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by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

A major legislative effort aimed at ending the arrests of bnei yeshiva is expected to move forward as early as next week after senior Shas representatives met with Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs to finalize a framework for the proposal.

Former minister Ariel Atias and MK Yinon Azoulay held discussions with Fuchs in recent days in an effort to advance legislation that would stop criminal proceedings against Torah students. According to reports, the meeting concluded with an agreement to begin advancing the measure through the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee next week.

Under the emerging plan, committee chairman MK Boaz Bismuth is expected to convene the committee to begin deliberations on the legislation.

Senior coalition officials say Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has assured supporters of the proposal that it will have sufficient backing within the coalition and can be approved in the coming days. At the same time, some lawmakers remain skeptical, noting that Netanyahu previously pledged support for the so-called Daycare Law before ultimately freezing that legislation.

As previously reported, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has been leading an intensive effort in recent weeks to stop the arrests of bnei Torah by separating portions of the draft law and advancing temporary transitional provisions through emergency legislation.

Deri’s proposal calls for splitting off part of the draft legislation currently under discussion in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and passing a one-year temporary measure containing the law’s transitional provisions.

Under the framework being advanced by Shas, existing economic sanctions would remain in place, but the criminal enforcement measures that have led to arrests would be suspended.

The proposal would effectively freeze criminal proceedings against Torah students who have found themselves classified as lawbreakers due to the absence of legislation governing their status. Supporters of the plan argue that the current situation was created because there is no active law regulating the issue and because political realities make it unlikely that a comprehensive draft law of any kind can be passed before the next election and the formation of a new government.

Deri is seeking to accomplish this through a procedural split of the existing draft bill, allowing the temporary measure to move directly toward second and third readings rather than requiring an entirely new and lengthy legislative process.

{Matzav.com}

Mosab Hassan Yousef, the former Hamas insider known as the “Green Prince,” launched a sharp public attack on President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining Israel’s military efforts and then criticizing the Jewish state for the results.

“You cannot sabotage a campaign and then blame Israel for the outcome,” Yousef wrote in response to Trump’s recent criticism of Israel’s operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Yousef is the son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef and spent roughly a decade working covertly for Israel’s Shin Bet security service. After leaving that role, he converted to Christianity, relocated to the United States, and authored the book Son of Hamas. His nickname, “Green Prince,” reflects both his roots in Hamas’s leadership circles and the movement’s symbolic color. Over the years, he has become one of Hamas’s fiercest critics and a prominent voice on issues involving Gaza and Israel.

In his remarks, Yousef argued that whenever Israel gained significant military momentum—whether in Gaza, Lebanon, or against Iran—Trump stepped in and halted operations at critical moments.

According to Yousef, those interventions prevented Israel from turning battlefield successes into lasting strategic victories.

He singled out Israel’s pager operation against Hezbollah for praise, describing it as “a masterpiece of modern warfare.” He also argued that Israel’s campaign against Iran left the regime reeling after the elimination of senior figures and severe damage to its infrastructure, but claimed the effort was halted before sustained pressure could produce a decisive outcome.

Yousef further asserted that Trump had been advised that defeating Iran would require at least a year of continuous pressure. Instead, he said, the president sought quicker results, altered the original strategy, and transformed what could have become a strategic victory into a strategic setback.

“Now, after signing a humiliating deal that buried the nuclear threat instead of eliminating it, you blame Israel for taking too long and for the way it fought,” Yousef wrote.

He also rejected criticism regarding civilian casualties in Lebanon, arguing that responsibility rests with Hezbollah because the terror group operates from within civilian population centers and uses noncombatants as human shields.

Yousef’s comments came in response to statements Trump made during the G7 summit, where he said Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah had dragged on too long and resulted in excessive loss of life. The president criticized strikes on residential buildings and said Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu should exercise greater restraint in Lebanon.

{Matzav.com}

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett declared that Israel intends to help the Iranian people bring down the Islamic Republic, outlining what he described as a detailed strategy to support future anti-regime uprisings and warning Tehran’s rulers that their days in power are numbered.

In an interview with Babak Itzchaki of the opposition outlet Iran International, Bennett addressed growing concerns among regime opponents that a developing agreement between the United States and Iran could strengthen Tehran’s leadership and prolong its grip on power.

“We will do everything we can to ultimately bring down this terrible regime,” Bennett said. “And I want to say to the Iranian people, to the wonderful Iranian nation: Do not lose hope.”

“The terrible, disconnected, corrupt, and evil regime will fall. You will be free,” he added.

Bennett, who has positioned himself as a leading challenger to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, argued that the international community must be prepared to assist the Iranian people when they next rise up against the regime.

“What we are going to do is make sure that the next time the Iranian people rise up, we will provide them with the tools to win, communications and other tools,” he said. “This rotten regime will fall at some point.”

“Our role is to accelerate that,” Bennett added.

His comments come as many Iranians opposed to the regime have expressed alarm over the expected signing of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran later this week. Critics fear that the agreement could preserve the current regime and provide relief to a government they accuse of brutally suppressing its own citizens.

The prospect of a deal has heightened concerns among opposition figures that ordinary Iranians have borne the greatest sacrifices while the country’s hardline rulers survived and may now receive political and economic breathing room through diplomacy.

Seeking to address those fears, Bennett said he has developed what he called a comprehensive strategy designed to bring about the collapse of the Islamic Republic.

“I have formulated a complex and detailed plan whose goal is ultimately to bring down this ayatollah regime,” he said.

According to Bennett, the effort would rely on a broad range of methods beyond military action alone. He cited economic pressure, diplomatic initiatives, covert and overt operations, and efforts aimed at empowering the Iranian public.

Bennett also cautioned against embracing the emerging U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding unless it ultimately leads to the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as its regional proxy network.

“This is an interim agreement. It is far from over,” he said.

“We must make sure that the final agreement is a good agreement,” Bennett added. “That it completely dismantles the Iranian nuclear program, the ballistic missile program, and the regional terror program.”

“That will be the ultimate test,” he said. “We cannot ease the sanctions and all the pressure on this terrible regime until that is achieved.”

Drawing a historical comparison, Bennett likened the Islamic Republic to the Soviet Union in its final years, arguing that authoritarian governments can unravel much more quickly than observers expect.

“This regime will fall,” he said. “It is a corrupt, disconnected, and incapable regime, very similar to the Soviet regime of the 1980s.”

“If you had asked me in 1985 whether the regime would fall, who knew? But only four years later, it collapsed,” Bennett added. “My message to the Iranian people is: Hold your heads high. Be proud. Be strong. We care about you.”

He concluded with a direct warning to Iran’s leadership.

“I would say to those leaders, to those ayatollahs: Your time is running out. We are pursuing you. We know exactly who you are. And you will not remain in power for long,” Bennett said. “It may take a little time,” he added. “But your time is up.”

Amid the latest wave of arrests targeting bnei yeshiva under Israel’s military draft policies, a sharply worded and highly unusual public letter from leading Torah authorities was published Wednesday morning on the front page of Hamodia, which devoted its entire cover to the growing campaign against the arrests and to protests scheduled for later in the day outside Prison 10.

The newspaper describes the detained bochurim and avreichim as being held under conditions of emotional distress and persecution that evoke dark chapters of Jewish history.

The letter was drafted at the personal request of the Gerrer Rebbe and carries the signatures of rabbonim from across the Torah world. Among those signing are Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman; Rav Yitzchak Yosef, nosi of Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah; the Modzitzer Rebbe; and other leading gedolei Torah.

The full text of the letter reads:

“To our brethren, the Bnei Yisroel, may Hashem grant them life.

“With the intensification of the persecution of the world of Torah and Judaism by the state authorities, who seek, Heaven forbid, to uproot Yavneh and its sages and its batei medrash from among the Jewish people, and who refrain from no means in their efforts to harm those who study Torah and preserve it in purity, including through attacks on their livelihoods, their children, and every aspect of their lives.

“And recently they have gone even further, launching a campaign against the cherished students of our holy Torah, uprooting them from their places of learning and casting them into detention centers solely because of their desire to engage in Torah study and to maintain holiness without foreign influences. The honor of the Torah has been trampled, as ‘This is the statute of the Torah—this is a decree of the Torah,’ while new decrees are enacted to restrict those who learn Torah, and the dwellers of the tents of Torah are made vulnerable. The Name of Heaven is desecrated in a terrible manner when one Jew imprisons another Jew for this ‘offense,’ something not found even among the nations in any country where our Jewish brethren reside.

“We therefore declare the position of our holy Torah according to halachah: There is great reason to fear that Heavenly judgment may rest upon anyone who has a hand or involvement in these persecutions and in the arrests of avreichim and bochurim engaged in Torah study, lest he inherit Gehinnom and lose his share in the World to Come. The Rambam has already ruled (Hilchos Talmud Torah, Chapter 1, Halachah 11): ‘Whoever degrades the sages has no share in the World to Come and is included among those of whom it is said, “For he has despised the word of Hashem.”’ And Chazal warned (Shabbos 119b): ‘Rav Yehudah said in the name of Rav: Whoever degrades Torah scholars has no cure for his affliction… What is the meaning of the verse “Touch not My anointed ones”? These are the schoolchildren. “And do My prophets no harm”—these are the Torah scholars.’

“We are confident in the power of Torah and place our trust in the Giver of the Torah, that the Divine promise will be fulfilled for us: ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Hashem, and their righteousness is from Me, says Hashem’ (Yeshayah 54:17).”

The letter is one of the strongest public condemnations issued by senior Torah leaders since the current draft crisis escalated and comes as demonstrations continue over the arrests of bnei Torah across Israel.

{Matzav.com}

The rabbanim and leadership of Yeshivas Ponevezh have issued a stirring letter urging talmidim to intensify their Torah learning on behalf of Ponevezh masmid Rav Chaim Berman, who remains in extremely critical condition at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.

Rav Berman, regarded as one of the central pillars of the yeshiva for decades, is currently hospitalized while sedated and on a ventilator. In response to his condition, the yeshiva’s roshei yeshiva and rabbanim are calling on students to undertake a special commitment in his merit: adding at least fifteen minutes of learning to each seder.

The letter describes Rav Berman as a singular figure in the Torah world, praising a level of diligence and consistency that the authors say has been unmatched for generations. The rabbanim urge every bochur to strengthen his commitment to Torah study as a source of merit for Rav Berman’s complete recovery.

The letter bears the signatures of Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, Rav Dovid Levy, and yeshiva nosi Rav Eliezer Kahaneman.

Rav Chaim’s condition is reported to be extremely serious. He remains hospitalized at Tel Hashomer, where he is receiving intensive medical care.

The letter states in part:

“Since our master, the true gaon, the righteous foundation of the world, the holy figure Rav Chaim Berman, shlit”a, became ill recently, a great glory has been removed from the house of our lives. He is a living Sefer Torah, an eternal light in our holy yeshiva for more than seventy years, from his youth until this very day.

“And with Hashem’s help, there are medical avenues that can assist in extending his years and enabling him to continue learning Torah and serving Hashem. Our responsibility is to aid him through prayer and the accumulation of merits.

“And since the greatest influence visible to every member of the yeshiva is his extraordinary diligence and exceptional devotion to maintaining the sedarim without interruption, day and night, every learning session and every fixed shiur, and he is unique in this generation in this regard for seventy years, without equal, and perhaps even among previous generations, and now the yeshiva lacks the tremendous merit of having such a righteous person in our midst, whose presence strengthened us constantly, it is incumbent upon each of us to increase our efforts in this area. This will be a tremendous merit for him, that we strengthen ourselves in his avodah so that the continual service not cease, and that the yeshiva continue to be a place of Torah labor and faithful observance of its schedules.

“We ask every member of the yeshiva to accept upon himself to strengthen his observance of time and diligence. Each person should undertake, at the very least, to begin learning fifteen minutes earlier each day during one of the sedarim than he has done until now. In addition, every individual should consider other ways in which he can grow stronger.

“And through this may the verse be fulfilled: ‘He has redeemed my soul in peace, for many were with me.’”

All are asked to daven for Rav Chaim ben Reisha Reizel.

{Matzav.com}

Yanky Deri, the son of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, is expected to be appointed associate chairman of Keren Kayemet L’Yisroel (KKL-JNF), according to a report by Channel 12 News on Tuesday.

As part of the position, Deri is expected to receive an office, a vehicle, and support staff, and will oversee matters related to KKL land holdings.

The appointment is drawing attention in part because a similar role was previously held by Momo Deri, the brother of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri.

Officials in Deri’s office stressed that the position is unpaid and that the appointment is intended to be temporary until a permanent candidate is selected.

In a statement, the office of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri said: “This is an unpaid position. The role was originally intended for former MK Moshe Arbel, but due to a conflict of interest he informed us that he would be unable to accept it. The position remained vacant for many months, and it was therefore decided to appoint Yanky Deri on a temporary basis. Yanky Deri has served for years as a member of the board of the World Zionist Organization, and he will fill the role until a permanent representative is appointed.”

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place TODAY, Wednesday, June 17, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 12:00 noon at the TA Kollel of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, in the Mesivta Dining Room, located at 4445 Old Court Road in Pikesville, Maryland, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place today at the TA Kollel of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, Mesivta Dining Room, 4445 Old Court Road in Pikesville, Maryland, beginning at 12:00 noon.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is exploring ways to encourage commercial oil tankers to return to the Strait of Hormuz following a tentative understanding with Iran, amid concerns that insurance obstacles could undermine efforts to restore one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

According to a report published Tuesday, administration officials are examining a range of options to reassure shipping companies and insurers as negotiations continue over a broader agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian representatives reportedly reached a memorandum of understanding intended to serve as a framework for a possible end to the conflict. A leaked version of the document contains 14 provisions, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran, and at least $300 billion in funding earmarked “for the rehabilitation and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Despite those developments, officials recognize that reopening the waterway may prove difficult if shipping companies remain unwilling to send vessels through an area long viewed as a major security risk. At present, insurers are reportedly refusing to cover losses that might occur in the strait.

According to the report, discussions inside the administration have focused heavily on finding ways to persuade insurance providers to resume offering coverage for ships traveling through a narrow corridor where Iran has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to target commercial vessels.

“The discussions so far have centered on ways to convince insurance companies to offer coverage to travel through a narrow waterway in which Iran has successfully attacked vessels,” Politico reported of the internal discussions being pushed by Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

One source familiar with the matter said Trump and Wiles are pressing officials to quickly develop a solution.

“The President and Susie are giving them explicit orders to figure something out,” said one person familiar with the discussions who was granted anonymity to describe private discussions. “With limited exceptions, every transit [through Hormuz] is violating insurance plans. So what can be done to accelerate the insurers to start insuring again?”

Among the ideas reportedly being examined is a program that would allow commercial ships to purchase expedited passage under the protection of the U.S. Navy.

“There is some talk of some expedited escorted passage by paying the U.S. — like putting a VIP pass on your ship,” one person familiar with the discussions told Politico. “The concept is that there could be a fee for expedited clearance, maybe with military escort.”

However, not everyone believes the proposal is intended to become permanent policy. One former administration official suggested the discussion is primarily a strategic move as Trump participates in the G7 summit in France.

According to that former official, the proposal is “all about creating the space for France, Britain, others to move into the Gulf, take responsibility for maritime safety, security, and create an additional deterrence to the Iranians for trying to go back on the deal, use Hormuz as this long-term extortion racket.”

{Matzav.com}