Live stream Levaya of Rav Belsky zatzal in Eretz Yisrael

Formation of a new, integrated North American Jewish day school organization. challenges Torah Umesorah

From an editorial in the Yated neeman
Last week, I received a press release joyfully announcing a merger in the world of Jewish day school education. I care deeply about the cause, so I read the release with great interest. By the time I was done, I was heartbroken.

This is how it began: “We are delighted to announce that Day Schools of Reform Judaism (PARDES), The Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE), RAVSAK (The Jewish Community Day School Network), the Schechter Day School Network (Schechter), and the Yeshiva University School Partnership (YUSP) have all agreed to move forward towards the formation of a new, integrated North American Jewish day school organization.”

All the usual buzzwords appear: “The decision by our respective leadership to move in this direction is an affirmation of the centrality of day schools in Jewish life and reflects our dedication to seeing Jewish learning, literacy, culture and commitment flourish in a rapidly changing world. At the same time, it reflects the conviction of many in the day school community that we can all benefit from the knowledge, expertise and ideas of others, even if we express our Jewishness differently. As one organization, we can unify to strengthen day schools, the core of the Jewish educational enterprise.”

Klal yisrael mourns

It is almost impossible to gather our thoughts and put pen to paper after receiving such a devastating blow. The Rosh Hayeshiva loved every talmid in the Yeshiva. No one escaped notice.

Recently the Menahelim, Mechanchim and Roshei Yeshiva were zoche to spend a Shabbos away, together with our Rosh Hayeshiva. I believe that the Divrei Chizuk that the Rosh Hayeshiva delivered, speaks volumes about how Moreinu Horav Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt”l lived his life.

Below is a transcript of what the Rosh Hayeshiva said (on Shabbos), written by Rabbi Moshe Shochet.

By Rabbi Yitzchok Gottdiener, Executive Director of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath,

A Rebbe has to do more than love every Talmid [even the difficult ones]. He has to also believe in each and every one of his talmidim. Even if the talmid does not believe in himself, when he sees the Rebbe believing in him, it will give him a healthy self-esteem to begin believing in himself.

A Rebbe has to see potential Kochos and Kishronos in a child. Even if the student resists your efforts, don’t give up on anyone.

Watch Live stream video broadcast Levaya Of Harav Yisroel Belsky Zatzal

Levaya Info Rav Belsky Zatzal Live stream hook up

Live stream video broadcast  HERE
Live hookup call into 712-432-4217
The Levaya will take place Friday Erev Shabbos, Parshas Yisro Yeshiva Torah Vodaas

425 East 9th Street - Brooklyn, NY  10:00 am  There will be a designated ezras nashim area. Kevura will be in Eretz Yisroel. 
The levaya will be broadcast live on J Root Radio 95.1 FM or call into 712-432-4217

BDH: Hagaon Rav Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt”l

הגאון הרב חיים ישראל בעלסקי זצ”ל

Watch live stream hook up for Levaya HERE
It is with hearts full of sadness and grief that we report the passing of Hagaon Rav Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas in Kensington, Brooklyn. He was 78 years old.

Rav Belsky passed away this evening after being hospitalized over the last few weeks.
The levayah will be held at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, located at 425 East 9th Street, between Ditmas Avenue and Courtelyou Road, in Brooklyn, NY. Levaya will be at 10:00 am for live hookup call into 712-432-4217. The Aron will be flown motzei shabbos for kevurah in Eretz Yisrael

Matzav.com- Rav Belsky was one of the greatest Torah minds of his generation, a preeminent posek and rosh yeshiva whose guidance was sought by tens of thousands of Jews across the globe. His genius was unparalleled and his breadth of knowledge unsurpassed in his time.

Shlomo Yehuda rechnitz- I apologize and ask mechilah of people using my comments out of context

Following the Bashing of Bnei Torah and the city of Lakewood by so called "frum websites" who twisted and used a speech to spew venom at the torah world, Reb Shlomo Rechnitz issued a letter.

Dear Readers,

As there is a lot of confusion regarding my speech, I would like to clarify some of my points and my intentions. I apologize for any typos, etc., but I am writing at a very inconvenient time from a very inconvenient place (Maimonides Hospital). I nevertheless feel that it’s important to write now to avoid anymore potential lashon hara.

I apologize and ask mechilah for not for seeing the possibility of people using my comments out of context. The point of my speech was to deliver one message, and one message only, and that is to make sure that there is a place in school for all our children in Lakewood. It was not meant in any way to “bash” Lakewood or its leaders. Anyone using my comments to support their own ulterior agendas are twisting my words.

Tefillos,the situation by Moreinu Horav Yisroel Belsky shlita is very serious

The condition of Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsy, shlita, noted posek and Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vodaath, has become extremely dire, and urgent tefillos are needed for his recovery.
“The situation by Moreinu Horav Yisroel Belsky shlita is very serious!” read an email sent Wednesday by Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. “We urge one and all – Yeshivos, Batei Medrashim, Bais Yaakovs, places of business etc. – to please daven NOW for Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirel l’refuah shlaimah b’soch shaar cholei amo yisroel.”

Urgent Tefillos Needed for Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky, Shlita

Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky, shlita, noted posek and Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vodaas, continues to suffer from a serious illness, and the yeshivah sent an email Wednesday urging Klal Yisroel to plead for rachamei Shamayim. Harav Belsky “continues to be hospitalized due to a serious health condition,” said the message from Torah Vodaas. “Despite the best efforts of his doctors, the Rosh Hayeshiva has weakened and the condition is not improving. Everyone is asked to daven and be marbeh their tefillos, tzedakah, hachzakas haTorah and maasim tovim as a zechus for Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirel l’refuah shelaimah b’soch shaar cholei amo yisroel.”

שירת הים in yiddish- shabbos Shira Parshas Beshalach

Klal Yisrael Mourns Noted Askan Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald, z”l

Hamodia.com  - The petirah of Rabbi Ronnie (Refael) Greenwald, z”l, world-renowned askan, shocked the Jewish community on Wednesday morning. He was 82 and passed away while on vacation in Florida.

A humble man with larger-than-life accomplishments, Rabbi Greenwald played the role of community activist, international diplomat, educational innovator and so much more with skill and finesse that was matched only by the modesty with which he carried out his work. With a caring heart and a sincere drive to help others, he was one  of the Jewish community’s most respected and beloved ambassadors.

“Some people want to make a difference; he was the difference,” said Rabbi Aaron Fink, dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov of Monsey and a nephew of the niftar. “Ronnie didn’t talk about himself because it was not about him; he just did what he did because somebody had to do it.”

Rabbi Greenwald was born in 1934 to Yeshuah Falik, z”l, and Chana Freidah Greenwald, who had emigrated from Hungary several years earlier. The family lived on Manhattan’s Lower East Side before relocating to Boro Park. Young Ronnie, as he was known, studied in Mesivta Torah Vodaath before moving on to the Telshe Yeshivah in Cleveland.

Petirah of Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald Z'L

The petirah of Rabbi Ronnie (Refael) Greenwald, z”l, world renowned askan, major community activist and founder of Camp Sternberg, hit the Jewish community with shock Wednesday morning.

Rabbi Greenwald, 82, was niftar while on vacation in Florida. Levaya will take place in Monsey details to come.

Thousands Attend Levayah of Harav Shmuelevitz

YERUSHALAYIM - Many thousands gathered at Yeshivas Mir in Yerushalayim on Tuesday morning, to take part in the levayah of Hagaon Harav Refael Shmuelevitz, zt”l, who was niftar on Monday night. The paroches in the main beis medrash was drawn, as a sign of mourning.

The levayah began with the recital of Tehillim. The first maspid was Harav Aryeh Finkel, Rosh Yeshivah, Yeshivas Mir-Brachfeld, followed by Harav Eliezer Yehudah Finkel, Rosh Yeshivah, Yeshivas Mir-Yerushalayim and Harav Baruch Dov Povarsky, Rosh Yeshivah, Yeshivas Ponevezh.

A brother-in-law of the niftar, Harav Yitzchak Ezrachi, who serves as a Rosh Yeshivah in Mir, bemoaned the profound loss that the yeshivah faces. “Now that he was niftar, Mir will no longer be the same yeshivah,” cried Rav Ezrachi.

Segulah for parnasah -Understanding the custom of reciting Parshas Hamon by Artscroll

 FOR PARASHAS HA-MON click   HERE

There is a widespread custom to recite this chapter on the Tuesday of the week of Beshalach, which this year is today January 27th, 2015. Recited by many especially on the Tuesday of Parashas Beshalach, 

Dear ArtScroll Booknews Subscriber,

    When our ancestors were in the Wilderness, a month after the Exodus from Egypt , they faced a tomorrow with no food. Justifiably, they asked Moshe if he had taken them into the desert to starve to death. Hashem responded that in the morning they would see that He had not forsaken them.

    In the morning – and every morning for the next 40 years – there was manna waiting for them. By evening there was nothing left, and the next morning,

BD'H Rav Refoel Shmuelevitz zatzal Rosh Yeshiva Mir Yeshiva Yerushalayim

 Levaya will be Tuesday morning 11:30 from Mir Yeshiva to Har Hamenuchos.

Mrs. Pesel Olshin, a”h; Mother of BMG Rosh Yeshivah Harav Yeruchem Olshin

Hamodia- On Shabbos Parashas Bo, the Torah world bid a mournful farewell to Mrs. Pesel Olshin a”h, the mother of, ybl”c, Harav Yeruchim Olshin shlita, Rosh Yeshivah, Bais Medrash Govoha of Lakewood. She was remembered for her mesirus nefesh for Torah and selfless dedication to others. In her exceedingly simple Boro Park home, the nifteres merited to raise a family of celebrated marbitzei Torah.

In addition to Harav Yeruchim, her son Harav Shmuel Abba Olshin serves as Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivah Gedolah of Hillside, and her daughter, Rebbetzin Suri Hirth, is the wife of Harav Mordechai Hirth, nasi of Yeshivas Nefesh Hachaim of Lakewood.

She was 100 years old.

Mrs. Olshin was born in 1915 in Nuremberg, Germany. Her parents, Reb Yeruchim, z”l, and Faiga Leah Silber, a”h, were part of a kehillah of Jews from Poland who had settled in the city after the outbreak of the First World War. Despite the doors of western culture that were now available to them, the family held steadfastly to its mesorah and maintained its high spiritual standards.

BDH- Devorah Stubin a'h

WALLINGTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — The car of a 22-year-old New Jersey woman who has been missing since Thursday night has been pulled from the Passaic River and authorities said a body was found inside.
CBS2 video shows Devorah Stubin’s 1998 gray Mitsubishi Galant being lifted out of the water around 8 p.m. Saturday after it somehow wound up submerged in the river in Wallington.

“It is in fact a vehicle that has been missing from Passaic and there was a person in the vehicle,” said Wallington Police Capt. Kim Lucas.

BDH 6-Year Old Child Struck and Killed on Way to Shul

A mother was walking her 2 sons Shabbos afternoon to Pirchei in Highland Park N.J. when a car jumped the curb and struck down all three. One boy walked away with no injuries B”H , while the 6 year old was killed on the spot according to Yanky Meyer from Misaskim.

Tehillim should be said for the Mother , Rochel Baila bas Gittel who was critically injured and is undergoing surgery at this time. Misaskim is working to enable the levayeh of the 6 year old boy to take place tomorrow.

Despite the prank Rechnitz is still a winner

The frum media and general media at large were abuzz as one the employees of Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz was though to have won the powerball jackpot in California. Rechnitz bought 18,000 tickets for his employees and residents at 80 nursing home across California. It turned out she was pranked by her children. Although the employer did not win, Reb Shlomo Yehuda is the ultimate winner as are all the baalei tzedaka and supporters who continues to sustain Torah and chesed institutions across the world. These philanthropists are making a kiddush hashem by shouldering and leading the way with the hachzokas haTorah of our generation.

With Increased Awareness and Options, Younger Bachurim in Shidduchim Are More Common

It is the age-old question for a bachur and his parents. When to enter the “parashah” of shidduchim? Hamodia editorial looks into this issue.

In the American yeshivah world, the answer for many years has been the same: when he comes back from Eretz Yisrael, typically around age 23.

Now, slowly but noticeably, the winds of change are moving the marker. It is more common for bachurim to learn in Eretz Yisrael for a shorter period of time; to forgo learning in Eretz Yisrael before marriage; or begin entertaining shidduchim while still learning in Eretz Yisrael. And the trend is incrementally continuing in that direction.

“I find that there are now more 22-year-olds learning in America, open to shidduchim, than there used to be, and fewer 23-year-olds,” says Rabbi Asher Weiss, shlita, Rosh Mesivta at Yeshiva Shaarei Torah of Monsey. “That is now seen as a ‘normal’ age.”

Agudath Israel of America Yerushalayim Yarchei Kallah 2016

Rumor: Frum family wins Mega millions

Husband thought he bought the power-ball clerk gave him a mega millions and he won 165 Million. 

AMI Editorial: Our contradictory sets of principles

This weeks issue of AMI magazine touched upon an issue that we have been writing about for a while  HERE  HERE  HERE we even got an honorable mention :) 

Rabbi Michoel Yosef Wolpin, z”l One of the first kollel yungeleit in America

 Hamodia BROOKLYN - One of the first kollel yungeleit in America, and arguably its oldest member at the

time of his passing, Rabbi Michoel Yosef Wolpin was a central element in the making of the American Torah scene. Lucid, youthful and cheerful to his last minute, Reb Michoel was niftar suddenly on Wednesday night, leaving behind a family of four generations which is prominent, respected and devoted to klal and chinuch. He was 87. As a youngster growing up in Seattle, Reb Michoel’s hasmadah and Torah knowledge convinced Harav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt”l, that Torah could flourish on these shores as well. The future Rosh Yeshivah of Torah Vodaath had been contemplating moving back to Europe, but ended up sending tickets to his wife and children to come join him. Reb Yaakov sent a letter to his brother-in-law in Russia, Harav Avraham Grodzinsky, the Mashgiach of Slobodka yeshivah, asking him to send his two sons then learning in Slobodka to the U.S.

Rav Aharon Feldman: Bizayon HaTorah greater aveyra that that of eishes ish

Novominsker Rebbe issues statement on Rabbi Mizrachi Holocaust claim.

The Novominsker Rebbe, shlita, said in a statement released to Hamodia:

“I condemn in the strongest terms possible the outrageous claim that fewer than a million halachic Jews were killed in the Holocaust. This claim is demonstrably false, profoundly offensive and extremely hurtful. It is an affront to the Six Million Kedoshim, precious, holy, Jewish souls whose lives were snuffed out by the sonei Yisroel. Minimizing the degree of the terrible destruction of Churban Europa, in a most morally irresponsible manner, does a grave disservice to truth, and only gives enemies of Klal Yisrael ammunition for their lies.”

Hamodia- The Holy Six Million; Exposing a web of falsehood

Hamodia - Remarks made years ago by a controversial Rabbi about the scope of the Holocaust were publicized last week and unleashed a storm of protest. In his ill-informed statement, for which he only recently apologized and admitted his ignorance of basic statistics, the Rabbi made the egregious assertion that the number of Jews killed by the Nazis, historically known to be six million, was in reality closer to one million. Only. One million souls — one million worlds. That’s significantly more than the sum total of every single religious Jew — man, woman, and child — living today in the United States of America.

This statement, notwithstanding explanation and apology, has already created unimaginable damage, and who can calculate the future adverse ramifications of such an irresponsible statement for the world at large.

With such a statement he has, presumably inadvertently, joined the infamous league of Holocaust deniers, whose goal is to rewrite history. This is not only an injustice to the Six Million Kedoshim; it is an injustice to all of us, their heirs, whose lives are dedicated to rebuilding a world that was destroyed so brutally. While he explained that his intention was to draw attention to the burning spiritual holocaust that has consumed Klal Yisrael with increasing intensity since the Second World War, and that assimilation and intermarriage in Europe rendered many of those who are counted within the Six Million not to have been halachically Jewish, both the insult and the danger that his outrageous words caused cannot be so easily healed or reversed.

In Sefer Tehillim (79:2) the verse says that the “flesh of your devout ones was left to the beasts of the earth.” Rashi asks why this verse, which refers to Jews who had not adhered to the standards of the Torah, praises their piety after their demise? He answers that after their death, they are considered “chassidim,” righteous.

Rav Aaron Feldman clarification letter

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