President Donald J. Trump commuted the prison sentence of Sholom Rubashkin

                              ברוך מתיר אסורים
A Chanuka Miracle The Frum world were shocked and elated with the wonderful news as Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin was freed from Jail after President Trump commuted his sentence.

INN News

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday commuted the prison sentence of Sholom Rubashkin, the Iowa kosher slaughterhouse executive who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for fraud and money laundering. 

The decision was “encouraged by bipartisan leaders from across the political spectrum, from Nancy Pelosi to Orrin Hatch,” said a statement from the White House.

Rubashkin is a 57-year-old father of 10 children. He previously ran the Iowa headquarters of a family business that was the country’s largest kosher meat-processing company. In 2009, he was convicted of bank fraud and later sentenced to 27 years in prison.

Rubashkin has now served more than eight years of that sentence, which many have called excessive in light of its disparity with sentences imposed for similar crimes, the White House said.

“This action is not a Presidential pardon. It does not vacate Mr. Rubashkin’s conviction, and it leaves in place a term of supervised release and a substantial restitution obligation, which were also part of Mr. Rubashkin’s sentence,” the statement stressed.

“The President’s review of Mr. Rubashkin’s case and commutation decision were based on expressions of support from Members of Congress and a broad cross-section of the legal community,” it continued.

“A bipartisan group of more than 100 former high-ranking and distinguished Department of Justice (DOJ) officials, prosecutors, judges, and legal scholars have expressed concerns about the evidentiary proceedings in Mr. Rubashkin’s case and the severity of his sentence. Additionally, more than 30 current Members of Congress have written letters expressing support for review of Mr. Rubashkin’s case.”

In a recording circulated on the web, Rubashkin’s son said following the news, “I can’t even breathe. I can’t even try. I can’t even talk. My father is coming home. Baruch Hashem. G-d bless.”

Last year, more than 100 former judges, attorneys general and prominent politicians signed a letter supporting Rubashkin.

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik lights the Menorah at Whitehouse Chanuka Party with President Trump

NYT Photo

The Republic WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday celebrated an “especially special” Hanukkah at the White House, a day after declaring Jerusalem Israel’s capital and setting off criticism and clashes.

“Right now I’m thinking about what’s going on and the love that’s all over Israel and all about Jerusalem,” Trump said in the White House East Room. The president was flanked by his daughter Ivanka, who converted to Judaism when she married her husband, Jared Kushner, and their three children.

The president broke with decades of U.S. policy with the Jerusalem announcement, putting the United States at odds with most other countries. The European Union, Germany, Britain, France, the Pope and key Arab allies have denounced the move. But inside the White House Thursday, Trump got only applause, cheers and thanks from the crowd, which included Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Holocaust survivor Louise Lawrence-Israels and Orthodox Rabbi Meir Soloveichik.

Israels spoke of standing up to hate. And Soloveichik recited a traditional prayer that he said has additional meaning this year.

“For the first time since the founding of the state of Israel, an American president has courageously declared what we have always proclaimed, which is that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel,” Soloveichik said.

Rabbi Eytan Feiner Call On The OU to Break From Open Orthodoxy

Crosss post from Matzav.com -This past Shabbos, Parshas Vayishlach, Rav Eytan Feiner, rov of Cong. Knesseth Israel, the White Shul, in Far Rockaway, spoke about the Orthodox Union’s non-response to Open Orthodoxy and the havoc that Open Orthodoxy is wreaking on Yiddishkeit.

Rav Feiner said that he is willing to break the White Shul’s OU affiliation if the OU continues to be non-responsive on this important matter. The OU has continued allowing Open Orthodoxy synagogues to remain as members of its umbrella organization. Rav Feiner spoke out strongly about Open Orthodoxy’s apikorsus.

His comments come on the heels of two Open Orthodox shuls wishing mazel tov to people who underwent unconventional marriage ceremonies. Congregation B’nai David-Judea of Los Angeles is led by a male Open Orthodox rabbi, Yosef Kanefesky, and a female “rabbanit,” Alissa Thomas-Newborn, the latter of whom was given semicha at Avi Weiss’ Yeshivat Maharat. B’nai David-Judea’s weekly bulletin for Shabbos Parshas Vayeira, 2017, wished mazel tov upon the birth of a baby to a couple who have an unconventional marriage.

Giyus: Bnei Torah in the I.D.F.'s Crosshairs

Re: Against the Backdrop of the Supreme Court's Decision:

Giyus: Bnei Torah in the I.D.F.'s Crosshairs

                                                By: Beinish Dorit

Am Yisrael, Listen Up!

Giyus, the army draft is here in real time. The Israeli government is proactive to fill the I.D.F. with yeshiva-oriented recruits. Things aren't the way they used to be.

Since the inception of the State, an agreement was in place, that allowed b'nei Yeshiva a 'pitur,' or deferment from military service. Years ago, the Bayit Yehudi party revised the 'chok' with Shivyon Benetal – everyone must contribute and share the burden of the country's defense. Still, whether you embrace Bnei Brak's philosophy, or in contrast, are of "Peleg" orientation, all will acknowledge that the government's on-line ad tells a different story.

Witness its text: "Rotzim l'shanot, rotzim l'hishtalev." Literally: 'They want change [for themselves] and opt to blend in with society.

A prominent Israeli attorney brings us up to speed. He employs similar verbiage to explain the Memshala's intentions:

לא ניתן להתעלם מכך שרשויות המדינה גמרו אומר לשלב את החרדים במוסדותיה ובאורח חייה החילוני, והדרך להשגת שילוב זה מתחילה [ונגמרת] בצבא. הצבא הוא הכלי לשילוב ולשנוי, שמבקשות הרשויות לחולל בחברה החרדית. עיקרון זב שזור כחוט השני לאורך התיקונים המחמירים בחוק, ומהווה את הבסיס להם.

One cannot ignore the fact that the authorities have decided to incorporate the Haredi people into its institutions and secular way of living. The means to achieve these goals begins – and ends, with the army. "Tzavah" is a tool being used to incorporate and alter the Haredi community to its liking. 

In short, Yahadut's shortfall is the army's livelihood ר"ל.

––––

Rav Elyashiv – Psak and Hashkafa

An acquaintance recounts how, during his tenure of study in Israel, he sat by Rav Elyashiv zt'l, as a 'chayal' from a hesder yeshiva, walked in and inquired as to the Kashrus of a Mezuzah at his military base.

Here's the conversation: 'L'mah ata mitkavain' – what do you mean to infer, queried the Rav. 'She'zeh dira ba'al korcho' – that a domain in which an individual is coerced to abide in, is not a normative dwelling place, and is therefore absolved of Mitzvas Mezuzah? [See Tractate Yoma 10b]

"Zeh lo ba'al corchi, ani merutza la'asot tzavah!" – it's not against my will, countered the soldier, I'm agreeable to army service!

"Zeh tzorich li'yot ba'al corchacha" – it should be against your will, said Rav Elyashiv.

Then he asked the zkan Haposkim the $64,000 question: "Lamah lo osim bnei yeshiva tzavah?" – and quoted the Rambam that it's a mitzvah to defend the Yishuv in Eretz Yisrael against an enemy.

Rav Elyashiv answered: Yeshivaleit are not obligated to train, they're only 'mechuyav' to fight – and then Tzavah won't take them. Then he continued: And even if they are enjoined to train, you're not mechuyav to put your life in the hands of Arik Sharon [Sar Bitachon at the time]. The Posek Hador provides clarity and perspective for this crucial issue.

––––

The Giyus issue is larger than life – who is Am Yisrael? Who's in charge of the Jewish People?

The 'Memshala' wants a piece of everything you do and think. But what of history? Our inexplicable survival upends Tzavah ideology.

3,000 years of experience has embedded in the Jewish human condition, that a Supreme entity micromanages the course of human events, even as we speak.

Jewish Home Party has partnered with others to write an alternate narrative, a fictional novel of 'Im tirtzu, ain zu agada' – we can determine our own fate.

The Settler movement have their fingers in this pie, too – as enablers, they catapulted 'Bayit Yehudi' into power. In Bayit Yehudi's parallel world, a ben yeshiva's ruchniyut is worth expunging, just so that Chibat Eretz Yisrael reigns supreme.

Their rendition of the Passover Hagada reads, 'Ilu natan lanu Eretz Yisrael, v'lo natan lanu et haTorah, Dayeinu!' Had You given us the Land and not the Torah, t'would have been enough. So they crafted a chok with two periods of "Histalgut," – adaptation timelines, till the entire olam hayeshivos enters the army's enclaves ר"ל.

Argentine Jewish businessman, among dead in NYC terrorist truck ramming

JTA- Five of the fatalities in the terrorist truck-ramming attack in New York City on Tuesday afternoon were Argentine tourists celebrating the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation, including one Jewish businessman.

At least eight people were killed and about a dozen injured when a truck rammed into a crowd on a bike path in downtown Manhattan in what Mayor Bill de Blasio called “an act of terror.”

According to Argentina’s Foreign Ministry, the victims are Diego Enrique Angelini, Ariel Erlij, Hernán Diego Mendoza, Alejandro Damián Pagnucco and Hernán Ferruchi.

Erlij, 48, is a Jewish steel mill owner from the city of Rosario in central Argentina. He reportedly paid for two of his high school friends to go on the trip so they could all be together for the anniversary. They graduated in 1987 from the Polytechnic School in Rosario.

Hamodia Reacts to ‘Interference’ With Its Free Speech Rights

BROOKLYN - In response to a letter sent to NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill by Councilman Daniel Dromm urging the Police Department to investigate an op-ed that appeared in Hamodia’s Sukkos edition, Ronald Coleman, an attorney representing the newspaper, observed that the “letter is in and of itself an unlawful interference, made under color of state law, with Hamodia’s free speech rights.”

Mr. Coleman, a partner with the Archer law firm, known for his recent success in protecting the First Amendment in the United States Supreme Court, urged the Police Commissioner to recognize that Mr. Dromm’s letter “violates the United States Constitution, federal civil rights law, the constitution and law of the State of New York and the Human Rights Law of the City of New York.”

At the heart of the matter is a story about the Chofetz Chaim told in a recently published opinion piece titled “Not When it Comes to Our Children!”

In his letter to the Commissioner, Councilman Dromm stated that the head of a controversial group seeking to make changes to the yeshivah system had “explained” to him that “the term rodef/rodfim connotes ‘pursuer’ and is well known for its use by the assassin of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin.”

“Within this cultural context it should be considered a death threat,” Mr. Dromm claimed, adding that “I appreciate you taking this matter very seriously.”

Responding to this distortion, Mr. Coleman first noted in his response to the Commissioner that the opinion column didn’t even mention the name of the organization, its head, nor any of its members, and for this reason alone could hardly be understood as a threat. Mr. Coleman also observed that Mr. Dromm’s interpretation of the meaning of “rodef” in this context is given the lie by the article itself.

Halachos laws and minhagim for Erev Rosh Hashana 5778

Remember to make a Eruv Tavshilin this year
1. Following selichos we say hataras nedorim on erev Rosh Hashana

2. Some have a minhag to purchase a new knife on Erev Rosh hashana as a segulah for parnassah.

3. The minhag is for men to fast on erev Rosh Hashana up to chatzos.

4. Some go to visit kivrei tzadikim on erev Rosh Hashana

5. Minhag is to go to the mikva on erev yom tov.

6. The beracha on candle lighting for Rosh Hashana is lihadlik ner shol yom tov, without mention of Yom Hazikaron

7. We do not blow the shofar after shachris on Erev Rosh Hashana.

For general halachos of Rosh hashana, regarding the simanim, shofar, davening etc.. click HERE

Rabbi Feldman Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisrael Baltimore writes Letter To All American Yeshiva Bochurim Subject to the Israeli Draft

Hamodia: Spirit of Helping Others Alive and Well in Houston

Hamodia: Mrs. Masha Toybina, who immigrated to the U.S. and has been living in Houston for about 30 years, told Hamodia:

“Thank G-d, many organizations and individuals have jumped to our aid, working very hard to help people who are suffering due to the floods. They are doing truly amazing work. It seems that anyone who can is out there volunteering. People are coming here from Louisiana; Hatzalah people came from New York and Los Angeles. It’s heartwarming to see how many people are rushing to Houston to help us out.

“An emergency soup kitchen was set up at Aishel House [normally serving Texas Medical Center patients and their families] and the Chabad House also made an emergency soup kitchen which provides kosher food. Many volunteers are running to stores to do errands for people who cannot. Massive evacuation efforts are taking place, and many people whose homes are untouched have opened their homes to those who have lost their homes or had to evacuate.

“There are whatsapp groups and spreadsheets where you can sign in and say what you can do and what you can give. All kinds of supplies are needed — everything from food to diapers to towels to clothing to telephone use. People need to make calls. There’s a real need for hot cooked food, so people are cooking and baking at the Chabad House and other places. The cooking is going on nonstop around the clock. Others are out delivering, also nonstop.

“Others are busy trying to find out who needs help, who is stranded somewhere, and to bring food to them. There are two young men on a military truck who are rescuing people. The wife of one of them is fielding calls and connecting people needing rescue with the men on the truck. Almost 100 people were rescued by this one truck so far. They take them to shelters, to hotels, or to private people’s houses. It is uplifting to see all this.”

Peretz Golding, a chemist in Houston, told Hamodia:

Agudath Israel Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund

STATEMENT FROM AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA

Disaster Relief Fund
Agudath Israel of America’s hopes and prayers are with the residents of Houston and other Galveston Bay cities, who are struggling with the ongoing rain and terrible flooding brought by Hurricane Harvey.

Our sympathies go out to all Texans who have suffered loss of life, and to those who have tragically lost their homes and possessions. And we have only admiration for all the emergency workers, both local and from other parts of the country, who are working around the clock to rescue those in danger.

Although the storm is still ongoing and the full extent of its toll on Houston’s Jewish community still unknown, some of its families have already been hit hard by flooding

As we have done over the years when disaster strikes, Agudath Israel of America is serving as a conduit for sending humanitarian assistance like food, clothing and, in this case, Yomtov needs, to Jewish families and institutions in need.

Donations for that purpose can be sent to Agudath Israel’s offices at 42 Broadway, 14 th Floor, New York, NY 10004 (checks should be made out to Agudath Israel but marked “Disaster Relief Fund”).  Electronic donations can be made at agudathisrael.org – with “Disaster Relief Fund” typed into in the “comments”

Why use a Picture of Animal Rights Activists When talking About Kashrus of Chicken

Ami Magazine this week ran a story  "Battle of the Birds"covering the latest controversy over the Braekel chicken.In the magazine edition and online they used a accompanying photo of a animal rights activist who advocates against the Kapparot ritual.  The Photo is found on his website. Its most probably a oversight by an editor but it makes an interesting observation.

Jewish Groups Express Concern Over Fallout of Charlottesville Violence

Hamodia NEW YORK - Jewish groups expressed concern over the potential effects of statements made by President Donald Trump regarding the violence in Charlottesville, which have been interpreted by many as creating a “moral equivalency” between white supremacist groups and the counter-protesters with whom they violently clashed over the past weekend.

After the president faced wide criticism for failing to condemn the extremist groups who organized the protest, he then issued a strong statement calling out white supremacists. But a day later at an impromptu press conference, he said that fault lay on “both sides.”
Moreover, the size and attention that the event, which put Nazi symbols and ideology on display, drew and especially its violent ending, was seen as a cause for alarm by leaders of several Jewish organizations.

“We seem to be at a very fragile moment, “Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America, told Hamodia. “On a certain level there was violence that was instigated on both sides, but even if that’s the case, this was a rally organized by white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups to promote racist and anti-Semitic philosophies, which is dismaying and frightening…For the Jewish community this is a wake-up call that there is a tremendous amount of hatred and danger for the Jewish People.”

Five years since 12th Siyum Hashas , Next Siyum in 2 1/2 years

Its been Five years since the 12th Siyum Hashas and start of 13th machzor of Daf Yomi at Metlife stadium. This Shabbos, Shabbos Veschanan Nachamu, 12Av 5777 August 5, 2017 will  mark the 5th year anniversary. The 13th Siyum Hashas is only 2 and a half years away!!!!
since the 12th Siyum Hashas of Daf  Hayomi at Metlife stadium.It was exactly five years ago in 2012 were many celebrated the Siyum and 5 years since lots of people have joined the machzor for the first time. Its hard to believe that 5 years flew by, but for those learning the Daf, they are about to complete seder nezikin finishing the three Bavos. The words of Rabbi Frand echo in our ears "Whats beyond your reach is within your grasp". Hopefully all those who started Brachos are still going strong. We can still join in the cycle. Here is the full video for those who want to relive the siyum experience.

Agudath Israel Of America Speaks Out Against Move To Block Eruvs In New Jersey Towns

In letters to the mayors of two New Jersey towns, Agudath Israel Executive Vice President Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel expressed “deep concern” about the order to remove an “eruv” that had been constructed (with permission) on telephone and utility line poles to enable observant Jewish residents to carry objects outside of their homes on the Jewish Sabbath. The towns have argued that the plastic strips on utility poles are “signs” and violate the local zoning ordinances, but Rabbi Zwiebel asserted that “what opponents of the eruv are troubled by is not the presence of unobtrusive plastic strips on utility poles, but by the continued growth of the Orthodox Jewish community. The fact that so many of those opponents make no effort to hide their hatred is shocking and should not be tolerated.”

Yehudah Buchweitz, an attorney at Weil Gotshal & Manges, included several of the many disturbing online comments in a letter he sent to the mayors of the townships on behalf of the organization promoting the eruv.

“They are clearly trying to annex land like they’ve been doing in Occupied Palestine. Look up the satanic verses of the Talmud and tell me what you see.”
“I don’t want my town to be gross and infested with these nasty people.”
“I do not want these things coming into my town and ruining it.”

Live stream Broadcast: Levaya Of Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz Zt"l

Letter from Rav Ahron Shechter in FJJ: Countdown to Catastrophe

Somehowfrum.blogspot:

We've all seen the videos of the Peleg demonstrations and we cringe. And we wonder why they are literally laying their life on the line as if this was a reincarnation of Giyus Bonos.
Well at last there is some information explaining the vehement opposition to the draft "exemptions".
This may explain the coming demonstration set for Sunday, June 11 at Barclays.

Countdown to Catastrophe


Witness to the Fallacy of Blindness

It’s obvious to all that Eretz Yisroel is in a perpetually
precarious state of existence: Living in the
shadow of an Iranian nuclear bomb in the making,
encircled by heavily armed, sworn enemies, singled
out for scorn by the so-called community of nations.
All of this makes the situation of acheinu b’nei
Yisroel in artzeinu hakedosha unique, and uniquely
dangerous. This mortal threat to our survival is
something of which we’re all painfully aware.

Why Jared and Ivanka Kushner Are Permitted to be mechalel Shabbos for president Trump

In an interview with an Israeli website White house correspondent Jake Turx explains the heter for Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to desecrate the shabbos. President Trump relies heavily on their advice he says, they are from his most trusted advisers, should the need arise or something happens on shabbos the president has to to discuss it with them. So if an issue with North Korea crops up or anything that is of life and death Situation the president needs to contact them ASAP.  He must have them to be avilable at his side at all times. Obama treasury secretary jack Lew who is an orthodox Jew also had a heter to speak to the president on shabbos when the president reached out to him. Video is in Hebrew

Publicizing a papal visit FEH!

It was shocking too see. A group of frum Jews meeting and singing to the pope at the Vatican. Of all songs they chose one with the words of  "אורך ימים אשביעהו ואראהו בישועתי".  As if that was not bad enough, we also had to hear the popes view on  child abuse as if it matters to us yidden what his opinion is. (BTW did we forget the Vatican cover up on child abuse?) These images created a firestorm.

But all the above is debatable, there were times when community leaders and rabbonim had met with bishops and popes throughout  our history that is an issue up for discussion.

What should really upset us, is the publicizing of the meeting. Do we have to be exposed to this? how low have we fallen that a  website that claims to represent the yeshiva world is proud to have an exclusive story of a video and photo of the this it tumah? Why was this not kept confidential?
 If there was an urgent matter to meet  the pontiff it should have been done in secrecy, not advertised and publicized for the world to see just to get more hits and drive traffic.

To add insult it was followed up with a kosher chazer feesel halachic article about meeting the pope.
Can these frum news websites get any lower than this???
Nebach on us we have become so desensitized

Picture Perfect?

By: Ami Chai Tzuriel

They bring him to shul daily – I see him all the time. The other day he gave me a robust Brocha; as a zakein muflag of 100 years. He sounds chipper and spry, with fealty to the One Above who has granted him longevity. I saw the tattooed number on his left hand as he wore Tefillin; somehow you get the sense this man’s grasp of life, of the death camps he endured, supersedes the pageantry and drama of anyone in this photo. His worldview is emuna pe'shutah – simple faith in the Supreme Entity. Everything else is irrelevant.
His message is; sure, don’t be naive. A person must be proactive to defend oneself in times of peril, r"l, but in the endgame, Al'mighty has the final say.
This etho is burnished in the Jewish consciousness and is 3,000 years old.
Connect the dots to our present Mid-East situation. What would this man’s reaction to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s remarks be?
A few years ago, citing the Iranian existential threat, he said, “For not in one generation do they rise up to destroy us, but in every generation they attempt to annihilate us.” – Obviously, a quote from the Haggada, of Pesach eve, but Netanyahu curiously deleted the key phrase of the Exodus narrative: “V’Hakadosh Boruch Hu matzileinu m’yodom!”
The Rosh Memshala is consistent. In his address to Congress two years ago, chastising Iran for its nuclear program, he proclaimed that the Purim festival of ancient Persia is right around the corner.
“Esther gained permission for the Jews to defend themselves. We used to be passive, but no more!” In a classic turnabout ‘V’nahapoch hu,’ the Prime Minister turned Purim on its head.
The message of the Feast of Lots is that current world events are Almighty’s jigsaw puzzle; part of His Master Plan. It is He who charts the course of human events, even as we speak.
In China – referring to the Jewish refugees of Shang Hai, [the Mirrer talmidim] he said, “Back then, we didn’t have a country – today we can defend ourselves.”
History plays tricks on the dead. If the Mirrer Pleitim, ‘nishmosom aden,’ could speak, they would proclaim in unison, ‘Not so! Our ordeal was a ‘Nes Hatzolah’ ordained on High.’
Their ideology, borne of their life experience, does not comport with Netanyahu’s at all.
They would exhort us all, it is the centenarian in Shul who has it right – his philosophy is the authentic time-tested formula for Jewish survival.
They will testify that the Holocaust took place for the same reason that back in 1997, ‘Shayetet 13’ – an elite commando unit, Hy”d, perished as they entered Lebanon via the Mediterranean Sea as frogmen on a covert mission. They were lured into a minefield – an ‘olive grove,’ by a Lebanese double agent and met an untimely end. Would you say did they left this world katzon lativcha – as sheep to the slaughter? They passed away because the Boreh Olam willed it so. Likewise, the giborei koach, giants of the spirit – the six million, was a decree from Heaven, and they accepted Almighty’s will. When He decides that something will take place, Gadi Eizenkoff, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the rest of us are spectators as events unfold. But Mr. Netanyahu doesn’t get it.
Israelis marvel at their military prowess, but just mention how Iran is nestled in Syria to create a hegemony, and you will see fear in their eyes.
The Gemara [see Yoma 10a] alludes to ‘Poras’ or Iran’s meteoric ascent in the world, in the days preceding the Geulah. Obviously, the Chachmei HaTalmud saw the roadmap of the achris hayomim; History and world events, are a work in progress, a manifestation of a Divine script.’ If one examines the current Mid-East situation, a region in flux, one has some inkling of Hashem’s Master Plan taking shape.
It is time for us all to embrace the inescapable truth.

Rabbi Nisson Wolpin, Zt”l

The chareidi world mourns the passing of Rabbi Nisson Wolpin, zt”l, noted askan and long serving the editor of The Jewish Observer. He was niftar late Monday. He was in his eighties, Levaya details TBA.
 Read biography on Matzav.com

Segulah for Erev Pesach to recite letter from Rav Shamshon Astropoly

The following mystic and great segulah was written by Mekubal Rabenu Shimshon Magid of Austropoli, zt'l HY'D. Any person that reads this, especially Erev Pesach, is promised to be saved the entire year from stumbling, unusual death, tragedy, no person will rule over him, his enemies will perish, and will succeed in all business endeavors till the Redemption will arrive. 

Click HERE to download  איגרת רבי שמשון מאוסטרופולי

Statement of Agudath Israel of America Regarding Recent Incidents of Anti-Semitism

It isn’t necessary to state our concern and revulsion at recent vandalism and threats against Jewish sites. They are reminders of the age-old and persistent hatred for Klal Yisroel that festers in the darker corners of even American society.

Jewish institutions, of course, need to be particularly vigilant these days, to help ensure that the odious cowards who have expressed themselves by making bomb threats and toppling headstones aren’t able to take their animosity any further, chalilah.

We are grateful to law enforcement authorities for acting with alacrity in the wake of the recent ugliness; to President Trump for his clear condemnation of anti-Semitic acts; to Vice President Pence for his personal participation in the clean-up efforts at the vandalized Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery near St. Louis; to New York Governor Cuomo for strengthening the state’s prosecution of hate crimes and for proposing $25 million to enhance security in religious schools; and to all the good citizens who have expressed their solidarity with the Jewish community during these difficult times.
Above all, we must always remember that the ultimate protection of our people comes from Above, and that our merits and our prayers are what, in the end, ensure our security.

Frum reporter and President Trump

The media and frum blogs and websites are all over the story with Ami Magazine senior correspondent Mr. Jake Turx who was called on by the president. Trump called him a liar for not asking a simple question.  He asked Mr. Trump about threats to dozens of Jewish Community Centers but apparently Trump thought he was referencing him to being anti Semitic.
The frum bloggers and pundits immediately took to their keyboards with screaming Headlines  Turx should apologize he does not represent the Orthodox Jewish community, Others defended Turx and said Trump should apologize.
The truth is none of these websites or bloggers represent anyone but themselves. Self appointed and  self anointed editors and bloggers hiding anonymously behind their key boards  should not be the ones giving out statements by playing moral police. At least the frum print media has the face of a editor and hopeful a  rabbinic board guiding them. For the electronic media to talk about the Trump Turx saga is like the Fox guarding the hen house.

Statement from Agudath Israel on President Trump's executive immigration order

Statement of Agudath Israel On President Trump's Executive Immigration Order

The immense contributions of immigrants to American life need no elaboration, nor does the importance of immigration to our great nation.  The world refugee crisis, moreover, must compel our deep concern for those fleeing persecution, as did so many of our own forebears.

 

President Trump's recent executive order seeks to protect the nation's citizens from terrorism, an unarguably honorable quest.

 

The strict vetting process that has long been in place has certainly helped keep terrorists and their recruiters from entering our country.  The executive order is aimed at temporarily strengthening that line of defense.  As such, it is laudable.  But only if its focus is on places, on countries that are hotbeds of violent radicalism, not on religious populations. 

 

And only if tempered by true concern for innocent refugees, who do not deserve to be caught up in nets intended to catch their oppressors.

 

We urge the administration to continue to evaluate the geopolitical situation and exercise great deliberation as it forges a permanent immigration policy, so that what results will well balance security concerns with human and religious rights.

Shabbos meal at Jared and Ivanka Kushner residence

Photo: Daily Mail 

Collive- Ivanka and Jared Kushner hosted a Shabbat Dinner for Cabinet members at their home; also seen were Washington DC Shluchim Levi and Nechama Shemtov.
First Daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner hosted members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet at their home Friday night for a “Shabbat dinner”, the Daily Mail reports.

In Jewish tradition, Shabbat is a weekly day of rest that begins Friday at sunset and ends Saturday after sunset.

Rubashkin still in Prison, hope for a miracle

A7-Previous outgoing presidents have pardoned a number of people during their last days in office. President Obama stoked controversy in his last week in office by commuting the sentence of Oscar López Rivera, an unrepentant terrorist who was not pardoned by former President Bill Clinton because he had refused to renounce violence, and by commuting the sentence of Chelsea Manning, the US soldier who gave tens of thousands of documents to Wikileaks, including classified information.

However, President Obama has still failed to respond to Rubashkin's request for clemency.

In the last hours of the President's term in office, the family is extremely hopeful and praying hard for miraculous news. They urge anyone with a relationship with the President to contact him about this important case.

I Abstain from the Outrage

I Abstain from the Outrage- by rabbi Avi Shafran
Hamodia

The U.S. abstention to the recent U.N. resolution was the first time an American administration declined to veto a Security Council resolution critical of Israel and opposed by her.
The resolution is groundbreaking, and pledges the territory captured by Israel in 1967 to a Palestinian state.
It would remove Yerushalayim and the Kosel Maaravi from Israeli sovereignty.
It is one-sided, placing the blame for the stagnated peace process squarely on Israel.
President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry have sold Israel out.
The first four are demonstrably false.  The fifth, too.