Motzei Shabbos session recap at Agudah convention 2012

  Following an uplifting shabbos the  Motzei Shabbos session was a melava malka setting the theme-Agudath Israel Centennial Banquet, which reflected on 100 years since the founding of Agudah in katowice, Poland.
The Evening Chairman was Mr. bentzion Fishoff a long time Agudah veteran activist.

Rav Avrohom Chaim Levin Rosh Yeshiva Telshe Chicago spoke about the many unknown acts of Kiddush shem shomayim and chesed, the dedication of previous gedolim and leaders of Agudath Yisrael. Who remembers? asked the RY all the achrayus of Mike tress or Moshe sherer, or Rav Itche Mier Levin. Who remembers the dedication of Rav Chaskel Besser  the thousands of details that Rav Boruch Borchadt put together, is it forgotten? NO! the Ribono Shel Olam knows, its recorded in his sefer it is inscribed in that great Sefer Zikaron. He concluded by saying that as Agudah turns 100 years old since the founding in Katowitc, youth doesn't appreciate old age, we need hischadshus and dedication we need young blood to get involved in Agudas israel of America.Let us be mechazek and devote ourselves to join the Agudah..ויעשו כולם אגודה אחת

 Chacahm Yosef Harari raful RY Ateret Torah, Brooklyn mentioned how the Agudah in Eretz Yisrael fought with the Govt to save Torah Values in EY. The struggle today is different than back than and we must listen and follow the gedolim. The recent  Internet Asifa at Citifield gave a Hisoirerus of which we can get Siyata Dishmaya, so too the Siyum hashas which through Agudah brought 90,000 Yidden together and the Shiurei Torah that they spread brings Siyata Dishmaya ashrei Chelkam.
 Noted Singer MBD was on hand to provide Zemiros for the Melava Malka.
 Rav Doniel Alter from yerushalayim a son of the Pnei Menachem the previous Gerer Rebbe spoke in Yiddish. He elaborated on the fact That Agudah is here to be Mamlich Kvod shomayim. By Bringing all stripes of klal Yisrael together as the gemara says נהרא נהרא ופשטיה.

A audio visual presentation was shown titled the heritage of katowice opening With rabbi chaim Dovid Zweibel standing at the line of scrimmage in an empty Metlife stadium stressing the importance of Agudah from its founding to today how it is as relevant today as it was than it went through the history of Agudah how it spread from Poland throughout Europe than to NY and now throughout the US in 26 states. It concluded with rabbi Zwiebel (walking toward the end zone ) proclaiming we must rise up and meet the challenge.

Harav Malkiel Kotler rosh Yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, Delivered his remarks in English, he  referred to his Grandfather Rav Aaron Kotler who when he came to America he made sure there was Torah learned and Talmidei Chachomim who would have a hashkafa al pi torah. We entrust the gedolim who lead us no matter if we understand or not. We are one heart even though we are many faces.

Noted Attorney Nat Lewin or Nosson Levine  whose grandfather was the Reischer rav, Rav Aharon Levine, who was instrumental at the founding of agudah and spoke at the early Knessiah gedolah. Mr. Lewin captivated the audience by opening his remarks in Yiddish as he is not speaking at the supreme court, saying he usually only gets 30 minutes to argue a case in the supreme court when a red warning light goes off although he was only allotted 20 minutes he joked about no red lights here. He mentioned how he was a law clerk to Justice John Marshal Harlan II on the supreme court who he called a Mentch. When he told the judge that he was an orthodox Jew who observes shabbos, the judge was receptive and said its no problem at all, his co clerk can take over on shabbos. Interestingly Mr. lewin said back then each judge had 2 law Clerks and yet the supreme court decided 150 cases. Today each justice has 4 law clerks and the court only decides 75 cases. He elaborated on a case he argued regarding a chaplain who was.not allowed to wear a yarmulka in the air force. His litigation eventually bore fruits as congress passed a law allowing one to wear a yarmulka. A special camouflage yarmulka was manufactured at the time, in a humorous twist of events judge Brennen on the supreme court wore a yarmulka for a day which Mr. Lewin  jokingly remarked "the first supreme court judge to wear a yarmulka is a roman catholic. As expected he mentioned the Rubashkin case and he said we must not forget about Rav sholom Mordechai. שמור וזכור is Roshei teivos שלום מרדכי רובשקין.

Dayan, Rav Aaron Dovid Dunner from London, the last speaker of the evening joked about the late hour  saying he didn't intend to say bedtime stories and unlike the others he plans to keep his speach short. he noted they are closer to Shachris of sunday than the inspiration mentiond of chazak chazak by shachris on shabbos. Looking  at the 100 years we must know that true askanus requires Emes. Rav yaakov Roesnheim was emes. The word Politika said Rav Dunner is not a word you will find in Lashon hakodesh there is no Emes there. If we show the world and we don't bend our words we keep to toras emes  people wont start up with the Torah knowing we are true to the torah of which we follow.


for Agudah Convention Tapes and Cd's or mp3 of 90th 2012 convention  email: Zalmanumlas@netzero.net or mail this order form: 

Video Agudath Israel of America 90th convention Thursday Session

Thank you Gifterphotos for more convention Videosclick HERE

Thursday night session recap at Agudah convention 2012 in East Brunswick, NJ.

For Motzei Shabbos session recap click HERE
Video here

The national Agudah convention got underway. The theme for the  Thursday Night session at the 2012- 90th Agudath Israel covention was about, our responsabilities to one another in times of Challenge. Opening remarks were delivered by the covention Chairman Menachem Lubinsky and Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel. Following was the Novominsker Rebbe Rosh Agudas Yisroel who spoke about the importance of not just being frum but to act and Live in a Yiddisher way. We must live in a Yidddishe House the way we act, the way we learn that will help us being better in helping others and our children. We suffer from Blogges said the rebbe he mentioned the NYC govt's intrusion on Metzitza b'peh. We are living in Challenging times there is no way out but for us to rise to the challenge.
Harav Uren Reich Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva gedolah Woodlake Village in Lakewood reflected on the events of the  past year, The loss of Gedolim, The Matzav in Israel and most recently Hurricane Sandy. we are Hear to seak guidance and realize that hashem is talking to us said the Rosh yeshiva. We must make a Cheshbon Hanefesh and realize that hashem is talking to us as the posuk says Kol hashem Shover Arazim he is sending a message by nature, and we ask and reflect Ma zos? just as the Shevatim second guessed themselves by making a Cheshbon Hanefesh. We know hashem is talking to us and we must pick that up. Hurricane Sandy is a message that hashem is talking to us not through a person but vayeshaber hashem es arzai halevanon.
 The RY mentioned that while we live in a medinah shel chesed with freedom of religion who would believe that in NYC the Government would try and intrude on the Mitzva of Metzitza B'peh. This would have been unthinkable 20 years ago that in this free country they would  intrude on our religion. Now we see its a Milchama in the Mitzva of Milah. How is it possible that in this country it can happen? What have we done that Hashem would let a Gov"t encroach on the Mitzvah of Milah- Ma Zos??
In NYC there are those who engage in activities that are a danger to health but the Government will not get involved, Why ? because they have tremendous support and they are passionate about it. Lets make a Cheshbon Hanefesh on Kedushas Habris as the posuk says Ki Ailecha horagnu kol hayom. lets take this oppurtunity to be mechazek- Labris habet veal Tefen layeitzer.

Horav Yaakov Bender Rosh Yeshiva of yeshiva Darchei Torah in far Rockaway spoke about the devastation Huricane Sandy has brought on to the communities of the 5 towns, Sea-gate, Long Beach etc.. and How Agudath Yisrael Jumped in and took action. Its the Address we turn to. People hit on the Agudah its yeshivish, said the RY they are here for us they answer the call we have to jump in and do. When it comes to doing chesed we must jump in and not wait or make cheshbonos. That is what Agudah is all about Ahava and Achva. He mentioned even when you celebrate dont forget vegen yenem. We did alot in response to Hurricane Sandy-a tremendous amount buit did we do enough?? Just a few miles away from Seagate in Brooklyn were 300 Mishpachos lost their homes life goes on  with sushi parlors and other extravagants  we cant forget the pain of others and there is more we can do. Rav Bender spoke briefly about a topic close to his heart regarding Education that no Child should be refused and not accepted into a yeshiva by no fault of his own.
Harav Yitzchock Scheiner Rosh Yeshiva of Kamenitz in yerushalayim concluded the session with warm words and memories of his Rebbe Rav Shraga Feivel mendlowitz. We must safeguard our homes with Kedusha and varmkeit to ensure that our children wont leave their homes. Mdoos and Yiras shomayim cant be taught they must be caught. If we live in a way that infuses kedusha it will be infectious to our children.

Following the session there were late night sessions on Shiduchim and Technology attended by Rabbonim and panelists.

Listen Live To Phone Hookup Of Aguda Convention 2012

To listen live, call hookup number 212-444-1323 -#9
program will begin Motzei Shabbos at 8:30 pm

There will be a live stream video broadcast of the Agudah convention in several out of town cities such as Cleveland at the Hebrew academy.

the  agudah APP here

Speakers, Schedule for 90th Agudath Israel convention

The 90th national Agudah convention will take place December 27-30, 2012 Hilton East Brunswick NJ
                               "our responsibilities to one another in times of challenge"
Convention Chairman: Rabbi Menachem Lubinsky
                      Thursday Evening session  7:30 PM
Speakers- Rabbi Yaakov Perlow- Novominsker Rebbe and Rosh Agudas yisroel
                 Rabbi Yaakov Bender- Rosh Yeshiva yeshiva Darchei Torah
                 Rabbi Yitzchok Scheiner- Roshy Hayeshiva Kamenitz, Yerushalayim
                 Rabbi Uren Reich- Rosh Hayeshiva yeshiva of Woodlake , Lakewood, NJ

                  MOTZEI SHABBOS  program begins 8:30 PM
                                      Agudath Israel Centennial Banquet
Speakers- Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levin- Rosh Yeshiva,Telshe yeshiva, chicago
                 Rabbi Yosef Harari Raful- Rosh hayeshiva, yeshiva Ateret Torah
                 Rabbi Doniel Alter- Rosh Kollel Ari Shebachabura, yerushalayim
                 Rabbi Aron Dovid Dunner- Dayan, Hisachdus hakehilos, London
                 Nathan Lewin, Esq-( Nosson Levine) Lewin & Lewin, LLP

Premiere presentation: AGUDAH 100: The heritage of Katowice

For Reservations and registration Email: Convention@Agudathisrael.org

You enjoyed the Siyum Hashas- now come to the Agudah Convention

Agudah Convention  2012 Registration form HERE for Convention program and Schedule click HERE

Directions to Agudah convention  Hilton East Brunswick Click HERE  address for GPS  3 Tower Center Boulevard , East Brunswick, NJ, 08816,

My Zeidy - A Tribute To Moshe Yess at Oorah's Chanukah Concert

My zaidy for the lyrics click HERE

Agudah convention 2012 program- discussing topics of communal and individual concern

 
The 90th  Agudah convention taking place next week Dec 27-30, 2012 at the Hilton in East Brunswick NJ. The program will feature many Roshei yeshiva Rabbonim and communal leaders who will address the pressing issues of the day. Among the topics discussed will be, Bris Milah under attack, Shidduchim- new strategies in the Shiduch realm, Internet assault on our minds and souls-representatives from TAG will be on hand, Ethical and halachic challenges at the work place, the Siyum hashas as a catalyst for further torah study, Embracing Emunah in a Madhouse of Kfirah (Bloggers).

 The Motzei Shabbos program will be different than usual as it will be a Banquet celebrating 100 years of Agudath Yisroel. $180 per couple included in convention fee. The public is invited to all sessions.
Click HERE for Convention updates.

Price of Kosher Chicken soars

"Its cheaper to eat meat these days" is what I heard from a chicken supplier. The Price of Kosher chicken in the east coast has been soaring recently and there is no end in sight for the prices to stabilize. Gone are the days where you pay $1.49 a pound. It has doubled and the average price of chicken per pound is close to $3. There are a few factors as to why the high costs as reported earlier, there was a shortage in production to to the closing of the Mehadrin Poultry plant which included Vineland chickens.

There is also a Kashrus issue with צומת הגידים inflammation of the tendon joint which has affected many chickens on the east cost. Many plants had to stop production for a few days since they couldn't get chickens without the צומת הגידים problem.

Meat prices are expected to go up as well due to high cost of animal feed. The pinch will be felt closer to pesach as the supply of  frozen meet prior to the high feed prices will run out. Its always expensive when making yom tov but one retailer said prices are going to soar.
The price increase will be felt across the US.

Yom tefillah On Zos Chanukah for Metzitza B'peh

abbonim called a Yom Tefillah today due to the pending court case in New York City  this Tuesday December 18 2012 on Metzitza Bpeh. All are asked to say Tehillim Kapital 90-101.

Yom tefillah for 5th day of Chanukah on ban of Metzitza b'peh

There will be a yom tefilah today the Fifth night of Chanukah erev Rosh chodesh, in many
Botei medrashim and Yeshivos in the tri state area and beyond due to the pending court ruling in New York regarding Metzitza B'peh. For now, the city law is on hold until a lower court judge can hear arguments about it next week.All are asked to say tehilim kapital 90-101.
 As was then during the Misyavnim where they made Gezeiros on Bris Milah we are facing these gezeiros again from the misyavnim of today. The fifth day of Chanukah will never fall out on shabbos which is why some have a minhag to give chanukah gelt on the 5th night. Additionaly since it does not fall out on shabbos it is considered according to seforim it is not as light as the other days of chanukah. therefore we have to be mashlim it with tefillah and beseech Hashem to help Klal Yisrael בימים ההם בזמן הזה.

There will be an additional Yom Tefilah on Sunday Zos Chanukah called by many Rabbanim.

Sufganiyot, Chanuka Doughnunt's not what they used to be

Growing up, around the Chanuka menorah and the dreidel playing were those delicious Doughnuts or latkes frying in the kitchen waiting to be served hot to all those gathered around the table. The Doughnuts were fried and rich with oil as was the costume to eat oily foods on Chanuka. Recently this most important staple of the Chanuka festival   has been commercialized. The bakeries cant give them the oily taste that mom would put into it. Some don't put any oil in it at all. Its missing the yiddisher taam of a chanuka doughnut. 

As chanuka  begins we ask that they please bring back the original oily chanuka doughnut.

For Chanukah, President Obama wishes Chag Sameach

Menorah on Loan to white house in 2009

President and Mrs. Obama wished a Chag sameach to all those celebrating chanukah around the world. On His official Facebook page it shows a Picture from the 2009 White House Chanukah event. That menorah was on loan from the Jewish museum in Prague. The 2012 Chanukah event at the white house hosted by the president, has not been announced yet.
Click HERE for video of the 2009 White house menorah lighting.

When the first night of Chanukah falls out on Motzei Shabbos

This year 5773 or 2012 has the first night of Chanukah falling out on Motzei shabbos. One is allowed to set up the Menorah before shabbos so he can light it immediately after havdala according to most customs on Motzei shabbos. There is a discussion among the poskim if one is allowed to be mavdil with the Ner chanukah, we are not noheg to do that, and most have the Minhag to make havdalah first and then light the Ner chanukah. On shabbos Erev Chanukah one should be carefull  when eating shalosh seudos to have a kazayis before shkiah in order to avoid a halachic problem of saying al hanisim by bentching.

Shabbos Chanukah , for large families a Hotel is the new inn.

A chanuka gelt menorah!

 For many families shabbos Chanukah means going away and spending shabbos with family and friends, getting together at bubby and zaidy's house. Some go away for an early midwinter vacation.  

  Boruch Hashem, many mishpachos can no longer pile in to bubby's house. There is just no room even for the immediate family. What many families are doing now, is going away to a hotel. A cheap reasonably priced hotel and spending shabbos there with the relatives. The meals are not catered at all, rather each family  brings a specific food and jobs are distributed among the siblings in making sure everything is brought such as a Sefer Torah, a Minyan, crock pot's, tableware and toys for the kids. What used to be a luxury has now  become a norm but not in an extravagant way.

Another advantage is, many families whose siblings are spread out throughout the tristate area or the Midwest will pick a central or midway point where they will stay for shabbos, minimizing the shlep that everyone will make.
If you know of a Hotel for Shabbos Chanukah  in the tristate area for this year 2012 please email us here. thank  you!

Its more than Shabbos Chanukah that we have this challenge. Ka"h with many families growing by leaps and bounds as children are getting married, and many einiklach are born, the simple shabbos sheva brachos or even a bar mitzva or any simcha is forcing people to come up with new ideas and ways how to include everyone when bubby's basement just has no room.

Frum papers to print shabbos Chanukah Edition this week too

While There is only one shabbos Chanukah this year, however the frum newspapers and magazines will be printing minor Chanukah editions this shabbos parshas Vayeshev. Since shabbos chanuka this year falls out on the 7th night it makes sense to put it out this week too.
Editors were at a Dilemma as to which week to publish the chanukah editions, since on Shabbos chanukah, many families will be together. The Advertisers demanded that they print it the first week, since they have huge Chanuka sales on many different items. Some papers will have a special Shabbos chanukah supplement next week too.

Agudah Convention update

                                       
  For Convention reservation and  registration form  click HERE
Convention dates Dec 27-30, 2012 at Hilton East Brunswick

Tonight December 4th 21 Kislev ותן טל ומטר לברכה

Klal yisrael  in Chutz laaretz will begin saying V'sein Tal Umatar Livracha Tonight by Maariv. 21 Kislev December 4th 2012.

Its Dinner time!

Besides for football, Sundays in the Winter Months  host fundraising dinners for Yeshivos and Mosdos. Please come and show your support to the following Yeshivos and Mosdos.

Tonight: Sunday December 2, 2012

Telshe yeshiva Chicago Annual Dinner Installation of Rav Yisroel Zev Rechnitz guest of honor Alumni Chairman

Yeshiva Toras Moshe (yerushalayim) 30th tribute Dinner

gangnam or גםגם

   During  a recent wedding, sometime between the dances, a funny sounding song was played over the loudspeakers. It was not played by the band present, but a disc was inserted and i could not make any sense of the words or what language it was, but, Hebrew was not one of them. Many yeshiva bochrim started dancing along in what appeared to be a tailored dance that goes with the song. After inquiring about the song, I was told its the most popular song out there. It's  a youtube sensation with over 800 million hits and counting. Now that I've paid attention to it, I've heard it in other frum circles and elsewhere. It's not a jewish song to say the least.

   Which got me thinking- is this the style of yeshiva bochurim we are producing today?? No, these are not the serious yeshiva bochrim, but they are not kids at risk either. This was your average bochur. It seems they are missing the basic fundamentals of yiddishkeit. There is no busha to bring a prusteh song with prusteh lyrics and dance to it at a Yiddishe chasunah. A boy I spoke to just smiled and said "whats the deal its on you tube whats wrong??"

   Are we so removed from the basics that there is no difference between our culture and the culture of the street? We're at a point where bochurim don't even understand what is wrong. They know some of the basics but thats it. It used to take a while for a non jewish song to catch on into the jewish music market or at least it was copied. Now it has reached us instantly and we are no longer copying it, we are living it.

  Forget the argument about the pros and cons of the internet. The sad reality is, that the internet has connected us with the western culture in a way like never before. We became a society were there is no hevdel or differentiation. We've adopted to anything that's up on youtube or other forms of entertainment.

   As we approach Chanukah let us focus and the basic fundamentals of yiddishkeit, knowing we are different than the yevonim and other nations. Let us have more bochurim not dancing to gangam ,but  living the maamar chazal of  אל תגםגם ותאמר אלא אמר לו מיד.

Ohr Somayach -4 decades 20,000 Alumni, watch Video

Click HERE to watch Video celebrating  Ohr Someach international accomplishments inspiring 20,000 alumni in over 4 decades.

Shaimos from Hurricane Sandy buried in upstate New York

Shaimos from Hurricane Sandy, was buried today upstate in Woodridge, New York. Volunteers from all over were on hand to help and oversee the kevurah. There were more than 3 trailer loads of waterlogged seforim and kisvei Kodesh. The yeshiva of Darchei Torah came out and paid a kavod achron as the truck drove by.

Click HERE for video.  Pictures credit to Source

Agudah tweaks Theme for upcoming 90th convention in light of current events

Besides for postponing the 90th national convention of Agudas yisroel due to Hurricane Sandy, the Agudah has changed the theme as well. The initial theme was:
                                 "Strength in Growth....Challenges in Growth"
                                             ככוכבי השמים לרב
However in the aftermath of hurricane Sandy and the war with Hamas in Gaza it was decided to change the Theme to one that reflects on the current situation
                                                         !שומרי אחינו אנחנו
          "Our responsibilities to one another in times of challenge"

"The Flood of Chesed that followed the Deluge of water in coastal New York, and the storming of the heavens in prayer of teshuva that the raining missiles on Israel evoked, were eloquent testimony to the interrelation of all Jews  It is a kinship that must always define us. In times of calm no less in times of turmoil."

 Thursday evening session will feature a centennial banquet celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Agudas Yisroel in Kattowice, Poland.
The convention will take place December 27-30, 2012 Hilton East brunswick ,NJ
For reservations Email:  Convention@Agudathisrael.org or call 212-797-7380

9 9 9 dont call it black Friday!

Tomorrow, Friday is the Ninth day of kislev 5773 which is the Ninth Month after chodesh nissan. In the latest Advertisement from the Kupas Hair Organization קופת העיר  they are arranging a special tefillah which will be recited at the Ninth hour of the Ninth day of the Ninth month for Nine minutes. There will be a recital of Pitum Haketores. Not sure if there is any significance to this specific time. In Yiddish it means nein nein nein but when it comes to davening hashem always answers yu yu yu.

Internet Asifa- Six Months later, are we making progress?

Its been a half a year since we stood together at Citified  on May 20th and waged a war on the Internet and Technology. Many left the stadium inspired and took action. Some got rid of  the Internet from their homes, others smashed their smart phones, filters were installed on many computers. An awareness was made that we must take action and confront the dangers of modern technology, especially the Internet and devices which are capable of  connecting to the web.

Looking back over the past 6 months many questions remain as far as are we moving forward? did we reach out to people in getting the message or did we alienate many with the wrong approach? Do we stay with the message that the Internet is here to stay or keep saying it should be banned outright? Did we reach out to those that are impacted the most or did we just preach to the choir.? did we do the correct follow up.

Great strides were made in regard to awareness with smart phones as many are embarrassed to be seen publicly with a smart phone if they have no need for one. I'm not talking about someone who needs it for his business but someone who has no real need for a iPhone. Filters on computers is still a issue as many who want to install it yet keep having problems as it interferes with their business.

All in all, between the Internet Asifa followed by  the 12th Siyum hashas at Metlife three months later, was definitely two events which inspired and gave chizuk to hundreds of thousands of yidden. Bringing us closer to hashem and feeling an Achdus by bringing yidden together making a kiddush hashem.

Important Agudah convention announcement

The Agudah Convention  traditionally takes place over Thanksgiving weekend, however due to circumstances set by Hurricane Sandy, this years 2012 convention has been postponed and rescheduled to the End of December 2012. The 90th   covention of Agudath Israel will be held at East brunswick Hilton December 27-30, 2012

Agudah asifa- Chizuk V'hisorerus in Boro Park tonight Wednesday November 21

The Asifa will take place at Agudas Yisroel Zichron Moshe at 1561 50th Street. For men and Women. Its a chizuk for the communities devastated by Hurricane sandy and divrei Hisoirerus for the Matzav in Eretz yisrael.

Reconstruction aid for Shuls and yeshivos in NY impacted by Sandy

The following Information was made available by JCRC  fill this form HERE

In the context of Sandy related damage, FEMA provides supplemental funding (after insurance payments are exhausted) for the repair and restoration of infrastructure and facilities to pre-disaster condition.Nonprofit entities that can qualify for such financial aid include hospitals, nursing homes, community centers, day care centers, libraries, museums and senior centers located in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties.

(Several years ago, in the wake of a natural disaster that damaged the Jewish day school in Seattle, the Orthodox Union worked successfully with the Bush Administration and allies in Congress to amend the laws and regulations which govern FEMA to clearly include non-public — including parochial — schools in the class of entities eligible for FEMA reconstruction funds.)Immediately in the wake of the storm, the OU’s Washington Office initiated discussions with senior officials at the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (under which FEMA operates) to establish the eligibility of houses of worship — including synagogues — damaged by Sandy for FEMA reconstruction funds. We are making progress, but the discussions are ongoing.

In order for synagogues to preserve their ability to potentially receive reconstruction aid, applicants must complete a Request for Public Assistance within 30 days of the declared event (it has been amended to December 13, 2012).

Rav Chaim kanievsky-statetment from Chazon Ish that No missiles will fall on bnei Brak still appplicable today

Rav Chaim kanievsky on current situation in gaza, wrote a letter stating that no missles will fall on bnei brak. He wrote that what was said over in the name of the Chazon Ish still applies today, as the sifri says that to say the words of tzadikim only apply when they are alive and not after they pass away is not a kiddush hashem. Therefore when the Chazon Ish promised that bombs will not fall on bnei brak we can count on it today and have nothing to fear.

Its Dinner time!

Besides for football, Sundays in the Winter Months  host fundraising dinners for Yeshivos and Mosdos. Please come and show your support to the following Yeshivos and Mosdos.

Tonight: Sunday November 18, 2012

Ponovez yeshiva Dinner /Batay Avos
Ateres Chaya hall 1415 54th Street Brooklyn, NY

Yeshivas Chofetz chaim -Rabbinical Seminary of America
Terrace on the Park Flushing, Queens

 Mirrer Yeshiva  Brooklyn Dinner
The Palace -780 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Mesivta Tiferes yerushalayim MTJ/ Yeshiva of Staten Island
Brooklyn Marriott

Listen LIVE hookup for BMG azkara 50th Yartzheit for Rav Aharon Kotler

Listen HERE Radio Kol Berama, Lakewood, NJ 107.9 FM

Watch Video of azkara in Lakewood HERE and HERE and HERE

Checking an Israeli Website for updates on Erev shabbos from the US when its shabbos in Eretz Yisrael

This past Friday with news reports of missiles hitting yerushalayim, many of us in the US were nervously checking the newswires since it was already Shabbos in Eretz Yisrael. Israeli  news websites are constantly updating on Shabbos. The Halachic problem is since they are yidden can we  have enjoyment from a maaseh shabbos?
This is not a new shailah, this has been asked already in regards to listening to a live Broadcast on shabbos on Israeli radio or other areas of maaseh Shabbos. Many Poskim have delved into this issue. There is a kunteres Internet behalacha that discusses this particular case of accessing a website on Erev Shabbos.

 Its beyond the scope of this blog to delve and pasken on these shailos we are just bringing up the issue-you can discuss it with your leading Halachic Authority.
The best Eitza would be to get the news from the non jewish media. May hashem have Rachmanus and continue watching over Klal Yisroel

URGENT MESSAGE FROM RABBI CHAIM DOVID ZWIEBEL

TO: All friends and constituents of Agudath Israel of America

There has been an escalation of rocket-fire, Rachmana litzlan, from Gaza into southern Eretz Yisroel over recent days.  Rockets have hit Beersheba and Kiryat Malakhi, where three people were killed, Hy"d.  Today rockets landed in central Israel, in Holon and Rishon Letzion.  Israeli military authorities have told the citizenry to be prepared for more Arab violence, chalila. 

There has been violent activity in the north as well, as Syrian mortar shells have landed near Israeli army posts.

This is a critical time for Acheinu Bnei Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel.  We call on all Yidden todaven for our brethren and beseech HaKodosh Boruch Hu to undermine the evil designs of those who relish the spilling of Jewish blood, R"l. 

Our gedolim have long called on us to recite Tehillim (in particular kapitlach 83, 130 and 142) in behalf of our brethren in Eretz Yisroel.  That is certainly most appropriate at this urgent moment. 

May we be zocheh to the bracha that includes all, birchas hashalom.

David Zwiebel, Esq.

Executive Vice President

Agudath Israel of America

Hamodia publishes special supplement- living legacy for 50th Yartzheit of Rav Aharon Kotler ZT"L

As the Lakewood yeshiva Beth Medrash govoha is set to commemorate the 50th Yartzheit of Rav Aaron Kotler, the Frum newspapers are publishing special editions coinciding with the event.

Hamodia published a 83 page commemorative edition in Honor of the 50th yartzheit. The 50th Yartzheit marks a historic Yovel of Torah Growth and endurance of his Legacy in vibrant Kehillos worldwidethat are anchored by the primacy of Torah. There is a Interview with Rav Avigdor Offen who studied under Rav Aharon Kotler in Both Europe and America.

The main Yartzheit program is said to take place on Sunday November 18th, at BMG with the participation of many Roshei Yeshiva, Admorim, talmidim of rav aharon, and thousands of Bnei Torah and baal habatim who will join in the Azkara. It will coincide with the Groundbreaking and Hanochas Even Hapinah of a new Bais Medrash and a hachnosas Sefer Torah.

Mishpacha magazine Has its front cover story dedicated to the 50th Yartzheit of Rav Aharon Kotler. An Interview with Rav Aaron Kotler grandson and namesake of rav Aharon ZT"L on his path from Kiruv Rabbi at Aish to CEO of BMG.
Yated Neeman has a 6 page Article on Rav aharon.

Yom Tefillah thousands say Yom Kippur Kotton today for Matzav of Klal Yisroel-

Today Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev- the gedolim have called on all for a Yom Tefillah as well as to daven Mincha with Yom Kippur Koton. This is due to the situation affecting Klal Yisrael both in the US, due to Hurricane Sandy and in Eretz Yisrael. The South has come under rocket fire and the threat of  an escalation from hamas terrorists after Israel killed the hamas military chief in Gaza.

Both Rav Shteinman and the Belzer Rebbe have ordered Yeshivos in the South and in areas under rocket fire to relocate to the center of the country until the danger will pass.

Roshei yeshiva- Yeshiva world targeted by Hurricane sandy calls for Chizuk in Limud HaTorah kavod Hatorah.

Hurricane Sandy not only devastated the east coast but the Olam hatorah, the Yeshiva world was plunged into darkness as Lakewood was hit with blackouts for 2 weeks causing a tremendous amount of Bittul torah as many youngeleit were learning without electricity for days and many other yeshivos were misplaced such as Long beach, bell harbor, Darchei torah and other Yeshivos in queens and the Five towns.

Rav Reuven Feinstein Shlit"a said at the Dirshu convention that HKB"H wants to awaken us and let us know that life cannot be as it was before as if nothing had happened.  He added that we should strengthen ourselves with Torah learning of a practical nature - ללמוד לשמור לעשות ולקיים - not just learning for the sake of learning.  He also added that in order to raise Talmidei Hachamim, we need to be stronger in learning Beki'us.

 Rav Yitzchak Sorotzkin Shlit"a from Telz Cleveland and mesivta of lakewood said that the hurricane was due to Yeshiva boys who are lacking in Shibud Hatorah and Ameilus Batorah, who go home for Shabbos every other week and miss Sedarim because of a wedding here and a Bar Mitzvah here.  This is understood by the fact that the hurricane hit the Torah world, and specifically Lakewood, causing a huge amount of Bitul Torah.

On the other hand, Rav Yerucham Olshin Shlit"a  Rosh Yeshiva of BMG in Lakewood said that the hurricane was due to the attitude of some people who degrade the whole concept of Kollels and consider those who learn in Kollels babied by their parents who support them and lazy from doing work.  We see this from the fact that during the power outage caused by the hurricane, people learned Torah in the dark and in the cold, showing that Bnei Torah will continue to learn even with hardships.

Link yeranen yaakov.

Baltimore mission to Seagate עמו אנכי בצרה

Over 170 Volunteers from the Baltimore Jewish community drove down to the community of Seagate, NY that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. They helped residents clean out their flooded homes and joined with them in sharing in their pain and help them rebuild. This letter was sent to the Baltimore community from residents of Sea gate.
Source:  http://baltimorejewishlife.com/ Click HERE for a personal account.

Novominsker Rebbe at Agudah Kinus - waters crossed the border to expell the mud of the sea back on to land

The Novominsker rebbe speaking at the Agudah Kinus of Chizuk for hurricane sandy, elaborated on how there is a gevul- a border between the mayim and the yabasha. When Hashem created the world it was all mayim than hashem said that the waters should gather and separate from the land. As the Posuk says in Tehilim in borchi nafshi, Gvul samta baal yaavorun there is a border that the water can not cross. The recent storm that we have witnessed had the water cross over this gevul this is clearly a yad hashem.

Symbolically speaking the Rebbe explained, that the yam cant keep still, it is the recipient of Aveiros as we say tashlich and it absorbs the Aveiros, as the navie yeshaya says והרשעים כים נגרש כי השקט לא יוכל ויגרשו מימיו רפש וטיט, expels all the refesh v'atit of the briah. Dont we have a great deal of refesh and tit in our society? Its about time we think about the refesh vatit that came into our personal lives,the garbage and mud as the Navie yeshaya describes. This has made a dent into civilization and gotten into our lives.

When the water is in its place its never happy, it wants to conquer the entire world it wants to spill the refesh vatit out onto the land .The rebbe said he was told by members of his own family not to use the word technology but he can not hold back. Rabbosai the eibishter is speaking to us on the amount of refesh vatit we have absorbed in our lives. Its time that we make a cheshbon on the civilization of our neshama and we must take that into perspective. The rebbe than spoke about the nesius ohl of  the absolute poverty that families have suddenly been thrown into. He lent the mike to the other speakers to talk about the bein adam lachaveroi and to describe the situation on the ground. We must have a deeper perspective on to what hakb"h did to us in the last 10 days.  Yidden should have nachas, a roof over their heads and clothes to wear, and hashem should send us the geulah.

 Click HERE to watch Video of Seagate community devastated by Hurricane sandy Produced by Arye Gelbard studio 7.


Rav Yaakov Bender spoke how it is incumbent on all to take charge and do something we must become a nasi. He gave first hand accounts of families devastated. People with literally no roof over their heads and no where to go. He mentioned how people who never took anything in their lives are now forced to accept and be the recipient of others. The amount needed for the Far Rockaway Five times communities is in the 15-20 million dollar range. Rabbi Meisels of Seagate addressed the crowd he put the number for seagate at 10 Million to help the 300 homeless mishpachos rebuild He said the Hurricane didn't just hit seagate but all of us. 

Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lief concluded with divrei Hisoirerus that the storm is not called Huricane Sandy but is from hashem רוח סערה עושה דברו. Hashem is sending us a message and we must be mechazek. He quoted from the Rambam in begining of Hilchos taanis. He mentioned the great achdus and chesed that is going on all over, He brought up an idea shared with Reb Shimshi Sherer that each family in Brooklyn adopt a misplaced family from Far Rockaway or seagate and show that we care. One couple came to him they lost everything and their first request was to write a new Kseubah since they lost their kesuba due to Hurricane Sandy. He danced with the 2 eidim and sang od yishoma  to lift up their spirits. 

CD recordings of the Agudah kinus are available through Mr. Zalman Umlas by calling 718-252-5274 or zalmanumlas@netzero.net. (CD rates are as follows: $10 for Flatbush pick up, $12 by mail, $6 by email).

Rav Shteinman- We must feel the pain for those affected by Hurricane Sandy

Rav Aaron L. shteinman when told about the communities devastated by Hurricane sandy  was pained about the yidden who suffered from the Storm. He quoted  the gemara in bava basra end of the 3rd perek, when the bais hamikdosh was destroyed there were those who wanted to stop eating meat and drinking wine since they no longer brought karbanos on the mizbeach or poured wine on the mizbeach. The gemara continues, that the tzibbur is not holding by such a madraiga and they did establish other halachos to make a  zecher lechurban such as leaving an empty space on the wall of your house. But in essence we should not be eating meat or drinking wine.
 Rav Shteinman pointed out that  in regarding the suffering and events that has befallen on klal yisroel, we must feel the pain to the utmost level just like by the bais hamikdosh were in theory we should not be eating meat as the gemara starts off. He stressed that there be Chizukin Limud hatorah in mitzvos and in Tznius as the posuk says   ושב מאחריך ולא יראה בך ערות דבר

Agudath yisroel- Kinus Chizuk v'hisorerus for those affected by hurricane Sandy tonight Monday November 12 phone hook up

There will be a Live Dial in phone number to listen call 212-444-1323 Ext. 9

Rabbanim - A call for action! time to help the Tzibbur not just Yechidim.

Rabbonim all over spoke in their respective shuls on parshas Chayei Sarah about Hurricane Sandy. To those communities spared by the Hurricane the message is you have a Nisayon to be mishtatef in the tzaar of the communities that were affected and devastated by the Hurricane. The fact that our community was spared does not spare us from the avhrayus of nesios ohl and that is our response to the storm. We must get together and help out in any which way possibble
.
Klal yisroel has recently launched many campaigns for yechidim were the response was tremendous, now the Rabbanim stressed is time to help an entire Tzibbur. Whole communities have been devastated there isn't anyone in cities such as Seagate,  Far Rockaway, Manhattan beach, Brighton Beach, Long beach, Belle Harbor, Bayswater that didn't suffer a loss of property damage or their entire homes. In Seagate there are over 300 mishpachos that are Homeless!! we must help these communities rebuild.

There will be asifas and fundraisers in the coming days everyone is asked to help in any which way they can. Its not just money that is needed, they need man power to help clean out the flooded homes and set up temporary shelter.
This Monday the Agudah is having a Kinus Chizuk for the affected communities for Energency Hurricane sandy Relief.
To donate for
 FAR ROCKAWAY click HERE for Achiezer of the Five towns

SEAGATE call 718-705-9666 or email Ezicherman@gmail.com or HERE

LONG BEACH YESHIVA click  HERE 
Thank you to Rav Shlomo Yehuda rechnitz. for his support of yeshivos and youngeleit in BMG and Far Rockaway who were affected by the hurricane.

Watch VIDEO HERE sea gate community in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Click HERE for care packages
Yeshiva of Bell Harbor HERE  Help them raise $400,000 to rebuild its storm ravaged campus.

Donate HERE to the OU Hurricane relief fund.

please note there will be many tzeddakos collecting we assume they are all reputable but  can not verify all of them . Best is to go through the Agudah or a respected Organization with a Board and rabbanim backing it.

Watch Kinus Hashluchim 2012 LIVE

The Live broadcast for the kinus hashluchim of Chabad 5753 will begin today Sunday November 11 at 5:00 pm
Click HERE for live broadcast

90th National Agudah convention 2012 postponed!! due to Hurricane Sandy.

 After consulting with Gedolei yisroel, The 90th national Agudah convention 2012 has been postponed and rescheduled. The new date for the convention will be 15-17 teves, December 28-30. It was originally supposed to take place on November 22-25. It has been pushed off. The Convention will take place at the New Brunswick Hilton in NJ. Click HERE for convention updates and program.

Upon further consultation with gedolei yisroel the Agudah will sponsor a Kinnus Chizuk vehisoirerus on Monday 27 Cheshvan (November 12), at Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin, 2913 Avenue L, Brooklyn.

In a letter written by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel to acheinu Bnei Yisroel, He wrote about the trail of devastation that Hurricane Sandy has left in its wake. many challenges remain in helping out our fellow yidden who were affected by the storm. Our focus must be on those who are in need to be mishtatef b'tzaarom and do all in our power to help them.
To be sure, the Agudah convention is a setting where Torah leaders and anshei maaseh gather to discuss and take action on the pressing issues of the day. But the scars and wounds left by the storm are still too raw,the need for singular focus is still too urgent for us to proceed as originally planned.

The real October Surprise לב מלכים ושרים ביד השם

President Obama has been reelected for a second term as president of the United states. He rode the waves of hurricane sandy into the white house. As frum yidden we understand that everything that happens comes from hashem. It is interesting to note that in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections when polls or momentum were shifting for the Republican nominee there was an October surprise which changed the course in favor of Obama.

These were not surprises caused by a newspaper with a scoop or a gaffe made by a candidate, rather a natural event which was beyond the control of mankind. In 2008 we had the financial collapse which snatched victory away from John McCain. This election when momentum was shifting toward Romney following the debates and Benghazi gate, along came Hurricane Sandy which favored the president and helped him in the final week of his campaign.

The future of this country has many of us worried both for the Moral decay of society, the security of eretz yisrael and many struggling to make ends meet. We must continue to daven that hashem puts in the hearts of the leaders of this great nation to benefit us for the good.

Which yarmulka gets the frum vote?

Kinus hashluchim relocated- Agudah convention rescheduled.

The annual Kinus hashluchim  banquet for Chabad will be relocated to Manhattan this year after the Brooklyn Cruise terminal was flooded by Hurricane sandy. The 90th Agudah convention 2012 has been rescheduled as well. It will take place on December 28-30, 2012
This letter was sent out to all shluchim,

As the Kinus Hashluchim rapidly approaches, we are pleased to report that despite many challenges we encountered due to the recent Hurricane, the Kinus programs and sessions are all on course for what promises to be an inspiring and uplifting Kinus, B'Ezras Hashem.
We are deeply pained by the hardships our fellow shluchim and their communities are enduring due to the events of last week, and we are doing our utmost to assist them in their time of need.
We are certain that the Rebbe would want the Kinus to resume and be held as planned on Shabbos Mevorchim HaChodesh Kislev.
However, after ongoing discussions with the Port Authority and the tireless efforts of our staff to overcome the logistical, environmental and labor challenges to enable the Kinus banquet to take place as scheduled at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, we were informed Friday afternoon that the Terminal will not be available. We understood and readily accepted their notification due to it being requisitioned to dock government and medical relief vessels servicing the heavily afflicted Red-Hook, Staten Island and other nearby areas.
With few alternative options available large enough to accommodate the growing number of banquet participants, Boruch Hashem we were able to secure the New York Hilton, New York City's largest ballroom. Along with its main ballroom and two adjacent ballrooms, the Hilton can comfortably accommodate the 4600 shluchim and their guests. We anticipate featuring segments of the program from each of the ballrooms, with live and ongoing video linkage throughout.
We hereby ask for your understanding and cooperation. Should you be attending the banquet without your Baalei Batim and are willing to volunteer and join with other chaveirim in taking a seat in one of the satellite ballrooms, please reply to this email or kindly login to your kinus registration page and note your choice and your seating preference.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation and look forward to welcoming you this week to a most successful and enjoyable Kinus and Hisvaadus Chaveirim with our brethren shluchim from around the world.
On behalf of the Vaad Hakinus,
RabbI Moshe Kotlarsky

Yeshivos Affected by Hurricane sandy looking to relocate

The destruction and devastation of Hurricane sandy has affected many yeshivos in the tri state Area. The yeshivos of Long beach, Darchei Torah and Belle Harbor in the Rockaways will be misplaced for a few months, as their area has been devastated. LIPA has said it will take up to 7 weeks to restore power to the Rockaways. Peekskill yeshiva has no power and many Bochurim have gone home and learning in other cities. Some yeshivos are running on Generators. In Lakewood the yeshiva got hold of a mass generator to power up the batei midrashim. Many yeshivos have relocated to area shuls that have power.
Despite the Hardship The Kol Hatorah continues to resonate in our heilige yeshivos.

Special Sandy announcement by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel of Agudah

For free food and shelter information in the 5 towns click  HERE

 For free food and shelter in Lakewood Click HERE

Agudath Israel of America Announcement

To members and friends of Agudath Israel: A guten Erev Shabbos. It has been quite a week, with Hurricane Sandy battering the East Coast and leaving disruption,  devastation and destruction in its wake. Countless thousands of Acheinu Kol Beis Yisroel have suffered severe damage and loss in this unprecedented storm. The hearts and tefilos of all of Klal Yisroel are with our suffering brethren. May Hashem send yeshuos to us all.   Agudath Israel's central offices, located in downtown Manhattan where the power has been out since Sandy's arrival, have been closed all week. As a result of the storm, we had to put off our 3rd annual legislative breakfast scheduled for this coming Monday morning November 5, as well as an event we were planning for next Shabbos in the communities of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns. We hope to reschedule these events in the not too distant future. In the meantime, Agudath Israel staff and baalebatim have been  working hard to assist individuals, mosdos and communities hard hit by Sandy. We have worked with yeshivos whose facilities were damaged in the storm to help them find temporary relocation. We have assisted local community-based organizations that are working to alleviate  severe conditions in various neighborhoods. We have reached out to the leadership of Agudath Israel shuls that suffered storm-related damage to discuss tangible ways through which our national organization can help them rebuild. Through our national network, we have coordinated campaigns in several cities across America to provide funds and other assistance to hard-stricken areas in the New York metropolitan area. Some of our key baalebatim are making major contributions -- b'gufam u'b'mamonam -- toward emergency food and clothing campaigns.  A special yasher koach goes to our national director of government affairs, Rabbi Yehiel Kalish, who has worked tirelessly in his local hard-hit community of Far Rockaway to assist the remarkable rescue and relief campaign spearheaded by  Achiezer -- a community resource center in the Far Rockaway - Five Towns area under the leadership of Rabbi Boruch B. Bender. Rabbi Kalish has helped raise hundreds of thousands of urgently needed dollars for the Achiezer campaign. (Achiezer's hotline is 516-791-4444; or they can be reached atinfo@achiezer.org.) We strongly encourage our friends and constituents to contribute generously to these types of campaigns. In our view, the best way to address the urgent need of the day is to contribute directly to the local community-based organizations that are doing the actual work on the ground to provide assistance to our many brothers and sisters who so desperately need our help. For this reason, we have decided it would be best not to establish an independent Agudath Israel emergency relief fund at this time, but rather to work directly with the local communities.   Just as we see how storm damage, long gas lines, prolonged power outages and impossible traffic jams are bringing out the worst in certain people, we also see how they are bringing out the best in other people -- specifically among the descendants of Avraham Avinu, the amud ha'chesed about whose mesiras nefesh for chesed we learn in this week's parsha. The incredible outpouring of chesed that Klal Yisroel is displaying during these days of crisis should be a source of tremendous inspiration and pride -- and a zchus for us all. Mi k'amcha Yisroel!     Chaim Dovid Zwiebel Donate HERE for Achiezer relief for The five towns far Rockaway area

Important messages from Agudah, Yeshiva Darchei torah, Achiezer requesting aid for far Rockway/Five towns communities.

Thank you to the many, many individuals and organizations nationally who responded to our earlier email--not just with words but with deeds. Without asking for funds you have responded. Tomorrow morning a specific request for aid will be sent out in the name of the Five Towns/Far Rockaway Community. Please respond generously. The need is real and overwhelming. If you live in a community similarly affected, please let us know so we can send out appropriate information to our concerned kehilla. Message from Rabbi Yaakov Bender:  We have just gone through a difficult few days and I would like to go over two important points:   1. Many people , young and old, are hurting now. They need help in cleaning their homes from all the water and the debris. Please encourage your children to stop whatever it is they are doing and offer to help. Whatever is required, please roll up your sleeves and get to work. 2. There are many families in town that have literally been wiped out. We must get them back on their feet. I personally know of many families who have lost everything including every bit of clothing, furniture, etc. They are literally left with the proverbial clothing on their backs. When the campaign begins shortly, chaired by distinguished baalei batim in our community, we ask you to respond generously. This is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity. We look forward to see only happy endings and beginnings. Thank you very much, Rabbi Yaakov Bender Rosh HaYeshiva

Frum families face challenges for shabbos due to hurricane sandy, shadchan service available to host people for shabbos

Email us at thepartialview@gmail.com If you can host a family for shabbos anywhere in the tri state area. Or if you are in need of a place to stay.

With many areas in the tri state still without power many mishpachos are scrambling to make last minute shabbos plans. While hopefull that power will be restored, there are many areas in Monsey, Passaic, Lakewood, Brooklyn, Lower east side of Manhattan and the five towns that are out of power and it will not be restored before shabbos.
 Making things more complicated, many people don't have gas or cant fill up, to go away for shabbos. People who do have power are lending out their kitchens and homes so that they have where to cook for shabbos.
 In Lakewood, NJ a website was created to act as a shadchan serce and pair up those that need a place with those that are offering their homes or have apartments.
In adition  the Eruv in many local places is down.

 Lakewood click here http://www.lakewoodsandy.com
Five towns click  HERE
Monsey Eruv is down this shabbos due to Huricane sandy damage http://www.rocklanderuv.org/

 Call Kol Hachessed 718.705.5000 X28 X2 X22 & leave a message