In the Torah's first foray in presenting the details of its intricate system of law, in this case the gamut of civil law, it uses an expression rarely used when instructing Moshe to transmit Torah to the people.
And these are the ordinances that you shall, שימה לפניהם — place before them. (שמות כא א)
Ordinarily G-d would direct Moshe to 'speak' to them; 'say' to them; 'teach' them; each describing a mode of expression through verbal conveyance.
What is indicated in this simply 'placing' it in front of them?
Is it merely 'up for grabs'?
Rashi quoting the Mechilta addresses this unusual usage and reveals that the Torah is directing Moshe how to present the material he was to transmit.
The Holy One, blessed is...
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Baltimore, MD - Feb. 11, 2026 - Explore the latest issue of Baltimore Jewish Home.Click on the graphic below:
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Also, Ask about our kitchen CLEANING serviceBaltimore, MD – Feb, 2026 - Are you nervous about Kashering for Pesach; unsure you will get it done properly? Are you afraid the water will ruin your cabinets and create a mess in your kitchen? Are you moving into a new house and need the kitchen kashered; stress-free? Click here: https://t.ly/UknmP For the last seven years, The Kashering Konnection, has been servicing the Baltimore and DC communities. Coordinated through Star-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Sholom Tendler, experienced, professional Mashgichim are available to come to your home and ensure an easy, mess-free and 100% properly-done Kashering of your kitchen and appliances. From ovens to stoves, counters to sinks, The Kashering Konnection can help you pr...
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 12, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Gavi and Shayna Sragow on the birth of a son.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Ari & Shoshana Lerner
Mazel Tov to great-grandparents Rabbi Dr. & Mrs. Ivan and Arleeta Lerner and Morton and Carole Pancer
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
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Baltimore, MD - Feb. 6, 2026 - Aging is not an ending — it’s an invitation to grow, connect, and be inspired. Retired & Inspired is a biweekly senior women’s group created for high-level, vibrant women who are ready to invest in themselves, build meaningful friendships, and continue learning in a warm, supportive environment.
Designed especially for older seniors who value both stimulation and social connection, Retired & Inspired offers a rich blend of inspiration, education, movement, and joy. Each biweekly gathering includes engaging activities, light exercise, thought-provoking discussions, and inspirational speakers who uplift and energize. Our sessions are intentionally structured to nurture the mind, body, and soul. In addition, every meeting includes a ho...
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 12, 2026 – Members of the Baltimore County Police Department’s Crash Team are investigating a fatal multi-vehicle collision that occurred near Old Court Road and Harden Lane (21208).
At approximately 7:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of a crash involving multiple vehicles. Investigators determined that a 2016 Nissan Rogue traveling westbound on Old Court Road crossed the center lane and collided with a 2018 Audi Q5 traveling in the opposite direction.
The driver and a juvenile passenger in the Nissan were transported to an area hospital. The driver, identified as 31-year-old Sydney Jones, was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Audi was also taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 12, 2026 – 4:32PM (BJL) A five-car accident with numerous injuries has been reported on I-695 East between Exits 30 and 31, causing traffic to back up for at least five miles. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as emergency crews respond.
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 12, 2026 – 8:30AM (BJL) The Western Run bridge at Clarks Lane is currently closed due to snow removal operations
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 12, 2026 – 8:08 AM (BJL) An accident on Old Court Road on the way to TA has Old Court Road blocked off between Naylors Lane and the 7-Eleven at Greenwood Road, with all lanes closed in both directions.
Baltimore, MD - Feb. 11, 2026 - I believe that our library system is fantastic and should host a wide variety of books and materials. I do not support book bans. When I learned about this children's book, I shared my concerns with Board members that the term mentioned is interpreted as advocating violence by the vast majority of the Jewish community. I don't pretend to speak for the entire community, so I will speak for myself by sharing my concerns with BCPL. If you are interested in sharing your concerns about this children's book that is in the Baltimore County Public Library, please complete this form and email or send them in. Or you can ask for a branch manager and speak with them directly.If returning form by mail or e-mail, please send to:
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The Difficulty
Unity is understandably hard to achieve. Hashem creates each person as unique – both in their outward appearance as well as in their inner thoughts.[1] Additionally, we are each supposed to view the world as created for us.[2] This naturally causes us to view others as competitors.[3]
So how can we feel unity – at least amongst the Jewish people?
The Basis
The answer lies in understanding the basis of our achdut, which is rooted in our shared fate, mission, and existence.
One Boat
All Jews share the same fate and mission. This is why Rav Shimon Bar Yochai compared the Jewish people to passengers on a ship. Each passenger may see himself as disconnected from the others, but the hole he drills under his seat affects them all.[4] We, too, should realize th...
The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ended after nearly three hours.
President Trump commented on the meeting on his Truth Social platform and stated: "I have just finished meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, of Israel, and various of his Representatives. It was a very good meeting, the tremendous relationship between our two Countries continues."
Addressing the issue of Iran, which was a central subject during the meeting, Trump wrote: "There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated. If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be."
He noted that ...
Annapolis, MD - Feb. 11, 2026 - Governor Wes Moore delivered his 2026 State of the State address Wednesday, outlining an agenda focused on shielding Marylanders from federal policy impacts, lowering costs, growing the economy, and investing in education — all under a three-part theme: “Protect, deliver, and lead.”
Moore acknowledged disagreements in Annapolis, including an ongoing debate over redistricting, but urged lawmakers to “not let the democratic process die in the Free State,” calling debate and compromise hallmarks of Maryland governance.
Much of the speech contrasted Maryland’s direction with what Moore described as harmful federal actions. He cited federal job cuts affecting tens of thousands of Marylanders and warned that changes ...
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 11, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Abbo and Miriam Aranbayev on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel tov to grandparents Nina Aranbayev and Barno & Roman Tolmasov
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 6, 2026 – BJL regrets to inform the community of the petira of Tzvi Hirsh Ben Moshe Pesach Nissan Hakohen Gross, z'l, father of R’ Aryeh Gross
The levayah will take place today, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at 11am at Congregation Sons of Israel 613 Ramsey Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701.Shiva-Baltimore: 6617 Pebble Brooke Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209Wednesday: Shacharis: 7:15am Mincha/Maariv: 5:23pm - visiting ending 10pmShacharis: Thursday - 7:15am
בלע המות לנצח
Baltimore, MD – Feb. 10, 2026 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Uriel and Avigayil Young on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel tov to grandparents Michael & Lisette Young and Chaim & Kelly Yudkowsky
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
