Watch: Horav Michoel Sorotzkin – The Hidden Secrets of Parshas Va'Yechi (Video)
By: HaRav Michoel Sorotzkin
An overview of the passing and burial of Yaakov Avinu, beginning with his concern that lice from the Ten Plagues might affect his body, despite the teaching of Chazal in Maseches Bava Basra that Yaakov was among the tzaddikim over whom decay and infestation had no power. The presentation continues with a remarkable calculation of the period from Yosef’s passing until the burial of his bones in Shechem, 194 years later, and concludes with an analysis of the brothers’ claim that Yaakov instructed Yosef not to bear resentment against them, explained according to the pshat of the pesukim.
HaRav Michoel Sorotzkin, shlita
An overview of the passing and burial of Yaakov Avinu, beginning with his concern that lice from the Ten Plagues might affect his body, despite the teaching of Chazal in Maseches Bava Basra that Yaakov was among the tzaddikim over whom decay and infestation had no power. The presentation continues with a remarkable calculation of the period from Yosef’s passing until the burial of his bones in Shechem, 194 years later, and concludes with an analysis of the brothers’ claim that Yaakov instructed Yosef not to bear resentment against them, explained according to the pshat of the pesukim.
Baltimore, MD – January 6, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Mrs. Susan Bergman, a’h, mother of Nitzan Bergman.
Shiva in Baltimore: Beginning Tuesday night at 3310 Labyrinth Rd., Baltimore, MD 21215 with Maariv at 8:00 p.m. visiting until 10:00PM Wednesday: Shacharis 7:45AM Mincha/Maariv at 4:45 p.m. Visiting until 10:00PMThursday: Shacharis 7:45AM
Those wishing to share memories and tributes may do so at: https://www.remembr.com/susan.bergman
בלע המות לנצח
Shalom Bayis. Two words that carry so much weight.If you’ve been asking yourself why communication feels so hard — or why other couples seem to “get it” while you’re stuck in the same arguments — you’re not alone.Bickering, tension, and feeling unheard can be extremely draining.But with the right support, you can gain clarity and connection.I offer direct, gentle, solution-focused guidance to help couples:* Reduce conflict* Communicate effectively* Rebuild connection* Create a calmer, more peaceful homeShalom Bayis doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes you just need tools that actually work.Virtual Sessions available, with flexible evening availabilityYour home can feel different.Visit: FixOurMarriage.solutions or Call: 678-977-0515D...
President Donald Trump said Tuesday night that Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, to be sold at market value and with the proceeds controlled by the US.
“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!”
Trump said he has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to “execute this plan, immediately” and that the barrels “w...
After ordering from the Kosher Dunkin and receiving a delivery from a non-kosher Dunkin, a community member asked us to repost this valuable interview regarding proper use or potential risks of ordering through food delivery apps.
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - Some topics need to be revisited as technology evolves. Food delivery service apps such as Door-dash and Uber-eats definitely fall in that category. So even though we already covered the basics last year, let’s find out what’s new in this field with Rabbi Sholom Tendler a Kashrus Administrator at the STAR-K.
BaltimoreJewishLife.com (BJL) is proud to partner with STAR-K CERTIFICATION that realizes that there is no substitute for a person’s own Rav. In an effort to offer a possible solution, it has launched its Institute of Halachah as a public service. Over the years, the agency’s Kashrus Hotline has answered generic halachic questions from kosher consumers the world over, including inquiries regarding the kosher status of foods and certified Sabbath mode appliances. The formation of a separate official division within STAR-K testifies to the need for addressing these issues.
The Institute of Halachah is directed by HaRav Mordechai Frankel, under the guidance of HaRav Moshe Heinemann, STAR-K’s Rabbinic Administrator. It is an invaluable resource for a diverse array of rabbis to discuss general halachic matters, as well as gain access to source materials for shiurim and answers to congregants’ questions.
Shailos for regular or Kashrus shailos may emailed or discussed using this widget.
Dr. Tamar Eilam-Gindin, an Iranian expert from the Azrieli Academic College at the University of Haifa, believes that the Iranian regime is currently in an unprecedented defensive position in response to the ongoing wave of protests spreading throughout the country.
According to Dr. Eilam-Gindin, while opinions among social media users may seem divided, the reality on the ground is quite different. "If you look at opinions on social networks, it seems about 50-50, but if you look at video footage and testimonies from the ground, it's really not 50-50. There are many regime opponents who don’t take to the streets but do tweet. There are many protest videos, but none of them are as full as the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, except for the first day. We are not seeing ...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 6, 2026 – (BJL) Baltimore Shomrim has released its November 2025 Community Safety Update, highlighting call volume, response activity, and emerging crime trends impacting the community. The report outlines how Shomrim continues to work closely with residents and law enforcement to address suspicious activity, vehicle-related crime, and safety concerns, while also providing practical reminders and insights to help residents remain vigilant and informed
During the Second Temple, the Greek empire reigned (over Israel),1 and they (the Greeks) passed decrees against the Jews and (tried) to erase their religion, and did not allow them to carry out Torah (study) or the commandments. They put their hands on their property and their daughters. They entered the Temple, destroyed and made the pure unclean. The Jews were in great distress because of them and were much oppressed, until the G-d of their fathers had mercy on them, delivering them from their hands and saving them. Then overcame, the sons of the Hasmonean High Priest, (the Greeks) and killed them and saved the Jews from their hands. They appointed a king from the Priests, and the kingdom of Israel was restored for more than 200 years until the destruction of (the) second (Temple). When the Jews overcame their enemies and destroyed them, it was the 25th of Kislev2 when they entered the Sanctuary (inner room) and did not find pure (olive) oil in the Temple, except one jar sealed with seal of the High Priest, and it did not contain enough to light except for one day only. But they lit from it the lamps of the Menorah3 for eight days, until they could crush olives and produce a (new quantity) of pure oil. For these reasons, decreed the Sages of that generation that these eight days that begin on the 25th Kislev, will be days of joy and praise. One lights on them lamps at evening at the entrance to the houses, every evening of the eight nights to show off and demonstrate the miracle. These days are called ''Hanukah'' that is to say ''they rested'' (chanu) on the ''25'' ('th of the month) because on the 25th they rested from their enemies. and also because of those days they (re)-dedicated the house (Temple) which their foes had defiled. Also some say that it is a commandment to increase slightly the festive meals on Hanukah. Another reason is because the work of (building) the Sanctuary (in the desert) was completed in these days. One should tell one's children the story of the miracles that were done for our fore-fathers in those days, (see Josephus) However, these meals are not considered as part of the commandment unless one says at the meal songs of praise. One should increase charity in these Hanukah days, for this can help mend any defects in our souls. This charity, should be given particularly to poor Torah scholars. (KSA 139:1) 1) 352 BCE until 70 CE 2) 139 BCE 3) The Menorah was made of gold and had seven branches.
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - GasBuddy has released its 2026 Fuel Price Outlook, forecasting the national average price of gas to fall below $3 per gallon for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The projected yearly average is $2.97 per gallon, a decrease of 13 cents from 2025's average of $3.10, marking the lowest yearly average since 2020.
Despite the anticipated relief, GasBuddy warns of continued volatility due to seasonal demand, refinery maintenance, hurricane season, and geopolitical risks.
Diesel prices are expected to remain higher than gasoline but will ease from recent peaks, averaging $3.55 per gallon for the year.
Key highlights from the outlook include a spring peak where prices may briefly reach the low $3.20s, followed by a decline after Jun...
Columbia, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - Columbia, Maryland, has been ranked as the second-best city in the United States to find a job in 2026, according to a new report by WalletHub.
The personal finance company evaluated over 180 cities using 31 key metrics, including job opportunities per seeker, employment growth, and average starting salaries.
Columbia stood out in several major categories. The city has the highest median household income in the nation when adjusted for cost of living, at nearly $129,000, a factor WalletHub says played a significant role in its high ranking. That income level is more than three times higher than Detroit, Michigan, which ranked last in the study.
Columbia also ranked fourth nationwide for net employment outlook, which measures the percentage of employers...
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - The CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools is receiving national recognition. Dr. Sonja Santelises has been named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year. But some feel that scandals during the CEO’s tenure should disqualify her.
“I was flabbergasted,” said Yolanda Pulley, a former Baltimore City mayoral candidate and founder of People Empowered by the Struggle.
Pulley attended Baltimore City Public Schools. So did her children and grandchildren. And she does not believe the school system is doing a good job.
“At this point it's nothing but failure. A failure, failure, failure factory,” Pulley told Project Baltimore.
Which is why Pulley was stunned that Santelises has recently named a finalist for th...
Annapolis, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - With Maryland staring down a projected $1.4 billion budget deficit that state analysts warn could deepen in the coming year, scrutiny is intensifying over how effectively the state protects taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse.
The questions have grown louder amid the national fallout from a Minnesota fraud scandal that federal prosecutors say could exceed $9 billion. Facing backlash, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said Monday he will not seek a third term.
Though Minnesota fraud investigations have been ongoing for years, allegations exploded into public view late last month after media outlets and citizen journalists began documenting what appeared to be daycare centers operating largely on paper -- licensed, publicly funded,...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 5, 2026 - BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Barbara Sue (Suzy) Liebman, a'h, wife of David Liebman, and mother of Edward Baklor (Jeff Cannon), Lynn Baklor and Alan (Daniele) Baklor.
The levayah will be held at Levinson’s on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 at 2:30PM.
Kevurah will take place at Beth Tfiloh cemetery, 5660 Windsor Mill Road, Baltimore, MD, 21207
Shiva will be observed at 12 Swanhill Drive, Baltimore, MD 21208.
The family in Israel will be returning for Shiva after Thursday. Details to follow.
The family respectfully requests no visitors between 12-2 pm; between 5:30-7; after 9 pm.
Maariv: Tueday 7:00PM Wednesday and Thursday - Shacharit: 7:30 am / Mincha-Maariv: 4:30 pm.
Friday: Shac...
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 5, 2026 -9:29 p.m (BJL) A major accident has been reported at Smith Avenue and Greenspring Avenue. Greenspring Avenue is closed from Smith Avenue at this time. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
A new round of Syrian-Israeli negotiations is set to begin on Tuesday in Paris, diplomatic sources told Asharq al-Awsat.
According to the report, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is scheduled to meet on Monday with the Syrian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, ahead of the launch of the talks in the French capital.
The Syrian delegation includes al-Shaibani as well as General Intelligence Director Hussein al-Salama. The negotiations with Israel are taking place with coordination and mediation by the United States, the sources said.
A Syrian government source quoted by the state-run SANA news agency said the resumption of the talks reflects Syria’s commitment to what it described as restoring its “non-negotiable national right...
A Western intelligence assessment shared with The Sunday Times says that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has prepared a secret escape plan should his security forces fail to contain the nationwide protests sweeping the country.
According to the report, Khamenei, 86, intends to flee Tehran with a small circle of aides and family members if he detects desertions or refusal to follow orders.
“The ‘plan B’ is for Khamenei and his very close circle of associates and family, including his son and nominated heir apparent, Mojtaba," an intelligence source told The Times.
Former Israeli intelligence officer Beni Sabti predicted Khamenei would head to Moscow, as “there is no other place for him," noting that the Iranian leader “adm...
Flu activity is continuing to climb across the U.S. as hospitalizations rise, according to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The percent of outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses are now at the highest rate on record.
About 8% of visits to a health care provider were labeled as flu-like illness, surpassing any levels seen since 1997, the earliest for which data is available. Flu-like illness accounts for patients that have a fever as well as a cough and/or sore throat.
These visits are largely among children and young adults. About 35% of outpatient visits for a respiratory illness were among people unde. 24 years old and children under age 5 made up about 20% of those.
The CDC estimates there have been 120,000 hospitalizations so far this...
The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child — leaving other immunizations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose but without clear guidance.
Officials said the overhaul to the federal vaccine schedule won’t result in any families losing access or insurance coverage for vaccines, but medical experts slammed the move, saying it could lead to reduced uptake of important vaccinations and increase disease.
The change came after President Donald Trump in December asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review how peer nations approach vaccine recommendations and consider revising its guidance to align with theirs.
HHS said its comparison to 20 peer nations found that the U.S. was a...
The Jerusalem Post has received multiple indications that the US is considering some intervention in the ongoing Iran protests. At the same time, Israel is also checking if the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro will make action against the Iranian regime possible.
It appears that Israel was surprised by America's intervention in Venezuela and that this action scrambled Israeli calculations about what might be possible in the Islamic Republic.
Until the intervention by US President Donald Trump in Caracas, most Israeli officials did not view the protests against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as necessarily approaching the volume necessary to achieve regime change.
In fact, by themselves, the protests are likely still viewed by I...
