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Israel will move to daylight saving time overnight, with clocks set to advance by one hour between Thursday and Friday, affecting schedules across the country.

The time change will take place during the night of March 26–27, 2026. At 2:00 a.m., clocks will be moved forward to 3:00 a.m. Daylight saving time will remain in effect until the night between Saturday and Sunday, October 25, 2026, when standard time resumes.

Most modern smartphones update automatically, so users generally do not need to adjust their devices manually. Those who want to be certain can check their settings to confirm that automatic time updates are enabled.

The annual time change in Israel is governed by a 2013 law, which establishes that clocks are advanced by one hour starting on the Friday before the last Sunday in March and remain that way until the last Sunday in October. The goal is to better align daily routines with seasonal daylight hours and make more effective use of natural light.

The shift in time can also affect the human body. During the winter months, when daylight is limited, melatonin levels rise, often leading to increased fatigue.

Reduced exposure to light can also influence serotonin levels, which play a role in mood. Moving to daylight saving time helps synchronize daily activity with longer daylight hours, provides more light in the evening, and allows for more efficient use of the day.

Israel’s Health Ministry has issued an alert after a confirmed measles patient spent several days in a public shelter in a chareidi neighborhood in Kiryat Malachi, urging anyone who was present to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

According to the Health Ministry, the individual was in a public shelter located at 147 Sderot Yerushalayim in the Nachalat Har Chabad neighborhood between March 20 and March 24, 2026. The warning follows an epidemiological investigation conducted by the Ashkelon District Health Office.

Officials called on anyone who was in the shelter during those dates to verify that they have received the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine.

In recent weeks, multiple measles cases have been identified across the country, including in chareidi communities, prompting repeated calls from health authorities for the public to get vaccinated.

Last Tuesday, the Health Ministry reported that a 17-year-old boy who had not been vaccinated died after contracting measles. According to the ministry, the teen had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized approximately two and a half weeks earlier, where he was diagnosed with the disease. His condition later deteriorated, and he passed away in the hospital.

Health officials also noted that among 16 additional reported deaths, most of the victims were infants and children who had no prior health conditions but were not vaccinated against measles.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, general malaise, runny nose, and a rash,” the Health Ministry said. “The illness can lead to severe and even life-threatening complications. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical care promptly, after coordinating arrival in advance.”

The ministry emphasized that vaccination—and preventive treatment even after exposure—can help prevent severe illness.

“We stress that the vaccine, as well as post-exposure preventive treatment, can prevent serious illness from measles. Therefore, individuals who were in this shelter on the specified dates are requested to ensure they are vaccinated in accordance with Health Ministry recommendations (two doses of the vaccine).”

Vaccinations are available through health maintenance organizations, local health offices, and maternal-child health clinics. The public can also contact the Health Ministry hotline (*5400) for further guidance. Officials reiterated their call for widespread vaccination, noting that measles is a preventable disease with a safe and effective vaccine.

{Matzav.com}

A sharp dispute has emerged between two Sephardic Chief Rabbis over the stature and approach of Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Kaf HaChaim, highlighting a broader debate over the role of stringency in halachic decision-making.

During his most recent weekly shiur, the former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, addressed the halachic question of whether a posek may rule against the Shulchan Aruch, even in a stricter direction. In the course of his remarks, he delivered pointed criticism of Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer, grandson of the author of the sefer Kaf HaChaim, who has been known to cite his grandfather’s teachings in support of adopting chumros.

Rav Yitzchok Yosef responded to a passage quoted by Rav Sofer from Kaf HaChaim (siman 158, se’if katan 25), which states that “anyone whose soul is more refined desires to pursue greater stringencies and piety, while one whose soul is not properly rectified desires to follow leniencies.” Based on this idea, Rav Sofer has explained his general approach of favoring chumrah in many areas.

Rejecting this interpretation, Rav Yitzchok Yosef said: “Did Beis Hillel, who were generally more lenient than Beis Shammai, have flawed souls, Heaven forbid? Did Maran Beis Yosef, who ruled leniently in many places, have a flawed soul, Heaven forbid? Rather, these are words of nonsense.”

He went on to clarify his understanding of the original teaching, explaining that a person of elevated soul does not rush to issue lenient rulings without careful analysis, but instead hesitates and says, “I do not know, I must investigate,” and only after proper consideration rules according to halachah—whether leniently or stringently.

According to a report, one of Rav Sofer’s sons responded to the criticism, arguing that a careful reading of Kaf HaChaim shows that the statement refers to personal conduct and not to psak halachah for the public. “Anyone who studies the original Kaf HaChaim will see that the statement was said only regarding appropriate personal conduct for each individual, and has no connection to private piety versus public halachic rulings. The quote is accurate and faithful to the original wording,” he said.

He further maintained that there is no comparison between Rav Yitzchok Yosef’s argument regarding Beis Hillel and the Beis Yosef and the concept of personal spiritual conduct, adding that his father based his approach on earlier authorities, including the Rosh and the Pele Yoetz.

The controversy is further underscored by contrasting remarks made recently by Rav Dovid Yosef, the current Rishon LeTzion and brother of Rav Yitzchok Yosef. At a recent dinner for alumni of Yeshivas Kaf HaChaim, Rav Dovid Yosef spoke in glowing terms about Rav Sofer, referring to him explicitly as “פאר הדור והדרו” and emphasizing that he meant every word.

Rav Dovid Yosef also recited the blessing “שחלק מחכמתו ליראיו” in honor of Rav Sofer, stating that “Maran the great gaon, the rosh yeshiva of Kaf HaChaim, is certainly worthy according to all opinions of the blessing ‘שחלק מחכמתו ליראיו’.”

In light of the ongoing security situation, with many residents displaced and others frequently moving between home and protected spaces, Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, has issued a comprehensive set of psakim addressing how to properly fulfill the mitzvah of bedikas chametz this year.

The guidelines clarify obligations for evacuees, those staying in temporary housing, and the use of public shelters.

Regarding evacuees, the ruling distinguishes between those who have permanently left their homes and those who still intend to return during Pesach. If one has fully vacated their residence and does not plan to return, the obligation of bedikas chametz no longer applies there. However, if there is any intention to return during Pesach, even briefly, the home must be checked before departure or arrangements must be made for someone else to perform the bedikah.

For individuals staying in temporary accommodations—such as hotels, host homes, or other residences—they are required to perform bedikas chametz in the place where they will be residing for Pesach. The obligation rests on the person using the space, even if they are not the owner.

A significant portion of the guidelines addresses public shelters. The responsibility to check for chametz in a shared or public shelter falls on those who regularly use the space. In practice, this obligation may be fulfilled by a representative of the residents, a designated individual, or local authorities. A berachah is generally not recited when checking such shared spaces unless it clearly qualifies as one’s primary dwelling for Pesach.

In situations where sirens may interrupt the bedikah, the ruling is clear: safety takes absolute precedence. If an alarm sounds during bedikas chametz, one must immediately stop and proceed to a protected area. Upon returning, the bedikah should be resumed without a new berachah, provided the interruption was not excessively long or distracting.

The Chief Rabbi also emphasizes that even under these unusual conditions, one should strive to perform bedikas chametz properly, using a candle or flashlight as appropriate, and ensuring that all areas where chametz may have been brought are checked.

At the same time, the tone of the psak underscores sensitivity to the realities on the ground. In cases of uncertainty, danger, or significant difficulty, one should rely on leniencies where appropriate and consult a competent rav.

These guidelines aim to ensure that the mitzvah of bedikas chametz is fulfilled responsibly and safely, even under the challenging circumstances facing Klal Yisroel this year.

{Matzav.com}