Search Results for “litvish” – Page 3

The Sefer that Rav Kanievsky Holds Closely in His Bookshelf

September 2, 2021 10:00 am No Comments

Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky shlita, Sar HaTorah (“Prince of Torah”) and Gadol Hador, keeps sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon on a bookshelf close to him in the personal study of his home in Bnei Brak. Sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon, authored by Rabbi Moshe Wiener of New York, is an encyclopedic work regarding the growth and cutting of the beard from a Halachic perspective. It provides comprehensive documentation and systematic analysis, compiled from Talmudic and Rabbinic literature throughout the centuries. [To view excerpts from the letters of support and approbation of Gedolei Yisroel regarding Sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon, click here.] A 1,227-page fourth-edition of the sefer (with over 200 pages of material not included in prior editions) was just released and is available thus far in two volumes (softcover) on Amazon.com (with the first volume being the original sefer and the second volume dedicated to over 500 pages of hosafos, so that those with the original sefer can acquire the hosafos separately without having to re-purchase the original sefer). A hardcover edition will be printed once adequate resources are available (for sponsorship opportunities, see: KosherShaver.info). Rabbi Wiener was not surprised to discover that his sefer received a place of prominence in the home of Harav Kanievsky. “It can be understood based on the fact that, in his most popular work, sefer Orchos Yosher (recently published with English translation by ArtScroll), Rav Kanievsky dedicates an entire chapter to this topic and emphatically and unequivocally refutes the common, prevailing misconceptions regarding the beard and shaving,” he said. At the beginning of his essay, Rav Kanievsky forcefully dismisses the notion that the Litvish “mesorah” (tradition) is to be beardless and declares that: “Throughout our history, it has been a disgrace for anyone not to have a beard. It is only in recent generations that some have started to treat this irreverently, having learned this from the non-Jews.” Contrary to the perception that there is no authoritative halachic source and basis to prohibit cutting the beard with scissors, Rav Kanievsky quotes the Targum Yonasan (who was a Tana), the Sefer HaChinuch (a Rishon) and the Chofetz Chaim as sources that cutting the beard with scissors is also forbidden. He also discusses whether there is credibility to the opinion that cutting the beard involves the prohibition of lo yilbash (the Biblical prohibition of cross-dressing). Rav Kanievsky writes that the Targum Yonasan holds that cutting the beard (even) with scissors is forbidden due to lo yilbash. Addressing the almost universal method of beard removal practiced by Orthodox Jews today, Rav Kanievsky writes that according to the Chofetz Chaim, the Chazon Ish, the Steipler Gaon and others, contemporary electric shaving machines are prohibited and have the same halachic status as razors. Moreover, this is true to the extent that they should not be recommended as a halachically acceptable alternative even for people who are already shaving with razors, according to all these aforementioned distinguished Litvish authorities. As to whether the practice of shaving in the Litvishe yeshivos was condoned by their own Litvishe Gedolim, Rav Kanievsky quotes the Chofetz Chaim as writing an entire treatise to disprove all justifications for removing the beard (where the Chofetz Chaim states that “it is a great mitzvah for the entire Jewish people to reinforce this observance and refrain from trimming the beard even with scissors”). Rav Kanievsky further quotes the Chazon Ish as stating: “Although this sickness has spread even

The Sefer that Rav Kanievsky Holds Closely in His Bookshelf

July 11, 2021 8:30 pm No Comments

HaGaon HaRav Edelstein: “We Don’t Go To Meron, We Sit And Learn”

April 28, 2021 5:30 pm 18 Comments

In a weekly talk delivered from his home on Tuesday evening, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein explained why the Litvish yeshivah community isn’t noheig to travel to Meron on Lag B’omer. “It’s almost Lag B’Omer and people are traveling to Meron,” the Rosh Yeshivah said. “We’re not noheig like that. We received our hashba’ah [influnce] from the Brisker Rav, the Chazon Ish, the Ponevezher Rav – and they didn’t travel to Meron. Therefore we don’t go, we sit and learn. Talmud Torah K’neged Kulam.” “Talmud Torah K’neged Kulam is written about the fruits in Olam HaZeh. It’s written that these are the things from which a person eats the fruits in this world – Kibbud Av V’Eim and Gemilus Chassadim and many other things. And Talmud Torah K’neged Kulam.” “We receive the fruits in this world and the keren is in Olam Haba. Nu, so is it kadai to lose this revach? Do we want to lose the revach of the fruits in this world and the keren in Olam Haba?” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Yaldeinu in Orlando – Mi Ka’Amcha Yisroel

January 24, 2021 2:59 pm No Comments

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com They arrived on Thursday before Shabbos. Seventy young “special needs” children under the care of the Yaldeinu Organization, with seventy counselors in tow – that’s one on one for those who didn’t catch that, and each group of six counselors has a group leader. Many of the counselors and group leaders are from the Five Towns. Yaldeinu utilized a federal program that provides a “respite” for special needs students. So why not hold that yearly respite in Orlando Florida? The only downside is that the federal program does not pay for flight transportation – but with tickets to Florida at two hundred and fifty dollars each – why not? And so with the majority of costs covered – numerous house in the Solterra resort – fifteen houses were rented and the “special needs” kids were given the opportunity to have the time of their life. They arrived on a Thursday. “We filled up the entire JetBlue flight almost – 125 seats out of 150. A huge kiddush Hashem was made,” remarked Tova S., a group leader who is also a speech therapist for Yaldeinu. “They behaved so nicely and the staff of Jetblue was so impressed by how the counselors took care of the kids.” After their arrival, they ate supper and then went to bed. Each of the fifteen houses that were rented was given a name by color, the red house, the blue house, the green house – etc. The minyanim were held in the black house, and numerous other frum families joined in. The Yaldeinu administration even allowed for an earlier mincha to accommodate the litvish guests who wished to eat eat Shalosh Shidus with their families before Shkiya. On Friday, they went to Showcase of Citrus for orange-picking and a tractor ride. They fed animals and had a grand-old time. Shabbos was very special. They had a makkos show because it was Parshas Bo. They also brought someone to do a magic show. There was also a talent show. Motzaei Shabbos there was a Don Stern concert at Omni Resport and three buses were rented to transport the kids. Don Stern sang all of the up-and-coming songs. The kids were dancing and French Fries were served as well. Every day there is swimming on the schedule and then a trip. On Sunday the plan is to go to Legoland; tomorrow Busch Gardens; Tuesday, Seascreamer; Wednesday SeaWorld and on Thursday it is back to New York. “Each of the counselors was incredibly loving,” remarked T.H., a young lady who was vacationing and was so enamoured with the organization that she volunteered to help the counselors over Shabbos. The founders of Yaldeinu prefer anonymity, but essentially, they saw a need and decided to address it. Currently it is run by the founder, her husband, and their children. “The Yaldeinu school is heimish and super-professional,” continued Tova S., “If, for example, a child needs drum lessons – the administration makes it happen. The administration treats the staff incredibly well, taking them out every month.” “The yearly program is staffed by a remarkable cadre of professionals, OT’s, PT’s, Speech therapists, but when they come to Orlando, they play a totally different role,” observed this author’s daughter, Shira. “One of the speech therapists, for example,

Announcing the Publication of a 522 Page Volume of Supplements to sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon

January 24, 2021 1:00 pm No Comments

Sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon, an encyclopedic work regarding the cutting and growth of the beard in Halachic perspective was already printed in 3 editions (with a 4th edition ready for release), each with substantial new material not included in prior editions. To view excerpts from the letters of support and approbation of Gedolei Yisroel (representing all segments of Klal Yisroel) regarding sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon, click here. A 522 page volume of supplements is now available in a special soft-cover edition through Amazon (and is being sold at the lowest price Amazon allows) and can be accessed by clicking here. This volume is being published separately for those who already own the original sefer and wish to acquire the supplemental material without having to re-purchase the sefer. This new volume of “Miluyim” (supplemental material) will eventually be included in the fourth edition of the sefer (1,228 pages), which is fully prepared to be printed (in hardcover edition) once adequate funding is available (to help sponsor this publication, please click here). Some highlights of the new volume include: Additional letters of endorsement and support not included in the original edition, including letters from luminaries such as Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt’l (who wrote: “In my humble opinion, by publishing this sefer you are accomplishing something good and beneficial. Perhaps through this [sefer] the issues will be elucidated and clarified, thereby saving the Jewish public from a severe transgression”), from Rav Shmuel HaLevi Wosner zt’l (the Shevet HaLevi) and Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita. A chapter regarding the halachic intricacies involved in management of the beard on Shabbos. Dramatic accounts about mesirus nefesh to maintain one’s beard during the Holocaust, in Communist Russian and in the early years in America. A chapter concerning the halachic approach to conflicts between beard growth and Kibud Av V’Eim Additional documentation of how the most prominent Roshei Yeshiva of various litvish yeshivos in Europe (such as Slabodka, Telz and Radin) reacted when their students began to cut their beards. Guidance from Gedolei Yisroel on how to manage shidduchim, shalom bayis and parnasa issues relating to maintaining a beard; responses from the Chasam Sofer zt’l, Rav Shteinman zt’l and others whether there is any validity to the argument that a beard brings one to “ga’avah,” etc. A psak din (halachic ruling) issued in 5768 and signed by 34 of the leading litvish (non-Chassidic) poskim and roshei yeshiva which declares that all electric shavers are the halachic equivalent of a razor and are absolutely prohibited without exception [signatories include such leading authorities as Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv zt’l, Rav Nissim Karelitz zt’l, Rav A. L. Shteinman zt’l, Rav Shmuel Wosner zt’l, Rav Shmuel Auerbach zt’l, Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt’l (Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva), Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt’l and Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita]. Statements from the Chazon Ish zt’l concerning trimming the beard for the sake of shidduchim or for kibud av v’em considerations or to help with “kiruv” activities. Guidance from the Baba Sali zt’l regarding how to respond to sholom bayis issues relating to maintaining a full beard. How Rav Aharon Kotler zt’l responded to a talmid in Lakewood whose parents did not want him to grow a beard and quotations from the family and leading disciples of Rav Aharon Kotler regarding the prohibition of using an electric shaver. Astonishing quotations from Rav Kook zt’l (recorded by his

Miracle Torah Organizers Thank Global Jewish Community

December 13, 2020 8:30 pm No Comments

Dear Fellow Jew. Thank you. Thank you for being a part of something totally unexpected yet deeply needed. Thank you for showing that Am Yisroel is really one, interconnected people; that achdus is not just words but a reality. Over the past nine months, the Miracle Sefer Torah has brought hundreds of thousands of Jews together from all walks of life: Chassidim and Litvish, Ashkenazim and Sephardim, religious and secular. The Rabbonim, Admorim, and askanim of our communities made a conscious effort to allow their participation in this Torah to be publicized, so that the Jewish world will see and take to heart that our leaders are committed to unity. The journey of this Torah within this dark time has reminded us that we are stronger when we are one. That Am Yisroel, when united under one Torah, can meet any challenge and overcome the darkest night of galus. We are deeply humbled and privileged to be able to play a small role in this accomplishment. This experience and its lessons will stay with us for a lifetime, and we hope that is true of you as well. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Chanukah, May the joy of our achdus cause our Heavenly Father to finally usher in the era of open and revealed good, the coming of Moshiach. United for protection team; Zalmy Cohen Berel Junik Shloimy Greenwald

500,000 Watch as Miracle Sefer Torah Reaches Spectacular Conclusion

December 8, 2020 1:00 pm No Comments

Unity is something easily preached, but seldom practiced. Which is what makes the Siyum of the Miracle Sefer Torah on Sunday night such a rare achievement. It was a joyous, climactic denouement for the Torah that was nine months in the making. Born in Crown Heights in the thick of Covid and inspired by the now-ubiquitous story of the Baal Shem Tov, the Torah raced across boundaries real and imagined. Rabbi Paysach Krohn, the popular international speaker, put it plainly in his address during the evening’s festivities, “This Torah united Chassidim and Litvish, Ashkenazim and Sephardim.” Indeed, in a frantic final week, the Miracle Sefer Torah embarked on a tour across the richly diverse tapestry of the Tri-state frum world. From Lakewood to Boro Park, Williamsburg to Crown Heights, to Monroe, Monsey, and Flatbush, the Torah arrived at the homes and Battei Midrashim of Rabbanim, Admorim, and askanim of every stripe where they grasped the same quill and filled in letters in the same Sefer Torah. After making final stops at the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Ohel and then in the Rebbe’s office at 770 Eastern Parkway, the Torah made its way to a hall in Brooklyn, where it was given the royal treatment of a six-hour-long celebration live-streamed to nearly 500,000 viewers across the world. The masterfully planned program produced by Shneur Najar and program director Dovid Weinbaum wove narrative, inspiration, and entertainment into a compelling viewing experience. Videos, crafted by Rivkin Media, of first-hand testimony from those who credit their miraculous healing to a letter in the Miracle Sefer Torah gave way to messages from the dynamic brotherly duo of Rabbis Simon and YY Jacobson which seamlessly moved to performances from a veritable who’s who in Jewish music. Avraham Fried, Mordechai Ben David, Chaim Yisrael, Eli Marcus, Baruch Levine, 8th Day band, Lipa Schmeltzer, Shmuli Ungar, Shlomo Simcha and Mendy J sang solo and in duet, soulful tunes and rousing Hakafos niggunim, as they danced across the stage late into the night. Avrumi Schreiber & The Freilach Band provided world-class musical accompaniment, and Bentzi Marcus made the musical arrangements. From the beginning, the Miracle Sefer Torah was defined by urgency. Rabbi Moshe Klein, owner of Hasofer, who wrote the Torah, shared how Beryl Junik, Zalmy Cohen, and Shloime Greenwald called him late one night to commission the Sefer Torah. He agreed, and said he would go to the office the next morning to begin the work. Ten minutes later, however, they called again, “we have to do it now.” Rabbi Klein made his way to Junik’s house, where he wrote the first letters of the Torah. In the end, that urgency never faded. The Siyum was a rallying cry of achdus, not just preached but practiced. After the Torah had been completed, lifted, and dressed, Rabbi YY Jacobson spoke about achdus. “Ahavas Yisrael is the courage to learn the song in someone else’s heart. And to then sing it to them when they forget it.” He continued to decry “fragmentation, enough mistrust…enough of the tunnel vision that constricts us.” The Torah that danced across the stage was a testament to that conviction. A Torah that contains the multitudes of the Jewish people; from Chassidish to Litvish, Ashkenazi to Sephardi, religious to secular. The three tireless organizers, Shloime Greenwald, Zalmy Cohen and Berly Junik, can only hope that the lessons learned persist long after the Torah’s epic completion. https://youtu.be/qjmzHw0GQOg

The Chanukah Present You’ve Been Waiting For! Jbrush Paint By Number Kits will keep you and your family busy for hours!

November 22, 2020 2:30 pm No Comments

You can be an artist! Jbrush Paint By Number Kits feature pictures Of Gedolim and Jewish Sites from the galleries of MD Yarmish, A Elbaz and L Karmel. Kits include an outlined and numbered canvas, numbered paints and paintbrushes. Canvas comes pre-stretched and ready to hang. No experience necessary. Recommended for adults and children ages 12 and up. We Now Have An Expanded Selection From Litvish Rabanim to Chassidish Rebbes To Sefardi Chachamim in our Gedolim Series as well as The Kosel, Kever Rochel, and Meoras Hamachpelah In Our Jewish Sites Series. We ship Nationwide. Free shipping in Lakewood NJ. Use code YWNGIFT at checkout for 10% off your order. WWW.DREAMJUDAICA.COM

Talmud Torah in Ma’alot Burns Down Leaving Children Bereft of A Place To Study

October 26, 2020 7:30 pm No Comments

On Sunday morning, the Litvish Cheder in the city of Ma’alot in the Galilee burned down. Miraculously, there were no children present in the building at the time of the fire. More than 70 children learn in the Talmud Torah that caught fire for reasons unknown. Firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the blaze that destroyed the building in its entirety and after a few hours managed to extinguish the blaze. An investigator with the Fire Department determined that the blaze was not caused by arson. The fire was originally discovered and reported by Thai workers who live near the Talmud Torah. Parents were notified about the fire and told not to send their children to the area. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the fire was caused by a faulty wire. In the meantime, the community now lacks a place for the children to learn and it is expected that when the children will return to their studies that they will have to go to the local Shul in order to study there. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Honoring The Steps and More

August 25, 2020 9:48 pm No Comments

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com Everyone knows about the Mitzvah of honoring parents – it is one of the Aseres Hadibros – the Ten Commandments. Indeed, according to the Gemorah in Kiddushin, it is also one of the natural laws of which the entire world is well aware. But what about step-mothers or other relatives? What about older brothers, uncles, aunts, and in-laws? And, if there is such an obligation, are the obligations the same as to parents or are there differences? KAVOD VERSUS MOREH The first thing we must do is differentiate between obligations that stem from “Kavod – honor” and obligations whose source is “Moreh” or showing awe. For example, the obligation to serve one’s father or mother comes from the obligation of “honor.” On the other hand, the fact that we don’t sit in his or her seat comes from Moreh. Most of the obligations that apply to “other relatives” come from “Kavod.” These issues are dealt with extensively in volume six of a work entitled “LeRayacha Kamocha” by Rabbi Dovid Ariav. STEP PARENTS Let’s start with the step-mom and step-dad. The Gemorah in Kesuvos (103a) tells us that the word “Es” in Kabaid es avicha comes to include the step-mother (see Shulchan Aruch YD 240:21). There is a debate in the Rishonim whether this obligation is biblical, the Rambam (Hilchos Mamrin 6:15) holds that it is biblical and the Meiri (on Kesuvos 103a) holds that it is only Rabbinic. We rule that it is Biblical. The obligation, however, stems from Kavod and not Moreh (See Betzail HaChochma 3:95). Technically, the reason why we don’t call parents by their first names is Moreh – so although one could technically call them by their first names, the Minhag in Klal Yisroel seems to be not to do so. [One should also be careful not to call them Dad or Mom in front of one’s own parents unless one is absolutely sure that they do not mind at all – [Author’s extrapolation from letter #9 of Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita.] DURATION OF OBLIGATION The obligation is also only during the lifetime of the parent. After the parent has passed away, the Chayei Odom (67:22) writes that the obligation is only Rabbinic. The Shulchan Aruch (YD 240:21) calls it a “Davar Hagun” – a proper thing to honor them. It would seem that the Chaeyi Odom is actually arguing with the Shulchan Aruch when he writes that it is a Rabbinic obligation. The simple indication of the Shulchan Aruch is that it is a good and proper ethical imperative, but not a full halachic obligation. OLDER SIBLINGS Let’s move on to the older brother and sister. Sister? Yes, sister. But let’s start with the brother. The Gemorah in Kesuvos (103a) tells us that the extra Vov in “v’es imecha “ comes to include the older brother. The rationale is because it is disrespectful for a parent if their descendents are treated improperly, according to the Ramban (Hasagos LeSefer haMitzvos of the Rambam Shoresh 2). The Minchas Chinuch (#33) understands this obligation to be Biblical in origin, while the Aruch haShulchan (YD 240:43) understands it to be Rabbinic. Here too the obligation stems from kavod – not moreh – he may thus sit in his older brother’s seat (although if

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS: Why Did KAJ Pull Their Hechsher From Empire Kosher Chickens?

July 22, 2020 6:03 pm 18 Comments

(By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com) Empire Kosher is the largest producer of kosher poultry in the United States, and one of the oldest. It was founded in Liberty, New York, in 1938 and shechts some 65,000 chickens each day. They have between sixty and seventy shochtim. Until recently, Empire has had 4 supervising agencies providing its hechsherim: The OU The Nirbater KAJ Tartikov of Rabbi Yechiel Babad. The OU is the oldest hechsher that supervised Empire, followed by KAJ (approximately 15 years ago. This author was present when Rav Yisroel Belsky zt”l called the KAJ to come in and add their supervision). The most recently added supervision was Tartikov which began after this past Sukkos but was announced in April. However, as of July 20th, KAJ has pulled out. A letter that KAJ had put out to members of its Kehillah, indeed, recommended three alternative chicken products. The full text of the letter is reproduced below. KAJ, in the Litvish, Yekkish, and YU communities enjoys the highest of reputations. This author reached out to both Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of the Orthodox Union Kosher Division as well as others directly on the scene at Empire. Rabbi Genack said, “There is absolutely no change in terms of the quality of the kashrus and of the supervision.” He attributed the egress of KAJ to clashes in style. Rabbi Yechiel Baabad also emphasized the high level of integrity and yiras shamayim of the shochtim and mashgichim. He stated, “The very high standards have been maintained and are constantly being observed to ensure that there are no gaps in the quality of the supervision.” Rabbi Moshe Klarberg, Senior OU Rabbinic Coordinator and head of the OU’s Meat Team was also extremely positive about the high quality of kashrus standards at Empire. He pointed out that Kashrus standards at Empire Kosher Poultry remain unchanged, and continue to be maintained by the OU and Rav Babad and added that the OU certifies and stands behind Empire products. He expressed to this author the OU’s disappointment in the tone of the KAJ community letter. Also, either the Nirbater or his son visit Empire each week to ensure the highest standards of Kashrus. WHY MULTIPLE HECHSHERIM? One question that people often ask is why there is a need for multiple supervisions in the first place. The answer to this question is simply economics. Adding a trusted hechsher of a community increases market share. With the growing Chassidish markets in Boro Park, Williamsburg, Monsey, Lakewood and elsewhere– and the fact that large supermarket chains have an ever-growing Kosher food section – it is a positive marketing move to add hechsherim. WHAT IS THE PROTOCOL WHEN MULTIPLE HECHSHERIM WORK TOGETHER? Generally speaking, when a new hechsher comes on board to a company, the company checks with the previous supervisions it has in order to ensure that there are no issues. Of course, each hechsher has its own minimum standards and its own set of chumros and kullos, stringencies and leniencies that are unique to its own hechsher. AN EXAMPLE For example, there is a debate among the Hechsherim about Kashering things that require hagallah within a 24 period when they were last used. The Mechaber, Moreinu Rav Yoseph Karo, writes in YD 95:4 that if one introduces a boiling

The Happiest Day of the Year is… Yes, Shavuos. Here’s Why

May 24, 2020 4:43 pm No Comments

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5TJT.com Most people think it is Purim or Simchas Torah – but Shavuos?? And the answer is, “Yes, Shavuos.” Rav Yerucham Olshin Shlita explains that the Gemorah in Psachim 68b tells us: Rabbi Elazar says, “All admit that on atzeres – we require lachem – it should be for you as a holiday. What is the reason? Because it is the day that the Torah was given.” SHAVUOS THE HAPPIEST YOM TOV The Meforshim explain that this Gemorah means we should be happier on this yom tov than on others. Indeed, Rav Yechiel Yehoshuah Rabbinowitz, the Biala Rav, in his Seder HaYom writes this explicitly that we should be happier at this Yom Tov than any other time during the year. The yesod veshoresh haAvodah (Shaar HaTzon 10) develops this idea explaining that it is because we received this remarkable treasure of the Torah. The Shla HaKadosh (Meseches Shvuos Ner Mitzvah 18) adds another level of insight. He writes that it is the day we merited the “Crown of Torah.” He cites the Gemorah in Psachim where Rav Yoseph states that were it not for this day, he would be just another “Joe” in the marketplace. It is not just the fact that we received the Torah that makes us happy – it is the fact that we merited its crown. To understand this thought, the Rambam tells us (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:13), “Even though it is a Mitzvah to learn Torah day and night, a person only learns the majority of his Torah at night. Therefore, someone who wishes to merit the crown of Torah should be careful to study it each night – not missing even one of them in sleeping, eating, drinking, conversation etc. He should only engage in Talmud Torah and Divrei Chochma. This is called the Rina of Torah. The Av Beis Din of Ponovech explained (cited in Zichron Shmuel p. 574) that there are two aspects of studying Torah. · There is the aspect of studying it in fulfillment of the Mitzvah of Limud HaTorah. · There is also an aspect of learning it as, “HaShira HaZos.” SONG OF ONE’S LIFE In other words it is the song of the life of the person. In it the person delights and takes pleasure. The person does not delay in sticking to it on any account. Any difficult situation, the person engages in it and sleeps in the depth of its halacha. Even when a person is tired – the Torah study goes on. This is the fundamental idea of the Crown of Torah. We can now better understand the Shla’s explanation of Shavuos. The custom of Klal Yisroel learning all night is now also understood better. It is not just to make up for the fact that we slept then. No, the essence of the problem in that we slept was that we were not yet at the state where it was “the song of our life.” We are thus correcting this flaw in who we were or are as a nation. We should take greater pleasure and joy in this Yom Tov because it symbolizes the song of our lives. This is why Shavuos should be the happiest of all Yom Tovs. MENTIONED IN ZOHAR The practice of learning

HaMashgiach HaRav Moshe Aharon Braverman, Z’tl, Of Bnei Brak, Dies Of The Coronavirus

May 16, 2020 9:30 pm 1 Comment

The Mashgiach HaGaon HaRav Moshe Aharon Braverman, z’tl, passed away on Shabbos morning of the coronavirus at Ma’anyei Yeheshua Hospital at the age of 86. Harav Braverman was known as one of the gedolei haMashgichim in the Litvish community. In his youth, he learned in Yeshivah Ponevezh and was the student of Hagaon Harav Shach, z’tl, who appointed him as the mashgiach of Grodno in Ashdod. Harav Braverman delivered a vaad for dozens of years every Wednesday in the Beis Medrash Ohel Tamar in Bnei Brak which was broadcast live to hundreds of people. Yehi Zichro Baruch. STAY UPDATED WITH BREAKING UPDATES FROM YWN VIA WHATSAPP – SIGN UP NOW Just click on this link, and you will be placed into a group. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Women to Join Global Lag BaOmer ‘Together’

May 12, 2020 3:00 pm No Comments

What will it take to finally change the world…for Good? Three women had an idea, and “Let’s L.A.G. Together!” was born. Inspired by a recent endeavor, “The Final Push”, (LearnMoshiach.com/join), Z. Sasson of Jewish Women Influencers reached out to G. Stolik of The Joy Movement and B. Rubashkin of the Welcome Moshiach Learning Campaign, and together they decided to widen the circle of Geulah learning. Reaching out to Litvish, Chassidish, Heimish, and Sephardic communities, they invited the women to join in an evening of Achdus, geared to Geulah. The women’s resounding response? “YES!!” And so, in honor of Lag BaOmer, an auspicious time for unity and respect, an unprecedented event will take place, women from communities across the globe, such as Crown Heights, Denver, Lakewood, Monsey, London, Melbourne, Johannesburg, and Sao Paulo, just to name a few, will share in an inspirational evening together of “Learn, Achdus, Geulah.” The incredible lineup of speakers – Miryam Swerdlov, Yemima Mizrachi, Leah Rubashkin and Chani Juravel – ensures this evening will be one with lasting results. To further build the ‘lasting results’ we are preparing a follow-up Yearn-to-Learn 15-day program. Give five minutes daily to yearn for the Geulah inspired by Torah sources. Details and access information to be announced at the event. Join us Tuesday evening for Geulah inspired Achdus, and be a part of The Final Push! To join: Teleconference: 605-313-4166 pin 128067# or 701-802-5044 pin 3355393# Playback recording: 978-990-5090 pin 3355393#

Pesach Sheini – Yom Tov of Our Greatest Challenge

May 7, 2020 3:18 pm 4 Comments

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5TJT.com Tonight is Pesach Sheni. And although many people eat Shmurah Matzah tomorrow, unfortunately, few people understand its internal message. It is a message brought out by the Gerrer Rebbe – the author of the Chidushei HaRim. Rav Yitzchok Meir Alter (1799-1866) was the very first Gerrer Rebbe. He writes that this particular day, Pesach Sheni, is a tikun for those who are perceived as beyond the pale – “B’derech Rechokah” – in his words. They are outside the scope of assistance. To them, to those who could not develop the closeness and Dveikus to Hashem that was emblematic of Pesach – is this second chance. The Psukim in Bahaaloscha tell us: There were men who were impure of the dead, and therefore, could not make the Pesach Korban on that day. They approached Moshe and Aharon on that day. Those men said to him, “We are impure [because of contact] with a dead person; [but] why should we be excluded so as not to bring the offering of Hashemin its appointed time, with all the children of Israel? Moshe said to them, “Imdu – Wait, and I will hear what Hashem instructs concerning you.” The Chidushei HaRim writes that Imdu does not mean wait – but rather it means imdu in Teshuvah and Tefillah. It is not too late, just stand and pursue these two Avodahs and Hashem will help you along the way. The Chidushei HaRim writes that this is the day for the off-the-derech kids that are now in every single one of our communities. The Corona era is making it worse. They are not even attending school anymore. They are involved in things.. well, enough said. Each community among us, whether it be chassidisha, litvisha, or modern orthodox, has children that have left the fold. Look around. They are hanging out on the street corners, at the late night Dunkin Donuts – hechsher and sans hechsher, and worse. Much worse. Those that the Chiddushei HaRim refers to have issues of self-esteem, serious alcohol consumption, and many are abusing drugs. Many OTD kids have tattoos and multiple piercings. They are everywhere – on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, in Lakewood, New Jersey. They are leaving Williamsburg in droves. And their parents toss and turn at night worrying about them. It is to the point where, to echo a Pesach theme – “ain bayis asher ain bo mais – There is not a home that has not been affected.” This Chiddushei HaRim is telling us that we need visionary leaders who can revolutionize what is not working with our systems. We need leaders who can fix things so that the off- the-derech children do not find solace in areas foreign to Torah. We need leaders to keep our youth enthused in their Yiddishkeit. We must conceive of not merely a stop-gap measure, but something more. We must research what the largest risk factors are. We must develop and innovate programs, plans and ideas that will reduce these risk factors. We need to put our collective minds and our financial pocket books together. Torah society needs a comprehensive solution to address this ever widening problem. Indeed, the Sefer Chasidim (308) explains that even if there is significant financial strain we need to create separate institutions

BE CAREFUL with That Rosh Chodesh Haircut Tomorrow

April 23, 2020 6:32 pm No Comments

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5TJT.com Yes, it is permitted. If you can find a barber or relative to do it in your house during COVID-19 isolation, that is. Tomorrow, a number of Ashkenazic Jews will be getting haircuts following the concept of two kedushos – in honor of Shabbos and in honor of Rosh Chodesh which will occur on Shabbos. This is even if one keeps the first zman – in accordance with the ruling of the Mishna Brurah (493:5). If they are not careful, however, they could be in grave danger of violating a Torah commandment. Regardless, whoever reads this article before their haircut and follows the instructions below – will fulfill a Torah Mitzvah. If you tell someone who is going to get a haircut about this Mitzvah – then you have been mezakeh that person with a Torah Mitzvah too. Oh, and one last thing. Reading it will help you avoid violating a Torah prohibition too. TORAH MITZVOS REQUIRE INTENT The Shulchan Aruch (OC 60:6 and 589:8) rules that when performing a Torah Mitzvah – intent (kavana) is required. The issue is a debate among the Rishonim, but the final halacha is that it does. THE MITZVAH UNDER DISCUSSION The verse in Vayikra 19:27 tells us, “Do not round off the corner of your scalp and do not destroy the corner of your beard.” The halachos are codified in Shulchan Aruch (YD 181). REASONS FOR THE MITZVAH The Rambam writes (Laws of Avodah Zarah 12:1) that the prohibition is based upon the fact that idol-worshipping priests would cut their hair in this method. Thus the prohibition is based upon not following in the ways of idol-worshippers. The Sefer HaChinuch (251) and SMaG (Lav 57) present this reason as well. The Tur (YD 281:1) indicates that it is a Mitzvah of which we are unaware of the underlying rationale, but we follow it because it is the commandment of the King. INTENT FOR HAIRCUTS The Kaf HaChaim (YD 232:15) writes that this is true for haircuts as well. If we have in mind that we are fulfilling the Mitzvah of “Lo sakifu p’as roshchem” – we receive credit for the Mitzvah. If we do not have this in mind, then we lose out on it. Bear in mind, that we should also have in mind the Mitzvah of Kavod Shabbos and the Mitzvah of Kavod Rosh Chodesh. WHERE ARE THE CORNERS? Every Jewish man has two gun-shaped areas that pointed slightly upward that are located next to his ears. The best way to understand the parameters of where cutting hair on the head is forbidden is to imagine four parts of a gun: The muzzle, the barrel, the hammer and the bottom of the grip or the handle. The muzzle is the front – where the bullet comes out (A). It is where the hair starts coming down. The barrel is the long tube that leads to the back of the gun (B). The hammer is the back of the gun that faces the holder of the gun (C). It is the high point above the ear. And the bottom of the grip (D) is the lowest part of the gun. Regarding hair, it is the bottom of the side burn. If you look at the picture

Rechnitz Funds Massive Satmar-Led Distribution of Food for Pesach [VIDEO]

April 3, 2020 10:05 am No Comments

(By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5TJT.com) This year, it happened in the car park to the Malcha train station in South Jerusalem. Normally, it takes place in north-central Jerusalem – at the corner of Shmuel HaNavi and Shivtei Yisroel. What we are talking about, of course, is a remarkable Satmar-led distribution of food for Pesach, also called “Kimcha d’Pischa” known as the world’s largest distribution of food packages. There were 15,000 families that received food packages, ranging from meat, to Matzah, to eggs, potatoes, and onions – all staples of the Pesach Yom Tov. The recipients ranged across the full gamut of residents of Yerushalayim: Litvish families, Sefardic families, Bucharian families, Chassidish families, as well as dati leumi families. The Satmar organization that runs this remarkable display is called “Oneg Shabbos v’Yom Tov.” It’s founder is Rav Ephraim Stern, a leader of the Reb Zalman Satmar Chassidim. He has been doing this since 1979. One of his main financial backers in this endeavor is Reb Shlomo Yehudah Rechnitz, of Los Angeles, California. The change in venue was prompted by the deadly COVID-19 virus and was coordinated with both the police and the Ministry of Health. Initially, there was trepidation as to whether Rabbi Stern would be permitted to run the distribution this year. At a meeting with officials he explained, “There will anyway be a run on the food markets even without my distribution.” The decision was made to only allow one family member from each family. Rabbi Stern remarked that giving tzedakah at this time is one way to negate or soften the harsh gzairah. Rabbi Stern was referencing the Gemorah in Rosh haShana 16b. that discusses how one can mitigate harsh decrees. Changing the venue is one thing, but how did they deal with the actual distribution in the midst of COVID-19 guidelines? The workers wore masks and gloves. Those receiving the packages remained in their vehicles. And the bags of potatoes and onions were placed and loaded onto the cars by other workers. On average, each family received about $350 worth of food. The total amounts of food delivered are staggering. 120,000 pounds of meat, 40,000 pounds of Matzah, 40,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables, 125,000 bottles of grape juice, and two million eggs. The author can be reached at [email protected] (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Coronavirus Forces Bnei Brak Yeshiva Students Into Quarantine

March 1, 2020 9:30 pm No Comments

The Coronavirus has made its way to a Yeshiva on Sunday as numerous bochrim from one of the leading Litvish Yeshivos in Bnei Brak found themselves under house quarantine this week. Students from the Yeshiva went to the United States last week for a wedding and flew back to Israel with a stopover in Italy Once the plane disembarked in Israel, authorities made all of the passengers deplane through a different route and ordered them all to maintain a house quarantine for two weeks. The affected family has two students who study in the Orchos Torah Yeshiva in Bnei Brak and they too went under house quarantine for two weeks and cannot return to Yeshiva until after that time has passed. They will be forced to continue their studies in their own home. As of Sunday morning, all flights coming to Israel from Italy will be disembarking via a special route designated for them in Terminal one of Ben Gurion airport a route that will completely separate them from other travelers in Ben Gurion. So far, 29 people have died of the Coronavirus in Italy and the country is seeing close to 300 new cases of people infected with the virus on a daily basis. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

History Is Being Made With Dirshu’s Siyum Hashas In Paris: 5,000 Tickets Sold Within A Few Days

January 8, 2020 9:30 pm No Comments

The Siyum Hashas events are arousing great interest and enthusiasm on the part of the community, but we have never seen such an excited response from a community who is not used to events like this. Within a few days, 5,000 tickets were sold in France to the Siyum Hashas which will take place this coming Sunday, 15th Teves, in Paris, organized by Dirshu at the Dôme de Paris arena. “We are talking about a historic event in the country, with unprecedented unity among all the Jewish communities, from the Consistoire to the most important Torah institutions of French Torah Jewry will gather under one roof for an incredible event in honor of the Torah. There will be performances by singer Meydad Tasa, the Malchus Choir, the Hamenagnim orchestra, and more. ccording to Rabbi Shlomo Elhadad, one of the Dirshu rabbis in France, the planned siyum has the entire country excited. “There has never been an occasion like this in all of Jewish France’s history,” he says. ‘This is the first time that an event of this size has been staged. Five thousand participants from all over France, singers, rabbonim, an emotional occasion in honor of the Torah that unites all of French Jewry around Torah. I can say that this is the type of event that will go down in history. The demand for tickets is enormous, people feel they are making history here.” “What is special here is the celebration in honor of the Torah, and those who study Daf Hayomi – whose number is, baruch Hashem, growing in France, and also the exceptional unity. From the Consistoire to the Litvish communities and Chabad. The invitation we sent out features all the Jewish communities in France, just seeing the letter is moving,” explains Rabbi Elhadad. “Everyone will come to the siyum, thousands of French Jews, bochrim from yeshivos ketanos and gedolos, those who have become closer to Torah, traditional Jews, Ashkenazim and Sephardim – everyone together at a lofty event of ahavas Torah,” adds Rabbi Elhadad. “A large number of important rabbonim from Israel as well as rabbonim from France will participate in the historic occasion. This event will undoubtedly strengthen ahavas Torah and expand the circle of those learning Daf Hayomi – the main aim for which Dirshu is investing so much in producing the siyum to the highest possible standards.”

Petira of HaRav Yechiel Levenberg ZT”L

November 25, 2019 9:00 am 2 Comments

It is with great sadness that we report the news of the passing of HaRav Yechiel Levenberg ztz’l. He was Niftar on Friday morning. HaRav Yechiel ztz’l was the son of HaRav Tzvi Levenberg ztz’l, Ra’m in Yeshivas Chaim Berlin, Brooklyn. HaRav Tzvi ztz’l was the son of HaRav Yehuda Heschel Levenberg ztz’l; Rosh Yeshiva of New Haven; the first Yeshiva to be established in the U.S, that was modelled on the Litvishe yeshivos of Europe. He was a ben bayis in the home of HaRav Yitzchak Hutner ztz’l. His mother, Rebbetzin Chana was the daughter of HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shatzkes, Rav of Lomzha, who escaped war torn Europe together with her father, along with the Mir Yeshiva, via Shanghai. HaRav Yechiel ztz’l grew up on the Lower East Side, together with his siblings, in the proximity of many Gedolim, including his venerable neighbour HaGaon HaRav Moshe Feinstein ztz’l, with whom he had a close kesher from early childhood. During his years at the Mir Yeshiva in Yerushalayim, he was a Talmid Muvhak of both HaRav HaGaon Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz ztz’l and of HaRav HaGaon Rav Nochum Partzovitz ztz’l learning bechevrusa and maintaining a special bond with both of them. HaRav Yechiel ztz’l married his Rebbetzin Fayge tblch’t; daughter of Hagaon Rav Moshe Schwab ztz’l, Mashgiach of Gateshead Yeshiva and went to live in England, where he joined the Kollel HaRabbonim in Gateshead and learnt there for fifteen years. HaRav Yechiel ztz’l was then brought to London to head the Menorah Grammar School . He became a Dayan and Moreh Tzedek there and was Rov of Beis Hamedrash Chovevei Torah. He was known as a tremendous pikeach; both in his familiarity with all areas of learning and in his understanding of human nature. He had numerous talmidim across the spectrum and connected to them all. During the last two years of his life, he and his Rebbetzin moved to Manchester, to live nearer to some of their children. He is survived by his Rebbetzin, sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren and by his brother HaRav Yehuda Heschel Levenberg of Lakewood and Mrs Devora Goldstein of Chicago. His petira is a great loss for all and his passing marks the end of an era. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

ADDRESSING HATE: FJCC Leaders Meet with NYPD Brass, Elected Officials to Address Rise in Anti-Semitic Attacks

October 3, 2019 7:07 pm 3 Comments

Responding to the increasing number of anti-Semitic attacks carried out against Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn, a security meeting convened by the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition Flatbush Shomrim, Flatbush Hatzoloh and City Councilman Chaim Deutsch created a forum for high ranking members of the NYPD and Brooklyn’s elected officials to hear from members of the Jewish community and better understand their concerns. The meeting took place on September 26th at the OHEL building in Flatbush, with distinguished local rabbis, community and shul leaders, heads of major local organizations and yeshiva administrators in attendance. Among those who turned out to take part in the communal safety conversation were NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan, NYPD Deputy Chief of Patrol Brooklyn South Charles Scholl, Commanders of the 61, 63, 66 and 70 police precincts, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Executive Director Deborah Lauter of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s recently created Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, State Senator Simcha Felder, Assembly members Helene Weinstein and Simcha Eichenstein and City Council members Farah Louis and Chaim Deutsch. Deutsch noted that anti-Semitic hate crimes in New York City are up 56 percent over the same time period last year and discussed various preventive initiatives including educating public school students about the impact of hate crimes, installing new security cameras, increasing police presence on local streets and expanding the NYPD’s auxiliary program to provide extra safety at all houses of worship. “This hate needs to stop,” said Deutsch. “We cannot go on like this. Our community is being targeted and this needs to stop.” Chief Monahan, District Attorney Gonzalez and Executive Director Lauter all addressed the gathering, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to putting an immediate end to this growing problem, both during the high holiday season and throughout the year. Chief Monahan noted that the NYPD takes hate crimes very seriously, with a dedicated task force headed by Deputy Inspector Mark Molinari giving its full attention to reported bias crimes. Extra manpower will be on the streets during the upcoming yomim tovim, said Chief Monahan, who announced a new pilot program to have community members trained as auxiliary police officers in order to have protection in every local shul. Acknowledging the community’s feelings of concern and his office’s responsibilities for ensuring public safety, District Attorney Gonzalez described the different types of people who commit hate crimes, noting that all cases will be treated with the utmost significance, with perpetrators to face stiff consequences. Taking a proactive stance on the rise in hate crimes, Executive Director Lauter spoke about the importance of understanding why hate crimes are occurring and what can be done to put an end to the disturbing trend. As head of the City Hall’s newest office, whose creation was facilitated in a large part by Deutsch, Executive Director Lauter explained her plans to launch educational and culturally sensitivity programming in schools and in other communities to promote tolerance and respect as a means of preventing anti-Semitic incidents. Community leaders asked pointed questions, expressing their concerns and bringing to light specific needs of the Orthodox Jewish community that may be different than those of other demographics. Also discussed was the importance of a heightened NYPD presence around the clock, particularly once Daylight Savings Time ends, and adults, the elderly and even children are

Just for You: The PUAHCare Article Series.

September 23, 2019 4:00 pm No Comments

Because your fertility journey is so much more than a medical experience. The PUAH CareLine is a dedicated hotline staffed by our team of fertility experts to answer all your fertility concerns, great and small. We understand your journey, and we are there to help, every step of the way.reach us at [email protected] 718.336.0603 Must Read!! From the files of Rav Dov Popper, PUAH rabbinic advisor and genetic specialist at Hadassah Medical Center: Wed. May 22, 2019 As a PUAH rabbinic advisor and posek, I’ve been invited to lecture at a medical conference in Rambam Medical Center. Following the lecture, Dr. Raanan Tal, head of the hospital’s male fertility department, invites me to coffee. I’m delighted; Dr. Tal is not just one of the country’s top experts in the field of male fertility but is also an exceptionally compassionate and modest human being. I take advantage of the opportunity to speak to Dr. Tal about one of my PUAH couples. The husband has a condition called azoospermia, causing infertility. My general procedure in such cases is to refer the man for surgery, where the doctor attempts to locate and extract viable reproductive cells. It’s not an easy procedure, but, as I’ve seen from my many years in PUAH, couples are willing to go through quite a lot for the sake of having children. However, when I looked through this man’s medical files, I realized right away that his condition was so severe that there was almost no chance of finding a viable cell. I knew that virtually no doctor would be willing to even operate on him, with such a miniscule chance of success. With a heavy heart, I told the couple as much. But they begged me not to give up on them. “Please find us someone who will do the surgery. We want to know that we tried everything possible to have a baby.” And so, it was time for me to turn to my backup plan in such cases – what I call my Plan Raanan. I know Dr. Raanan Tal has such a soft heart and is so dedicated to his work that it’s impossible for him to refuse a request. And so, over coffee, I fill him in on this patient’s details. He reviews the medical files, and then gives me a long look. “Rav Popper, you understand that the chance of success here is less than half a percent, right?” “Yes, but we can’t just leave them without any hope at all,” I answer. “And besides, for Hashem, even half a percent is enough.” Dr. Tal finishes his coffee, and says at last, “The only reason I’m going to do this is because it’s you asking. You know how much I respect PUAH and everything you do there.” He wipes his mouth, and then adds, with a twinkle in his eye, “I’m a secular Jew; I don’t believe in miracles. But if I find viable cells in this man – I’m becoming religious!” Wed. June 5, 2019 My phone rings in my office – Dr. Raanan Tal. I pick up, and, without any greeting, he says to me, “Rav Popper, I’m ready to be chozer b’teshuva!” It takes me a second to catch on, and he cries, “The surgery was successful! We found viable cells!” Later

Baltimore Cong. Arugas Habosem Commemorates Triple Milestone With Dancing In The Streets [PHOTOS]

September 18, 2019 8:00 pm 1 Comment

(By Margie Pensak) The excitement was tangible. It was written on the hundreds of faces – young and old, Chassidishe, Litvish, and secular-looking, alike – of those who came to the triple celebration held at Congregation Arugas Habosem (fondly known as “Rabbi Taub’s shul”). The fulfillment of a dream that was long in the making, a triple milestone, was finally celebrated on Sunday, September 15: a Chanukas Habayis, the consecration of the new shul building; a Chanukas HaMikveh, the consecration of its new Mikveh; and, a Hachnosos Sefer Torah in memory of Rebbetzin Taub’s parents, the Honiader Rav, R’Avrohom Meir ben R’Yehuda Israel, and Rebbetzin Chava bas R’Meir Halevi Israel, z”l. While the final letters of the new sefer Torah were being written in the Taubs’ home with the Brider Rebbe, Rav Shaye Taub, the Rebbetzin and her daughters and granddaughters – who traveled from various parts of New York, by car and chartered bus with their families – enjoyed hot kugel, salad, and desserts in the small shul with women from throughout the community, Anticipation mounted, as we came outside and heard a chassidishe singer sing heartfelt niggunim on the Taubs’ front lawn and watched the Taub grandchildren distribute pekelach filled with candy, flags, and headbands to children. When the torches were lit, and Park Heights Avenue and Clark’s Lane were blocked off for the procession route, we knew the writing had been completed. The Brider Rebbe, Rabbi Shaye Taub, proudly came out of his house hugging the new sefer Torah which was regally dressed in gold embroidered blue velvet, topped with red roses. To the joyous music and singing that was, no doubt, heard as far away as Reisterstown Plaza, the Rebbe jubilantly carried the newly written sefer Torah under the portable chuppah that awaited and, subsequently, to its new home. As his grandchildren escorted the chuppah by torchlight, the sefer Torah was passed from hand to hand, under the chuppah, giving marchers the honor of carrying it along the way. As the procession approached the new shul, Arugas Habosem’s existing Torah scrolls were brought out to greet the newest sefer Torah addition. Together, they were danced into the shul with the accompaniment of niggunim and dancing that resembled a mix between a wedding and a Simchas Torah celebration. A seudah (celebratory meal) immediately followed the return of the Torah scrolls into the shul’s new aron kodesh, which featured guest speaker, R’Dovid Meisels, shlit”a, the noted author of “Sefer Oitzar Hashabos” and the book, “The Rebbe: The Extraordinary Life & Worldview of Rabbeinu Yoel Teitelbaum, The Satmar Rebbe”, among other writings. The front of the new shul bears the name, “Binyan Keser Tzvi’, in honor of its benefactor, builder Howard Brown. “When I approached Howard, initially, for his help, he graciously responded,” remarks the Rebbe. “More recently, when I spoke to his employees about working a double shift so the building can be completed before the Yomim Noraim, they told me that Howard told them to do everything they can to make it happen.” The shul will hold another event, after its completion, to put up the mezuzas. “The kavod for Baltimore was the fact that a chassidishe kehillah that has been here since 1951 is still going strong and that we could continue the legacy of my

The New York City Ban on “Foie Gras” – A Halachic Analysis

September 12, 2019 8:00 pm 8 Comments

(By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5TJT.com) The New York City Council is made up of 51 members. They introduce and vote on legislation that controls all aspects of city life. Currently, the New York City Council members are considering legislation that would ban foie gras from being sold in New York. The reason is that they believe that the way these birds are fed constitutes terrible cruelty to animals. The bill has half of the Council signed on as co-sponsors, and Mayor de Blasio himself said that he supports the intent of the proposal. The bill may be set to be voted on in the fall, The question is, what does halacha say about all of this? Is there cruelty to animals involved here? Are there other kashrus issues in Foie gras as well? A JEWISH FOOD Foie gras, shockingly enough has historically been known as a Jewish food. It can either be made from fattened goose or duck. In this case, the one made from ducks is used and is supervised by the OU. A famous German mercenary soldier and poet who was a contemporary of the Ramah, Hans Wilhelm Kirchhof, wrote in 1562 that the Jews raise fat geese and particularly love consuming their livers. Indeed, the pope’s own chef, Bartolomeo Scappi, chef to Pope Pius V, writes in his cookbook, “the liver of [a] domestic goose raised by the Jews is of extreme size and weighs [between] two and three pounds.” Clearly, the food was identified as a Jewish food in the time of the Shulchan Aruch. MODERN FOIE GRAS STANDARDS ARE QUITE HIGH In the past, some have raised questions about the kashrus of foie gras, but Rav Yisroel Belsky zt”l of the OU researched many of the issues and permitted it. This author also conducted research into the matter and believes that the foie gras industry has been subjected to Lashon Harah. In conversation with the Av Beis Din of Paris, France, Rav Yirmiyahu Menachem Cohen, the author discovered that he shares the same view. What follows is an in-depth analysis of the underlying issues. THE PROCESS The goose is raised normally until it reaches its natural weight of about nine pounds. The force-feeding then begins, where the geese are fed about one pound of feed three times a day with a specialized feeding machine that measures the amount of feed and has a tube that is inserted into the duck or goose. This is done for approximately three weeks, until the goose reaches an astounding 18 pounds. The liver grows at a disproportionate rate, increasing to some four to six times its natural weight. Some places do the force-feeding manually through what appears to be a huge eye-dropper that is forced down the goose’s throat, which could cause the esophagus to be injured. Nowadays, the kosher force-feeding done in France and Hungary, is done through a soft pvc pipe. The type of feed used is also crucial. If the feed is ground thinly then there are less injuries, but issues can still arise. Historically, after the Columbine exchange brought corn to Europe, farmers realized the marbleizing capabilities of corn in the fat and began to use corn as feed instead of grains. In recent years, proponents of kosher foie gras production, claim that the

B’chasdei Hashem: Two Missing Talmidei Yeshiva in Nachal Yarden Found Alive & Well

August 27, 2019 3:36 am No Comments

10:57AM: Authorities are reporting the two talmidei yeshiva missing since Monday evening in Nachal Yarden have been found alive and well B’chasdei Hashem. The bochrim reside in Brechfeld and Beit Shemesh and are currently being questioned by Katzrin police. EARLIER REPORT: Police and other agencies on Tuesday morning were summoned during the predawn hours to assist in locating missing talmidei yeshiva in Nachal Yarden. The missing talmidim were last seen in a kayak near Yaakov Bridge on Monday evening and have not been seen since. An extensive search is going on at this time. Two bochrim, 18, from a known litvish yeshiva, have been listed as “missing” since 6:00PM on Monday evening. According to their friends, they were last spotted near Yaakov Bridge in Nachal Yarden and their tracks have since disappeared. Family members of the talmidim have been updated by authorities, as police, ZAKA, and other volunteers are taking part in the ongoing search. All attempts to call their phones have been unsuccessful as the phones are turned off. ZAKA reports the organization was alerted to the situation at 6:00PM Monday evening, receiving a report a kayak with two talmidei yeshiva disappeared near Yaakov Bridge in Nachal Yarden. ZAKA notified police and its search & rescue personnel and the search began. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Gafne & Others Hold a Secret Meeting with Petach Tikvah Mayor Greenberg

August 22, 2019 9:30 pm No Comments

The chairman of the Yahadut Hatorah party, MK Moshe Gafne, who chairs the Knesset Finance Committee, held a secret meeting with Tel Aviv Mayor Rami Greenberg, attending by other representatives as well, hoping to reach an understanding towards ending the tensions between City Hall and the local chareidi tzibur. Just two weeks ago, Greenberg was brought to Bnei Brak for a meeting with HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita. There was an air of optimism following that meeting, perhaps a bit too premature. A meeting took place in the mayor’s office last week, reported by a local Petach Tikvah newspaper; attended by Gafne, the local head of the party, Eliyahu Bruchi and Yisrael Friedman of Agudas Yisrael. They are both councilmen serving on the Petach Tikvah City Council. According to the local newspaper report, the meeting was at the behest of Gafne, who was “trying to break the ice” between the sides following the mayor’s sanctions on educational institutions affiliated with the litvish stream. “I am asking you not to relocate five kindergartens affiliated with Agudas Yisrael on Hamoreh Yarkoni Street, and to relocate them to Chafetz Chaim and Haorim Streets”, Gafne said the chareidi tzibur in the city feels like the mayor is taking revenge on them due to the actions of Degel Hatorah and Agudas Yisrael, both not supporting Greenberg’s election bid. Shas however did back Greenberg in the last municipal election. While Gafne was optimistic after Greenberg visited with Rav Kanievsky, when he was seeking a bracha, that feeling was short-lived, as the mayor responded to Gafne’s request; “Concentrating a chareidi population in the city center and the surrounding area makes like difficult and damages the environmental fabric of the area”. Gafne also asked the mayor refrain from plans to harm the yeshivos gedolos including Pe’er Moshe, Nachlas David and Ohr Yisrael, headed by HaGaon Rav Yigal Rosen, as the rav has a long-standing personal quarrel with him. Gafne, according to the report, was surprised to hear from the mayor just how much he invests in the city’s population, including the one he represents. “I presented him with facts and made him understand that the picture painted for him is not the truth” the mayor is quoted saying. “There has not been any change by Greenberg regarding the chareidim in the city, as compared to Shas, which benefits from Greenberg and his administration since the party supported his mayoral bid” he is quoted telling Chareidim10 News. Chareidim10 adds that when Greenberg arrived in Bnei Brak, he waited outside a long time and Gafne gave the word to bring him into Rav Kanievsky in order to avoid embarrassing him, and thereby giving him a reason to take out his anger against the chareidi tzibur in his city. “L’chatchila, whomever had the idea to bring him to Rashbam Street made a mistake!”. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Chareidim Protest Against Beit Shemesh City Hall To Stop Mechina Yeshiva From Coming To The City

August 6, 2019 6:29 am No Comments

Tens of litvish chareidim, reportedly from the Yahadut Hatorah community, entered Beit Shemesh City Hall and protested on Tuesday in an effort to prevent funding for the Yedidya Mechina Yeshiva. The chareidi protestors were from the Old Beit Shemesh area, and they are hoping to stop the opening of the Yedidya Pre-IDF Mechina Yeshiva affiliated by Yeshivat HaKotel. They learned the city’s budget committee is about to approve the funding for Yeshivat HaKotel to move ahead with the project in the Sheinfeld area of Old Beit Shemesh. The protestors are not against the dati leumi yeshiva but feel if a yeshiva outside the city is funded ahead of the chareidim, who lack minimal conditions for their school children, it is simply unacceptable. The meeting in City Hall to hear objections to the project was set for 1:00PM Tuesday, but the city unilaterally moved it up to 11:00AM in the hope of preempting and passing the allocation without hearing the objections from residents. Attorney Shlomo Eisenstein represents the residents, sent a harsh letter to the city’s attorney general and the budgeting committee, citing the residents have not be given the legal forum to express their objections. The city explains the committee is a professional one which sees all the needs of neighborhood residents and acts accordingly. “The attempt to create an atmosphere of war is wrong, as most neighborhood residents think and want differently. This is because over the past ten years, they have received nothing from the previous government and have not made any allocations to them on the matter. “However, the municipality negotiated with the residents to find a solution to their request. Unfortunately, they chose to go the way of struggle and demonstrations, a way that does not reflect the wishes of most neighborhood residents to live in peace. “To the heart of the matter is discussion of a temporary allocation to a Torah educational institution that we are sure will contribute greatly to the neighborhood and reflect the shared desire to maintain the status quo and existing order in neighborhoods in the city”. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem/Photo & Video Credit: Beit Shemesh News)

5 Bochrim Ousted From Yeshiva Found With Kosher Phones

July 31, 2019 3:00 pm 10 Comments

Rosh Yeshivas Ohr Yisrael, HaGaon HaRav Yigal Rosen, expelled five bochrim from the yeshiva after they were found in procession of kosher cellphones. One of the bochrim spoke with Kikar Shabbos News, explaining the summer zman has begun, and Rav Rosen learned bochrim in shiur bet had kosher cellphones in yeshiva, a violation of regulations. He decided this was sufficient grounds for their expulsion. The yeshiva is known for its extremely strict regulations, according to some, more so than all other litvish yeshivos. The kosher cellphones in this case is one example. Bochrim know the penalty is their immediate expulsion. The report adds that when the rosh yeshiva learned of their cellular telephones, he was heard saying “I will prepare a surprise for them at the end of the zman”. It is explained the rosh yeshiva preferred to oust them at the end of the zman and not immediately, to make it more difficult for them to find another yeshiva at that late hour. Others opine that the opposite is true, and while the bochrim crossed a red line with their phones, the rosh yeshiva nevertheless waited, to permit them to continue learning rather than lose the summer zman. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Degel Angry with Jerusalem Mayor Leon for Failing to Keep Agreement

July 24, 2019 8:30 pm 6 Comments

The agreement signed between Degel Hatorah with Shas regarding the Jerusalem education portfolio has yet to be implemented despite the fact that Mayor Moshe Leon, who was backed by the litvish party, promised the agreement would be implemented within his first sixty days in office. Readers are reminded that there was a harsh disagreement between Degel and Shas regarding the education portfolio, which has been in Shas hands, now demanded by Degel. As part of the city coalition agreement, it was decided a Chareidi Education Resources Division would be established in the city by Deputy Mayor Yisrael Kellerman within the first sixty days of the Leon administration. This was the suggestion by HaGaon HaRav Baruch Soloveitchik made to solve the machlokes. This new unit will permit the division of chareidi education into separate departments, with one headed by Shas and the other by Degel, as Shas party leader Interior Minister Aryeh Deri was not about to give away the prestigious portfolio to Degel, fearing it would jeopardize his efforts to end discrimination against sephardi girls in the capital. In addition to the establishment of the new division, the city is expected to allocate NIS 1 million towards the construction of classrooms for the chareidi sector. According to a Kikar Shabbos News report, the funding is to come from the general budget. However, the basis of the budget that was passed by the city council did not include the section for the allocation of the new division. City officials report that work towards the establishment of the new chareidi education division is underway. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Rav Landau Assumes Exclusive Responsibly For Kashrus & Marriage In Bnei Brak

July 23, 2019 3:42 pm No Comments

Some are celebrating while others disappointed, but HaGaon HaRav Shimon Elituv of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel has decided that the responsibility for kashrus and marriage in Bnei Brak will not be handled by both Chief Rabbis, but placed in the hands of HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Isaac Landau Shlita, son of the cities late Chief Rabbi, HaGaon HaRav Yehuda Leib Landau ZT”L. When Rav Landau was first appointed with HaGaon HaRav Shevach Tzvi Rosenblatt, it was announced they would share responsibility for kashrus, but the Chief Rabbinate has decided otherwise. The Chief Rabbinate Council however decided otherwise. Chreidim10 News reports that during the levaya of Rav Yehuda Landau, the appointment of the chassidish and litvish rabbonim was announced. It appears that the Chief Rabbinate Council however only appointed Rav Landau to oversee kashrus and marriage in the city, as per the letter dates 30 Sivan 5779. Rav Elituv, a Chabad Chossid from Rishon L’Tzion, requested that the kashrus and marriage remain exclusively in Rav Landau’s hands. It is pointed out that during recent years, when Rav Yehuda Landau became ill and was not ambulatory. Rav Isaac ran the kashrus and marriage and is known for his vast knowledge in halacha and the kashrus world. Rav Landau has been notified that he is to fill the place held for decades by his father. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Emergency Kinnos In Ramot Yerushalayim Monday Night

July 22, 2019 2:02 am No Comments

Rabbonim in the Ramot area of Yerushalayim are called for urgent Kinnos on Monday night to address what they call “the ongoing disregard for the chareidi population”. The urgent gathering is to be hosted in the kollel in the Meoros Moshe Shul, and rabbonim from the litvish, chassidish and sephardi communities are expected to participate along with Degel Hatorah, Shas and Agudas Yisrael city councilmen. In Ramot A, the residents feel they are being discriminated against regarding a shul, as most area residents are without a proper shul and they are forced to daven in makeshift structures, including storage rooms and bomb shelters. Residents also shout “discrimination” when it comes to schools for the chareidi tzibur, both boys and girls. It is also pointed out that there are ongoing efforts to change the demographics in the area, for the non-chareidi tzibur, as in the country neighborhood, where former mayor Nir Barkat decided to allocate space for the construction of 600 housing units to be sold to policepersons and soldiers, viewed as a move by City Hall to dilute the chareidi population in the area. During the kenos, askanim are expected to address the building of an auditorium near the shopping center, a new building that will not be run by the chareidim, which the rabbonim fear will present a major danger to the chareidi tzibur and it will host events on Shabbos R”L and expose the frum community to immodest productions. There is also the issue of the mixed swimming pool in Ramot, which operates on Shabbos. Another pool was built in the country neighborhood near the chareidi area, but it is reported that this pool will also be mixed and operate on Shabbos. Over the years, the demographics in Ramot have shifted considerably to favor the chareidim, but they continue fighting as they feel despite this reality, City Hall continues fighting to reverse the trend in favor of the non-chareidi public. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

A Hi-Tech Torah Jew

June 24, 2019 12:45 pm 2 Comments

“We believe that a Jew can remain entrenched in the Torah world even while working in hi-tech or a law firm.” Harav Yitzchak Elkayem is building a community of Israeli baalabatim who aspire to continue learning, remaining profoundly connected to the Torah world, and entrenched in the mainstream charedi sector. * He warns of the spiritual perils of neglecting this growing sector and emphasizes that the charedi community in Eretz Yisrael must accept all its members, including those who leave the hallowed halls of yeshivah to enter the workforce. Acting on this conviction, he founded a baalabatim kollel that offers learners a respectable monthly stipend, keeping them connected to the Torah community. * The vision: Building a community of professionals who are talmidei chachamim and kovei’a ittim la’Torah. Harav Yitzchak Elkayem is not the run-of-the-mill rabbi or rosh kollel. At the age of 34, he set out on an intrepid journey that many prophesied would end in failure. Yet, defying the many odds and objections, only two years later, Rabbi Elkayem can proudly declare that the first stage of his odyssey is crowned with success. With motivation, conviction and overpowering love of Klal Yisrael, he has sowed seeds of deep change into the charedi conscious in Eretz Yisrael and is revolutionizing the sector’s approach to young men who choose to enter the workforce. The charedi sector in Eretz Yisrael places limud Torah on a pedestal, for the most part mandating that young males remain within the rigorous yeshivah framework throughout their lives. Particularly in the Litvish community, leaving yeshivah or kollel to join the workforce is frowned upon, albeit in the past decade, the trend of young working charedi men has been steadily increasing as more and more feel compelled to pursue a career. In the past, young men who abandoned the beis medrash to enter the working world confronted massive spiritual and social obstacles. Foremost was the startling, eye-opening switch from full-time learning in an insular, spiritually-conducive environment to a secular world replete with endless possibilities and pitfalls. Moreover, since joining the workforce was discouraged for numerous reasons, the bold young men who stepped out of the box to choose this unconventional path were often rejected by their peers and social circles and forced to seek an alternate environment where they could feel comfortable. Another prominent issue was the dire lack of study frameworks, shiurim and kollelim designated for baalabatim, places where these young men who still felt intrinsically bound to learning and the yeshivah world could find their niche. Cut off from their spiritual lifelines and lacking a suitable replacement where they could be kovei’ah ittim la’Torah at their own pace, many young men, singles and married, unfortunately found themselves drifting far from mainstream charedi life and society. Over the past decade, there has been a gradual shift. Spurred by financial need, many charedi men do go out to work within several years of marriage, and there has been a virtual explosion of educational and career opportunities for charedi men seeking to build a professional life while remaining rooted in the Torah world. Harav Yitzchak Elkayem is one of the pioneers seeking to build a cohesive society of Torah-true professionals in Eretz Yisrael. To advance his goal, he founded Ittim, a network of baalabatim kollels geared to yeshivah

What Shul is Right for You? The Staten Island Jewish Community Offers a Variety of Choices

June 19, 2019 7:00 pm 2 Comments

The Jewish community Staten Island offers a variety of different shuls for every type of community member. As part of the community’s efforts to encourage families to move to Staten Island, the community has placed increased emphasis on the resources the community has to offer, including building a website to aggregate these resources, and organizing a shabbaton to introduce potential families to the community. A key consideration for families is finding the right shul to belong to within the community, and the Staten Island Jewish community offers multiple choices for every type of background and Jewish outlook. Young Israel of Staten Island Led by moreh d’Asrah Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield and assistant Rabbi Josh Sturm, the Young Israel of Staten Island represents a vibrant and thriving Modern Orthodox community in Willowbrook. As one of the leading mekomos torah in the community, it has many minyanim, numerous shiurim, and a youth department. It boasts over 600 members, has special programs for newly married couples, and a kollel for retirees. Kehiles Niles Shul Led by Rabbi Dovid Waldman, Kehilas Niles is a nusach ashkenaz litvish shul that provides a warm and inviting environment to daven in. The congregation takes pride in davening and growth in avodas hashem, with the Rabbi personally involved in the kehila in numerous and creative ways. A daily daf yomi shiur is held at the shul every night, and a weekly kiddush takes place on shabbos following davening. Agudas Israel of Staten Island The Agudath Israel shul is led by Harav Moshe Meir Weiss, who received smicha from from Rav Moshe Feinstein and has been a community leader for over 30 years. The Shul offers daily minyanim and stellar daf yomi shiur delivered by the Rav himself. It features multiple programs including shabbos and motzei shabbos programs for children aged five years and older to learn with their fathers, and a benos youth program for frum teenage girls. Congregation Agudath Shomrei Hadas Under the leadership of Harav Tzvi Pollack Shlita and his son, and Rosh Kollel, Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Pollack, the Agudath Shomrei Hadas shul offers minyanim from early morning to late night, as well as various shiurim and a night seder program for adults and boys every evening. The shul has been active in the community for over 40 years, and is home to the Willowbrook Community Kollel which has helped bring an influx of young families to the neighborhood. Congregation Tov of Staten Island Tov of Staten Island is a Sephardic Bet Knesset that runs under the leadership of Rabbi Eliyahu Quedoshim in accordance with Sephardic halacha and customs. The Bet Knesset strives to provide diverse programing that caters to all and features regular classes in gemara, halacha, torah, and mussar, as well as a Sunday morning Kollel. Rabbi Quesdoshim is a vibrant leader known for his kindness and compassion and the long-lasting relationships he forms with community members. To learn more about any of these shuls, or to schedule a visit to the community, call 718.938.5412 or visit the Staten Island Jewish Community website.

Halachic Analysis: Reinterring a Deceased Parent in Eretz Yisroel

June 12, 2019 8:45 pm 2 Comments

(By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5TJT.com) A father passes away and is buried in the local cemetery. The children move away. The mother moves to live next to the children. Can the deceased be re-interred next to where the wife and children now live? What are the parameters of when and if it is ever permitted? What if the family has moved to Eretz Yisroel? Also, what is the current situation with general burial in Eretz Yisroel? Is it smooth-sailing? Are there pitfalls, dangers or snags? If so, what should one watch out for? MOVING A DECEASED The Kol Bo (114), as cited by the Shach (YD writes that moving a deceased is disturbing and confusing to the one who has passed away – as is alluded in the response of Iyov to his friends (Iyov 3:12), “For now, I would be lying tranquilly; I would sleep, then it would be restful for me.” He further cites the prophet Shmuel in his response to Shaul HaMelech when he was raised from the dead for a consultation (Shmuel Aleph 28:15), “Why have you disturbed me to arise?” The confusion is on account of the fear that the deceased have of the Day of Judgement. The Shulchan Aruch thus rules that one may not, in general, reinter a deceased from an honorable gravesite to another honorable gravesite or even from an embarrassing gravesite to a more honorable gravesite. The Shulchan Aruch does qualify this ruling by saying that if it is “betoch shelo” within his own – then it is permitted – even from an honorable gravesite to an embarrassing one. The reason is that it is desirable to a person to be buried next to his forefathers. But what does “betoch shelo” mean and what does it include? The Shach explains that it means if he is to be reinterred to be with his fathers. The TaZ, however, implies that the deceased may be moved to be next to any family member. The Be’er HaGolah has the ame more lenient view. RAV FEINSTEIN’S VIEW On January 21, 1949, Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l wrote a response (Igros Moshe YD Vol. I #237) to Rabbi Yaakov Donishefsky about this very topic and stated that although the distinction between the Shach’s view and that of the Taz is duly noted, this is not sufficient proof to rely on it in order to permit reburial when a mother wishes to be buried next to her son. Rav Moshe Feinstein also notes that Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk (Or Sameach at the end of Hilchos Avel) permits it even in cases of other family members and even if it is just to be in a family plot. He writes that Rav Meir Simcha’s proofs are weak, but who can protest if someone wishes to rely upon his view? Rav Moshe concludes the responsum by saying that he is not telling Rav Donishevsky what to do and that he should look into it himself and decide for himself. Nine years later, on March 5th, 1958, in a responsum to Rabbi Yaakov Max of Baltimore, Rav Feinstein points out that there are two explanations of the definition of betoch shelo that are cited in the Prisha. THE APPARENT CONTRADICTION The Talmud Yerushalmi Moed Kotton 4:2 seems to imply

What Shul is Right for You? The Staten Island Jewish Community Offers a Variety of Choices

June 11, 2019 7:00 pm 1 Comment

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