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Emergency teams from Magen David Adom responded Sunday evening to the aftermath of an Iranian missile strike, treating dozens of victims and transporting 31 people to Soroka Medical Center.

According to rescue officials, 11 individuals sustained light injuries from debris and objects thrown by the force of the explosion, while another 20 people were treated for anxiety-related symptoms following the incident.

Residents described scenes of destruction in the impacted neighborhood. “The house is completely destroyed, totally ruined. The ceiling of the second floor collapsed entirely,” said Oleg, who lives in the area that was struck. “It’s a total shock. I still don’t understand. I feel frozen.”

Images from the scene showed a massive plume of dark smoke billowing upward in a mushroom-like shape above the site of the blast.

Rav Avraham Yosef delivered a pointed message to smokers ahead of Pesach, stressing that the health dangers of smoking far outweigh the annual debate over cigarette kashrus for the holiday.

Speaking on the Israeli radio program “Shamor V’Zachor,” the rav addressed the recurring question of whether cigarettes are permissible on Pesach, but made clear that the halachic discussion is secondary to a far more serious issue.

“I’m begging all smokers – not because of Pesach, but for the sake of your health,” he said. “A G-d-fearing person takes care of his health and needs to quit. I know it’s difficult; I also used to smoke, and thank G-d, Hakadosh Boruch Hu redeemed me from it.” He went on to describe cigarettes as something “disgusting” that harms not only the smoker but those around him as well, and encouraged listeners to use the Yom Tov period as an opportunity to break the habit.

From a halachic standpoint, Rav Yosef explained why, strictly speaking, regular cigarettes are not prohibited on Pesach. He noted that tobacco is unfit for consumption and is therefore classified as something that imparts a negative taste. In addition, he explained that people do not smoke for food-related enjoyment, but due to nicotine dependence and the challenge of overcoming the urge.

The rav also referenced his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, who permitted cigarettes on Pesach for these reasons, and remarked that those who sharply opposed that ruling faced consequences. At the same time, he emphasized that “a G-d-fearing person should refrain as much as possible,” particularly in light of the sanctity of Yom Tov and Shabbos.

When asked about electronic cigarettes that contain flavoring, Rav Yosef criticized those who seek kashrus certification only for Pesach. “Someone who asks for kashrus because of the flavor in an electronic cigarette, why does he only remember on Pesach? If there is a concern of taste, then it requires kashrus supervision all year!”

He suggested that much of the noise surrounding cigarette kashrus on Pesach is sometimes misplaced, stressing that if flavoring ingredients require supervision, that standard should apply consistently throughout the year. He concluded his remarks with a personal appeal to listeners: “Take the message to heart, and you will be blessed—and stop smoking!”

{Matzav.com}

A special Sheva Brachos celebration for the granddaughter of the Boyaner Rebbe took on added significance as prominent chassidim contributed large sums in honor of the Rebbe’s 67th birthday, supporting a new initiative he is launching.

The final Sheva Brachos for the Rebbe’s granddaughter was held this past week in the Boyaner court after the wedding itself could not take place in the main beis medrash due to damage caused by shrapnel from an Iranian missile strike the previous week.

The event was conducted in a unique format at an elegant venue in the Jewish Quarter, overlooking the Kosel, which has remained largely empty amid the ongoing war with Iran.

During the celebration, 30 leading members of the chassidus each donated 68,000 shekels, corresponding to the Rebbe’s 67th birthday, which falls on the 7th of Nissan.

It has been learned that behind the event and fundraising effort is a personal initiative of the Boyaner Rebbe, who has undertaken to establish specialized programs for bochurim in the chassidus who are struggling with the challenges of the current times.

Following Pesach, these dedicated frameworks are expected to be introduced in Boyaner yeshivos across the country, designed specifically for bochurim who find it difficult to keep up with the standard yeshiva schedule.

The initiative reflects the Rebbe’s desire to provide individualized care and warmth to every bochur in the chassidus, including those who are unable to cope with the demands of a traditional yeshiva setting, ensuring that boys who are struggling are not pushed out of the yeshiva system and into the street.

{Matzav.com}

The annual discussion surrounding matzah ashirah continues to generate significant halachic debate, particularly regarding how such products can be produced without any contact with water, which would render the dough chometz. Rav Avraham Yosef addressed the issue at length, explaining both the underlying halachic principles and the practical safeguards involved.

Among Sefardim, there is a longstanding practice to permit matzah ashirah, which is made by kneading dough with fruit juices instead of water. Still, many question how industrial production lines can ensure that not even a trace of water enters the process.

Speaking on the radio program Shamor V’Zachor, Rav Yosef responded to a listener who sought to understand the manufacturing process and the associated halachic concerns.

Rav Yosef described the rigorous standards he personally enforces at the factory: “I personally do not rely on anyone. I am present when the wine arrives and make sure it is pure, without any mixture of water.” He explained that he closely supervises the cleaning of the pipes and ensures that large volumes of wine are run through the system to flush out any possible moisture before actual production begins.

“If necessary, I climb up a dangerous rope ladder to the top to see with my own eyes that everything is clean,” the rav said. “There is not a week that goes by that I don’t visit there. The two mashgichim in the factories are talmidei chachamim and yirei Shamayim, and no worker would dare bring even a drop of liquid into the facility—anyone who is thirsty goes outside to drink.”

During the discussion, Rav Yosef shared a personal exchange with his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l: “I asked my father—why do I need this headache? I gain nothing from it, and I’ve only ‘taken hits’ over this kashrus. My father rebuked me and said: ‘You were born to toil—continue, there is great merit in benefiting the public.’ I continue on this path in order to uphold his sacred legacy.”

The listener also raised a concern about yayin nesech, wine that may have been handled by someone not observing mitzvos. Rav Yosef addressed this by explaining the safeguards in place: exclusive control is maintained by the mashgiach, who alone holds the keys and access to the wine barrels and tanks. In addition, the wine is immediately sweetened with large amounts of sugar upon being transferred, which alters its status and removes the halachic concern of yayin nesech.

Rav Yosef concluded by noting that the same level of supervision extends to all other ingredients, including eggs, which undergo thorough analysis and filtering to ensure that no water comes into contact with the flour, thereby preventing any possibility of chometz during Pesach.

{Matzav.com}