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The IDF restored full routine Thursday night in and around Beit El after hours of alarm and military activity sparked by what was initially believed to be a drone infiltration over the Binyamin region, but later turned out to be a dramatic case of mistaken identity involving commercial aircraft.

The scare began after the military activated the “Air Hammer” emergency procedure across the Binyamin area following reports that several drones had allegedly been spotted flying above Beit El and near the adjacent Arab village of Jalazone.

Large numbers of IDF forces were rushed to the scene as security personnel launched extensive searches for the suspected drone operators. Early field assessments indicated that roughly five unidentified aerial objects had been seen moving through the area, raising fears of a potential security incident.

As tensions mounted, troops and local emergency teams heightened their readiness, while nearby communities were instructed to remain alert amid concerns that hostile aircraft may have penetrated the sector.

Later in the evening, however, Kan 11 News reported that the suspected “drones” were most likely commercial airplanes approaching Ben Gurion Airport after flight paths had temporarily been redirected eastward. According to the report, aircraft descending for landing passed approximately four kilometers from Beit El at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, leading residents and security personnel to mistakenly identify them as low-flying drones.

The confusion triggered widespread alarm throughout the region and ultimately led to the large-scale military response before authorities issued an all-clear.

Before the situation became fully understood, security officials carried out an initial evaluation and determined that the objects in question did not appear to be explosive drones, but rather a category of aircraft or drones forbidden from operating in Judea and Samaria.

In response to the reports, the IDF raised the threat level in the area, while local response squads in surrounding communities prepared for the possibility of a serious security incident.

Officials at the scene reportedly examined several theories regarding what caused the mistaken identification.

One assessment suggested that earlier in the day, the IDF had received notice about police aerial operations in the Ramallah region, and investigators believe lights from a police helicopter may also have contributed to the confusion.

The incident nearly escalated into disaster after soldiers in the area reportedly opened fire at what they believed was a hostile drone. No injuries or damage were reported.

The Airports Authority later confirmed that authorization had been granted for an aircraft to operate in the area overnight. Even so, security forces continued operating in the region as investigators worked to fully determine what occurred and ensure that no actual threat remained.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

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

As the summer starts rolling in, there is no better time to bring more quality reading material into your home, your shul, students, and your family.

For a limited time, take 25% off more than 100 ArtScroll sets — plus free shipping in the U.S. when you order from ArtScroll.com or from your local bookseller.

Whether you are looking to enrich your own learning, build your home library, donate a set to your shul, stock up on meaningful gifts, or find the perfect present for graduates and newlyweds, this is the opportunity you wait for all year.

The sale includes an extraordinary range of ArtScroll classics and favorites: Talmud, Mishnah, Chumash commentaries, Nevi’im and Kesuvim, halachah, machzorim, siddurim, Tehillim, Pirkei Avos, Haggados, zemiros, Jewish thought and history, youth titles, and more.

Here is just a glimpse of what you will find:

Talmud Sets
Bring clarity, depth, and understanding to your Gemara learning with the Schottenstein Edition Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi, available in multiple formats, including full-size, Daf Yomi size, and travel size.

Mishnah Sets
From the Schottenstein Edition Mishnah Elucidated to the Ryzman Edition Hebrew Mishnah and other beloved Mishnah collections, there is a set for every level and every learner.

Chumash Commentaries
Enhance your understanding of Chumash with timeless commentaries, including Rashi, Ramban, Onkelos, and other foundational works, as well as Contemporary Chumash Commentaries.

Nevi’im and Kesuvim
Deepen your connection to Nach with beautifully elucidated sets that open up the words of the Nevi’im and Kesuvim with clarity, context, and meaning.

Halachah Sets
Strengthen daily Torah living with essential halachah works covering Shabbos, daily life, shemiras halashon, and so much more.

Youth Titles
Give children books they will love and remember, from parashah sets and story collections to exciting Torah-based reading for young readers.

Pirkei Avos, Siddurim, Tehillim, Machzorim, Zemiros, Jewish Thought and History
From weekday inspiration to Yom Tov preparation, from the Shabbos table to the beis midrash, these are the sets that educate, uplift, and inspire year after year.

With this year’s sale featuring newly-completed sets — Schottenstein Edition Rashi Elucidated, Kleinman Edition Midrash Rabbah, Haas Family Edition Pele Yoeitz and Yesod VeShoresh HaAvodah and even a set of Dinner Done cookbooks —  you’ll have even more ways to expand your library with fresh titles and beautiful new collections.

One short article cannot list everything included in this remarkable sale. With over 100 sets to choose from, this is your chance to get the ArtScroll sets you have been waiting for — at 25% off.

Don’t delay. The Set Sale ends Tuesday, June 9.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yosef Dov Winternitz zt”l of Ramat Ungvar–Tel Tzion at the age of 61.

An outstanding masmid and talmid chochom who immersed himself in Torah day and night, Rav Winternitz was widely known for his deep mastery of Toras Hanistar and particularly for spreading the teachings of the Leshem.

Rav Yosef Dov zt”l was the son of Rav Asher Menachem zt”l and the son-in-law of Rav Yehuda Samet, the longtime mashgiach of Yeshivas Ohr Somayach in Kiryat Mattersdorf, Yerushalayim.

Known for his extraordinary diligence in Torah study, Rav Winternitz devoted every possible moment to learning. During the years he lived in the Ramot Polin neighborhood of Yerushalayim, he mortgaged his home and personal assets in order to help build the large Ohel Yosef shul. He became one of the central and most beloved figures in the beis medrash, where he spent countless hours each day immersed in learning.

His home was renowned for its warmth, generosity, and open-door hospitality. Alongside the fourteen children he merited to raise, many broken and needy individuals also found refuge in his home. Several housing units attached to the property were often occupied by struggling families or individuals who paid no rent at all, as Rav Winternitz made clear that the apartments existed solely for acts of chesed.

Rav Winternitz delved deeply into the teachings of the Arizal and became especially renowned for his remarkable expertise in the writings of the Leshem, author of Leshem Shevo V’Achlama. He authored an extensive commentary on Etz Chaim based on the approach of the Leshem, a manuscript that remains unpublished.

Over the years, he influenced and guided many talmidim, among them the mekubal Rav Yechezkel Bing, author of Nekudos Hakesef.

The heavy financial burden of marrying off his children eventually forced Rav Winternitz to sell his apartment and move into a rented home in Tel Tzion. From that point, his health steadily declined, and he endured tremendous physical and emotional suffering. In his later years, doctors were forced to amputate several of his toes. Despite the pain, he continued making his way daily to shul for vasikin and would sit in the beis medrash learning for long stretches, greeting every person with unusual warmth and kindness.

About two years ago, tragedy struck when his daughter a”h suddenly collapsed at home and lost consciousness. After two weeks in the hospital, she passed away. Since her petirah, Rav Winternitz became the regular chazzan for Mincha and Maariv almost every day, constantly speaking about her and reciting Kaddish in her memory. He remained deeply involved in the life of the shul and was cherished far beyond what words can describe.

During the final year of his life, his influence expanded significantly as he began publicly delivering profound shiurim and divrei Torah across many areas of Torah. From the depths of his broken heart, he passionately warned about the dangers facing yeshiva bochurim due to the draft crisis, and about breaches in standards of tznius that had begun entering the camp.

In recent months, he spent much time davening at the kever of Rashbi in Meron and at the Kosel Hama’aravi, telling those close to him that he felt a deep spiritual connection to the Shechinah at the Kosel.

On the final Shabbos of his life, Rav Winternitz davened at Shaarei Yosef in Tel Tzion, led by Harav Nissim Yitzchok Ohana. He received shevii during Krias HaTorah and later spoke briefly during a kiddush held in honor of a chosson who was a ger tzedek. Those would become his final public words.

He thanked the mispallelim warmly and told them that he loved every one of them.

He then spoke passionately about the importance of marrying young, explaining: “Why does the Shulchan Aruch in Even HaEzer (Siman 1) use such unusually strong language, stating that anyone who does not engage in pru u’rvu is considered as if he diminishes the Divine image, sheds blood, and causes the Shechinah to depart from Klal Yisroel? There is no other wording this severe anywhere else in the Shulchan Aruch. Rather, the meaning is that one must hasten to marry and not delay beyond the age of eighteen, and because of the gravity of the matter, the Shulchan Aruch expressed itself with exceptional sharpness.”

Those remarks were delivered at approximately 11 a.m. Just several hours later, around 3:30 in the afternoon, during the holy moments of raava d’raavin on Shabbos, Rav Winternitz returned his pure neshamah to its Creator.

His widow relates that only minutes earlier, while feeling entirely well, he unusually asked her mechilah for anything he may ever have done to hurt her. Feeling a special eis ratzon, she wholeheartedly forgave him and asked forgiveness from him as well. Moments later, he suddenly began coughing and lost consciousness. Despite prolonged resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived, and those close to him gathered to recite Krias Shema as his neshamah departed, to the heartbreak of all present.

Rav Winternitz is survived by his widow and two daughters who have not yet married.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Police have arrested an Israeli-Arab suspect in the killing of Olga and Ruslan Prikhodko, the Rishon Letzion couple who were found shot to death inside their vehicle over the weekend in an open area between Moshav Mishmar Ayalon and Karmei Yosef in Shefelah. Following a partial lifting of the gag order surrounding the investigation, authorities revealed Thursday that the suspect is being investigated for carrying out a double murder believed to have been motivated by nationalist motives.

The development marks a dramatic turn in the case, which initially moved in an entirely different direction. In the early hours of the investigation, authorities examined the possibility that the incident may have involved a murder-suicide, partly because Ruslan legally owned a handgun.

As investigators dug deeper into the case, however, evidence began to undermine that theory. One major issue was that Ruslan’s personal firearm was not found at the scene.

According to reports, investigators later searched the couple’s home and discovered the licensed handgun locked inside a safe. In addition, no gunshot residue was found on Ruslan’s hands. Those findings strengthened suspicions that the couple had been murdered by another individual who then fled the area.

The Shin Bet became involved in the investigation during its early stages, and responsibility for the case was later transferred to the Central District Major Crimes Unit.

Several individuals were initially detained for questioning, but were later released after investigators determined they had no connection to the killings. Following additional breakthroughs in the investigation, police arrested the main suspect now believed to be tied to the murders.

Olga, 44, and Ruslan, 46, are survived by their 14-year-old only son. The couple was laid to rest yesterday at the cemetery in Rishon Letzion, accompanied by relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

Family members had insisted from the outset that the couple had not taken their own lives and were not involved in any domestic incident, maintaining instead that they had been murdered.

Relatives described Olga and Ruslan as a devoted couple whose son was the center of their world. According to family members, the three had recently been planning a trip to Austria to celebrate Olga’s birthday.

The investigation remains ongoing under partial gag-order restrictions as police continue examining all aspects of the case and attempting to determine the precise motive behind the killings.

Demonstrations erupted Thursday evening in Yerushalayim and at the entrance to Bnei Brak following the arrest of yeshiva bochurim accused of draft evasion, with major roads blocked, violent confrontations reported, and police moving in to disperse protesters.

The most significant protest began near the Geha Junction, where demonstrators blocked Route 4 in both directions, shutting down traffic from the Aluf Sadeh Interchange to Em HaMoshavos. Rechov Bar-Ilan in Yerushalayim was also closed as protesters flooded the area.

Police declared the demonstrations illegal and said rioters were obstructing traffic and disrupting public order. Senior officers at both protest sites announced that force would be used to disperse the crowds.

Authorities closed Route 4 in both directions between the Aluf Sadeh and Em HaMoshavos interchanges. In addition, Jabotinsky Street and Hashomer Street in Bnei Brak, extending toward Yetzirah Street in Petach Tikvah, were shut down to traffic.

At the Yerushalayim protest, demonstrators blocked vehicles and reportedly acted violently toward chareidi drivers, shouting harsh insults and damaging cars.

Police said Border Police forces and Yerushalayim District officers were preparing to disperse protesters at the Bar-Ilan intersection in an effort to restore traffic flow and public order.

Videos from the scene in Bnei Brak showed protesters surrounding buses while chanting, “Prisoners of the Torah world, the great ones of the nation.”

Following the unrest, Netivei Yisroel announced additional road closures, including Route 4 northbound from the Mesubim Interchange to Em HaMoshavos, as well as localized closures near the Yavneh Interchange. Southbound traffic on Route 4 was blocked from Em HaMoshavos to the Bar-Ilan Interchange.

Protesters at the Geha and Bar-Ilan junctions carried signs bearing slogans including “We will die and not enlist,” “Better to die as a chareidi than enlist,” and “We will not abandon a single bochur.”

Police began making arrests as clashes intensified between demonstrators and security forces.

{Matzav.com}

A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was dramatically spared from ritual slaughter in Bangladesh after the country’s interior minister personally intervened and ordered the animal transferred to the national zoo.

The unusual buffalo, which recently went viral online because of its striking appearance, had originally been slated for slaughter during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday before the government abruptly halted the sale.

Bangladesh Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reportedly ordered officials to save the animal’s life, cancel the planned sacrifice, and immediately relocate it to permanent quarters at the national zoo in the capital city of Dhaka.

Authorities said the decision came after massive crowds began gathering around the farm where the buffalo was being kept, drawing visitors from across the country and creating growing security concerns ahead of the holiday.

“At the last moment, the decision was made to spare the buffalo from slaughter because of security concerns and the extraordinary level of public interest,” a senior Bangladeshi Interior Ministry official explained.

The buffalo weighs nearly 700 kilograms and had already been sold to a private buyer before the government intervened. Authorities later compensated the purchaser after confiscating the animal to prevent the sacrifice from taking place.

Farm owner Ziauddin Merida said the buffalo received the nickname “Donald Trump” from his younger brother because of the animal’s unusual blond tuft of hair, which stands out prominently against its pale skin.

Merida described the buffalo as exceptionally calm and gentle, adding that caring for the rare animal requires intensive maintenance, including frequent feeding throughout the day and regular washing to preserve its health.

Albino buffaloes are considered extremely rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle have dark coloring. Public fascination with the animal surged after videos showcasing its unusual appearance spread widely across social media platforms.

It remains unclear whether the United States made any direct appeal to Bangladesh regarding the animal, though the buffalo’s popularity and nickname fueled widespread speculation online after the government stepped in to save it.

{Matzav.com}

The Treasury Department office charged with producing America’s paper currency has begun preliminary planning tied to proposed legislation that would place President Donald Trump on a commemorative $250 bill.

According to a Thursday report by The Washington Post, officials inside the Trump administration have been urging the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to develop sample concepts for a new bank note bearing Trump’s image — a historic move that would make him the first living person featured on US paper money in well over a century.

The effort is connected to preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration next July and is part of a broader campaign by Trump allies to cement the President’s legacy through patriotic projects and national institutions.

The Post reported that US Treasurer Brandon Beach and senior adviser Mike Brown repeatedly pressed bureau officials to proceed with draft designs despite federal statutes that currently prohibit living individuals from appearing on American currency.

One concept obtained by the newspaper reportedly features a large portrait of Trump in the center of the note alongside the signatures of both Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

British artist Iain Alexander, who said he worked on the design after discussions with Trump, told the newspaper the President personally approved several revisions, including the addition of red, white, and blue patriotic styling as well as imagery tied to America’s semiquincentennial celebration.

“He absolutely loved it,” Alexander said of Trump’s reaction.

Existing law, however, remains a major obstacle to the proposal.

The Thayer Amendment of 1866 prohibits living people from appearing on US currency after a Treasury official during the Civil War era controversially inserted his own likeness onto a bank note.

The ban also reflected America’s historic opposition to the European custom of placing reigning monarchs on national currency.

Still, Congress has the authority to change those rules through legislation.

Earlier this year, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., introduced legislation instructing the Treasury Department to issue a $250 Federal Reserve note carrying Trump’s portrait, although the bill has not yet moved forward in Congress.

Treasury officials stressed that no currency would be produced unless lawmakers formally approve the measure.

“Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation,” a Treasury spokesperson said.

The discussion comes as the administration is also preparing for Trump’s signature to appear on American paper money for the first time.

The New York Times reported in March that US currency issued later this year would carry Trump’s signature alongside that of Bessent.

Backers of the proposal say the effort is a fitting tribute to Trump’s leadership during what supporters describe as America’s “Golden Age economic revival.” Opponents, meanwhile, argue the move would inject politics into one of the country’s most recognizable national symbols.

Financial and currency specialists warn that even if Congress approves the plan, implementation could take years because of anti-counterfeiting measures, Federal Reserve coordination, and the need to ensure compatibility with ATMs and other banking systems.

Despite those logistical hurdles, administration officials reportedly remain determined to advance the project ahead of next year’s major anniversary celebrations.

{Matzav.com}