Yom Torah U’Tefillah to Be Held Sunday for Harav Yisroel Belsky, Shlita

Hamodia- In response to a serious new health challenge faced by Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vodaas, the yeshivah will hold a Yom Limud HaTorah U’Tefillah next Sunday, 22 Teves, January 3.
“We are all very concerned,” said the yeshivah in an email message. “B’ezras Hashem, with his devoted mishpacha at his side, the right course of treatment will be found quickly to restore the Rosh Hayeshiva to good health, so that he will continue to lead us ad bias Moshiach tzidkeinu.”

As a zechus for the refuah sheleimah of Harav Belsky, every menahel in Torah Vodaath “is already instituting various new programs of learning and davening with the talmidim,” the yeshivah said.
Sunday’s special event will feature a seder halimud at 9:30 a.m., followed by divrei hisorerus from Torah Vodaath’s roshei yeshivah, Harav Yosef Savitsky and Harav Yisroel Reisman. The tzibur will then say tehillim at 12:15, followed by minchah at 12:45 p.m.

Keeping it Neutral at the upcoming Agudah Yarchei kallah in Yerushalayim

The Machlokes between the gedolim in Eretz Yisrael has recently heated up again, the Agudah of America Yarchei Kallah in EY plans on keeping it  a completely neutral endeavor, with only one goal, complete immersion in learning Torah for the days spent in Eretz Yisrael. Last year (here) it was Rav Aaron Shcechter the Rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Mesivta Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin and member of the Moetzes gedolei haTorah of Agudas Yisrael of America who insisted on Agudah not taking any sides in the machlokes. Effort was taken to keep it neutral without getting involved or taking sides which is what they hope to do the same this year IYH.

Frum Jews supporting Hillary Clinton for president

As  Election 2016 gets near, several influential  Orthodox Jews are throwing their support  behind Hillary Clinton for President. A editorial in The Jewish week by the OU's  Rabbi Menachem Genack under the tittle "Why I support Hillary Clinton for president". The article does not mention the Rabbis long standing relationship with former President Clinton. David Lichtenstein CEO of the Lightstone group and author of  Headlines book on current halachic debates is hosting a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton in NYC in mid January 2016. Mr. Lichtenstein who used to live in Lakewood has previously hosted a fundraiser for Hillary in his Lakewood home back in November of 2007. There was a backlash to the visit and Mr. Lichtenstein claimed he was asked to host it by the Lakewood Yeshiva.

Yeshiva bochur assaulted in Midwood

Hamodia A bachur walking home from yeshivah was assaulted Monday evening, shocking the frum community in Midwood, which was still reeling from news of a vicious attack early that morning.

According to a press release from New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, the 17-year-old boy was walking home at 6:30 p.m. Monday evening, when he was approached by an African American male, around 5-foot-8 and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt,

at East 29th Street and Avenue L. When the bachur was about a foot away, the assailant suddenly lunged at him and punched him on the side of his face.

2016 winter Yerushalayim Yarchei kallah of Agudath Yisrael in America, Jan 11-14

To register sign up HERE

Mir Yeshiva Dinner For Heimish olam

Nittel Nacht at Chabad 770

Rav Yoel Kahn at chess match

Levayos held for kedoshim killed at sharei Yafo

Hamodia The levayos for the two victims of Wednesday’s stabbing attack in Yerushalayim were held late Wednesday night and Thursday. Two terrorists, Issa Yassin Yussuf and Wanoun Mahmad Salah Hamad, both residents of the Yerushalayim neighborhood of Kalandiya, went on a stabbing spree, seriously injuring two Jews, one of whom later died. Police fired at the terrorists, killing one and injuring one, but sadly, a Jew was also hit by the police gunfire, and he later died from his wounds.

Killed in that attack were Rav Reuven Biermacher, Hy”d, 51, and Ofer Ben Ari, z”l, 46. Rav Biermacher died of stab wounds at the hands of the terrorists, who reportedly stabbed him 23 times. Ben Ari was killed by accidental fire as police sought to shoot down the terrorist.

Hafgana against Giyus, Mir Yeshiva forbids talmidim from protesting

A large protest is planed for this evening Motzei Assara Bteves to oppose the current giyus draft law that has been ratified in the knesset with the approval of charedi MK's and their roshei yeshiva. The Eidah hacharedis and the Bnei Torah faction led by Rav Shmuel Auerbach have called for a hafgana in Yerushalayim's Kikar shabbos this evening. The Mir Yeshiva of Yerushalyim does not approve of this and they forbade the talmidei hayeshiva from joining in the protest saying this hafganah is disrespectful to the Roshei yeshiva Rav Aaron leib Shteinman who supported the new ratified agreement.

The double standard in the frum charedi media

When it comes to reporting certain news items there is a double standard in the frum charedi or even yeshiva world media outlets. The print papers and magazines are held to a much higher standard than the websites and online social media. The print media will face a boycott if they ever covered or reported on certain questionable stories that involve lashon hora or foreign hashkafos. They will never publish a picture of a women. Yet the frum news websites who are free to post what they want with no repercussions are patronized by the same advertisers and spokespersons who represent major frum Jewish organizations. The frum online media is  currently very competitive and has brought down the already low bar eve further. Videos and stupidity are now news items simcha spreading websites have now changed to shmutz and what not in a ratings war and the frum news outlets have followed suit as they seek hits and compete with one another.
The print media have editors who must take responsibility for the content they publish but online its a free for fall with anonymous news editors hiding behind anonymous rabbis who they claim to seek guidance from. Lacking a kosher online platform the frum advertisers and organizations reach out to these websites to get their message out which validates the content published there. Just recently a headline on YWN reported about a gang of charedi teens. On that very page there were ads for Torah Umesorah, No talking in shul, Guard your eyes, and other organizations. FM was more than happy to share the story. You wont find that in any respected print media we read on shabbos if they did there would be a public outcry why is there a double standard we need a higher standard!

Yom tefillah for refuah of Rav Mattisyohu Solomon shlita

A Yom Tefillah has been called across Lakewood for a refuah shlaima for the Mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha Harav Mattisyahu Solomon shlita. Sign asks all shuls to say Tehillim this coming fast day of Asarah Beteves. Name for tehillim is Mattisyahu Chaim ben Ettil.

Aron Wieder Resigning as Rockland Democratic Leader

Hamodia, NEW YORK - In a dramatic reaction to the call for state intrusion in Monsey yeshivah funding, Aron Wieder announced at a news conference Thursday afternoon that he was resigning his post as the Rockland County Legislature’s Democratic leader.

The resignation, announced before dozens of elected officials and community leaders in the Rockland County legislative chamber, came three days after the New York State Board of Regents unanimously voted to approve a panel’s recommendation that the state appoint a monitor over the East Ramapo school board, with power to override decisions made by the popularly elected board.

Live Daf Yomi siyum on Maseches Sotah

Monsey residents urged to attend meeting

Dear Monsey resident.
Our Community is under attack. Your daily life hasn’t been noticeably impacted, but that is very likely to change.

Yesterday, your children were attacked. Let me explain. Dennis Wolcott, the monitor who was appointed by the NYS education department, for the East Ramapo School district found no criminal wrongdoing whatsoever. He actually praised the current board and its President Mr. Weissmandel. Yet, he inexplicably called for a monitor with veto power! The bogus reason he gave is that we don’t know who the next school board will be. This is totally unacceptable and we can no longer remain silent. He has suggested taking away many of the programs that are currently mandated for private schools by NYS … including severely impacting transportation to the private schools!!

The current board who are working lshem shamyim lmaan hklal need your support. Please come out tonight to show your support at Ramapo High School on Viola Rd. 7:30 P.m..

Aron Wieder

BD'H Reb Yudel Ackerman Ztl

Reb Yudel Ackerman who headed Mosses Stolin on Bnei Brak passed away at the age of 88. He was known for his famous smile and simcha that he brought wherever he went. Be at his signature dance at a chasunah or just cheering someone up, that was his essence.  He started the stolin mosdos on Bnei Brak 45 year a ago and he  he taught the current Stoliner Rebbe. The lavaya will go out from the stolin cheer kevurah will be in Teverya.

Zos Chanuka segulah for Parnassah

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".

The menorah was removed but tree stays on lakewood

Several media outlets reported on a menorah in Lakewood, NJ that was removed due to the threat of a lawsuit. Rather than having a nativity scene placed in the town square the local government which has from members had the Menorah removed to avoid a lawsuit.  Read Here: 
http://newjersey.news12.com/news/lakewood-menorah-removed-from-holiday-display-after-lawsuit-threat-1.11215468

Frum Passengers' "cool clock" causes scare on NJ bus to Lakewood

A Frum Man who has just arrived from Eretz Yisrael took a NJ Transit bus from Newark airport to Lakewood. A Passenger who noticed a suspicious device on his lap alerted authorities who stopped traffic and evacuated the bus it was only an alarm clock. Would he also get a invite from President Obama? read the story HERE

Agudah leadership at the Whitehouse Chanukah party

Watch Live: President Obama Hosts Two Chanukah Parties at the White house 2015

Rabbinical student case dismissed

A judge in Monticello dismissed a case brought against a Rebbe where a former student filed molestation and abuse charges. Read HERE.
The case drew to a close yesterday after a week of cross examinations and testimony. For the yeshiva community of South Fallsburg the ruling was a nes chanukah.

How do you say vote in Yiddish

 Hamodia Brooklyn- A Brooklyn lawmaker wants New York City to translate all voter registration material in Yiddish-speaking neighborhoods into the local lingo.
Assemblyman Dov Hikind said that he recently received voter registration forms in the mail translated into dozens of languages but not in Yiddish. He is urging the NYC Board of Elections to translate the forms into Yiddish. “There are voter registrations forms in Bengali, why not Yiddish?” said Hikind, a Democrat. “Everyone talks about how important it is to register to vote. There are thousands of Yiddish-speakers in my district and New York State.”

Agudath Israel Hails New Yeshiva Security Measure Passed by City Council Today

Earlier today, the City Council passed a measure, introduced by City Councilmember David Greenfield, which will reimburse the city's larger nonpublic schools for costs they incur in hiring private security guards.  The historic agreement between New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Councilman David Greenfield, was enthusiastically welcomed by Agudath Israel of America.

"This is a tremendous achievement," said Agudath Israel's executive vice president Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel. "Parents of nonpublic school children throughout the city will now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that, at a time when the world has become increasingly dangerous, their precious children are afforded a serious measure of protection.  Thank you Councilman Greenfield, thank you Mayor De Blasio, thank you Speaker Mark Viverito, thank you to all the elected officials who made this happen."

The measure, which has been in the works for a number of years, is expected to take effect on April 1, 2016.

Didn't they learn the Aleph Bais

Are we "just farhshlepped" about vaccinating.

BROOKLYN -  Hamodia- The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH) is reaching out to Orthodox Jewish Brooklyn communities in an attempt to stop an outbreak of whooping cough, or pertussis, that has been raging for over a year. As the vast majority of cases have been found in children who have not been vaccinated properly, DOH is working together with schools and physicians to address the issue.

There have been 171 cases of whooping cough reported in Williamsburg, Boro Park and Crown Heights since October 2014. According to the DOH, this outbreak is specific to the Orthodox community. With the exception of outbreaks, New York usually has 100-200 cases of whooping cough each year. While most cases remain mild if properly treated, five children have been hospitalized in the past year. Health risks are most serious for infants.

“The best way for parents to protect their children from pertussis and other vaccine preventable infections is by vaccinating them on time,” the DOH told Hamodia in a written statement. It said the outbreak “is largely a result of parents delaying vaccinations for their children.”

In addition to the importance of vaccinating children, the DOH urges expectant mothers to receive booster shots as well, which can transfer antibodies to their babies and serve as protection during their first weeks of life. Infants themselves are recommended to get their first shots at around two months old.

The department is working to provide schools with up-to-date information on which of their students need to have vaccines updated as a means of stemming the highly contagious and potentially dangerous illness. They have also initiated an advertising campaign in both Yiddish and English in community media to spread public awareness.

WH uses National Menorah lighting to push refugee agenda

Washington Examiner White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough used the lighting of the National Hanukkah Menorah to push President Obama's efforts to allow refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East into the U.S.

"So this is a joyous occasion, and yet as we heard earlier we are mindful that even as we gather here tonight, that while the light of freedom burns brightly for us and for our generation, it flickers for others," McDonough said as he stood before a 30-foot menorah on the Ellipse in front of the White House.

"Refugees fleeing religious intolerance and oppression. People targeted for their faith, people whose faith is perverted by others," McDonough continued. "We are Americans, and as Americans we do not turn our backs on those who seek sanctuary. Nor do we stay quiet in the face of bigotry or intolerance. We stand up for those persecuted around the world."

אוי חנוכה the words in yiddish ...

Yiddish words יידיש                                                                            English translation Oy Chanukah

חנוכה, אוי חנוכה                                                     (Oh), Chanukah, Oh Chanukah                                       

חנוכה, אוי חנוכה, אַ יום-טוב אַ שיינער,                           A beautiful celebration.             

אַ לוסטיקער, אַ פריילעכער, ניטאָ נאָך אַזוינער.                 Such a cheerful and happy one,

אַלע נאַכט אין דריידלעך שפילן מיר,                                There is none like it.

זודיק הייסע לאַטקעס עסן מיר.                                     Every night with the dreidels we will play,

געשווינדער, צינדט קינדער                                          Fresh, hot latkes we will eat endlessly.

די דינינקע ליכטעלעך אָן.                                            And while we are playing

זאָגט על הנסים, לויבט גאָט פאַר די נסים,                        The candles are burning bright (or low[2])

און קומט גיכער טאַנצן אין קאָן.                                     One for each night, they shed a sweet light

יהודה האָט פאַרטריבן דעם שונא, דעם רוצח,                   To remind us of days long ago

און האָט אין בית המקדש געזונגען למנצח.                        One for each night, they shed a sweet light

די שטאָט ירושלים האָט ווידער אויפגעלעבט,                      To remind us of days long ago.

און צו אַ נייעם לעבן האָט יעדערער געשטרעבט.

געשווינדער, צינדט קינדער

די דינינקע ליכטעלעך אָן.

זאָגט על הנסים, לויבט גאָט פאַר די נסים,

און קומט גיכער טאַנצן אין קאָן   

A Destructive force

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
Yated Neeman For some reason, people in our world perk up when there is a crisis. If you can convince them that there is a crisis, they willuctive  drop what they are doing and form Tehillim groups to daven for the crisis to go away. They will form coffee klatches to get together and seek solutions to the crisis. That is because our people are basically good, fine, caring and loving. When there is a tzorah, everyone galvanizes into action to help out.

There is an old problem that is worsening with the passage of time and the advancement of technology. It has reached crisis proportions. We don’t care about each other’s feelings. People hurt others all day. Most probably do it subconsciously, but there is a fair number of people who simply can’t fargin others.

Motzei shabbos December 5th by Maariv ותן טל ומטר לברכה

Klal yisrael  in Chutz laaretz will begin saying V'sein Tal Umatar Livracha Motzei shabbos by Maariv.  December 5th 2015.

Arab man threatened to kill Jews in NY

JPupdates A 22-year-old Arab man has been taken into custody Thursday morning by the New York City Police Department after he walked into a synagogue in Flatbush and threatened to kill Jews while men were praying, NYPD officials said. Police sources said Irsalan Aziz walked into the Sephardic Achi Ezer Congregation at 1885 Ocean Parkway Avenue around 7:20 a.m. and made anti-Semitic statements. When people tried pushing him out he yelled, ” I wish I can kill Jews every day.” He said he needs a therapist and no one helps him, a police source added.

Gedolei Yisrael call for strengthening Torah learning on Chanuka

Travesty continues for Jonathan Pollard

 Hamodia- When the Parole Commission announced last July that they would finally be releasing Jonathan Pollard on parole in November, it was hoped by many that, at long last, the travesty of justice that kept him behind bars for three full decades was finally coming to an end. Clearly, nothing the government can do now would make up for the fact that he was unfairly deprived of his freedom for so long; nothing can compensate him for receiving a life sentence for a crime whose median punishment is two to four years. Yet, it was hoped that after serving a full 30 years in prison, during which he developed and struggled with a number of serious physical ailments, he would taste real freedom.

American Roshei Yeshiva sign letter to stand strong and not compromise in giyus draft law

Rav Aaron Shechter, Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Rav Malkiel Kotler, Signed a letter , dated 14 Kislev 5776, adding to what they gedolim in Eretz Yisrael have ruled on the current draft law intended to draft Yeshiva Bochurim and kolell youngeleit. The letter calls refers to those who are behind the law as sonei hashem. It calls on the avreichim to stand strong as a fortified wall not allowing forein forces to penetrate, and not to fall victim to their temptations. The letter concludes In the merit of  standing u for Hashem and the Totah may we be protected as a nation in Eretz yisrael.

Litman Wedding Held Two Weeks After Terror Attack

 Hamodia - On Thursday night, the chasunah of Ariel Beigel and Sarah-Tehiya Litman was held at Binyanei Ha’Uma in Yerushalayim.

Photos of Rabbi Yaakov Litman, Hy”d, and Netanel Litman, Hy”d, the father and brother of, ybl”c, Sarah Litman, displayed at her chasunah on Thursday night in Binyanei Ha’Uma in Yerushalayim. (Hadas Parush/Flash90)

The chasunah had been postponed by nine days due to the murder of the kallah’s father and brother, Rabbi Yaakov Litman and Netanel Litman, Hy”d, near Chevron two weeks ago Friday, just before what was to have been her Shabbos Kallah.

Tzipporah Unger, a”h, Niftar in Tragic Accident

 Hamodia NEW YORK - The community of Monsey was pained to hear of the petirah of Mrs. Tzipporah (Holly) Unger, a”h, 57, who was tragically niftar in a car accident. She was remembered for her outstanding dedication to her family and ehrlichkeit.

Rabbi Meshulen Nosson Spiegel of Beis Medrash Tefilah L’Moshe described the nifteres as a neshamah tehorah whose tznius and eidelkeit were examples to all that knew her.

Thanksgiving shiurim

Brooklyn- Agudah Flatbush Rabbi Reisman shul

Chicago- Khal Adas Yeshurun 3050 W. Touhy  Chicago
Thanksgiving Breakfast and Shiur - Rabbi Zushe Blech
Thursday, November 26, 2015 • 14 Kislev 5776
8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
8 am Shacharis followed by Rabbi Zushe Blech shuir

Passaic
1. Yeshiva Ner Boruch—PTI invites the Men & Women of the Passaic Clifton community to a LEGAL HOLIDAY YOM IYUN with HaRav Moshe Heinemann, Shlita Noted Posek, Star-K,
Morah D'asrah, Agudas Yisroel of Baltimore. "Understanding the Difference between Chumros, Halachos & Minhagim with Practical Applications"

Shlomo Rechnitz warms IDF soldiers for winter

 Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz visits IDF soldiers

Just days after Philanthropist  Reb Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz treated 400 US Marines to a hearty meal at an airport restaurant of their choosing, he did a similar feat for IDF soldiers in Israel. On the way to the airport on his return trip  he chanced upon a artillery regiment and met them for a half hour. He asked the soldiers what they were lacking and pledged a half a million NIS for winter gear. They will receive personal gear that will keep them warm  for winter which includes, brass coat , gloves , scarf , T-shirts , heating and a personal bag. In addition the use for an entire year food and drink vending machines at his own expense. The soldiers were very impressed with his visit and generosity. He left a strong everlasting impression on them.

Historic NYC Legislation Protecting Non-Public Schools

The Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition (FJCC) commends Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Veverito, and Councilman David Greenfield and their colleagues for agreeing on historic legislation that will provide security guards for Yeshivas and non-public schools in New York City.
We encourage swift passage of the bill by the City Council and the Mayor signing the legislation into law.
Uniformed, trained, and licensed guards who will coordinate with the NYPD, will be a strong deterrent and provide safety for students in our community's schools.

Pollard Parole Restrictions Conflicts With Shemiras Shabbos

Hamodia-According to affidavits filed by attorneys for Jonathan Pollard, the conditions of his parole, which include requiring him to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet 24 hours a day and placing him under house arrest from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., “is guaranteed to deprive Mr. Pollard of his ability to observe the most basic tenets of his religion, Judaism.”

The GPS monitoring system consists of a non-removable transmitter, which is installed on Pollard’s  wrist, and a receiver that is plugged into an outlet in his  residence. Whenever he moves outside the range of the receiver, the transmitter — which is three inches long and two inches wide — acts as a GPS tracker and monitors his location.

The Russians have crossed the Dardanelles

 It is said over in the name of Rav Chaim Volozhiner he had a kabbala, from the villna Gaon when the Russians will cross the Dardanelles river  it will be the start of events before mashiach comes. A Russian battleship passed through the Dardanelles en route to the Mediterranean, minutes after Turkish F-16s shot down a Russian fighter jet due to an airspace violation. The Dardanelles connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. 

BD'E Rebbetzin Sarah Schustal A''H

 Rebbetzin Sarah Schustal a”h, was the wife of Rav Simcha Schustal zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Bais Binyomin of Stamford, and a daughter of the Mattersdorfer Rov zt”l. was nifteres last night. She is survived by a family of leading gedolei Torah, including her sons, Rav Shlomo Feivel Schustal, rosh yeshiva of Yeshova Naos Yaakov, Rav Dovid Schustal, rosh yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha, and Rav Tovia Schustal, rosh yeshiva at Yeshivat Ateret Torah, as well as her daughters,  Rebbetzin Miriam Ungarischer, wife of Rav Yerachmiel Ungarischer, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Nachlas Yisroel of Lakewood; Rebbetzin Reva Halpern, wife of  Rav Binyomin Zev Halpern, rov of Khal Bais Halevi of Lakewood; Rebbetzin Zeilberger, wife of  Rav Yeruchem Zeilberger, rosh yeshiva at Yeshiva Bais Hatalmud; and Rebbetzin Bender, wife of Rav Michoel Bender, R”M at Yeshiva Bais Binyomin of Stamford.

Jonathan Pollard Spends First Shabbos on Parole

Hamodia-NEW YORK - After serving an unprecedented 30 years in prison for passing classified information to an ally, Israel, Jonathan Pollard was released on Parole early Friday and spent Shabbos in the company of his wife —who has selflessly dedicated her life to lead the battle for his release — in the New York area.

Pollard checked in at a federal probation office in New York City on Friday morning, hours after being released from the medium -security federal correctional institute in Butner, North Carolina. He was accompanied by his wife, Esther, and Rabbi Pesach Lerner, who has ceaselessly championed Pollard’s cause for more than two decades. There he was met by his extraordinarily devoted pro-bono attorneys, Jacques Semmelman and Eliot Lauer.

White House 'deeply saddened' by American teen Ezra Schwartz's murder

Jpost  It took a few days but White House said it was 'deeply saddened' by American teen Ezra Schwartz's murder.

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration has sent condolences to the families of victims of a terrorist attack on Thursday in Israel that claimed the life of Ezra Schwartz, an 18-year-old American citizen.

"We were deeply saddened to learn about the death of Ezra Schwartz, an American citizen from Massachusetts who was murdered in a terrorist attack," National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price told The Jerusalem Post. "We extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family, friends and community as well as the family and friends of the four other people killed in yesterday's tragic events."

Price said the White House also remains concerned about the five other American citizens who were injured in the attack, perpetrated by a Palestinian man.

"We continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms these outrageous terrorist attacks," he said. "These tragic incidents underscore the importance of taking affirmative steps to restore calm, reduce tensions and bring an immediate end to the violence."

19 Kedoshim of arab terror HY''D

Sign the petition for Ezra Schwartz H''YD

Sign the petition HERE  publicly acknowledge Ezra Schwartz, an 18-year old American citizen from Sharon, MA, was murdered by a terrorist.
On November 19, 2015, Ezra Schwartz, an 18-year old American citizen from Sharon, MA, was murdered by a terrorist while on his way to do volunteer charity work. The government of the United States of America has failed to publicly acknowledge Ezra's murder and has taken no action to condemn the terror attack that took three lives.

We respectfully request that President Obama publicly acknowledge the senseless killing of Ezra Schwartz, condemn the attack and rebuke the Palestinian Authority for claiming that the third victim of this attack, an Israeli Arab, was killed by Israeli forces, when not a single shot was fired by Israeli military or law enforcement and the terrorist was taken into custody unharmed. Such lies are irresponsible and incite further terrorism.

Levaya of Ezra Schwartz HY''D live stream broadcast

Levaya will begin at 12:00 pm

Levaya of Ezra Schwartz HY''D

The levayah of Ezra Schwartz Hy”d, whose young life was tragically cut down while returning with friends to yeshiva after a day that included distributing food to Israeli soldiers in Gush Etzion and a visit to a memorial for the three Israeli teens who were killed in 2014, will take place today at noon at Temple Sinai, located at 25 Canton Street in Sharon, Massachusettes.  Following the levayah, the aron will be carried in a procession for kevurah at Sharon Memorial Park. The levayah will be streamed online HERE.

Letter from CRC hisachdus on haafkoas kiddushin

Agudah Urges Jewish Community to Push for Increased Security Funding

Amid the recent wave of terror attacks and threats, Agudath Israel has asked the Jewish community to contact their congressional representatives and urge them to increase funding for security.

“The Jewish community has a particular stake in this issue as it is no secret that we are a vulnerable and high-risk target,” the organization said in a press release.

In particular, the Agudah is now focusing on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which funds security equipment — such as cameras, concrete barriers and  reinforced doors — for non-profit institutions, in certain cities, that are at high risk of terrorist attacks.

Free: Jonathan Pollard released from prison after 30 years

Jonathan Pollard a free man

Terror returns 5 killed hy'd

YERUSHALAYIM (Hamodia Staff) - Five people were killed in terror attacks in Tel Aviv and Gush Etzion on Thursday, including three Israelis, a yeshivah  student from the United States and a Palestinian.

The first was a stabbing attack during Minchah at a minyan in the Panorama building on Ben Tzvi Street in southern Tel Aviv. Two people were killed and another wounded in the stabbings. The injured man, in his 50s, was taken to Ichilov hospital in moderate condition.

One man, Aharon Yasiev, 32, Hy”d, was pronounced dead on the scene after efforts to resuscitate him failed. A second victim, Reuven Aviram, Hy”d, succumbed to his wounds later at Ichiliv hospital.

Video: Shlomo Rechnitz buys meals for US soldiers, in Ireland

Jonathan Pollard is scheduled to be released on Friday parshas "Vayaitze"

With only days to go before Friday, November 20, 2015 — the date when Jonathan Pollard is scheduled to be released on parole — the small group of activists who have been at the forefront of the decades-long efforts to end what has been widely seen as a travesty of justice are keeping silent. Citing the extreme sensitivity of the situation, the inner circle is declining to speak to the media until he is actually released. Neither Jonathan nor his wife Esther, who has selflessly dedicated her life to leading the battle to gain her husband’s freedom, are expected to give interviews any time soon.

Welch's grape juice to be certified by the OU.

(JTA) — Welch’s is coming to seder this year.

For decades, America’s kosher grape juice market has been dominated by Kedem, whose sweet libations come in concord, blush, white, peach, diet and a variety of sparkling flavors.
But with U.S. sales flat when it comes to non-kosher grape juice, Welch’s, America’s largest grape juice company, is muscling its way into the kosher market.
Starting in January, Welch’s will begin selling 100 percent grape juice certified by the Orthodox Union as kosher for Passover and year-round use. The kosher juice is being produced in partnership with Manischewitz, the 120-year-old kosher food company known for its sweet concord wine and ubiquitous Passover matzah. The bottles will carry both the Welch’s and Manischewitz logos, and Manischewitz matzah boxes will carry ads for the grape juice.

White house looking for a menorah with a story for chanukah reception

Last year, the menorahs used during the candle-lighting ceremonies came from Israel and were created especially for the occasion. One was created by the Max Rayne Hand in Hand (Yad B’Yad) Bilingual School in Jerusalem and the other by residents of Yemin Orde, an Ethiopian-Israeli youth community in northern Israel. Each brought a unique story about coexistence and diversity in the State of Israel.

This year, we’re trying something new. We’re looking for a special and unique menorah that tells a story to be part of our candle lighting ceremony. A story about family, about community, about the long Jewish cultural tradition in the United States, Israel, or around the world. And we are asking for your help to find it.

Harav Yechiel Nisselbaum, z”l

 One of the last remaining talmidim of the Chofetz Chaim, Harav Yechiel Nisselbaum, z”l, was niftar Monday, 4 Kislev, at age 103.

Hamodia photo

Reb Yechiel was born in the town of Maltch in 1913. His father, Reb Dov Nisselbaum, z”l, was a businessman and a highly respected member of the community.

In 1930, having already studied in several other yeshivos, young Yechiel traveled to Radin to learn in the famed yeshivah there under Harav Mendel Zaks, zt”l. There he remained for many years, absorbing its unique approach to learning and atmosphere of yiras Shamayim. Although the Chofetz Chaim was very old and weak by the time Reb Yechiel arrived in the town, through his great determination the niftar still merited to glean a great deal from the tzaddik.

During these last years, the Chofetz Chaim very rarely left his home, but bachurim, Reb Yechiel among them, regularly came to form his minyan and hear his weekly mussar talks. Rav Nisselbaum recounted that the substance of these shmuessen was rarely directed at the talmidim in attendance and mostly focused on the problems and needs of Klal Yisrael.

Tefillos for Harav Moshe Shapiro

All are asked to daven for Rav Moshe Shapiro, noted rosh yeshiva, mechaber seforim, and baal machshavah, who is set to undergo surgery today at a hospital in Israel. His talmidim all over the world are davening for his full recovery.  All are asked to daven for Rav Moshe ben Rochel.

Live stream Agudah convention Sunday session on teens at risk

Video: Rabbi Zwiebel on OTD "Its not they its WE"

Speaking at the Keynote session of the Agudah convention, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel spoke passionately about the children and neshamos that are leaving the fold. He said the original convention ad had a title that said "why are they leaving what can we do about it". He  received an email from someone who has left the fold asking why is it a they versus we aren't we all one? aren't we all we?. he was right said rabbi Zwiebel it is true many of these young people who have so much pain and sorrow in their immediate family's, what about the pain that they suffered pain is i 2 way street we are  all in this together there is a new title "OTD why is it happening what can WE do about it". It s a communal tragedy, a klal yisrael tragedy every person who walks away and brakes the link of mesorah is a national tragedy we are hemorrhaging. We must be mature and come up with ways and solutions to fix and prevent it. Its a problem that we have been dealing with for 20 years.

Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel

Missouri Torah institute Chanukas Habayis

Its Dinner time!

Besides for football, baseball or other sporting events, Sundays, host fundraising dinners for Yeshivos and Mosdos. Please come and show your support to the following Yeshivos and Mosdos.
 wondering where? when?   what time is the dinner?  see below.

Sunday November 15, 2015 - 3 Kislev 5776

Mesivta Tiferes Yerushalayim/ Yeshiva of Staten Island 109th anniversary Dinner
Sunday November 15th- New York Marriott Brooklyn, 333 Adams street
reception at 5:00 pm
212-964-2830- MTJ Reservations.- Reb Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz dinner chairman


Mirrer Yeshiva Mir Yeshiva Brooklyn Dinner
Sunday November 15th, 2015
The palace Ballroom 780 Mcdonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Reception 5:30  Shiur 6:00 Dinner 6:30 pm- email Mirreryeshiva@thejnet.com

Live stream broadcast 2015 Agudah convention Motzei shabbos keynote session

What did Eisav really look like?

The Parsha sheets always showed Eisav dressed like a rasha and Yaakov avinu like a tzadik. A question was recently asked Rav Chaim Kanievsky, printed in a new released sefer on chumash, according to the opinion of the balei mussar, the Kotzker rebbe on eisav's appearance it is not so. Eisav they say was dressed like a tzadik on the chitzonyois he put on a show, it was inside that he was and acted lik eisav. Why then do they show a picture of him looking like a rasha? Rav Chaim responded that the pictures are indeed correct since they depict what his children look like.

Father and son killed r'l on way to aufruf of future son in law

Invitation to wedding of his daughter

A horrific terror attack near chevron took the life of a father and his son who was on the way to the aufruf of his future son in law. The daughter was is supposed to be getting married on Tuesday this coming week which will be during shiva for her father and brother. Other family members were injured in the shooting attack. The army is searching for the terrorists. The lavaya for r' Yaakov Litman hyd 40, and his 18 year old son will be held on motzei shabbos. Shabbos hi mlizoik.

Novominsk Rebbe will speak via video at the agudah convention

Rav Yaakov Perlow the Novominsker Rebbe did not attend the 93rd convention of the Agudath Yisrael of America. The Rebbe  is currently in Eretz Yisrael celebrating the wedding of his granddaughter. He will speak via video at the motzei shabbos keynote session. photos of the chasuna below.

Video: shown at 93rd Agudah convention "Here for you together"

Tehillim for Lakewod Mashgiach Rav Mattisyahu Solomon

Horav Mattisyahu Solomon shlita the Lakewood mashgiach was reportedly rushed to the hospital earlier as is said to be in serious condition. Please daven for a refuah shlaima, name for tehillim is Mattisyahu Chaim ben Ettil

Thursday night at the 93rd Agudath Israel Convention

Convention photos HERE and HERE

STAMFORD, CT - Laymen askanim and  businessmen mingled with Gedolim and Rabbanim as the 93rd annual convention of Agudath Israel of America commenced Thursday, at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stamford, CT.

The keynote session of the convention on Thursday evening was chaired by Raphael Zucker, chairman of the board of Agudath Israel of New Jersey. The Thursday night session is focused on the theme of leadership, addressing the timely question of “How to Lead and When to Follow.”
Harav Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlita, delivered greetings on behalf of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America. A special guest expected at the convention is the Sadigura Rebbe of Bnei Brak, shlita, member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Eretz Yisroel.

Rav Kamenetsky said that in the parashas hashavuah, Parashas Toldos, we learn that Yitchak dealt with his two sons each according to their personalities. Yitzchak understood that Yaakov could live in the framework of middos hadin, which was the ideal yardstick for the world. Yaakov would function as Shevet Levi would, perhaps a working relationship between them would be possible, but Rivka understood that it would not.

Jewish Rabbi stabbed in MIlan

A 40-year-old Israeli man was attacked and stabbed multiple times while walking in Milan, Italy. Initial reports say he attacked by three Arab assailents – one of whom may have been a woman. The victim was rushed to the hospital in serious condition.

The victim was identified as 40-year-old Natan Graph, who is the son-in-law of local Chabad Shliach Rabbi Levi Hezkia.

Local newspaper Corriere della Sera reports that he was walking on San Gimignano Avenue near a Jewish School and restaurant when he was accosted by a group of three Arabs – one of them possibly a woman – and was stabbed repeatedly in his back, chest and face.

Watch Agudah convention live stream hookup Thursday night Keynote 2015

For Motzei shabbos live broadcast of agudah convention click HERE

Agudah launches convention website and news feed

While still not having an official website the Agudah has been very active on social media and other  online outlets. The 2015 Agudah convention will be broadcast live at the agudah convention website www.yourconvention.org. In addition those interested in following up to date news and information can follow the agudah twitter feed at @agudahnews. A website with the Torah hashkafos such as an online version of the previous Jewish Observer would do a lot to spread daas torah and counter all the non sense from the bloggers and the left.

Video: Novominsker Rebbe at kever Rochel

Hagaon Harav Dov Tzvi Karelenstein, zt”l

Rav Dov Tzvi Karelenstein Zt''l

The Torah world was plunged into mourning Wednesday afternoon (Israel time) with the petirah of Hagaon Harav Dov Tzvi Karelenstein, zt”l, Rosh Yeshivah, Yeshivas Grodna in Ashdod. The Rosh Yeshivah was 81 at his petirah. The Rosh Yeshivah had been ill and was hospitalized several times over the last months. He was niftar in the Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon. His levayah departed the Grodna Yeshivah in Ashdod, and continued on to Yerushalayim, where the Rosh Yeshivah was buried on Har Hamenuchos, near his wife, Rebbetzin Pesiah, a”h, and his only son, Harav Chanoch, zt”l.

As per the will of the niftar, there were no hespedim.

Harav Dov Tzvi was born on 17 Tammuz 5694/1934, in Yerushalayim, to Harav Yerucham Fishel and Rebbetzin Ashirah Devorah Reichel. His maternal grandfather was Harav Menachem Mendel Porush, z”l. His family resided in the Shaarei Chessed neighborhood, where in his earliest youth the young Dov Tzvi merited to bask in the presence of the Gedolim who lived in the area.
Later, the family moved to Bnei Brak where Rav Yeruchem Fishel had accepted the position of menhale of the Talmud Torah Rabi Akiva in the Zichron Meir neighborhood.  The niftar soon forged a very close relationship with the Chazon Ish, with whom he learned b’chavrusa for four years.

Agudah convention convenes tomorrow night sessions will be broadcast live

Live stream broadcast of the 2015 Agudah convention HERE 

http://www.yourconvention.org/live-broadcast/

R"Y sign a letter in Hafkoas kiddushin case

Kosherfest gets underway for 2015

New product showcase at Kosherfest 2015

Secaucus NJ – Thousands of food industry representatives from around the globe are converging on this city for the 27th edition of Kosherfest which opens tomorrow morning at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. The show opens with a State of the Kosher Industry by Menachem Lubinsky, founder and co-producer of Kosherfest. He will be followed by a Taste of Israel Presentation, sponsored by the Israel Export Institute. Just before the official opening at 10 a.m., the 2015 winners of Kosherfest’s 2015 New Product Competition will receive their awards. When the show opens, trade visitors will browse some of the 400 booths (90 new exhibits) at the show. An estimated 6000 people from around the world are expected to visit the show on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thousands of Chabad shluchim from around the world have gathered in Brooklyn

 Thousands of Chabad shluchim from around the world have gathered in Brooklyn this weekend for their annual leadership convention. More than 5,000 shluchim the wives have a separate convention in January came from 86 countries around the world. They are from as near as Long Island and the Bronx  and from as far as Thailand and Congo. The center point of the convention was at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, home of the World Lubavitch Headquarters.
One focus of the conference was the growth of Jewish life on college campuses, and how to further expand activities. On Friday, they visited the kever of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zt”l, Harav Menachem Mendel Schneerson, in Queens. The gala dinner was on Sunday evening at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park. Moishy Holtzberg, the sole survivor of the Chabad family murdered al kiddush Hashem seven years ago in a terror attack on the Mumbai Chabad center, led the gathering in Tehillim. Hamodia

Rav Aaron Feldman letter regarding annuling a marriage.

 הרב אהרן פלדמן

RABBI AHARON FELDMAN

421 YESHIVA LANE, Apt 3A, BALTIMORE, MD 21208

Tel.: 410-6539433 Fax: 410-6534694

Study: 410-4847200 Ext. 114

e-mail: 

Rosh Hayeshiva   ראש הישיבה                                                                            

Ner Israel Rabbinical College                                                                             ישיבת נר ישראל

בס"ד ז מרחשון תשע"ו בלטימאר יצ"ו

לגדולי התורה וההוראה היושבים על מדין די בכל אתר ואתר:

דבר חמור נפל בישראל לפני כמה שבועות העלול לערער את קדושת האישות בישראל, ומכיון שהפרטים ידועים לי ואני חש אחריות כלפי שמיא ונגד ישראל לעשות כל מה שבכוחי לתקן את הענין, באתי בזה להציע את הפרטים בפניכם כדי שאוכל לקבל חוות דעתכם על הענין.

הנידון הוא האשה תמר אפשטיין אשת אהרן פרידמן שבעלה זה רבות בשנים אינו מסכים לתת לה גט מחמת סכסוך ביניהם על אחזקת ילדתם. לפני כמה שבועות אחד הרבנים המובהקים והחשובים באמריקא התיר אותה להנשא לאיש אחר, ואף סידר את הקידושין ביניהם, מבלי שקיבלה גט פיטורין מבעלה. 

כששאלתי את הרה”ג לטעם הדבר, אמר לי שביסס את הוראותו על כתב שהגישו לו מרופא פסיכיאטור מומחה הקובע שבעלה סובל מהפרעות אישיות פראנאידיות1  וכפיתתיות2 מאז שהתחתנה אתו, ושההפרעות האלה אינן ניתנות לרפואה. אשר על כן הקידושין בטלין ומבוטלין למפרע כדין מקח טעות.

Novominsk rebbe speaks in Har Nof shul 1 year after the massacre

On the first yartzheit of the massacre in Har Nof, a kinus was held at the khal Bnei Torah shul together with a siyum hashas. Children of the kedoshim said divrei hesped and zikaron. The Novominsker Rebbe rosh Agudas Yisrael of America was the main speaker.

The first Shadchan and shidduch- lessons in shidduchim- Parshas Chayei Sarah

This weeks Parsha discusses the shidduch between Yitzchok and Rivka  as Avrohom sent Eliezer his servant to find a girl for his son. There was no shidduch crisis than it was all with Emunah. Eliezer is the first known shadchan in the Torah. Many important lessons in Shidduchim are derived from this parsha. Rav Elya Boruch Finkel ZT"l the Mir RoshYeshiva would give his yearly hashkafashmooze on shidduchim on this Shabbos. Heres a lesson from the Malbim HERE 

Heres a list of Shidduchim resources, shadchanim, websites, general information

Ami Magazine Shadchan list HERE

Moishy Holtzberg, Now 9, Visiting NY for 1st Time

Moishy  Holtzberg in NY, Photo: (crownheightsinfo.com)

Moishela Holtzberg, Israel’s most famous child, arrived in New York on Wednesday for the first time. Hamodia reports.

Moishy, who turns 9-year-old next week, is the sole survivor of the family murdered al kiddush Hashem seven years ago in a terror attack on the Mumbai Chabad center. His parents, Rabbi Gabi and Rivka Holtzberg, Hy”d, were the directors of the Indian city’s Chabad house. The center was stormed by Islamist terrorists seven years ago next week.

Not Orthodox

Yated Neeman November 03, 2015
By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
This week, the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisroel of America issued a proclamation pertaining to the Orthodoxy of the “Open Orthodox” movement. How tragic it is that Open Orthodoxy has not repented from its misguided ways and continues along its mischievous path, misleading well-meaning people and creating havoc in communities across the country.

We pray that the letter of the Moetzes will have the desired effect.

As attention is currently focused on the group, we present a compilation of columns published here in the Yated concerning Open Orthodoxy over the past decade for the edification of our readers and to provide background for the historic statement.
What makes one Jewish person Orthodox, another Conservative, and a third Reform? What is it that has defined Orthodoxy ever since that term was formulated to describe our way of life?

First Yartzheit of Har Nof massacar this shabbos 25 Cheshvan -Yom Tefillah

YOM TEFILLAH: In the wake of the recent upsurge of terror, Kollel Toras Chaim and Rabbonim in Yerushalayim are asking all Klal Yisrael to strengthen themselves in tefillah.The Rabbonim ask that, on Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sarah, Rabbonim around the world speak about strengthening one's tefillah and on Motzei Shabbos, please recite at least three chapters of Tehillim: 121, 130, 142   The Rabbanim in Yerushalayim include (in alphabetical order): Rav Azriel Auerbach שליט"א Rav Yitzchok Berkowitz שליט"א Rav Dovid Cohen שליט"א Rav Reuven Elbaz שליט"א Rav Yitzchak Ezrachi שליט"א Rav Zalman Nechamia Goldberg שליט"א Rav Yaakov Hillel שליט"א Rav Tzvi Kushelevsky שליט"א Rav Naftali Nussbaum שליט"א RavMosheSternbuch שליט"א Rav AkivaWosner שליט"א Rav David Yosef שליט"א Rav Shlomo Yedid Zafrani שליט"א
 Join Aneinu women on Motzei Shabbos, November 7th to say Tehillim and the designated chapters

Kinus Hashluchim 2015 begins tonight

In just under twelve hours the International Kinus Hashluchim will begin, with Shluchim from around the world converging on Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Organizers and volunteers have been hard at work making the final preparations ahead of this momentous event.

Orthodox Jew Stabbed in Crown Heights

Crown heights info- At around 8:30 Tuesday evening, a 34-year-old Orthodox Jewish man – who happens to be a volunteer for Hatzalah – was stabbed in the back by an assailant who snuck up on him from behind. The incident occurred on Eastern Parkway between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues in Crown Heights.

Previous reports that there were two stabbing victims are unfounded. An unrelated emergency medical call to Hatzalah that occurred around the same time appears to have led to the confusion.

Cleveland Bochur Injured in Knife Attack in Yerushalayim Now Doing Well

In the recent wave of attacks on Israeli citizens by knife wielding Palestinians, there have been news stories about a bochur from Cleveland who was stabbed around 1:15pm October 30th. He was  moderately wounded  in an attack near Ammunition Hill in Yerushalayim. The terrorist was shot and neutralized. A second person was wounded by gunfire when police and security guards shot at the attacker, Ynet reports.
The student is Shalom Domb from Cleveland Heights.  His family reports that he is out of the hospital and doing well.  His injury was reduced due to the fact that he saw the attacker preparing his knife and was able to anticipate and flee earlier. Hodu L’Hashem Ki Tov, Ki l’Olom Chasdo. LJN

Agudah Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of America: Open orthodoxy not a form of Torah Judaism

Recent years have seen an effort by various institutions, under the rubric of “Open Orthodoxy,” to claim, as per that chosen name, that their theology and attitude toward Jewish religious law comprise an acceptable expression of what has long been called “Orthodox Judaism.”
The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America, or Council of Torah Sages, which serves as Agudath Israel of America’s highest rabbinic body, has examined statements and positions put forth by representatives of the “Open Orthodox” groups and found that the movement is beyond the pale of Orthodoxy. To help prevent the Jewish public from being misled on the matter, the Council issued the following statement today:

OPEN ORTHODOXY,” And its leaders and affiliated entities (including, but not limited to, Yeshiva Chovevei Torah, Yeshivat Maharat, and International Rabbinic Fellowship), have shown countless times that they reject the basic tenets of our faith, particularly the authority of the Torah and its Sages. Accordingly, they are no different than other dissident movements throughout our history that have rejected these basic tenets.

We therefore inform the public that in our considered opinion, “Open Orthodoxy” is not a form of Torah Judaism (Orthodoxy), and that any rabbinic ordination (which they call “semicha”) granted by any of its affiliated entities to their graduates does not confer upon them any rabbinic authority.

May the Almighty have mercy on the remnants of His people and repair all breaches in the walls of the Torah, and may we be worthy to witness the raising of the glory of Hashem and His sacred Torah.

Cheshvan 5776

Hamodia article on Rebbetzin Tzirel Kamenetsky, a”h

 Hamodia- Rebbetzin Tzirel Kamenetsky, a”h, the wife of ybl”c, Harav Binyomin Kamenetsky, was niftar over Shabbos. She and her husband were among the pioneers who built Torah in the Five Towns community of Long Island.

She was born in 1926, in the Polish town of Ostrow-Kalishin to Harav Pinchos Eliyahu, zt”l, and Rebbetzin Basha Spiegel, a”h. Her grandfather, Harav Naphtoli Aryeh, zt”l, was a revered Rebbe and a descendant of the Chozeh of Lublin.
In 1929, the family moved to America and settled in the Bronx, where Harav Naphtoli Aryeh established a beis medrash. Despite the winds of assimilation that prevailed in most of New York’s Jewish community at the time, the Spiegels raised their children with the highest standard of dedication to Yiddishkeit. Due to the total lack of options for Torahdig chinuch habanos at the time, young Tzirel attended public school. However, supported by the spirit of kedushah that filled her home, she remained steadfast in her dedication to the holy mesorah that she had inherited.

When should frum women test for BRCA gene

Rabbi Michoel Sorotzkin a Rav in Eretz Yisrael  who funds a clinic in EY to test women for Breast cancer was recently interviewed on the  Headlines  halacha radio show. (Audio below) He says in the name of many Rabbonim and doctors in the medical community  testing for the BRCA gene assuming there are no issues or reasons to test bedfore should be done at the age of 35. A baseline mammogram should be performed. Than from age 40-50 one should do an annual test with an ultra sound. of course if there is reason to suspect or a medical issue one must do so right away even at a very young age. This is calming news, where others are scaring young girls into testing at a much earlier age when there is no reason to. An article by R Yair Hoffman calls on frum women to test at 25 years old or after the birth of their first child. Listen to the fascinating interview.
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Rebbetzin Tzirel Kamenetzky a'h

 Rebbetzin Tzirel Kamenetzky a”h passed away Friday night She was 89. The Rebbetzin was the wife of ybl”c Rav Binyomin Kamenetzky, rosh yeshiva and founder of Yeshiva Toras Chaim of South Shore and pioneer of Torah in the Five Towns, NY.

The Rebbetzin’s husband, Rav Kamenetzky, is the eldest son of Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky zt”l and was sent by his venerable father, decades ago, to The Five Towns to bring Torah and Yiddishkeit to that part of New York. The Rebbetzin, like her husband, was well-known for her warm and endearing personality, and was beloved by all.

The Rebbetzin was one of the seven children of Rav Pinchus Eliyahu Spiegel, the Ostrove-Kalushiner Rebbe in the Bronx, and his Rebbetzin, Basha (nee Burstein).

Reb Pinchus Eliyahu was a descendant of a long history of Torah and chassidus. His father, Rav Naftali Aryeh, was a son-in-law of Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Unger and a grandson of Rav Avrohom Elchonon Unger.

Torah Vodaath Flatbush Chanukas Habayis celebration

 Yeshiva Torah Voddas will celebrate a chanukas Habayis of the new Flatbush  pre- school on Sunday November 1st, 2015 Avenue L and East 31st street at 2:00 pm.

Mishpacha magazine English edition issues clarification

The op-ed column by Aryeh Erlich published in the Hebrew Mishpacha did not appear in the English Mishpacha. While the two Mishpacha brands are under the same ownership, they each have completely separate Editorial Boards, each of which has its own autonomy over the editorial policies and decisions of their respective publication. The column under discussion does not reflect the English Mishpacha’s views on the issues in question.

Clarification from Hebrew Mishpacha magazine:

The State of Israel, and the Chareidi community, currently find themselves under a fatal reign of terror that doesn’t discern between one person to the next. We are all brothers, and we share the same circumstances when facing those who seek to harm us.

The op-ed that was published this week in the Hebrew Mishpacha seeks to expose the falsehood in the Palestinians’ claims that the reason for the terror is the practice of Jews going up to Har HaBayis – when in fact, they kill Jews from sheer hatred, without any differentiation between those who go up to Har HaBayis and those who don’t.