Search Results for “mispallel” – Page 3

With IDF Protection, Hundreds Daven At Kever Yosef, Call To Restore Site To Jewish Hands

March 13, 2025 6:23 am 2 Comments

Hundreds of mispallelim, accompanied by the IDF, entered Kever Yosef in Shechem on Wednesday night, ahead of Taanis Esther and Purim, as part of the regular visits arranged by the Shomron Regional Council and approved by the IDF. Yossi Dagan, the head of the Shomron Council, called for the restoration of full Israeli control over Kever Yosef. “There is no real reason to continue this absurdity, that a site that is supposed to be under full Israeli control, even according to the cursed Oslo Accords, has remained abandoned for over 24 years – one of the most kodesh places for the Jewish nation,” he said. “I call on the government to act to restore the permanent presence at the site, to correct the disgrace and allow every Jew to daven in this kodesh place without fear. We must have a ונהפוכו and fully return to Kever Yosef.” Israel abandoned Kever Yosef, handing it over to the Palestinian Authority, after an Arab mob targeted the site, setting it on fire and causing rampant destruction during the early days of the Second Intifada in 2000. Hours after the IDF evacuated the area, a mob set the kever on fire and destroyed the entire site until it was nothing but rubble. For three years, no Jews were permitted to visit the site. In 2003, permission was granted to Jews to daven at the site but only on pre-approved visits in the middle of the night under heavy military protection. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

HISTORIC: Hundreds of Chareidim Daven At Rav Ashi’s Kever On Lebanon Border With IDF Escort

March 7, 2025 7:01 am 10 Comments

Approximately 800 Chareidim Jews, many from the Breslov and Shuvu Banim communities, gathered overnight Thursday to daven at the kever of Rav Ashi, the revered Amora who compiled the Gemara, located along the Israel-Lebanon border. This group, facilitated and escorted by the IDF, marked a significant shift from previous risky attempts to reach the site. The visit coincided with the 7th of Adar, which is the yahrtzeit and birth date of Moshe Rabbeinu, a meaningful day for tefillah at the Kevarim of tzaddikim. The kever, situated within the IDF’s Tziporen outpost on the U.N.-delineated Blue Line, has long been a focal point of yearning for Chareidi Jews despite its dangerous proximity to Hezbollah-controlled territory. This time, the IDF ensured safe access, escorting hundreds of mispallelim under tight security. According to the Times of Israel, the IDF had initially planned for 250 participants, but the turnout swelled to nearly 800, reflecting the overwhelming desire to connect with this makom kadosh. This legal and protected visit contrasts with past incidents reported by YWN, where groups of Chareidim crossed into Lebanon illegally to reach Rav Ashi’s kever. On October 31, 2019, YWN detailed how a group reached the site under perilous conditions, noting its significance to both Jews and Shiite Muslims, who claim the tomb is of a Shi’ite Muslim, Sheikh Abbad, a founder of the Shi’ite movement in Lebanon who lived about 500 years ago. Just last month, YWN reported thay 20 young men from Shuvu Banim infiltrated Lebanese territory to daven at the kever, with several detained. Just days later, on February 23, YWN again reported another attempt by 30 Shuvu Banim members, resulting in four arrests after confrontations with security forces. The visit on Friday morning allowed hundreds to daven shacharis at the kever without crossing into Lebanese territory illegally. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Bat-Wielding Maniac Threatening Mispalelim Outside Howell Shul Arrested

February 18, 2025 10:45 pm No Comments

Shomrim responded on Tuesday night to reports of a male suspect wielding a bat and threatening mispallelim near a shul in Howell. Read more about this story on Lakewood Alerts.

Khal Torah Utefilla of New City Crowns Harav Binyamin Steinberg as Mara D’asra [PHOTOS & VIDEOS]

February 18, 2025 1:15 pm 3 Comments

This past Motzoei Shabbos Khal Torah Utefilla of New City celebrated the Hachtarah of their esteemed and beloved Mara D’asra, Harav Binyamin Steinberg Shlita. The Shul was founded about seven years ago by a handful of Bnei Torah who moved out to New City, a few miles north of Monsey. As the Minyan grew to include many respected talmidei chachomim, magidei shiur, kollel yungerleit, and baalei batim bnei Torah, it became apparent that the Kehillah would require a true Gadol, a Muram Me’am, to serve as their Rav. After months of searching and researching, the tzibbur found what they were seeking; Harav Binyamin Steinberg Shlita of Besonhurst, a true talmud chacham who spent many decades toiling in the daled amos shel halacha. Rav Binyamin grew up in a home of Torah and Rabbanus. His father, Harav Peretz Shlita served as Rav of Young Israel of Queens Valley for close to 50 years. Rav Peretz had a close kesher with Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky and many other Gedolim of the previous generation, a mesorah which he passed on to his mishpachah, mispallelim and talmidim. Harav Binyamin is a talmud muvhak of Rav Meir Stern Shlita and has been kavua in the koslei Bais Hamedrash of Yeshiva Bais Hatalmud for the past four decades. He is a true Gadol baTorah, Gadol B’midos tovos and beloved by all. His Rebbetzin is a daughter of Rav Avraham Glen of Far Rockaway, presently living in Eretz Yisroel. With the Rav at its helm, the Kehillah continues to grow b’ruchnius ub’gashmius and has b’ezras Hashem purchased a property and begun a building campaign. On Motzei Shabbos, hundreds of Yidden joined the Kehillah members at Tiferes Elka Hall in Monsey in honor of the hachtarah. The event was graced by the participation of many Gedolei Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbanim. The overflow crowd included many members of Young Israel of Queens Valley. Many of them attend the Daf Yomi of Harav Binyamin which he has been giving for the past 35 years. Members of the Kollel Boker of Khal Tomchei Torah of Flatbush under the leadership of Harav Binyamin were also in attendance. A very large contingent of Bensonhurst Bais Hatalmud mishpachos braved the weather to participate in the celebration. Rabbi Matis Stern, one of the founding members of the Kehillah, chaired the ma’amad. Divrei brachah on behalf of the Kehillah were offered by Rabbi Yossi Jakubovitz. He remarked about how much the tzibbur has gained from the Rav’s weekly original drashos and shiurim. He spoke about how the Rav and Rebbetzin are so personally involved in the community, sharing in simchos and comforting and being mechazek in times of tzaar. The assembled were then zocheh to hear Divrei Brachah from the venerable Rav, Harav Peretz Steinberg Shlita. He recalled how he took his son Binyamin at the young age of seven to Harav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal. Rav Moshe asked him what he was learning. The boy responded, Parshas Lech Lecha. After asking him to say the Posuk, young Binyamin went on to recite the next 13 Pesukim by heart! Rav Peretz extolled his son’s virtue of nesius ol; how he goes to such great lengths to research an issue when someone turns to him for advice. This was followed by an address by Harav Elya

BD”E: Petirah Of HaRav Elazar Meir Teitz Zt”l, Longtime Leader Of Elizabeth’s Jewish Community

February 2, 2025 6:30 am 1 Comment

The Jewish community of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and beyond is mourning the petirah of Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz, zt”l, the rav of the city and leader of the Jewish Educational Center (JEC). Rav Teitz was 89 years old. A son of the late Rav Pinchas Mordechai Teitz, who served as the pioneering rav of Elizabeth from 1935 until his passing in 1995, Rav Elazar Mayer carried forward his father’s legacy of Torah, education, and communal leadership. Born in 1935, he displayed remarkable Torah scholarship from a young age, earning semicha from Rav Isaac Halevi Herzog, the Chief Rabbi of Israel. In addition to his rabbinic studies, he pursued advanced degrees in mathematics and education. In 1958, he joined his father in guiding the community, eventually succeeding him as mara d’asra of Elizabeth. His impact extended far beyond the pulpit. He was a dedicated Daf Yomi maggid shiur, completing Shas multiple times since beginning his daily shiur in 1980. Following in his father’s footsteps, he used radio broadcasts as a tool for spreading Torah to wider audiences. Under his leadership, the Jewish Educational Center (JEC) expanded significantly, becoming a pillar of Torah and academic excellence. The institution includes the JEC Lower and Middle School, Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy (RTMA) for boys, and Bruriah High School for Girls. Generations of students have been shaped by his vision, which emphasized a harmonious balance of Torah learning and secular education. Beyond his work in chinuch, Rav Teitz was a unifying figure in Elizabeth, fostering achdus among kehillos and shuls and playing a prominent role in the broader Jewish landscape. His leadership and wisdom were sought after by many, and his influence extended across communal, educational, and halachic spheres. Rav Teitz is survived by his rebbetzin, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with thousands of mispallelim, students, and admirers who will deeply miss his presence. Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes. UPDATE: The לוויה will take place today in ארץ ישראל at Shamgar (Jerusalem Municipal Funeral Parlor) at 19:00. The funeral can be viewed via livestream. There will be a livestream setup for the community in the JEC’s Silverstein Beis Medrash at 330 Elmora Avenue at 12PM today. The קבורה will follow at הר הזיתים. Shiva in Israel will be at the Rav’s home in Yerushalyim, 7 Kikar Magnes. Visiting hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM Three of the Rav’s sisters, Dr. Rivkah Blau, Abbie Rabin and Elli Teitz Goldstein will sit shiva at the Goldstein Residence, 408 Edgewood Avenue in Teaneck, NJ through Friday afternoon February 7. Visiting hours: Sunday 2PM- 8PM; Monday – Thursday 9:30AM – 8PM and Friday 9:30AM – 1PM. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

HORRIFYING! Vandals Break Into Aron Kodesh, Destroy Sefer Torah In Bat Yam Shul

January 27, 2025 12:20 pm 5 Comments

A heinous act occurred late Sunday night when vandals broke into a shul located in a public bomb shelter on David Remez Street in Bat Yam. The perpetrators forced open the Aron Kodesh using electric tools, throwing a Sefer Torah to the floor and stepping on it in an appalling act of bizayon HaTorah. The scene of the desolation was discovered early Monday morning when mispallelim arrived for Shacharis. Police were called to the site, but according to witnesses, the responding officers showed indifference, staying only briefly and advising those disturbed to file complaints at the station. One of the mispallelim, Avichai Shalom, expressed his belief that the attack was driven by Palestinian nationalist motives. “No Yid would go to such lengths to break into the Aron Kodesh just to desecrate a Sefer Torah,” he said. He noted that the shul had recently undergone renovations, with Arab workers carrying out the project. The scene was described as devastating. “A Sefer Torah lay on the floor, its klafim torn,” Shalom recounted. “Other Aronei Kodesh in the shul were also broken into, but aside from two pushkas, nothing was stolen.” The shul was located in a bomb shelter to provide a makom tefillah for residents during wartime sirens, and it had become a hub for the local community. Despite the desecration, the gabbaim are determined to restore the kedushah of the shul. They are awaiting forensic investigators and have pledged to repair the damage and resume tefillos as soon as possible. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

LOS ANGELES: Chabad House Storage Facility Appears Ablaze In Wildfire [VIDEO]

January 7, 2025 7:39 pm 1 Comment

Footage from the massive Los Angeles wildfire shows multiple large Chanukah Menorah’s on fire in front of a sign which says “Friendship Circle,” which is a program run by Chabad. Sources tell YWN that the image seen on fire is a storage facility used by the Chabad House. We have been told that the Sifrei Torah and all family members safely evacuated. Please be Mispallel that the adjoining buildings, which house the Chabad House remain safe. Stay with YWN as we bring you updates on this breaking story.

Levaya for HaRav Tzion Nadav, zt”l, Held at Kol Torah Yeshiva

December 23, 2024 2:47 pm No Comments

Levaya held today at the “Kol Torah” yeshiva in Beit Vagan, for HaRav Tzion Nadav zt”l, one of the elders of the חכמי תימן and a prominent educator. He was a regular Mispallel at the yeshiva and was Niftar this morning at 92.

Rav Yeruchem Olshin Shlita on Parshas Toldos: The Power of Tefillah

November 29, 2024 6:16 am 2 Comments

restated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman We are so very fortunate to have Gedolei Torah in our midst where we can draw life-giving water from their insights, wisdom, and deep Gemorah shiurim. The following is from a Vaad given last year on Parshas Todos. In memory of R’ Tzvi Dovid ben R’ Moshe Based upon a Vaad delivered in 5784. The Pasuk The Parsha describes the tefillah of Yitzchok and Rivkah for a child with the posuk: “Vayetar Yitzchok laHashem l’nochach ishto ki akoroh hi, vayeater lo Hashem vatahar Rivkah ishto” – And Yitzchok davened to Hashem opposite his wife because she was barren, and Hashem accepted his tefillah, and Rivkah his wife became pregnant. Understanding Their Tefillos – The Physical Arrangement In explaining the words “l’nochach ishto”, Rashi quotes a Gemara in Yevamos that tells us “zeh omed b’zovis zu umispalel v’zu omedes b’zovis zu umispalleles. – Yitzchok stood in one corner and davened, while Rivkah stood in the other corner and davened.” However, the posuk emphasizes “vayeater lo” – that the Borei Olam (Creator of the World) answered his – Yitzchok’s – tefillah. The Power of Lineage in Tefillah Rashi explains that “she’ein domeh tefilas tzaddik ben rasha l’tefilas tzaddik ben tzaddik l’fichoch lo v’lo loh” – the tefillah of a tzaddik ben rasha can in no way be compared to the tefillah of a tzaddik ben tzaddik. Therefore, the tefillah of Yitzchok, who was a tzaddik ben tzaddik, was answered before the tefillah of Rivkah, who was a tzadaikes bas rasha. The Alter of Kelm’s Novel Interpretation The Alter of Kelm presents a different understanding of the power of a tzaddik ben tzaddik’s tefillah. Chazal tell us in Yoma 29 that there is a principle of “atiksah kasheh meichadata” – The old is more difficult than the new. This suggests that maintaining righteousness across generations presents unique challenges. The Role of Mesiras Nefesh The Gemara in Brochos 20 contemplates why earlier generations were zoche to so many nissim while we are not. This question leads us to explore the relationship between self-sacrifice and divine intervention. The Malbim’s Understanding of Kedushah The Malbim, at the beginning of Parshas Kedoshim, teaches that there exists an olam godol and an olam koton. The olam godol is our physical world, and the olam koton is mankind, with every individual representing an olam koton. The Borei Olam programs these worlds so that events in the olam godol mirror the behavior of the olam koton. Natural and Supernatural Governance Every person has a teva with retzonos and taavos – natural self with inclinations and desires. When we live according to our teva, following our taavos and retzonos, the Borei Olam runs the world b’derech hateva – through natural means). However, explains the Malbim, when a person elevates himself above his teva by negating these natural desires, the Borei Olam responds by running the worldabove the natural way – supernaturally). The Deeper Meaning of Kedoshim Tihiyu The Toras Kohanim teaches: “Im mekadshim atem atzmeichem maaleh ani aleichem k’ilu kedashtem osi.” The Borei Olam tells us that when we sanctify ourselves, He considers it as if we sanctified Him. The Malbim explains that while we cannot add kedushah to the Borei Olam, who is kulo kodosh (entirely holy), we can influence how He interacts with our

HaRav Yehoshua Kalish ST’L – The Hespedim

November 17, 2024 11:50 am No Comments

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman ([email protected]) It was an extremely emotional levaya because he was so beloved. The levaya began with essah ainay. Then mimaamakim Rav Moshe Brown shlita spoke first. Many years ago, he remembered in Baltimor, the RY had a picture of Rav Hutner on the wall of his foyer. RMB asked why does he give a krechtz everytime he passes? Rabbi Kalish, when he was very young, the trajectory in his life was to a baki beshas. There are people here that knew him from HILI. A baki beshas, who was marbitz Torah beRabbim, who worked on middos – he became an ish nichbad me’od me’od The Gemorah in Yuma says that the Name of Hashem should be beloved by your actions. And beside that he must be involved with the brios. It doesn’t come to Hashem being lived – unless he is beloved. When people do that people say “Praised is his father that taught him Torah. We saw the heiliger niftar – not only did he know shas – but he was beloved by the brios. His parents, for years took enormous pride in the KH he was making. I have this image of Rav Elya Svei saying, “Ah mein Talmid.” I don’t think in all the years – I never saw him get angry. You want to say the truth and not be megazem. His midos taovos that are there to complement. The harbatzas Torah is something we should all learn from. Avrohom Avinu says to Hashem – Chalilah lecha to do something improper. Avrohom is davening for the people who stood for the opposite of what he stood for. Why? For the dor haflaga he was not melamed zchus – but here by sdom he did. The explanation is that in between, Avrohom Avinu became the Av of all mankind – av hamon goyim. The older people who have life experience they have only good things to say. In being maspid. Rav Yehoshua zatzal, It would be very difficult to find st negative he would have said. The next speaker was Rabbi Kalish’s brother, Reb Aharon. It is very hard to speak about my brother. Everything that was said about Avrohom Avinu in the parsha applied to my brother. Another thing that never left him was his simchas hachaim. He loved other yidden His two sons spoke next. Reb Moshe, You started in Yerushalayim – Rav Nochum was your Rebbe In BMG you learned 12 hours a day in Kollel.. maisim lailos kayamim Then came YFR you loved every talmid as a child.. Then came Harborview.. How many almanos and yesomos did you help! Then came the Kollel – you loved learning and teaching halacha l’maaseh. Abba, you were such a giant. You finisged shas 40 times.. you were so down to earth. You were not only my father and rebbe – you were my friend.. The last time we spoke you said I love you.. Abba I love you forever Rav Meir SImcha spoke next Abba! We miss you so much! I remember when you eulogized Mr. Rapp you cried and asked Who will replace him? Abba who will replace your Torah! Who will replace your chessed?! Your favorite Gemorah was Baitzah.. Finished it 100 times.. You always quoted that there is a

MOVING VIDEOS: Tens of Thousands Gather at the Kosel for Final Selichos Before Yom Kippur

October 10, 2024 7:16 pm 1 Comment

Tens of thousands of Jews from all walks of life filled the heavily secured Kosel Plaza tonight to recite the final Selichos before Yom Kippur. The emotionally charged atmosphere was palpable as mispallelim gathered in throngs, united in pleading with Hashem for forgiveness and a happy year ahead. Among the dignitaries present was Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was seen taking part in the Selichos. In a touching display of brotherly love, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef, the outgoing Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, was seen greeting his brother, HaGaon HaRav David Yosef, who is the incoming Sephardic Chief Rabbi. Their embrace, surrounded by the din of thousands of tefillos, captured the spirit of achdus that transcended the evening. Tonight marked the last of more than a month of Selichos for Sefardim, who begin reciting them from Rosh Chodesh Elul. Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the stirring rendition of “Adon HaSelichos.” The melodic chants echoed off the walls of the Old City, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of reverence and awe. Following the Selichos, HaGaon HaRav David Yosef recited a special Mi Shebeirach for the hostages who have been held in Gaza for over a year, adding an additionally somber tone to the evening as the tefillos turned to those enduring captivity and suffering. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Scheiner’s Shul: Like No Other – Now’s the Time to Take Part

October 9, 2024 8:30 pm No Comments

In the heart of Monsey, there’s a place that transcends its role as a shul. Scheiner’s Shul is more than a place for minyanim or learning—it’s a second home for Yidden from all walks of life. No matter your background, affiliation, or even your headgear, when you step inside Scheiner’s, you’re part of a vibrant, welcoming community. With 125 daily minyanim, 15 shiurim, and an astounding 5,000 visitors every single day, Scheiner’s Shul is abuzz with activity, morning, noon, and night. It’s a place where Torah and tefillah never stop, where 7,500 cups of coffee fuel an endless flow of Yidden connecting to their roots and to each other. But Scheiner’s isn’t just about numbers. It’s about a sense of belonging. It’s where people from every corner of the world gather, a place where differences dissolve and the essence of community shines through. And now, that very community needs your help. Be a Part of Something Bigger Scheiner’s Shul has grown tremendously over the past decade. What started as a small minyan has become the heartbeat of Monsey—a spiritual hub that pulses with Torah, tefillah, and chesed. But growth comes with challenges, and now, Scheiner’s gives every mispallel—whether you come daily, once a week, or only on occasion—the zechus to take part in keeping this incredible makom Torah alive. For only $365, you can purchase a seat in the shul and secure an eternal connection to this incredible place. It’s not just about the money; it’s about joining forces to ensure that Scheiner’s continues to be a home for every Yid who walks through its doors. Why Your Help Matters Now Scheiner’s Shul is more than a building—it’s the beating heart of our community, and it can’t continue to operate at this scale without your support. The time to step up is now. Whether you’ve davened here for years or only stop by occasionally, Scheiner’s is your shul, your community, your responsibility. Imagine the zechus of helping maintain a place where thousands of Yidden come to daven, learn, and connect. By purchasing a seat or making a donation, you are ensuring that Scheiner’s can continue to be a spiritual home for all, welcoming Yidden from every corner of the world. Join the Movement Let’s come together and support Scheiner’s with all our hearts. This is our opportunity to take part in something much greater than ourselves—something that touches the lives of thousands every single day. Be a part of the community that’s more than just a shul—be a part of Scheiner’s. For more information on how you can contribute or to make your donation, visit dryveup.com/18forshay or to donate by phone call 845-286-9646. CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

WATCH: Emotional Tefillah At Kosel For IDF Soldiers In Lebanon

October 2, 2024 9:30 am No Comments

In the shadow of the launch of a ground operation in Lebanon Monday, thousands of Jews gathered at the Kosel for Selichos on Monday night. The crowd recited emotional tefillos for the welfare and safety of the soldiers and Klal Yisrael as a new phase of the battle against its enemies begins shortly before the start of the new year. Tens of thousands of mispallelim from throughout the country were expected to arrive at the Kosel on Tuesday night, Erev Rosh Hashanah, for the recital of Selichos and Hataras Nedarim, beginning at midnight. However, following the rocket fire in Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning and the Home Front Command’s subsequent announcement about tightened restrictions in Jerusalem and other areas, the Selichos ceremony was canceled. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

At Shul? This Is What You Should Do If You Hear A Siren

October 2, 2024 7:02 am 6 Comments

As part of the preparations for Rosh Hashanah, the Home Front Command is urging the public to stay alert and familiarize themselves with the guidelines. Capt. (res.) Doni Cohen, the head of the Religious-Chareidi division in the Home Front Command’s public awareness department, explains that three days during which the Shomrei Shabbos public is disconnected from communication tools is a significant challenge, and the public needs to prepare accordingly. “First of all, it’s important for people to be aware of the guidelines in the case of a siren during tefillos at shul,” Cohen began. “Mispallelim should use their judgment to decide whether they can safely move to a protected space without causing overcrowding at the entrance of the shul. If it’s not possible to safely evacuate to a protected area, mispallelim should crouch down as much as possible to distance themselves from the windows.” Additionally, the Home Front Command is calling the public to keep a radio on one of the quiet channels over the Chag, noting that besides warnings that can be received over the Chag and Shabbos, the Home Front Command will break into the quiet frequencies if life-saving instructions are required. The Home Front Command emphasizes that it’s very important to follow the guidelines as its policy is based on intelligence assessments and professional expertise and therefore should be regarded with seriousness and responsiblity. In areas where there are restrictions on gatherings, the congregations should adhere to the numbers and not exceed them. In many communities in the north, gatherings of only up to 10 people are allowed outside and up to 150 inside a building. “We expect the public to familiarize themselves with the restrictions and act accordingly to protect our lives and the lives of our family members,” officials from the Home Front Command said. “Anyone planning to be in the north during the Chag must ensure that there won’t be a gathering exceeding the permitted number at places of tefillah. I urge people to comply,” Cohen emphasized. “Continue to show responsibility and be aware of the situation on the ground. For example, at the Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai site in Meron, gatherings of more than 150 people are not allowed. The police are deployed on the roads and are enforcing the defense policy in the area for the safety of citizens.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

ועל ניסך שבכל יום: Israeli-Arab Plotted Deadly Attack At Kivrei Tzaddikim

September 26, 2024 8:15 pm 1 Comment

The Shin Bet and Israel Police released for publication on Thursday that an Israeli-Arab resident of the Galil planned to carry out a deadly terror attack against mispallelim at the kever of a tzaddik in the Galil. The suspect, Basel Abuhara, a 23-year-old resident of Arraba, was arrested a little over over month ago. During his interrogation, it emerged that he was planning a combined attack involving the detonation of a bomb and then gunfire at Jews visiting a kever in the Galil. Sources told B’Chadrei Chareidim that he was targeting members of a tzedaka organization who intended to visit the kever of Rebbe Chaninah ben Dosa. In the months before his arrest, he was assisted by Arabs from the Palestinian Authority who were in Israel illegally and were knowledgeable about preparing explosive devices. Abahara also recruited two minors to the terror cell he established who were also arrested and interrogated by the police and Shin Bet. On Thursday, a serious indictment was filed against Abuhara and his two minor accomplices at the Haifa District Court. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Tel Aviv Police Chief Says Suicide Bomber Intended To Target Shul

August 20, 2024 5:30 pm No Comments

Israel Police’s Tel Aviv District Commander, Deputy Commissioner Peretz Amar, said on Monday evening that the suicide bomber whose device detonated prematurely on Sunday evening likely intended to target the Rashbi shul, where Maariv was taking place with at least 80 mispallelim along with dozens of bochurim and avreichim who were learning in the Beis Medrash. “It was an attack involving a large explosive device, which, had it not exploded outside, would have caused major damage,” he said. “If the terrorist had entered the shul, it could have been a horrible tragedy.” Amar added that the terrorist, a resident of Shechem, had no criminal record. “We identified the terrorist, who is from the Palestinian territories. The explosive device was likely manufactured where he lived.” “We estimate the terrorist was supposed to reach a certain location and apparently noticed the shul on his way. He decided to stop for a moment to arm the device but apparently pressed something else and activated it. A clear picture will develop in a few days and we’ll hold those responsible accountable.” Amar urged the public to remain vigilant. “Anyone who looks strange – report to the police. Anyone wearing more than a short-sleeved shirt in this hot summer weather is hiding something. Someone who’s carrying a heavy bag, isn’t behaving naturally, is furtively looking around – those are suspicious signs.” “I’m sure there will be false reports but I’d rather run for a false alarm than arrive at an incident that the public didn’t report. Ultimately, it was truly a neis.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

ASTOUNDING: Bnei Brak Rav Last Week: “Limmud Torah In This Shul Protects All Of Tel Aviv”

August 19, 2024 12:45 pm 7 Comments

Rav Avraham Meshulam, the Gabbai of the Rashbi shul in southern Tel Aviv, where a great neis occurred on Sunday evening when a suicide bomber’s powerful bomb prematurely exploded ten meters away from it, spoke to the media on Monday about the magnitude of the neis. “The explosion was louder than I’ve ever heard before,” he said. “The whole shul shook like in a powerful earthquake. The electricity went out in part of the building and the glass of the windows shattered on people. Miraculously there were no people on the street at the time except for one passerby who was injured and we daven for his speedy recovery.” “They saw on the security cameras that the terrorist had already approached the entrance of the shul, checked out the area and saw that there was a shul there full of people. Afterward, you see him going back ten meters and sitting on a bench and fiddling with the buttons inside his knapsack. Hakadosh Baruch Hu caused him to make a mistake and apparently he accidentally pressed the wrong button, activating the device at that moment and not several minutes afterward. It truly was a neis. The building next to the shul, a hardware store, was destroyed – the wall completely exploded. The glass that shattered on us was really marginal, nothing. None of us were hurt, not even a little. We believe that Hakadosh Baruch Hu protects us and saved us.” Rav Meshulam told B’Chadrei Chareidim that the shul has a Yeshivas Bein Hazemanim every day, the largest one in the city, and the shul is especially crowded at night with mispallelim and lomdei Torah – exactly the time that the device exploded. “Just last week, the Sephardi Rav of Bnei Brak, HaGaon HaRav Masoud Ben-Shimon, came to the opening ceremony for Yeshivas Bein HaZemanim, and said: ‘Know one thing – this Yeshivas Bein HaZemanim protects all of Tel Aviv.’ “At that time, people didn’t attribute much importance to his words and thought it was simply a statement of chizzuk. But Baruch Hashem, everyone understands the koach of Torah – that’s what protects Am Yisrael. It could have ended in a mass-casualty incident – the explosion was extremely powerful.” “My father built this shul 75 years ago in the name of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai. The shteibelach have been here for 75 years and are full of tefillos, shiurei Torah all the time.” See the shul in the videos below. The first video shows the limmud Torah continuing even after the attack – without lights or air conditioning. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

HUGE NEIS: Massacre Averted As Suicide Bomber Explodes Next To Shul In Tel Aviv

August 19, 2024 2:52 am 1 Comment

Mispallelim at a shul in south Tel Aviv experienced a huge neis on Sunday evening when a powerful explosive device in the knapsack of a suicide bomber walking by the shul prematurely exploded, killing the man and wounding a passerby. There were 80 mispallelim davening Maariv in the shul when the bomb exploded. The building was rocked by the explosion but b’chasdei Hashem, no one was injured as the device exploded as the terrorist was passing by a truck, which absorbed most of the explosion. Security officials believe that the suicide bomber was on his way to detonate the bomb in a crowded area, such as the shopping area about 100 meters from the shul, where numerous cafes and stores are located. Chaim Bublil, Police chief of the Ayalon District in Tel Aviv, said; “It was a neis that it didn’t explode in the nearby shul or shopping center. It could have ended in dozens of deaths.” Israeli security officials have identified the suicide bomber, a man in his 50s, as a Palestinian resident of Shechem. On Monday, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claimed responsibility for the attack and Hamas threatened that suicide bombings will continue. Leonid, 33, was passing by the scene on an electric scooter was moderately injured by shrapnel from the blast. He was treated at the scene and evacuated to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. He told Ynet from his hospital bed: “I was riding my scooter home from work. Suddenly, there was a huge explosion and I was thrown off my scooter. There was a lot of fire, and I was right in the middle of it. It felt like a scene from a movie—a massive explosion, and I was in the center of the flames. The doctors at the hospital have told me several times that I’m lucky to be alive, with just a few shrapnel wounds.” Dr. Eyal Hashavia, the head of the surgical trauma unit at Ichilov, said that shrapenl punctured Leonid’s lung. “He will undergo surgery but is expected to make a full and speedy recovery.” The moments of the explosion: The footage below shows the suicide bomber walking with a knapsack on his back holding the explosive device minutes before the explosion: The shul next to the site of the attack: In the Beis Medrash of the shul: A Tel Aviv municipality worker told Ynet: “There was a Mincha and Maariv tefillah here in a building that holds 120 people. The explosion occurred in the middle of Maariv while there were at least 80 people in the shul on the first floor alone. If he would have entered the shul…a great neis happened here.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Another Terrorist Released In Hostage Deal Eliminated In Shechem

August 15, 2024 4:04 am 4 Comments

IDF forces carried out a counterterrorism operation overnight Wednesday in the Balata “refugee camp” in Shechem. Local terrorists opened fire at the IDF soldiers and threw explosives. The soldiers returned fire and an Air Force aircraft attacked two armed terrorists who were endangering the troops with a drone, killing both of them. One of the terrorists was Wael Misha, 18, who was released from an Israeli prison in November as part of the ceasefire/hostage deal with Hamas. He was arrested and imprisoned after he accepted money from an Islamic Jihad terrorist to manufacture explosives. Earlier this week, an Israeli was seriously wounded by Tariq Daoud, an 18-year-old Hamas terrorist who was also released as part of the deal in November. In the video below, Misha can be seen shortly after his release in November yelling laudatory phrases about Muhammad Deif and the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military arm. IDF forces leave the area after the completion of the operation: Also overnight Wednesday, IDF and Border Police officers secured the entry of mispallelim to Kever Yosef in Shechem. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

TEHILLIM: 19-Month-Old Boy in Critical Condition After Being Struck by Vehicle in Pomona

July 19, 2024 10:45 am 2 Comments

This morning at approximately 9:00 AM, a 19-month-old boy was struck by a vehicle on Marion Court in Pomona, Monsey Scoop reported. Rockland Hatzolah and Haverstraw Police quickly responded to the scene. Rockland Hatzolah Paramedics transported the child to Nyack Hospital, where he was in critical condition. Sources tell Monsey Scoop that Rockland Hatzoloh Paramedics have subsequently successfully transferred the 19-month-old boy from Nyack Hospital to Westchester Medical Center. The tzibur is asked to be mispallel for the child, whose name for Tehillim is Zev Ben Golda.

CLOSED & SHUTTERED: Meron Is Officially Under Military Closure Until Next Monday

May 22, 2024 7:30 pm 2 Comments

The IDF spokesperson announced on Tuesday evening that the commander of the Home Front Command, Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo, signed an order imposing a military closure on Meron following the passing of the Meron Law, which legislated emergency regulations at the site on Lag B’Omer in the wake of numerous Hezbollah attacks of the site in recent months. The order went into effect on Tuesday at 11 p.m. and will remain in effect until Monday, May 27 at noon. “The Home Front Command clarifies that entering the Meron area is strictly prohibited and asks the public to be vigilant and refrain from entering the area and that any access to the closed area is in accordance with the permits issued by law,” the IDF spokesperson stated. “Arriving in the closed area without prior coordination and approval endangers public safety and human life.” A B‘Chadrei Chareidim reporter filmed mispallelim dancing at the site on Tuesday evening prior to the enforcement of the closure: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

HaGaon HaRav Elya Brudny Travels To Israel For One Day To Visit Lev L’Achim’s “Soldiers of Klal Yisrael” [VIDEOS & PHOTOS]

May 2, 2024 7:20 am No Comments

Hagaon HaRav Elya Brudny, the Rosh Yeshivah of Mir Yeshivah in Brooklyn and a Chaver Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisroel of America, traveled to Eretz Yisrael on Wednesday for just 12 hours to provide chizzuk to the incredible Lev L’Achim organization, an educational outreach organization which works to share the beauty of Torah with secular Jews in Eretz Yisrael. Arriving in Eretz Yisrael on Thursday morning, HaRav Brudny davened Shacharis in Be’er Yaakov at one of the hundreds of Lev L’Achim schools around the country. HaRav Elya spoke briefly to the boys in Hebrew, complimenting them on their beautiful davening. He then related a shmuess that the Rosh Yeshivah of the Mir, HaGaon HaRav Chaim Shmulevitch, z’tl, said based on a midrash in Parshas Matos. “When Moshe Rabbeinu led Bnei Yisrael in war, he took 1,000 men as soldiers from every shevet, along with another 1,000 men from every shevet to daven for the soldiers. In a Jewish war, there’s a mispallel for every soldier. The mispallelim are mekayeim the world.” HaRav Brudney stressed to the boys that through their tefillos, they are serving as soldiers and bringing yeshuos to Klal Yisrael. Afterward, HaRav Eliezer Sorotzkin, the head of Lev L’Achim, said a few words, stressing that out of the 157 Lev L’Achim locations and over 300 schools, the boys were zocheh that HaRav Brudny davened with them. One of boys then gave a moving bracha to HaRav Elya as a representative of all the talmidim. HaRav Brudny then visited some of the classrooms to witness firsthand the pure tefillos and limmud Torah of the children, who without the incredible work of Lev L’Achim, would be in secular public schools. The Rosh Yeshivah will be one of the speakers at the massive Lev L’Achim Asifa in Binyanei Hauma, where he and the Gedolei Eretz Yisroel will deliver Chizuk to thousands of Avreichim who learn with non Frum men and children. Watch the moving videos below. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Report: No Lag B’Omer Event In Meron This Year, To Be Declared Closed Military Site

May 1, 2024 8:51 am 13 Comments

About three and a half weeks before Lag B’Omer, the IDF recommended that the Lag B’Omer event not take place this year due to the numerous Hezbollah attacks on Meron in recent months, Ynet reported on Wednesday morning. This past Motzei Shabbos, Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets toward Har Meron and rockets fell on the roads leading to the tzion of the Rashbi. In recent months, hundreds of rockets have been launched at the Air Force control base on Har Meron. The Meron site is expected to be declared a closed military site over Lag B’Omer, May 25th-26th, to be enforced by Israel Police and military police. An official in the war cabinet told Kikar H’Shabbat: “There won’t be a hillula this year on Lag B’Omer in Meron. No one will take the risk of rocket launches at Meron while thousands are celebrating there.” Kikar also reported that senior officials in Netanyahu’s office sent messages to the Jerusalem Ministry and the Religious Services Ministry that they should not prepare for the hillula as it will not take place due to the security situation. A similar message was also delivered by Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs. An IDF spokesperson stated in response to the Ynet report: “In accordance with the latest operational assessment, the IDF recommended to the relevant authorities the cancellation of the Rashbi events on Har Meron which would take place on May 25-26, 2024. There are no further changes in instructions for the home front.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

הודו לו: Residents Of Romema & Kiryat Belz Thank Hashem For The Nissim

April 24, 2024 7:52 am 1 Comment

Mispallelim at shuls in Romema and Kiryat Belz on Pesach thanked Hashem for the incredible nissim – the ones that took place during Yetziyas Mitzrayim along with the nissim of Erev Pesach 2024, when a potential massacre was averted b’chasdei Hashem. Three residents were lightly injured in the attack. They were treated at the hospital and released before Yom Tov. HaRav Isaac Fried of Hidabroot went out in his car an hour before licht bentching with a loudspeaker and requested that residents thank Hashem at their sedarim for the open nissim they experienced. The gabbai of the Nachlas Akiva shul in Ganei Geulah, next to the site of the attack, said that the residents feel that the neis occurred in the zechus of the Yeshivas Bein HaZemanim at the shul, which this year included morning seder, afternoon seder, and night seder. Hundreds of lomdei Torah filled the shul from the start of Bein HaZemanim – ותורה מגנא ומצלא. (YWN’s Jerusalem Desk is keeping you updated on the first day of Chol Hamoed in Israel.)

Shomrim: When Every Second Counts, Staten Island Counts On Them

March 11, 2024 8:00 pm No Comments

A terrified mother searching frantically for her missing 4-year-old son. A shocked business owner finding his store ransacked by thieves. A traumatized teen who was just assaulted in a dark alley by a stranger. An anxious mispallel worries about suspicious individuals hanging around his shul. These are just a smattering of the broad range of incidents Staten Island Shomrim responds to each and every day – quietly, without fanfare, and with the utmost professionalism. Staten Island Shomrim, whose members had been part of the broader NYC Shomrim network, launched as a separate branch of the organization as the Staten Island community grew – and with it, its needs. Since its inception, Staten Island Shomrim has become the trusted go-to for residents experiencing non-medical emergencies and other urgent matters. From burglaries to assaults, suspicious person reports to missing persons cases, Staten Island Shomrim is there to respond to any situation that arises. With a crew of deeply dedicated and highly trained members, they are always prepared to spring into action at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s day or night, rain or shine, Staten Island Shomrim is on call, ready to assist those in need. What sets Staten Island Shomrim apart is their commitment to going above and beyond for the community. They understand that emergencies don’t operate on a schedule, which is why they are available 24/7, willing to spend as much time as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Even if it means sacrificing hours on end, Staten Island Shomrim members are there, providing a reassuring presence and lending a helping hand whenever it’s needed most. Funds are now urgently needed to bolster their high-tech radio and communications systems, vital for swift and effective response in critical moments. Similarly, expanding its surveillance camera network is paramount, providing crucial insights and aiding in time-sensitive situations. Additionally, funds are essential for acquiring equipment to address diverse challenges, including assisting flood-affected individuals, conducting search-and-rescue missions, purchasing and maintaining patrol and off-road vehicles, and paying Shabbos Patrol expenses. These are just a few examples of the myriad expenses necessary to uphold Shomrim’s selfless and tireless work. Your contributions are invaluable in empowering Shomrim to continue its mission of safeguarding the community. Staten Island Shomrim isn’t just an organization – they’re an integral part of the neighborhood fabric. Their presence brings peace of mind to residents, knowing that there’s always someone looking out for them and ready to step in if trouble arises. By supporting Staten Island Shomrim, we’re not just investing in security – we’re investing in the strength and resilience of our community. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference in their ability to continue serving the community effectively.

BD”E: Petira of The Seagate Rov, HaRav Yekusiel Yehuda Meisels ZT”L

March 3, 2024 11:15 pm No Comments

YWN regrets to inform you of the petirah of Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Meisels zt”l, the longtime Rav in Seagate, who was niftar at Maimonides Medical Center on Sunday night at the age of 95. Rav Yekusiel Yehuda was born in Wodzisław (Veitz) to the town’s rav, Rav Tzvi Hersh and Henya Zissel, the daughter Rav Chaim Yaakov Teitelbaum, the Av Bais Din of Limanowa and the son-in-law of Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam of Bobov. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum. As a child, he studied in the yeshiva of his grandfather, Rav Dovid Dov Meislish, in Oehel. In 1944, while studying in the yeshiva in Oehel, he was captured by the Nazis and sent to a ghetto. He managed to escape and return to his parents’ home in Wodzisław, from where he was taken along with the Jews of the town and family members to Auschwitz, where he was placed in the “children’s camp.” On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, he was taken with other boys his age for selection – all were sent to their deaths, but he miraculously survived. In one incredible incident, the young Yekusiel Yehuda on Sukkos risked eating a Kezayis in a makeshift sukkah built by his father in the camp. He was caught, severely beaten, but again miraculously survived. He survived the Holocaust along with his father, the Veitzene Rav zt”l, and emigrated to the U.S., settling in Crown Heights, where he married the daughter of Rav Binyamin Chaim Feldman. After his marriage, he was appointed the Rav of Seagate, where he at first led a small Kehilla, “Kehal Yereim” (“Rabbi Meislish’s Shul”). Over the years, the Kehilla grew by leaps and bounds, with hundreds of families coming under the influence of the beloved Rav. In recent years, his son Rav David Dov, a tremendous Talmid Chacham and Mechaber Seforim in his own right, serves in his stead. A Mispallel of the Rov related to YWN that many years ago, the Rav suffered a terrible tragedy when his youngest child (a daughter named Raizel) fell out of a window after leaning on its screen, and was tragically niftar on Hoshanah Rabba. Despite the awful loss, the Rav displayed incredible Gevurah in his Shul on Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah, displaying zero Aveilus and was B’simcha the entire Yom Tov. Only after Simchas Torah ended, did he break down crying. Among his children is his son-in-law, the Dushinsky Rebbe from Yerushalyim. He leaves behind a beautiful Mishpacha of Rabbonim and Admorim. Levaya details will be published when they become available. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

GOOD QUESTION: MK Eichler: “Why Aren’t There Any Bomb Shelters In Meron?”

January 17, 2024 2:45 pm 5 Comments

As Israel’s north continues to suffer daily attacks from the Hezbollah terror organization in southern Lebanon, UTJ MK Yisrael Eichler posed a question to Religious Services Minister Michoel Malkieli (Shas) during a Knesset session. “Tens of thousands of people visit the Rashbi site in Meron but there are no bomb shelters there, which endangers the mispallelim, especially in the current situation,” Eichler said. “I want to ask – when will mobile bomb shelters be installed there?” “Your question is justified,” Malkieli responded. “Although the installment of bomb shelters is not within the authority of the Religious Services Ministry, the director-general of the National Center for the Development of the Mekomot Hakedoshim appealed to the Defense Ministry at the beginning of the war and was informed that there’s a shortage due to the situation in the south. Later, he appealed again and has not yet received a response. We will appeal to the Defense Ministry again until bomb shelters are installed.” MK Eichler added: “In principle, my question is directed at the Defense Minister but I know he is busy during the war so we posed the question to the Religious Services Minister, who is responsible for the Mekomos HaKedoshim. I suggest that the Knesset, together with the Religious Services Ministry and the Defense Ministry, act on the issue. What should not happen is that they close the place. Therefore, we must do everything possible – a bomb shelter system, not just one or two – and also ensure that the red alert sirens operate as needed. This is part of freedom of religion and tefillah, and we must do everything possible to ensure the safety of mispallelim.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Why Did Rav Shmuel Salant Zatzal Jump Out the Window on a Motzai Shabbos?

December 9, 2023 6:20 pm 1 Comment

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman Rav Shmuel Salant zt”l, (1816-1909) was the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim and was a well-known gaon and tzaddik. On Motzai Shabbos – he jumped out of the window of Shul (see Shalmei Todah, Chanukah p. 266). Why did he do so? The Maaseh Rav (The Vilna Gaon) Hilchos Chanukah 237 states that on Motzai Shabbos Chanukah it is essential to light as soon as possible so that the main time to light not be lost. One time one of the mispallelim at the Gra delayed Maariv so much that the Gra told him he should even light Chanukah candles before reciting the Havdallah. And now the inciden: One Motzai Shabbos there were people taking a long time at Maariv in Shmoneh Esreh. Rav Salant did not wish to further delay the Chanukah lighting. He had an open window next to the Mizrach Vant where he sat. He went pack and leaped out of the window in order to ensure that he not delay past the zman of tichleh regel min a hshuk! The author can be reached at [email protected]

Pleas Daven for a Soldier Who Was Seriously Injured in Gaza

November 2, 2023 1:39 pm No Comments

by Rabbi Yair Hoffman Please be mispallel for Chaggai Naftali Ben Esther Avigail, a soldier who was seriously injured this morning in Gaza. His father works for the government in their accounting department.

HaRav Zilberstein’s Grandson: “2 Yishuvim On Gaza Border That Remained Safe – Shomrei Shabbos”

October 9, 2023 8:30 pm 21 Comments

In recent days and months, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein has constantly stressed during his drashos, shiurim, and sichos about kedushas haShabbos and the terrible punishment for those who are mechallel Shabbos or lend a hand to chillulei Shabbos by not acting against them. The Rav even promised before Yom Kippur that those who take it upon themselves to regularly study hilchos Shabbos “will have a good year, a year full of yeshuos in ruchniyus and gashmiyus, a year that Hashem will fulfill all the wishes of his heart for good.” On Monday, it was publicized on the Siach Yitchak hotline by HaRav Zilberstein’s grandson, HaRav Chaim Malin, that according to reports, there were two yishuvim in the Gaza border area where the residents were largely spared from harm by Hamas terrorists – Kibbutz Sa’ad and Kibbutz Alumim – the only two yishuvim in the area that are Shomer Shabbos. Kibbutz Sa’ad is right next to Kfar Aza, where a massacre occurred. A video of the terrorists arriving at the gates of Kibbutz Sa’ad can be seen below: Additionally, the frum residents of the moshav Yachini, which is near Sderot, had requested in the past to close the main gate of the moshav to traffic on Shabbos. Following a debate on the matter, the non-frum residents of the moshav agreed. According to reports, the Hamas terrorists came to the moshav but when they saw that the gate was locked, they continued to other areas to carry out their murderous spree. HaRav Zilberstein was very moved by the reports and instructed that the stories be published, quoting the passuk:”הודו להשם קראו בשמו, הודיעו בעמים עלילותיו, שירו לו, זמרו לו, שיחו בכל נפלאותיו” HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein said on Sunday after davening at the neitz minyan that he couldn’t sleep all night “due to this paper.” The paper, which he showed to the mispallelim, lists the names of the missing and their families. HaRav Zilberstein said: “People came to us in the middle of the night, devastated and on the point of emotional collapse, and described their suffering and grief due to the lack of information about their loved ones and asked us to daven for their safe and sound return.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

LEFTIST HATRED: Bereaved Father Rabbi Leo Dee Attacked At Tel Aviv Tefillah [Video]

October 5, 2023 8:45 pm 7 Comments

Yet another tefillah at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv was attacked by leftist “protesters” on Thursday morning, Chol Hamoed Sukkos. One of the participants in the tefillah was Rabbi Leo Dee, whose wife and two daughters were murdered in a terror attack in the Jordan Valley on Chol Hamoed Pesach. One of the leftists purposely pushed Rabbi Lee as he was holding a lulav and esrog and davening. A video of the incident that circulated on social media caused widespread outrage and condemnation, at least by right-wing figures. The mispallelim had erected a makeshift mechitzah for the tefillah but when the leftists saw it, they called the police and Tel Aviv municipal employees subsequently removed it. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

A Heartwarming Sight: Tefillah On The Streets Of Tel Aviv

October 4, 2023 2:45 pm 3 Comments

Following the appalling events on Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv, when leftists “protested” against Yom Kippur tefillos and prevented them from taking place, a heartwarming sight took place on the streets of Tel Aviv on Wednesday morning, Chol Hamoed Sukkos. HaRav Shmuel Eliyahu, the Chief Rabbi of Tzfas, held a mass tefillah at the Beit HaKnesset HaGadol in Tel Aviv. Following the tefillah, the mispallelim spilled out on the street of Tel Aviv and danced with their lulavim and esrogim. Watch the videos below: (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

18 Tel Aviv Minyanim Attacked On Yom Kippur: Protesters Threw Siddurim, Called Participants “Child Killers”

October 4, 2023 11:45 am 12 Comments

A disturbing report published by the Tel Aviv Religious Council on Tuesday revealed that the Neillah tefillah at Dizengoff Square was not the only one that was subject to violent and disturbing attacks on Yom Kippur. According to the report, 18 minyanim in Tel Aviv experienced attacks – even minyanim that took place without a mechitzah and that were not held in public areas but were inside shuls. Some of the mispallelim reported that men deliberately sat down next to women and women next to men. Other mispallelim were attacked by protesters who yelled at them during the Yom Kippur tefillah: “Nazis, child murderers.” At one minyan, protesters entered the chazan’s stand dressed only in bathing suits. At another minyan, a protester called to “sic” their dogs on the mispallelim and all the other protesters laughed. Another woman called to throw the siddurim into the fountain and then began throwing the siddurim off the table. In a minyan held in a shul in Ramat Aviv Gimmel, protesters destroyed a mechitzah that was erected with legal permits. It should be noted that some of the minyanim that were disturbed by protesters had received permits from the municipality and were completely legal. According to the report, the actions of the protesters included “shouting, women dancing, destroying equipment, not allowing the minyan to start, and shouting ‘Nazis and child killers.’” At some minyanim, the protesters blew whistles and bicycle horns to drown out the sound of the shofar. The report stated that a total of 500 people participated in the protests. The protesters succeeded in completely preventing the tefillos from taking place in at least half of the incidents – while municipality officials did almost nothing to prevent the disruptions. Labor party chairwoman Merav Michaeli called the Yom Kippur protesters “heroes.” To end on a positive note, and in the ruach of simchas Yom Tov, the anti-religious protests spurred a “teshuvah backlash” by secular Israelis that will b’ezras Hashem continue to grow. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Even Liberals Found Themselves Under Attack On Yom Kippur

September 28, 2023 8:45 pm 5 Comments

As YWN reported, leftists prevented Yom Kippur tefillos from taking place on erev Yom Kippur and Motzei Yom Kippur at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, tearing down a makeshift mechitzah and engaging in clashes with the mispallelim. But who were the mispallelim? Sadly, it was truly a war between brothers as those davening at an outdoor minyan on Yom Kippur were secular Tel Aviv residents who were interested in partaking in the kedushah of the holiest day of the Jewish year. In a video that spread on the web [but has since been removed], one of the mispallelim can be heard yelling back at the “protesters:” “I protest every Motzei Shabbos at Kaplan. I’m a high-tech person, secular, I live here in Tel Aviv.” “I fight for democracy with you every week, and one day of the year, I decide to put on a kippah, then suddenly, I become ‘You?’ Explain to me, you enlightened leftists, who are ‘You’? When you say ‘You,’ are you talking about the kippah?” Many Israelis commented on the video that people are beginning to realize that the entire “protest” is against Judaism. One secular woman wrote about the video: “I totally relate to this video. I also used to support the meaningless protests until I saw the truth. In my view, this is the most powerful clip since the beginning of the protest!” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Israelis Buy Kippos, Don Tefillin: Teshuvah “Backlash” Against Yom Kippur Protest

September 28, 2023 8:30 pm 14 Comments

The leftist protesters who prevented Yom Kippur tefillos from taking place on erev Yom Kippur and Motzei Yom Kippur at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, tearing down a makeshift mechitzah and engaging in clashes with the mispallelim, caused a religious “backlash” among Israelis who were horrified by the protesters’ display of hatred toward religion. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Israelis, have warm feelings for Yiddishkeit even if they don’t live a fully religious lifestyle. In the days after Yom Kippur, many of these Israeli were mekabel mitzvos on themselves as a “protest” against the leftists. Yaniv Turgeman, 43, wrote on Twitter: “I’m a secular Israeli from Givatayim. Thanks to the expulsion of Jews from the tefillah on Erev Yom Kippur at Dizengoff Square, I decided to take it upon myself to buy tefillin and put them on every day.” “In the wake of the incident, it’s important to me that my two children, who live in a secular city, will see their father putting on tefillin with a tallis every morning and will learn what Yahadus is.” Another secular Israeli, Guy Baruch, wrote: “It’s amazing what one Yom Kippur could do for a kibbutznik – I’m putting on a kippah starting today. Antiochus didn’t succeed, the Romans didn’t succeed, the Muslims didn’t succeed – you’ll also fail. Don’t touch my Yahudus – that’s a red line.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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