[Video below.] An Orthodox Jewish leader was subjected to antisemitic harassment inside the U.S. Capitol this week after a pro-Palestinian activist confronted him in a hallway and shouted accusations related to Israel’s war against Hamas.
Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values, said the incident occurred Thursday, December 12, and was captured on video that has since circulated online.
Menken said the activist approached him without provocation and began chanting slogans accusing Israel of “occupation,” making it clear, he said, that he was singled out because he is Jewish.
Video footage shows the activist, identified as being affiliated with the far-left group CodePink, confronting Rabbi Menken in a Capitol corridor and raising her voice as she repeated anti-Israel chants. Rabbi Menken responded forcefully.
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It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yaakov Yehoshua HaKohen Frankel zt”l, the longtime gabbai of the Harishonim Shul on Rechov Rabi Akiva, who passed away at the age of 91.
Rav Frankel collapsed earlier this week during a Daf Yomi shiur and was niftar several days later.
Rav Frankel was born in Poland on 23 Kislev 5695 to his father, Rav Yechezkel HaKohen Frenkel, and his mother, Mrs. Faiga Frankel. He was among the veteran residents of Bnei Brak and for more than five decades served as gabbai and rosh hakahal of the Harishonim Shul, the first shul established in the city, located on Rechov Rabi Akiva.
Known as an early riser with a deep love for Torah, Rav Frankel was devoted to the beis medrash and held talmidei chachamim in the highest esteem. Those who knew him recall his tireless dedication to the shul and the kehillah it served, a responsibility he carried faithfully for many years.
Following the passing of his wife, Gittel, more than a decade ago, his health declined. During that period, he regularly davened at the central Shoneh Halachos Shul on nearby Rechov HaRav Herzog, close to his home.
Last Sunday, Rav Frankel attended the Daf Yomi shiur at Shoneh Halachos as he did consistently. In the middle of the shiur, he suddenly collapsed. He was niftar on Friday.
Friends and acquaintances noted the poignant timing of his passing, which occurred just one day before his 91st birthday, 23 Kislev.
Rav Frankel is survived by his family, including his son, R’ Pinchas Avraham Frankel. The levayah took place after chatzos on Friday and he was laid to rest at the Ponevezh Cemetery in Bnei Brak.
Yehi zichro baruch.
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Federal prosecutors say a sweeping financial scheme turned a racial justice organization into a personal piggy bank, leading to serious criminal charges against a onetime Black Lives Matter leader in Oklahoma City.
According to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson, 52, faces 25 criminal counts tied to an alleged misuse of millions of dollars in donated funds. The charges include 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering, as detailed by U.S. Attorney Robert Troester.
The case centers on Dickerson’s tenure as executive director of Black Lives Matter OKC. Prosecutors allege that during that period she gained control over the group’s financial infrastructure, including bank accounts, PayPal, and Cash App, and then siphoned off large sums of money for her own benefit.
Authorities say the organization was never registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit. Instead, it operated under a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with the Arizona-based Alliance for Global Justice, which required that all donated funds be used strictly for approved charitable purposes and fully documented.
Beginning in late spring 2020, Black Lives Matter OKC reportedly brought in more than $5.6 million through online fundraising and national bail organizations, including the Community Justice Exchange, the Massachusetts Bail Fund, and the Minnesota Freedom Fund, prosecutors said.
Those donations, according to the indictment, were earmarked to post bail for people arrested during racial justice protests following the death of George Floyd. In some cases, the funds were also intended to establish a revolving bail fund or support other social justice initiatives permitted under federal tax law.
Instead, investigators allege that from June 2020 through at least October 2025, Dickerson diverted at least $3.15 million by depositing returned bail checks into her personal accounts rather than into accounts belonging to the organization.
Prosecutors claim the money was then spent on an array of personal expenses, including leisure trips to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for Dickerson and others, extensive retail shopping, and at least $50,000 on food and grocery deliveries for herself and her children. The indictment also alleges she used the funds to buy a personal vehicle registered in her own name and to acquire six properties in Oklahoma City.
Those properties, authorities say, were titled either directly to Dickerson or to Equity International LLC, a company prosecutors allege she solely controlled.
The indictment further accuses Dickerson of submitting false annual reports to the Alliance for Global Justice using interstate communications. Prosecutors say the filings claimed the funds were used exclusively for tax-exempt purposes while omitting disclosures about personal expenditures.
If convicted on all counts, Dickerson could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and up to 10 years for each money laundering charge, in addition to substantial fines.
{Matzav.com}
‘The Big Money Show’ reacts to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani releasing a video instructing individuals on how to resist I.C.E. and and discusses his agenda.
WATCH:
Emergency measures are being rolled out across Waterbury and nearby towns after a major water main failure disrupted service for a vast portion of the region. Officials say tens of thousands of residents have been affected by the incident.
City leaders confirmed that public schools in Waterbury will be closed on Monday, while restaurants were instructed to shut their doors tonight as a precaution. The closures come amid concerns about water safety and system stability.
“At this point, any facility that serves food and prepares food … even if they currently have water pressure, should not be serving food until such time as we can lift the boil water notice,” Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. said.
A boil water advisory remains in effect for Waterbury as well as the neighboring communities of Wolcott and Watertown, as officials warn that the water system cannot yet be deemed safe for consumption.
The crisis began when a large water main ruptured along Thomaston Avenue on Wednesday. Conditions worsened Friday night, when officials said the entire water system lost pressure.
Governor Ned Lamont and municipal officials said during a Saturday press conference that repair crews have been working nonstop since the break occurred, operating around the clock in an effort to restore full service.
To address immediate needs, Pernerewski said the Connecticut National Guard will assist with distributing bottled water to residents once deliveries reach the city.
{Matzav.com}
Chaos unfolded this afternoon near Brown University when gunfire erupted just as final exams were underway, leaving two people dead and eight others wounded, authorities confirmed. The victims who survived were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, roughly two miles from campus, where they remain in critical but stable condition.
Providence Fire Department Chief Derek Silva said the two fatalities were pronounced dead at the scene. “Those are the only injuries or casualties that we know at this time,” he said, cautioning that the situation remains fluid and the total number could still change.
The shooting occurred shortly after 4 p.m. ET outside the Barus and Holley building, which houses Brown’s School of Engineering and its Physics Department. According to Brown University Provost Francis Doyle, students were actively taking final exams inside the building at the time.
Police are now engaged in an extensive manhunt for the shooter, who remains at large. Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara described the suspect as “a male dressed in black” during an evening press briefing. Investigators believe the suspect fled on foot, exiting through doors on the Hope Street side of the building. O’Hara said it is still unclear how the individual initially gained entry and noted that authorities have received no confirmed sightings since the escape.
As law enforcement continues the search, a shelter-in-place order remains in effect for the university and surrounding neighborhoods. Brown officials urged students and faculty to strictly comply. “This means keeping all doors locked and ensuring no movement across campus,” the university said in an alert.
President Trump said Friday night that he had been briefed on the situation. “What a terrible thing it is,” the president told reporters in brief remarks. “All we can do right now is pray for the victims.”
Addressing questions about campus security, Provost Doyle explained that access to the building is normally controlled by swipe cards, but noted there was “probably a lot of traffic” because exams were scheduled between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
“We’re utilizing every resource possible to find the suspect,” O’Hara said, emphasizing the scale of the ongoing operation.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that city police, Brown University authorities, and the FBI are working together on the investigation. “Sadly, today is a day that the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island prayed would never come,” Smiley told reporters.
Officials are also asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has relevant information to contact law enforcement immediately.
Earlier in the day, confusion spread over reports that a suspect had been taken into custody. Brown officials, followed by media reports and President Trump, initially stated that someone had been detained, but later corrected that information.
“While [Brown University’s department of public safety] was at one point informed that there was an individual in custody, that person was determined not to be the shooting suspect after questioning,” the university clarified in a Friday night emergency update.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or provided further details about the suspect. Brown officials said the two people killed were members of the community and that the university is working closely with local hospitals to identify the injured.
It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of 10-year-old Batsheva Lieberman a”h of Lakewood, NJ.
She was a daughter of R’ Elimelech Shmuel and Devorah Leeba Lieberman of the Dewey Avenue neighborhood.
The levayah will take place tonight at 9 PM at the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel, located at 613 Ramsey Avenue in Lakewood, NJ, followed by kevurah at the adjacent Mt. Sinai Cemetery.
Yehi zichrah boruch.
{Matzav.com}
A political storm erupted tonight after Yesh Atid chairman Gadi Eisenkot hinted that the opposition could form a government even with only 57–58 seats, widely interpreted as a signal that he would consider relying on external support or abstentions from Arab parties.
Eisenkot made the remarks on Channel 12’s “Meet the Press,” saying that the opposition “will know how to form a government even with 57 or 58 votes.” The comment triggered fierce criticism from both coalition leaders and factions within the opposition itself, beginning with an immediate rebuke from National Unity chairman Benny Gantz.
Gantz quickly moved to push back on Eisenkot’s suggestion, warning that a minority government was not a viable option. “Gadi, my friend, we have already been in that movie of trying to swear in a minority government. It wasn’t realistic then, and it’s even less realistic after October 7. What Israel needs is a broad Zionist government of 70 members of Knesset, not a transitional government dependent on the Arab parties that will bring us Ben Gvir with 20 seats,” he said.
Likud leaders seized on the disagreement to accuse the opposition of preparing to collaborate with Arab factions. In a sharply worded statement, the party charged: “The alliance of the dangerous: the opposition is once again joining with the Muslim Brotherhood. Eisenkot exposed the real plan—relying on anti-Zionist Arab parties to form the next government.”
Likud added that “whether through outside support or direct partnership, such a government would be dependent on the Muslim Brotherhood—a dangerous pattern from which no lessons have been learned since October 7.”
Coalition chairman Ofir Katz also attacked Eisenkot’s remarks, tying them to other recent statements from across the opposition. “Yair Golan already said that potential partners include Mansour Abbas and even Ayman Odeh. Yair Lapid opposes a law preventing terror supporters from running for office. And now Eisenkot says it openly. Is there anyone left who still doesn’t understand that the ‘Anyone but Bibi’ bloc plans to form a government with Abbas and Tibi?” he said.
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It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Reuvane Chinn zt”l, a towering talmid chacham, revered mechanech, and lifelong oved Hashem, who was niftar shortly before Shabbos after suffering cardiac arrest. He was in his early seventies.
For nearly four decades, Rav Reuven stood at the heart of Yeshiva Gedolah of Toronto, serving as a beloved R”M since 1988 and shaping the second seder 11th grade shiur with his trademark clarity, depth, and boundless dedication. To countless talmidim, his shiur became a defining stage of their growth, demanding, uplifting, and delivered with the unmistakable sweetness and yashrus that were synonymous with his name.
Rav Reuven’s lifelong ascent in Torah began in the early 1970s, when he traveled to Yerushalayim and entered the world of Rav Berel Soloveitchik at Yeshivas Brisk. Rav Reuven absorbed the Brisker derech with the precision, intensity, and emes that would characterize his learning for the rest of his life.
From there, his path led him to Philadelphia, where he became a close talmid of Rav Elya Svei and ybl”c Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky. Their imprint upon him was lifelong; he often described himself as carrying their guidance, their derech, and their sense of responsibility to talmidim every time he entered the classroom.
Later, in Toronto, Rav Reuven learned for many years under Rav Shloime Miller at Kollel Avreichim. The relationship between rebbi and talmid ran deep. Those close to the Rosh Kollel attest that Rav Shlomo held Rav Reuven in extraordinarily high esteem, an esteem earned through brilliance in Torah, diligence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to emes.
Beyond the walls of the yeshiva, Rav Reuven served as a mohel for almost five decades. Hundreds of families across Toronto and beyond entrusted him with this sacred mitzvah. Those who knew him recall a mohel whose hands were precise, whose manner was gentle, and whose sense of responsibility was profound.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Rav Reuven’s life was his absolute devotion to vasikin davening. Nearly fifty years ago, he survived a serious car accident. Emerging from that experience, he accepted upon himself—permanently—to daven vasikin every single day of his life. And so he did.
He became the heart of the Zichron Shneur Vasikin Minyan, serving as its unofficial spiritual anchor. Through freezing winters, exhausting days, travel, and illness, nothing deterred him. Not a single day passed without vasikin, including the very last day of his life. This alone speaks volumes about the inner greatness and unwavering service to Hashem that pulsed through every fiber of his being.
Those who learned with him struggle to describe the magnitude of his Torah knowledge. It is said by respected talmidei chachomim that Rav Reuven possessed an almost astonishing mastery, a yedius haTorah that was vast, organized, and alive.
People who interacted with him often felt they were standing before a yerei Shamayim of rare purity, a man saturated with chesed, neimus, humility, and an unshakeable sense of straightness and truth.
He was an adam gadol in the truest sense. When one looked at him, one saw yiras Shamayim. When one spoke with him, one felt sweetness and kindness. And when one learned from him, one sensed the presence of a true gadol.
His sudden passing has left talmidim spanning four decades overcome with grief, their rebbi taken in a moment.
The levayah is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning at 9:15 a.m. at Yeshiva Gedolah of Toronto, located at 70 Fairholme Avenue in Toronto. A live hookup will be available in the basement of the yeshiva dormitory, located at 567 Lawrence Avenue West. Kevurah will take place in Lakewood, NJ.
Yehi zichro boruch.
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Israeli police issued an unusually harsh public rebuke tonight after several WhatsApp information groups in the chareidi community circulated false claims that the search for missing 19-year-old Eliyahu Aba Shaul in the Yarkon River area had been halted.
The rumors spread through multiple community WhatsApp groups, prompting police to release an immediate and strongly worded denial. According to the statement, group administrators had distributed inaccurate and misleading information that did not match official briefings.
Police wrote that the WhatsApp reports were “fake, false and misleading,” stressing that the individuals running these groups had failed to adhere to the verified and accurate updates provided by the police spokesperson’s office.
Authorities clarified that, contrary to the incorrect claims circulating online, the search operation had never been paused. Officials emphasized that on Thursday night, during the early stages of the search, police found clothing belonging to the missing teen near the Yarkon River, close to Rokach Street in Ramat Gan. Those items were collected as part of the investigation.
Police added that the false rumors contradicted the established facts and urged all media sources — including WhatsApp group administrators — to verify information before distributing it to large audiences.
Officers stressed that the search for Aba Shaul is ongoing and remains a top priority. The operation began early Thursday morning after his parents reported that he had left home Wednesday evening and never returned.
Since then, large teams from the Dan District and the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station, along with volunteers, emergency responders, advanced technological units, and community search groups, have been working continuously. The discovery of his clothing and electric bicycle near the river heightened concerns and accelerated the search efforts.
Police continued operating throughout Shabbos and into Motzoei Shabbos, while also responding to calls to the 100 emergency hotline about possible leads. Officials urged the public to continue providing any relevant information.
The police message to the public emphasized two key points: first, that any information about the missing teen should be reported immediately to the 100 hotline, and second, that unauthorized individuals must not enter the river under any circumstances due to the dangerous conditions and the need to keep the area clear for trained rescue teams.
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YS GOLD
The hall in the Geulah neighborhood of Yerushalayim was filled with Torah greatness—132 avreichim Gaonim Shas Yidden, along with Gedolei Torah who would be testing them on the entirety of Shas, as well as their financial supporters who came to witness this astounding scene—when Hagaon Rav Reuven Elbaz proclaimed: “Seeing this many true gaonim… I am nearly convinced that we are obligated to recite the berachah of Baruch Shecholak… He Who has shared of His wisdom with those who fear Him!”
Hagaon Rav Menachem Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Nesiv Hada’as, added: “I have had the merit to sit in great and illustrious batei Midrash, alongside great men of mastery in Torah – including in the esteemed Kollel Ponovezh – and to serve as an attendant to some of the greatest Gedolim from the previous generation – but I have never seen Talmidei Chachomim such as these.. It’s worhwhile coming from faraway countries just to witness this!”
History Repeats—Yet Continues to Astound
The phenomenon of seeing the Gaonim Shas Yidden display utter and complete mastery of the entire Shas is not new—in fact, “Shas Yidden” is now celebrating its eighteenth year. The Torah world has become accustomed to this annual sight which is repeated annually in all its glory—and yet, it continues to astound all those privileged to witness it, because it touches something so deep within the Jewish heart.
There isn’t a Yid who has witnessed the site of this exam and wasn’t affected by it. Baalei batim report having taken on a new shiur, accomplished talmidei chachamim have resolved to invest more in the mastery of Shas, and young bachurim attest to having the scope of their aspirations and life goals altered forever.
And so, it is an historic event—even if it transpires every year—to see on one dais 132 young men, from every stripe and denomination in Klal Yisrael, drawn from the seven Kollelim under the Torah empire known as “Shas Yidden” located in every major Jewish metropolis, as they undergo a rigorous exam on, literally, the entire Shas, and respond with crystal clear answers that display an astounding mastery reminiscent of previous generations in Klal Yisrael.
This year’s bechinah took place at the legendary Yeshiva Ohr Hachaim, founded and led by Hagaon Rav Reuven Elbaz, in conjunction with a siyum on the entire Shas by each of the avreichim. And indeed, to be present and to witness the glow and the joy on the faces of the Shas Yidden was to walk away with ohr and chaim—light and life—in the depths of one’s heart.
A Forceful Response
In his introductory remarks, Rav Elbaz gave thanks to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for the privilege of hosting this historic event, attributing it to the merit of the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh for whom the yeshiva is named. He explained that the Shas Yidden phenomenon is a true and apt response to the evil forces of our time who wish to silence the voice of Torah in the land of Eretz Yisrael.
In connection with this, the Rosh Yeshiva asked the avreichim to cite instances in Shas of debates between the Chachmei Yisrael and the Tzedokim. At once, the answers came fast and furious… citing dozens of sources from every area of Shas, including Maseches Shabbos, Rosh Hashanah, Yoma, Sukkah, Ta’anis, Bava Basra, Makkos, Avodah Zarah, Chullin, Menachos, Tosefta of Parah, and more…
Among the questions—all of which received crisp and clear and concise responses—was the question: “where do we find instances—in all of Shas— where Chazal instituted a takanah for the purpose of darkei Shalom, keeping the peace?” Here too, dozens of responses flew forth—with sources in Yerushalmi, Midrashim, Rishonim and Acharonim, and other areas of Torah not neglected by the Gaonim Shas Yidden.
“Where do we find dreams referenced in all of Shas,” asked Rav Elbaz. “Which halachos did Abaye remind his rebbi, Rav Yosef, after he forgot all of his learning? Who were the ones who davened and asked for their needs in a proper manner, and who were those who supplicated Hashem improperly?” These—and so many more—questions each received a torrent of instinctive and quick crystal-clear answers from the Shas Yidden—as the Rosh Yeshiva “strolled” through Shas, by way of dozens of questions, exhibiting and illustrating the depth, the brilliance, and the sheer mastery of the Gaonim Shas Yidden in each and every masechta of Shas.
Rav Elbaz concluded his portion of the exam by noting his deep connection with the Founder and Nosi Hakollelim, Rav Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov, beginning with his grandfather, Hagaon Rav Shalom Eisen by whom he attained semichah many decades ago. He wished the Pozna Rov to be able to continue his incredible work in presiding over this Torah empire for many years to come. He also shared a special berachah with the supporters of the kolelim who make this all possible, wishing them that through their support for Torah, their own fortunes should see much blessing.
Both Worlds
Hagaon Hamekubal Rav Rachamim Moshe Shayo (author of the Mechkerei Aretz responsa) picked up the farher from here—posing dozens of probing questions in every area of Shas, many of them requiring a depth of mastery far beyond a superficial knowledge of Shas. The gaonim Shas Yidden rejoiced at the opportunity to engage in this give and take—illustrating depth and erudition, and a mastery of the material according to the understanding of the Rishonim and Acharonim. Rav Shayo also asked questions on matters of aggadah—receiving answers from every area of Shas.
“How many things were said by Chazal regarding kos shel berachah?, he asked. Within seconds, an entire list was compiled by the avreichim, culled from all masechtos in Shas. “Regarding how many mitzvos are we enjoined not to ‘bundle’ multiple mitzvos together?” –immediately, the avreichim found and compiled all the areas of Shas that deal with this question.
Rav Shayo concluded his time by elaborating on the incredible zechus that it is to support this incredible endeavor known as Kollel Shas Yidden—citing numerous sources in Shas that laud this great merit in This World as well as in the Next World.
Rav Don Segal: “Testimony That Hashem’s Kingdom is Eternal!”
In middle of this exalted event, the hall turned silent as assemblage greeted Hagaon Hatzadik Rav Don Segal who was visibly emotional by everything that he witnessed that evening, saying, “It is deeply moving for me to participate in such an exalted event…. It is an incredible kiddush Hashem, and it is a testimony that the Torah is eternal, that the Ribbono shel Olam’s sovereignty is eternal, and that Klal Yisrael continues to be tethered and connected to Torah. Hakadosh baruch Hu isn’t bankrupt, chas v’shalom! Torah is alive and well in Am Yisrael—and that even in our time, we witness incredible levels of mastery in Torah,” he intoned. “This event is testimony that Am Yisrael is the Am HaTorah,” he added.
The Mashgiach continued by extolling the caliber of these avreichim Gaonim Shas Yidden who have not only mastered Shas and understand every bit of it in depth—but also utilize every spare moment for Torah learning. “There’s nothing left for me to say other than to aspire… and supplicate Hashem that we too should complete Shas!” He then erupted in a joyous and emotional dance—expressing our devotion to the Ribbono shel Olam, and pleading for the geulah.
Pinnacle of Joy
The final portion of the bechinah was presided over by Hagaon Rav Menachem Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Nesiv Hada’as who transformed the atmosphere in the hall with his emotion and amazement at the sheer mastery of the gaonim Shas Yidden—contagiously spreading throughout the hall with a spirit of spiritual pleasure and Torah joy that permeates the soul.
The first of Rav Cohen’s questions elicited such a raucous response from all 132 avreichim, and so he began to direct his queries to individual kolelim—and still, but even so, the noise of their responses was thunderous and raised the roof…
“Where do we find the measure of a tefach mentioned in Shas?” asked Rav Cohen. “Which halachos in Shas are connected with the measure of four amos?” This brought forth an endless torrent of deafening responses. Turning to the parashas hashavuah, he asked “Where do we find the inyan of 22 years mentioned in Shas?” Dozens of answers flowed forth within seconds… followed by further probing questions such as “List four central hilchos Shabbos that are dealt with in Maseches Kesubos.”
A highlight of the evening was when Rav Cohen asked for the sources for meleches machsheves, the halachah that a melachah on Shabbos must be premeditated. Again, a long list of responses from various masechtos in Shas. “But where is it dealt with in Maseches Shabbos itself,” he followed up. “It’s not!” all 132 avreichim thundered at once, emphatically and confidently.
A particularly enjoyable moment was when the Rosh Yeshivah asked the avreichim to enumerate the all the halachos mentioned in Bava Kamma regarding the damage done by an entire list of animals—a question that was answered in great detail and accuracy. “List ten locations in Shas where halachos are learned from a gematriya,” he said—eliciting far more than ten responses. Throughout his questioning, the joy was palpable and the spiritual pleasure otherworldly.
He then had the following words to say: “I have had the merit to sit in great and illustrious batei Midrash, alongside great men of mastery in Torah—including in the esteemed Kollel Ponovezh—and to serve as an attendant to some of the greatest Gedolim from the previous generation —but I have never seen Talmidei Chachomim such as these.. It’s worthwhile coming from faraway countries just to witness this!” he said as he concluded with a heartfelt berachah for both the avreichim and their supporters.
An Evening of Berachos and Yeshu’os
As the first part of the evening drew to a close, the gaonim—each of whom has completed Shas five times this year, Gemara with Rashi and Tosafos (!)—moved over to a neighboring hall for a gala seudas mitzvah. All the emotion was concentrated on these moments, when they would formally conclude their beloved Shas after rigorous and relentless study and review. All of their toil and effort, their joy and pleasure and deveikus from the preceding year is all concentrated in this moment—and the joy pierced the Heavens.
As the avreichim sat together, rejoicing and celebrating this otherworldly event, Hagaon Rav Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov, sat on the dais, drawing incredible nachas from this Torah empire that he has established with tremendous toil, and emotionally celebrating another year of Torah accomplishment and kiddush Hashem.
In the ezras nashim too, the wives of the gaonim have gathered to reap the nachas for their portion in their husbands’ Torah. Some have even brought their young children so they can imbibe in the atmosphere and be taught to continue the golden tradition of their illustrious fathers.
A particularly moving highlight of this part of the evening were the “moments of brachos and yeshu’os” in which the avreichim made their way over to the table of financial supporters to shower them with blessings and to thank them for their part in enabling their unrivaled Torah to continue. Spiritual energy pulsated through the room as the respective partners shook hands—a true illustration of the Yisachar-Zevulun partnership in action—uniting in a shared love of Torah and those who devote their lives to its study.
“They Support You!”
A special guest at the seudas mitzvah was Hagaon Hatzadik Rav Elimelech Biderman, shlit”a, who spoke with his trademark passion and joy in honor of the Torah and those devoted to its study. He elaborated on how the Torah elevates and sanctifies those who learn it as well as those who support it—drawing down for them a tremendous shefa b’ruchaniyus and b’gashmiyus.
Turning to the patrons of “Kollel Shas Yidden,” Rav Meilech said: “I hope you won’t be offended when I tell you that it isn’t you who support these Gaonim Shas Yidden; it is they who support you!” He got no argument from this part of the room, as the joyful Torah supporters nodded in agreement—expressing their own similar feelings that they receive more than they give to these heroes of Torah.
Following the collective siyum hashasim, and the kaddish recited by the esteemed Rabbi Michael Kaplan, a major supporter of the kolelim, the room erupted in music and joy in honor of Torah—a personal Simchas Torah times 132! The joy of the Gaonim—their very essence permeated and saturated with Torah and with deveikus in the One Who gave them the Torah—overflowed to everyone present, and endured for long moments.
In recognition of their sacrifices for the Torah of their husbands, each of the wives was presented a cash gift, as Rebbetzin Eisen lauded their shared accomplishments and greatness.
Without a doubt, the joy from that evening ascended to the Heavens, bringing about great joy and pleasure in the Upper Worlds at the renewed kabbolas haTorah of these incredible Talmidei Chachomim. This evening will long leave its mark upon the Torah world that is privileged to serve as a home to the Gaonim Shas Yidden, being inspired by their stature and illustriousness. They will continue to sanctify their surroundings, elevating the aspirations of every Yid who will proclaim: Halevai that I too should merit to become a Shas Yid!
To watch the dynamic Shas Yiden farheren and Siyumim or for more information on Shas Yiden, or to donate, Click on www.shasyiden.com or Call: 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219. London: UK Registered Charity # 1191225 – 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England or Call: 0208-066-1566
Shortly after the dramatic elimination of Hamas’s second-in-command on Shabbos afternoon in Gaza City, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisroel Katz issued a joint statement outlining the reasoning behind the targeted strike.
The announcement was released minutes after Shabbos ended, following confirmation that Raed Saad — one of the chief planners of Hamas’s “Jericho Wall” invasion strategy and a key architect of the October 7 massacre — had been killed earlier in the day.
According to the joint statement, the decision to carry out the strike came in direct response to a Hamas explosive device that wounded Israeli forces earlier on Shabbos inside the “yellow zone” of the Gaza Strip. The statement said: “The strike was carried out in response to the activation of a Hamas explosive device that injured our forces today in the yellow zone of the Gaza Strip, and therefore Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed that the terrorist Raed Saad, head of Hamas’s force-buildup headquarters, be neutralized.”
The statement continued, describing Saad as a central figure in Hamas’s ongoing military planning: “Saad was one of the architects of the October 7 massacre, and in recent days was engaged in rebuilding the terror organization, planning and executing attacks against Israel, and reconstructing an assault force — in blatant violation of the ceasefire and of Hamas’s commitments to uphold President Trump’s framework.”
Officials stressed that instead of implementing demilitarization as required under the ceasefire terms, Saad had been actively working to rearm Hamas and prepare new attacks.
The statement concluded with a warning and a message of solidarity: “Instead of moving toward demilitarization, he was engaged in rearming for acts of terror. Whoever raises a hand against Israel and harms IDF soldiers — his hand will be cut off in Gaza and everywhere. On behalf of all citizens of Israel, the prime minister and the defense minister wish a speedy recovery to the soldiers who were wounded.”
{Matzav.com}
A sweeping data-sharing system between the Transportation Security Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement has become a central tool in President Donald Trump’s effort to execute a large-scale deportation operation, according to a report in The New York Times. The arrangement, carried out quietly and repeatedly throughout the week, supplies immigration agents with information on air travelers across the country.
A former ICE official told the outlet that people later cross-referenced in ICE databases were frequently detained and deported, reflecting how effective the shared data has been for immigration enforcement.
One such case, detailed by The NYT, involved 19-year-old Honduran national Any Lucía López Belloza, who was detained at Boston Logan Airport last month and removed to Honduras—despite having left that country as a young child.
The Trump administration did not dispute the existence of the initiative. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told CNBC, “This is nothing new,” asserting that the administration is simply correcting what it views as damaging policies inherited from earlier leadership. The spokesperson continued, “Back in February, Secretary [Kristi] Noem reversed the horrendous Biden-era policy that allowed aliens in our country illegally to jet around our country and do so without identification. Under President Trump, TSA and DHS will no longer tolerate this. This administration is working diligently to ensure that aliens in our country illegally can no longer fly unless it is out of our country to self-deport.”
The fallout from these policies has drawn attention abroad as well. U.K. commentator Sami Hamdi, known for his pro-Palestinian activism, spent more than two weeks in ICE custody after being stopped at the San Francisco airport. His family insists he was targeted for expressing unpopular political views and says he voluntarily returned to London without any deportation order after being held in substandard conditions. Whether TSA data played a role in his detention remains unconfirmed.
Behind the scenes, the Trump administration has reportedly urged immigration officers to meet an ambitious—so far unattained—goal of 3,000 arrests each day in pursuit of the president’s pledge to deport millions. Central to that push has been the aggressive use of federal databases.
The Department of Homeland Security now holds personal information on nearly the entire U.S. population, a scope of access that the administration has leveraged while pressuring states—particularly those governed by Democrats—to surrender immigration-related data tied to SNAP food assistance recipients or risk losing the funds altogether.
White House strategists have also explored tapping into tax records and Veterans Affairs databases as part of the broader deportation effort, further expanding the digital architecture behind the president’s immigration agenda.
{Matzav.com}
Israeli negotiators have intensified pressure in the ongoing hostage-related talks by supplying mediators with a roster of Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives believed to have firsthand information about where Master Sgt. Ran Gvili is buried, Channel 12 reported Friday. The list was accompanied by precise maps outlining zones that Israeli officials say are linked to the slain officer’s presumed resting place.
Those involved in the process say the material was conveyed in a direct, unmistakable manner. With the recent Storm Byron clearing and conditions improving, Israel expects militant factions in Gaza to accelerate their own searches. Officials told Channel 12 they believe that if Islamic Jihad chooses to cooperate sincerely, Gvili’s remains could be recovered “within a short time.”
Jerusalem has underscored that no progress will be made on the next phase of the ceasefire arrangement until Gvili is brought home. He is the only remaining hostage still held in Gaza, and his return has become the determining factor for any diplomatic movement.
Security sources confirmed that Israel has recently developed several new leads regarding the possible burial site and has initiated preliminary checks. The area of interest is associated with Islamic Jihad, whose operatives seized Gvili during the Hamas-driven massacre on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel.
Reports indicate that Islamic Jihad has been conducting its own searches throughout various sectors of the Gaza Strip, apparently attempting to locate the officer’s remains.
Gvili served in the Yasam counter-terror police unit and had been recuperating from a shoulder injury at the time of the assault. Despite being on medical leave, he donned his uniform and raced to the battlefield as soon as he heard what was unfolding.
The IDF announced in January 2024 that Gvili had been killed in the fighting at Kibbutz Alumim on October 7 and that his body had been taken into Gaza. His family, unwilling to accept closure without physical proof, continues to insist on the return of his remains.
The Prime Minister’s Office revealed last week that an Israeli team traveled to Cairo for another round of negotiations. The group, headed by government hostage envoy Gal Hirsch, included senior representatives from the IDF, Mossad, and Shin Bet.
Channel 12 reported that these discussions ended with a commitment to accelerate the mission of retrieving Gvili. During the talks, Israeli officials told mediators that certain Islamic Jihad figures know exactly where he is buried. They also used the opportunity to reiterate Israel’s stance that the next phase of any ceasefire must incorporate Hamas’s disarmament and a fully demilitarized Gaza Strip.
According to Channel 12, mediators informed Israel that Hamas is signaling openness to continuing the negotiations. “Either they agree to disarm and demilitarize Gaza, or we will do it ourselves,” one Israeli official said. “Israel will not leave a threat to the State of Israel in Gaza.”
{Matzav.com}
With anticipation building nationwide, Powerball players are gearing up for tonight’s drawing, for which the prize pool has rocketed to an extraordinary estimated $1 billion. The jackpot ballooned once again after the Dec. 10 numbers failed to produce a winner, leaving the top prize at a staggering $1 billion with a cash payout of $457.7 million.
This marks the second time in 2025 that Powerball has reached the billion-dollar threshold. Earlier this year, on Sept. 6, a massive $1.79 billion jackpot was claimed by ticket holders in Missouri and Texas, setting a high bar for the excitement now gripping players once again.
Tonight’s drawing is scheduled for 10:59 p.m. — the standard time for Powerball results every Monday, Wednesday, and Motzoei Shabbos. As always, each attempt at the jackpot costs $2, and adding the Power Play option for an extra $1 gives players the ability to multiply non-jackpot winnings by factors ranging from two to ten.
Anyone chasing the jackpot should remember the long odds: the chances of hitting all six numbers stand at 1 in 292.2 million.
Drawings take place at the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee and are carried live on Powerball.com.
Players purchasing tickets at retail locations have the option to boost their chances through Double Play, a separate draw held immediately after the main event. For an extra $1 per play, the same set of numbers is entered into a second drawing where prizes can reach as high as $10,000,000. The Double Play results are announced between 11:30 and 11:40 p.m., though winnings from this round cannot be increased using the Power Play multiplier.
{Matzav.com}
