A heavy cloud of mourning descended upon the Vizhnitzer kehillah in Montreal with the news of the petirah of Rav Asher Greenfeld zt”l, who served for four decades as the rav and av beis din of Vizhnitz in Montreal. He was 82.
The levayah is scheduled to take place today at 5:30 p.m. at Beis Medrash Imrei Chaim-Vizhnitz in Montreal. His aron will be brought to Eretz Yisroel, where the levayah will be held on Friday. He will be laid to rest in the Vizhnitzer beis hachaim in Bnei Brak.
Rav Greenfeld was a living symbol of hasmadah and unwavering shteiging in Torah. His vast bekius and iyun in Shas and poskim, acquired during his formative years in the great yeshivos and refined throughout his life, established him as a respected talmid chochom and marbitz Torah who raised many talmidim. He was renowned as a peh mapik margoliyos, an exceptional darshan who illuminated aggadah and maamarei Chazal with sweetness and clarity, inspiring his listeners with depth and warmth.
In every fiber of his being, Rav Greenfeld was a devoted chassid, deeply connected b’lev v’nefesh to the holy chain of Vizhnitzer tzaddikim. The fire of chassidus burned within him in his tefillos and hanhagos, and he served as a living example of total hisbatlus to the tzaddikei hador.
Beyond his gadlus baTorah, Rav Greenfeld possessed an expansive Jewish heart that beat constantly for others. He was a true baal chesed, tirelessly assisting almanos, yesomim, and brokenhearted individuals. His tzedakah was most often given quietly, with extraordinary sensitivity to the kavod of the recipient. Those close to him would say that there was no lack that did not find an address by him and no tear that did not find comfort.
Rav Greenfeld was born on the fourth of Adar in 1944 into a home steeped in Torah and mesirus nefesh. He was named after his grandfather, Rav Asher of Ober-Epsach. From his earliest years, he was bound with a deep spiritual kesher to the Vizhnitzer dynasty.
As a young child living with his family in Switzerland, he merited a rare experience when the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, the Imrei Chaim, came to raise funds for the establishment of Kiryat Vizhnitz in Bnei Brak. The Rebbe stayed in the Greenfeld family’s modest two-room apartment. Despite the cramped quarters, Rav Greenfeld’s father, Reb Baruch Greenfeld, joyfully gave up an entire room for the Rebbe, while the family crowded together for two weeks. That mesirus nefesh and hiskashrus were etched into the young boy’s soul and shaped the course of his life.
Rav Asher merited to sit on the Rebbe’s lap during that visit. The Rebbe remarked with affection that when he himself had been young, he sat on the lap of Rav Asher of Ober-Epsach, saying, “When I was small and you were big, I sat on your knees; now that you are small and I am big, you sit on mine.”
In his bochur years, Rav Greenfeld learned at Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin in Bnei Brak. He was distinguished by his diligence and refinement, but above all by his deep hiskashrus to his rabbeim. He did not miss a single tish of the Imrei Chaim and later forged a particularly close bond with the Rebbe’s son, the Yeshuos Moshe, who served as rav of the neighborhood at the time.
Rav Greenfeld was among the select few who remained after the tish to participate in the late-night bateh conducted by the Yeshuos Moshe in the shul, where he absorbed the inner teachings of chassidus and the depth of Aggadah. Over time, he became one of the Rebbe’s closest and most trusted talmidim. The Yeshuos Moshe would say affectionately that the name Asher was an acronym for “Ratzon Avinu Shebashamayim.”
In 1986, at the behest of the Yeshuos Moshe, Rav Greenfeld undertook a great shlichus: to relocate to Montreal and lead the developing Vizhnitzer kehillah there. With remarkable hisbatlus and mesirus nefesh, he accepted the mission, initially traveling alone and leaving his family in Eretz Yisroel during the first year.
In Montreal, he founded the kollel that became the vibrant spiritual heart of the community. For 40 years he stood at its helm, teaching Torah and raising generations of talmidim. In addition to serving as rosh kollel, he functioned as rav of the kehillah, guiding his flock with chochmah, tevunah, and an ayin tovah.
His relationship with the members of the kehillah was personal and heartfelt. From small children to respected elders, each felt a genuine closeness to him. He loved every Yid with sincerity, and that love was returned in full.
Upon the histalkus of the Yeshuos Moshe in 2012, Rav Greenfeld was shattered with grief. Yet even in his pain, he demonstrated complete hisbatlus to the continuation of the dynasty’s leadership, publicly affirming his allegiance to the new Rebbe and strengthening the kehillah with clarity and resolve.
Rav Greenfeld was held in high esteem by gedolei Yisroel of his generation. He maintained close ties with Rav Shmuel Wosner and with the Skverer Rebbe, who received him with special honor. He was often welcomed for extended yechidus, where they discussed Torah, stories of tzaddikim, and matters of chizuk hadas.
His mastery of Torah was extraordinary. Shas Bavli and Yerushalmi were clear to him, as were Tanach and the words of Chazal. He delved deeply into Toras hachassidus and pnimiyus haTorah, extracting pearls of machshavah and guidance. His drashos combined depth, clarity, and fiery hislahavus, making him one of the most sought-after speakers among Vizhnitz chassidim. He addressed major gatherings, including global hisvaaduyos and memorial asifos honoring his Rebbe.
Rav Greenfeld was equally known as an amud hachesed. Large sums of tzedakah passed through his hands and were distributed quietly. When the kollel faced financial crisis, he once mortgaged his private home to ensure the avreichim could continue learning without worry. For him, personal assets were merely tools in the service of Klal Yisroel.
Each year before Pesach, he organized extensive maos chittim distributions for dozens of families, ensuring that the assistance was given with maximum discretion and dignity. At fundraising events, after delivering stirring words, he would often conclude with a gentle smile and declare by example, contributing a substantial amount himself to encourage others.
Rav Greenfeld leaves behind a dor yesharim, children and grandchildren who are engaged in Torah, chinuch, and askonus.
Yehi zichro baruch.
{Matzav.com}
An Israeli woman of Turkish descent who had recently completed her military service was detained in Turkey on allegations of “service in a foreign military” and later released following diplomatic efforts involving Israeli officials and assistance from the United States.
The young woman had traveled to Turkey to visit her parents when she was taken into custody. According to reports, Islamist groups in the country publicized her personal details and filed a complaint with authorities, urging them to block her from leaving Turkey.
She was held for several days before authorities decided to transfer her to house arrest.
Channel 12 reported that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stepped in shortly after her detention, acting swiftly and coordinating parallel efforts to obtain support from the U.S. administration. Both sides worked to marshal the necessary channels to secure her release.
After sustained behind-the-scenes activity, the woman was released in what was described as a discreet and dramatic operation. She was placed on a flight back to Israel through a third country and accompanied by Israeli representatives during her return.
{Matzav.com}
The New York Times did not feature President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on the front page of its Wednesday print edition, instead leading with other domestic and international stories.
Although the paper’s well-known slogan proclaims it publishes “All the News That’s Fit to Print,” the most prominent headline across the top of the page focused on technology and global supply chains: “Reliance on Taiwan Chip Endangers U.S. Economy.”
Also displayed prominently on the upper portion of the front page was a large photograph of a Ukrainian soldier accompanying a report on the ongoing war with Russia, along with coverage of developments in Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
The only clear reference to the president appeared in a smaller sub-headline connected to the Mexico article, which included the name “Trump,” just hours after he had delivered a nationally televised address to Congress.
Additional front-page stories included “Epstein Sought Customs Perks For Private Isle,” focusing on late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; “They’re for ICE, But Go NIMBY on Warehouses,” examining opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s use of warehouse facilities for illegal immigrants; and “A.I. Literacy Test: Don’t Let It Think for You.”
Another eleven articles were previewed at the bottom of the page, none of which addressed Trump or his speech.
The absence of coverage stood in contrast to the length and breadth of Trump’s Tuesday night remarks, which lasted more than an hour and outlined his administration’s priorities on border security, economic performance, energy production and America’s standing abroad.
During the address, Trump pointed to what he called record improvements in immigration enforcement, asserting that unlawful border crossings had dropped sharply since his return to office.
He reiterated his demand for stricter immigration measures and greater resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, drawing sustained applause from Republican lawmakers present in the chamber.
Turning to the economy, Trump cited higher wages, slowing inflation and a rallying stock market as proof that his policies are working.
He attributed those developments to tax reductions, regulatory rollbacks and increased domestic energy output, which he said have encouraged investment and bolstered the strength of the U.S. dollar.
On foreign affairs, the president reaffirmed support for Israel, described ongoing efforts to help end the war in Ukraine and emphasized a doctrine of “peace through strength” aimed at deterring adversaries including China and Iran.
While television networks and cable news channels led their coverage with highlights and analysis of the speech — and critics rapidly fact-checked portions of it — the Times’ choice not to prominently feature the address drew reaction from conservative commentators online.
Backers of the president argued that overlooking a State of the Union speech reflects what they see as a pattern of media bias against Trump and his policies.
Others responded that print newspapers frequently emphasize investigative reporting and international developments on their front pages, particularly when speeches receive widespread digital and broadcast attention.
{Matzav.com}
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he came close to having Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib removed from the House chamber after they repeatedly interrupted President Donald Trump during his State of the Union speech.
In an interview with Fox News, Johnson described the outbursts as inappropriate and said he weighed whether to take disciplinary action as the disruptions unfolded.
“It was shameful, really. I came this close to stopping them; we could have probably ejected them from the floor. [But] I thought, let their actions speak for themselves,” he tells Fox News.
During the address, Omar and Tlaib repeatedly shouted at Trump from the chamber floor, accusing him of dishonesty and responsibility for American deaths. They called him a “liar” and alleged that he had “killed Americans.”
Johnson said that while he ultimately chose not to intervene, the option of removal was seriously considered.
“If they’d gone a step further, we probably would have ejected them,” Johnson says. “But I think it was good for them to be there. I think it’s good for the American people to see the shame that they’ve brought upon their parties and upon themselves. And what a stark contrast between them and between the Republican Party.
“We’re on the right side of common sense, on law and justice, on security and American dominance and strength, and the Democrats stand for exactly the opposite of all that.”
{Matzav.com}
[Video below.] Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the newly created Medal of the Knesset in recognition of what he described as Modi’s “significant contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people,” following the Indian leader’s address to the Israeli parliament.
Ohana presented the medal after Modi spoke before the Knesset plenum, where he highlighted the growing partnership between New Delhi and Yerushalayim and emphasized expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
According to the Knesset spokesperson’s office, Modi was chosen for the honor because he “significantly strengthened the ties between India and Israel and deepened the strategic cooperation between the countries.”
The statement further noted: “During his tenure, cooperation in the fields of security and technology expanded, including joint security technological developments, innovation and cyber. He worked to deepen the political and cultural connection, and strengthened Israel’s position as India’s central partner in the Middle East.”
Calling the ceremony a milestone event, Ohana said, “This is a historic moment for the Knesset and for the entire State of Israel.” He added, “The awarding of the decoration to Prime Minister Modi expresses our deep appreciation for his work to create a strategic alliance between Israel and India. His policy is an expression of a courageous, consistent and sincere friendship with the State of Israel, and of a firm stand by its side even in complex and challenging times.”
During his remarks, Modi pointed to the economic potential of both nations. He stated that India “will soon be among the top three economies globally,” while noting that “Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technology leadership.”
“We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment growth and promoting joint infrastructure development,” he said, adding that the two countries “are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship.”
India’s government announced that negotiations on a proposed India-Israel free trade agreement had begun in New Delhi on Monday. Officials said total merchandise trade between the two nations reached $3.62 billion in 2024-2025.
Modi also referenced Israel’s influence on Indian agriculture, saying that “India’s parliamentary debates of the 1950s are witness to their admiration for Israel’s effort to develop agriculture in the desert. The Kibbutz movement of Israel inspired our leaders.”
“Israeli expertise in precision irrigation and water management has already transformed agricultural practices in India,” he said.
He further revealed a new step in parliamentary cooperation, telling lawmakers: “I’m happy to inform this august house that the Indian parliament has set up a parliamentary friendship group for Israel.”
Addressing what he described as shared values between the two civilizations, Modi pointed to “philosophical parallels” between Jewish and Hindu traditions. “The [Jewish] principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, [the Sanskrit phrase of] Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that the world is one family. Both ideas… ask societies to act with compassion and moral courage,” he said.
“Judaism emphasizes halacha, guiding everyday conduct through law and practice,” he continued, while “Hindu philosophy speaks of Dharma, the moral order that shapes duty and right action. In both traditions, ethical life is lived through action, and faith is expressed through conduct.”
Modi concluded by underscoring the broader impact of the bilateral relationship. “Our strong partnership not only serves national interests, but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world,” he said.
He ended his speech with the rallying calls “Am Yisrael Chai” and “Jai Hind,” meaning “Long live India,” prompting sustained applause and chants of “Modi! Modi!” from members of the packed chamber.
WATCH:
{Matzav.com}
