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PURIM BEGINS IN ERETZ YISROEL: Harav Dov Landau shlit”a seen in Shul this evening at Krias Megillah.

Banging when reading “Haman” at the Minyan of the Yenuka tonight.

Video shows the aftermath at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery following Iranian drone strikes earlier today.

Head of the Intelligence Directorate, MG Shlomi Binder: “We are sending a clear message to our enemies — there is no place where we will not find them. In 40 seconds, we eliminated more than 40 of the most important people in Iran — and we are not finished.”

As Purim approaches in the shadow of the current war, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, has released detailed pesakim addressing how to properly observe the mitzvos of Purim during the current military operation.

In recent days, hundreds of she’eilos have been presented to the Rishon LeTzion in light of the wartime situation. In response, he issued clear guidance on how to fulfill the mitzvos of Purim this year, with particular focus on the proper observance of Krias Megillas Esther under security restrictions.

First and foremost, the Rishon LeTzion stressed that it is self-evident that one must strictly adhere to all instructions issued by Pikud HaOref, as these directives are life-saving and fall under the obligation of “v’nishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem.”

Accordingly, he ruled that during these days it is essential to remain in locations that are in close proximity to a protected space. One should not conduct simchas Purim in areas that are not immediately near an accessible shelter.

Regarding Krias HaMegillah, the Rishon LeTzion clarified that one does not fulfill the obligation by listening through technological means such as “radio,” “Zoom,” “telephone,” or any other electronic medium — even if it is a live broadcast heard in real time. The obligation is fulfilled only through direct hearing from the baal koreh, without any intermediary device.

Therefore, he ruled that Krias HaMegillah in batei knesses and batei medrash should take place only in locations that are immediately adjacent to a protected area capable of accommodating all participants, or alternatively in shelters themselves.

If a siren sounds during the Krias HaMegillah, the entire tzibbur must immediately proceed to a shelter or protected space and pause the reading. They should make every effort not to speak during the interruption. If feasible, the reading may continue in the protected area. If this is not possible, the Megillah reading should resume in the bais knesses once Pikud HaOref authorizes a return to routine activity.

The Rishon LeTzion further ruled that if the reading was interrupted in order to seek shelter — even if there was speech during the interruption, and even if a lengthy amount of time passed, sufficient to complete the entire Megillah — upon returning, the baal koreh should resume from the exact point where he stopped, without reciting the berachos again. However, if the interruption and speech occurred immediately after the initial berachos and before the reading itself began, the berachos must be repeated, with the exception of Shehecheyanu.

If the tzibbur already heard the majority of the Megillah — defined as six chapters — and then were required to disperse to their homes, they may complete the remaining portion by reading from a Chumash at home.

Women, who are equally obligated in Krias HaMegillah, must also ensure that they hear the reading from a baal koreh in a protected location or one close to a shelter, in accordance with Pikud HaOref regulations.

Concerning the concluding berachah of Harav Es Riveinu, it may only be recited in the presence of a minyan. Even ten women may combine for this purpose. If, b’dieved, there was speech between the conclusion of the reading and the final berachah — for example, if the congregation had to evacuate to a protected space before the berachah — upon returning to the place of reading, if a tzibbur of ten is present, the berachah of Harav Es Riveinu should be recited, even if conversation took place in the interim.

Regarding Machatzis HaShekel, as of today, Erev Purim, 13 Adar 5786, the value stands at 101 shekels. One who cannot afford this amount for all household members should at minimum give this sum for himself, and contribute for the rest of his family according to his ability — at the very least three half-shekel coins per person. It is proper to give this amount today, on Taanis Esther, during Minchah, close to the time of Krias HaMegillah. The Rishon LeTzion emphasized the importance of directing these funds to mosdos haTorah that support bnei yeshivos and avreichim.

As for Matanos LaEvyonim, strictly speaking one fulfills the obligation with the value of a perutah. However, it is appropriate to beautify the mitzvah by giving the equivalent of a meal including a drink — approximately 25 shekels per needy individual, totaling 50 shekels for each person above the age of bar or bas mitzvah.

The Rishon LeTzion concluded with a heartfelt tefillah: May the Ribono Shel Olam perform for us nissim v’nifla’os as He did for our forefathers in those days at this time, and may He hasten the arrival of Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days, amein kein yehi ratzon.

{Matzav.com}

As Operation Roaring Lion continues, many asked shailos on how to act if a siren sounds in the middle of Kriyas Megillah. The following piskei halacha by HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein were published on the Siach Yitzchak hotline, based on clear instructions he issued before Purim during the 1991 Gulf War. A. Can one recite […]

For the past 21 years, YWN’s team of seasoned reporters has delivered breaking news and reliable updates, building two decades of trust with over half a million readers each day. On this live blog, YWN will be providing continuous, around-the-clock coverage, bringing you the latest developments as they unfold. You can also join over 150,000 […]

It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the petirah of Rav Meir Berlin zt”l, one of the distinguished talmidei chachamim of the Ezras Torah neighborhood and a devoted talmid muvhak and close confidant of the Rosh Yeshivah of Brisk, Rav Meshulam Dovid HaLevi Soloveitchik zt”l. He was 78 years old.

The levayah was held today at his home at 13 Even Ha’azel Street in Ezras Torah, proceeding past Bais Medrash Bais Yisroel in the neighborhood, and continuing to Har HaMenuchos for kevurah.

Rav Meir was born on 19 Teves 5708 to his father, Rav Chaim Berlin, and his mother, Mrs. Ruchama Berlin. His father, Rav Chaim, was among the close associates and attendants of the Brisker Rov.

In his youth, he learned in Yeshivas Brisk, where he became a beloved talmid and close disciple of the Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Meshulam Dovid HaLevi Soloveitchik. He remained deeply connected to the Brisker mesorah and its hanhagos throughout his life.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married his wife, daughter of Rav Yehoshua Schiff, Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivas Bais Shraga in Monsey, New York.

Throughout his life, Rav Meir was wholly bound to Torah, which was the joy and essence of his existence. He toiled in it with extraordinary diligence and strength, investing constant amal and yegiah, teaching and transmitting it in its pristine purity.

He served as a living model for many in attaining elevated levels in the precise fulfillment and beautification of mitzvos, sparing no effort or expense. With tireless exertion and unwavering resolve, he charted his path in accordance with the ways of his rabbeim, the great luminaries of the generation from the house of Brisk, to whom he cleaved from his earliest years.

Beloved by all, he shouldered the burdens of others with humility and selflessness. His heart was open wide to assist both the community and individuals, materially and spiritually alike. His radiant joy in avodas Hashem brought happiness to all who came near him.

Rav Meir served as a R”M at Yeshiva Torah V’Yirah in the Meah Shearim neighborhood of Yerushalayim. In Ezras Torah, he was among the founders of the Ashkenaz minyan at the Bais Yisroel Shul, which he maintained, led, and guided for many years.

He is survived by sons and daughters and many grandchildren who continue in his path.

His brother, Rav Zev Berlin zt”l, Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivas Gaon Yaakov, passed away one year ago, during the month of Adar.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

  FIRST $50,000 ON PURIM WILL BE MATCHED!!!   Click here to donate   Make sure not to miss the deadline.  All donations until 3 PM on Purim will be  delivered by hand to the aniyim in Zichron Moshe   Kupas Zichron Moshe Face a New Reality this Pesach Season   In past years, many of […]

Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its largest domestic oil refinery on Monday following a drone strike, according to a source, as escalating Israeli and US operations against Iran — and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks — triggered disruptions to energy infrastructure across the Middle East.

The latest round of strikes marked the third consecutive day of violence affecting the region’s oil and gas sector. In response to security concerns, most crude production in Iraqi Kurdistan was halted as a precaution, and several major Israeli offshore gas fields were also taken offline, curbing exports to Egypt.

Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, which has a processing capacity of 550,000 barrels per day, was shut down as a preventive measure. The refinery forms part of a major energy hub along the kingdom’s Gulf coastline and functions as a key export terminal for Saudi crude.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, where approximately 200,000 barrels per day were shipped via pipeline to Turkey’s Ceyhan port in February, companies including DNO, Gulf Keystone Petroleum, Dana Gas and HKN Energy suspended operations at their fields as a precaution. No physical damage was reported at those sites.

Off Israel’s Mediterranean coast, the Leviathan natural gas field, operated by Chevron, was shut on Saturday, sources said. Energean also halted operations at its floating production unit servicing smaller gas reservoirs.

The situation at Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery is under control, the source said. Two drones were intercepted at the facility, with debris causing a limited fire, the Saudi defense ministry’s spokesperson said on Al Arabiya TV, adding there were no injuries.

Saudi state news agency SPA reported, citing an unnamed energy ministry official, that while some refinery units were taken offline as a precaution, domestic supplies of petroleum and refined products were not disrupted.

Even so, the refinery’s temporary closure is likely to intensify concerns about global supply. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption passes — has slowed sharply after vessels were targeted in the area on Sunday. Brent crude futures jumped about 10% on Monday, climbing above $82 per barrel.

“The attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery marks a significant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, principal Middle East analyst at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.

“The attack is also likely to move Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf states closer to joining U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.”

Saudi energy infrastructure has been targeted in the past. In September 2019, coordinated drone and missile attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities temporarily knocked out more than half of the kingdom’s crude production capacity.

Ras Tanura itself was previously targeted in 2021 by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

{Matzav.com}

Singing at the main Vishnitzer Bais Hamedrash following Megilah Leining tonight.

With Purim just a few hours away amid the ongoing war, the Rishon Letzion, Rav Dovid Yosef, published a psak halacha emphasizing that obedience to Pikud HaOref directives takes precedence over reading the Megillah b’rov am when there is even a chashash pikuach nefesh.

In detailed guidelines addressed to “Acheinu Bnei Yisroel b’Eretz Yisroel,” the Rav stressed that safeguarding life overrides any hiddur mitzvah. He wrote that it is self-understood that we are obligated to heed the instructions of Pikud HaOref regarding security, and since there is a concern of pikuach nefesh, it is absolutely forbidden to act against those directives.

One of the primary questions raised was the fulfillment of the principle of “b’rov am hadras Melech” in a time of sirens and security alerts. While in an ordinary year there is a mitzvah to hear Krias HaMegillah with a large gathering, this year — given that security authorities have determined that large assemblies in unprotected areas may pose a danger — the Rav ruled that the Megillah should be read in a protected space or shelter. This applies even if it is not possible to gather a crowd, and even if one must read the Megillah individually without a minyan.

The Rav further clarified that one does not fulfill the obligation by listening to the Megillah via telephone, radio, or online platforms such as Zoom. One who does not have access to a kosher Megillah should read from a printed Chumash without reciting the berachos.

Special guidance was issued for chayalim serving on the front lines. For soldiers who, due to operational demands, cannot read the Megillah at night, the Rishon Letzion ruled that in a shaas hadchak they may read from plag hamincha.

In the event that a siren sounds in the middle of the kri’ah, the instruction is unequivocal: the reading must be stopped immediately, and everyone must proceed at once to a protected area or shelter. The Rav reassured the public that even if the interruption is prolonged and includes conversation, there is no need to return to the beginning of the Megillah; rather, one resumes from the place where he left off.

Concluding his psak, Rav Yosef called upon the tzibbur to strengthen themselves in emunah and tefillah on behalf of Klal Yisroel and the chayalei Yisroel. He expressed a heartfelt tefillah that the Ribono Shel Olam protect His people and perform nissim v’niflaos as in the days of Mordechai v’Esther, and concluded with a prayer for the salvation of the people dwelling in Tzion, the success of Israel’s soldiers in battle, and that we merit the swift arrival of the Goel Tzedek b’karov.

{Matzav.com}

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President Donald Trump delivered a forceful message to Iran’s leadership, declaring that the current round of US strikes represents only the opening phase of a broader military operation and signaling that more significant action is imminent.

In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Trump said the campaign is progressing effectively and emphasized the strength of the American armed forces. “We’re knocking the crap out of them,” Trump said in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper. “I think it’s going very well. It’s very powerful. We’ve got the greatest military in the world and we’re using it.”

The president made clear that, in his view, the most intense phase of the operation has yet to begin, suggesting that additional strikes are forthcoming. “We haven’t even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn’t even happened. The big one is coming soon.”

Trump also indicated that the United States is taking further steps aimed at supporting the Iranian population in its struggle against what he described as an oppressive regime led by the Ayatollahs. At the same time, he cautioned civilians in Iran to remain indoors while hostilities continue.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Monday declared that the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran is already “ahead of schedule,” projecting confidence as “Operation Epic Fury” entered its third day. Speaking during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, Trump delivered an update on the operation, which began early Saturday morning with coordinated strikes […]

President Isaac Herzog listening to Megillas Esther together with IDF soldiers from the elite Duvdevan Unit as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and service on behalf of Israel’s security.

The U.S. military announced that it struck Iran’s drone carrier Shahid Bagheri, stating that American forces targeted the vessel just hours after the launch of Operation “Epic Fury.”

HaPosek HaGaon Moshe Brandsdorfer, the Gaavad of the Heichal Hora’ah Beis Din, issued an urgent p’sak regarding Jerusalem residents stranded overseas and tourists stranded in Jerusalem due to the war. HaRav Brandsdorfer wrote that because many Jerusalem residents were unable to return home for Purim due to flight cancellations, and likewise many visitors to Jerusalem […]