled” onto an explanation by R’ Tzadok MiLublin. I found a long essay which I read many times, and with the help of my husband, and still we didn’t quite get it. However, there was one part that I think I understood, and apologies to all those learned people out there if I misunderstood.
R’ Tzadok says that there is something else going on called the internal world that is Ratzon, that I will humbly define as motivation, and that is the definition of Yagati. Anything that we do have and achieve is all a brocho from Hashem. I conclude with these thoughts to all the graduates and their parents out there that this is the most important middah if you will, at least in my book, for Life. As my mother says, who is the epitome of this statement, try your best, and we all know the end to that statement… Hashem will do the rest.
In honor of Moshe Chaim Landman and Mazal tov to the 8th grade graduates! May you go from Chayil el Chayil and achieve success in all your endeavors, and believing in yourself!
Baltimore, MD - June 23, 2026 - The Agudah MD office has just confirmed with church staff at Aldersgate United Methodist Church that prayer services are held upstairs in the sanctuary, NOT in the room where the voting takes place.
Baltimore, MD - June 23, 2026 - I met Izzy Patoka more than 20 years ago, long before I ever held public office. Over the years, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in politics. I’ve supported candidates I later regretted supporting, and I’ve regretted not supporting others.
No political decision I’ve made has proven better than supporting Izzy in all of his elections.
While no two elected officials always agree on every issue, no elected official I’ve worked with has been a more genuine partner or accomplished more for our region than Izzy.
As Rav Sheftel Neuberger, zt”l, often said, “It’s incredible how much can be accomplished when you don’t care who gets the credit.” That perfectly describes Izzy. He always does what he believes is right, even when it’s not popular, and he has never sought credit for our shared successes.
Our communities have benefited tremendously from his willingness to work with people from all backgrounds and viewpoints to find real solutions. In a time when authenticity matters, Izzy is the same person in every room he walks into.
Regionalism matters. Crime, economic development, and many of the challenges we face do not stop at the city county line.
While I’m supporting many candidates this election cycle, I personally and humbly ask for your support for Izzy Patoka for Baltimore County Executive.
Baltimore, MD - June 23, 2026 - The polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
Please call or text any question you have to 443-YES-VOTE (443.937. 8683), and you will receive a prompt response
Baltimore, MD – June 23, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Stanley Rosenberg, z’l, father of Ms. Rachel Rosenberg
The Levaya/Kevura took place on June 22 in Savannah, GA
Ms. Rosenberg returns to Baltimore on Wednesday, June 24 and will observe shiva at 7121 Park Heights Avenue Apt 508 (Park Towers West)
Visitng:
Wednesday: 2 pm - 9pm
Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm
Friday: 10 am - 5 pm
Motzaei Shabbos: 10 pm -11 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 10 am
Jerusalem, Israel - June 23, 2026 - The JNS 2026 International Policy Summit, held June 21–23 at Jerusalem’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, brought together over 900 Israeli and international political leaders, diplomats, security experts, journalists, and Jewish communal figures for three days of discussions on the most pressing issues facing Israel and the Jewish world.
This year’s summit focused on regional security, Iran, diplomacy, antisemitism, and Israel’s role on the global stage, and featured appearances by senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Minister Amichai Chikli, as well as prominent voices from the United States and beyond.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and South African Rabbit Warren Goldstein were the keynote speakers of the opening plenary.
After three long, full days, the summit ended on a light note with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum moderating a session, "The Power of Comedy," with comedians Ami Kozak and Yohay Sponder.
One program highlight, from over two hundred speakers at multiple sessions, was moderated by Sarah Stern with outspoken Mosab Hassan Yousef, author of "Son of Hamas," and President of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dan Diker.
The Shalva Band and Nissim Black provide two musical highlights.
Alex Traiman, CEO of the Jerusalem News Syndicate, acted as MC along with JNS Summit Chairman Richard D. Heideman.
The photo essay includes scenes from the three-day event, with many of the Marylanders in attendance. The panels had too many names to mention, but many are shown with information in the background.
Baltimore, MD – June 23, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Yehuda Greenblatt (Monsey) and Taliah Shrago (Baltimore) on their engagement.
Mazel Tov to Yaakov and Rachel Greenblatt and Paltiel and Brooke Brodsky
יה"ר שיזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל. אמן!
BJH: Before we talk about the campaign itself, what is SHINE?
TI: SHINE is one of the most important programs at Torah Institute because it reflects a core belief of our school: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. SHINE provides the resources, support, and expertise needed to help students overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. For some children that means extra academic help, while for others it means specialized instruction, counseling, or targeted interventions. At its heart, SHINE is about making sure every student has what he needs to thrive.
BJH: Who benefits from SHINE?
TI: The simple answer is: almost everyone. While SHINE provides direct services to students who need additional support, its impact extends throughout the entire school. More than 370 students are touched by SHINE services each year. Every grade benefits from some form of targeted support, helping ensure that teachers and rebbeim can meet the needs of every learner in their classrooms.
BJH: Many people may not realize how extensive the program is. Can you share some examples?
TI: Absolutely. SHINE employs 32 tutors who provide individualized support in Limudei Kodesh, Kriah, and General Studies. More than 200 students receive one-on-one tutoring and learning support annually. We also run 12 specialized instructional groups serving approximately 75 students. In addition, students make about 20 visits each day to our drop-in support room for assistance with classwork, tests, reteaching, and review.
BJH: Does SHINE focus only on academics?
TI: Not at all. Academic success is important, but children are more than grades and test scores. SHINE also provides counseling, social skills support, behavioral planning, and student guidance services that benefit approximately 90 students each year. We want students to feel confident, capable, and successful both inside and outside the classroom.
BJH: How does SHINE support Torah Institute's educational mission?
TI: One of the things that makes Torah Institute special is that we strive to see every child as an individual. SHINE allows us to live that value every day. Rather than pulling students away from the school experience, SHINE is woven seamlessly into it. Students receive the support they need while remaining fully connected to their rebbeim, teachers, classmates, and the broader school community.
BJH: What are some of the less visible aspects of the program?
TI: There is a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes. Each year SHINE administers approximately 2,000 reading and Kriah assessments to track progress and identify student needs. The team develops around 30 individualized educational plans and works closely with parents, rebbeim, teachers, and outside professionals to ensure students receive the right support at the right time.
BJH: Why is Torah Institute launching the RISE & SHINE campaign?
TI: Because programs like SHINE don't happen by accident. They require significant resources and ongoing investment. The annual SHINE budget is approximately $1.94 million and supports tutors, specialists, assessments, interventions, and educational programming. The RISE & SHINE campaign is an opportunity for our entire community to come together and help sustain a program that positively impacts so many students and families.
BJH: What would you like the community to know as the campaign approaches?
TI: I would want people to understand that SHINE is not simply a support program—it's a statement about who we are as a school. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind and that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Every family benefits from being part of a school that invests in its children this way. We hope the community will join us in celebrating and supporting a program that helps so many of our students rise—and shine.
The Torah Institute RISE & SHINE campaign, will take place June 22–25.
