Search Results for “aliza sara chan” – Page 2

Women Want More Representation In Electing Chief Rabbinate Of Israel Council

July 10, 2018 4:00 am 1 Comment

Only 2.5% of the 150 members of the assembly that elects the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council are women. Dozens of MKs have called on the Minister of Religious Affairs to increase representation, while MK (Yesh Atid) Aliza Lavie’s bill is on the way to the ministerial committee. In anticipation of the elections for the Chief Rabbinate Council, dozens of MKs signed a call to the Minister of Religions David Azoulai, to include women in the assembly that elects the Chief Rabbinate Council. At the same time, a bill led by MK Lavie together with the Emunah women’s organization for women’s calling to secure slots for women, was on the committee’s agenda for Sunday, 25 Tammuz. “A body that is supposed to represent the entire public cannot exclude half of it, an opportunity to correct a long injustice,” wrote a letter signed by 41 Knesset members and members of the various factions. Among them: Shuli Muallem, Eitan Cabel, Rachel Azaria, Ayelet Nahmias, Merav Michaeli, Yoel Hasson, Robert Ilatov and Nurit Koren. According to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Law, members of the Council (the supreme body of the Rabbinate in Israel) are elected by a body called the “Electoral Assembly” composed of 150 representatives, of whom 80 are rabbis and 70 representatives of the public, including heads of local councils, heads of religious councils, Minister of Religious Affairs and representatives of the Government and the Knesset. All 80 rabbis are of course men, but also among public representatives, there is an absolute majority of men. According to Lavie, the purpose of the bill is to “enable appropriate representation of women in the body of the electing assembly, to correct the inherent problem in the vehicle and to prevent the exclusion of women from the decision-making process regarding the identity of the elected Rabbinate Council.” According to her, the composition of the election assembly does not allow women to be properly represented by the fact that the 80 seats reserved for rabbis can include only men and the 70 seats reserved for public representatives are usually staffed by men due to the minority of women serving as heads of local authorities. This creates a structural problem of under-representation of women in the composition of the assembly. The proposal seeks to change only the internal composition of the 70 public representatives, to reserve places for women and to ensure a minimum representation of at least 20% of the 150 members of the electorate. “The real purpose of this letter is to correct a long-standing injustice and to lead a process that everyone benefits from – the general public and the rabbinate itself,” says MK Lavi. “The composition of the Chief Rabbinate Council directly affects the lives of Jewish women in the State of Israel. In a long line of areas, and I think it is clear to everyone that a body that is supposed to serve and represent the entire public cannot exclude half of it.” It should be noted that in the previous elections for the Chief Rabbinate and the Council of the Rabbinate in 2013, Naftali Bennett served as Minister of Religious Affairs. Following the public criticism, Bennet appointed a number of women: Sarah Eliash, Liat Eshel, Nechama Gonen, Yael Dolev, Dina Han, Elisheva Horowitz, Dr. Idit Solberg, Nurit Fried,

US Army Quietly Discharging Immigrant Recruits

July 6, 2018 6:15 pm 1 Comment

Some immigrant U.S. Army reservists and recruits who enlisted in the military with a promised path to citizenship are being abruptly discharged, the Associated Press has learned. The AP was unable to quantify how many men and women who enlisted through the special recruitment program have been booted from the Army, but immigration attorneys say they know of more than 40 who have been discharged or whose status has become questionable, jeopardizing their futures. “It was my dream to serve in the military,” said reservist Lucas Calixto, a Brazilian immigrant who filed a lawsuit against the Army last week. “Since this country has been so good to me, I thought it was the least I could do to give back to my adopted country and serve in the United States military.” Some of the service members say they were not told why they were being discharged. Others who pressed for answers said the Army informed them they’d been labeled as security risks because they have relatives abroad or because the Defense Department had not completed background checks on them. Spokespeople for the Pentagon and the Army said that, due to the pending litigation, they were unable to explain the discharges or respond to questions about whether there have been policy changes in any of the military branches. Eligible recruits are required to have legal status in the U.S., such as a student visa, before enlisting. More than 5,000 immigrants were recruited into the program in 2016, and an estimated 10,000 are currently serving. Most go the Army, but some also go to the other military branches. To become citizens, the service members need an honorable service designation, which can come after even just a few days at boot camp. But the recently discharged service members have had their basic training delayed, so they can’t be naturalized. Margaret Stock, an Alaska-based immigration attorney and a retired Army Reserve lieutenant colonel who helped create the immigrant recruitment program, said she’s been inundated over the past several days by recruits who have been abruptly discharged. All had signed enlistment contracts and taken an Army oath, Stock said. Many were reservists who had been attending unit drills, receiving pay and undergoing training, while others had been in a “delayed entry” program, she said. “Immigrants have been serving in the Army since 1775,” Stock said. “We wouldn’t have won the revolution without immigrants. And we’re not going to win the global war on terrorism today without immigrants.” Stock said the service members she’s heard from had been told the Defense Department had not managed to put them through extensive background checks, which include CIA, FBI and National Intelligence Agency screenings and counterintelligence interviews. Therefore, by default, they do not meet the background check requirement. “It’s a vicious cycle,” she said. The AP interviewed Calixto and recruits from Pakistan and Iran, all of whom said they were devastated by their unexpected discharges. “Now the great feeling I had when I enlisted is going down the drain,” said Calixto, 28. “I don’t understand why this is happening.” In hopes of undoing the discharge, he filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., last week alleging the Defense Department hadn’t given him a chance to defend himself or appeal. He said he was given no specific grounds other than “personnel

Trump Suggests Summit With North Korea’s Kim Could Be Delayed

May 22, 2018 3:15 pm 2 Comments

President Donald Trump labored with South Korea’s Moon Jae-in Tuesday to keep the highly anticipated U.S. summit with North Korea on track after Trump abruptly cast doubt that the June 12 meeting would come off. Setting the stakes sky high, Moon said, “The fate and the future of the Korean Peninsula hinge” on the meeting. The summit, planned for Singapore, offers a historic chance for peace on the peninsula — but also the risk of an epic diplomatic failure that would allow the North to revive and advance its nuclear weapons program. Trump’s newfound hesitation appeared to reflect recent setbacks in efforts to bring about reconciliation between the two Koreas, as well as concern whether the self-proclaimed dealmaker can deliver a nuclear accord with the North’s Kim Jong Un. In an extraordinary public airing of growing uncertainty, Trump said “there’s a very substantial chance” the meeting won’t happen as scheduled. Seated in the Oval Office with Moon, Trump said Kim had not met unspecified “conditions” for the summit. However, the president also said he believed Kim was “serious” about negotiations, and Moon expressed “every confidence” in Trump’s ability to hold the summit and bring about peace. “I have no doubt that you will be able to … accomplish a historic feat that no one had been able to achieve in the decades past,” Moon said. U.S. officials said preparations for the summit were still underway despite recent pessimism — and privately suggested there would be additional public maneuvering as both sides seek to maximize their leverage. Both parties to the talks are invested in holding the meeting, with Kim seeing an opportunity for international legitimacy and Trump the prospect of securing Korean stability — and perhaps a Nobel Peace Prize. “This could be something that comes right to the end and doesn’t happen,” said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. But he added that as of now, “we’re driving on.” South Korea’s national security adviser put the chance of the summit taking place at 99.9 percent. Trump suggested that it could be delayed rather than canceled: “It may not work out for June 12, but there is a good chance that we’ll have the meeting.” He did not detail the conditions he had laid out for Kim but said if they aren’t met, “we won’t have the meeting.” Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump was referring to a commitment to seriously discuss denuclearization. Skepticism about the North’s intentions have mounted in recent weeks after Kim’s government pulled out of planned peace talks with the South last week, objecting to long-scheduled joint military exercises between U.S. and South Korean forces. The North also threatened to abandon the planned Trump-Kim meeting over U.S. insistence on rapidly denuclearizing the peninsula, issuing a harshly worded statement that the White House dismissed as a negotiating ploy. Moon sought to project optimism after his meeting with Trump. His spokesman, Yoon Young-chan, told reporters that the two leaders agreed to do their best to ensure the meeting happens on June 12. Yoon said Moon told Trump that the North Korean leader was strongly committed to the meeting and the leaders agreed that any assistance to North Korea would come after complete denuclearization. High-level talks between the North and South would likely happen after June 25. Trump expressed suspicion

114 Brands – Are They Kosher? The Great Post-Pesach Beer Controversy of 2018 (but NOT 2019)

April 12, 2018 8:00 am 3 Comments

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times Americans love beer. Beer is the third most popular drink in the world, after tea and coffee. On average, each American consumes 2 and 1/3 gallons of it every month. Religious Jewish men like beer as well, and it seems to be a staple item at Shalom Zachars – the traditional meal where appreciation is expressed to the Creator for having allowed the baby to be born. Beer is also subject to the prohibitions of Chometz sh’avar alav haPesach – Chometz that was owned by a Jew over Pesach (henceforth – Chometz S.A.H.P) if it was not properly sold. Most observant Jews know to avoid Chometz S.A.H.P. How do they do this? They find out which stores are considered to be Jewish-owned and determine whether or not the owner sold the Chometz that belonged to them. The issue is not just about the store owner, however. If the store purchased its Chometz from a Jewish wholesaler, then that too can present a problem. [RELATED: ALERT – Conflicting Reports Regarding Kosher Status Of Beer In Tri-State Area After Pesach] A brilliant Jewish businessman had managed to create one of the largest beer distributorships in the nation. A significant amount of the beer sold in New York City and the greater metropolitan area is distributed by this Jewish-owned company. Alas, the beer was not scheduled to be sold prior to Pesach. A certain Reb Kalman Weinfeld had heard a Shabbos HaGadol drasha from Reb Don Yoel Levy and decided to take it upon himself to see if he could speak to the owner. The owner took a liking to Reb Kalman and managed to make a tikkun. The owner of company took the matter quite seriously and calculated the value of the sale of the company for that period of time. ****For their own reasons, some of the other Kashrus agencies were not fully satisfied with the nature of the sale for the year 2018. It is this author’s opinion that the Mechira (sale) done for the year 2019, however, was done without a hitch. According to this author’s understanding, two sales were performed and the owner did not enter the premises all Pesach. Some still question it, but this author feels that the sale was done in the best manner possible. Indeed, in 2018, the CRC (Satmar Hechsher) and the Star-K both issued alerts about the fact that it was not to be used by their respective supervisions as either it was not sold or they felt that the sale failed to address certain issues. The Star K issued its alert prior to the sale. The CRC issued its alert after the sale. Some 114 different brands of New York beer were affected. The Star K site recommends, for now, that these beers not be consumed until late May or June when the stocks of beer in any particular store will be depleted. It should be noted that both the CRC and the Star K agreed that what the OK did was certainly a worthwhile and meritorious thing. It is just that they feel that the sale was not up to their standards. WHAT HALACHA IS BEHIND THESE DIFFERENT POSITIONS? What are the halachic issues at play here? The OK sale

Why Bad Things May Happen to the Good and Righteous

April 5, 2018 10:52 am 1 Comment

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times Words fail. A wonderful couple – about to be married – tragically killed by drunk drivers. It is so very painful and feels so senseless. The parents of these wonderful children, their families – each and every one of them – they are all walking Kiddush Hashems. No one is privy to the reasons and calculations of how the Creator runs the world. When tragedy strikes, however, it has always been our way to find solace in the words of the sages of Israel. Both the bride and the groom were Tzaddikim. They were Baalei chessed and bnei Aliyah. They brought joy and cheer to everyone and inspired others, even their teachers, in their ivdu es Hashem b’simcha and in their avodas Hashem. She attended Torah shiurim – because she wanted to, and performed acts of chessed constantly. Her chosson as well. Chazal tell us (Moed Kotton 28a) that the tragic deaths of Aharon HaKohain’s sons are juxtaposed to the Para Adumah to teach us that the deaths of Tzaddikim are mechaper – they atone for us. There are numerous ways that this happens. One way is through the notion of general kapara discussed in the Gemorah. Another way is that when we are noseh b’ol chaveiro, when we feel the pain of others – this removes decrees against us. When we are concerned for families that lost children, decrees are reversed. Chazal (Vayikrah Rabbah 34:14) tell us of a time when there was no rain. A man had compassion toward his down-trodden ex-wife and gave her significant funds. This caused the decree to change and rain came down right away. There is also a third way. The Zohar further tells us that if not for the tefillos of those that have passed on – we would be unable to stand. We are maaminim bnei maaminim. Indeed, the Mechilta tells us that on shvii shel Pesach, Klal Yisroel recited the Hallel – even before Kriyas Yam Suf. How could this be? The answer is that they had the highest degree of Emunah. We are distraught by the enormity of this tragedy. It is so difficult to hold back tears – yet we retain our emunah and know that Hashem runs the world – and that everything will be clear in the future. Dovid HaMelech describes us as the Shivtei Kah (Tehillim 115:16), the tribes of G-d. Klal Yisroel has an exceptional level emunah and bitachon a unique ability to connect to HaKadosh Boruch Hu, one that we believe always was and remains unparalleled among other nations. The Rosh HaShana davening delineates for us the true destiny of Klal Yisroel. The Jewish nation were the ones that introduced Hashem to the world, and in the future it is the destiny of Klal Yisroel to introduce more knowledge of Him throughout the world so that all peoples of the world will form one group in order to fulfill the Creator’s Will. The fulfillment of this ultimate destiny is a gradual process that began long ago – at the very birth of Klal Yisroel as a nation. Generally speaking, we can further these connections to Hashem with 1] greater and deeper Torah study – G-d’s law, with Avodah or Tefillah – Divine

Trump Administration Ending Obama-Era Policy That Let Legal Marijuana Flourish

January 4, 2018 2:15 pm No Comments

The Trump administration threw the burgeoning movement to legalize marijuana into uncertainty Thursday as it lifted an Obama-era policy that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will now leave it up to federal prosecutors to decide what to do when state rules collide with federal drug law. Sessions’ action, just three days after a legalization law went into effect in California, threatened the future of the young industry, created confusion in states where the drug is legal and outraged both marijuana advocates and some members of Congress, including Sessions’ fellow Republicans. Many conservatives are wary of what they see as federal intrusion in areas they believe must be left to the states. Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, who represents Colorado, one of eight states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, said the change contradicts a pledge Sessions made to him before being confirmed as attorney general. Gardner promised to push legislation to protect marijuana sales, saying he was prepared “to take all steps necessary” to fight the change, including holding up the confirmation of Justice Department nominees. Another Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, called the announcement “disruptive” and “regrettable.” Colorado’s U.S. attorney, Bob Troyer, said his office won’t change its approach to prosecution, despite Sessions’ guidance. Prosecutors there have always focused on marijuana crimes that “create the greatest safety threats” and will continue to be guided by that, Troyer said. The largely hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement set forth by Barack Obama’s Justice Department allowed the pot business to flourish into a sophisticated, multimillion-dollar industry that helps fund some state government programs. What happens now is in doubt. “In deciding which marijuana activities to prosecute under these laws with the Department’s finite resources, prosecutors should follow the well-established principles that govern all federal prosecutions,” considering the seriousness of a crime and its impact on the community, Sessions told prosecutors in a one-page memo. While Sessions, a longtime marijuana foe, has been carrying out a Justice Department agenda that follows Trump’s top priorities on such issues as immigration and opioids, this change reflects his own concerns. He railed against marijuana as an Alabama senator and has assailed it as comparable to heroin. Trump, as a candidate, said pot should be left up to the states, but his personal views on marijuana remain largely unknown. It is not clear how the change might affect states where marijuana is legal for medical purposes. A congressional amendment blocks the Justice Department from interfering with medical marijuana programs in states where it is allowed. Justice officials said they would follow the law, but would not preclude the possibility of medical-marijuana related prosecutions. Officials wouldn’t say whether federal prosecutors would target marijuana shops and legal growers, nor would they speculate on whether pot prosecutions would increase. They denied the timing was connected to the opening of California sales, which are projected to bring in $1 billion annually in tax revenue within several years. And, the officials said, Thursday’s action might not be the only step toward greater marijuana enforcement. The department has the authority to sue states on the grounds that state laws regulating pot are unconstitutional, pre-empted by federal law. Asked about the change, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders

Ohio Delegation Gets Crash Course In Israeli Technology At The University Of Haifa

November 21, 2017 6:30 am No Comments

A diverse, high-profile delegation from the state of Ohio got an up-close look at cutting-edge Israeli technology this month in a visit to the University of Haifa. During the Ohio House Leadership Mission to Israel from Nov. 8-16, a 25-member delegation—including a bipartisan group of 11 state lawmakers; several legislative staffers; and civic, business, and community leaders—toured the Jewish state to gain knowledge on best practices in their fields and to consider new opportunities for Ohio-Israel partnerships. For most of the visitors, the mission marked their first time in Israel. In one of the highlights of the trip, the delegation visited University of Haifa on Monday, November 13 to hear presentations from leading Israeli scholars on big data, artificial intelligence, drones, autonomous car algorithms, IT, evolution and agriculture, and marine technology. “Colleges and universities are playing a key role in creating economic opportunities not just in educating a workforce, but by incubating and launching innovative start-ups,” said a member of the Ohio delegation, J. David Heller, a past board chair of the Northeast Ohio Medical University and a current board member of Cuyahoga Community College. “The Haifa model has a lot to offer. Hopefully this visit helps connect Ohio’s and Israel’s higher education leaders who can work together researching and developing life-changing technologies.” The visiting lawmakers from Ohio included House Minority Leader Rep. Frederick Wilford Strahorn, Assistant Minority Whip Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, Rep. Enrico Anthony Carfagna, Rep. Theresa Anne Gavarone, Rep. William Frank Reineke, Jr., Rep. Timothy Edward Ginter, Rep. Andrew Miller Thompson, Rep. David Samuel Greenspan, Rep. Kent Kessler Smith, Rep. Brigid Elizabeth Kelly, and Rep. Janine R. Boyd. The visiting legislative staffers were Shawn Allen Kasych and Alyssa Ann Sarko of the office of House Speaker Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, and Sarah A. Cherry of Strahorn’s office. In particular, the delegation was keen to learn about the University’s newly unveiled vision for the country’s north by becoming Israel’s first ‘multiversity’, transforming University of Haifa into an international academic and research powerhouse and spearheading the revitalization of the region. Through acquisition of a small subset of independent colleges, growth in faculty members, and the addition of new Faculties, the University will further expand its global reach in marine sciences, brain and cancer research, engineering, life sciences, arts & design, education and law. “Israel has a well-earned reputation as the ‘start-up nation,’ and innovators at University of Haifa are the source of a notable amount of these technological breakthroughs,” said Karen Berman, CEO of the American Society of University of Haifa. “We hope that the delegation’s visit to the University bears fruit for the state of Ohio for years to come.” Outside of the legislative arena, the delegation included the aforementioned Heller, who is also a current trustee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and a past vice chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland; Adam G. Jacobs, PhD, president of Bellefaire JCB and the Wingspan Care Group; Simon (Sam) Hoenig, president of The Negev Foundation; Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition; Joshua Bloch Rubin, executive committee member of Bellefaire JCB; Stephanie Schaeffer Silverman, executive committee member of Bellefaire JCB; Pamela Ann Budak, director of community and outpatient services for Bellefaire JCB; Carl Ryan Brass, executive director of the Bellefaire JCB Lifeworks adult autism programs; and

Part Two – 55th Yahrtzeit of Rav Aharon Kotler

November 20, 2017 5:16 am 1 Comment

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Town Jewish Times This morning is the 55th Yartzeit of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l. Below is the second part of an overview of his life. SLUTZK Rav Aharon left for Slutz in 5672 at the end of 1911. Slutzk was known as a city of Misnagdim, and was one of the few cities in Tsarist Russia that did not develop a Chassidishe contingency. In 1897, the Ridbaz, Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Vilovsky had approached the Alter of Slabodka to open a branch of the Yeshiva in Slutsk. The Yeshiva opened and attracted remarkably gifted students. Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer was placed in charge. When the Alter opened his own Yeshiva, Rav Isser Zalman returned to assist him, but returned to Slutz again after that. In its early years, Slutzk had its share of difficulties. Some of the students wanted to introduce Haskalah into the Yeshiva’s curriculum. In 1901, when Rav Isser Zalman was away, a rebellion of sorts broke out among the student body to that effect. Some of the better students left upon this development. Among those who left were Rav Aryeh Levine, Rav Elyashiv’s future father-in-law. Upon Rav Isser Zalman’s return, however, the Yeshiva returned. The Alter sent 14 top students from Slabodka to Slutzk. Among them were: 1] Rav Laizer Yudel Finkel, the Alter’s son who eventually became the Rosh yeshiva of the Mir Yeshiva 2] Rav Rafael Alter Shmuelevitz, father of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz 3] Rav Yoseph Kanovitz, eventually the son-in-law of the Ridbaz 4] Rav Shlomo Pletchinsky, a future son-in-law of the Alter of Slabodka 5] Rav Moshe Yom Tov Wachtfogel, father of Rav Nosson Wachtfogel 6] Rav Pesach Prusskin, Rebbe of Rav Moshe Feinstein 7] Rav Reuvain Katz, Chief Rabbi of Petach Tikvah Some three hundred students studied at Slutzk at one particular time – many of them future luminaries. Rav Yoseph Eliyahu Henkin, Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky, Rav Eliezer Shach, Rav Moshe Feinstein were among its students. In the early years, the Alter of Slabodka and Rav Yitzeleh Blazer would spend weeks at a time there as well. In 1911, shortly before Rav Aharon’s arrival, the Yeshiva obtained its own building – each member of the town came and contributed to it. The entire city came out for the inauguration of the new building. In 1912, Rav Aharon’s uncle in Minsk, Rav Yitzchok passed away. Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer wanted Rav Aharon for his daughter, Rivka Chana Perel. He was concerned that a wealthy gvir might take the initiative in taking this outstanding iluy as a son-in-law. When he heard that others had discovered the young Rav Aharon, he quickly returned to Slabodka to arrange the Shidduch. Rav Isser Zalman’s daughter was significantly taller than her Chosson, who was only 5”4, but this did not matter to either of them. Of note is that Rav Isser Zalman also sought a suitable young man for his niece, who was an orphan and whom he had raised as his own daughter. He married this niece to another young iluy, – a certain Reb Eliezer Menachem Mann Schach, later to be known as the famed Rav Schach of Yeshivas Ponovech. Rav Aharon married in the winter of 1914 in Slutzk and settled in Slutzk as well. At his Sheva Brachos he

A 20-year-old Disagreement Over Welfare Still Haunts Clinton

June 3, 2016 5:00 pm No Comments

Hillary Clinton’s trouble with the Democratic base reaches back to the moment her longtime mentor, Marian Wright Edelman, blasted Clinton’s husband for cutting a deal with Republicans ahead of his 1996 reelection and signing a welfare overhaul law that she said “makes a mockery of his pledge not to hurt children.” Edelman’s husband, Peter Edelman, quit his Clinton administration job in protest over the 1996 bill, and the tensions lingered for years – with Marian Wright Edelman telling an interviewer during Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign that the Clintons were “not friends in politics.” Today, many who have followed the strained political history between these two leading women of the left are perplexed about where they stand with one another. Clinton, who is expected to clinch the Democratic nomination next week, has put her connection to Edelman at the center of her outreach to liberals who view her with suspicion in part due to her support for the welfare overhaul legislation. She regularly tells audiences about her job with the Children’s Defense Fund in the 1970s, as she did at a recent NAACP gathering in Detroit when she said that standing up against injustice has “always been my North Star, ever since I went to work for Marian Wright Edelman.” Edelman, 76, seemed to signal that the two had come to terms when she appeared in a campaign video last year, recalling Clinton as a “caring, young, bright, creative student who cared about children and those left behind.” “It’s confusing, totally confusing,” said Ben Jealous, a former NAACP president who interned for the Children’s Defense Fund in the 1990s and backs Clinton’s challenger, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. “Marian was our hero. Peter is a saint – there’s no other way to put it,” Jealous said. The connection to the first lady was “a point of pride,” he said. But the Clintons have allowed political calculations to triumph too often, he added. “As progressives, you were given a conscience for a reason, and it should guide your policy.” The relationship between Clinton and Edelman underscores one of the central challenges facing the Democratic candidate as she shapes her general-election strategy: how to deal with the complicated politics surrounding her husband’s economic record. With the welfare bill, Bill Clinton was willing to anger liberals to pursue a centrist image that was part of his 1996 reelection strategy. In her campaign this year, Hillary Clinton has sought to strike a balance between her references to Edelman and her efforts to capitalize on her husband’s legacy. She recently suggested that Bill Clinton would work in her White House on economic revitalization. Clinton and Edelman declined to be interviewed for this story. Despite the promotional video, a Children’s Defense Fund spokeswoman said that Edelman does not endorse candidates for public office because of the organization’s nonprofit status. Peter Edelman, a Georgetown law professor, said he was reluctant to be interviewed. “It’s 20 years later,” he said. “I think we’re all in a good place now.” Peter Edelman said he is “100 percent” behind Clinton’s campaign. “I strongly believe that Hillary is the most qualified candidate for president,” he said. — The history between the Clintons and the Edelmans dates to the late 1960s. Peter Edelman said he was impressed when Hillary Clinton, then a

Ryan’s Hometown Says He’s Doing The ‘Best He Can’ On Trump

May 11, 2016 1:00 pm 1 Comment

As House Speaker Paul Ryan walks a fine line on Donald Trump — withholding his support, at least for now — some voters back home in his congressional district applaud his effort for the greater good of the GOP. And they concede it’s unlikely to make a bit of difference in changing the Republican presidential candidate. “He’s too much of a loose cannon,” 53-year-old Mike McCann said of Trump. In Janesville, Wisconsin, Republicans and Democrats alike mostly found no fault with Ryan’s stunning comments last week that he’s “just not ready” to back Trump. The two men will meet on Thursday on Capitol Hill. They don’t see Ryan facing any consequences in his re-election bid against a longshot primary challenger, but neither do they see Ryan persuading Trump to tone down his provocative rhetoric or otherwise fall in line with the party. “I think he’s a very smart, reasonable, honorable man, who is trying to get his party organized and whole again,” Lynn Westphal, a 55-year-old nurse and self-described independent, said of Ryan. In an interview at a Main Street cafe just across from Ryan’s Janesville office, Westphal said she thought Ryan was handling the situation “the best he can.” Patty Schumacher, a 59-year-old banker and independent, agreed. “It’s going to take a bigger push than just him,” she said. Her sister, 61-year-old Maryanne Kessel, chimed in: “But he’s a good one to lead it.” Ryan was first elected to the House in 1998 and represents the southeast corner of the state along the Illinois border. He was tapped to be Mitt Romney’s running mate in 2012 and was elected speaker in October. His hometown of Janesville is a Democratic, blue-collar, union city in Rock County, still reeling from the closure of its General Motors plant in 2009. The downtown has lost its vibrancy, and the main employers are now Mercy Health System, the school district and the county. The town of around 65,000 is peppered with people who are Ryan’s old high school buddies, are friends with his wife or worked on his campaign. “What I like about Paul is he calls a spade a spade,” said Dave Dobson, who leans Democratic but said he would back Ryan for president if he entered the race. “He doesn’t play political games.” Dobson, a siding and window contractor, poured two overflowing spoons of sugar into his coffee as he joined his friends at the counter of Citrus Cafe. MSNBC played above the bar, running coverage of Ryan telling a reporter earlier that morning that he would step down as chairman of the Republican National Convention if Trump wants. Miguel Maravillo, a 40-year-old worker at a Mexican grocery store in Janesville who criticized Trump’s generalizations about immigrants, said it was brave of Ryan to voice his hesitation. Maravillo said in Spanish that many people criticize Trump in private, but they don’t say it “to the four winds.” Trump didn’t do all that well in the district, finishing well behind Ted Cruz in the state’s April presidential primary. And even the Trump supporters here had few harsh words for Ryan. “I think we need Ryan on board, but I understand,” said Kevin Anderson, a 49-year-old welder who lives in Beloit, just south of Janesville. In a series of interviews here, no one gave

Part II of Rav Aharon Kotler ZATZAL – Slutzk, WWI and Kletzk

November 12, 2015 1:32 pm 3 Comments

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times Since this Shabbos is the 53rd yartzeit of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l, the Five Towns Jewish Times is running this biographical sketch of him. SLUTZK Rav Aharon left for Slutz in 5672 at the end of 1911. Slutzk was known as a city of diehard Misnagdim, and was one of the few cities in Tsarist Russia that did not develop a Chassidishe contingency. In 1897, the Ridbaz, Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Vilovsky had approached the Alter of Slabodka to open a branch of the Yeshiva in Slutsk. The Yeshiva opened and attracted remarkably gifted students. Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer was placed in charge. When the Alter opened his own Yeshiva, Rav Isser Zalman returned to assist him, but returned to Slutz again after that. In its early years, Slutzk had its share of difficulties. Some of the students wanted to introduce Haskalah into the Yeshiva’s curriculum. In 1901, when Rav Isser Zalman was away, a rebellion of sorts broke out among the student body to that effect. Some of the better students left upon this development. Among those who left were Rav Aryeh Levine, Rav Elyashiv’s future father-in-law. Upon Rav Isser Zalman’s return, however, the Yeshiva returned. The Alter sent 14 top students to Slutzk. Among them were: 1] Rav Laizer Yudel Finkel, the Alter’s son who eventually became the Rosh yeshiva of the Mir Yeshiva 2] Rav Rafael Alter Shmuelevitz, father of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz 3] Rav Yoseph Kanovitz, eventually the son-in-law of the Ridbaz 4] Rav Shlomo Pletchinsky, a future son-in-law of the Alter of Slabodka 5] Rav Moshe Yom Tov Wachtfogel father of Rav Nosson Wachtfogel 6] Rav Pesach Prusskin, Rebbe of Rav Moshe Feinstein 7] Rav Reuvain Katz Chief Rabbi of Petach Tikvah Some three hundred students studied at Slutzk at one particular time – many of them future luminaries. Rav Yoseph Eliyahu Henkin, Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky, Rav Eliezer Shach, Rav Moshe Feinstein were among its students. In the early years, the Alter of Slabodka and Rav Yitzeleh Blazer would spend weeks at a time there as well. In 1911, shortly before Rav Aharon’s arrival, the Yeshiva obtained its own building – each member of the town came and contributed to it. The entire city came out for the inauguration of the new building. In 1912, Rav Aharon’s uncle in Minsk, Rav Yitzchok passed away. Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer wanted Rav Aharon for his daughter, Rivka Chana Perel. He was concerned that a wealthy gvir might take the initiative in taking this outstanding iluy as a son-in-law. When he heard that others had discovered the young Rav Aharon, he quickly returned to Slabodka to arrange the Shidduch. Rav Isser Zalman’s daughter was significantly taller than her Chosson, who was only 5”4, but this did not matter to either of them. Of note is that Rav Isser Zalman also sought a suitable young man for his niece, who was an orphan and whom he had raised as his own daughter. He married this niece to another young iluy, – a certain Reb Eliezer Menachem Mann Schach, later to be known as the famed Rav Schach of Yeshivas Ponozvezh. Rav Aharon married in the winter of 1914 in Slutzk and settled in Slutzk as well. At his Sheva Brachos

Shabbos Muslim/Druse Violence in the Galil Region

November 16, 2014 12:30 pm 1 Comment

The scene in the Western Galil on Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sarah was one of violence as Druse and Muslim residents opposed one another. Police report over two dozen people were injured and eight required hospitalization, some listed in serious condition. The violence took place in Abu Snan, which is a mixed village composed of Muslim and Druse residents. It is reported that as the sides were brawling on Friday night a grenade was thrown into the mob. Some victims are being treated for shrapnel injuries the head and/or abdomen. Gunfire was also reported. For reasons that are somewhat perplexing, Channel 10 News explained the fighting is the result of Har Habayis tensions and anger in the PA (Palestinian Authority) over perceived Israeli status quo violations on the holy site. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

LIVE BLOG DAY 20: Operation Protective Edge [UPDATED 11:23 PM IL]

July 27, 2014 4:17 pm 18 Comments

23:23: Obama speaks with Netanyahu in phone conversation. Urges immediate humanitarian ceasefire.Says that any permanent deal with Hamas must include demilitarization in Gaza. 23:19: Red alerts now in the Eshkol Regional Council. 21:30: Two rockets have landed in open areas in the Eshkol Regional Council area. 19:38: After a two-hour meeting with IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Rafi Peretz and forensic experts, the family of IDF soldier Sgt. Oron Shaul HY”D has accepted Rav Peretz’s ruling and has begun to sit shiva for their son. Sirens in Gaza border communities minutes ago. 19:27: Three more mortar shells landed in the Eshkol Regional Council district. One of them struck a home. No injuries. 19:26: Urgent: Tefilos are requested for soldier Rachamim ben Aliza who is in critical condition. He was injured by jumping on a hand grenade in Gaza to save his fellow soldiers in the area. 18:54: Damage to an electric line in an Eshkol Regional Council community is reported as a result of the last rocket attack. B”H there are no fatalities or injuries. 18:44: Sirens sounding in Kerem Shalom. 18:11: Sirens sounding in Zikim and Karmiya. 17:44: One rocket detonated in the Merchavim Regional Council without causing fatalities or injuries. 17:33: The IDF spokesman reports the Iron Dome has just intercepted four rockets over Beersheva. 17:31: Police report that rockets fired towards Beersheva have landed in open areas outside the city. No damage or injuries are reported. 17:28: The Security Cabinet is convening to discuss the ongoing warfare in Gaza. Today is the 20th day of Operation Protective Edge. 17:23: Sirens sounding in Beersheva, Ashkelon, Negev, Gaza border communities and surrounding areas. 17:14: Responding to a request from the family, IDF Chief Rabbi Rafi Peretz has arrived at the home of soldier Oron Shaul HY”D accompanied by the nation’s chief pathologist. The family has placed sitting shiva on hold pending an explanation and additional information that led to declaring their son dead instead of missing in action. 17:13: The woman transported to Soroka Hospital is listed in light-to-moderate condition upon her arrival in the emergency room. 16:53: A woman in her 40s is being transported to Soroka Hospital. Her home, in a Shar HaNegev District kibbutz, sustained a direct hit in a rocket attack a short time ago. She was asleep and did not hear the sirens. She has shrapnel fragments in her back. 16:52: Three rockets were intercepted over Kiryat Gat a short time ago. 16:42: Sirens sounding in the Ashdod & Ashkelon regions despite ceasefire claims 16:30: One person sustains moderate injuries from rocket attack in the Shar HaNegev Council. 16:01: Sirens sounding in Gaza border communities. 15:50: Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in interviews to the US media announced Israel rejects Secretary of State John Kerry’s ceasefire proposal. The prime minister adds that the only proposal on the table is the Egyptian initiative. Official sources in Jerusalem announce Israel has not accepted Hamas’ call for a 24-hour humanitarian ceasefire that was to have begun at 14:00. 15:45: Channel 2’s Nir Divori reports the IDF has halted aerial and ground assaults in Gaza, limiting fire to responding to Hamas. Simultaneously, the IDF is continuing to destroy tunnels. This may represent a de facto acceptance of Hamas’ 24 hour ceasefire. There is no official confirmation of this from IDF

LIVE BLOG DAY 13: Operation Protective Edge [UPDATED 11:55PM IL]

July 20, 2014 3:49 pm 16 Comments

23:55: According to the Times Of Israel, the IDF categorically denies Hamas claim to have kidnapped a soldier 23:10: Scattered celebratory gunfire in Gaza City as Hamas announces it has captured an Israeli soldier. 23:08: Hamas claims they have captured an IDF soldier. 23:04: Red alerts now in Sderot. 22:53: Palestinian President Abbas is demanding that the UN Security Council hold an emergency session over the “massacre in Shujaiyeh.” 22:50: Medical officials in Gaza say more than 100 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours. 21:15: IDF says that 86 rockets were fired at Israel on Sunday. 16 were intercepted by the Iron Dome. 20:55: Iron Dome just intercepted a rocket over Ashdod. 19:57: The IDF said that security forces have killed more than 110 terrorists in Gaza and attacked 1,032 targets overall since ground operations began during Operation Protective Edge. 19:55: Red alerts now in Zikim and surrounding areas. 18:42: sirens sounding in the same areas again. 18:41: Sirens sounding in Zikim, Karmiya, Nir Am, Sderot, Gavim and surrounding areas. 18:33: Sirens sounding in the Shar HaNegev district. CLEARED FOR PUBLICATION: 16:26: Thirteen IDF soldiers and officers were killed in Gaza fighting R”L in the past 24 hours. Efforts to identify the bodies continue. The names will be announced when the indentification process is complete. 18:10: Sirens sounding in Nachal Ohz and Alumim. 18:08: Another IDF soldier is admitted to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. He is reported in light-to-moderate condition. 17:53: Former naval commander Admiral Eliezer Merom points out many of the wounded are officers since in the IDF officers lead by example whereas with Hamas, the leadership remains safe in underground bunkers hiding. 17:39: Former National Security Advisor Giora Eiland tells the news “how fortunate we are that things are what they are instead of seeing 13 or 20 terrorists succeed in entering a kibbutz and carrying out the heinous attack that they planned”. He stresses that painful as it is, what is taking placing in Shajaia is necessary for Israel’s security and towards completing the operation. Eiland adds that the most difficult problem is Hamas’ determination to use civilians as human shields, aware nothing else in its arsenal is working. 17:37: The IDF is completing efforts to establish a field hospital on the Israeli side of the Eretz Crossing to assist treating wounded Gazans. It is hoped the field hospital will become operational by 20:00. 17:31: Sirens in the Eshkol Council and Ashkelon districts. 17:21: Sirens sounding in Beersheva and Negev district areas. 17:13: PM Netanyahu explains to the foreign press that there are very few examples in history of countries being rocketed on the scale Israel has, adding the response is quite restrained considering. 17:09: PM Netanyahu, DM Ya’alon and IDF Chief Gantz will hold a combined press conference on Sunday night and will respond to the media. 17:08: PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), the foreign minister of Norway and others arriving in Qatar to discuss a Gaza ceasefire. 17:03: One rocket intercepted south of Ashkelon. Interceptions reported regarding rockets heading to Beersheva. There are no immediate reports of injuries B”H however at times injuries are reported later, sometimes from fragments dropping from Iron Dome intercept. This is why residents are instructed to remain in safe rooms for 10 minutes, not less. The last wave included the S.

Operation Brothers Return – Day Nine

June 21, 2014 10:07 pm 2 Comments

It has been nine days since Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel and Eyal Yifrach were abducted by Hamas terrorists from Alon Shvut Junction in Gush Etzion. The search continues in areas of Yehuda and Shomron Close to 15,000 IDF soldiers have been coming areas of Yehuda and Shomron, concentrating on the PA (Palestinian Authority) occupied areas of Hebron, leaving no stone unturned. Close to four hundred terrorists have been arrested in the hope of obtaining leads that will permit ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) and military intelligence experts to piece together the pieces of the puzzle. Most of the detainees were arrested to pressure Hamas and to use as negotiating pawns towards getting back the captive youths. 18 terrorists were arrested in Hebron over Shabbos. After an arrest in Jenin over the weekend by Givati soldiers, Lt.-Colonel Liran Hajbi said “In essence the search is focusing on Hebron and the surrounding area but one cannot rule out that the golden bit of information may become from intelligence obtained from detainees from Jenin”. Intelligence communities working to piece the puzzle together Simultaneously, the IDF, ISA and Israel Police continue to receive information, working to piece together the puzzle that will lead to the captives. Unfortunately, the experts seem to be in agreement, that with each passing day, the chances of finding the boys diminish. Thinking out of the box There are also special intelligence teams instructed to think out of the box, to theorize the bizarre and unlikely. One of the theories is that while the 15,000 soldiers search for the captives, they are being held deep underground waiting for the IDF operation to end. Then, and only then, a video will be released announcing the terrorists’ demands. Clearly, Israel has unfortunately gathered too much experience in this area and the experts are pondering every eventuality, albeit rare is this information shared with the public. Checking Pits and wadis in Yehuda & Shomron The IDF called in a special Yehuda and Shomron special rescue unit which began checking down in pits and other secluded areas. These forces, attached to Yehuda & Shomron Fire Service, used four-wheel drive and special vehicles to get into wadis and other inaccessible areas. Gaza: Rocket Attacks into Southern Israel continued on Shabbos In Gaza, the daily rocket fire into southern Israel continued on Shabbos and motzei Shabbos. B’chasdei Hashem there are no reports of fatalities or injuries. Rockets landed in the Shar HaNegev Regional Council. Mekubal Rav Addis Hospitalized After observing a series of fast days last week and tefilos for the captives, Rabbi Yaakov Addis was hospitalized on erev Shabbos after collapsing at the Kosel. Persons close to him assisted in caring for him and they told EMS responders the rav did not require hospitalization. The rav’s condition appeared to worsen as Shabbos drew near and it was decided to transport him to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. He was severely dehydrated. Reports from the hospital state he is in good/stable condition. Rav Addis with Rav Yitzhak Yosef Shlita and Rav Reuven Elbaz Shlita: PM Netanyahu visits the families Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara visited with the families on erev Shabbos, seeking to give them a chizuk, telling them that bringing the boys home remains the number one priority. Names for Tehillim:

10 Women Appointed to Chief Rabbinate Voting Body

June 30, 2013 10:30 pm 1 Comment

Minister of Religious Services (Bayit Yehudi) Naftali Bennett and his deputy, Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan on Sunday, 22 Tammuz 5773 appointed ten women to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel voting body of 150 persons. They are; (1) Sara Eliash: A former head of the Lahava Girl’s High School in Kedumim and a settlement activist. (2) Liat Eshel: A teacher of Jewish Thought in the Harel High School and an honors graduate from the מדעי היהדות Teacher’s Institute. (3) Attorney Dina Hann: Chairwoman of International Emunah Women and a member of the World Zionist Organization. (4) Attorney Elisheva Horowitz: A resident of Mitzpei Yericho and a rabbinical advocate with en expertise in recalcitrant husbands and agunos. (5) Dr. Edit Solberg: A senior lecturer in Ariel University and head of the university’s Institute for Policy Studies. (6) Nurit Fried: The wife of Rabbi Yochanan Fried, among the founders of the institute to train and certify female rabbinical advocates. (7) Nechama Gonen: A resident of resident of S’dei Yaakov and a former director of the Segulah Girl’s High School in Kiryat Motzkin. (8) Attorney Yael Dolev: Runs a law firm that specializes in labor law. (9) Dr. Peninah Neuwirth: A daughter of former Bayit Yehudi leader Rabbi Dr. Daniel Hershkowitz and the wife of Rabbi Ronen Neuwirth, director of the Beit Hillel organization. She is a senior lecturer on Jewish issues. (10) Bruriya Rabinowitz: A resident of Efrat and mother of Dasi z”l, who became known nationally in her battle against cancer. Joining these ten women is Minister (Likud) Limor Livnat, a representative of the cabinet as well as MKs Gila Gamliel, Aliza Lavie, and Miri Regev, representatives of Knesset. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

LIVE BLOG DAY 7: Operation Pillar Of Defense [UPDATED 11:33PM IL]

November 20, 2012 3:30 pm 24 Comments

UPDATE 11:33PM IL: The rockets fired towards Ofakim has landed in an open area. UPDATE 11:28PM IL: Sirens sounding in Tifrach and Ofakim. UPDATE 11:18PM IL: Jordan’s King Abdullah warns Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of ground operation. UPDATE 10:52PM IL: Since Wednesday, more than 1,300 rockets have been fired from Gaza, according to the IDF. 760 landed in Israel and 390 were intercepted by the Iron Dome. The remainder did not make it out of Gaza. 14 rockets exploded in residential areas on Tuesday, marking a record number since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense. UPDATE 10:46PM IL: According to the IDF, more than 1,500 terror targets in the Gaza Strip have been struck since Operation Pillar of Defense began one week ago. More than 130 were bombed on Tuesday. UPDATE 10:35PM IL: A Hamas official said on Tuesday that Egyptian efforts to broker a truce with Israel had been held up because the Israeli government had yet to respond to proposals, indicating there would be no ceasefire until Wednesday at the earliest. “The Israeli side has not responded yet, so we will not hold a (news) conference this evening and must wait until tomorrow,” Ezzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas leader, told Reuters. “The truce is now held up because we are waiting for the Israeli side to respond,” he added in a short telephone interview. UPDATE: 10:20PM IL: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in Israel and will join efforts to advance a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. UPDATE: 9:45PM IL: IDF Homefront Command announces no changes in instructions as they stand today, adding all schools in the 40km line from Gaza to remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, 7 Kislev5773. UPDATE: 9:40PM IL: The IDF spokesman announces that in the past 30 minutes 13 terror targets in Gaza were targeted, primarily underground rocket launchers. UPDATE: 9:14PM IL: Hundreds of Beersheva residents are protesting, calling on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu not to accept any US pressured ceasefire and to “finish the job” and bring Hamas to its knees to bring a halt to the rocket fire once and for all. UPDATE: 8:36PM IL: Sirens in Ashkelon Coast area a short time ago. UPDATE: 8:32PM IL: Sirens in the S’dot Negev and Shar HaNegev Regional councils. UPDATE: 8:29PM IL: There may be a second victim in the Hussan Bypass Road shooting attack but this is yet unconfirmed. The women’s condition appears very serious as she was hit twice, in the chest and her neck. UPDATE: 8:25PM IL: SHOOTING ATTACK NEAR BETAR ILLIT: A woman was seriously wounded by gunfire a short time ago near Betar Illit in Gush Etzion, Ichud Hatzalah reports. She was shot in the upper torso in an apparent terror attack. The incident occurred on the Hussan Bypass Road. UPDATE: 8:20PM IL: Sirens sounding in Ashkelon, Yad Mordechai and other areas. UPDATE: 8:13PM IL: Additional rocket fire to Netivot and Shar HaNegev Council a few minutes ago. UPDATE: 8:09PM IL: MDA spokesman Zaki Heller reports 112 victims of rocket attacks were treated by MDA during the today until this time. This includes one in serious condition, two light from shrapnel and 27 light with various bruises and soft tissue injuries, primarily from running for cover. 82 victims treated for hysteria. UPDATE: 8:05PM IL: Some rockets intercepted

LIVE BLOG DAY 6: Operation Pillar Of Defense [UPDATED 11:59PM IL]

November 19, 2012 12:02 pm 19 Comments

UPDATE 11:59PM IL: The IDF says more than 120 rockets have been fired from Gaza today and 19 have been intercepted. The vast majority of these landed in empty fields and were therefore not targeted by the iron dome. The most notable rocket attacks of the day damaged two schools in Ashkelon. In the first instance this morning a rocket landed in the parking lot of a school and damaged buildings. In the afternoon a rocket was intercepted in the air and debris from the explosion fell onto the roof of a separate school in Ashkelon. UPDATE 10:40PM IL: 4 rockets fired at Be’er Sheva have just landed in open areas. No injuries and/or damage reported. UPDATE 10:34PM IL: Middle East Quartet envoy and former British PM Tony Blair said in an interview on Channel 2 that he spoke with PM Netanyahu, who expressed hope that he would not to have to get into a situation where he has to decide on a ground operation. Netanyahu said “we need international pressure to make Hamas understand that rockets aimed at civilians is unacceptable, and if they continue the rocket attacks they should expect a harsh response by Israel”. UPDATE 10:20PM IL: IAF conducting strikes over northern Gaza Strip. Several missiles reportedly fired at one home, completely destroying it. Awaiting confirmation from IDF. UPDATE 10:06PM IL: Reports of 5 rockets in Be’er Sheva and nearby Merchavim. No reported injuries and/or damage – Bichasdei Hashem all have landed in open areas. UPDATE 10:05PM IL: Sirens now sounding in Be’er Sheva. UPDATE 9:56PM IL: Spokesman for the Islamic Jihad movement, Daud Shihab, was interviewed by Arab media and said: “The Palestinian resistance is in good condition and has a large number of missiles. Tel Aviv remains under threat.” Shihab added, “Iran has supported the Palestinian resistance from A to Z”. UPDATE 9:51PM IL: Al Arabiya reports that the Israeli delegation in Egypt discussing a ceasefire has returned. This has not been confirmed by any Israeli sources. UPDATE 9:49PM IL: Sirens sounding in Eshkol Regional Coucncil. Now reports of two rockets – one striking a home and a second in an open area. There are no injuries reported. UPDATE 9:32PM IL: Rocket fired from Gaza was intercepted by the Iron Dome over Ashkelon. Pieces of the rocket then crashed on a school. No injuries reported. UPDATE 9:00PM IL: Magen David Adom reports that they have treated 16 patients on Monday. None were injured seriously, and most were treated for shock and anxiety. Since the beginning of Operation Pillar of defense, MDA has treated more than 252 patients, including the 3 people who were R”L killed as a result of a rocket attack on their home in Kiryat Malachi. UPDATE: 8:26PM IL: The IAF has just carried out an airstrike on a car reportedly carrying a senior commander in Hamas’ rocket squad. The vehicle reportedly had a “TV” sticker on it. Still waiting further IDF confirmation. UPDATE 8:09PM IL: U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to visit Jerusalem and city of Ramallah this week for talks with Netanyahu and PA President Abbas on the crisis in Gaza. Ban arrived in Cairo on Monday to support Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi’s efforts to mediate a truce. UPDATE: 7:55PM IL: 121 rockets were fired at Israel today, two landing in urban areas and 19 intercepted by the Iron Dome. Since the start of Operation Pillar of Defense, 1,113 rockets were fired at Israel. 324 were intercepted by the

Please Daven For Victims Of Recent Terror Attacks In Israel

August 30, 2011 9:40 am 2 Comments

The following is a list of names of recent victims of terror provided through the ongoing efforts of case workers of OneFamily. [Please click HERE for a Kappital Tehillim, or click HERE for an entire Sefer Tehillim] Tel Aviv – August 28 (HaUman Nightclub attack) Albert ben Miriam is a border policeman in compulsory service who immigrated from France in 2002. He was run over at the police roadblock and suffered serious injuries to his legs and head. He underwent surgery and is sedated in an intensive care unit. Or ben Mali is a border policeman in compulsory service. He was run over at the police roadblock and suffered serious head injuries. He underwent surgery and is sedated in an intensive care unit. Naor ben Nava is an officer in the border police. He was injured when the car rammed the roadblock and suffered serious injuries to the neck and head. He sustained numerous factures. He underwent surgery and is now sedated in an intensive care unit. ** YWN-Israel received an update from Ichilov Hospital regarding the three border policemen on Tuesday morning. One remains in serious condition; one is now listed in moderate condition; and the third listed as moderate-to-light, scheduled to be moved out of the ICU to an orthopedic unit. Unfortunately, we were not able to find out which report refers to which policeman in time for publication. Route 12 North of Eilat (August 18 terror attack) Gal ben Smadar suffered shrapnel injuries to his legs and has had pins inserted to stabilize his legs. He was moved from intensive care to the orthopedic unit on Monday (August 22). His condition has stabilized, but he has a long recovery ahead of him. Guy ben Rina was released from hospital on Sunday and is recovering at home. Chaggai ben Rachel suffered shrapnel injuries to his arms. His condition is stable, and doctors expect to release him from hospital before the weekend. Matan ben Ayelet was released from hospital on Sunday and is recovering at home. Sagi ben Chana suffered shrapnel injuries to his arms and is in stable condition in hospital. He will be moved to the rehab ward within the next few days. Ashdod Rocket Attack (August 19) Shmuel Ze’ev Shimon ben Esther Chaya suffered damage to his internal organs. He has undergone a number of operations and had one kidney removed. He was injured on his birthday. Yitzchak Meir ben Malka Leah suffered injuries and internal bleeding in the lungs. Eitan ben Chana suffered moderate injuries to his upper extremities. Doctors hope to release him from hospital before the weekend. Antonina bat Sara suffered a fracture to the pelvic region and has since undergone surgery. Katyusha Rocket Attack in Beersheva (August 20) Adel Leah bat Chaviva was critically injured in the rocket attack. HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita added the name Leah to her name. She sustained abdominal injuries as well and remains in an intensive care unit. Eliyahu ben Masouda is Adel’s father. He suffered injuries to all extremities. Doctors hope to release him from hospital before the weekend. Chaviva bat Mazal is Adel’s mother. She suffered injuries to her lower extremities. Doctors hope to release her from the hospital before the weekend. Zehava bat Chana suffered serious injuries to her extremities, resulting in surgery

Yom Kippur Becomes An Issue For Jewish Runners In Chicago Marathon

January 4, 2011 10:46 am 17 Comments

The following article is from the Chicago Tribune: Runners gearing up for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon usually like to “carb up” in the days before a race, eating carbohydrate-laden foods to prepare their bodies for the brutal 26.2-mile run. But the timing of the 2011 marathon could prove difficult for some runners. Bank officials said they’ve recently received calls and e-mails from Jewish runners concerned that the marathon, scheduled for Oct. 9, will conflict with Yom Kippur, which will occur the day before. The Jewish Day of Atonement, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, requires worshippers to fast, abstaining from food and drink for a 25-hour period, and observant runners will only be able to break the fast the night before the marathon. “To Jewish runners, you’re forcing a choice,” said mortgage broker Barry Stoltze, who has run in four Chicago marathons. “Either sacrifice your running and don’t do the marathon this year, or sacrifice your religion and cheat on the fast.” Marathon organizers did not directly address whether they considered the holiday in their planning but said the scheduling process was years in the making. The marathon, generally held on Columbus Day weekend, is planned with city officials so as not to conflict with other events and to ensure that area venues, such as hotels, can handle the thousands of out-of-town visitors. “It’s not a simple date change,” marathon spokesman Jeremy Borling said. “It’s really wheels that are in motion several years in advance pointing to that one date.” Michael Kotzin, executive vice president of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, said there would surely be some annoyed runners but steered clear of calling this a controversy. The JUF was asked by organizers to provide outreach for Jewish runners who could be affected by the fast, he said. “There will be some people who will be made unhappy by this reality, but I can’t predict more than that,” he said. Dr. Sara Brown, a sports physician in Lincoln Park, said fasting runners should sit out the marathon, adding that long runs after fasting can be dangerous. “That’s what I would recommend to anybody that would be observing the holiday,” Brown said. “I wouldn’t recommend running 26 miles the next day.” However, Chicago marathon Race Director Dr. George Chiampas said some runners who fast can run the next day and that a 24-hour fast would not harm the body enough to be dangerous if a runner has the proper nutrients. “If they’ve done it in the past, and they feel they can get back to baseline, that should suffice,” Chiampas said. “It’s not a generalization for every runner.” (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Grow!

April 14, 2010 3:36 pm No Comments

(Reviewed by Rebbetzin S.E. Falk) WARNING! LIFE CHANGING CONTENTS WITHIN. May cause alertness, alacrity, zeal, focus and efficient use of time. May halt periods of delay and disorganization, interrupt reveries and aimless pastimes and shorten irresponsible conversations. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY unless you are prepared to question your motives, re-evaluate your goals and meet up with your worst and best self. CAUTION, LASTING EFFECTS –may significantly lower tolerance to procrastination, petulance, prevarication and parsimony; may permanently induce introspection, considered thought and speech, kindness patience and concentration. “Grow!” is a stimulating, collection of inspirational stories and practical guidance for personal growth taken from the words and deeds of our gedolei hamussar and given an upbeat contemporary perspective by Rebbettzin S. Feldbrand, an expert in this field. The book begins the journey toward positive change by answering a simple, but powerful question in a most unexpected way. It asks what is one of the most important factors in the growth of the human personality. Surprisingly, the answer is z’rezus, alacrity. It thus attacks the problem of stagnation at its source, confronting the trait of laziness and revealing the insidious role it plays in the entropy [ inevitable decline and degeneration] of the soul/ or demoralization and desensitization of the psyche. In the words of the author, “With our short lifespan, time is precious, and making the wisest use of our time in this world should be a high priority. Every mitzvah is a diamond, and as we pass through this world, we must actively seek them out to collect as many as we can. A person must serve Hashem with alacrity and seize countless good deeds. Maalos Ha’midddos Middah 20.” Once we have gotten an appreciation for the value of living life in the “fast lane” –but not so fast as to forgo deliberative consideration of our conduct –we are guided towards the creation of a personal formula for growth that buttresses our strengths and diminishes our weaknesses. The gedolei hamussar teach that we are not to be concerned about the opinions of others, but must “serve Hashem with courage and assurance,” making every effort to get to know ourselves. In that regard we are encouraged to identify those “middos [character traits] that drive our actions.” Recognizing that a “person can find it very hard to see anything wrong in himself,” Rebbetzin Feldbrand explains: “Beginnings are the root of everything. So try looking back as far as you can. “What are you afraid of? What is easy for you? What do you avoid doing?” These questions enable us to know ourselves. You will come to understand how your past experiences affect the way you are today, and to better know your inner self.” Well fortified with an understanding of how to encourage and promote our best selves, we are prepared to meet our dark side. And so we are introduced to the yetzer hara master of disguise and deception. Unmasking him or her is crucial to our continued growth and so we are given many clues to its modus operandi and many important suggestions as to how to withstand its enticements. As Rebbetzin Feldbrand relates, “Life has been compared to walking up a down escalator. If one doesn’t resolutely head upward, then one will inevitably move downward. Visualize Yaakov’s ladder with its

Mother Pleads With Doctors To Keep Her Daughter Alive

September 8, 2007 9:30 pm 15 Comments

Yeshivaworld had reported two weeks ago about a little girl who was R”L found at the bottom of a North Miami Beach swimming pool. We had posted urgent requests for Tehillim. At this time, her condition remains the same – with her on life support. The North Miami Beach hospital, is threatening to “pull the plug” due to Florida law which considers her dead. According to Halachah, the child is 100% alive. The family has pleaded with Yeshivaworld to please ask people to be Mispallel for Ruchama Aliza Sarah Chana bas Esther Leiba. Click HERE to watch video.

Urgent Tehillim Still Needed For 4-Year-Old Drowning Victim

August 27, 2007 3:20 pm 17 Comments

We would like to thank our families, friends, and the wonderful community of North Miami Beach. We are sure that all of your tefilos and acts of chesed are penetrating shamayim and are giving us chizuk during this difficult time. We love our sweet and beautiful Ruchama Aliza so much. Please continue to daven, we have emuna that yeshuas Hashem kheref ayin. Ruchama Aliza Sarah Chana bas Esther Leiba, l’refuah shlaima. Amen. Moishe and Esther Schwab, Eli, Shaya, Yaakov, Yoni and Tehilah. (Editors Note: Ruchama Aliza remains on life support and is in grave condition – after drowning in a North Miami Beach swimming pool on Thursday afternoon.)

UPDATED 11:30PM URGENT TEHILLIM: Child Drowned in North Miami Beach

August 23, 2007 8:40 pm 22 Comments

8:35PM EST: Urgent Tehillim is needed for “Ruchoma” Aliza Sarah Chana bas Esther Liba – a 4-year-old girl who was just pulled from the bottom of a pool in North Miami Beach Florida. EMS is reportedly performing CPR on her at this time. UPDATE 10:10PM EST: Boruch Hashem, the doctors have gotten a pulse back. Please continue to be Mispallel as she is still in respiratory arrest. UPDATE 11:30PM EST: The name Ruchama was just added to her name – as per the P’sak of Maran Hagoen Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita.

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