Search Results for “riskin”

Hatzolah Of Central Jersey’s Vaad Harabanim Sound The Alarm Over Hatzulas Nefashos Risking Critical Delays

August 28, 2024 11:05 am 9 Comments

The Vaad Harabonim of Hatzolah of Central Jersey has issued a public warning to the communities of Lakewood, Jackson, Toms River, Howell, Manchester, and Brick regarding a rival organization, Hatzulas Nefashos, promoting unsanctioned emergency services. This group, previously condemned by rabbinical authorities across these towns for offering unnecessary and unapproved services, has ramped up its marketing efforts. Hatzulas Nefashos has been aggressively advertising its hotline number, using attention-grabbing tactics aimed specifically at children. The group has distributed stickers, magnets, and other paraphernalia that are finding their way into homes, raising the possibility of confusion in emergency situations. The Vaad Harabonim expressed serious concerns about the way this organization is branding itself, noting that its visual marketing closely mimics that of Hatzolah of Central Jersey. Such similarities could lead to dangerous confusion in moments of crisis, potentially delaying the appropriate medical response and putting lives at risk. The statement emphasizes that the resources, experience, and medical oversight of the rival organization are unknown, and the Vaad strongly cautions against calling this alternative hotline in emergencies. They reiterated that Hatzolah of Central Jersey has no affiliation with this group and stressed that dialing their number will not connect callers to Hatzolah responders. In light of this, the Vaad Harabonim urged community members to remove any magnets or materials related to the rival organization from their homes. They reminded residents that in an emergency, only Hatzolah’s official 24/7 hotline numbers—732-370-3600 or 732-888-3000—will guarantee fast, professional medical care, including advanced life support services.

Risking Biden’s Ire, Israel Approves Construction In Shomron, Including Tel Menashe

January 12, 2021 4:30 pm No Comments

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office announced plans on Monday to build hundreds of housing units in the Shomron and Yehudah, including over 100 units in Tel Menashe, home of Esther Horgan, H’yd, who was brutally murdered in a Shomron forest last month. Netanyahu also ordered the Israel Planning Administration (IPA) to authorize the construction of about 400 additional housing units in the yishuvim of Givat Ze’ev, Beit El, Karnei Shomron, Shavei Shomron, Evyatar, Barkan and the Schunat Havatikim at its next session. The move could strain ties with the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is opposed to settlement expansion and has clashed with Israel over it in the past. It was not immediately clear how soon the homes would be built, as such construction usually requires approval from several government bodies and a tendering process. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who hopes to unseat Netanyahu in March, called the settlement announcement an “irresponsible step” that would spark a “battle” with the new U.S. administration. “The Biden administration has not yet taken office and the government is already leading us into an unnecessary confrontation,” he tweeted. “The national interest must also be maintained during elections.” The greatest threat to Netanyahu in the coming vote comes from the right, where Gideon Saar, a former ally and staunch supporter of settlements, has broken away and vowed to end his long rule. Polls show Netanyahu’s Likud winning the most votes but falling short of a majority coalition in Israel’s 120-seat Knesset, or parliament. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem & AP)

Pelosi Cancels Afghanistan Trip; Blasts Trump “Leak” For Risking Security

January 18, 2019 2:25 pm 1 Comment

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday canceled her plans to travel by commercial plane to visit U.S. troops in Afghanistan, saying President Donald Trump had caused a security risk by talking about the trip. It was the latest twist in what has become a Washington game of brinkmanship between Pelosi and Trump, playing out against the stalled negotiations over how to end the partial government shutdown. Earlier in the week, Pelosi had asked Trump to reschedule his Jan. 29 State of the Union address, citing security issues at a time when the Homeland Security Department and other agencies remain unfunded. Trump responded by canceling the military plane that was to have carried Pelosi and a congressional delegation to Afghanistan on the previously undisclosed troop visit. Trump suggested she travel by commercial plane instead. Trump had belittled the trip as a “public relations event” — even though he had just made a similar warzone stop — and said it would be best if Pelosi remained in Washington to negotiate to reopen the government. “Obviously, if you would like to make your journey by flying commercial, that would certainly be your prerogative,” wrote Trump, who had been smarting since Pelosi, the day before, called on him to postpone State of the Union address. On Friday, Pelosi announced that her plan to travel by commercial plane had been “leaked” by the White House. Spokesman Drew Hammill said Pelosi and accompanying lawmakers were prepared to take a commercial flight but canceled after the State Department warned that publicity over the visit had “significantly increased the danger to the delegation and to the troops, security, and other officials supporting the trip.” The White House said it had leaked nothing that would cause a security risk. The political tit-for-tat between Trump and Pelosi laid bare how the government-wide crisis has devolved into an intensely pointed clash between two leaders determined to prevail. It took place as hundreds of thousands of federal workers go without pay and Washington’s routine protocols — a president’s speech to Congress, a lawmaker’s official trip — become collateral damage. Denying military aircraft to a senior lawmaker — let alone the speaker, who is second in line to the presidency after the vice president, traveling to a combat region — is very rare. Hammill said the speaker planned to travel to Afghanistan and Brussels to thank service members and obtain briefings on national security and intelligence “from those on the front lines.” He noted Trump had traveled to Iraq during the shutdown, which began Dec. 22, and said a Republican-led congressional trip also had taken place. Trump’s trip to Iraq after Christmas was not disclosed in advance for security reasons. Rep. Adam Schiff of California slammed Trump for revealing the closely held travel plans. “I think the president’s decision to disclose a trip the speaker’s making to a war zone was completely and utterly irresponsible in every way,” Schiff said. Some Republicans expressed frustration. Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted, “One sophomoric response does not deserve another.” He called Pelosi’s State of the Union move “very irresponsible and blatantly political” but said Trump’s reaction was “also inappropriate.” There have been few signs of progress in shutdown negotiations. On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence and senior adviser Jared Kushner dashed to the Capitol late in the

White House Digs In On Border Wall Demand, Risking Shutdown

December 16, 2018 11:00 pm 2 Comments

Pushing the government to the brink of a partial shutdown, the White House is insisting that Congress provide $5 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border despite lawmaker resistance from both parties. Without a resolution, parts of the federal government will shut down at midnight Friday. “We’re going to do whatever is necessary to build the border wall to stop this ongoing crisis of illegal immigration,” White House senior adviser Stephen Miller said Sunday. Asked if that meant having a government shutdown, he said: “If it comes to it, absolutely.” Trump said last week he would be “proud” to have a shutdown to get Congress to approve a $5 billion down payment to fulfill his campaign promise to build a border wall. But the president doesn’t have the votes from the Republican-controlled Congress to support funding for the wall at that level. Both parties in Congress have suggested that Trump would likely need to make the next move to resolve the impasse. The House is taking an extended weekend break, returning Wednesday night. The Senate returns Monday after a three-day absence. Democratic congressional leaders, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, have proposed no more than $1.6 billion, as outlined in a bipartisan Senate bill. The money would not go for the wall but for fencing upgrades and other border security. Democrats also offered to simply keep funding at its current level, $1.3 billion. Showing no signs of budging, Schumer said Sunday that it was up to Trump to decide whether the federal government will partially shut down, sending thousands of federal employees home without pay during the holidays. About one-quarter of the government would be affected, including the departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, Agriculture, State and Justice, as well as national parks. “He is not going to get the wall in any form,” Schumer said. Trump had neither accepted nor rejected the Democrats’ proposal as of Friday, according to the Democrats, telling them he would take a look. Trump will need Democratic votes either way, now or in the new year, for passage. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, said Republicans remain hopeful they can come up with a proposal that can be acceptable to Trump and pass both chambers. He suggested that could take the form of a stopgap bill that extends funding until January, or a longer-term bill that includes money for border security. “There are a lot of things you need to do with border security,” he said. “One is a physical barrier but also the technology, the manpower, the enforcement, all of those things, and our current laws are in some ways an incentive for people to come to this country illegally, and they go through great risk and possibly great harm.” Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, urged senators to revisit a bill she helped push earlier this year that would provide $2.5 billion for border security, including physical barriers as well as technology and border patrol agents. Schumer declined to say whether Democrats would be willing to consider proposals other than the two options that he and Pelosi offered. Republicans “should join us in one of these two proposals, which would get more than enough votes passed and avoid a shutdown,” Schumer said. “Then, if the president wants

Where Have You Gone, Rabbi Riskin?

June 18, 2018 8:30 pm 27 Comments

(By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times) In the subtly anti-Semitic worldview of nineteenth century non-Jewish biblical scholars, the Jewish Bible (chalilah) “was evil and cruel.” The Christian bible was loving and kind. Moses was a harsh, cruel and distant leader (chas v’shalom), juxtaposed to the founder of Christianity who was patient, loving, and close to the people. Yet, we know that this characterization of Moshe Rabbeinu is both entirely inaccurate and fundamentally false. Here are jut a few reasons. In Shmos (2:11) we learn how Moshe went out among his brothers, “vayar b’sivlosam – he saw in their pain.” The commentators point to the extra bais – as indicating remarkable empathy. The Midrash Rabba (Shmos 1:27) elaborates: Moshe would cry and say Chaval li aleichem – I am so saddened for you, I would die for you..” He would then join them and “lend his shoulder to help them” – states the Midrash. Later, when Yisro visits, he is shocked to find that Moshe Rabbeinu is spending all day with the people, single-handedly issuing rulings, resolving legal disputes. In the Midrash Tanchuma (text at the Bodleian Library in Oxford in parshas vaEschonon) we read, “Az Yavdil Moshe” referring to the sanctuary cities. What does “Az” mean? Moshe Rabbeinu said Hallel because he was overcome with joy for the fugitives – now they were to have rest and refuge. Remarkable, hands-on empathy. When the judges were to be chosen – it was Moshe Rabbeinu who empowers Klal Yisroel by saying, “You nominate them – you know them..” Hashem chooses leaders of the Jewish people because of their love and dedication to others, to the weak, to the helpless. Shepherding sheep shows this love and patience. Dovid HaMelech was a shepherd as was Moshe Rabbeinu. Rabbi Riskin has done enormous work in bringing people back to Avinu sh’bashamayim. While in New York he established a Yeshiva that reinspired hundreds of young men in their Judaism. He created an entire religious city out of scratch. Which is why last week’s Dvar Torah printed in the June 6th edition of the Jewish Week is rather disturbing. Where have you gone, Rabbi Riskin? Of late, Moshe Rabbeinu receives the brunt of your criticisms and someone else, lehavdil, is the recipient of boundless praise. How could it be? Chazal tell us that it was the meraglim, the spies who fell from their lofty spiritual heights. Yet, you Rabbi Riskin, place the blame on Moshe Rabbeinu! You write: “What Moses fails to appreciate, I believe, is that the real problem was with Moses’ own “distanced” leadership, whether from the heights of Sinai or the inner sanctum of the Tent of Communion.” What?? “Distanced” leadership?? Why lay blame at the foot of Moshe Rabbeinu, when Chazal fault the Meraglim? This is especially problematic in light of the Rambam in his Peirush HaMishnayos Sanhedrin (10:1) regarding the seventh ikkar. To find fault with Moshe Rabbeinu in places where the Psukim do not do so – is quite problematic according to that Rambam. You go on: As the Torah says, “The Israelites did not listen to Moses because of his lack of patience (kotzer ruah) and difficult Divine service” [Ralbag’s interpretation of Ex. 6:9]. Lack of patience and difficult Divine service? Rabbi Riskin, is there really such

Republicans Risking Conservative Backlash Over Immigration

June 17, 2018 8:00 am No Comments

The push toward immigration votes in the House is intensifying the divide among Republicans on one of the party’s most animating issues and fueling concerns that a voter backlash could cost the GOP control of the House in November. To many conservatives, the compromise immigration proposal released this past week by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is little more than “amnesty.” One tea party group described the Republican plan as “the final betrayal.” Fox Business host Lou Dobbs, who is close to President Donald Trump, tweeted Friday that Ryan is “trying to open our borders even more and give illegal immigrants the biggest amnesty in American history.” Passage of the bill could alienate conservatives and depress turnout at a time when enthusiasm among Democrats is high. Yet scuttling the bill could turn off independent voters, an especially important bloc for House Republicans competing in dozens of districts that Democrat Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 presidential election. “The GOP’s in a tough spot,” said Republican pollster Frank Luntz. “The hardcore Trump voter has a different point of view than the ever-important independent voter, and there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground.” The draft legislation, resulting from intense negotiations between moderates and conservatives, includes a path to citizenship for an estimated 1.8 million young immigrants in the country illegally. The plan includes $25 billion for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and other security measures sought by the White House. “While the bill contains some positive provisions, including full funding for the border wall and closing loopholes in current law that sustain illegal border surges, it is still a mass amnesty,” said RJ Hauman, of the conservative Federation for American Immigration Reform. “This bill hardly fulfills President Trump’s bold promise to fix immigration, and sure isn’t a winning message for the GOP in the midterms,” Hauman said. Trump will meet with House Republicans next week to discuss the issue just days after his comments during an impromptu Fox News interview on the White House driveway nearly derailed the planned House vote, according to a House GOP official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans ahead of an official announcement. Trump had said in the interview that he wouldn’t sign what was described as the “moderate” immigration bill, even though the version written by House leadership is based on his own priorities. White House officials later said the president had misspoken and didn’t realize he was being asked about the compromise bill. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the person said. Skittish conservative lawmakers have indicated there’s little chance they would support the current plan unless Trump were to give it a full embrace. “House Republicans are not going to take on immigration without the support and endorsement of President Trump,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the GOP’s chief deputy vote counter. The politics of the immigration debate have grown more heated since the administration adopted a “zero tolerance” approach at the Southern border. The policy is leading to an increase in the number of detained immigrants being separated from their children. Trump has tried to blame Democrats for his own administration’s policy, tweeting Saturday that they “can fix their forced family breakup at the Border by working with Republicans on new legislation, for a change!”

Risking Israeli Dispute, Lebanon Signs Deal With 3 Oil Firms

February 11, 2018 8:30 pm No Comments

Lebanon signed Friday a deal with an international consortium to start exploratory offshore drilling for oil and gas amid tensions with Israel. Beirut hopes that oil and gas will help boost its struggling economy. Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Gibran Bassil warned Israel not to try to hinder the drilling on the Lebanese side saying that Beirut can also stop offshore development on the Israeli side. Lebanon and Israel are technically at war and both countries have fought several wars over the past decades. Israel has in recent days escalated its threats against Lebanon over its invitation for offshore gas exploration bids on the countries’ maritime border claiming that Lebanon will be drilling in areas owned by Israel. Lebanese officials deny the Israeli statements, saying the area where the country plans to drill belongs to Lebanon. The signing ceremony was held Friday afternoon in Beirut and was attended by President Michel Aoun and officials from the three oil companies — Italy’s Eni, France’s Total and Russia’s Novatek. “We have achieved a big dream and Lebanon has entered a new era today,” Aoun said at the ceremony. Lebanon has a debt of $80 billion or 145 percent of its gross domestic product making it one of the world’s highest. The agreement came two months after Lebanon’s government approved the licenses for the international consortium to move forward with offshore oil and gas development. The three companies have bid for two of Lebanon’s 10 offshore blocks, to determine whether oil and gas reserves exist. Lebanon’s Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil said the country will start exploratory offshore drilling for oil and gas next year. A major find in Lebanon’s southernmost waters could raise the possibility of a dispute with Israel, which is developing a number of offshore gas deposits, with one large field, Tamar, already producing gas, and the larger Leviathan field set to go online next year. There are over 800 square kilometers (300 square miles) of waters claimed by the two countries. The dispute is over parts of Lebanon’s block 9 that is on the border with Israel. “Israel cannot stop the activities on the Lebanese side because Lebanon can then stop the activities on the Israeli sides,” Bassil told The Associated Press when asked if the drilling will cause more tensions with Israel. He added that the oil companies declared that there is no reason “that they should not speed the process and they should start right away.” Earlier this week, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman described Lebanon’s exploration tender as “very provocative” and suggested that Lebanon had put out invitations for bids from international groups for a gas field “which is by all accounts ours.” His comments drew sharp condemnation from the militant Hezbollah group and Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Western ally, who described Lieberman’s comments as a “blatant provocation that Lebanon rejects.” Stephane Michel, president of Total Middle East and North Africa, said there will be no delay in drilling. He added that they will be working 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of the border in block 9. Chairman of the board of the Lebanese Petroleum Administration Walid Nasr said it will take five to six years for Lebanon to become an oil producing country “but the important thing is to start. Everything has a

Rabbi Riskin In The News Again – This Time Pertaining To Toeiva Community

August 7, 2017 10:30 am 26 Comments

Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin is back in the news, this time commenting on the toeiva community and lifestyle. In an interview with Tzvika Klein of Yisrael Hayom, Rabbi Riskin is asked to state his position regarding halacha and Toeiva. Rabbi Rison stated that on the one hand, “We cannot permit that which the Torah prohibits on the one hand and on the other hand .’אונס רחמנא פטריה’ He explains one who is an ‘oness’ can be patur, citing while the word used to describe this lifestyle is ‘toeiva’, the Gemara explains ‘טועה אתה בה’, and that ‘אונס רחמנא פטריה only applies to one incapable of receiving satisfaction any other way”. The rabbi added “My approach is we must love each Jew as s/he is, and we must permit male members of the toeiva community to receive an aliyah to the Torah and so-forth. I don’t ask them what they do in their privacy for it is not my business. The judge is HKBH”. Klein then asked, “would you marry them”, to which Rabbi Riskin stated “Wedding is not correct but a partnership agreement is possible. It is better in my eyes that they should live together rather than meeting in public areas. That is certainly not good”. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rabbi Riskin: I View The Reform And Conservative As My Partners

July 6, 2017 3:30 pm 17 Comments

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin on Tuesday 10 Tammuz addressed a conference titled “We and the Jewish People in the Diaspora – To Where”. The conference was initiated by the Strauss-Amiel Institute of Ohr Torah Stone, which provides emissaries to the communities of Israel, in cooperation with the Diaspora Ministry and the Herzog Academic College. One of the keynote speakers was the head of Ohr Torah Stone, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. “There is a reciprocal relationship between Diaspora Jewry and Israel, which is very important, even vital for us,” said Rabbi Riskin. “Diaspora Jewry includes intermarriage and assimilation, and the great importance is to explain to them about Independence Day and Jerusalem and the things we can give them to be Jews.” The rabbi said that he was “in Toronto with the emissaries of the Strauss Amiel Institute, and I heard how our emissaries give the Jews abroad the feeling that Judaism is the way and that it is capable of teaching the world and we are blessed with all the families of the earth and that we must begin learning the values of Judaism and Shabbos and this may change the whole face of Judaism in the world.” He then addressed the spiritual life of most Jews in the Diaspora, citing “What can the Diaspora give us? First and foremost, the idea of pluralism, that this way and that way are Divrei Elokim Chaim. In the United States, everyone has to be free to pray and to worship G-d how he wants to.” According to him, “the average American Jew can understand that Orthodoxy in Israel is the established Judaism in Israel, but he is not willing to accept that those who belong to one stream and pray differently cannot get a respectable place at the Kosel. There is room for different tefilos in HKBH’s Beis Tefilla. I am an Orthodox rabbi who is very proud, but I see the Reform and Conservative as my partners and as part of Israel and I am not prepared to categorize them as apocryphal and gentile as the rabbinic religious establishment does.” Ministry of Diaspora Affairs Director-General Dvir Kahana cited with concern, “We are in a historical catastrophe that the Jewish people did not experience during the destruction of the Second Temple and not during the period of the ten tribes when 15 percent of the Diaspora Jews are Orthodox, and another 7-8% are connected somehow to the community in Israel. Eight million Jews, who make up about 85% of Diaspora Jewry, find no place to link to Israel or Jewish identity in the everyday sense.” Kahana added, “We must look at the future of the Jewish people and ask ourselves whether we have a responsibility for these millions of Jews, and not only in times of crisis.” “Every year the Israeli government takes more and more responsibility as a strategic challenge and we invest a great deal of money in many projects in order to cope with this enormous challenge and we have a national responsibility to expand to additional fields around the world. ” YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo

Risking Life for Parnassah and for Mowing

June 5, 2017 7:27 am 1 Comment

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times It was a picture seen around the world. And it was taken in Three Hills, Alberta – Canada. The picture was of a Canadian man, Theunis Wessels, who was mowing his lawn, but with a menacing tornado swirling behind him. Who took the picture? It was his wife, Cecilia. She explained that cutting the grass was on her husband’s to-do list, and as he started the task, she went for a nap. She was then woken by her daughter who was upset that there was a tornado in the sky, but her father wouldn’t come inside. “I did ask him if he was coming inside with that thing in the clouds when I turned to come inside and he calmly said no,” Cecilia Wessels said Sunday. Our question is, from a halachic perspective is what Theunis Wessels did permitted? Is one permitted to risk his or her life – to mow the lawn? The Torah generally forbids us to place ourselves in danger or risk. The main pasuk forbidding this, “venishmartem me’od bnafshosaichem – And you shall be very careful regarding yourselves (Dvarim 4:9).” The Mitzvah is not just limited to “veNishmartem” (Dvarim 4:9). The verse later on (Dvarim 4:15), “Rak hishamer lecha” is understood by most Poskim to actually comprise a second Mitzvah (See Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita Shaar HaTeshuvos #25). There is also a third Mitzvah, “V’Chai Bahem – And you shall live by them” (VaYikra 18:5). The Ben Ish Chai writes that a person should make every effort to ensure the general safety of both himself and those around him (Parshas Pinchas year cycle #2). The Turei Zahav in his commentary to Choshain Mishpat (427:10) cites a Midrash on Shir HaShirim that when one does this and protects himself from dangers and damage not only is he protected, but he receives extraordinary credit for the Mitzvah too. Notwithstanding all of the above, there is a fascinating response of the Noda BiYehudah (YD MT #10) regarding endangering oneself to make a living. The topic is hunting, and he writes that it would generally be forbidden because one has to enter dangerous areas where there are wild animals in order to trap them. However, if a person is poor, and does this activity in order to sustain himself – the Torah permitted it. TWO REQUIREMENTS It is clear that the Noda BiYehudah lists two separate requirements. Firstly, he must be poor. Secondly, his main intent must be to provide parnassah. What is unclear is whether or not he would be permitted to do so if he had another means of making money available to him. When this question was posed to Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita (Tzohar #17 p. 88) he responded that although it is not ideal – it is not forbidden. Rav Elchonon Wasserman zt”l Kovetz Shiurim Kesuvos 136 explains that the reason is that since he has no choice in the matter we say Shomer P’sa’im hashem that Hashem watches over fools. However, when he purposefully places himself in harm’s way and he has a choice not to do so, then we do not apply this dictum. Rav Moshe Feinstein (IM CM Vol. I #104) seems to understand this Noda BiYehudah as only referring to a remote

Attorney General: Sanctuary Cities Are Risking Federal Money

March 27, 2017 11:00 pm 2 Comments

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Monday warned so-called sanctuary cities they could lose federal money for refusing to cooperate with immigration authorities and suggested the government would come after grant money that has already been awarded if they don’t comply. Sessions said the Justice Department would require cities seeking some of $4.1 billion available in grant money to verify that they are in compliance with a section of federal law that allows information sharing with immigration officials. His statements in the White House briefing room brought to mind tough talk from President Donald Trump’s campaign and came just three days after the administration’s crushing health care defeat. Sessions also acknowledged he was clarifying a similar policy adopted by the Obama administration last year. “I urge the nation’s states and cities to carefully consider the harm they are doing to their citizens by refusing to enforce our immigration laws,” Sessions said. Trump had said during the campaign that he would “defund” sanctuary cities by taking away their federal funding. But legal precedent suggests that would be difficult. Sessions’ message came days after the administration released a report on local jails that listed more than 200 cases of immigrants released from custody before federal agents could intervene. That list was compiled following an executive order Trump signed in January that called on the government to document which local jurisdictions aren’t cooperating with federal efforts to find and deport immigrants in the country illegally. Meanwhile, municipal leaders gathered in New York vowed to defy Trump’s crackdown as they gathered for a small conference that attracted officials from cities including San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York. “We are going to become this administration’s worst nightmare,” said New York City council speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. Mark-Viverito and others promised to block federal immigration agents from accessing certain private areas on city property, to restrict their access to schools and school records and to offer legal services to immigrants in the country illegally. City officials were also encouraged to embrace their rarely used oversight and subpoena powers to investigate federal immigration practices. (AP)

PHOTOS: Rabbi Riskin Continues To Ordain Females

January 5, 2017 6:30 pm 17 Comments

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, who represents the extreme liberal wing of Orthodox Jewry, continues to ordain female rabbonim via his Ohr Torah Stone-affiliated Midreshet Lindenbaum. Two additional women were given the title מנהיגה רוחנית ומורת הוראה; Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld, who has worked in this capacity in Efrat over the past two years and Rabbanit Shira Zimmerman, who teaches halacha to women and youths in a number of different institutions. Midreshet Lindenbaum reports the women have successfully completed five years of study and passed all the exams on הלכות איסור והיתר, שבת, נדה, אבלות, חופה וגירושין וגיור. It is pointed out that the Chief Rabbinate of Israel or other state agencies do not recognize the ordination given to the women by Rabbi Riskin. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Medreshet Lindenbaum)

Rabbi Riskin Appoints First Woman In History of State Of Israel To Head A Religious Beis Din

December 7, 2016 6:00 pm 13 Comments

Dr. Jennie Rosenfeld, serves as a “Manhiga Ruchanit” in the community of Efrat after being appointed by the city’s “Mora D’asra” Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin. She has completed “heter hora’ah” in the Susi Bradfield Women’s Institute for Halakhic Leadership and holds a doctorate in English from the CUNY Graduate Center and has co-authored “Et Le’ehov: The Newlywed’s Guide to Physical Intimacy. Now Dr. Rosenfeld has become the first woman in the history of the State of Israel to be appointed to head a religious beis din, once again in Efrat. The new beis din opened recently in the hope of adjudicating machlokes between neighbors as well as inheritance, landlord/tenant and work dispute issues. It is pointed out that while she will head the beis din, for the time being she is not going to serve as one of the dayanim. The dayanim who will be serving on the Efrat Beis Din are certified by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel as well as having a legal background, some being attorneys. Dr. Rosenfeld explains the beis din will not have the authority to compel one to come in monetary disputes and therefore, both parties will have to agree to permit the beis din to adjudicate a machlokes. Both will have to sign an arbitration agreement before the beis din accepts the matter. Dr. Rosenfeld explains that if a party does not implement the ruling of the beis din, there is a possibility that a district court will enforce the ruling and hand the case to enforcement authorities. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo from twitter)

MAILBAG: Writer Slams YWN Over Comments Regarding Rabbi Riskin

November 6, 2015 9:52 am 11 Comments

The following is a letter submitted to YWN on Friday morning. It should be noted that the writer gave YWN permission to publish the article only if it meant something and would elicit change. YWN responded that “hopefully it will elicit change.” I have very rarely taken the time out to write about something I saw online, but today I simply can’t stay quiet. I am deeply concerned that you have veered from providing balanced news to now promoting a certain agenda. I have been overlooking it the last few months but today’s article on Giur with the alternate bais din really went above and beyond. While I don’t know Rabbi Riskin, nor do I say that I would agree with their new bais din, I find it inappropriate that after the article was placed you felt the necessity to add a written excerpt followed by a video of Rabbi Risking discussing Judaism and Christianity roots. Why was this needed? What does one have to do with the other? Additionally, how come we don’t see a note which was WRITTEN IN BOLD like this every time we read an article about other Rabbanim throughout the world. This was really uncalled for, and on surface value seems to be an effort to demean a Rabbi whom whether you or I agree with or not, is still a Rabbi and the Rabbi of an entire community of Jewish people whom are Jewish according to all Batei Dinim. I think it would be more appropriate to not publish the article at all than to possibly slander Rabbanim. During an eis tzarah like we live in today you should ONLY be promoting stories of achdus and teshuva. Eli Eisenberger. BELOW IS THE NOTE THAT YWN HAD PUBLISHED: YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Alternative Beis Din Including Rabbi Riskin Converts Nine People This Week in Israel

November 6, 2015 8:30 am 10 Comments

The giyur beis din headed by Rabbi Nachum Eliezer Rabinovitch Shlita this week converted nine persons. Heading the ceremony in Efrat was the city’s chief rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, one of the rabbonim affiliated with the beis din. Four of the new converts are children and the remainder adults. Most of them came to Israel from the Former Soviet Union. Since the establishment of the new beis din a few months ago, tens of persons have completed giyur. Despite the av beis din being a noted talmid chacham, the beis din and its independent giyur is opposed by many including the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and many prominent poskim in the dati leumi community. In the case of this week’s giyorim, the candidates were in the process of converting when they hit a brick wall. The converts explain they encountered difficulties during the investigation to Yiddishkheit, with many stating they were humiliated and treated in an unacceptable fashion, leading to their decision to move to the new beis din. The candidates explained they realized they would never complete the probe into their status due to a lack of documentation from their former life. One candidate explained to the media the probe into his former life and ancestry was ongoing for four years, leading him to realize it would never end. Some of them explain they lived a traditional Jewish life prior to coming to Israel, adding “I always regarded myself as being Jewish and davened for the time I would be able to hear the sound of a shofar in Eretz Yisrael”. They explain despite their efforts, they were up against a wall at the Chief Rabbinate. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rabbis Riskin, Stav And MK Lavie Call to Privatize Religious Services

October 21, 2015 3:30 pm 6 Comments

Rabbi David Stav, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and MK (Yesh Atid) Dr. Aliza Lavie sharply criticized the Chief Rabbinate of Israel during a meeting of the Knesset lobby on religion and state. They called for internal privatization and immediate change. Rabbi Stav, who heads Tzohar Rabbonim, explained the time has come to privatize the Chief Rabbinate from within, citing the marriage reform bill based on Tzohar’s plan does just this and he feels the same must now be done regarding divorce. He wants people to have a say regarding who they turn to for religious services. “They must not think they are a monopoly and therefore, the state batei din, kashrus, giyur, burial and other areas must be privatized internally to provide the best possible service to the public. There is no problem in privatizing kashrus which can operate under Chief Rabbinate regulation. Zero flexibility regarding halacha and a hundred percent flexibility in shady business matters” stated Rav Stav. Rabbi Riskin added to the attack against the Chief Rabbinate. “We must not give the chief rabbis more authority than they already have. The government give them more power and the State of Israel must say the chief rabbi is not the pope. They are endangering the Israeli tzibur and halacha”. Lobby head MK Lavie added, joining the attack against the Chief Rabbinate. “The chief rabbis have forgotten their mission. How many people view them as the ‘achalta d’geula’? There is a policy of halachic chumros in the Chief Rabbinate today and this is splitting into smaller and smaller groups. Instead of thinking of the general population, Klall Yisrael, they think of a small group”. Regarding private giyur, Rabbi Stav stated after thousands of children have been converted and the tzibur at large votes with its actions, these converts will be recognized. “If the Chief Rabbinate does not recognize these converts there will be thousands of children who are recognized by most of Am Yisrael and those who do not wish to view them as Jews will not”. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rabbi Riskin Delivers Harsh Criticism of Chief Rabbinate

July 7, 2015 7:30 am 6 Comments

The Chief Rabbi of Efrat, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin made his first public statements following a month-long ordeal where Israel’s Chief Rabbinate held up the extension of his rabbinic tenure. Speaking at a reception of Efrat residents hosted by Mayor Oded Ravivi to mark the continued tenure, Rabbi Riskin stated that he was forced to “rely on reports in the media” regarding his standing, and that the Rabbinate never attempted to reach out to him directly to explain the reason for the unprecedented delay in extending his tenure. The ordeal began when the Chief Rabbinate decided not to automatically renew Rabbi Riskin’s post and instead chose to delay their decision as they examined the merit of extending his thirty-two year tenure as Efrat’s religious leader. http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/314468/bennett-comes-out-in-support-of-riskin.html “The Rabbis didn’t speak with me at all,” said Rabbi Riskin. “From the moment they chose not to automatically extend my tenure, I didn’t receive any indication from any of the members of the Chief Rabbinate whether they intended to renew my position. Even the rumors that I was to be invited for some sort of hearing turned out to be false,” Rabbi Riskin continued. Responding to claims that some of his Halachic rulings were deemed problematic by a few members of the Rabbinate, Rabi Riskin stated, “I am sure all of my decisions are based on accepted Halachic precedent. Even the rulings that some viewed as too far ‘outside the box’ are based on decisions by former Chief Rabbis. This is a debate about differing ideological paths.” Rabbi Riskin also spoke about the kashrus issue that has been publicly debated in recent days. The Rabbi reminded his audience that it is in the interest of the Rabbinate that kosher food be readily available to as many Jews as possible. “The Chief Rabbinate must ensure that kosher food is accessible to all the Jews in Israel, and that it is done so at the lowest possible cost to the general public. It should be their highest priority that as many Jews as possible eat kosher. This is not what is happening right now with the latest decisions. The Rabbinate should be opening its arms in acceptance and limiting divisiveness in Israeli society,” Rabbi Riskin concluded. In his comments, Rabbi Riskin urged the Chief Rabbinate to dedicate itself to a more inclusive outlook on Israeli society and return to the vision for the institution set out by the original Chief Rabbi Kook which was intended to respond to the needs of all the Jewish citizens of Israel. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Chief Rabbinate Council Extends Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin’s Term

June 29, 2015 6:30 pm 1 Comment

Following the political storm the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council has extended the tenure of Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, who serves as chief rabbi of the community of Efrat. Recently there were rumors that due to Rabbi Riskin’s liberal hashkafa, the council was not going to extend his tenure, compelling him to retire as he reached mandatory retirement age, 75. The council decided not to oust a serving rabbi and Rabbi Riskin’s tenure has been extended for five years. The Efrat City Council came out in an audible voice in support of the city’s rav, insisting they will not accept a replacement. Yesh Atid MK Dr. Aliza Lavie accusing the Rabbinate of targeting Rabbi Riskin because his hashkafa is not in line with that of the Chief Rabbis of Israel. Rabbi Rafi Feuerstein of Tzohar Rabbonim and many others came out in support of Rabbi Riskin, standing firmly against the rumored Chief Rabbinate Council decision. Harel Goldberg, the legal counsel for the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, on Sunday 11 Tammuz released his legal position paper on the matter, explaining he cannot defend a position not to extend Rabbi Riskin’s tenure under the law should the matter reach the Supreme Court. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Deputy Minister Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan On Rabbi Riskin And Obeying The Law

June 15, 2015 6:30 pm 7 Comments

Deputy Defense Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan, who in the previous administration served as Deputy Minister of Religious Services, comments on the ongoing events pertaining to Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. There are reports the Chief Rabbinate of Israel wishes to compel Rabbi Riskin to retire now that he is 75-years-old. Supporters of Rabbi Riskin opine the move is not because of his age but an excuse for those wishing to rid themselves of Rabbi Riskin to do so because of his liberal hashkafa. Rabbi Ben-Dahan rejects allegations that he has not stood at Rabbi Riskin’s side. Ben-Dahan explains extending Rabbi Riskin’s tenure is simply a technical matter and if the Chief Rabbinate Council determines that Riskin is healthy and still conducting the duties of his post, they may extend his tenure despite his age. Ben-Dahan, who was director-general of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel for many years, explains the Chief Rabbinate Council does not consider if a rav is machmir or meikel and if the council has a problem regarding the conduct of a specific rabbi, that rabbi is summoned to a disciplinary meeting where the matters are addressed. Ben-Dahan rejects allegations that now that Rabbi Riskin seeks to extend his tenure the council has decided to debate Riskin’s hashkafa. Ben-Dahan directs his comments to the statements released by Efrat Mayor Oded Ravivi and his city council. Ben-Dahan expresses his displeasure with the remarks released, explaining the State and its laws must be adhered to and here the issue at hand is retirement age, the rabbi’s state of health and ability to continue carrying out his duties, nothing else. He stresses the appointed rabbonim can only be appointed by the official system and any other appointment or vote is invalid. This is in response to statements by Ravivi that if another rabbi is appointed by the system, Efrat and the city council will continue to view Riskin as the city’s rav. Ben-Dahan is confident that this will not occur but adds if it does, Rabbi Riskin would no longer have authority to perform a chupah head the Efrat Rabbinate hashgacha. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Chief Rabbinate Will Not Compel Rabbi Riskin to Retire

June 11, 2015 9:36 am 2 Comments

In a statement released on Wednesday, 23 Sivan by Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau Shlita, reports the Chief Rabbinate is planning to compel Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin to retire are inaccurate. After reports the Chief Rabbinate Council was going to compel Rabbi Riskin to step down upon reaching the age of 75, Tzohar Rabbonim, the Efrat Council and a number of other prominent dati leumi rabbonim came out strongly in Rabbi Riskin’s behalf. Rabbi Lau on Thursday was visiting a Modi’in yeshiva when he made the announcement to the press. Rabbi Lau blames the media for blowing things “out of proportion”, denying allegations that Rabbi Riskin is targeted by the Chief Rabbinate. The allegations were leveled against the Chief Rabbinate of Israel in the belief that Rabbi Riskin’s liberal hashkafa led the Chief Rabbinate to find a reason to remove Rabbi Riskin from his post. In accordance to law, Rabbi Riskin must officially request to have his tenure extended as he reached retirement age which is simply a formality. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rabbi Riskin Operating his Own Beis Din for Giyur

June 1, 2015 6:30 pm 16 Comments

The possible forced retirement of Rabbi Shlomo Riskin by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel has earned a prominent slot in the media. Supporters of the rabbi, who among other titles serves as the Chief Rabbi of Efrat, insist that the mandatory retirement age of 75 is simply being used as an excuse by the Chief Rabbinate, insisting they Chief Rabbinate Council wishes to wash its hands of Rabbi Riskin because of his liberal viewpoint on matters of religion. It is no secret that Rabbi Riskin is a leader among liberal rabbonim, one whom has certified women to rule in matters of halacha, thereby eliciting the ire of some, and has released controversial statements in the past pertaining to his viewpoint on Yeshu and Christianity. In one video Rabbi Riskin refers to “J” as a rabbi. Despite it all, some feel what really irks the Chief Rabbinate Council are the rumors of Rabbi Riskin’s independent beis din for giyur that circumvents the state system. In fact, while Tzohar Rabbonim is under constant attack and the Chief Rabbinate’s magnifying glass, Rabbi Riskin is rumored to have already been doing what Tzohar has yet to dare to do. Rabbi Riskin often speaks out against the monopoly on giyur, which he believes should and must come to an end. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rav Feuerstein Sticks Up For Riskin: Tomorrow a Rav Will be Disqualified for Reciting Hallel on Independence Day

May 31, 2015 4:30 pm 19 Comments

With the Chief Rabbinate Council set to meet Rabbi Shlomo Riskin towards making a decision regarding his possible forced retirement, Tzohar Rabbonim founder Rabbi Rafi Feuerstein comments on the matter. Rabbi Feuerstein spoke with Srugim News about the matter of moving a rav from his post. Rabbi Feuerstein explained “I am most concerned” as he feels “The Chief Rabbinate has become the representative of only one sector”, referring to the chareidim. He feels “this is particularly worrisome because they don’t participate in the responsibilities of the nation including IDF service and the economy. It is an important tzibur and I want to give a chizuk but it is totally unacceptable for it to intervene in areas that this tzibur does not understand. It does not live with the dati leumi tzibur. This tzibur lives alone but claims to represent the religion of the State of Israel for all sectors including sectors it does not identify with or understand”. Feuerstein believes that if Rabbi Riskin is disqualified because of his hashkafa “tomorrow ploni will be disqualified for saying Hallel on Independence Day or for supporting heter mechira. We know they disqualified Rabbi Yaakov Ariel because he supports heter mechira. This is unacceptable. If you wish to be a partner in shaping the Jewish identity of the nation, then you must accept the consensus opinion upon yourselves. It is your right to me machmir in any area you wish, but you cannot take over all the kehillos. Be machmir amongst yourselves but do not force this hashkafa on the general public. Today it is his position (Rabbi Riskin) regarding giyur. Tomorrow it’s Hallel on Independence Day and in a number of years you will disqualify others because of heter mechira”. Rabbi Feuerstein is critical of the appointment of dayanim and civil services rabbis heading cities by Shas, explaining Shas simply takes care of giving its own jobs and this is a Chilul Hashem. “This minority, which I have enormous respect for, cannot overrun the system. They appoint dayanim to provide jobs rather than appointing the most suitable candidates. The same holds true for rabbinical appointments. They should check who they are appointing. It is not about providing jobs and this is a Chilul Hashem. This is a Chilul Hashem for they leave the tzibur with the feeling that Yiddishkheit is about power and not spiritual”. Rabbi Feuerstein explains he and his colleagues are in favor of the Chief Rabbinate and he clarifies “If we do not pull together we will have to act. We of Tzohar Rabbonim are very in favor of the Chief Rabbinate. We are the students of Rav Kook but we feel we are approaching a red line, an encounter between Yiddishkheit and state agencies and this is causing a Chilul Hashem. They are proving that such an encounter is dangerous. I hope they come to their senses because otherwise we will have to consider our actions”. The rabbi added he is not intending to sound harsh but it is not just Tzohar Rabbonim and they feel the Chief Rabbinate is “shooting itself in the foot” by its actions. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. [VIDEO IS BELOW] Some excerpts of the 5

Bennett Comes Out in Support Of Riskin

May 28, 2015 11:30 pm 19 Comments

Bayit Yehudi leader Minister Naftali Bennett has announced that he stands firmly behind Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and that he will personally accompany Rabbi Riskin to the hearing with the Chief Rabbinate Council that will determine if his contract is renewed or not. Rabbi Riskin’s contract is not set for renewal since he is now 75, mandatory retirement age. While this was the case for a number of prominent rabbonim, in this case, the dati leumi community feels the Chief Rabbinate is using Rabbi Riskin’s age as an excuse to get rid of him due to his liberal views that do not jibe with the Chief Rabbinate. Other rabbonim informed they must step down would include the late Chief Rabbi of Kfar Chabad, Rav Ashkenazi ZT”L and Rabbi Chaim Druckman Shlita, who was compelled to step down as the head of the state giyur program. On the other hand, recent exception was granted to Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Aryeh Stern, who was elected to the post a month before his retirement birthday. For the dati leumi community, this is undoubtedly a case of the Rabbinate using the rabbi’s age to compel Rabbi Riskin to step down. Bennett on Thursday morning 10 Sivan came out strongly in defense of Rabbi Riskin and spoke out against the Chief Rabbinate and the effort to compel Rabbi Riskin to step down. “Rabbi Riskin established the city in Israel and he has enormous rights and it is unacceptable they he has become a target to eliminate political accounts. There can be differences of opinion, and we cannot tolerate silencing these opinions. Do we want a situation in which public officials, especially rabbonim will be afraid to voice their opinions?” Bennett concluded “I am turning to the Chief Rabbinate Council to immediately suspend the delay in renewing his tenure. I spoke to the rabbi and I informed him I will accompany him to the hearing to address his age and it will be my honor to do so”. A Chief Rabbinate official commented that it is most unfortunate the minister is turning this into a political event when it is standard practice when a rav reaches retirement age. He adds Rabbi Riskin is invited to the meeting at the end of June, signaling Bennett will be permitted to take part in the meeting despite the fact the meeting is not political in nature. The source concluded “It is most unfortunate that Minister Bennett, who served as Minister of Religious Services for two years did not bother to attend even one session of the Chief Rabbinate Council and now, because of political interests, he plans to come in person”. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. Click link to watch a shocking video. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Efrat Elected Officials Stand Firmly Behind Rabbi Shlomo Riskin

May 26, 2015 8:30 pm 15 Comments

Elected officials in Efrat have come out in a strong position of support for the city’s mora d’asra, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin in light of efforts to compel him to step down by not renewing his control. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel has signaled they will not renew Rabbi Riskin’s contract. The rav is 75-years-old. The news of the rabbi’s imminent forced retirement has elicited anger over the rumored decision and support from MK (Yesh Atid) Dr. Aliza Lavie and Rabbi Dr. Yuval Sherlow, both of the opinion that the Chief Rabbinate Council has an agenda – seeking to oust Rabbi Riskin for his at times controversial position on giyur as well as his programs to place women in the forefront of Halacha along with men. The Efrat Council came out unanimously in support of the rabbi and to permit him to continue serving as the city’s chief rabbi. The local council met on Monday night the eve of 8 Sivan, voting unanimously on extending the rabbi’s tenure. The rabbi celebrated his 75th birthday a number of weeks ago. Efrat officials point out the rabbi’s age in no way prevents him from walking distances of up to 10 km (6 miles) on Shabbos as he continues his tradition of visiting the different neighborhoods and shuls on Shabbos and Yomtov. Efrat officials’ add the rabbi does not miss an opportunity to give a bracha to any bar mitzvah boy or a couple getting married, walking to any and all shuls to extend his personal greetings to them. Efrat officials’ also point out that the city council represents 50% of the body that votes for the city’s rabbi and the head of the council has the authority to approve or reject any appointment. The council calls on the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council to heavily weigh into the decision the desire of residents of the city, which has been the minhag throughout the generations. Rabbi Amnon Bazak of Yeshivat Har Etzion, is calling on the Chief Rabbinate to apologize to Rabbi Riskin and immediately extend his tenure with another five-year contract. He used his Facebook page to express his feelings, that ousting the rabbi because of his position on giyur will ultimately compromise the integrity of the Chief Rabbinate. Rabbi Bazak adds that a rabbi serving on the Chief Rabbinate Council without objections has been recommended for a criminal indictment by Israel Police for alleged bribery, extortion, breach of trust, and other crimes, adding a rabbi of a city is facing similar charges and while nothing is done to oust these rabbis there are efforts to remove Rabbi Riskin from his position. He states the actions of the Chief Rabbinate to oust Rabbi Riskin are contrary to Torah. In an interview with Galei Yisrael Radio on Tuesday, 8 Sivan, Rabbi Riskin stated “I respect the Chief Rabbinate of Israel but it should be more pluralistic. I believe the Chief Rabbinate should be one that also accepts important opinions, halachic pluralism, for as long as it remains within the halachic consensus and to open the gates of giyur but it remains to be seen”. He also stated “I am in favor of the institution of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. I think it is an important one but is must be a Chief Rabbinate

MK Lavie Accuses the Chief Rabbinate of Targeting Riskin

May 26, 2015 11:30 am 7 Comments

MK (Yesh Atid) Dr. Aliza Lavie accuses the Chief Rabbinate of Israel is targeting Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo Riskin because of his at times, controversial views that are not always in line with the mainstream hashkafa of the Chief Rabbinate. Dr. Lavie is referring to the fact the Chief Rabbinate does not plan to renew Rabbi Riskin’s contract as chief rabbi of the Gush Etzion city. Lavie feels that Rabbi Riskin is a pioneer and a leader in many fields, including giyur and for his courage to stand behind promoting leadership positions and limud for women. She feels that the latter is the reason the Chief Rabbinate wishes to get rid of him. Lavie’s voice is echoed by Rabbi Dr. Yuval Sherlow, who feels ousting Rabbi Riskin would represent “crossing a red line”. Rabbi Sherlow explained to Kippa News he will work to prevent this and insist that Rabbi Riskin receives an additional five-year contract. Rabbi Sherlow adds that if the decision is made to oust Rabbi Riskin he will join forces with those trying to eliminate the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Kippa adds that Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Aryeh Stern intervened to prevent Rabbi Riskin from being ousted suddenly and a hearing will be held in one month on the matter, which will be followed by the Chief Rabbinate’s decision. YWN notes that Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin: The Chareidim are the Biggest Reform Jews

November 6, 2014 10:00 am 17 Comments

[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Chief Rabbi of Efrat Rabbi Shlomo Riskin (who has previously referred to “J” as a “model Rabbi”, and called him “Rabbi J”) was interviewed on Galei Yisrael Radio following comments by Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef. Rav Yosef mentioned that rabbonim who are concerned about the new conversion law are particularly worried about liberal rabbonim like Rabbi David Stav and Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. Chareidi advocate attorney Dov Halbertal told Galei Yisrael there are many concerns about rabbonim like Rabbi Riskin and the new law. Galei Yisrael: Are you pleased with the law. Permit me to jump right into the heart of the matter. Attorney Dov Halbertal is here and he is most concerned. Dov Halbertal: They are going to bring in tens of thousands of goyim into Israel. Learn from Hillel. We are not supposed to accept every person who announces he wishes to convert. All Gedolei Hador in our generation and leading rabbonim in the dati leumi community are concerned. Rabbi Riskin: I accept the command to Love the Convert. I do not understand what the concerns are. For one thing, no one has spoken with me or bothered to ask what I think and what I believe. I think that to date, the Chief Rabbinate has not known how to accept one that wishes to convert with open arms and love as we should. Yes, I am pleased with the passage of the law, which I think is a good thing. I have converted many people in the past and I am a person of the Shulchan Aruch, which guides me through life. The conversions were done in strict adherence to halacha. In some cases the process took 3.5 years, studying in my yeshiva, but they would not accept them until I intervened. There was no specific reason other than they did not wish to accept them. Here is an example, a female from Kibbutz Yifat. The father was a Jew and the mother a non-Jew. She converted in a kibbutz and she accepted a Torah lifestyle and was Shomeres Shabbos. She came to the Chief Rabbinate but they would not accept her for giyur because she lived in Kibbutz Yifat and no matter what she said, they would not accept her. She said please come to my home and see everything is mehadrin and total separation between meat and dairy. This is exactly the problem that screams to the Heavens. How do they have the chutzpah to say my converts will not be in line with halacha. Halbertal: No just you but Rav Stav and others too. If Lapid and Livni are willing to rely on you what kind of sign is this for us? Rabbi Riskin: What is wrong with that if it is done in accordance with halacha. How can you make such statements? The problem is you, the chareidim, simply do not want them. Rabbi Riskin, they say you and Rabbi Stav are not strict enough. Dov Halbertal: Very nice – you speak of love instead of halacha. They are liberal. The loving of the ger is after conversion, not before. Galei Yisrael: Maybe it is time to call it what it is – to stop being afraid of the chareidim who are afraid of losing their livelihood, their monopoly

Snowden: NSA Planned Automated Strikes Against Cyber-Attacks, Risking War

August 13, 2014 8:04 pm No Comments

The National Security Agency secretly planned a cyberwarfare program that could automatically fire back at cyberattacks from foreign countries without any human involvement, creating the risk of accidentally starting a war, according to a new report based on interviews with former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. The program, codenamed MonsterMind, would have let the military agency automate the process of “hunting for the beginnings” of a foreign cyberattack, the report said. The software would be constantly on the lookout for digital “traffic patterns” that indicated known or suspected attacks, said the report published this week by Wired magazine. The report, part of a wide-ranging interview with Snowden in Moscow, described the MonsterMind program as “in the works” and went further than other programs that existed for decades. Without any human involvement, Snowden told the magazine, a counter-attack could be leveled at an innocent party — largely because initial attacks are often routed or diverted through other countries. “You could have someone sitting in China, for example, making it appear that one of these attacks is originating in Russia. And then we end up shooting back at a Russian hospital,” Snowden said. “What happens next?” The problem of attribution after a cyberattack has long unsettled computer security experts. A House technology subcommittee in 2010 concluded that, “proactively tracing interactions within a system may help determine where an attack originated after one occurs, but tracing every interaction is impractical and quite likely unconstitutional.” Snowden also called the program a major threat to privacy because NSA would first “have to secretly get access to virtually all private communications coming in from overseas to people in the U.S.,” said the new report, by NSA expert and author James Bamford. Snowden remains exiled in Russia since leaking top secret NSA documents to journalists last year. They revealed the NSA was collecting the phone records and digital communications of millions of citizens not suspected of a crime, prompting congressional reform. The NSA declined to comment on specifics of the Wired report. A spokeswoman, Vanee Vines, instead said: “If Mr. Snowden wants to discuss his activities, that conversation should be held with the U.S. Department of Justice. He needs to return to the United States to face the charges against him.” Snowden is charged under the U.S. Espionage Act and faces up to 30 years in prison for leaking the documents. The U.S. government has elevated lately the damages of foreign cyberattacks against American interests. In May, the Justice Department brought first-of-its kind cyber-espionage charges against five Chinese military officials accused of hacking into U.S. companies to gain trade secrets. Snowden also told the magazine that the NSA tried to hack into a major Syrian Internet router in 2012 during the middle of the country’s civil war. But he said the NSA mistakenly “bricked” the router — computer-speak for rendering it useless — temporarily crippling Internet access there. (AP)

Sullivan Sheriff’s PBA Says Staffing Cuts Are Risking Public Safety

May 28, 2013 2:03 pm No Comments

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office PBA called on the county legislature to restore the cuts to its road patrol division. Union President Kyle Muthig said on Monday they understand given the continued weak economy the need to tighten government’s financial belt, but a loss of 12 positions from the road patrol division is putting the deputies and the public at risk. “Putting out two and three cars minimal on the road it burdens the public when they call for help; sometimes it takes us a half-hour or hour to help people and it’s a real safety issue for the public without the proper staffing, the proper manpower, the residents of Sullivan County aren’t getting the proper policing that they deserve,” he said. Muthig said the sheriff’s patrol amounts to only 2 ½ percent of the county’s total budget so he urged lawmakers to restore staffing and overtime. With the summer population soon to triple, the legislature has authorized the hiring of one full-time deputy and five part-timers. Sheriff Michael Schiff recently told the county legislature with the increase in burglaries and drug-related crimes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to patrol the county and conduct investigations with the staff cuts. (Source: MidHudsonNews.com)

NYPD Frisking Fewer People

May 11, 2010 10:23 am 2 Comments

New York police stopped, questioned and sometimes frisked people 150,000 times in the first three months of the year, about 12.5% fewer times than the same period last year, according to data released by the New York Police Department. From Jan. 1 to March 31, the police stopped 149,753 people who matched the description of a suspect or were doing something officers deemed suspicious, police said. Last year during the first quarter, historically the time of year when the most stops are made, NYPD officers recorded an all-time high of 171,094 stops. They ended 2009 with a record 575,304. The racial breakdowns of those stopped remained about constant. New York Civil Liberties Union associate legal director Chris Dunn said the group continues to be concerned with the “wide racial disparities” between blacks and whites. This year, almost 80,000 of the people stopped were black, more than half the total; blacks make up about a quarter of the city’s population. About 9% of the stops were whites, who comprise 44% of the city. “If the NYPD made stops proportionately based on census data, over half of the subjects of our stops should be women,” said NYPD spokesman Paul Browne, responding to concerns. “The fact is police are more heavily concentrated in neighborhoods experiencing violent crimes. Suspicious activity is more likely to be observed there than in low-crime neighborhoods” because more police are stationed there. Mr. Browne said 1,929 weapons, including 186 guns, were taken off the streets due to stop and frisks in the first quarter of the year. Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood, traditionally the city’s most crime-prone, had the most stops with 5,048. Jackson Heights, Queens, had the second most stops of any police precinct with 3,645, followed by Staten Island’s North Shore with 3,532 stops. Mr. Dunn said his organization is also concerned that the data show that only 12.7%, or under 20,000, of the stops resulted in someone being arrested or summonsed. City Councilman Peter Vallone, a Democrat who represents Queens, called the stop and frisk practice “the main reason we’ve been able to keep crime low despite having less cops than we did in past years.” (Source: WSJ)

SHOCKING VIDEO: Rabbi Riskin, Chief Rabbi of Efrat, Praises ‘J’, Refers To Him As ‘Rabbi J’

December 28, 2009 1:50 pm 139 Comments

VIDEO BELOW: In a shocking video making its way around the Internet, the Chief Rabbi of Efrat, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, is seen praising “J”, and even referring to him as “Rabbi J”. In the modern Orthodox community, Rabbi Riskin is more than a ‘rabbi’ but an icon, one who has set the path for many modern balei tshuva, who has set a path for aliyah and incorporating a life style which emulates his mentor, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik zt”l. While according to a growing number of followers Rabbi Riskin has adopted a controversial position on Christianity and perhaps other matters as well, including Israeli politics, this latest video will prove to be the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ according to many, and time will dictate the ramifications of this highly irregular documented statement of this highly respected rabbi’s views on “J”. The video is currently posted on Jewish Israel, and the following are some excerpts of the 5 minute video: Shalom to all. My name is Shlomo Riskin. I am the Chief rabbi of the City of Efrat…..I am an Orthodox Rabbi…and an Orthodox Rabbi who is very profoundly interested in religion in general, in Christianity, and especially in the persona of Jesus in particular….I was truly fascinated by the personality of Jesus, whom to myself I have always referred to as “Rabbi Jesus”….because I think he is indeed a “model Rabbi” in many counts…and he lived the life of a Jewish Rabbi in Israel in a very critical time in our history…..I have constantly come back to the study of his personality and his teachings which are very strongly rooted in Talmudic teachings…..” THE FOLLOWING BIOGRAPHY IS FROM WIKIPEDIA: Riskin was born on May 28, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York into a non-religious Jewish family. His legal given name is Steven; his Hebrew name is Shlomo. Although his family was not religiously observant, he attended a local Orthodox yeshiva, the Yeshiva of Brooklyn, where he was influenced to adopt a more Orthodox lifestyle. He graduated from Yeshiva University in 1960, and became an ordained rabbi under the guidance of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. In the early 1960’s Riskin was employed at Israel Center of Hillcrest Manor as the advisor to the Tallis and Tefillin Club, a group that was common in many synagogues in North America to foster observance among Jewish men of the ritual commandment of donning the prayer shawl (the tallit) and phylacteries (tefillin). In 1963, Riskin received his Master’s degree in Jewish history, and he completed a Ph.D. from New York University’s Near Eastern Languages and Literature department in 1982. From 1963 until 1977, he lectured and served as an Associate Professor of Tanach and Talmud at Yeshiva University in New York City. He was the founding rabbi of Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City in 1964 and served in that position until 1983. During the 1960s and 1970s he followed became a leader of the movement to allow free, unfettered emigration for Soviet Jews and made several trips to visit and strengthen the Jewish communities in the USSR. In 1983, Riskin immigrated to Efrat, Israel, with his family to become the city’s rabbi, a position he still retains. (He is often erroneously referred to as the Chief Rabbi of Efrat, but by Israeli law, only four cities have

Fire Chief: Skver Camp Risking Fatal Disaster

August 2, 2009 8:03 am 10 Comments

The Times Herald Record reports: The man who blew the whistle on dangers inside the former Homowack Lodge calls the conditions in the resort “a deathtrap waiting to happen” and says the state and town response to a standoff with a Hasidic sect has been beyond weak. Summitville fire Chief Tim Koestler said Friday he’s horrified that men, women and children were still in the resort. The state Department of Health gave the property owners and a religious camp nearly two weeks to fix code violations or leave voluntarily, then allowed them to defy a deadline and remain another week in spite of a state order to vacate. Koestler, a plumbing and heating contractor, says conditions are so unsafe that the camp operator, Congregation Bais Trana, should have been evacuated July 7. On that day, he and town officials toured the buildings after the camp opened without a permit. All the girls were gathered in the indoor tennis courts and wore dust masks because of mold. “You could literally take your hand and scrape the mold off the walls in the basement,” he said. Conditions were so obviously a danger and a firetrap, he said, that no competent code inspector or health official could dispute the need for an immediate evacuation. Even if the Health Department ultimately forces them out, Koestler said the state, the Town of Mamakating supervisor and code enforcement officer have put at risk some 265 girls and 35 families for weeks by failing to act more aggressively. “I like to point my finger right at the town and the state,” he said. “If you or I did something like this, we would be closed up. It seems nothing is being done.” As of Friday, an unknown number of girls and families were still staying at the resort, now known as Machne Bnos Square. The congregation defied a Monday deadline to leave. Town Supervisor Bob Fiore recently said some people have left and others were going. The town periodically checks on progress, but has deferred enforcement to the Health Department. He couldn’t be reached Friday. “We are still reviewing our legal options,” Health Department spokesman Jeffrey Hammond said Friday. “There is not going to be anything new over the weekend.” Koestler said state and town officials have known about the dangers for at least two years, but have done little or no follow-up to ensure the camp complied and brought the hotel up to code. State and town officials and the chief and assistant chief of the Summitville Fire Department met in September with Dov Goldman, a man representing the ownership group. Numerous violations were discussed. “I am tired of beating a dead horse there,” Koestler said. “There is enough work in that building to keep 10 crews of men busy for two years.” The girls are staying in two three-story buildings connected to the complex and indoor tennis courts. Hallway fire door exits were padlocked or blocked. Some doors don’t open all the way. Large holes in the walls and ceilings can make a fire jump more quickly through the buildings, Koestler said, while electrical and plumbing violations could spark a fire. He said pervasive mold should have been enough to order an immediate evacuation. A mikvah — a ritual bath — in the cellar

Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rate By Sizable Half-Point, Its First Rate Cut In 4+ Years

September 18, 2024 2:05 pm No Comments

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by an unusually large half-point, a dramatic shift after more than two years of high rates helped tame inflation but that also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers. The rate cut, the Fed’s first in more than four years, reflects its new focus on bolstering the job market, which has shown clear signs of slowing. Coming just weeks before the presidential election, the Fed’s move also has the potential to scramble the economic landscape just as Americans prepare to vote. The central bank’s action lowered its key rate to roughly 4.8%, down from a two-decade high of 5.3%, where it had stood for 14 months as it struggled to curb the worst inflation streak in four decades. Inflation has tumbled from a peak of 9.1% in mid-2022 to a three-year low of 2.5% in August, not far above the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed’s policymakers also signaled that they expect to cut their key rate by an additional half-point in their final two meetings this year, in November and December. And they envision four more rate cuts in 2025 and two in 2026. In a statement, the Fed came closer than it has before to declaring victory over inflation: It said it “has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2%.” Though the central bank now believes inflation is largely defeated, many Americans remain upset with still-high prices for groceries, gas, rent and other necessities. Former President Donald Trump blames the Biden-Harris administration for sparking an inflationary surge. Vice President Kamala Harris, in turn, has charged that Trump’s promise to slap tariffs on all imports would raise prices for consumers even further. Rate cuts by the Fed should, over time, lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, boosting Americans’ finances and supporting more spending and growth. Homeowners will be able to refinance mortgages at lower rates, saving on monthly payments, and even shift credit card debt to lower-cost personal loans or home equity lines. Businesses may also borrow and invest more. Average mortgage rates have already dropped to an 18-month low of 6.2%, according to Freddie Mac, spurring a jump in demand for refinancings. The Fed’s next policy meeting is Nov. 6-7 — immediately after the presidential election. By cutting rates this week, soon before the election, the Fed is risking attacks from Trump, who has argued that lowering rates now amounts to political interference. Yet Politico has reported that even some key Senate Republicans who were interviewed have expressed support for a Fed rate cut this week. The central bank’s officials fought against high inflation by raising their key rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023. Wage growth has since slowed, removing a potential source of inflationary pressure. And oil and gas prices are falling, a sign that inflation should continue to cool in the months ahead. Consumers are also pushing back against high prices, forcing such companies as Target and McDonald’s to dangle deals and discounts. Yet after several years of strong job growth, employers have slowed hiring, and the unemployment rate has risen nearly a full percentage point from its half-century low in April 2023 to a still-low 4.2%. Once unemployment rises that much, it tends to keep climbing. Fed officials

BARUCH DAYAN HA’EMES: Petirah Of The Skulener Rebbe, Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal ZT”L [LEVAYA DETAILS]

September 7, 2024 11:10 pm 3 Comments

It is with profound sorrow that YWN announces the Petirah of the Skulener Rebbe, Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal zt”l, who was niftar on Motzei Shabbos after battling a serious illness for the past several years. He was 68 years old. Born in Bucharest during a time of great turmoil, Rav Yeshaya Yaakov was a living emblem of resilience and strength. He was the eldest son of Harav Yisrael Avraham Portugal zt”l, and the grandson of Harav Eliezer Zusia Portugal zt”l, both of whom were pillars of the Skulen dynasty. From a young age, Rav Yeshaya Yaakov exhibited a deep hasmada in Torah and avodas Hashem, a path he would follow with unwavering dedication throughout his life. His early years were marked by the challenges of living under Communist rule, where he witnessed his father and grandfather risking their lives to preserve Yiddishkeit in Romania. This early exposure to sheroism undoubtedly shaped the Rebbe’s own approach to leadership, as he would later inspire and uplift Jews from all walks of life with the same courage and dedication. After relocating to the United States, the Rebbe continued the work of his illustrious father and grandfather, establishing himself in Boro Park, where he became a magnet for those seeking guidance and brachos. Night after night, a steady stream of chasidim and admirers would gather outside his home, waiting for hours for the opportunity to receive the Rebbe’s brachos and advice. His fatherly compassion and radiant smile were a source of comfort and strength to all who came to him. His leadership extended well beyond Boro Park, as he also played a pivotal role in supporting the Chessed L’Avraham network of schools in Eretz Yisrael, continuing the work of his father in spreading Torah and chessed to all corners of the world. The Rebbe was also known for his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness several years ago, an event he often spoke about and publicly thanked Hashem for. The Rebbe is survived by his brothers, the Skulener Rebbes of Williamsburg, Monsey, Lakewood and Yerushalayim, who carry on the work of the Skulen dynasty, and by his many chasidim who will continue to walk in the path he set out for them. The Levaya will take place at 12:00PM at the Skulener Beis HaMedrish in Boro Park followed by the Kevura at the Viznitzer Beis Hachaim in Monsey. Baruch Dayan Ha’emes. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Wall Street Journal: Hamas Murders Six Hostages, Israel Is Blamed

September 3, 2024 8:30 pm No Comments

An opinion article by the Wall Street Journal’s Editorial Board excoriated US President Joe Biden and his administration for placing the blame on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for Hamas’s execution of six hostages. The article also stressed how Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris put immense pressure on Israel, even threatening it with an arms embargo, not to enter Rafah – delaying the operation for months. And of course, that’s exactly where the hostages were found. Hamas probably can’t believe its luck—or the lack of moral seriousness by its enemies. The terrorists murder six Israeli hostages, including one dual-citizen American, and Israel is suddenly under pressure to make concessions—to Hamas. That’s the way it looked Monday, a day after Israel said it recovered the bodies of six hostages. They were executed in a Gaza tunnel only a day or two before Israel reached them, shot multiple times at close range. The hostages are Eden Yerushalmi, age 24; Ori Danino, 25; Alex Lobanov, 32; Carmel Gat, 40; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the U.S. citizen, 23. We have met Hersh’s parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, and were struck by their strength and good courage, willing to do anything and go anywhere to help their son. The crime here is all on Hamas, which took the innocent hostages on Oct. 7 and has refused to release them through multiple rounds of U.S.-brokered negotiations. Yet the reaction from the White House, the British government, the Western press and some parts of Israel is to blame the Israeli government. On Monday, in a one-word answer to a press scrum, Mr. Biden accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not doing enough to secure a hostage deal. Britain’s new Labour government chose Monday to announce that, after a review, it is suspending 30 arms export licenses to Israel. The titular explanation is that there is a “risk” the arms might be used in violation of humanitarian laws against Palestinians. Does the Keir Starmer government mean violations like Hamas shooting innocents in the head? Or does it fear that Jeremy Corbyn, the anti-Israel MP, is forming a group of independent “pro-Gaza” Members? The timing here compounds the bad policy. Like Qaid Farhan Al-Qadi, the Muslim hostage Israel rescued last week, the murdered six were found in Rafah, the city the world worked so hard to prevent Israel from entering. President Biden’s opposition kept Israel out of Rafah for three months. Vice President Kamala Harris claimed a Rafah invasion would doom its civilians. “I have studied the maps. There’s nowhere for those folks to go,” she said. Israel proved her wrong, evacuating a million Gazans in two weeks. Israel has dismantled Hamas’s Rafah brigade with notably low civilian casualties. Aid groups hyped worst-case scenarios for a Rafah invasion. Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris withheld weapons to stop Israel from fighting there. Ms. Harris wouldn’t rule out “consequences” if Israel went ahead. Egypt threatened to abrogate its peace treaty with Israel over it. Israel has since found over a dozen tunnels from Rafah into Egypt, which insists that Israel leave the border to let Hamas’s arms smuggling resume. It should be clear now why Israel couldn’t let Hamas rule Rafah. Mr. Biden said Sunday that “Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes.” But his next sentence pushed

Leading Posek: “The Din Of Those Who Enter Arab Villages Is Like Those Who Commit Suicide”

August 26, 2024 8:45 pm 3 Comments

HaGaon HaRav Ben-Tzion Mutzafi, a leading Sephardi posek, slammed those who violate Israeli law and enter Palestinian villages, endangering their lives and those of IDF soldiers who are forced to rescue them. Someone sent HaRav Mutzafi a shaila: “We live in the Shomron. I know that my daughter and her husband buy eggs and drinks in an Arab village. They don’t want me to interfere. I know they’re not the only ones.” Harav Mutzafi did not mince words and responded: “Their din is like those who commit suicide and they also endanger the lives of our soldiers who are fighting for our welfare.” The Rav added: “And animals of the worst kind that exist on earth are supported by these [purchases].” In recent months, following a number of attacks and robberies of Jews in Area A, Israel Police issued a warning against entering Palestinian areas. The police statement said: “Recently, we have witnessed many cases of Israeli citizens entering Area A, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Entry into these areas is prohibited by law for Israeli citizens and may cost human lives, as has happened in recent days.” “Many Israelis enter these areas knowingly for the purpose of shopping, trading, repairing their cars, etc., thus risking their lives and often encounter incidents of assault, robbery, theft, as well as being a target for harm for nationalistic reasons.” “Also, entering the areas may be caused by a mistake in navigation or lack of familiarity with the roads in Yehudah and Shormon. Therefore, the entrance to the prohibited area is marked with a clear red sign that makes it clear that traffic in this direction should be avoided.” “Passengers in the area should be aware that traveling in Yehudah and Shomron requires additional vigilance and paying attention to the travel route.” “In addition, drivers using the various navigation applications can choose the option that prevents them from entering dangerous places but it is not a substitute for vigilance and looking out for the red warning signs at the entrances to the villages.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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