RCA protest on same gender marriage ruling

Jun 26, 2015 -- The Rabbinical Council of America expresses deep concern over today's ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States regarding same-sex marriage.

While recognizing the civil rights of all who live in a democratic country as well as the diversity of religious and political opinions in a multireligious society, the RCA rejects the Court's redefinition of marriage. Marriage is an institution defined by the Bible and subsequent religious codes and it is upon the foundation of traditional family life that our society has been built for millennia.

Siman Tov Umazal Tov

"Kol Sasson v'Kol Simcha" MAZEL TOV! With shevach to the Ribono shel Olam we extend huge  Mazel Tov wishes to our wonderful Tomchim and devoted friends R' Shlomo Yehuda & Tamar Rechnitz upon the engagement of their daughter Etti to  Zevi Goldstein son of Rabbi Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel Goldstein  (Cleveland, Ohio) Mazel Tov to the Grandparents of the Kallah our revered Rosh Hayeshiva Moreinu Horav Chaim Yisroel Halevi Belsky shlit"a and the Rebbitzen tlit"a and to Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov Rechnitz (Los Angeles) Mazel Tov to the grandparents of the chosson our devoted alumnus and good friends Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Kriger and  Mrs. Goldstein May the young couple build a Bayis Ne'eman b'Yisrael and be a source of great nachas to their entire families as they continue in the beautiful derech of their parents.

"If" The Lubavitcher Rebbe were alive he'd be active on social media

NJJN Bureau Chief/Middlesex
If the Lubavitcher Rebbe were alive today, said Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, he’d be active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other forms of social media. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who died in 1994, was so tech savvy for his time, reported Krinsky, his longtime secretary, that he had a car phone installed as soon as the technology became available.
Krinsky spoke June 18 at Chabad of Western Monmouth County in Manalapan commemorating the 21st yahrtzeit of the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch hasidic movement.

VIDEO: Rav Aaron Leib Shteinman Learning in his home today

Reb Gavriel Sassoon delivers words of chizuk at Misameach cruise

The day started out with a steady drizzle and overcast skies, but that didn’t put a damper on the spirits exuberant men, women and children boarding the majestic ship for Misameach’s one-of-a-kind Annual Cruise. The singing could be heard from down the block, getting louder and louder as we approached the ship standing ready and waiting at the Liberty state Marina.

Mrs. Gayle Sassoon released from the hospital

Brooklyn, NY – Mrs. Gayle Sassoon has been released from the hospital, three months after a fire that claimed the lives of seven of her children.

The Sassoon children, Eliane, Rivkah, Sara, Dovid, Yehoshua, Moshe and Yaakov, ages 5 to 16, passed away in a March 21 blaze that consumed their Midwood home. Tziporah Sassoon was the lone child to survive.

Mrs. Sassoon was brought to her mother-in-law’s on Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas. Reb Gavriel, while discussing his wife’s strength and perseverance, told the Israeli Kol Berama station that she will continue receiving treatment at home, where she will be convalescing.

Photos: Rav Chaim kanievsky learning today

Rav Chaim kanievsky learning today at his house following a brief hospital stay last week. Reports are he went for a checkup there was b'h no serious health issue.

Do frum Orthodox Jews have reason to worry after gay marriage ruling?

The supreme court ruling on same gender marriage has Orthodox Jews worried. So claims an article in Haaretz.

 “May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants — while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”

Those are the words with which George Washington, newly elected president of the United States, welcomed the Jews to America. I have been thinking about this sentence in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that the constitution grants same-sex couples the right to be married and prohibits states from declining to license or recognize such unions.

Video: Shabbos In The Shtetl '15 with The Traveling Chassidim

A shabbaton in Monsey, NY with the traveling chasidim.

Agudah publicly rejects Jewish groups claim that Toeiva marriage is compatible with Jewish law

Thirteen Jewish groups celebrated Supreme Court’s legalization of gay marriage nationwide R'L. Agudah in their statement had strong words to set the facts straight.

We reiterate that we remain firm and steadfast in our own religious beliefs, and reject the voices of those in the heterodox Jewish community who claim that same-sex marriage is compatible with Jewish law and tradition. The issue here is not whether all human beings are created in the Divine Image, or whether they have inherent human dignity. Of course they are, of course they do. The issue is whether the Torah sanctions homosexual conduct or recognizes same gender unions. It does not.
"The truths of Torah are eternal, and stand as our beacon even in the face of shifting social mores".

Statement from Agudath Israel of America on today's Supreme Court ruling regarding same gender marriage

Agudath Israel of America issued the following statement in reaction to today's 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that states are constitutionally required to permit and recognize marriages between members of the same gender:

"As we have repeatedly stated, including in the amicus curiae brief we submitted in today's case, we oppose the redefinition of the bedrock relationship of the human family. The Torah, which forbids homosexual activity, sanctions only the union of a man and a woman in matrimony. While we do not seek to impose our religious principles on others, it is our sincere conviction that discarding the historical definition of marriage is not a positive step for civilized society.

"Moreover, we are deeply concerned that, as a result of today's ruling, and as the dissenting Justices have pointed out, members and institutions of traditional communities like the Orthodox Jewish community we represent may incur moral opprobrium and risk tangible negative consequence if they refuse to transgress their beliefs, and even if they simply teach and express their religious views publicly. That prospect is chilling, and should be unacceptable to all people of good will on both sides of this debate.

Orthodox Union issues statement following supreme court ruling on same gender marriage

“In response to the decisions announced today by the United States Supreme Court with reference to the issue of legal recognition of same gender marriage, we reiterate the historical position of the Jewish faith, enunciated unequivocally in our Bible, Talmud and Codes, which forbids [toeivah] relationships and condemns the institutionalization of such relationships as marriages. Our religion is emphatic in defining marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman. Our beliefs in this regard are unalterable.  At the same time, we note that Judaism teaches respect for others and we condemn discrimination against individuals.

“We are grateful that we live in a democratic society, in which all religions are free to express their opinions about social issues and to advocate vigorously for those opinions.  The reason we opt to express our viewpoint in a public forum is because we believe that our Divine system of law not only dictates our beliefs and behaviors, but also represents a system of universal morality, and therefore can stake a claim in the national discourse. That morality, expressed in what has broadly been labeled Judeo-Christian ethics, has long had a place in American law and jurisprudence.

The fast day of Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas

Burning Of The Talmud-Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas The Mogen Avraham #580  quotes The Tanya Rabosi   “ On Friday Parshas Chukas, Yechidim (individuals) fast. That day 20 [24] wagons of seforim were  burnt. The fast day was established on Friday Chukas rather than the 9th of Tamuz,
 because they made a Sheilos Chalom if the Gezeira was from Shomayim.

The answer came back,  the Targum of Zos Chukas Hatorah “ DO  GEZEIRAS ORYSA” This is a Gezeira from Shomayim and it is on Fridays of  Parshas Chukas. The year 1244, was the first time they burned the Talmud in the main square of Paris. R. Yechiel of Paris had a talmid Nicholas Dunin, who became a Meshumad , he accused the Talmud of being against the Notzrim and Oso Haish. R. Yechiel of Paris and R. Moshe miKutzi (Smag) tried to defend the Talmud, but to no success. Their argument was that when the Gemoro discusses the Oso Haish it Is not necessarily the Christian one. There were at least three different Meshichei Sheker in the Gemoro.

נחש הנחושת The international symbol of medicine

The symbol of the serpent on a pole is used as the international symbol of medicine. It is used today in modern times as the symbol of medicine and healthcare. Commentators have interpreted the symbol to mean many different things. Some attribute it to the Rod of Asclepius of greek culture or other. However, the origin most likely comes from the נחש הנחושת the Nehushtan that we read in this weeks parshas chukas. Where hashem commands Moshe Rabbeinu to build a "serpent of bronze" that was used to heal those who looked upon it (Numbers 21:4-9).

Photo: Car crashes through kosher restaurant in Teaneck, NJ

A car crashed and drove into a Kosher restaurant "Gotham burger" in Teaneck, NJ at 1383 Queen Anne Rd, It happened this evening. A father and child were taken to the hospital. It was was an accident as the driver apparently  hit the gas not realizing it was in reverse.

Sloatsburg Mincha area opens today

SLOATSBURG, N.Y. (Hamodia staff) - The Sloatsburg rest area on the New York State Thruway will open for the current summer season on Thursday as a convenient stop for Minchah and Maariv for those traveling upstate.
The rest area, on the northbound side of the Thruway between exits 15A and 16, will feature minyanim from 5:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Thruway personnel, along with Rabbis Abe and Joel Friedman, will be supervising the area during those times. Their late father, Rabbi Morton Friedman, z”l, began the tradition many years ago and the area is named Tefillas Mordche in his honor.
Drivers are reminded to park on the upper level only. Also, the area is to be used for prayer only. No sales or solicitations of tzedakah will be tolerated

Of Fire and Faith

Of Fire and Faith front cover story in this weeks Ami magazine.

A Conversation with Gavriel Sassoon About His Life Before and After the Unspeakable Tragedy That Consumed Seven of His Children.

‘Deep Disappointment’ as Albany Votes Down Tuition Relief

 Hamodia
ALBANY - A deal announced Tuesday by the three men who lead Albany destroyed the best chance in decades to help tuition-paying parents of non-public school students, elected officials and community leaders charged.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie arrived at an agreement Tuesday afternoon at a Capitol press conference that would extend New York City rent regulations for four years, mayoral control of the New York City school system for one year, and an affordable housing tax credit known as 421a for half a year.

Travelers can visit jewish inmates at Clinton Correctional facility in Dannemora

With the travel season underway the Kosher Thruway info has a list of general information for the frum traveler. Those traveling the NYS/ Montreal corridor on interstate 87 are passing the Clinton correctional near Dannemora which was recently in the news.

Agudah: The battle on behalf of our yeshiva community continues.

Agudath Israel of America issued the following statement upon the announcement that New York’s legislative leaders and Governor Andrew Cuomo have agreed to a framework resolving the outstanding issues in this year’s legislative session:

It is no secret that Agudath Israel of America has long been a strong advocate for passage of education tax credit legislation in New York. We had cause to be hopeful that this would finally be the year that such legislation would be enacted, as the Senate passed an outstanding tax credit bill at the very outset of the session and the Governor proposed his own exemplary Parental Choice in Education bill. We accordingly helped organize a massive grassroots campaign, as did several other advocacy groups, through which thousands of e-mail and telephone messages were sent to members of the Assembly urging them to pass the tax credit bill. Unfortunately, however, the Assembly did not pass any bill of its own, and ultimately blocked tax credit legislation. To put it mildly, this is deeply disappointing.

Summer 2015 in the Catskills begins

The Woodbourne shul has opened its doors as this is the first official Shabbos in the Catskills. All the camps are starting this week and many vacationers are heading up to the bungalow colonies.

Video: Another million dollar donation to Torah Vodaas

After last years dinner pledge of  $1 million dollars, noted Tomech Torah and philanthropist Reb Shlomo Yehuda rechnitz repeated it again and pledges One Million Dollars to yeshiva Torah Vodaath at the 96th annual Dinner.

Tashmishei Keduah rescued

  Hatzolah Volunteers rescue Seifrei Torah and Tefilin after fire breaks out in the Sanz Klausenberg Cheider in Brooklyn.

Rabbonim cut when for pesach 5776

Rabbonim from Debrecin cutting wheat for Matzos yesterday in Maryland, for pesach 5776

VIDEO: Chicago community hosts Hachnosas Sefer Torah for Misaskim in memory of 7 Sassoon children A'H

 Photos:, A Sefer Torah being dedicated today  in memory of the seven Sassoon children Z'L to misaskim by the Chicago community. Watch video below
Read article HERE

Video: Watch when EL AL pilot announces flight returning to Tel Aviv

 

STATEMENT FROM AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA ON THE MURDERS IN CHARLESTON

The deaths of nine people at the hand of a gunman at Charleston's Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is not only a personal tragedy for the relatives and friends of those who were killed, but yet another in the long list of murderous acts born of religious or racial hatred.

Agudath Israel of America extends its condolences to the families of the worshippers killed, and condemns all such evil acts and the attitudes that lead to them.

Ours is a community that has a long history of having suffered violence against worshippers, most recently in the case of the murderous terrorist attack on the Har Nof, Israel synagogue last November.  That makes us all the more sensitive to the pain that was caused in Charleston today.

Sreifas HaTalmud 5775 Fascist Demonstrators to Burn Talmud at London Rally in Jewish Neighborhood

The extreme right-wing organizers of a Saturday protest in a predominantly Jewish London neighborhood plan to burn Israeli flags and even a copy of the Jewish Oral Law, or Talmud, the UK’s Jewish Chronicle reported on Tuesday.
  (Erev Shabbat Chukath,1242- 5004 known as vov Chukas Twenty-four cartloads of Hebrew manuscripts were publicly burned  in Paris  Rabbi Meir was an eyewitness to the public burning of the twenty-four cartloads of Talmudic manuscripts (and he bewailed this tragedy in his celebrated "Kina" Shaali serufah (שאלי שרופה) which is still recited on Tisha B'Av.)

Right-wing activist Joshua Bonehill-Paine called on demonstrators through his website to bring Israeli flags to the July 4 demonstration in the mostly Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green to “dismember … by hand,” which apparently sidesteps the legal complications of burning national flags.

Finally some common sense!

Attendees asked not share pictures of simchas on social media. This was posted at a wedding on June 15, 2015

There is a new trend surfacing at Jewish simchas in which attendees are being asked not to share any photos and videos of the event on social media. OS

Transition? or an attack on the Kolell youngeleit

A recent article in Binah magazine this past week had a cover story about couples transitioning from the husband being in kollel to the husband going out to work and the difficulties in this transition.
The article it seems took swipes at the current Kolell sytem instead of factually reporting on the youngeleit who leave the koslei Bais hamedrash for parnassah. The writer points out how the kolell life is great and fun, compared to that of a husband who works full time.

 I was always taught to feel like it's something special to sacrifice for Torah. Well, you leave kollel and you realise that almost EVERYONE has to make sacrifices for life. It is a fact of life that the world is set up for hard work, its the way God made it, but somehow in the kollel mentality you forget that .

One might even start to look with cynicism at the yeshiva families who are so proud of their sacrifices, now that you realise that they actually have it pretty good. ... compared to the life of the person working up from the bottom tier, kollel life is nice .

Of course the objective is that after a few years of clawing our way through college and entry level, we will end up in a more relaxed life, please God. My husband will still be working full time hours with none of the sweet family schedule stuff , but hopefully money will be less tight  

Sorry, but sacrificing for Torah IS special. Torah keeps up the world. Most people today are not in Kolell. Those that are there are sacrificing for hashem. If your husband were a millionaire and a workaholic would you also complain?  Kolell life is not measured by how often your husband was around to help you. Its the Torah that he learned giving everything up just for Hashem.

 

 

Fate of Tuition Aid Bill ‘Unknown’ as Deadline Looms

Hamodia - A potentially historic tuition aid bill is achingly close to passing, according to private school advocates.

But the fate of either version of the education tax credit currently before the legislature is unknown, even as lawmakers prepare to leave Albany on Friday as the session winds down for the year.

“Nobody knows,” one activist knowledgeable in the negotiations told Hamodia on Tuesday afternoon. “It’s impossible to know at this point.”

Activists from Agudath Israel of America, which last month termed the bill a “watershed” moment in aiding yeshivah parents with tuition, were up in Albany once again on Tuesday in a last-minute attempt to coax Assembly members to vote it in.

Free Chazanus concert in NYC

Five of New York’s most famous Jewish cantors and Chassidic singers will be performing in a free concert at Summerstage in Central Park as part of KulturfestNYC on Tuesday, June 16. The five cantors are like the Three Tenors of Jewish music.
 

Must Commercially Cleaned Lettuce Still be Checked? Kosher Agency says Yes

KT-The kashrus world is unanimous in requiring lettuce to be checked for insects. Agencies generally accepted the notion that pre-washed (bagged) iceberg lettuce is acceptable from any source, even if it is not certified as kosher.  This is because the method of commercially cleaning leafy lettuces is sufficient to remove the insects typically found in iceberg lettuce.  However, in recent weeks, says the cRc, lettuce coming from specific regions in California have been more heavily infested than usual, and that the cleaning methods in use have not always been successful in removing all insects from the lettuce.  This has caused some kashrus agencies to temporarily remove certification from a number of brands of iceberg lettuce, of which the Fresh Express brand is the most prominent.

400,000 kids need help with tuition relief speak up now

http://www.investined.org/agudath-israel/

While Govt is watching, contraband goes over the wall

Could it be this is how the prison guards in Dannemora get their lunch delivered?

At the Monsey Internet Asifa

Thousands of bachurim from New York and New Jersey gathered Thursday evening in Rockland Boulders Stadium in Rockland County for an asifah about the perils of technology. Inset: The dais is graced by leading Rebbes and Rabbanim, shlita, including Harav Chaim Shia Halberstam, Rav of Satmar in Monsey; Harav Moshe Green, Rosh Yeshivah, Yeshivah of Monsey; the Vizhnitzer Rebbe; the Skulener Rebbe; the Pupa Rebbe; the Viener Rebbe 

Video: Rav Chaim kanievsky watches historic video of the Chofetz Chaim

Watch Video below - At a hachnosas Sefer Torah took place yesterday in bnei brak as the new sefer was brought to the home of  Rav Chaim kanievsky  It was donated by a wealthy Russian businessman גבריאל גרמן זכרייב.  At the seuda there was a large screen set up on it they showed the historic video  of the Chofetz Chaim which recently surfaced. Rav Chaim watched as it played on the screen .

NYC Health Board Votes to Consider Rescinding MBP Regulation

 Three months after the de Blasio administration reached an agreement with community representatives that would end the highly controversial regulation of bris Milah enacted by the Bloomberg administration, the New York City’s Board of Health has voted unanimously to consider the mayor’s plan.After a comment period, the board will vote on formally rescinding the regulation that required mohalim to ask parents to sign a consent form espousing the city’s view associating MBP with HSV-1 herpes infections, a position dismissed by leading medical experts and veteran mohalim.
Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Travis Bassett said the regulation had a polarizing effect and is difficult to implement. According to the new plan a new protocol will be implemented, one that will use cutting-edge DNA testing to determine the real source of herpes infection in infants.
source

Agudath Israel asks to oppose on installing monitor on ERSD

Below is the text of a letter sent by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel of America, to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie opposing the proposed bill which would impose a monitor on the East Ramapo School District.

Monsey internet Asifa

A gathering of thousands of Bochurim will take place tomorrow at the Rockland boulders stadium. The event will discuss the dangers of the internet and technology. It is a follow up to the previous internet Asifa.

Video: mekubal takes Dybuk out of a woman

In Elad Israel, A woman from the city of Cholon claimed that a spirit or diybuk entered her body. A minyan of Makubalim gathered at the local shul yabia omer and performed a ceremony that removes the dybuk from the body.

gofundme.com the new Gvir on the block

Recently thousands of dollars are raised in a quick and short amount of time through the gofundme website. The sudden passing of a breadwinner or other emergency or non emergency tzedakas  now have a way to reach out to the broader population through the internet. No more do we have to rely on the snail mail for an emergency campaign. The emotional appeal with the instant ability to donate has made tzedaka giving easier for fundraisers as they can now target a broad market in just a few hours. With all the dangers and awareness associated with the web it now seems that these campaigns have the endorsement of Rabbonim and Roshei Yeshivos too realizing the important tool that the web could be used for the good.

FBN news roundup

3 yesomim living alone lost both Parents to yener Machala R'L

American Friends of the Ehrlich Family

1070 38th Street Brooklyn NY 11219

Donate NowOn Tuesday, June 2nd the Ehrlich family of Yerushalayim was struck by a terrible tragedy. Sadly, tragedy is no stranger to this family; only a year and a half ago they lost their beloved mother, Mrs. Liba Ehrlich, after a long and painful battle with cancer.

A few short weeks ago their father, Reb Moshe Ehrlich, son of the renowned Yiddish composer and folk singer Reb Yom Tov Ehrlich, was diagnosed with cancer. The terrifying disease was quick and destructive, and within a few weeks, Reb Moshe was gone.

The family of orphans was crushed; especially the three youngest who are still unmarried. Preparations were started to begin the process of the levaya and burial, and that’s where the real trouble started.

How much are you paying for tuition

President Obama Designates Agudath Israel Official for Key U.S. Commission

President Barack Obama has indicated his intention to appoint Rabbi Abba Cohen to "a key Administration post," according to a recent White House announcement.  The proposed appointment would make Rabbi Cohen a member of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.

The Commission is an independent federal agency, which was established 30 years ago through legislation introduced by the late Brooklyn Representative Stephen Solarz and the late Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy. Under the law, the Commission is to identify and report on endangered cemeteries, monuments, and historic buildings in Europe - associated with the heritage of U.S. citizens - and to obtain, in cooperation with the Department of State, assurances from the 29 governments of the region that the properties will be protected and preserved. Many Jewish sacred sites have been safeguarded and restored through the Commission's efforts.

Agudah, OU, UJA-Federation unite to push for passage in tuition relief bill

New York – As the end of the New York State Legislative Session draws nearer, the Orthodox Union, Agudath Israel of America and UJA-Federation of New York are coming together in a united organizational push to campaign for the passage of the Parental Choice in Education Act. The bill is Governor Andrew Cuomo’s historic proposed legislation that would offer tax credits to families sending children to private school and those contributing to scholarship funds for these schools. The broad group of Jewish organizations will hold a press conference Monday, June 8 at 9:30AM at Office of the Governor of the State of New York – NYC Office – 633 Third Avenue (at 41st Street), to further discuss the details of this campaign. The event is open and coverage is invited.

Reb Gabi sassoon writes about his beloved family in FJJ

After discussing each child separately, Rav Gabi Sassoon wrote about his family as a whole in the Flatbush Jewish Journal.

כי בא סוס פרעה ברכבו ובפרשיו

American Pharoah won the 147th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making him the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years and the 12th in history. The owner, Ahmed Zayat is a traditional Jew who camped out at Belmont over Shabbos to avoid driving on shabbos.  According to ABC news Zayat and his family, who are Orthodox Jews, and friends spent the night before the race in four large RVs, and then walked to the track.
Much news  was made about The Jockey who is not Jewish  who prayed At The kever of the Lubavitcher Rebbe prior to the race on Thursday.

FBN- Frum Broadcast Network a nightly news roundup for the frum Jewish community

אלה ברכב ואלה בסוסים ואנחנו בשם ה' Jockey Prays at Ohel Before Race

                              כי בא סוס פרעה ברכבו ובפרשיו 
Jockey Victor Espinoza came to the Rebbe's Ohel before the Belmont Stakes horse race. The owners are making a Kiddush Hashem. By COLlive reporter Victor Espinoza, the Mexican native who is hoping to make history by riding the first Triple Crown-winning horse in 37 years, turned to a spiritual source for blessing. Espinoza, a jockey who will compete in the 2015 Belmont Stakes horse race in Elmont, NY, came to pray at the Rebbe's Ohel at the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Cambria Heights, Queens. CBSNewYork reported that Espinoza visited the grave site of the Rebbe, "considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century" and where "hundreds of thousands come to the cemetery every year 24/7 to pray." Espinoza opened a prayer book, recited psalms, wrote out his own message and added his to a mountain of prayers at the sacred site, the TV station said. He was flanked by Rabbi Efraim Zaltzman, Director of Chabad of Kingsborough in Brooklyn,

BD''H Rav Pinchos Sholom Hager Z'L oldest son of Viznitz Rebbe of Monsey

Rav Pinchos Sholom hager Z'L

Burach Dayan Emes Rav Pinchos Shalom Hager oldest son ov the Viznitz Rebbe of Monsey Rav Mordechai hager was nifter this morning following an illness in which his condition deteriorated rapidly over night. He was 67 years old. he was the av Bes din of Khal Toras Chaim viznitz Monsey, In Boro Park. Levaya will be at 2:00 pm 53rd street and New Utrecht Avenue in Brooklyn. kevurah will take place in Monsey at the viznitz cemetery on Route 306. He leaves behind children Talmidei chachomim and an entire kehilla of which he headed in Boro park. His wife is the daughter of Rav Hershele  Horowitz of  Spinka in Williamsburg.

Hamodia article Klal Yisrael and, in particular, the community of Vizhnitz,

$3,440,004 raised in 24 hours on Charidy.com

  The Jewish community in a multi-organization, online event: MillionsforChesed has raised $3,440,004 for 16 campaigns in 24 hours. All donations were quadrupled by donors who matched their donations. The initial goal gor millionsforchesed was 2.8 million it swelled to 3.4 Million dollars.

Rav Moshe Ehrlich Z'L fund set up to help pay for his Kevurah

                  http://www.gofundme.com/w4g8h5w
R’ Moshe Ehrlich was niftar on June 2,  2015, after being diagnosed with cancer a few short weeks ago, leaving behind children and grandchildren. His petira was so sudden that his family does not possess the funds to provide for his burial. Just a short 1.5 years ago Mrs. Ehrlich was niftar from a long fought battle with cancer and now the family was taken by surprise when their father passed away last night.
He was niftar more than 12 hours ago. However, the family cannot fulfill the proper minhag of Jerusalem not to leave a meis overnight because they cannot pay for the funeral.
 In his short 63 years, Reb Moshe Ehrlich z"l made a difference in the lives of many people. The son of the renowned Yiddish composer and folk singer Reb Yom Tov Ehrlich, he preserved the memory of his illustrious father,

Video: History as Belz Machnovke Rebbe attends Belzer wedding

Machnofka Rebbe gives shalom to Belzer rebbe

 After not having contact with each other for over 20 years, The Belz Machnovka Rebbe participated in the simcha as he came to the Grand Belzer Chasuna. Over the last few weeks the Belzer Rebbe sent emissaries to reach out and make shalom with his cousin the Machnovka Rebbe. The Machnovka was honored with Zimun and bentching at the Wedding.

Thousands attend Belzer wedding

The grandson of the Belzer Rebbe, shlita, and the daughter of Harav Meir Dov Rechnitzer, Dayan of the Belz community in Haifa, were wed Tuesday night in Kiryat Belz, Yerushalayim

Parents of jewish schools asked to reach out to elected officials in NYS

The leadership of Agudath Israel of America, which is playing a major advocacy role on behalf of the Governor's bill, has called upon all New York Jewish private schools to ask their parent bodies to reach out to Assembly Members, as well as to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, to express support for the proposed legislation, and to urge that it be brought to the floor of the Assembly for a vote. The Governor's proposal is called the "Parental Choice in Education Act." If it passes, it would provide a $500 per child tax credit to low-income parents who pay tuition for their children in Jewish and other nonpublic schools - totaling close to $23 million for our community. 

How to communicate this message to our elected officials (excerpted frominvestined.org): 

Agudah delegation heads to Albany making the case for tuition relief to parents.

Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore Says to Call 911 & Shomrim

Due to the uptick of crime in the area, the Vaad HaRabanim of Baltimore have issued a statement clarifying the community's responsibility in maintaining safety in our neighborhoods. It is imperative says the letter that they call even on Shabbos and Yom Tov to any situation that is even the slightest potential of danger to life.