Dear Matzav Inbox,
Lately, a question keeps echoing in my mind—softly at first, then more insistently: Is this really where I’m meant to be?
I have a steady job here in the United States, a predictable routine, and the familiar comforts that come with stability. Yet beneath it all, something feels unfinished. I find myself thinking more and more about Israel—and about the possibility of dedicating myself to bringing our secular brothers and sisters closer to authentic Judaism.
It isn’t that my life here lacks meaning. It’s that I feel called toward a deeper one. Every time I visit Israel—or even just think about it—that feeling returns. There’s something about the land, the people, the rhythm of Jewish life that resonates with a different part of my soul. The mornings feel different there, the conversations feel different, and even the air seems charged with history and destiny.
Israel doesn’t just feel like a place I love—it feels like the place where I could become the person I’m meant to be.
Part of what draws me is the realization of how many Jews in Israel live without ever truly tasting Torah. Not because they reject it, but because they’ve never encountered it in all its depth and sweetness. I imagine what it might be like to help bridge that gap—with warmth, sincerity, and genuine respect. Something inside me whispers that maybe I could help ignite that spark in others.
Of course, leaving my job in the U.S. would mean giving up stability, family, and stepping into the unknown. So I’ve been thinking: what if I took a first small step? Perhaps I could spend a couple of weeks in Tel Aviv this summer—holding on to my life here, but dedicating some time to explore this dream.
Is there anyone out there who feels the same pull, the same quiet tug toward something greater? Maybe we could create something together—a kind of Yarchei Kallah of Kiruv.
Any interest?
A Yid
To submit a letter to appear on Matzav.com, email MatzavInbox@gmail.com
DON’T MISS OUT! Join the Matzav Status by CLICKING HERE. Join the Matzav WhatsApp Groups by CLICKING HERE.
The opinions expressed in letters on Matzav.com do not necessarily reflect the stance of the Matzav Media Network.
It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Eliyahu Raful zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Neveh Eretz in Be’er Yaakov. He was niftar this morning at the age of 95.
Rav Raful was one of the foremost marbitzei Torah of the past generation and a true pioneer of the Sephardic yeshiva movement in Eretz Yisroel. Following the storied legacy of Yeshiva Porat Yosef, he established Yeshiva Neveh Eretz, which became a spiritual lighthouse for generations of Sephardic bnei Torah, guiding them toward a life of Torah learning and yiras Shamayim.
Renowned for his extraordinary Torah knowledge, sharp intellect, and profound humility, Rav Raful exemplified the essence of a genuine Torah educator. He devoted his life entirely to spreading Torah and building the next generation of talmidei chachomim. Over the decades, he produced hundreds of talmidim, many of whom went on to serve as rabbonim, dayanim, roshei kollel, and roshei yeshiva across the Torah world.
After a period of declining health, Rav Raful passed away peacefully at his home in Bnei Brak.
The levayah took place today at his home at 5 Harav Hirsch Street in Bnei Brak, continuing to the Ponovezh Cemetery for kevurah.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams received a rare bipartisan standing ovation in the Knesset today as he concluded his farewell visit to Israel. Adams, who will soon be succeeded by Zohran Mamdani—widely regarded as anti-Israel—was warmly welcomed by members of both the coalition and opposition during his appearance in the plenum.
WATCH:
Earlier, Adams met with Knesset Speaker Amir Ochana in the Speaker’s Office, joined by Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis. Ochana expressed gratitude for Adams’s “unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish people throughout his tenure, particularly in the days following October 7.”
Addressing the plenary session, Ochana publicly hailed Adams as “a true friend of Israel, of the Jewish people, and of the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel.” He added, “Your heartfelt words in your speech just days after October 7—‘We are not OK’—touched the hearts of so many here in Israel and reflected genuine moral clarity. Your leadership in the fight against antisemitism shows courage and true solidarity. Because of leaders like you, we will be OK.” Members of Knesset rose to their feet, applauding Adams for several minutes.
Earlier in the day, Adams met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Mayor Adams for his strong support of Israel and for being a true friend of the Jewish people.”
Adams also met with President Yitzchak Herzog at the Presidential Residence in Yerushalayim. “You are a dear and close friend of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people,” Herzog told him. “We will never forget your moving words and the solidarity you showed on and after October 7. I will personally never forget your historic visit in the early days of the war—meant to strengthen us and express confidence. Your contribution to the relationship between Israel and New York City is tremendous.”
Herzog continued, “You have done wonders for New York, and I have always admired the dignified way you led the city. Your presence here now is deeply meaningful. As you know, we are concerned about the situation following the recent mayoral elections in New York. I thank you for your friendship and solidarity over the years and wish you much success in all your future endeavors.”
In his remarks, Adams responded, “Like many of my colleagues, we want to send a clear message: 49% of New Yorkers made it clear they do not accept an anti-Israel philosophy. We still view Israel as an ally and a friend. I come here, as I leave office, to reaffirm that I will not abandon my commitment to Israel and to the Jewish people around the world. Your contributions through innovation and technology impact quality of life globally.”
Acknowledging rising antisemitism, he added, “We can’t deny that there’s an increase in antisemitism around the world, including some of what we hear in New York. I believe what we need now is clarity—clarity in our message—and I will continue to emphasize that message in the fight against hatred wherever it appears.”
{Matzav.com}
An unusual yet heartwarming scene was captured at a gathering in Bnei Brak last night. During a fundraising dinner for Keren Olam HaTorah, held at the home of philanthropist Yissachar Knoll, attendees witnessed a rare and touching interaction between two of the generation’s gedolim, HaGaon Rav Dov Landau, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, and HaGaon Rav Don Segal, the renowned mashgiach.
In the midst of the formal proceedings, the two gedolim were seen engaged in a quiet, handwritten exchange, passing notes back and forth with deep concentration. A photo taken by Ezra Trabelsi shows Rav Segal initiating the correspondence, penning a message and handing it to Rav Landau, who promptly responded in his own handwriting.
The exchange continued for several minutes, even as the official program carried on around them. At one point, the intensity of their written discussion appeared to heighten, suggesting that a particularly weighty matter had come up for deliberation.
Observers were moved by the sight, a silent Torah dialogue unfolding between two towering figures, conducted with reverence and discretion amid a bustling event.
{Matzav.com}
[COMMUNICATED]
Meet Bina, 10 months old now. Her laughter is so sweet despite her serious spleen cancer.
Bina is brave and so lively. The oxygen tube and glucose meter are a grave reminder of her fragile life.
Bina’s amazing parents are fighting for her.
She has undergone three successful surgical procedures in Denmark, and now she needs chemo treatments, but they too have to be done abroad and at full cost due to her young age.
Bina’s parents are struggling. They spent every cent they owned but they cannot give up. They have to turn to your help now.
Bina is winning a battle with an aggressive, highly fatal cancer.
We can’t let her parents down now.
Bina needs this last push to recover against terrible odds.
One click and you support these amazing parenting and incredible baby with an unbeatable smile.
A temporary classroom structure in Beit Shemesh collapsed suddenly on Sunday, injuring four young girls and exposing a disturbing reality: many of the city’s educational institutions are operating out of makeshift, unsafe buildings. The incident has reignited public outrage over the lack of oversight and safety enforcement in one of Israel’s fastest-growing cities.
The collapse occurred on Ben Azai Street, where a lightweight prefab building used as a special education kindergarten gave way without warning. One girl was moderately injured and three sustained light injuries. Beyond the physical harm, residents say the incident symbolizes a much deeper failure — an ongoing pattern of negligence and dangerous shortcuts in construction across Beit Shemesh.
A visit to several school sites in the city revealed alarming conditions: flimsy modular classrooms stacked on top of each other, supported by thin, shaky columns; access to upper floors via suspended metal staircases bolted to iron poles; and sharp, exposed metal bars perilously close to play areas. Parents described the situation as a ticking time bomb.
“There are hundreds of school buildings like this all over Beit Shemesh,” said Chaim, a local resident. “They’re thrown together hastily to meet demand, often without permits or proper inspections. It’s become normal to have classrooms standing on stilts. They’re literally gambling with our children’s safety.”
Parents who arrived at the scene of the collapse were shocked to find that even as city engineers and emergency personnel worked nearby, other similarly unstable structures remained in use just meters away. “They saw another building just like it — unsafe, packed with children — and didn’t order it shut down immediately,” one parent fumed. “This isn’t just negligence. It’s abandonment.”
Simcha, a United Hatzalah medic and father of a child who attends the affected school, recalled the chaos of the rescue. “Like every morning, I dropped off my son and went to work. Then I got a message about ‘danger to life’ and rushed over. We had to stop bleeding, cut the power, and rescue four girls. It was a miracle no one was trapped underneath. My son sometimes plays right there. It could’ve ended much worse.”
Opposition council member Tami Zusman condemned what she described as systemic failure. “The chareidi community already experienced the tragedy of Meron. Here in Beit Shemesh, we’re seeing the same recipe for disaster — zero transparency, zero planning, and zero accountability,” she said. “If a structure is unsafe, it must be closed. If it’s illegal, it must be demolished. The engineering department simply can’t keep up. We’re courting another tragedy.”
Despite orders from the city engineer to evacuate the damaged structure, the broader issue remains unresolved. Across Beit Shemesh, precarious metal stairways, makeshift supports, and trailers stacked two stories high are still being used daily by hundreds of children. Residents warn that unless the city imposes strict engineering supervision and halts unsafe construction, another disaster is only a matter of time.
The Beit Shemesh Municipality issued a response stating that it is “conducting a thorough investigation with all relevant authorities regarding the circumstances of the incident.” The city confirmed that “the building in question was an unauthorized addition” and emphasized that it “acts consistently against illegal construction.” The municipal building supervision department, the statement added, recently received a national excellence award for effective enforcement.
The city further noted that “independent educational networks are not part of the regular public school system and work directly with the Ministry of Education for safety approvals.”
For now, residents say, that bureaucratic distinction offers little comfort. “You can’t build on miracles,” one parent said bitterly. “At some point, you have to build on engineers.”
{Matzav.com}
