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Kerry Kennedy escalated her criticism of President Donald Trump, publicly calling for his name to be removed from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts once he leaves office. In posts shared on X and Instagram, Kennedy pledged dramatic action to reverse the decision.

“Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters of that building,” she wrote.

She followed up with another post inviting supporters to join her effort, adding, “But I’m going to need help holding the ladder. Are you in? Apply for my carpenter’s card today, so it’ll be a union job!!!.”

The naming decision has drawn sharp criticism from several Democrats and members of the Kennedy family. Among those objecting was JFK’s niece Maria Shriver, along with multiple Democratic lawmakers, all of whom argue that placing Trump’s name on the building violates federal law.

“The Kennedy Center was named by law. To change the name would require a revision of that 1964 law,” Ray Smock, a former House historian, told the Associated Press. “The Kennedy Center board is not a lawmaking entity. Congress makes laws.”

Congress designated the performing arts complex as a living memorial to President Kennedy in 1964, a year after his assassination. The statute explicitly bars the board of trustees from transforming the center into a memorial for anyone else or placing another individual’s name on the exterior of the building.

Despite those objections, Trump’s name was added after the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees — reportedly selected by Trump — voted unanimously in favor of the change. Officials at the Kennedy Center said the vote was intended to acknowledge Trump’s efforts to revitalize the institution.

Kennedy expanded her attack a day earlier with a separate post on X sharply criticizing Trump and his administration. She wrote: “President Trump and his administration have spent the past year repressing free expression, targeting artists, journalists, and comedians, and erasing the history of Americans whose contributions made our nation better and more just.”

She contrasted that record with the legacy of her uncle, writing: “President Kennedy proudly stood for justice, peace, equality, dignity, diversity, and compassion for those who suffer. President Trump stands in opposition to these values, and his name should not be placed alongside President Kennedy’s.”

Kerry Kennedy is the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, who served as a U.S. senator and attorney general. Her brother, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., currently serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Trump administration and has not commented publicly on the controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center’s name.

{Matzav.com}

Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) claims it sabotaged a Russian airbase near Lipetsk, disabling two fighter jets, an Su-30 and an Su-27, by setting them on fire inside a hangar.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Damascus, along with a delegation that included Defense Minister Yasar Guler and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.

The IDF has released footage of one of the two separate drone strikes yesterday in the southern Lebanon town of Yater, targeting Hezbollah terrorists. According to the IDF, one strike killed a Hezbollah terrorist involved in restoring the group’s infrastructure. Lebanese authorities report the second strike wounded one person.

SPEAKER JOHNSON: If we lose the House majority, the radical left will impeach President Trump.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted a series of ballistic missile tests across multiple locations in Iran today, including Mashhad, Khorramabad, Kermanshah, Mahabad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran. Iran’s Fars News Agency confirmed that the launches are part of a large-scale missile exercise. Israeli officials have warned their U.S. counterparts that Tehran could use the drills […]

SCARY SIGHT: Two men were left dangling at the peak of a 130-foot drop after a roller coaster malfunctioned in Texas, suspended at a terrifying 90-degree angle facing straight toward the ground. A frantic relative called 911 as the riders hung there for nearly an hour before they were safely brought down.

At least five people were injured after a four-alarm fire tore through a home on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn early Monday morning. Fire officials say the blaze erupted around 2 a.m. on the first floor and escalated to four alarms within an hour. Nearly 200 FDNY firefighters and EMS personnel responded. Two civilians were transported […]

The Venezuelan military has begun distributing rifles to civilians in working-class neighborhoods The official purpose is to organize local militias capable of “forming an armed resistance in the event of a foreign invasion.”

A growing trend in recent years of placing handwritten notes with personal requests inside or beneath the Chanukah menorah—particularly on Zos Chanukah—is coming under sharp criticism from rabbinic figures, who say the practice has no source, no tradition, and no basis in Torah.

The practice, widely circulated each year on social media and various websites, claims that one should write a note beginning with the verse “Min hameitzar karasi Kah, anani bamerchav Kah,” add one’s name and mother’s name, list personal requests, and then place the note in the menorah after the candles go out. According to the claim, the note is left there until the following Chanukah, when it is opened to see whether the requests were fulfilled.

Rabbinic authorities say the so-called segulah is entirely fabricated.

Rav Chaim Fuchs, head of the Segulas Emes Institute, addressed the phenomenon this week, calling the practice “nonsensical” and stressing that it has no connection to authentic Jewish tradition. He said the idea was invented only in recent years and falsely presented as a spiritual tool. “If a person asks Hashem sincerely, Hashem can answer,” he said, emphasizing that the power lies in tefillah itself, not in placing slips of paper in ritual objects.

Concerns have grown as variations of the practice have emerged, including suggestions to place notes in Pesach utensils after the Yom Tov or even inside the oil cups of the menorah from night to night. Rabbinic figures warn that such trends risk shifting people’s faith away from tefillah and toward superstition, creating the impression that salvation comes from a mechanical act rather than a relationship with Hashem.

Years ago, Rav Reuven Zakaim, head of the Zichron Yaakov Beis Medrash for Halachah and Dayanus, wrote a detailed critique of the practice. He said he researched the matter extensively and found no mention of such a segulah in any authoritative sefer, nor any record of it being taught or endorsed by recognized Torah leaders. “It is entirely new,” he wrote, adding that it was unheard of throughout Jewish history, even dating back to the miracle of the oil itself.

Rav Zakaim acknowledged that while there may not be a formal halachic prohibition against placing a note in a menorah, the practice should not be attributed any spiritual significance. He warned against confusing the essentials of avodas Hashem with practices that lack any authentic source. He cited the irony noted by earlier gedolim that if mitzvos themselves were written up as segulos, people might be more meticulous in observing them.

The issue was also addressed this past week by writer Reb Dovid Daman in the Hebrew Mishpacha magazine. He expressed sympathy for those who followed the practice last year and were left disappointed when their hopes were not realized. Rather than doubling down on an invented ritual, he urged readers to replace it with meaningful tefillah, suggesting the recitation of the entire Sefer Tehillim on Zos Chanukah.

“I don’t promise salvations,” he wrote. “By Hashem, no one stands with a stopwatch. But Tehillim—especially the full sefer recited without interruption—is always a powerful and holy segulah. Tefillos do not return empty.”

Daman said the trend highlights how quickly unfounded practices can spread, especially among people searching desperately for yeshuah. He recounted being offered yet another “new segulah” this year involving placing a request note inside a cup of oil, calling it further proof that such ideas proliferate without restraint.

{Matzav.com}

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland insisted Monday that the U.S. won’t take over Greenland and demanded respect for their territorial integrity after President Donald Trump announced the appointment of a special envoy to Greenland. Trump’s announcement on Sunday that Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry would be the U.S. special envoy prompted a new flare-up of […]

Attorney Shlomo Hadad, who represents many of the Chareidi bochurim and avreichim arrested for “draft dodging,” wrote a disturbing report about one of the bochurim he visited, who was severely injured by the police despite the fact that he did not resist his arrest. Hadad wrote: “My first meeting with Yitzchak Revivo was not just […]

The Belzer Rebbe addressed the challenges facing Torah learners during his Seudah Shlishis on Shabbos Chanukah, speaking before tens of thousands of chassidim who spent Shabbos in his presence.

In his divrei Torah, the Rebbe reflected on the current period as one of hester — spiritual concealment — and spoke about the decrees directed against those devoted to Torah study. Drawing on the parsha, he explained that Yosef HaTzaddik, during his exile in Mitzrayim, laid the spiritual groundwork that enabled later generations to endure exile. That preparation, the Rebbe said, empowered Klal Yisroel to survive not only the Egyptian exile but future exiles as well.

“Even in our times, everything is in concealment,” the Rebbe said. “There is an inner exile and an outer exile, similar to what existed in Mitzrayim. Then, Klal Yisroel was redeemed through Aharon HaKohen and Moshe Rabbeinu. Today as well, the power of Torah is what sustains us, and in the end, Hashem will help, and it will become clear that it is only the Torah learned by Bnei Yisroel in exile that keeps them standing.”

The Rebbe further connected these themes to the miracle of Chanukah, noting that even when Klal Yisroel was in a lowly and weakened state — akin to exile, despite the Beis Hamikdash still standing — it was the Kohanim who elevated the nation and drew them closer to Hashem.

“So too in our exile,” he said, “the hand of Hashem stands by Bnei Yisroel, and He illuminates the darkness, just as at the time of the miracle, through the study of Torah Shebichsav and Torah Shebaal Peh.”

{Matzav.com}

Podcaster Tucker Carlson has been named “Antisemite of the Year” by StopAntisemitism, citing his repeated use of a massive media platform to normalize, amplify, and legitimize antisemitic figures and narratives. The designation follows months of backlash, particularly over Carlson’s October interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier who has promoted conspiracy theories about […]

An extraordinary medical and spiritual story from Yerushalayim has resurfaced, as a prominent physician from Har Nof—once declared beyond hope—continues his recovery after what many are describing as nothing short of techias hameisim.

Yerushalayim’s Har Nof neighborhood is accustomed to the steady stream of visitors arriving at the home of the renowned posek, Rav Moshe Sternbuch, where daily audiences draw individuals seeking guidance and brachah. In recent days, however, the atmosphere there was markedly different, as songs of praise and thanksgiving filled the residence during a rare and emotional gathering marking a dramatic medical recovery that has stirred the city.

The gathering marked the visit of a well-known Har Nof physician who, nearly two years ago, was considered clinically “dead” by medical standards. During the COVID period, the doctor suffered a severe stroke after being infected with the virus, leaving him unconscious and in a vegetative state. Physicians told the family with certainty that there were “zero chances” of recovery, with one doctor reportedly stating that it would have been better had he passed away, as there was no hope he would ever awaken.

The full account was related by Reb Daniel Travis, a rosh kollel and close talmid of Rav Sternbuch, who served as the family’s emissary. Rav Travis explained that members of his kollel undertook daily tefillos on the patient’s behalf, maintaining the effort without interruption for a year and a half.

Eventually, family members raised a halachic concern, arguing that the patient was effectively considered dead and that continued tefillah might constitute praying for a miracle, which is generally not permitted. Rav Travis brought the question directly to Rav Sternbuch, seeking a clear halachic ruling.

After listening carefully and inquiring in detail about the medical circumstances for several minutes, Rav Sternbuch reflected deeply before delivering a decisive response. He ruled that continued tefillah was entirely permitted and encouraged, explaining that contemporary medical advancements leave room for recovery through natural means. He instructed Rav Travis to continue the tefillos and assured him that they would yet see a great yeshuah.

Rav Travis conveyed the ruling to the family, reinforcing Rav Sternbuch’s words that hope had not been lost. Remarkably, the very next day, the patient suddenly regained consciousness. He began communicating, speaking, and gradually recovering, in a development that doctors reportedly could not explain and for which there was no known medical precedent.

Rav Travis recounts receiving an emotional phone call from the patient himself, who wished to express gratitude for the brachah delivered through Rav Sternbuch. Hearing the voice of someone who had been considered dead left Rav Travis stunned, though he said he was not surprised after the clear ruling and assurance he had received from his rebbi.

In the weeks that followed, the recovering doctor was even seen at times learning in Rabbi Sternbuch’s beis medrash. When he first entered, those present reportedly looked on in disbelief as the man they believed had passed away stood on his own two feet.

Although the core events occurred nearly two years ago, the story is only now being widely publicized, as the doctor—now significantly stronger—recently returned to Rav Sternbuch’s home to formally express his gratitude. Overcome with emotion, he asked Rav Travis to recount the full story publicly.

To conclude, Rav Travis shared an additional insight that sheds light on Rav Sternbuch’s approach. He recalled witnessing a case years earlier in which Rav Sternbuch initially declined to issue a halachic ruling granting a young man success in finding a shidduch, only to do so months later. Within three weeks of that ruling, the young man became engaged.

When Rav Travis later asked whether a halachic ruling can truly determine future outcomes, Rav Sternbuch replied that he had received this tradition from Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer: when a genuine posek issues a ruling in this world, it is accepted in the Heavenly court as well and can draw down yeshuos.

{Matzav.com}

China will impose up to 42.7% of provisional tariffs on dairy products including milk and cheese imported from the European Union, its Commerce Ministry said Monday. The elevated duties, which take effect Tuesday, were based on preliminary results from an investigation opened by China’s Commerce Ministry in August 2024 as tensions between Beijing and Brussels […]

Politico first reported that the Trump administration has begun pulling back a significant number of U.S. ambassadors, a move that has prompted unease among some members of Congress and the labor union representing American diplomats.

The largest concentration of changes is in Africa, where ambassadors from 13 nations are being recalled: Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, and Uganda.

Asia follows, with six countries affected by ambassadorial turnover: Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Additional recalls span multiple regions. Four European countries—Armenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovakia—are included. Two countries each are affected in the Middle East (Algeria and Egypt), South and Central Asia (Nepal and Sri Lanka), and the Western Hemisphere (Guatemala and Suriname).

According to two State Department officials who requested anonymity to discuss internal personnel matters, chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were notified last week that their assignments would conclude in January.

Those officials said all of the ambassadors in question began their overseas postings during the Biden administration. While they initially remained in place after President Donald Trump returned to office and an early round of removals focused largely on political appointees, that status changed this week. On Wednesday, they began receiving formal notifications from Washington that their tours were being cut short.

The administration has emphasized that the affected diplomats are not being dismissed from the Foreign Service. Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and generally hold their posts for three to four years. Those being recalled may return to Washington and take on other roles if they choose, the officials said.

The State Department declined to provide precise figures or name the ambassadors involved, but defended the action as routine, describing it as “a standard process in any administration.” The department added that an ambassador is “a personal representative of the president and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda.”

The recalls come as the Trump administration continues reshaping U.S. diplomacy abroad, seeking to ensure that senior embassy leadership aligns fully with President Donald Trump’s America First priorities.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance told a packed audience at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Sunday that the most meaningful way to honor the late Charlie Kirk is to avoid the kind of exclusionary behavior Kirk himself rejected throughout his life.

Vance framed his remarks around the broad appeal of President Donald Trump’s political message, emphasizing that the slogan “Make America Great Again” is rooted in inclusion rather than gatekeeping. He said the strength of the movement lies in the idea that every American is welcome, regardless of background or circumstance.

VP VANCE: "President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless, self-defeated purity tests… I didn't bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform… The best way to honor Charlie is that none of us here… pic.twitter.com/jyMQotlW1O

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 21, 2025

“President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless, self-defeated purity tests,” Vance said. “He says ‘Make America Great Again’ because every American is invited. We don’t care if you’re white or black, rich or poor, young or old, rural or urban, controversial or a little bit boring, or somewhere in between. People of every faith come to our banner because they know that the America First movement will make their lives better and they also know that the Democrats don’t care about anything other than maybe transing their kids.”

According to Vance, that open-door approach is precisely why the America First coalition has grown into a political force. He argued that Americans who love their country and want it to be “richer, stronger, safer, and prouder” naturally belong within the movement.

Vance also addressed criticism he expects to receive, saying he deliberately avoided attacking or excluding fellow conservatives. He stressed that Kirk’s legacy was built on bringing people together, not pushing them out.

“I didn’t bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to deplatform, and I don’t really care if some people out there — I’m sure we’ll have the fake news media denounce me after this speech, but let me just say, “the best way to honor Charlie is that none of us here should be doing something after Charlie’s death that he himself refused to do in life,” Vance said. “He invited all of us here.”

He concluded by reiterating that the America First movement remains a home for anyone committed to the country’s strength and future, echoing what he described as the core principle Charlie Kirk championed from the beginning.

{Matzav.com}

Instacart said Monday that it’s ending a program where some customers saw different prices for the same product ordered at the same time from the same store when using the delivery company’s service. The program was meant to help grocers and other retailers learn more about what kinds of prices customers would pay for items, […]