Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita has released a psak halacha that permits soldiers, hospitalized patients and other who are ‘Anusim’ and cannot get to a shul and daven with a minyan to daven at home or in their base via live internet broadcast with a minyan and respond “Amen” and recite Kedusha and this is regarded as if one participated in a minyan. Rav Yosef stressed this is just for a b’dieved and for ‘anusim’ (בדיעבד ורק לאנוסים). “בשעה שהם מתפללים – יתפלל אתם יחד מילה במילה, אומרים את העמידה – יעשה אתם את העמידה בלחש, זה נקרא תפילה בציבור”. Rav Yosef explains “When they are davening, he should daven with them, word by word, recite silent shemoneh esrei and this is regarded davening with a tzibur”. The rav stresses the limited applicability of this, and that it is b’dieved, as one is required to get to a shul and one who is capable of this may not rely on this psak. However, one who must may listen to a live broadcast from a shul and participate in the minyan. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

THE RISHUMEI AHARON (VOL. I 92 pages and Vol. II 45 pages, beautifully arranged and typeset by Machon Daas Z’keinim in Lakewood, NJ) was written by Rav Aharon Felder z”l, a Talmid Muvhak of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l. by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times Rav Felder was the Rav of Congregation Bnai Israel in Philadelphia and was the son of Rabbi Gedaliah Felder z”l from Toronto. A responsa to Rav Felder appears in Igros Moshe YD Vol. IV #43. Rav Felder spent 14 years with Rav Moshe Feinstein and spent much time with him. Rav Felder was a renowned expert in the laws of Gittin, and was often consulted upon in matters relating to Gittin such as the spelling of specific English names. Below are some psakim of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l found in the second volume of the Rishumei Aharon. Rav Felder passed away in early May of 2014. Orech Chaim It is permitted to wash hands in our modern bathrooms in order to recite Asher Yatzar, but not to do so for any matter of Kedusha such as before Tefila or before a meal. Hair implants are not considered a Chatzitza (interpolation) for Tefillin. One can attach the Tefillin not next to the box of Tefillin by tying it with a string. One may blacken Tefillin at night. Someone who pronounces words in an Ashkenazic pronunciation may switch to Sefardic when he acts as the Shliach Tzibbur and the same is true in reverse. Alos HaShachar is always 72 minutes before sunrise in New York City. Misheyakir is about 35 minutes before sunrise. It is better to daven without a monyan after sunrise than to do so with a minyan at dawn. If, however, the minyan is davening after misheyakir (35 minutes before sunrise) then doing that is preferable to davening alone. When one builds a shul on a condition (such as allowing food to be eaten there) the consition should be presented before a Beis Din (p. 19 OC Volume). If gentiles came and abused the Sefer Torah of a synagogue, the members of the synagogue should fast a half day. Rav Felder relates that even if a person was eating Pizza as a meal, if he was eating one slice the blessing is mezonos; 3 slices the blessing is haMotzi; and two slices are a doubt. [RYH: According to this, Rav Moshe is holding like the TaZ 168:20 that this would not be considered Pashtida and not like the Magain Avrohom 168:44 – a chiddush since most Poskim do rule like the Mogain Avrohom]. Another huge chiddush that Rav Felder seems to be saying Rav Moshe held is that even when eating a shiur kvias seudah for most people – if it is done aray [occasionally] the blessing is still Mezonos [RYH See MB 168:23 for these halachos in general]. This is a remarkable position. Rav Moshe held like the Aruch HaShulchan permitting conversation after Mayim Achronim and not like the Mishna Brurah (See Siman 181). One should recited the blessing of “Oseh Maaseh B’reishis when seeing Niagara Falls (see OC Siman 228) One should refrain from doing a medical procedure on Friday [if it can be avoided RYH] because it could lead to chilul Shabbos (See OC Siman 248). Single girls

The Rav of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood of Bnei Brak HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein tells the story of an avreich who was married for five years without children. The avreich traveled to the tziyun of the Rashbi to be mispallel, promising to name his son Shimon if his wife becomes pregnant. He did just that, a number of days ago. The naming of his son resulted in a machlokes as his father-in-law explained the naming of the first child belongs to the wife, calling his son-in-law insolent for disrespecting his wife’s side of the family. The situation worsened, compelling the avreich to turn to Rav Zilberstein for guidance. The rav took the matter to his brother-in-law, HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita. Rav Kanievsky instructed the avreich to change his son’s name from Shimon to Yechezkel in line with the wishes of his wife and her family, after an admor that had a connection with. Rav Chaim explained doing so would not result in breaking a neder, since he promised the Rashbi to call his son Shimon, which he did for a week. Hence, the neder was fulfilled. Listen to the story from Rav Zilberstein himself. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein Shlita has ruled that medical cannabis that does not come into contact with grains is kosher for Pesach without fear of kitnios. Rav Zilberstein even made the Bracha ‘בורא מיני בשמים’ while aside of HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita. Since Health Minister Yaakov Litzman legalized medical marijuana,  there has been growing interest among chareidim as to the product’s kashrus, and at this time of year, it’s suitability for Pesach for those requiring it R”L. It is reported that the medical cannabis sold by industry leader Vireo Health is indeed kosher for Pesach, even for those who do not eat kitnios. The company producing the product in Israel, ‘Siach’ (שיח) contacted Rabbi Zilberstein, a member of the Degel Hatorah Moetzas Gedolei Hatorah and Mora D’asra of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood of Bnei Brak. It is pointed out, this psak only refers to medical cannabis grown under controlled conditions before Pesach and not any ‘weed’ available on the streets or elsewhere. Rav Zilberstein concluded Rav Chaim is in total agreement with his psak. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid joins those expressing criticism against Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita who last week released a psak halacha that it is a mitzvah to kill an armed terrorist and one doing so should not fear IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott or the Supreme Court. Lapid spoke at the opening of a session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee on Tuesday morning, 5 Adar-II, which was attended by IDF Chief Eizenkott. Lapid said “Of late there have been quite a few attacks against the IDF Chief of Staff from the Chief Rabbi, MKs in this building, and even from the cabinet. This must not continue. An attack on the Chief of Staff is an attack on soldiers of the IDF and we will not permit such attacks against the Chief of Staff or IDF soldiers. This must stop”. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Yaakov Morganwasser, an aide to MK Uri Maklev, was presented with an offer on erev Shabbos Shushan Purim. Givir Yaakov Sholom Ashkenazi, a Satmar Chossid, officer him 80,000 NIS cash to immediately stop working for the Yahadut Hatorah election campaign. “I entered the home of Rav Ashkenazi, who is a grandson of Rav Meilech Ashkenazi of New York and he offered the money on condition I stop working for the campaign immediately until the elections. There were four bundles of 20,000 NIS each, 200 NIS bills. I was shocked to see this and it was most enticing” Yaakov told Ladaat News. The decision was placed in the hands of Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita a few minutes after the offer was made and it is reported the Gadol hador instructed the young Morganwasser to pass on accepting the money and continuing to work for Yahadut Hatorah. Morganwasser requested from his friend Rav Yitzchak Wiesel to bring the question to the Rosh Yeshiva. He was told “Lose the money to be MeKadesh Shem Shomayim”. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Days after Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef Shlita announced his ruling regarding the observance of Purim for residents of Ramot, Jerusalem Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar Shlita released his psak. Rav Yosef announced that the new reality regarding Ramot is such that residents should observe Purim on the 15th of Adar, Shushan Purim, together with all Jerusalemites. This represents a change from the long-standing psak of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L. Rav Amar released a letter stating that from his point of view, nothing has changed and Purim observance in Ramot should be on the 14th, a in line with Maran’s psak. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

[Translated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman] Rav Ovadiah Yosef in his Chazon Ovadiah (Vol. II p. 238 #22) writes as follows: A Druzi soldier who stood at his post to defend Israel against the enemy and is killed by the Arab enemy forces while acting in defense of Israel, it is proper to recite Hashkava for him in the synagogue to further uplift his soul, as is customary regarding all righteous gentiles. In a footnote, Rav Ovadiah further explains: Druzim believe in One G-d and are not considered idol worshippers at all. They believe in the concept of a soul. Furthermore, they enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces and risk their lives in defense of the residents of the State of Israel. They observe the seven Noachide laws and their status is that of Chasidei Umos HaOlma – the Righteous of the Gentile Nations. Also see the Sefer Chassidim (#790) who writes : A gentile who did good things for Klal Yisroel, one may make a Hashkava for him and request of the Holy One Blessed be He to judge him favorably, and the sages have already stated in the Jerusalem Talmud (Megillah 3:7) that we employ the term “May his memory be for the good” regarding Charvona who spoke against Haman, the enemy of the Jews. [See also the Sefer Chassidim #605]. Certainly, this is the case for Druzi soldiers who place their lives in jeopardy to defend the lives of the nation of Israel that it is a Mitzvah to pray to Hashem Yisbarach for them to be judged favorably and His Mercies are on all His creations. Go and see what the Gaon Rabbi Yitzchok Attiah wrote in his book Rov Dagan (Kuntrus Os L’Tovah chapter 45).. And if his prayers will be accepted and it will be a time of Divine Mercy and he will be healed there will be a great sanctification of the Divine Name publicly. And so did many great men of Israel and their prayers were accepted, as our sages have said, “The Holy One is desirous of the prayers of the righteous (Yevamos 64a). He concludes that the great Rabbi, Rav Eliyahu Katzin cited a proof to this from Elisha the prophet who cured Naaman from his leprosy. Through this he became a Ger Toshav (See Sanhedrin 96b). Certainly in our times, where we are in Galus we must do so. He added that such an incident happened with his father, the great Rabbi Rav Yehudah Katzin (author of the Machaneh Yehudah). A gentile came to him with a baby in his arms near death, who was as inactive as a stone. After the Rabbi prayed upon him and blessed him, he awakened from his coma, and immediately recovered, leaving death and embracing life. A great sanctification of the Divine name occurred. The above is a translation of Rav Ovadiah’s ruling. It is quite clear that this Druze policeman who entered into danger to save lives in a synagogue is certainly one of the righteous gentiles of the world of whom Rav Ovadiah zatzal referred. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[VIDEO & PHOTOS BY HILLEL ENGEL IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] On Thursday, June 12, 9/11 Memorial Museum hosted a unique gathering at the Ground Zero site for Rabbanim and Misaskim. The meeting aimed to establish the halachic status of kohanim who want to visit the site, where the unidentified remains of thousands of victims are expected to be interred. This gathering is the second of its nature. The first meeting occurred in July 2012. Misaskim then hosted Dr. Bradley Adams, who heads the Forensic Anthropology Department at the New York City Medical Examiner’s office and is in charge of all recovery operations at Ground Zero. Dr. Adams had explained to the Rabbanim the full scope of the clean-up operations and all the particulars that may have halachic ramifications. He also outlined the astronomical financial costs involved. This allowed Rabbanim to conclude that it is mutar for kohanim to visit the Ground Zero memorial site. Thursday’s event, however, was a follow-up meeting that enabled Rabbanim to get a complete idea of the museum’s layout. Rabbanim, representing many kehillos, attended the meeting including Rabbi Chashaul from the Sefardi community and Rabbi Segel from the Chabad community. These are just two names that illustrate the range of representation. Those who couldn’t make it to Manhattan were present at the gathering in July 2012, thus ensuring input from every kehillah. Many Rabbanim and poskim who are kohanim were also unable to attend. Dr. Bradley and other Medical Examiner staff involved in clean-up and identification efforts, as well as museum administration, were also present. The Medical Examiner’s office and museum administrators went as far as showing the Rabbanim around to ensure that every aspect concerning halachah can be properly analyzed. ME and museum officials were available to provide information to help the Rabbanim in the process of reaching p’sak halachah. Engineers in charge of construction of the museum explained the building’s infrastructure, including the cooling system that was installed where the remains are stored. Museum officials even provided a large conference room, big enough to accommodate the Rabbanim, ME staff, and their personnel to review floor plans and examine every necessary detail. The Rabbanim were gratified by the level of respect accorded them by the Medical Examiner’s office and by museum personnel. They praised their willingness to go way beyond the call of duty to accommodate the needs of the Jewish community. Under the current leadership of acting Chief Dr. Barbara Sampson, Misaskim has indeed experienced great levels of sensitivity and understanding with regard to halachic situations related to death. Their dedication is certainly commendable. Rabbi Yitzchok Stein, Rav of the Karlsburg beis din, worked tirelessly to create a kinturus that discusses more than 50 related scenarios and sheilos, as well as many mareh mekomos that needed to be addressed. Numerous hours of work were expended to complete this kunteres. All these efforts enabled the Rabbanim to verify that it is mutar for kohanim not only to visit the Ground Zero site, but also to enter the museum building. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Rabbi Rafi Feuerstein, a senior personality in the Tzohar Rabbonim interviewed on Galei Yisrael Radio as the Million Man Atzeres was taking place. Feuerstein is known as one dedicated to building bridges and teaching mutual respect and tolerance between the different streams of Jewish life in Israel. Galei Yisrael: Rabbi Eliyahu is there and you are not. Do you feel you are missing out? Rabbi F: Mamosh no for in my eyes, one of the stature of Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu taking part in the atzeres represents he has placed one foot out the door of being a member of the dati leumi community. It is a mitzvah D’oraissa as per the Rambam to serve in the IDF and Rav Eliyahu knows this no less than I as per Hilchos Melachim Perek 5. The atzeres claims the draft law is a chilul Hashem and rebellious against HKBH as if there is no Halacha to serve in the army. How can one such as Rabbi Eliyahu be a part of this? Galei Yisrael: What about the law and the criminal sanctions? Rabbi F: As with all laws in the land, if one does not follow the law one must be imprisoned. The psak released in the name of the Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael is flawed and I cannot understand how they can ignore the responsibility of having to serve in the military. When [former Haifa Chief Rabbi] Shar Yashuv Cohen was married, he was an air force rav and got married in uniform, explaining “these are bigdei kodesh” and today, and I am not saying there is a need and there is a mitzvah to learn, but what about the IDF? At least I say I can understand where the chareidim are coming from but not Rav Eliyahu for his participation. They began with 500 draft deferments and today look where we are. In another 12 years 50% of the 18-year-olds will not be serving because of the chareidim! Galei Yisrael: So are you saying you are cutting ties with the chareidi tzibur? Rav F: No, this is not what I mean to say is that the Torah of the dati leumi community is one of bridging for it contains the deep components of the people, the army and the Torah. Galei Yisrael: So what unites you and R’ Eliyahu other than the stitch of the kippa? Rav F: I am not even sure about the kippa. In my view there are many rabbonim do not read the map correctly. Some of those at the atzeres do not even think of their children, some serving today. Instead of army and torah, they opt to abandon the bridge and cut it in two. I am not angry but I am sad. Rabbi Eliyahu and I learned together in the same yeshiva and hear Rav Tzvi Yehuda [Kook] speak of the kesher of torah and IDF. We must be genuine once and for all. Those who can learn full time fine, but an entire population? Some of them hang around in the streets and are unable to learn fulltime. Let’s call it what it is. How is the atzeres protecting the torah, the IDF is not part of the torah? (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

A most interesting psak Halacha was released by Israel’s Keter Institute regarding buying tefilin from a merchant who evades paying income tax. The Halachic ruling is contained in a new sefer published by the institute called בין אדם ושלטון””. The psak in question addresses the question if one is permitted to buy items from a person who works ‘off the books’, a merchant that does not pay value added tax and/or income tax to national authorities. Regarding value added tax, which today stands at 18%, the rabbis feel that if a buyer and merchant collaborate on a lower price on an item, without a sales receipt to save the VAT, then the buyer is possibly required to pay the VAT for he was a willing participant in defrauding the VAT Authority. On the other hand, they feel the buyer is not responsible for the deal, which may involve an agent who is an “ עוסק פטור”, that is to say he is classified as one who earns too little to require him to pay VAT. (That figure today stands at about 120,000 shekels annually. Above that amount, a merchant must file VAT, which means he must collect it from buyers and then forward it to the VAT Authority). What about tefilin or other tashmishei kedusha? The discussion then shifts to tefilin and mezuzos, posing questions regarding sofrim who evade taxes; 1. Is such a person pasul l’chatchila or is it just a question of the sofer’s ne’emonus? 2. Would the tefilin be pasul on the basis of a מצווה הבא בעבירה? 3. Is one permitted to make a bracha on such tefilin if they are not mamosh pasul? The researchers of Keter rule that a sofer who evades taxes or steals from others in different ways is not disqualified from writing STaM. In addition, his ne’emonus is not compromised. Regarding the question of a buyer expressing a willingness to make the purchase ‘off the books’ to save paying taxes and a higher price, the actual buyer may not make a bracha on such tefilin for he is an active and willing participant in theft. Therefore, he is prohibited from buying them off the books for by doing so, he places the tefilin in a category that he cannot make a bracha on them. However, b’dieved, one can fulfill the mitzvah with the tefilin as they are not Halachically pasul due to מצווה הבא בעבירה. In case of doubt, that is to say the buyer is not aware if the sofer evaded taxes, then he may make a bracha on the tefilin l‘chatchila. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Last motzei Shabbos, Jerusalem Deputy Mayors Yossi Deutsch and Tzvika Cohen were summoned to meet with HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita, a member of Shas’ Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael. On the agenda is the machlokes surrounding the Ramot neighborhood of Yerushalayim and Purim, observing one or two days. The rosh yeshiva called on the deputy mayors to do their utmost to position a caravan home in the Sanhedria Murchevet Forest that connects to Ramot. Rav Cohen wishes to create contiguity between the capital and this neighborhood with the caravan towards bringing an end to the ongoing machlokes if Ramot observes Purim as Yerushalayim or not. Many Ramot residents, those adhering to the psak of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L observe Purim on the 14th while the others two days. The rosh yeshiva feels that if there is a caravan creating continuity from the undisputed area of the capital, then all Ramot residents can observe Purim on the same day and on only one day. A number of city officials accompanied by rabbonim visited the forest to find a suitable area, but it did not take long for the haters of religion to state their objections, this time shouting environmental concerns. They proclaim the placement of a caravan will compromise the green area. It remains to be seen if a caravan will be in place for this Purim. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar Shlita spoke with Kol Berama Radio on Wednesday night, the eve of Tu B’Shevat 5774. The rav addressed a number of current event issues, including the recent attack against the Chief Rabbis of Israel by Finance Minister Yair Lapid, who calls for their dismissal. Rabbi Amar explains the chief rabbis are elected and part of their responsibilities is to rule on Halachic matters. One may not agree with a specific psak, but one should respond in an appropriate fashion, even when disagreeing. The chief rabbis work to unite the nation and that too is part of their job, as should be the case with lawmakers. “If a chief rabbi feels no place for women in the IDF, he not only may announce this but has a responsibility to say so” Rabbi Amar adds, explaining that rabbonim in general are responsible to live by example and public officials should too. He called Lapid’s verbal diatribe “an affront to the Chief Rabbinate and the entire country”, and the former Rishon L’Tzion feels the nation should feel outrage over Lapid’s inappropriate words. Rabbi Amar calls on politicians to reflect a bit. “At times, in an effort to advance a cause one can destroy and divide the nation” he warns. The rav made mention of the nation’s batei din and the need to maintain them in the framework of Halacha, for if not chas v’sholom, “we would not be permitted to marry one another…this is the biggest danger”. The rav added they must think first and not just run to legislate laws. Rav Amar stated when he used to speak with former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon he addressed the entire matter of conversion. When asked about accepting Reform and Conservative conversions, Rav Amar explains Sharon stated “I want the Chief Rabbinate to be lenient when possible but those conversions are a joke and I do not seek this.” Rav Amar addressed the blow to the nation’s poor, the hundreds of thousands of children that search for bread and it is most unfortunate that lawmakers continue without really looking and realizing what they are doing, the disastrous impact some of their decisions are having on the nation and its children. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Tzfas Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu has sent a letter to dati leumi “Ulpana” high schools to highlight his psak halacha prohibiting women from serving in the IDF. The rav instructs the schools not to cooperate in any way with organizations seeking to get females to serve, adding these organizations are spreading lies. Rav Eliyahu stresses the need for the schools to work to direct the young ladies in the correct direction and to a community service in line with a frum lifestyle, a service that will in no way chas v’sholom compromise the kedusha of the women. The rav explains national service must be performed in a torani atmosphere, which the IDF does not offer. These organizations he explains seek to encourage women to serve in the IDF and such a service is not conducive to the women maintaining the lifestyle they are accustomed to. “To my sorrow, military service is unsuited for Jewish women” adds Rav Eliyahu. The rav stresses schools must not open their doors to organizations seeking to encourage women to serve in the military and they may not cooperate with such organizations in any way. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

MK (The Movement) Elazar Stern expressed criticism regarding a psak halacha from Ramat Gan Chief Rabbi Yaakov Ariel Shlita. The rav this week came out [once again] against frum females serving in the IDF, following recent similar statement s by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Eitan Eiseman. The rav stated the IDF is not a place for any woman, adding איש דרכו לכבוש ואין דרכה של אישה לכבוש. He added that a gun is a male’s attire and a woman carrying a gun violates לא יהיה כלי גבר על אישה. He adds it is prohibited for a woman to serve in the IDF from a halachic point of view, and a woman serving as a commander over men presents even more issues including major moral and modesty issues. The rav adds that men and women may not serve at one another’s side, which he feels is not only morally unacceptable but it compromises security as well. He feels if religious women are permitted into such units that must not respond for they are prohibited from serving by halacha. The rav concluded the IDF is not in need of the services of the women and they can serve in an appropriate volunteer framework outside the military with proper supervision. Stern explains he is pleased to learn that more and more religious women are joining the IDF and he feels piskei halacha such as Rabbi Ariel’s does more harm to the status of the rabbonim than to the women serving in the IDF. Stern did however agree in principle with Rabbi Ariel, that women are not suited for combat positions, citing “there is something about a women’s mentality that makes her less suited for a combat position in the IDF”. Stern explains that while most women in the IDF today are not combatants, they do place a vital role in the security of Israel. Regarding the religious women serving in the IDF, Stern feels that davka because they are religious it is important for them to serve side-by-side along the non religious women, providing a valuable social mission to their presence in the military. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Chief Rabbi David Lau and Rishon L’Tzion Yitzchak Yosef signed a psak renewing the prohibiting of visiting Har Habayis. The psak reminds the tzibur that Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook ZT”L banned Jews from visiting the holy site. The chief rabbis point out that following the liberation of the Kosel and Har Habayis in the June 1967 Six Day War, 50 rabbonim signed a psak prohibiting one from visiting Har Habayis. The chief rabbis signed that psak along with gedolei hador. Other former chief rabbis who prohibited visiting Har Habayis include Rabbi Avraham Kahane Shapira ZT”L, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu ZT”L, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef ZT”L, Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron, Rabbi Yonah Metzger, and Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar. The renewed psak comes at a time of heightened activity by Har Habayis organizations which encourage Yidden to visit in accordance to Halacha based on piskei halacha from prominent rabbonim including HaGaon HaRav Dov Lior. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef responded to an inquiry from El Al CEO Eliezer Shkedy regarding tefilla on board El Al flights. In his response, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi explains that it is preferable for one to daven b’yechidus on a flight rather than to organize a minyan. He adds that his father, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita conducted himself in this fashion on flights as well. The query is based on the well known dilemma of frum travelers who are at times called to assist making a minyan. Some are fine with it while others feel it may be a chilul Hashem due to the disturbance caused to others in addition to safety concerns to passengers standing and interfering with the plane’s flight personnel who find passing in the isles difficult during a minyan. Others feel that davening with a minyan on a flight is a long established custom which is perfectly acceptable and there is no need to disturb other passengers by doing so. In his written response to Shkedy, Rav Yitzchak Yosef explains that if there is discussion over davening at one’s seat or organizing a minyan, one should daven alone, especially if organizing a minyan may disturb the sleep of elderly passengers or children. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

The beis din of HaGaon HaRav Nissim Karelitz Shlita has ruled that MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Rav Moshe Gafne is not responsible for the implementation of the Disengagement Plan, the expulsion of Jews from Gaza and N. Shomron in the summer of 2005. A number of former Gush Katif families have targeted Gafne in legal action, accusing him of approving the budget that led to the expulsion, concluding that his actions in his capacity as chairman of the Knesset Finance Committee make him indirectly responsible. They are seeking 1 million NIS in damages from Gafne. Gafne explained that he never supported the plan and he is not more responsible for what occurred than any other MK in his party. The families however continued with their legal action. The families took the case to the Monetary Beis Din of Yerushalayim of Rav Levin, and Gafne was summoned to appear. Gafne requested to adjudicate the matter in Bnei Brak, in the beis din of Rav Karelitz. The Chelfon and Ochayon families a number of weeks ago took their case to Rav Karelitz’s beis din. Gafne responded in writing to the dayanim, Rabbi Yehuda Silman, Rabbi Sriel Rosenberg and Rabbi Yaakov Farberstein, explaining that he has been targeted by this group over recent years as they try to blame him and his colleagues. Gafne explains his party consistently voted against the plan but the people continue to make allegations against him. Gafne adds by pointing out the hypocrisy that today, their political representatives sit in a partnership with the haters of Israel, and while he thought they would be too embarrassed to act as they do, adding, בעיקבתא דמשיחא חוצפא יסגא. Gafne adds that while he cannot explain why, he feels that Rav Levin is against him too. Gafne included the pashkavilim and other literature against him, asking the beis din to rule that he is not required to appear before the Yerushalayim beis din. The Bnei Brak beis din ruled on Sunday that Gafne acts as a shaliach of the Rabbonim Shlita and he and his colleagues are not responsible for the expulsion, yet the harassment continues under the guise of a din torah. The beis din use stern language in Gafne’s defense, warning the plaintiffs the MK is not compelled to appear before Rav Levin’s beis din, adding the parties must halt their activities against Rav Gafne. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita released a message to directors of mosdot connected to Shas’ educational network, stating in no uncertain terms that if a student acts in an unacceptable fashion, the school may not expel the child. The gadol hador’s comments come after a former talmid of a yeshiva who was expelled took his own life R”L. The rav instructs heads of mosdos to be patient. “Blessed are those who work in torah, which is a burden carried every day. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev stated that when there is a mischievous child who will not sit still, he is right. Why? He has a great neshama and a small body – and it suffers. Therefore, he is not to blame. You must endure it and deal with him gently”. “How good it is when one exhibits patience. This child will become a talmid chacham and not a simple person. If thrown out of yeshiva, where will he go? He will go to a secular school. What will become of him? He will become wild. Tolerate him and at the very least he will remain G-d fearing”. “I would like to tell you about me when I was in Porat Yosef. There was a teacher with students, older students, about 15-years-old. He was ill. The principal called upon me to take his place. They warned me about one child in particular, a most mischievous child. He never remained in one place and never sat still. He would utter a word during the shiur and everyone laughed. And what did I do? I fulfilled my shlichus. “I got hold of him and asked ‘Do you know what you are going to be? You will be a great rav and teacher in Am Yisrael, a profound torah scholar. Come and sit by my side.’ We began Gemara Moed Katan and learned. I frequently looked at him and asked ‘Nu what do you say? Do you agree?’ He shook his head in agreement. He was embarrassed in front of me. he did not speak and did not interrupt. And he indeed became a rosh yeshiva in Tel Aviv. Why? Because I knew how to get close to him”. “Don’t throw them out. What do you think this is like throwing a rock? We are dealing with nefoshos! This is dinei nefoshos. Our Rabbonim only addressed dinei nefoshos when there was a Sanhedrin, 23 chachamim. This is dinei nefoshos. You throw him out and what will be with him then? You know what will be? Do you accept responsibility for what he will become?” “Therefore, you must love him and smother him with love, bnei yisrael whose future is to become gedolei yisrael. To bring them closer with sweet words and this is how we bring them into the torah fold.” “Think of this child as your son, what would you do? You would tolerate him! this is a son, your son! ‘’ושננתם לבנך, refers to your students.” (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Tragedy struck Ashdod on motzei Shabbos with the sudden petira of Mrs. Penina Ochana. Her son was supposed to be standing under the chupah today, Sunday, 2 Nissan 5772. Uncertain as to what should be done the family turned to Maran Rav Ovadia Yosef Shlita. The rav instructed them to delay the chasnah due to the tragic circumstances, that has befallen the family. He added that despite the young man’s aveilus for his mother z”l and the sefiras haomer, they may get married after Pesach, during the sefira. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

In many shuls in Eretz Yisrael the minhag has spread to read Parshas Zachor a number of times with different niggunim to accommodate the different minhagim and cantillations, such as Ashkenazi, Yemenite, and Sephardi for example. In some shuls, they even change sifrei Torah, taking out a number of seforim to read from the different ksav as well [in those shuls where such a variety exists]. The rosh yeshiva of the Haifa Hesder Yeshiva and rav of Haifa’s Technion, Rabbi Eliyahu Rachamim Zini issued a p’sak halacha against such a practice. The rav frowns on shuls that take out numerous sifrei Torah, stating this is disrespectful and while well-intentioned, the shul and effort to fulfill the mitzvah becomes “a circus”. The rav feels that people simply do not understand the essence of the mitzvah and their good intentions have resulted in an unacceptable situation. The Srugim website quotes the rav’s p’sak, in which he says we are required to read the parsha from a kosher sefer Torah, and the point is to understand the message. The rav quotes Meseches Megilah, that in the future, theaters and circuses will become shuls, and not the opposite. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

The weekly BaKehilla reports that the rav of a shul asked a question of HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Halevy Wosner Shlita, explaining that a new building was being constructed and after taking bids from contractors the cheapest price was from a non-Jewish contractor. The rav of the shul asked Rav Wosner if it is preferable to use the non-Jew and save the money, and in this case the sum was considerable, or to have the shul built by a Jew, perhaps giving preference to a Shomer Shabbos Jew. Rav Wosner explained that l’chatchila; it is preferable to give the job to a Jew but pointed out that not everyone is in agreement concerning this matter. Therefore, if the difference in price between a Jewish contractor and a non-Jew is significant, then the non-Jew should be used to avoid wasting public funds. However, once they approach the finishing of the structure, then a Shomer Shabbos Jew should be hired since a shul has kedusha and it is preferable to have someone working who understands the concept of kedusha, pointing out this is learned in seforim, and doing this will contribute to the success of the shul. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

In a rare occurrence, Tzfat Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Shlita during a Galei Yisrael Radio interview on Monday accused Atra Kadisha’s Rabbi Dovid Smeidal of duping the tzibur, using the Barzilai bones to advance his agenda. The Rav stated that in accordance to Shulchan Aruch, it was permissible to move the bones at Barzilai, adding that Rashbi did the same, citing a Gemara in which Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai saw bones were bothering the tzibur and therefore, moved them, asking what Rav Smeidal and his colleagues have to say about this particular Gemara. Rabbi Eliyahu called those who follow Rav Smeidal and his path fools, lamenting the “bitul Torah”, the “confrontation” and the “dispute that resulted” from their actions. He states that halacha specifically permits the moving of the bones, questioning Rav Smeidal’s motives and actions, launching a personal attack against him for causing such violence and machlokes, holding Rav Smeidal responsible. Rav Eliyahu adds “Rabbi Smeidal is a known agitator who promotes strife. Prominent rabbonim permitted moving the bones. Anyone following in his footsteps is simply a fool. I know for a fact that this man comes to rabbonim and tells them stories, misleading them into prohibiting matters”. Rabbi Eliyahu continues, explaining “the list of prominent rabbonim does not persuade since if “Rav Elyashiv, who is a ga’on and a tzaddik and if he cited halacha after a decision we would all bow our heads and adhere to his words. But in this case, I do not believe Rav Elyashiv said “don’t move them” since he is a man of halacha and he did not cite halacha in the ruling. He is a man of halacha and not a politician, and that which is publicized in his name is simply a lie and a deception”. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)