Halachos for Erev Shabbos Chazon 5773

July 11, 2013, 2:32 pm

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 Erev Shabbos Chazon, one may cut their Nails for Shabbos since it is not shavua shechal bo.

One may polish their shoes only with liquid polish according to most poskim.

One may brush a hat on erev shabbos since it is not considered washing clothes.

Showering is a machlokes if you are allowed kol gufo, the minhag is to be meikel but to use warm water.

Children may eat meat before Shabbos up to 2 hours before the zman according to Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igros Moshe, others (Eliyahu Rabba) hold they may start even from Chatzos.

Chatzos, Midday  this year is 1:02 pm on July 12, 2013

If one makes an early Shabbos on Erev Shabbos Chazon he may eat Meat after the Plag.

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Halachos, laws for Erev Tisha B'Av 5773/2013

July 15, 2013, 10:22 am

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1. After Chatzos on Erev tisha B'av some poskim hold the minhag is not to learn anything which is Assur on Tisha Bav itself. Only that which is Muttar to learn on the 9th of Av. (see below for permissible learning)

2. We do not say tachnun after Mincha on erev Tisha Beav. One may not take a leasurly stroll unless he does it commonly for health reasons.
3. It is prohibited to fast on Erev Tisha bav. We eat a  final meal before the fast, it is called the Seudas hamafsekes סעודת המפסקת the seudah which separates from eating to begining the fast of Tisha b'av
4. It must be eaten after noon and befor shkiah/sunset and no other meal may be eaten thereafter. One may drink water or eat if he did not assume the fast after the seudas hamafsekes.

5.The Seudas Hamefsekes may be preceded by a regular meal the minhag is to daven mincha in between the 2 meals.

6. The minhag is for the seudas hamafsekes to eat only bread and water, and a boiled egg dipped in ash some dip the bread in Ash.

7. The seudah is eaten seated on the ground or on a stool within 3 tefachim, we do not socialize and we it alone and avoid eating three peopel together to avoid a chiyuv of zimun

8. if  One wants to drink water or eat after the seudas hamafsekes untill shkiah it is better if he stipulates his intent verbally to do so before bentching bentching.

9. We may not sit on a chair after sunset. Shoes are to be removed before shkiah.

Torah Learning permissable on Tisha Ba'v

 Click HERE for Artscroll gemara on Kamtza and Bar Kamtza.

- The Book of Iyov (Job) and its commentaries

- The Kinos (Lamentations) said on Tisha b'Av may be studied

- Talmud: Gittin 55b - 58b; Moed Katan Chapter 3 (Laws of Mourning)

- Talmud Yerushalmi: Last Chapter of Ta'anis

- Shulchan Aruch: Laws of Tisha b'Av; Laws of Mourning

Links for Tisha B'av 2013 Live webcasts, shiurim audio and video programs

July 15, 2013, 1:41 pm

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Live stream videos at Ustream

Below are links for Tisha B'Av 5773 Live webcasts and programs audio and phone hook ups for shiurim Kinus .
Live Video
-Watch the Kosel Live HERE on Kotel cam

- Tisha Bav Video for kids HERE

-OU- Orthodox Union live Video webcast 2013 HERE starts at 9 am Israeli time

-Project Inspire Video HERE

-Live Video speeches all day Tisha bav  Ohr Naava live, HERE Torah anytimeHERE July,15-16 all day webcast

-Live strem Kinus Rabbi Zev Leff  HERE

-Video Jerusalem 100 years ago 1913 HERE

Audio Listen Live
 -Project Inspire  HERE  Live radio program begins 7:15 pm Erev Tisha B'av July 15-16

-Rabbi Yitzchok  Margareten camp Agudah midwest Live phone hook up for Kinus in camp
will begin 9:45 AM- dial  712-432-3100 Pin code 881608 for conference.

-Aish.com HERE  Holocaust video HERE

-Radio Kol Berama  HERE  and HERE For Audio all night and day english speeches on Tisha Bav

Sinas chinom, really? who is spreading the hate.

July 18, 2013, 1:37 am

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On the eve of Tisha B'av 5773, 2 letters here and here were posted online, condemning the violence and rhetoric directed at Israeli soldiers and the Dati Leumi crowd and calling for achdus. The truth is these statements do nothing but add fuel to the hate and is sinas Chinom in disguise. 

When Israeli soldiers were attacked at Amona outpost  there was no call by these rabbonim and organizations condemning the violence against the Israeli security forces. When Yair Lapid and co, incite against the yeshiva and Torah world in Eretz yisrael calling charedim parasites, they are silent, not a peep. In fact two Rabbonim who are by far identified as kanoim, Rabbi Yoel schwartz  one of the founding Rabbis of the Nachal Charedi program and Rabbi Zalman Melamed, rosh yeshiva in Beit El, both blamed the campaign against Charedi soldiers as a direct result of the incitement against the charedim by the Left in Eretz Yisrael. 

True, the campaign is orchestrated by extremists who do not listen to rabbonim. However, It is up to the gedolim if and how to respond to the attacks. The Ponovez Rosh yeshiva Rav Gershon Edelstein did condemn the chardak campain, not because the bloggers told him too. These statements ignore the incitement that led to this and blame only the Frum for the behavior of a few.

What these statements have done, is paint the entire Torah world and  frum yidden in Eretz  yisrael as extremists. Lumping them as if they are all in agreement with violence, thereby forcing the Gedolim  to prove otherwise. Sorry, we will not fall for this. When will these Rabbis write letters against the continued incitement against the Torah and frum Yidden in Eretz Yisrael?

In Fact, the very authors of these letters are just as guilty of the very thing they preach against. The RCA has publicly condemned Satmar  for creating a chilul hashem by organizing the protest against the drafting of Yeshiva Bochurim to the IDF. One of the authors of the above mentioned letter, tweeted about the Rally in Manhattan " Look at hate and abusive lang from pro-Weberman, pro-Asifa ppl. That's what hate-filled upbringing produces." Labeling all those who attended and supported the Atzeres as pro child abuse. 

Who is spreading the hate???

A year since the 12th Siyum hashas of Daf Yomi at Metlife stadium, a year since start of 13th cycle

July 18, 2013, 2:39 pm

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 This Shabbos, Shabbos  Nachamu, 13 Av 5773   יג אב תשע'ג will mark the first year anniversary since the 12th Siyum Hashas of Daf  Hayomi at Metlife stadium. It was exactly a year ago in 2012 were many celebrated the Siyum and a year since many have joined the machzor for the first time. Its hard to believe that a year flew by (yes there was a Hurricane called Sandy), but for those learning the Daf, they already have learned, maseches Brachos, Shabbos, Eruvin and now in middle of Pesachim. The words of Rabbi Frand echo in our ears "Whats beyond your reach is within your grasp". We can still join in the cycle. Here is the full video for those who want to relive the siyum experience.


To see photos and video of the 2012 Siyum Hashas click HERE
to order DVD of the siyum click HERE or call the daf Yomi commission of Agudath Israel of America.

Shidduchim, segulos tefilos, websites, general information, Lists of Shadchanim and places to go.

July 24, 2013, 9:05 am

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In response to the so called shidduch crisis we present general shidduch information that can be helpful for both parents and singles currently in the parsha. While most of the yeshiviah world and torah community deal with the parsha the old fashion way with a shadchan and a telephone, there are resources available online that can save time and make the process easier.  Many new  indirect shidduch websites have been developed and geared especially for the yeshiva community with backing of Rabbonim.

Shidduch shadchan site   http://shidduchworld.org/
Shidduch website             http://www.inshidduchim.com/
Shidduch dating website   http://bashert.net/
General shidduch info      http://www.shidduchim.info/
List of shidduch age boys http://shidduchimlist.com/
References for boys- rebbeim in yeshivos http://shidduchimlist.com/references.asp
List of shadchanim           http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/chassidishe-shadchanim
Places to go on shidduch dates   http://www.mikomos.com/wiki/Main_Page

Segulos and Tefillos for Shidduchim

• Recite all of Shir HaShirim every day for forty days (preferably after chatzos, or before sunrise)
• Daven for 40 consecutive days at the Kosel
• Recite from Nishmas Kol Chai (נשמת כל חי) until the end of of Shabbos Pesukei D'Zimrah (פסוקי דזמרה) at the Kotel, at midnight.
• Daven at the kever (grave) of Rabbi Yonasan ben Uziel in Amukah, Israel (neat Tsfat)
• Daven on behalf of someone else who needs a shidduch
• Collect shards from plates broken at the signing of tena'im
• Recite the tehillim listed below each day (see below)
• Recite all of Sefer Tehillim at chatzos (halachic midnight) on Purim night
• Recite Shiras HaYam (the song of the crossing of the Red Sea) with great concentration. (Sefer Hamidos)
• Recite the Torah section dealing with the inaugural sacrifices brought by the heads of the Twelve Tribes. (Numbers, Chapt. 7:1-7:89) (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov)
• Recite Perek Shira every each day
• Study the halachos of Shmiros HaLashon (see below)
• Give tzedakah to Hachnosas Kallah funds
• Become a teacher (or tutor) of Torah
• Do mitzvos or minhagim that will increase your love for Hashem
• Receive the Chasan Breishis (חתן בראשית) aliyah on Simchas Torah
• Obtain a bracha for marriage from a tzadik or your rebbe
• Increase the intensity of your tefilos
• (Men: Recite Kiddush Levanah, the sanctification of the New Moon)
• (Women: Hold the candle during havdalah. The height of the raised candle will be the height of your chasan. Or so they say :-))

 Tefillos for finding a shidduch HERE
Tehillim

32 38 70 71 72 82 121 124

Note: It's especially propitious to recite Psalm 121 before stepping back after the Shemoneh Esrei.

Shidduch Blogs HERE

Does "coffee" need a hechsher?

July 28, 2013, 10:53 pm

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This was posted as a comment on a previous post.

The "Coffee room"  on a yeshiva website is also a social network, and even worse, it's misleading as the website is considered "kosher" and "frum."

The website's name implies that it represents the yeshivishe world, and that people from the yeshivishe world can feel comfortable viewing this website because it is kosher v’yosher and free of materials that yeshivishe people want to avoid. But that is very far from the truth. Prominently displayed on the home page of  The site is the “Coffee Room,” which is a very great mich’shol. It looks innocent enough – what could be wrong with networking with others on topics, perhaps for advice or to find out information? And the editors will even exonerate themselves by saying they have a moderator who steps in to stop inappropriate conversations. But it’s a farce! First of all, the very idea of a social networking forum on a yeshivishe website is outrageous! The people who participate in the dialogue on The Coffee Room could be bochurim, single girls, women, men – nobody really knows who one is talking to. And the topics discussed are far from appropriate for boys and girls to be talking to each other about. Some examples of topics that are being “chatted” about between boys and girls, and other anonymous users, are: 

Walking Behind a Woman, Girls wearing boys clothing, Is it untznius for a girl to ride a bike, Wearing Perfume, Divorce Stories, Tznius Support Group – PLEASE WOMEN ONLY, Guys-things that a girl does or says on a date that makes you lose interest, Shidduchim: Girls & Size Zeros, Shidduchim & Weight, Kosher Movies/ Torah TV, Jewish feminism, nail polish, Good Jokes, It's A Man's World, Respected Rabbanim Eating Out, Abused Husbands,  Do Women Need Marriage?

The moderator may step in from time to time, but there should not be an outlet in the first place for boys and girls to chat like this, and certainly not about these topics! And by the time the moderator steps in, so much inappropriate conversation has already taken place! What kind of yeshivishe website is this? It is such a big mich’shol for people who think that the website is kosher and okay to use!
So, in a sense, it's worse than the other social networking sites, which are blatantly inappropriate.

The misconception of Mesiras nefesh

August 1, 2013, 12:08 pm

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A recent article in the American Yated Neeman proclaimed that today's generation of kollel youngeleit are lacking the Mesiras nefesh of the previous generation. The author goes on to say that the pioneers and first kollel couples in the yeshivos of Bais medrash Elyon and Bais medrash Govoha of Lakewood survived on sardines and bare minimum. The author questions  the youngeleit of today who b'h are in a better financial situation if they have the proper mesiras nefesh for Torah learning. He says so because his premise for mesiras nefesh is false.

In truth mesiras nefesh is a very broad term it does not mean living in poor conditions, Post  ww2 even those who had full time jobs were living on sardines and a shoe string budget. Mesiras nefesh means giving up your life for the sake of  Torah learning and doing the mitzvos of hashem. A baal habbos a businessman who when not at his office, spends his hours learning is also being moser nefesh arguably even more so than a youngerman. The kollel couples of today ARE living a life of mesiras nefesh dedicating themselves totally to Torah learning regardless of their financial decision. More so, there are many youngeleit today who are living bedachkus  its a shame to compare to the nisyonos of the previous generation an say they are lacking mesiras nefesh.

At a time when the Torah world is under attack in EY we should all support the Youngeleit here in America and all over the world and thank them for their mesiras nefesh in keeping up the world.

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Murder plot against previous Satmar Rebbe Rav Yoel Z"TL revealed in Der Blatt newspaper

August 4, 2013, 11:54 pm

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 The following story of a Murder plot against the previous Satmar Rebbe by the heads of state, appeared in Yiddish in the Satmar newspaper Der Blatt. The article was published in the weekend edition commemorating the 34th Yartzheit of the Previous Satmar Rebbe Rav Yoel Teitelbaum Z'Tl. The story is told over by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Grenberg who is one of the last living witness to the affair.

The year was 1958 a decade after the establishment of the state of Israel, in the Mea Shearim neighborhood on Salant Street the city began operating a mixed swimming facility serving the secular population of Jerusalem. Indeed, residents began demonstrations and protests to eliminate the  spiritual decline and have the pool shut indefinitely. The  Satmar Rebbe, decided to help the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and asked to make a big demonstration in front of Israeli diplomatic missions in New - York. At the same time, Abba Eban - who was at that time the Israeli ambassador to the UN, and later served as Foreign Minister in the governments of Israel was planning an impressive gala ceremony on Independence day, near UN headquarters in Manhattan, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the State of Israel. Abba Eban worked for 6 months on various logistical details of the event. When the Rebbe learned  that Abba Eban planed  to conduct a ceremony at the United Nations, he decided to sabotage the joy. The plan was to counter it and hold a large demonstration against the state opposite the United Nations, at theexact time as Ebban's ceremony, throwing a negative light on the state. The demonstration was intended to send a message to the world, that the State of Israel persecutes religion and deny the rights of the minority. 

 Abba Eban, who heard about it - knew the media spotlight may be directed to the thousands of ultra-Orthodox demonstrating, called the Rebbe's residence and asked to speak with him urgently. He was told by the Gabboim that he would not be able to speak directly with the Satmar Rebbe. Instead, he was directed to Rabbi Lipa Friedman - who served as Rosh hakohol of Satmar. Abba Eban, swore he is willing to commit that the pool will be closed immediately and begged that the Rebbe cancel the demonstration, it can be harmful to us. He promised to do all in his power and connections to get the pool closed. Friedman Repeated over the conversation to the Rebbe, the rebbe responded that he does not trust Abba Eban, he is certain that after the cessation of the festivities - if the demonstration is canceled, He would not lift a finger to keep his promise. Still, I'm willing to grant the request and to consider favorably, so nobody could say then, that the Satmar Rebbe is guilty in not closing down the pool because he was offered a swap, eliminating a demonstration for the pool, and he refused the offer. 

Three days  passed since the  ceremony marking the day of Independence. Abba Eban contacted Friedman and apologized to him for not keeping the deal. "I assure you that I spoke with Prime Minister Ben Gurion and anyone who could speak on the issue - but all of them sealed their ears from hearing." When the Rebbe heard that ebben did not keep the deal, he was furious he said "I knew". He would not let Ebben or the zionists get away with it and promised a larger demonstration to humiliate the state. The next demonstration will be double the quantity and we will look at every avenue to bring to the attention of the world the exploits of Zionism, persecuting the Orthodox Jews in Israel. The next demonstration was impressive, it took place in front of the White House in Washington. The President at the time was Dwight Eisenhower. The President agreed to meet with meet the representatives of thousands of protesters, including the late Rabbi Lipa Friedman, the late Rabbi Sender Deutsch, and Rabbi Joel Klein  all Satmar community leaders. They conveyed to the President the cause of the demonstration and the fact that the Zionists  were persecuting Orthodox Jews at every opportunity. The President promised to convey the message to the heads of state and ask them to consider the needs of Orthodox Jews.

  The mixed pool eventually closed. However the ire of the Zionists burned within. They could not bear the humiliation of mass demonstrations organized by satmar and the media coverage it received. Apparently, within the Israeli Mossad they devised a plot. it was decided to eliminate and kill the  enemy which is the Rebbe  rav Yoel Teitelbaum Zatzal, who continued attacking and demonstrating against them.
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Somehow, the plot came to the Rebbes attention. Only few in the inner circle were notified and were told to keep quiet. Rabbi Mendel greenberg, rushed to buy a gun and served as a bodyguard to the Rebbe. Being single at the time, allowed him to provide security to the Rebbe around the clock. Meanwhile, the Gabboim summoned an urgent meeting with the secret service and told them about the information received. A plan of action was formulated to provide security. The secret service had 5 members dress up as orthodox Jews. Three of them sat in an unmarked car in front of the rebbes home,  two were stationed in the rebbes house.They were on the lookout for a hit man or suspicious activity. The system worked like this: one of the yeshiva students, dressed in a hat and suit and wearing sunglasses, sat in the reception room of the Rebbe, and recorded all those entering and leaving the house. On the roof of the  five-story building stood another guard, who was equipped with a radio and he too kept track of all those coming and going.Late every day, the 2 guards would  cross check between the lists making sure the number of outgoing and incoming were identical. On the third day, when  Rabbi Yosef Ashkenazi the main gabbai, announced that kabolas kahal was over for the day, the guards compared notes and discovered that one person entered the building and has not yet emerged. The signal was given to close and search the building. Members of the Secret Service arrived as reinforcements  to prevent the escape of the suspect hiding in the building. Guards entered with guns drawn the building, and began to search the five-story, trying to find the assassin. They initially, visited the fifth floor,  and searched house to house. Following a strict and thorough scan they found the assassin hiding in a tank in the boiler room which was located below the basement floor. The assassin was waiting to carry out the mission assigned to him by his handlers. He was arrested and handed  over to the FBI, for questioning. A total news blackout was imposed on the details of this  story, and the Rebbes circle were not informed of any follow up details of the arrest. The secret service personnel informed the Rebbe that life can return to normal. All they were told was that the Israeli Government had a hand in the attempt and were issued a stern warning by Washington. Beyond that, no more details were given that could shed light on the event. Forty-four years later, when all those involved have passed onto the next world,  the last witness, Reb Mendel Greenberg, decided to share one of the darkest episodes of Zionism. 

Elul Zman 5773 begins in the Yeshiva world, Botei medrash get a face-lift, some yeshivos to relocate.

August 5, 2013, 10:13 am

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ELUL Zman,- while we are in midst of Summer vacation, the yeshiva bachurim and Kolell youngeleit are heading back to the bais medrash in their respective yeshivos. Some yeshivos such as Telz Chicago have begun  a few days prior to Rosh Chodesh Elul. Many yeshivos  will recite Yom Kippur katan today on Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul.
Yeshiva of Long beach will  spend Elul zman in the Catskills at Camp Morris
Yeshiva of Ocean Township, NJ under Rav Meir Miller will be relocating to the Catskills, on the former grounds of the Tamarack lodge, in Greenfield Park NY.

During bein hazmanim many yeshivos take the opportunity to upgrade their facilities. In Yeshivas Ner Yisrael of Baltimore they installed a new floor to its main bais medrash and given it a face-lift

New floor in main Bais medrash at Ner Yisrael Baltimore

Remembering Amalek this shabbos parshas Ki seitzei before a leap year, the Chasam sofer's Minhag.

August 12, 2013, 11:58 pm

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Why will some pay special attention this week during leining - kriyas hatorah on shabbos parshas ki setzei ? we will read the parsha of zechiras mechiyas Amalek. Since the coming year 5774 is a leap year  it would be 13 months between the reading of parshas zachor of 5773 to the parshas zachor of  5774.

Some Rishonim  are of the opinion that the mitzvah of remembering Amalek must be performed every year.  R. Moshe Sofer, the Chasam Sofer, (Even HaEzer no.1: 119) suggests that the reason for the annual requirement is based on a comment of the Gemara, Berachos 58b, that certain events are forgotten after twelve months. The frequency of mitzvas zechiras Amalek is based on a requirement to prevent forgetting the battle of Amalek.  Therefore, one must remember the battle of Amalek every twelve months.  

 The Chasam Sofer adds that even though in a leap year there is a thirteen month lapse between readings of Parshas Zachor, there is no need to institute an additional reading of Parshat Zachor in a leap year. The reason why twelve months is significant in the context of memory is because over the course of twelve months, a person experiences the entire range of events in the annual cycle. These events cause him to forget experiences from the previous year. In a leap year, it actually takes thirteen months to create this phenomenon. Only after a complete yearly cycle does the human weakness of forgetting take effect.

Nonetheless, the Maharam Schick (Mitzvos, no. 604) writes that the Chasam Sofer himself ordered his disciples on leap years to have intention to fulfill the mitzvah of remembering Amalek with the torah reading of  Ki Teitzei. This ensures that a twelve-month period will not elapse without a reading of the chapter.

Harav Aaron Leib Shteinman, gave a shiur on this topic, he added, that Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid is the Amalek of our generation for his actions in uprooting the Torah from yeshivos and one should also have this in mind when hearing the parsha of  zechiras Amalek. 

Gedolim meet both In America and Eretz Yisrael regarding the assault on the Yeshiva world and Bnei Torah.

August 15, 2013, 8:05 am

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Photo by Hillel Engel

The Moetzes gedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisrael in America convened this week to discuss the gezeiros against bnei torah in Eretz yisrael, as well as other matters and challenges facing the frum Torah world. In attendance,  Rav Simcha Bunim Ehrnfeld the mattersdorfer Rav, Rav Shmuel Kamenetzky, Novominsker Rebbe Rav Yaakov Perlow, Rav Aaron Feldman, Rav Dovid Feinstein, Rav Malkiel Kotler, Chacham Rav Yosef Harari Raful and newly appointed member to the Moetzes Rav Yosef Frankel RY of Vyalopole.Rav Aaron schechter and Rav Avrohom Chaim Levin were not present and were in touch via telephone.

 The meeting was chaired by Reb Shlomo werdiger chairman of Agudah. Rav Shmuel kamenetzky and rav Aaron feldman who both returned from trips to Israel, recounted their meeting with Rav Shteinman how distraught he is over the draft on giyus bnei yeshivos and he asked that yeshivos in the Diaspora should be mechazek in Torah and Tefillah. Rav Chaim Dovid Zweibel, Rav Shlomo Gertzulin and Rav leibish becker updated the Moetzes gedolei Hatorah on progress within the Agudah.

Likewise, in Eretz Yisrael the ziknei Roshei yeshiva, Rav Shteinman Rav Chaim Kanievsky , Rav Dov Yoffe, Rav Gershon Eidelshtein, Rav Berel Povarsky have gathered at a chizuk event for bnei Torah. They called on all to strengthen the learning of mussar and to do maasim tovim bein adam lachaveiro. Rav Shteinman wished all a happy and healthy new year and  I"yh we will merit to see yeshuos.

Video- watch how the Shofar is made, ready to blow.

August 17, 2013, 10:59 pm

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With Rosh Hashana 5774 approaching watch how the Rams horn is made ready for shofar blowing.

91st Agudah convention 2013- change of location, change of calendar, will not be Thanksgiving weekend.

August 19, 2013, 1:48 pm

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 There will be no Turkey dinner at the upcoming 2013 Agudah convention due to Shabbos Chanukah. Will take place November 14-17, 2013 at woodcliff Lake Hilton, NJ near Monsey.
- Official press release below.

The 91^st annual convention of Agudath Israel of America will be held at the Hilton Woodcliff Lake Hotel and Resort in Bergen County NJ, a spokesman for the Orthodox Jewish organization announced today. Located conveniently between NJ Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, the elegant and newly renovated hotel, nestled on 21 acres with an array of convenient amenities, promises a special experience for Agudah conventioneers unlike any before.

Due to this year's unusual quirk in the calendar with Thanksgiving weekend falling during Chanukah, the convention dates have been advanced to take place during the weekend of November 14-17, Kislev 11-14.  "It is important for people to mark off those dates, as this year we will be holding our convention two weeks earlier than usual, " says Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin, Agudath Israel's Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, who headed up a joint staff and Board site selection committee.  "The date and venue changes have opened up exciting possibilities in planning for the convention. While many locations throughout the tri-state area were considered , this new beautiful spacious hotel is an ideal setting befitting the dignity and excitement of an Agudath Israel convention."

Among the most popular aspects of an Agudah convention are the simultaneous symposium that enable participants to listen and thoroughly examine some of the most pressing issues facing Orthodox Jews in our times. As in past years, the Thursday, Friday, Motzoei Shabbos, and Sunday sessions are open to the public, free of charge. 

"Being that the convention will take place in close proximity to the large frum communities of Monsey, Spring Valley, Viznitz, New Square, and Northern New Jersey, we expect many more participants to take part in our exciting sessions,"  says Rabbi Labish Becker, Agudath Israel's Executive Director "Bringing people together leshem Shamayim to deal with klal yisroel's pressing needs in the presence of Gedolei Yisroel is a tremendous opportunity." 

The Shidduch crisis is not a result of the age gap or numbers.

August 20, 2013, 12:38 pm

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 Many factors and reasons are given for the so called "shidduch crisis" an article in this weeks Yated Ne'eman by Reb Shaya Ostrov L.C.S.W.  says, the problem is not caused by data as in numbers or an age gap. It is a direct result of the western culture which has impacted the thoughts, feelings and values of our society especially the frum singles. The failure of so many singles to find their bashert is not because there is a shidduch crisis the reality is every young unmarried man or woman carries this crisis within. 

 Many Singles today are spending their time dating for years with no results, starting new relationships and ending them to start new ones. As an example a single girl who was recently about to get engaged wanted to postpone her engagement in order to see if "there was someone else out there for her". This is why the numbers of  Frum singles are not diminishing and is occurring in every major frum population. The Golus of today has impacted us, we are in a galus that has undermined sacred trust in a marriage and family life,and this has, in one form or another impacted on all our lives. The crisis is there are so many single frum boys and girls who continuously get stuck on doubts,fears,anxieties, and unrealistic demands for perfection. As individuals they are healthy, normal people, but because we live in this culture they are held captive and stuck like no previous generation has ever been.

The article points out, that the challenge in shidduchim in previous generations was that young men and women did not know where they would find their basherteh. However once the shidduch was in motion powerful forces were activated within them(or their parents) that more frequently than not led to engagement. Today because of the influence of Western culture dating has become mundane and uneventful and over before it starts. The real test is not how to help them meet but how to go from meeting to the Chupah without being continuously blown off course.  Rabbi Ostrov lays out a 5 point plan how to help the crisis by  training mentors who will be dedicated and available to help singles break free of their fears, anxieties and unrealistic expectations.

These are very true points, however the NASI project has data to back up their claim that no matter what, there still is a age gap resulting in more single girls than boys. Secondly, there are many yeshiva bochurim who get engaged with the first girl they meet after returning from Eretz yisrael or whenever they enter the parsha. Dont know the numbers, but a high percentage of yeshivishe couples marry the first girl they meet. Its the ones, that for whatever reason become "experienced" daters and takes them a longer time to find their bashert at no fault of their own, that's where there is a risk for the influence of western culture to come in. May all the singles find their zivugim, Bimehera.

For a list of Shadchanim  and shidduch blogs and info, click HERE

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Pashkevillin from Eretz yisrael spill over to Monsey and Brooklyn in attempt to spread campaign of bizayon haTorah.

August 21, 2013, 7:52 pm

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The Bizayon haTorah against the psak of Gedolim in Eretz yisrael has made its way to frum neighborhoods all over the tri state area, Monsey, NY and Brooklyn in particular.  The papers are referring to a construction site in Bet Shemesh that some believe is an ancient Jewish cemetery. The Raavad of the Badatz Harav Moshe Shturnbach, issued a ruling allowing them to dig under the watchfull eyes of mashgichim.  The Gaavad of the Eidah hachareidis Rav Tuvia Weiss and the Asa Kadisha organization are holding protests at the site alleging there are Jewish Kevorim there. What happened is a group of kanoim- vigilantes  took matters into their own hands and were mevazeh Rav Shternbuch and other gedolim. Rav Chaim kanievsky and Rav Shteinman issued letters condemning the attacks and the bizayon against Rav shternbuch.

Not satisfied, these kanoim have now spread the hate to American shores, throwing pashkevillin (Flyers) all over, defacing properties and making a huge chilul hashem by plastering it on public streets, littering roadways in Monsey and boro park. This is an issue in Eretz yisrael and no need to bring the campaign of bizayon hatorah to the US. We are in galus here this has no place here.

   
See video HERE



Cews from Ramapo cleaning up the flyers in front of Evergrren Supermarket in Monsey, NY

Maariv and cholent - Hachnosas Orchim at the Woodbourne shul

August 23, 2013, 3:10 pm

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As the summer vacation comes to a close up in the catskills, the Woodbourne, NY shul is still hustling and bustling serving the many vacationers throughout their summer stay. Run by Rabbi Jungreis, the Nikolsburger Rebbe, he sees it that everyone who walks in should feel at home. Minyanim for Mincha and Maariv starting every ten minutes till the wee hours of the morning. Its a place where after a long drive up you stop in and feel right at home.

 

ארור מכה רעהו בסתר anonymous comments

August 25, 2013, 2:02 pm

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We just read in the parsha the prohibition of  ארור מכה רעהו בסתר  Cursed is he who is strikes his fellow in secret. The Pasuk, Rashi explains is referring to Lashon Hora.

 In today's media of  frum blogs and websites, were people post negative anonymous posts and comments, either online or in print, as a unsigned letter to the editor critical of an individual, there is a possibility of violating this לאו.
There are Rabbanim in Eretz yisrael that said about the writers of  anonymous Pashkevillin, that are publicly attacking or undermining a group with no signatures, that they are in violation of ארור מכה רעהו בסתר.

Another factor is, by posting or commenting anonymously the person in reference can not defend or answer the accusation. Perhaps if one left an email address or contact information that would enable the person or group to refute or call you out for slander. By hiding behind your name you do harm and dont give the intended target a chance to respond. If something bothers you best to approach the individual to his face and tell him what you think. As we approach Rosh Hashana it is good to keep in mind -yes the frum Bloggers too (this blog included) of the damage and danger of commenting and posting Lashon hora even with a signed name, May we have a Ksiva vachasima Tova.

Calls, to rise up to the challenge at Yeshivas MIr Yerushalayim, Lakewood Dinner.

August 26, 2013, 7:06 am

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A overflow crowd gathered  Last night in Lakewood, NJ to show support for the Mir Yeshiva Yerushalayim, at the annual Lakewood dinner. Following words of Chizuk by The Lakewood Rosh hayeshiva Rav Malkkiel Kotler, the Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Lazer Yudel Finkel, addressed the crowd. He spoke how during these difficult times with forces fighting against the yeshiva world and bnei Torah, its time to rise up  and declare מי לה' אלי.

The Rosh yeshiva described the scene of anyone who walks in to the Mir Yeshiva and sees thousands of bnei torah and youngeleit learning and toiling in Torah. They are sitting on every nook and cranny available through out the buildings of the yeshiva. Rav Asher Arieli who has one of the largest shiurum in the world has over 500 Bochurim and youngeleit attending his shiur in a room that only fits 300! They are overflowing all the way up sitting on the steps out onto the street. Why are they doing all this asked the Rosh yeshiva? For one reason only- To hear the Dvar hashem. The Rosh hayeshiva said the answer is to have achdus and be mechazek in Ameilus B'Torah.

On the request of the Rosh hayeshiva noted philanthropist Reb Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz of  Los Angeles attended the Dinner. Due to the Israeli government  drastic new budget cuts, amounting to about 75 percent of what they gave the yeshiva in 2012, there is a  reduction of close to eight million dollars. Besides for the Rechnitz dollar for dollar matching campaign, Reb Shlomo Yehuda spoke at the dinner and called on all alumni to give $1000 to the Yeshiva. He said it is Eis laasos we must rise up to the challenge. He mentioned how Rav Nosson tzvi once asked him for a certain amount and he apologized that he wasn't able to give. Rav nosson Tzvi also apologized and said that he has a Yeshiva and he must raise the funds.
 As we approach the Yamim Noraim there is no bigger zechus than the highest form of tzedaka which is Hachzokas hatorah.

Donations.

Mir Yerushalayim

5227 New Utrecht Avenue

Brooklyn NY 11219

With three, 3 day yom tov in September, Agudah issues religious rights in the workplace

August 26, 2013, 1:15 pm

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In anticipation of a potentially challenging workplace situation due to this year’s unique Yom Tov calendar, Agudath Israel of America has released a guide to religious rights in the workplace.

Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succos will all take place during September, requiring religious Jews to take off many work days over the course of the calendar month. Such employees “should be aware of their legal rights to be absent from work for religious observance,” said Rabbi Mordechai Biser, Agudath Israel’s general counsel, “which is why we felt it appropriate to publish this guide at this time.”

According to Rabbi Biser, Agudath Israel has a long history of advocating for the rights of observant employees to have their religious observances accommodated in the workplace. “We helped draft and successfully advocate for passage of laws in New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere that require employers to accommodate employees who need to take time off for religious reasons. As a matter of fact, New York State now has the toughest law in the country on this point.” According to the law, employers generally have a responsibility to offer employees a reasonable method of fulfilling their duties that is not in conflict with their religious principles. And while the law states that employers are not required to incur undue hardship for the sake of such accommodation, the burden of proving such hardship is on the employer. The guide includes practical guidance, with a special question and answer section providing legal advice to common questions concerning religious workplace employee rights and obligations.

For those who feel that their employer is not making a good faith effort to address their concerns, the guide also includes a sample letter created by Agudath Israel of America that can be shown to an employer that explains an employee’s rights and the employer’s obligations under the law. Click HERE for the guide
The guide may be obtained, free of charge, by contacting Agudath Israel’s Office of Constituent Services at 212-797-9000, extension 335, or by e-mailing constituentservices@agudathisrael.org.