Monday, August 31, 2015
IDF force comes under fire in Jenin 6 Palestinians killed
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Kol Kore on Abuse, no Rabbinic approval required to report, not all agree
A Kol Kore on abuse was signed by over 100 Rabbis, nevertheless the top tier Rabbonim in leadership positions did not sign. The Jewish Press in its editorial acknowledged that there is a significant body of opinion in the haredi world which maintains that rabbinic approval must be consulted prior to any approach to secular authorities.
JP editorial:
Published: August 26th, 2015
As we report this week on page 11, several yeshiva heads and scores of prominent Orthodox pulpit rabbis, teachers, and school officials, most of them self-identifying as haredi, have issued a proclamation, or kol koreh, on the duty of Jews to report child abuse to authorities.
The kol koreh declares that “every individual with firsthand knowledge or reasonable cause for suspicion of child abuse has a Torah obligation to promptly notify the proper civil authorities.”
Despite the haredi bona fides of most of the signatories, the community-wide concern for the protection of children, and the obvious logic underlying the proclamation, it will undoubtedly cause some controversy since there is a significant body of opinion in the haredi world which maintains that rabbinic approval must be consulted prior to any approach to secular authorities.
JP editorial:
Published: August 26th, 2015
As we report this week on page 11, several yeshiva heads and scores of prominent Orthodox pulpit rabbis, teachers, and school officials, most of them self-identifying as haredi, have issued a proclamation, or kol koreh, on the duty of Jews to report child abuse to authorities.
The kol koreh declares that “every individual with firsthand knowledge or reasonable cause for suspicion of child abuse has a Torah obligation to promptly notify the proper civil authorities.”
Despite the haredi bona fides of most of the signatories, the community-wide concern for the protection of children, and the obvious logic underlying the proclamation, it will undoubtedly cause some controversy since there is a significant body of opinion in the haredi world which maintains that rabbinic approval must be consulted prior to any approach to secular authorities.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Agudath Israel preparing for 2015 convention
Meeting at Agudath Yisroel Headquarters in preparation for the upcoming national Agudah convention.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
American Roshei Yeshiva travel to Lithuania to save vilna cemetery
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| (R-L) Harav Schlesinger of Geneva, Harav Kotler, Rabbi Niederman, Harav Kalmanowitz, Rabbi Yecheskel Kalmanowitz and Dr. Schaps, viewing a miniature of the plan for the Sports Palace and the surrounding area in City Hall. |
Local authorities claim that recently announced plans for a convention center will only affect a long-abandoned sports complex, built on the spot over 50 years ago. However, experts in cemetery preservation fear desecration of the holy spot will inevitably occur.
Extra learning in Ponovez in honor of Rechnitz- Goldstein wedding
As a zechus for noted Torah philanthropist Reb Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz and family who married off his daughter to last night to Zevi Goldstein son of DR.and Mrs. Shmuel Goldstein from Cleveland there was a few extra minutes of learning added in the famed Ponovez yeshiva. Video below.
Video of Chupah at Rechnitz Chasuna in LA
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Time magazine explains the shidduch crisis
Time Magazine explains the science behind the Shidduch crisis Orthodox Jews and Mormoms both religions are going through a dating crisis
Two thousand miles away in New York City, Lisa Elefant knows exactly what Hunt is feeling. “I don’t sleep at night anymore,” said Elefant, a shadchan—or Jewish matchmaker—affiliated with the Ohr Naava: Women’s Torah Center in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn. “My own sister is thirty-seven, educated, accomplished, attractive, and single. I told her to freeze her eggs.”
Secular-style dating is rare in the Orthodox community in which Elefant lives. Most marriages are loosely arranged—“guided” is probably a better word—by matchmakers such as Elefant. The shadchan’s job has been made exceedingly difficult, she said, by a mysterious increase in the number of unmarried women within the Orthodox community. When Elefant attended Jewish high school 30 years ago, “there were maybe three girls that didn’t get married by the time they were twenty or twenty-one,” she said. “Today, if you look at the girls who graduated five years ago, there are probably thirty girls who are not yet married. Overall, there are thousands of unmarried girls in their late twenties. It’s total chaos.”
Two thousand miles away in New York City, Lisa Elefant knows exactly what Hunt is feeling. “I don’t sleep at night anymore,” said Elefant, a shadchan—or Jewish matchmaker—affiliated with the Ohr Naava: Women’s Torah Center in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn. “My own sister is thirty-seven, educated, accomplished, attractive, and single. I told her to freeze her eggs.”
Secular-style dating is rare in the Orthodox community in which Elefant lives. Most marriages are loosely arranged—“guided” is probably a better word—by matchmakers such as Elefant. The shadchan’s job has been made exceedingly difficult, she said, by a mysterious increase in the number of unmarried women within the Orthodox community. When Elefant attended Jewish high school 30 years ago, “there were maybe three girls that didn’t get married by the time they were twenty or twenty-one,” she said. “Today, if you look at the girls who graduated five years ago, there are probably thirty girls who are not yet married. Overall, there are thousands of unmarried girls in their late twenties. It’s total chaos.”
The Rabbonim who did not sign
Over 100 Rabbonim signed a kol Koreh calling on any individual with firsthand knowledge or reasonable basis to suspect child abuse has a religious obligation to promptly notify the secular law enforcement of that information. The letter is not dated at all its hard to know when it was compiled. The "bloggers" and commenters were quick to point out the many prominent Roshei Yeshiva, Admorim and other top tier Rabbonim missing from the signatures. They question how can someone not sign? they must be protecting the molesters and covering up for them... bla bla bla, goes their argument. There is no need to respond to them.
The term "reasonable doubt" is very vague and is a loaded statement. The Agudah has set forth guidelines regarding what is considered raglayim ladavar in reporting abuse. Notice, no current member of the Moetzes has signed on to this. Perhaps they dont agree with certain things perhaps they do agree and did not sign we dont know. If they do or dont sign on, its up to them, and only them, not the charedi bashing bloggers.
The term "reasonable doubt" is very vague and is a loaded statement. The Agudah has set forth guidelines regarding what is considered raglayim ladavar in reporting abuse. Notice, no current member of the Moetzes has signed on to this. Perhaps they dont agree with certain things perhaps they do agree and did not sign we dont know. If they do or dont sign on, its up to them, and only them, not the charedi bashing bloggers.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
BDE Yossi Piamenta Z''L
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| Yossi Piamenta Z''L |
— אריה ארליך (@AryehErlich) August 23, 2015
In addition to being an original songwriter, Yosi covered others’ music, including many Chassidishe niggunim from Lubavitch and Belz, and Sephardic niggunim and zemiros. Yosi was recognized as one of the premier guitarists in the world. Matzav.com - Hamodia articleNPR: Ultra-Orthodox In Israel: Keeping Cool While Keeping Customs
In the hot sun of a Jerusalem afternoon, kids wait for a fountain to turn on.
When water spouts into the air, 9-year-old Tzipora Baranas jumps right in. She's wearing black tights, a black, below-the-knee skirt and a long-sleeved black shirt.
"It's fun when the water spritzes up in my face," she says.
She is Orthodox Jewish and her outfit is in deference to religious modesty. She says she's not hot at all, despite the temperature hitting the 90s and the dark clothes covering all but her face and hands.
Of course, she is dripping wet at the moment.
Nearby, in the shade, an Orthodox mother, Rinat Kuperman, says it's good that the city has a place where kids can get wet without having to wear a swimsuit in public.
"They understand that people like us want to be happy in the summer and still keep ourselves like we want," she says. "Covered and refreshed."
Her family swims only in pools with times separated by gender, in keeping with their religious custom of covering their bodies when away from home and in the presence of members of the opposite sex. Kuperman isn't dressed all in black, but her skirt brushes her ankles. She wears a long-sleeved blouse over a T-shirt and has wrapped a colorful scarf over her hair.
Despite Waze and GPS a Yid is never lost
Many people did not make it to the Catskills for Shabbos. They spent Shabbos parshas Shoftim 5775 in Monsey, Monroe and other locations in NY or NJ.
The fatal accident that shut down of the New York state Thruway on Erev shabbos created a traffic nightmare for Frum Yidden traveling to the Catskills. The artery, is the main thoroughfare used to get from the city to the mountains. Alerts went out warning travelers of the current traffic conditions advising them to use alternate routes. Apps such as WAZE and other traffic apps helped motorists navigate alternate routes.
Despite early warnings from chaverim and other news organizations not everyone was aware of the traffic. Also, many of the alternate routes were backed up due to the heavy diverted traffic. As a result not everyone maid it to the Catskills. Husbands whose family were in the Catskills had to spend Shabbos elsewhere.
The story goes about a frum family who got lost and ended up in a far away community for shabbos, they were put up by a Yeshiva in the community. The Rosh yeshiva greeted them as they told him how they got lost getting to their original destination. The RY smiled and told them you are not lost at all "a Yid vert keinmul nit farblundget".
The fatal accident that shut down of the New York state Thruway on Erev shabbos created a traffic nightmare for Frum Yidden traveling to the Catskills. The artery, is the main thoroughfare used to get from the city to the mountains. Alerts went out warning travelers of the current traffic conditions advising them to use alternate routes. Apps such as WAZE and other traffic apps helped motorists navigate alternate routes.
Despite early warnings from chaverim and other news organizations not everyone was aware of the traffic. Also, many of the alternate routes were backed up due to the heavy diverted traffic. As a result not everyone maid it to the Catskills. Husbands whose family were in the Catskills had to spend Shabbos elsewhere.
The story goes about a frum family who got lost and ended up in a far away community for shabbos, they were put up by a Yeshiva in the community. The Rosh yeshiva greeted them as they told him how they got lost getting to their original destination. The RY smiled and told them you are not lost at all "a Yid vert keinmul nit farblundget".
Friday, August 21, 2015
Rav Chaim Kanievsky on Iran deal, the only hishtadlus is to Daven
כי לא יטוש ה' עמו ונחלתו לא יעזוב, אין מה לפחד... להתפלל, זה כן, אבל לא לפחוד
A Jew from the US with relatives living in Israel asked if he should arrange passports or a safe place in the event of an Iranian threat rav Chaim told him הנה לא ינום ולא ישן שומר ישראל, ה' יעזור.
Heres the letter in Hebrew
אמירה מפתיעה באשר ל'דעת תורה' בנושא הגרעין האיראני, מתפרסמת היום (ו) על ידי נכד מרן שר התורה הגר"ח קנייבסקי שליט"א, העורך את גליון 'ידידי יושר', הרב אריה קנייבסקי.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Talking Tachlis
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| The Tachlis |
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Agudah to host conference call with NJ senator Cory Booker on Iran deal
Agudath Israel will have a conference call with NJ Senator Cory Booker regarding the Iran deal. It will take place 10 am Thursday morning number to join. 844-290-4272
Mrs. Goldie Steinberg, a”h, Dies at Age 114
Hamodia NEW YORK - Mrs. Goldie Steinberg, who was recorded as the world’s oldest living Jew and the sixth-oldest living person in the world, passed away in a Long Island nursing home this past Sunday evening, only a few months short of what would have been her 115th birthday. A living piece of history, Mrs. Steinberg retained her selfless regard for others and her clarity of mind until her last days.
“She had her family around her and said her goodbyes,” Moshe Heller, the corporate administrator of Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Long Beach, New York, where Mrs. Steinberg resided, told Hamodia. “She was thinking of others until the end. An hour before she passed away, she called over her roommate’s grandchildren who were visiting to say hello to them.”
“She had her family around her and said her goodbyes,” Moshe Heller, the corporate administrator of Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Long Beach, New York, where Mrs. Steinberg resided, told Hamodia. “She was thinking of others until the end. An hour before she passed away, she called over her roommate’s grandchildren who were visiting to say hello to them.”
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Video: Selichos at the Kosel Elul 5775
סליחות ברחבת הכותל המערבי. אדון הסליחות... בוחן לבבות... חטאנו לפניך. pic.twitter.com/OJjQwdq0LT
— ישראל כהן (@Israelcohen911) August 16, 2015
Elul zman 5775 begins in the Yeshiva World
Agudah Constituent Services department asists in religious freedom case
The Constituent Services department has been receiving an increased volume of calls from employees and students complaining that their firms and schools are not respecting their religious rights for Sabbath and holiday observance.
Last week, Agudath Israel received a call from a young man in Phoenix, Arizona who is employed by a Fortune 100 company. He submitted a request for days off for the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashana and Sukkos and was denied. His supervisor warned him that if he was absent on those days, he would lose his job.
Last week, Agudath Israel received a call from a young man in Phoenix, Arizona who is employed by a Fortune 100 company. He submitted a request for days off for the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashana and Sukkos and was denied. His supervisor warned him that if he was absent on those days, he would lose his job.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Photos: 18 Crockpots of Chulent at the Woodbourne shul
A record of 18 large 18 qt Crockpots of chulent and other refreshments were given out to travelers who came for Mincha and Maariv at the Woodbourne shul last night. Known as the hachnosas Orchim house of the Catskills were the Nikelsburg Rebbe Rav Mordechai Jungreis greets everyone and makes you fell at home.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Hamodia: The Tosher Rebbe, zy”a Harav Meshulem Feish Lowy
(The Rebbe’s son, Harav Elimelech, shlita, who serves as the Rav of Kiryas Tosh was appointed as the successor at the Levaya.)
Hamodia The Torah world was plunged into mourning Wednesday with the petirah of the Tosher Rebbe, Harav Meshulem Feish Lowy, zt”l, at the age of 93.
One of the eldest and most venerated Rebbes of the generation, the Tosher Rebbe was frequently hospitalized in recent years. Since Adar 5768/2008, when he contracted severe pneumonia, his health was in a state of decline.
Communities all over the Jewish world davened fervently for his recovery, and the name Reb Meshulem Feish ben Tzirel was constantly on the lips of those who admired him, as his health fluctuated over the past years.
Several weeks after the pneumonia, the Rebbe recovered and returned home to Tosh, in Canada. But since then he has been very weak. When he appeared in the beis medrash that Purim, the Chassidim cried with joy at what was seen as a medical miracle.
Hamodia The Torah world was plunged into mourning Wednesday with the petirah of the Tosher Rebbe, Harav Meshulem Feish Lowy, zt”l, at the age of 93.
Communities all over the Jewish world davened fervently for his recovery, and the name Reb Meshulem Feish ben Tzirel was constantly on the lips of those who admired him, as his health fluctuated over the past years.
Several weeks after the pneumonia, the Rebbe recovered and returned home to Tosh, in Canada. But since then he has been very weak. When he appeared in the beis medrash that Purim, the Chassidim cried with joy at what was seen as a medical miracle.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Cries as Mitah of Tosher Rebbe ztl brought into the Bais Medrash in Kiryas Tosh ZTLt
הבכי בהיכל . pic.twitter.com/ZaCoS6lI3s
— ישראל כהן (@Israelcohen911) August 12, 2015
Video: Anti-Semitic graffiti in San Antonio Jewish community
SAN ANTONIO — Video below
A Jewish community on the North Side woke to widespread anti-Semitic vandalism Wednesday morning that included spray-painted swastikas, “KKK” lettering and other hateful slurs. “(We are) saddened and outraged,” said Howard Feinberg, a board member of the Rodfei Sholom Congregation, located near Northwest Military Drive and Huebner Road. “When we were finishing our morning prayers around 7 a.m., we became aware that in the neighborhood around our synagogue, there was a lot of graffiti of the anti-Semitic and racial nature.”
A Jewish community on the North Side woke to widespread anti-Semitic vandalism Wednesday morning that included spray-painted swastikas, “KKK” lettering and other hateful slurs. “(We are) saddened and outraged,” said Howard Feinberg, a board member of the Rodfei Sholom Congregation, located near Northwest Military Drive and Huebner Road. “When we were finishing our morning prayers around 7 a.m., we became aware that in the neighborhood around our synagogue, there was a lot of graffiti of the anti-Semitic and racial nature.”
BDE Tosher Rebbe ZT""L
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| Tosher Rebbe Zatzal |
Levaya will take place tonight in Kiryas Tosh 6:00pm in Bais Medrash Hgadol Kevura will be before shkia.
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| Last known Picture of Tosher Rebbe taken last week |
Hamodia: Tragic Accident Claims Life of Two Boro Park Girls
NEW YORK - Reizy Morgenstern called her mother on Monday from Arizona, where she was vacationing with three close friends, raving about the scenic views.
“It’s so beautiful, it’s such niflaos haBorei,” Reizy, 22, told her parents. “Mommy, don’t worry. I’m safe and sound.”
Hours later, as they were riding on a highway damp from a recent downpour, a horrific head-on crash with a tractor trailer took the lives of Reizy, a”h, 22, and Hindy Spira, a”h, 26, two teachers from Boro Park, stunning the Jewish community worldwide. Two other girls, Miriam bas Gittel and Faiga Sarah bas Bracha Chaya, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized in Los Angeles. They are, baruch Hashem, doing fine.
The levayah of Hindy Spira, called by a family member “the apple of [her parents’] eye,” was
“It’s so beautiful, it’s such niflaos haBorei,” Reizy, 22, told her parents. “Mommy, don’t worry. I’m safe and sound.”
Hours later, as they were riding on a highway damp from a recent downpour, a horrific head-on crash with a tractor trailer took the lives of Reizy, a”h, 22, and Hindy Spira, a”h, 26, two teachers from Boro Park, stunning the Jewish community worldwide. Two other girls, Miriam bas Gittel and Faiga Sarah bas Bracha Chaya, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized in Los Angeles. They are, baruch Hashem, doing fine.
The levayah of Hindy Spira, called by a family member “the apple of [her parents’] eye,” was
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Levaya info for Girls killed R'L in Arizona car crash
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| Car and truck involved in the accident |
The Levaya for Raizel Morgenstern A''H will be tonight 11:00 pm at Shomrei Hadaas chapels 14th avenue and 38th street in Boro Park, Kevura in Monsey bais hachaim. She was one of the two girls who was nifteres in the tragic car accident in Arizona. Raizy, 24, taught in the Tiferes Miriam high school of Boro Park. Her father yblc'h' Rav Moshe shlita is from the prominent members of Tzanz klausenburg chasidus in Boro Park. The levaya of Hindy Spira a'h will be at 10 pm also at Shomrei Hadas, Kevura will be in new Square. She taught in Bais yaakov of Boro Park. She too was 24 years old. Her father Yblc'h is Rav Yitzchok shlita from the Ger Chasidus in Borough Park. The other two girls who were seated in the back survived but still need tefilos please daven for Miriam Bas Gittel (Meyer) and for Faiga Sarah bas Bracha Chaya (Meyorovitz) for a Refuah Shleima.IDF Authorities Come to Enlist Frum Charedi Girl into the Army by Force
In middle of the night on Wednesday night August 5, military authorities arrived at the home of an 18-year-old Sephardic chareidi girl from Elad and took her to the Tel Hashomer induction base. She was brought before a military judge on Thursday morning, and the court ordered her to cooperate with the army by signing the documents inducting her in the army. IDF policy has always been to issue a deferment to any frum girl who signs a declaration that she declines serving for religious reasons. The Chareidi Seminars (High Schools) generally submit these forms to the IDF. In this case, due to technical error her form was omitted. She was taken from the court back to Tel Hashomer where she was inducted into the IDF. She was compelled to change from civilian to military clothing. After 14 hours she was released after she signed a commitment to return with the personal items she needs from home to continue her military service. But instead of returning, the girl ran away and is currently in hiding. Askanim involved noted
Tragedy, Two frum girls R"L killed in Arizona car accident near LA
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| Bais Yaakov Girls on Left of Photo passed away R''L |
Updated: Tragedy as two Frum Girls from Boro Park vacationing in Holbrook, Navajo County Arizona were killed r''l in a fatal accident Monday night. The group of girls were returning from a trip when their car was hit by a vehicle that veered across the highway. Two other girls survived one sustained serious injuries other girl is ok. Names of the victims r''l are Hindy Spira A''H and Raizel Morgenstern A''H. Name for Tehilim מרים בת גיטל for a refuah shleima. She is the daughter of Reb Yanky Mier the head of Misaskim organization. She is currently undergoing surgery.
All are asked to daven as well for Faiga Sarah bas Bracha Chaya (Myerovitz) and Miriam bas Gittel
Misaskim organization worked all night for the release of the bodies which will be flown to New York for the Levaya (time to be announced later). May Hahem comfort the families at this most difficult time.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Growth of the Lakewood orthodox Jewish community
Today, halfway to 2030, it's quickly becoming a reality.
A new city is rising in the heart of Ocean County, one unlike any other in New Jersey.
Lakewood's breathless transformation, fueled by a steady influx of mostly young Orthodox Jewish families and a staggering 4,000 births per year — more than occur on an annual basis in nine of the state's 21 counties — is reshaping the region's economy and political landscape.
The faster the town grows, however, the greater the strain on the area's roads and utility infrastructure, which are already groaning under an increasingly heavy load. read more HERE
A message for the Flatbush/ Midwood Community
To: Members of the Flatbush/ Midwood Community
From: FJCC Executive committee
Reference: Congressional Vote on Iran Deal
Congress will soon vote on the proposed nuclear deal with Iran - a deal that does not eliminate Iran's pathway to a nuclear weapon.
Our Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke (NY-9) is still undecided. As you know, proponents of this deal are engaging in an aggressive effort to convince members of Congress to vote yes.
Congresswoman Clarke needs to hear from every member of our community NOW!
From: FJCC Executive committee
Reference: Congressional Vote on Iran Deal
Congress will soon vote on the proposed nuclear deal with Iran - a deal that does not eliminate Iran's pathway to a nuclear weapon.
Our Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke (NY-9) is still undecided. As you know, proponents of this deal are engaging in an aggressive effort to convince members of Congress to vote yes.
Congresswoman Clarke needs to hear from every member of our community NOW!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Friday, August 7, 2015
Video: Nikelsburg Rebbe sings at the Woodbourne shul
Statement of Agudath Israel of America Commending Senator Charles Schumer for Opposing Iranian Nuclear Deal
Agudath Israel of America welcomes with great appreciation the announcement by Senator Charles Schumer that he opposes the proposed Iranian nuclear deal embodied in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and intends to vote to disapprove the deal.
Senator Schumer has spoken out consistently and forcefully over the past several years about the grave threat a nuclear empowered Iran would pose to America and its allies, especially Israel. Indeed, in a major address to the participants in Agudath Israel's 93rd Anniversary Dinner earlier this year, Senator Schumer pointed out that "a nuclear Iran [would be] unlike any other threat that Israel has faced."
In that address, Senator Schumer also identified, in clear detail, a number of conditions that must be met in order to make a ny nuclear deal with the Iranians acceptable - some of which are plainly missing or inadequately addressed in the JCPOA. So it comes as no surprise that he has found the JCPOA lacking.
Yet while Senator Schumer's position is not surprising, it is courageous. He is the first and thus far the only Senator of his political party to publicly announce that he will be voting against the position of the Administration. His high rank among his Democratic Senate colleagues surely created an incentive for him not to buck the leadership of his party. Fortunately, however, as he said in the statement he issued in announcing his intention to vote to disapprove the JCPOA, Senator Schumer made his decision "solely based on the merits ... without regard to pressure, politics or party." For this he deserves our sincere admiration and deep appreciation.
We respectfully call upon other members of Congress, regardless of political affiliation, to recognize the serious shortcomings of the JCPOA, and to disapprove this deal.
Senator Schumer has spoken out consistently and forcefully over the past several years about the grave threat a nuclear empowered Iran would pose to America and its allies, especially Israel. Indeed, in a major address to the participants in Agudath Israel's 93rd Anniversary Dinner earlier this year, Senator Schumer pointed out that "a nuclear Iran [would be] unlike any other threat that Israel has faced."In that address, Senator Schumer also identified, in clear detail, a number of conditions that must be met in order to make a ny nuclear deal with the Iranians acceptable - some of which are plainly missing or inadequately addressed in the JCPOA. So it comes as no surprise that he has found the JCPOA lacking.
Yet while Senator Schumer's position is not surprising, it is courageous. He is the first and thus far the only Senator of his political party to publicly announce that he will be voting against the position of the Administration. His high rank among his Democratic Senate colleagues surely created an incentive for him not to buck the leadership of his party. Fortunately, however, as he said in the statement he issued in announcing his intention to vote to disapprove the JCPOA, Senator Schumer made his decision "solely based on the merits ... without regard to pressure, politics or party." For this he deserves our sincere admiration and deep appreciation.
We respectfully call upon other members of Congress, regardless of political affiliation, to recognize the serious shortcomings of the JCPOA, and to disapprove this deal.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Physical challenges, the new fundraisers for Frum Organizations
At the Olympics games athletes compete in a show of physical prowess, whose origin is from the ancient Olympia games in Greece. The Greeks have worshiped the physical ability of the human body. The Torah perspective is to focus on the spiritual aspect. Of course one must exercise and keep his body in shape and healthy, but never was it glorified or cheered as a public event. Was this done in the past? Sponsoring someone for a physical challenge.
Recently many Frum Jewish organizations and Mosdos have made fundraisers which involves challenging physical activity. These events raise a lot of money and have many participants. They include a bike tour, a baseball game, Walka-thon, a runners club, and other sports. The participants have to raise a certain amount in order to join in the event. They get sponsors to donate per mile or run, or for the general event. Most of these organizations have an advantage since they have a broad appeal as they deal with issues relating to, children's illness, health and mental issues. This gives them more leeway in running these kind of fundraisers, since there is an emotional appeal and they affect across the spectrum of Yidden.
Recently many Frum Jewish organizations and Mosdos have made fundraisers which involves challenging physical activity. These events raise a lot of money and have many participants. They include a bike tour, a baseball game, Walka-thon, a runners club, and other sports. The participants have to raise a certain amount in order to join in the event. They get sponsors to donate per mile or run, or for the general event. Most of these organizations have an advantage since they have a broad appeal as they deal with issues relating to, children's illness, health and mental issues. This gives them more leeway in running these kind of fundraisers, since there is an emotional appeal and they affect across the spectrum of Yidden.
Frum TV
Frum websites are competing against each other in supplying "Kosher" video entertainment for the frum community. The battle over TV was won years ago. It took time but many eventually got rid or did not own a tv set. However the emergence of the internet has made video viewing as kosher and acceptable. Frum news websites now boast about their entertaining You tube video page. These videos are not newsworthy but simply entertaining, there is nothing Jewish or frum about them. Visitors to these websites assume the content is kosher and clean, but many of these clips are neither. People will spend hours viewing these entertaining videos. Is this not tv all over again?
Rare Hebrew Texts To Become Available Online
Hamodia One of the oldest surviving Hebrew manuscripts, a Tanach thought to be over 1,000 years old, will soon be available online in a joint project with The British Library in London, the National Library of Israel said this week.
Aviad Stollman, the library’s chief of collections, said the Gaster Bible would go online as part of a project to digitize all of the 3,200 rare Hebrew manuscripts at The British Library.
Aviad Stollman, the library’s chief of collections, said the Gaster Bible would go online as part of a project to digitize all of the 3,200 rare Hebrew manuscripts at The British Library.
Lipa pushes the envelope, possibly scoffing at Rav Chaim Kanievsky
Lifeinisrael- Radio Kol Hai's Menachem Toker has opened a front against Lipa Shmelzer.
Listen to the song HERE
Lipa's newest song, Buha Buha, which is not yet on Youtube but can be heard in this Kikar article, is creating quote a stir.
The song describes first how Lipa went to Rav Chaim Kanievsky for a bracha. Rav Kanievsky said "buha buha". Lipa asked the gabbai what buha buha means, and the gabbai explained it is an abbreviation of "bracha vhatzlacha" - בו"ה, and that Rav Kanievsky does not say the entire set of words out because he is busy learning and saying these words is bittul torah, so he minimizes his words. Lipa goes on to say how great it is that Rav kanievsky is so involved in his learning that even that little bit bothers him, yet he still sees and blesses all these people so they would not get insulted.
Listen to the song HERE
Lipa's newest song, Buha Buha, which is not yet on Youtube but can be heard in this Kikar article, is creating quote a stir.
The song describes first how Lipa went to Rav Chaim Kanievsky for a bracha. Rav Kanievsky said "buha buha". Lipa asked the gabbai what buha buha means, and the gabbai explained it is an abbreviation of "bracha vhatzlacha" - בו"ה, and that Rav Kanievsky does not say the entire set of words out because he is busy learning and saying these words is bittul torah, so he minimizes his words. Lipa goes on to say how great it is that Rav kanievsky is so involved in his learning that even that little bit bothers him, yet he still sees and blesses all these people so they would not get insulted.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Agudath Israel Leaders Meet with Senator Gillibrand on Iran Nuclear Deal
In a meeting that lasted over half-an-hour, the Agudath Israel delegation delivered a clear message: the proposed deal with Iran is fraught with grave danger for America and its allies, especially Israel, and should be disapproved.
Jewish Camps in Liberty Present Township with $29K Gift
Rabbi Meir Frischman, the director of Camp Agudah in Ferndale, which is in Liberty, organized the gift. The check was accepted by Liberty Township Supervisor Charlie Barbuti, who said the village will use it to renovate a park and to pay for fireworks on July 4.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Monday, August 3, 2015
Large Minyan at Vegas trade show hosted at the Venetian
The ASD Trade show in Los Vegas convention center attracts many frum Jews where buyers and sellers of goods meet and trade. The Minyan was composed of Sefardim Chasidim and ashkenazim The Sefer Torah was brought by the Sakar Family.
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| Photo credit: Yair Lax on Dans Deals.com |
A Shabbos Tish mit abissel gefilta fish
European Maccabiah breaks Guinness record for largest Shabbat dinner not all participants were shomer shabbos but hopefully the concept gave chizuk and inspiration to the many Jews assembled at the games.
i24news-The European Maccabiah set a new Guinness world record – and it had nothing to do with sports.
2,322 athletes participating in the games taking place in Berlin and guests of the Maccabi organization who gathered on Friday at the largest hotel in Germany, broke the record for the largest Shabbat dinner. The previous record, of 2,226 dinners, was set only a year ago in Tel Aviv.
The count was done carefully, with numbered bracelets given at the door to every participant in the feast. However, the dinner itself was less organized. “Balagan, it's one big mess,” admitted members of the planning committee shortly after the event began, when it became clear that the meticulously
i24news-The European Maccabiah set a new Guinness world record – and it had nothing to do with sports.
2,322 athletes participating in the games taking place in Berlin and guests of the Maccabi organization who gathered on Friday at the largest hotel in Germany, broke the record for the largest Shabbat dinner. The previous record, of 2,226 dinners, was set only a year ago in Tel Aviv.
The count was done carefully, with numbered bracelets given at the door to every participant in the feast. However, the dinner itself was less organized. “Balagan, it's one big mess,” admitted members of the planning committee shortly after the event began, when it became clear that the meticulously
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Its not only the frum areas that covers the magazines
Two retailers will soon place issues of a popular magazine behind blinders. Rite Aid and Food Lion plan on shielding minors from content featured on the covers of these magazines read more in the NYT HERE.