Planned Giyus protest in the USA called off Admorim may Hold kinus in EY

The planned trip of Admorim From Eretz Yisrael to participate in a mass protest and Atzeres against Giyus has been cancelled for now. Despite having finalized on a location or the event, other logistical factors have weighed in and it was decided to cancel the Asifa. A mass mega Asifa is in the plans for a later date when the weather will be more cooperative. News reports in Israel, the Netanyahu Govt was  pressured  from the pending trip and asked askanim to call it off as they did not want bad PR now in the American media.

The Belzer Rebbe has informed the Admorim that he will not be able to travel to the US or personal health reasons. Inclement weather and snow in the forecast next week coupled with expenses and other logistical issues contributed to the decision to call off and postpone the kinus.

Video Yeshiva Darchei Torah Honoring Rabbi Eytan Feiner of the white shul

Rabbi Feiner discusses his own experience with Darchei's acceptance for special needs children

Yeshiva Darchei Torah - Rabbi and Mrs. Eytan Feiner from Kolrom Multimedia on Vimeo.

Giyus protest not only about giyus, organizers finalizing on large distribution center in Edison, NJ

Kinus Gedolei Hador

Middlesex Logistics Center

 Update 12/30/13 GIYUS  EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED!! read HERE
 http://thepartialview.blogspot.com/2013/12/planned-giyus-protest-inthe-usa-called.html

Updated 12/30/2013 Following announcement The Belzer Rebbe will not be able to attend for personal reasons, Admorim now contemplating on postponing the Asifa and Giyus atzeres.

The steering committee for the upcoming  Atzeres and kinus Gedolei hador on Giyus and redifas hadas are said to have set on a location and will be filing for permits. The Middlesex logistics distribution center is located on Mill Road at Nixon Lane in Edison,NJ. The facility is located approximately 3.5 miles from Exit 10 of the New Jersey Turnpike and I-287.  It is said to hold  60,000 seats. It has heating and lighting and will be suitable for the event. The Asifa will take place Tuesday parshas beshalach January 7th, 2014 with the presence of Admorim from EY and Roshei Yeshiva of the Litvish Yeshivos in the US, along with thousands of Yidden from all backgrounds uniting for Kavod shamayim. The Moetzes of Agudas yisrael of Eretz yisrael will be flying in to attend this important and historic gathering.

Giyus protest to go ahead as planned location may change to large warehouse in Edison, New Jersey. Askanim call out doubters.

Due to security and other logistical concerns the organizers and steering committee of the planned large Giyus protest are looking into a large warehouse in Edison ,NJ a distribution cente the size of  9 football fields (900x500 feet) that can hold up to 60,000 people. The structure has a roof with open walls, askanim plan on encircling the perimeter with a tent and heaters to warm the interior. Nothing is finalized yet, location and time may still change. The previous Location for the gathering was at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field. The date is set for January 7th, 2014 Tuesday parshas beshalach. (Sergulah for parnassah)

At the same time, organizers and newspapers affiliated with the Agudah Moetzes of  Eretz Yisrael have called out those who are to torpedo and make light of the large upcoming  Atzeres and Giyus protest.
"Now is not the time to put doubts into the hearts of klal yisrael when the gedolim are are giving their strength on behalf of the Asifa and fighting for the Torah"

Giyus protest mulling Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field in 50,000 seat tent.

Floyd Bennett field

Update 12/27/2013
http://thepartialview.blogspot.com/2013/12/giyus-protest-to-go-ahead-as-planned.html
 Pending a lst minute change it appears that after looking into a few options, it was decided the mass Giyus protest will take place Tuesday January 7th, 2014  at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field. A Large tent of 50,000 seats will be erected. Organizers hired a company from San Francisco that will put up the tent within 8 days.

Askanim are working on logistics with transportation, financing and a PR campaign. Many Chasidisher Rebbes and Roshei Yeshiva are expected to join.

End of year tax deductions an oppurtunity for Mosdos and Yeshivos

As the year 2013 comes to a close, many Mosdos and a Yeshivos can benefit greatly from end of year Tax deductions with a charitable giving. One fundraiser said, its his busiest time of the year people are giving more tzedaka now than before Rosh Hashana.  Only difference is "on Rosh Hashana they were looking for a write in, now they are looking for a write off". There are individuals looking to give money away, its a time to reach out to them now.

The charitable contribution must be made to a qualified non profit organization click HERE for IRS tips.

Large Atzeres protest on Giyus bnei yeshiva planned for January 7th, 2014 in New York attended By Gedolim from EY and America.

 updated 12/26/2013 http://thepartialview.blogspot.com/2013/12/giyus-protest-to-take-place-at.html

American Agudah leadership discussing planned  Giyus protest

Following the meeting of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Agudas yisrael in Eretz yisrael, it was decided a delegation of Admorim and some Roshei Yeshiva from Eretz yisrael will travel to America  in an effort to pressure the Israeli Government on the drafting of  bnei Hayeshivos to the army. The delegation will be led by the Gerrer Rebbe and Belzer Rebbe who has not been to the states in 20 years. The Belzer Rebbe conferred with Rav Aaron Leib Shteinman  prior to his decision to participate.

 (photo credit: bhol.co.il)

While the delegation is composed of mostly Chasidishe rebbes, American Roshei Yeshiva will be joining in the protest as well. Agudath Yisrael of America is involved with the logistical preparations but will not be taking an active role. Not clear at the moment if  Yeshivos including the Lakewood Yeshiva will be joining in the historic Atzeres. Due to the weather, organizers say there is an option for an indoor venue that will host the large expected crowd. As of this writing the organizers did not find a suitable venue, Madison square garden in Manhattan is a possible option. The event may get postponed for a later date.

The Rebbes plan on meeting and lobbying US Government officials in the US on behalf of the cause  hoping to put pressure on the Israeli Government. They will arrive in the US on Sunday January 5th, 2014.

Tthe atzeres Giyus protest will take place on Tuesday Parshas beshalach January 7th. Its a segulah to recite parshas haman on that day too. perhaps a large tefillah together can bring a yeshuah.

American Roshei Yeshiva sign letter for yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael- Gedolim from Eretz Yisrael to travel to America to protest Giyus army draft

Following a meeting of the Moetzes gedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisroel in Eretz yisrael regarding the threat to draft yeshiva Bochurim it was decided that some Admorin will be joining massive protests in new York and Europe

Jacob Ostreicher a free man, Returns home to reunite with his family in the USA

                                                         ברוך מתיר אסורים
Jacob Ostreicher who was jailed in Bolivia and than got house arrest for over a year is now free and has already arrived in USA. Brooklyn assemblyman Dov Hikind  reports “I am *thrilled* that Jacob Ostreicher is finally home in America!”  Details of the story how he got out are still developing..

Snow in today's Daf Yomi Erev shabbos in Teves

With the snow storms in Both yerushalayim and in the Northeast, today's Daf yomi ( יומא לה ע"ב)  relates the story of Hillel which occurred on Erev Shabbos in the month of טבת,  who wanted to learn Torah but could not afford the entrance fee to the beis medrash that he climbed to the roof and listened to the shiur via the skylight. He was later found on the roof covered in a drift of snow. They removed the snow and brought him inside to warm up.
ת''ר עני ועשיר ורשע באין לדין לעני אומרים לו מפני מה לא עסקת בתורה אם אומר עני הייתי וטרוד במזונותי אומרים לו כלום עני היית יותר מהלל

Frum papers ignoring the Giyus issue- barely reporting on arrest of yeshiva Bochurim

You spend $2 on the Yated Ne'eman expecting to get the news of what is going on in the Yeshiva world. What should have been a screaming front page headline "IDF arrests 3 yeshiva Bochurim for ignoring orders to show up at induction centers". Instead the Yated ignored the issue only burying it in the back of the paper among other stories in its Charedi news section. No mention about the Gedolim going down to protest at the prison. The Satmar Rebbe is even planning a mass protest in New York against the arrests.

It should have at least gotten the same attention the paper dedicated close to 50 full page ads wishing mazel tov to the Tomech Torah Reb Shlomo Rechnitz and family on the engagement of his daughter. The Yeshivos and mosdos are more than happy to share in a simcha and show hakoras hatov  to the machzikei Torah. (If they were pressured to give the ads by a sales person is up for discussion.)

But for someone spending money on his weekly paper you would expect that it deliver the news. For the last few years all we heard about was the giyus bnei hayeshivos. Front page after front page, now that it has started there is a blackout.

 To be fair, as the Yated itself points out in the article there is a disagreement among the Gedolim  on this issue, if yeshiva bochurim should show up at the induction center or not. No one is asking to take sides here. However, a newspaper's job is to report the news not to ignore.

Asarah B'teves that falls out on a Friday 5774/2013

Halachos from sefer  נטעי גבריאל  for more here
When the fast of Asara B’teves falls out on a Erev Shabbos, the fast must be observed until nightfall. We break the fast by making Kiddush friday night.
-Shachris is like any other fast day.
-
Mincha we lein ויחל and read the Haftorah, we recite עננו during shmoneh esrei. We do not say Tachanun or אבינו מלכנו. It is best to Daven Mincha earlier preferably Mincha Gedolah. (when we dont דוכן)

Tolna Rebbe decries Pictures of Rebbes in weeklies.

 In a recent speech, the Tolna Rebbe of Yerushalayim, Rabbi Yitzchak Menachem Weinberg , criticized the phenomenon of weekly magazines posting Photographs and pictures of  chasidisheh Rebbes. The Rebbe said we have lost the middah of bushah. There is no shame, everything we do must be advertised and publicized for the world to see. If its not publicly known, its as if it never happened. The only ones to blame said the Rebbe, are the customers who support and buy these weeklies.

The Rebbe explained how the industry works, charging different amounts depending on which other Rebbe  is in the picture or weather its a smaller picture or a close up of the Rebbe. Unfortunately they pay for these photos thinking it will bring honor and fame. They invite photographers to each simcha in order to get coverage in the paper. The Eye can not take it anymore, said the Rebbe.

 This is not only limited to the chasidisher world but the Litvish yeshiva world has also gotten into the pictures phenomenon. Not so long ago there was one picture accompanying an article covering an event. Today pictures dominate the papers usually repeating the same faces every week but in a different pose. 

We no longer show pictures of women- maybe we should cut down on  pictures of men too.

White house Chanukah party 2013 attended by representatives of the frum community-

President Obama shows off the White house "Menurkey"

President Obama celebrates zos Chanukkah with a pair of White House receptions. The minhag at the white house is to say 2 Brachos  the first שעשה נסים the second one שהחיינו. Since The hadlaka was after shkiah the bracha of lehadlik ner shel Chanukah was omitted.

Watch Video of white house 2013 hanukkah ceremony HERE

Agudath Israel leadership at the white house

Mincha with a heicha kedusha at the white house

He noted the rare quirk in the calendar that overlapped Thanksgiving with the start of eight-day Jewish holiday. He also recognized some of the people in the audience who are credited with coining unusual phrases to mark the holiday, such as "Thanksgivukkah," a combination of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, and "menurkey," a blend of the words menorah and turkey.

Video- Koshering the white house kitchen for the Chanukah party 2013

Help save a boys life, sign the petition

The Cohen family, of Houston, TX, is facing a battle none of us should have to go through - aggressive brain cancer in their 6-year old son Refael Elisha (Refael Elisha Meir ben Devorah). Having recently received the devastating news from their doctors that "there is nothing more we can do for him", the Cohens are turning to a last resort - Antineoplaston Therapy at the Burzyinski clinic. However, the FDA pulled their approval for this treatment in 2012 pending further clinical trials. They are told that the FDA is nearing approval to resume this treatment, but Refael Elisha does not have time to wait.

ותן טל ומטר לברכה Tonight December 4th- 2 Teves

Klal yisrael  in Chutz laaretz will begin saying V'sein Tal Umatar Livracha Tonight by Maariv. 2 Teves 5774  December 4th 2013.
It also falls out on the last night of Chanukah known as Zos chanukah there are special tefillos to recite and segulos for parnasah on זאת חנוכה. There is a מנהג ספרדים to recite 308 times the פסוק of
 "שובו שברו לנו מעט אוכל"  as a Segulah for Parnasah on Zos Chanukah

 A old minhag in Yerushalayim to daven for rain-
 "זאת חנוכה" - היום האחרון
של החג היו מביאים קערות גדולות אל תלמוד תורה, ליד בית הכנסת
יוחנן בן-זכאי".

Shuls and shtiebles could lose parsonage exemption

A recent ruling by a US District Judge  has Jewish groups across the spectrum protesting the decision. It will effect the residential part of the Rabbi of a local shul.  Agudath Israel of America issued this statement:

It is with great dismay that we greet the news of U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Crabb’s (Western District of Wisconsin) ruling that declares the “parsonage exemption” to be unconstitutional.

Rav Matisyahu Solomon calls on American Bnei Torah to refrain and not take sides and get involved in situation in Eretz Yisrael

Despite the attempt by some newspapers and individuals to spread the Machlokes here in the American Yeshiva world. The gedolei Roshei yeshiva in the US are calling on the yeshiva world not to take sides or get involved in the current situation in the Torah world in EY. Mnay youngeleit here in the US are seeking guidance from the gedolim how to understand and react.

Rav Matisyahu Solomon

According to a source, (received via email) the Lakewood Mashgiach Rav Mattisyahu Solomon spoke recently in Lakewoood yeshiva Beth Medrash Govoha. The Mashgiach mentioned there are differences of opinion and chilukei daos. B'H it has not penetrated the olam hatorah in America.The mashgiach said, that in previous generations the olam haTorah always went along with the midah of emes vehashalom ehavu even in times of great machlokes we can have chilukei daois but the end result is to respect one another just as was the case with Bais Shammai and Bais Hillel despite their great differences- in some cases a woman would be assur to get married according to bais shammai never the less they did not refrain from marrying each other. They held their own but the end result was seeking the truth and shalom, not who can win.

"Jews in the News" Video of session at Agudah convention 2013

Watch All convention Videos HERE
Agudath Israel 91st National Convention Jews in the News: Dealing with the Uncomfortable Spotlight.
Jews in the News from Agudath Israel on Vimeo. For more Convention Videos click HERE

Despite the challenge, sending a child to yeshiva is a simcha

Its that time of year again, when yeshivos open registration for the coming year. After years of investigating and seeking advice, many young couples are applying for the first time to send their oldest child to yeshiva. 

While many have their eye on a particular school, reality dictates that you apply to at least 3 schools and hope you get into one of them. In many communities, especially the tri state area where schools are full and few new slots open, it is a bigger challenge getting accepted. 

During this time, parents go through a rough time, having many sleepless nights and constant worry,  affecting shalom bayis as well.

A Tale of Two conventions

With the conclusion of  both the annual  Agudah convention  and the recent Chabad  lubavitch kinnus hashluchim, while each is of a different nature, format and mission,  both have taken steps in reaching out to a broad audience with the help of social media and innovative programs. Live broadcast locations, live streams and updated tweets and emails reporting on the events.

The kinus hashluchim which has been a exclusive chabad event, has recently, drew more attention with much more publicity. Its been followed by many outside of chabad. Credit in large part to social media and online publicity. It got coverage even among so called litvish yeshiva websites that are more in line with Agudah than Chabad. The kiruv nature of it has a broad appeal reaching out to many across the spectrum.

 The recent Siyum hashas, Lefkowitz young leadership initiative, and the publicizing of advocacy and involvement of Agudah on behalf of the klal, has brought a new life and excitement to the convention and helped in reaching out to today's generation.

On to the 2014 Yarchei kallah of Agudath israel of America, will take place in Yerushalayim

Photos and video of 2014 Yarchei kallah HERE

 
Yarchei Kallah from Agudath Israel (rumors it may be postponed!)
 The 14th Annual Yerushalayim Yarchei Kallahis set to take place: Monday, January 20 - 23, 2014 / 19 - 22 Shevat, 5774 at the Ramada Hotel. This year's Sugya D'Kallah will be: פרק כיצד מברכין והלכות ברכת הנהנין

Agudah convention Motzei Shabbbos 2013 Keynote session recap and Report -photos

Watch all Agudah convention 2013 Videos HERE of speeches.

Rabbi Ephraim wachsman at the Agudah convention 2013 Motzei shabbos keynote session

Convention Photos HERE  and HERE Agudath Israel convention videos HERE.  Shabbos at the convention was highlited  with divrei hashkafa from Rav Malkiel Kotler , Novominsker Rebbe, and Rav Moshe Mendelsohn from Komemiyus and "keren hashviis" on the upcoming year of  Shmittah 5775

The Motzei shabbos keynote  session was uplifting and inspiring with powerful speeches about getting involved with the klal and the situation facing the Torah community in Eretz Yisrael. A special guest appearance by Rabbi Noach Muroff whose story made a kidush hashem  in the news recently.
This video was shown about the faces of poverty in Eretz Yisrael.
A special mention about past supporters of agudath Israel and askanim who passed away this year, Rav Moshe Reichman Z'L, Rav,Yisachar Hasenfeld Z'L, Rav Yoel (Julias) Klugman, Rav yosef Friedensohn Z'L.
pictures of convention below. Motzei Shabbos photos HERE general convention pictures HERE

Rabbi Yosef harari Raful
Gave a azkara on chacham Ovadia Yosef Zatzal. He spoke about his bekiyus and yashrus he was a bor sid shein maabed tipah but more so was a maayan hamisgaber. Rav Ovadiah once spoke at the knessiah gedolah of Agudas Yisrael and he mentioned the three important things that the Agudah started. Chinuch atzmoi, Bais Yaakov for girls, Shiurei Torah. He had a ahavas haberiyos which came from his ahavas haTorah.

Guest appearance by Rabbi Noach Muroff- Video of convention speech HERE
After showing the video of his story,

Video at Agudah convention 2013 -Faces of poverty in the Holy land

The Human Face of Poverty in the Holy Land from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.
Presentation was shown at the 91st Agudah convention at the Motzei Shabbos Keynote session. Produced by Kol Rom studios and Hamodia.

Agudah convention 2013 Thursday night plenary session recap- Photos and videos

The 91st Agudah convention got underway, the Thursday night sessions focused on Chinuch.There were other concurrent sessions following the plenary session on various topics and issues. A special kumzitz with Eitan Katz took place with Thursday night cholent attended by the young leadership members. Click HERE for a report on the Motzei Shabbos keynote session- recap
Click HERE for pictures and photo of Thursday night session video shown at convention.

Rav Mattisyahu Solomon at the 2013 Agudah convention 

Hamodia convention report click  HERE (only reports part of Rav Benders speech)
Rav Elya Brudny- Video of speech HERE
Opened with the convention theme" chanoch lnaar ensuring the future". He said there is no quick fix to ensure the future, but if we strengthen ourselves  and uplift ourselves, our children will see that and continue in our ways. Today we have a nisayon of bechirah  he said over from Rav Hutner zatzal that the kefirah of this dor will be in bechirah. People think there isn't more i can do and we seem to just stay were we are, not looking to gow in ruchniyus and elevate ourselves. If we dont make the effort, our children will say the same thing why should we strive if their parents don't put in the extra effort. We must work on ourselves to be mechazek in our kvias itim latorah, let us have a uplifting shabbos meal with a dvar torah and zemiros. lets take interest when our child shares a vort from their rebbe or morah. Lets take the opportunity to speak to our children and remind them were they come from how yiddishkeit was in previous generations.

If we elevate ourselves and live a life of bemitzvosav chofetz meod we will be zoche to ensure the future for our children and and zoche to bnei banim harei hem kebanim.

Rav Yaakov Bender- Video of speech HERE

Agudah convention 2013 schedule, Live broadcast and hookup info

updated: For 2013 convention recap and pictures click HERE

The 91st Agudath Israel of America national convention Nov-14-17, 2013

Live video Broadcast locations below, Hook up phone number to listen live by phone 212-444-1323

At the woodcliff lake Hilton. For driving directions type in GPS Address: 200 Tice Blvd, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677.  near exit 171 off the Garden state parkway Updated schedule below. 

The Tolna Rebbe from EY will not be attending as originally planned.

For a report on the convention, photos and recap HERE and HERE

 
                                                              Agudah Convention 2013 schedule

Rebbe, goes public with his story that makes a kiddush hashem

Rabbi Noach Muroff

                  שיהא שם שמים מתאהב על ידך
A Rebbe in Connecticut, Reb Noach Muroff, goes public about his story (Video below) after buying a desk on craigslist. Inside the desk they found $98K and returned the money to its original owner. The story was first reported HERE and hopefully will be picked up by the media just as they do with other stories that involve Rabbi's and frum yidden. After discussing it over with Rav Shmuel kamenetzky he went public with his story. Video Below (wtnh.com)  reminds of of the story with Shimon ben Shetach see below:

khanukah kosher knish krinkle- The real Knish shortage

Oy, a Knish shortage! In the news today, a major concern. Knish Kvetching, after a fire at a factory billed as the world's biggest maker of knishes has created nationwide shock and oy for those who can't seem to find the Jewish treats anywhere. The company promises an end to the knish Krunch by thanksgiving which coincides with chanuka.

The real Knish shortage we should be concerned about is

Viral pictures, do Redditors define what is a Kiddush hashem or a Chilul hashem?

Recently, a picture went viral on the internet first on Reddit, of a kohen wrapped in a bag on a plane, it was posted by many frum blogs, websites and picked up by the secular media. The result, people who have no clue what it was about speculating and ridiculing orthodox jews and the Torah. When explained that it was about a kohen not wanting to become impure, many have been poking fun and mocking the Torah and Halachos of Tumah and Tahara and calling it a chillul hashem. Many frum websites joined in calling it a chilul hashem. (Video below of black man sleeping on Jewish guy in the subway)

This past week

Segulah to be makabel shabbos early- especially during short Fridays in the winter

Shabbos is coming!

Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman Shlita relates the following story (see below) and tells people seeking Yeshuos (salvation) from childlessness as well as other troubles to adopt this practice of being Mekabel Shabbos earlier than the “regular” time. This is a tried and true method which has helped many people with children, Parnassah, Shiduchim, health etc. Why must we wait for something to go wrong before seeking a Yeshua? Let’s all decide to be Mekabel Shabbos early today before anything goes wrong!  Let us show Hashem that we are excited about his gift of Shabbos and that we “can’t wait” for its arrival and Hashem will not need to give us any reason to “wait” for any Yeshuos in the first place!

Frum news websites, leave the shulchan Aruch at home.

 The constant Lashon Hora, Motzie shem ra, rechilus and Bizuy talmidei chachomim continues unabated in the so called heimish"" yeshivish" news reporting sites. The recent news coverage on the elections in the tri state area brought out a lot of machlokes and nasty campaigns against frum candidates. The assumption is when it comes to politics the halachos of Lashon Hora do not apply.

   A article "proudly" posted on a Yeshiva website with post election analysis in the Jewish orthodox community, appears to be nothing but pure slander and Gossip . It besmirches individuals and entire chasidish community. The writer points out about someone that he "took our community to a new low in political campaigns ignoring all the halachos of motzi shem rah, richilus and loshon hara along the way". Does that give him a right to do the exact same thing? 

Another Frum heimish news site linked to a recent story published in the NY Post. 

Schedule list of speakers for keynote sessions at Agudath Yisrael 2013 convention

  keynote session at the upcoming 2013, 91st National Convention of Agudath Israel of America.

         Thursday night                          Motzei Shabbos                       Sunday Morning

                     Thursday evening- keynote sesion at the 2013 Agudah convention

Chanoch Lanaar-nurturing our children, ensuring our future

Rabbi Elya Brudny Rosh Yeshiva ,Mir yeshiva Brooklyn

Rav Yaakov Bender, Rosh yeshiva Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Rav Matisyahu Salomon, Mashgiach ruchani Beth medrash Govoha, lakewood

Audio visual presentation parenting perplexities

Crossing a red line, crossing the Atlantic

For the most part, the frum News media, mainly the print media papers and magazines in the US made little or no mention of the goings on in the Torah community in Eretz Yisrael. Its seen either as a localized issue that has to do with the Israeli municipal elections and its aftermath. Or, as a issue to big for us to be involved in.  We feel that its not our place to get involved in a machlokes among Gedolim on how to best approach the gezeirah of Giyus bnei hayeshivos. whatever the reason the general feeling is not to report on it and bring it across the Atlantic  to the US.

 Despite the efforts and pressure by certain individuals to spread it here to the Yeshiva community, It has for the most part been kept away. American Roshei Yeshiva have made sure to keep it out of the yeshiva world here in the states and  not to let it spread to these shores.

That was until Mishpacha Magazine published a full editorial HERE  "How the red line was crossed" 

Frum Girl quits Coffe room amid doubts in Emunah from fellow posters.

You would think what could be so wrong? the name of the site is yeshivish sounding It must be a kosher site, a frum news website with Rabbonim approving and guiding it. Well that is not what it seems as posted previously HERE. The coffeeroom section is not an ideal place for any Frum yid. A frum teenage Girl who was a contributing member in the Coffee room has posted she is saying goodbye to the ywn CoffeeRoom. Her reason, the posts there gave her doubts in Ikrei Emunah.

"It's been about three months that I've been on the CR, and now it's time for me to go. My emunah is just not strong enough to hear everyone else's doubts and still remain absolutely sure that there is a God in the world and He loves me. One poster in particular raised some doubts that took three solid hours with a rabbi to resolve. This, coupled with some other stuff have made me realize that the internet and I don't go well together. And so it is with regret and sadness that I say my final goodbye to the CR. You guys have helped me through so many trials in my life and I will be eternally grateful for all that you've done. I will miss the informative and funny posts I've seen so frequently''.

The idea of a social networking forum on a yeshivishe website is outrageous! The people who participate in the dialogue on The CoffeeRoom could be bochurim, single girls, women, men – nobody really knows who one is talking to. And the topics discussed are far from appropriate for boys and girls to be talking to each other about. It should be moderated by a well known Rav proudly writing his name. The dangers of theinternet are not only the shmutz but the discussions on hashkafa by amateurs and anonymous commentors pose a great risk.

Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel of America meet ahead of upcoming 2013 Agudah convention

Moetzes Gedolei hatorah of Agudath Yisrael

from BJL: Members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah met thursday October, 31 2013 at Agudath Israel Headquarters in New York. The meeting was held  ahead of the agudah convention which will take place November 14-17. Among the topics discussed were the current situation and state of the Torah community in Eretz Yisroel, the attack against Bris Milah in Europe, the agunah problem, and dangerous trends in the broader Orthodox community. (Not pictured above : Newly appointed member Rabbi Yosef Frankel Vyelipoler Rebbe)

L to R: Rabbi Dovid Feinstein, Rosh HaYeshiva, Mesivta Tiferes Yerushalayim; Rabbi Aaron Schechter, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin; Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, Novominsker Rebbe and Rosh Agudas Yisroel; Rabbi Yosef Frankel, Vyelipoler Rebbe; Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levin, Rosh Hayeshiva Telshe Yeshiva Chicago (by Tele-Conference); Rabbi Avi Shafran, Director of Public Affairs for Agudath Israel; Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel; Rabbi Ahron Feldman, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshivas Ner Yisroel;  Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva of Philadelphia; Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, Rosh HaYeshiva, Bais Medrash Govoha; and Rabbi Shlomo Gottesman, editor of Yeshurin Torah Journal. Photo credit BJL
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Seagate celebrates Simcha at the sea- A year since Sandy

Rabbi  Meisels

 Video HERE  from BJL   Video below: Gifter Photos
  Hamodia article HERE

 Thousands gathered  in the streets of Seagate, NY for a commemorative event, one year after Hurricane Sandy devastated the community. It was a Year ago at 8:02 pm when the ocean crashed on Sea gate. Now a Year later, the Town has been Rebuilt B"H and the residents  marked it with a special celebratory event  saying Thank you to HK"BH. Thanking hashem for the Miracles, despite the devastation and damage Hurricane Sandy inflicted on the community both physically and emotionally, there was no loss of life. they said thank you to all the volunteers, host families and donors that helped them triumph over darkness on the oceanfront. A Hachnosas Sefer Torah took place with stops in song at all seagate shuls. The Torah was brought to the Avodas Yisroel Shteibel which lost their sefer Torah in the storm                                        For Photos click HERE
  photos  below,

Tablets and Talmud- the Digital Daf on the 8:01 Train

From the BBC  living online video series HERE   

Every morning Jewish Orthodox commuters from Long Island use their hour-long train ride to New York City to study the Talmud, a centuries old compilation of Jewish law and tradition.

Daf Yomi  on the Train

The first car of the last wagon of the Long Island Rail Road turns into a moving synagogue, with about 30 people listening to a rabbi explaining the text and discussing it together, sometimes sitting next to other commuters reading their newspapers or dozing off.

The class has been taking place for more than two decades but these days many of the students of the book follow along on their tablets and smart phones.

The BBC took the 8:01 Cedarhurst train to see how religion and technology travel together.

Rav Yeruchem Olshin- R' Moshe Reichmann Z'L stabalized the Kollel checks for Lakewood youngeleit.

Rav yerucham Olshin

The Lakewood Rosh yeshiva Rav Yeruchem Olshin Rosh Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha who is currently in Eretz Yisroel, attended the Levaya of  Reb Moshe Reichman Z'L. In his hesped, he spoke  on behalf of the Rabbonim, Roshei yeshivos and youngeleit of  the Lakewood Yeshiva. He quoted the Pasuk  " הצדיק אבד ואין איש שם על לב, אנשי חסד נאספים ואין מבין".  We must realize the magnitude of our loss.

Rav Moshe Sternbach delivering a Hesped

  It was during a time when the yeshiva, BMG was going through a very hard time financially, and could not cover the kollel budget. The Rosh yeshiva Rav malkiel Kotler along with Rav Elya Svei Zt"l traveled to Toronto to meet R' Moshe Reichmann and ask for his help. He took upon himself the responsibility of supporting the kollel payroll at that time. The Rosh Yeshiva said that was the foundation upon which the kollel is supported and enabled the yeshiva to flourish. Other Balei batim soon followed  Reb Moshe's example and gave large donations. The kollle checks have been issued on time every 2 weeks since than for almost 12 years. The hachzokas hatorah and the Limud hatorah of the Bnei hayeshiva are all in his Zechus.

President Obama chooses cheesecake over cholent

The hope was, that president Obama would stop off in Crown Heights in the Chabad neighborhood on Kingston Avenue  and grab a bowl of hot cholent or a piece of potato kugel. The president went milchig instead and bought 2 cheesecakes on Flatbush Avenue HERE .

hmm.. don't tell Michelle

Asking for Justice for Rubashkin

 Despite not stoping off at the heart of  frum neighborhood, many there are sure the president noticed the signs calling for justice to Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin. Signs asked that the president to either pardon or investigate the case. Noted Lubavitch comedian Mendy Pelin tweeted, Mendy Pellin tweeted:   "White House: The president is humbled by his warm greeting in Crown Heights. The "Long Live the King" signs were touching!"

BD"H Reb Moshe (Paul) Reichmann Z'L Levaya hookup info, photos, pictures

Photos  and video of the Levaya in Israel in  Yerushalayim click HERE
For  pictures of the Levaya in Toronto click HERE
10/28/2013  pictures Paul Reichman  funeral
Updated Live phone  hookup to Levaya in Yerushalayim listen live  732-551-3351 Ext 9
To listen to a live hookup of the Levaya, in Toronto call 267-507-0240 and enter PIN # 381763.

photos BHOL.com

Rav Shmuel Auerbach gave first hesped at Levaya in Yerushalayim. Rav yerucham Olshin, Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva was maspid in EY. His Chavrusos when he was in yeshiva both the Gaavad and Raavad of the eidah hacharedis Rav Tuvia Wwiss and Rav Moshe Sternbach were maspid. Rav Berel Povarsky, Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Rav Avrohom Erlanger,were all maspid.
The Kevurah was in Eretz Yisroel on Har hamenuchos near the new chelkas harabonim Sunday. The Levaya  in Israel took place at Yeshivas Ahavas Torah on Rechov Toras chesed in Sorotzkin neighborhood .
He was the biggest Tomech To of recent Memory. Maspidim mentioned not just how much he gave to Torah and yechidim but about his Simas Lev the way he gave tzedakah. Hespedim were held in Toronto on Motzei Shabbos.

Experience the upcoming 2013 Agudah convention

Agudah convention 2013 promo video. song by Boruch Levine

 
From video channel of Agudath Yisrael of America Young leadership initiative.

O! Vey- President Obama to visit crown Heights on Erev Shabbos, Residents urged to do Shabbos shopping on Thursday.

Lighting candles

"O! Vey" President Barack Obama's planned visit to the Pathways in Technology Early College High School in Crown Heights section of Brooklyn this friday, will close down many streets near the frum neighborhood of Crown heights. Obama's motorcade will drive thru heart of the Jewish neighborhood on Kingston Ave tomorrow afternoon, frozen zones expected. The street closures, coupled with the short Friday's has askanim telling residents to do the shabbos shopping on Thursday. According to Chabad Online The route of the presidential motorcade is kept secret but the NYPD said to expect heavy traffic.

American gedolim and Roshei Yeshiva shocked of assault on Rav Aaron Leib Shteinman

 The Yeshiva world is in shock as a man entered the home of Rav Shteinman this morning and physically attacked him. At 5:30 Am the Rosh yeshiva was learning with his chavrusah when suddenly the man stormed in to the house and knocked the Rosh yeshiva down. He yelled at Rav shteinman and threatened to kill him. (Update: Family of attacker says he is not well and was deranged.)
Rav Shteinman was able to get up but than later during davening was not able to stand up during shmoneh esrei. People in the house tackled the perpetrator and held him untill police arrived.

Was Petirah of Rav Ovadiah Yosef Z"L a "siyum HaShas"?

The results of the Municipal elections in Israel have many in the shas party worried. Does this spell an end to the shas paty? The first test of survivability since the passing of Rav Ovadiah Yosef, has seemed to fail. In 2 hotly contested races, the shas candidates lost to their political rivals both in Yerushalayim and Elad. The city of Elad was the stronghold of the Shas party for many years. It is the first time control has been wrestled away from them by the Ashkenazi candidate for mayor.

After missing Siyum Hashas at Metlife, Viznitz Rebbe from EY joins Agudah with Siyum on Pesachim

After his uncle called on his chassidim not to attend the Siyum HERE the Rebbe participated at a Siyum for Daf Yomi in Monsey.

from BJL  photo credit: Yosef Rappaport/ Hamodia

At the first event, an overflow crowd of close to 1,500 Yiddish-speaking participants gathered Motzoei Shabbos Vayerah at the Atrium Plaza in Monsey for a sit-down melavah malkah and siyum. Organized by the Daf Yomi Commission of Agudath Israel of America in conjunction with numerous major kehillos in Rockland County, the celebration was made possible by a group of energetic young askanim who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

Live broadcast Siyum maseches Pesachim by Rav Avrohom Schorr

A year after Hurricane Sandy, another storm to hit New Jersey

Its been a  year since hurricane sandy devastated the state of NJ, particularly the Jersey shore area. Now, a year later another storm is set to rain down on  New Jersey, a storm of filth and decadence. The State of NJ pending a last minute appeal, will legally recognize same gender marriage. Newly elected Senator Cory Booker said he will officiate same gender marriages at the first available moment.
 Shortly after a state Supreme Court ruling Friday paved the way for such unions, Booker’s office said he would begin marrying same-sex couples at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, the first moment they are allowed. 

The Torah refers to same sex marriage as Toeiva an Abomination. our opposition to Toeivah marriage is an expression of our religion.

 Read more: http://swampland.time.com/2013/10/18/booker-looking-to-wed-same-sex-couples-before-taking-senate-
seat/#ixzz2iIJQmkCW

Photo courtesy of Shmuely Boteach. HERE

Get your Schmutz right here!

What used to be considered tabloid news, gossip and shmutz in the secular news media has now spread to the frum media in a big way, particularly the frum news websites and blogs. The frum print media, newspapers and magazines B"H  have editors and rabbinic boards who guide them in what what to print. They have standards and accountability for the content that's featured.  Gedolim back in Europe endorsed and encouraged the concept of frum papers to  spread Torah hashkafa and provide the news in a kosher way as an alternative to the secular press. Rarely were there a newspaper that was accepted and read without knowing who the editor or publisher is.

With the Internet age, all that has changed, opportunity arrived for anyone to open a website or blog and post whatever they want without any accountability. On the other hand there is no shame in going to a store and buying a paper you would rather not be seen with when you can read it online.

 A few individuals took the opportunity and opened frum news websites. They claim to be catering to Heimish yeshiviish and Torah community. Many of us frequent these sites and quote them as the main online frum news sites. Many mosdos and frum businesses advertise on these sites and use them as a way to get a message out.

However, these sites have no "hechsher" the editors are all anonymous, there are no known rabbanim who back up anything written or posted. More so these sites have  comment sections that post lashon hora, machlokes, shmutz and post news stories of any wrong doing by another frum "charedi" yid as a regular news item. It may call itself yeshiva world but its a far cry from that. The cofferoom section in one site is full of leitzanus and people mocking the yesodos of yiddeshkeit. Just recently with the Passing of Rav Ovadiah Yosef zatzal the comment section on VIN  was loaded with lashon hora and rechillus about a gadol hador. Another Torah site using tactics not befitting a online voice of Torah Jewry.

Some of the Frum Papers have websites but not as updated and current as other frum blogs and websites. Its time to establish a Frum news site with real people not hiding behind a screen and Rabbonim backing up everything that is posted.

91st Agudah convention 2013 - theme "Nurturing Our Children Ensuring Our Future"

 Schedule and live Broadcast info HERE

The 91st Agudath Israel convention for 2013 is only a month away. The convention will take place at Hilton Woodcliff Lake in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey from Thursday, November 14th through Sunday, November 17, Shabbos Parshas Vayishlach. The motzei shabbos keynote session will focus on the assault against the the Torah community in EY. Featuring special guests from Erez Yisroel.                             

credit: Baltimore Jewish Life

Rav Lazer Yudel Finkel mir Rosh Yeshiva

“The presence of these two distinguished dignitaries will enhance the convention immeasurably,” said Hashi Herzka, convention chairman. “Particularly at a time when every caring Jew is consumed by the severe challenges facing our brothers in Eretz Yisroel, the Rebbe and Rosh Hayeshiva will create an atmosphere of palpable achdus and spur us to help the Torah community in Eretz Yisroel in a practical and meaningful way.”
The Tolna Rebbe is renowned throughout Eretz Yisroel for his penetrating Torah insights and his masterful ability to convey a powerful message to the tzibur. He is also considered an expert in inyaneichinuch and shalom bayis, guiding and giving hadracha to thousands of Yidden in need.

Tolna rebbe from Yerushalayim

Rav Finkel is a son of the legendary Mir Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt”l, and has capably assumed the mantle of leadership following his father’s petirah. In just a short time, he has become beloved to his talmidim, and devotes much energy to guiding them both in their growth in Torah and in their personal lives.
In addition to contributing to what is expected to be an especially uplifting Shabbos experience, the Rebbe and the Rosh Hayeshiva will join the Novominsker Rebbe and Rav Ephraim Wachsman at the Motzoei Shabbos Keynote session in addressing the unprecedented assault against the Torah community and Torah values in Eretz Yisroel. They will give a deeper understanding of the many issues that face the community in Eretz Yisroel, as well as provide guidance as to how the American Torah tzibur should respond.
The other major convention plenary session will take place Thursday night, and will focus on the convention theme Chanoch Lanaar: Nurturing Our Children, Ensuring Our Future. It will deal with the challenges that parents face in raising their children in today’s complex world, while striving to pass on the eternal legacy of the mesorah.
 “There is great anticipation for what promises to be a memorable convention,” says Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of America. He noted that the hotel is filling up quickly and urged that all who wish to attend make their reservations as soon as possible. As always, all sessions are open to the public, free of charge.
The convention will take place at Hilton Woodcliff Lake in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey from Thursday, November 14th through Sunday, November 17, Shabbos Parshas Vayishlach.
For reservations or for more information, call 212.797.7380 or email convention@agudathisrael.org

Watch video rebroadcast of atzeret of Hespedim for Rav Ovadiah Yosef held in Yerushalayim

CLICK  HERE for video rebroadcast of  atzeret Shiva for Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef Z''TL Held Yesterday in Yerushalayim. Hepedim will also be delivered in the USA in  Lakewood Yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha Tuesday, October 15th at 6:30. Maspidim, Rav Yosef Harari Raful RY of Ateret Torah and Rav Chaim Benolliel R''Y Yeshivas Mikdash melech

Rav Boruch Mordechei Ezrachi delivering a hesped

The event was held in the streets of jerusalem attended by over 100,000 people.

Kever matzeivah of Rav Ovadiah Yosef Z'tl 

Photo: Kikarhashabat.co.il

text of the Matzeivah on the kever

פ"נ  רבן של כל בני הגולה  המדוכא ביסורים  מרן הראשון לציון  רבינו עובדיה יוסף זצ"ל  בן רבי יעקב וגורג'יה ז"ל  נלב"ע ג' מרחשון ה'תשע"ד  מחבר הספרים  יביע אומר, יחוה דעת, חזון עובדיה, לוית חן, טהרת הבית, מאור ישראל, הליכות עולם, טבעת המלך, ענף עץ אבות, ועוד  ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.  "נפשו בטוב תלין וזרעו יירש ארץ"

Transcript of video on meeting between Rav Ovadiah Z'tl Yosef and Rav Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg Z'tl in November 2008

Below is the transcript of the conversation on the video between Rav Ovadiah Yosef and Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg it took place in November 2008.
ROY= Rav Ovadia RS=Rav Scheinberg
 ROY says that he fell and has strong pains in his back preventing him from learning Torah because of it he wants to learn but he cant because of the pain.
  RS- Hashem will help him he should have a Refuah shleima and should continue to write his chiddushim on shulchan aruch Rav Ovadiiah begins to cry, at that point Rav sheinberg tells him Not to cry. He continues crying and RS assures him that hashem will help him without any doubt.
ROY than gives Rav Scheinberg a bracha they both wish each other to merit to see the coming of mashiach and hold his hand.
 ROY tell RS that he mentioed his chiddisum on halacha in his seforim and heaps praises that RS should continue to spread torah and he quotes the pesukim of ben porat yosef ben poras ali ayin..od yenuvun beseivah desheinim verananim.
 ROY continues to cry and RS reassures him not to cry to which ROY responds that hes crying because of his sins he quotes the gemara that Yesurim only come because of sins.
 RS cries along with him and tells him not to cry. He should continue to write his chiddushim. They inform ROY that RS is leaving to America and he gives him a bracha to continue to be marbitz torah. upon leaving Rav Sheinberg is presented with a new sefer from Rav Ovadia and he gives him a bracha of arichas yamim to continue publishing more seforim and spread Torah.

Frum papers publish special editions in tribute to Rav Ovadia Yosef Zatzal

Yated Neeman

Mishpacha magazine

All major frum weekly publications came out with special coverage on the passing of Rav Ovadia Yosef zatzal. Both the Yated and Hamodia printed special supplements about his life. Hamodia is a full color glossy supplement. The Yated also has a 32 page insert. Mishpacha published a special tribute issue.  Ami Magazine too has it as the cover story with a special tribute by Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef son of Rav Ovadiah ZT"l.

Did you expect any different from the NY post, its the frum websites that should shock you.

Why are people so shocked and surprised at the NY Post or "Prust"? How can it be after applauding them HERE  for their editorial on metzitza Bpeh and the satmar stores in Williamsburg, they go ahead and attack Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef Zatzal.

Its a shmutz tabloid that frum people should not be reading. The attack on Rabbi Yosef was disgusting, especialy for a Torah giant and a Rabbi that was respected across the board from all different denominations. They don't even know who he was and never heard his name before. The article was fed to them during a dirty campaign for NYC Mayor. A tabloid doing politics as usual. The Israeli secular media is more to blame for it.

What is shocking is Frum Blogs and news websites that allow negative comments posted about ROY. We should be outraged by the  discussion in the cofferoom section besmirching whole communities of Lakewood and Monsey, attacking the lakewood yeshiva BMG in the name of Kavod hatorah. The hypocrisy of these websites to publish editorials against the NY Post while doing the exact same thing!

  The NY post never the less have conservative values and they got it right on callling out Bloombergs crusade with the NYC dept of health on Metzitzah. For that  the Agudah  thanked them. we do not become fans and agree with what they do.

A commenter mentioned earlier, They say the Brisker Rov got very upset when someone tried to bring a rayah to something he said (about the avoda in the BHMK) from the report of a non-Jew who witnessed it and reported on what he saw. He said today you rely on his report for something that you agree with and next day you will bring rayahs from this non-Jew or another one to something else.

Six months Winter zman begins in the Yeshiva World

Winter Zman, or "Vinter zman" is well underway in the Yeshiva world, for thousands of yeshiva Bochurim and youngeleit, Its the longest uninterrupted zman of the year. This year 5774 being a leap year extends the zman another month making it a full six months zman. It began Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan and ends in the begining of Chodesh Nissan.

 Many yeshivos learn the yeshivishe mesechtos of Noshim and Nezikin, the shvere Sugyos of shas. It is a Zman were many have shteiged, were many can look back years later and point to that winter zman where they reached new levels of learning.

 The yeshiva year consists  of three zmanim, Elul Zman, Winter Zman and Summer zman. Winter zman is the zman most crucial zman of the three. The long stretch without interruption coupled with long winter nights have enabled many to accomplish and grow in Torah. 

for more read this article from Rabbi Wein HERE