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By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld
Posuk yud zayin in Perek chof heh in Chumash Devarim tells us that we should remember what Amalek did to Bnei Yisroel. That is why we have the mitzvah of Parshas Zachor, to be leined for all to hear.
The Gemara in Brachos, daf mem zayin, amud bais, brings down a story about Reb Elazar, who came to Shul and found that there were only nine people for the minyan. Reb Elazar freed his Eved Knani, Tevi, who then completed the minyan. The Gemara questions how he was allowed to do that, if Reb Yehuda says that one who frees his slave is oiver an aseh that one should keep an Eved Knani forever. The Gemara answers that since minyan is a mitzvah of a rabim, it therefore was allowed.
The Rosh in siman chof says that the mitzvah of a rabim is stronger than a regular mitzvah because the posuk says “Venikdashti” amongst Klal Yisroel, the source for a minyan. This premise will hold true even if it is for a mitzvah deRabbanan, like to hear kedusha or borchu; nevertheless, it will be doche a mitzvah deOraysa of a private person not to free a slave. The Rosh concludes that this must be the case because the Gemara is not speaking in a situation where the tzibbur was laining Parshas Zachor, which is min haTorah. So we see that this point, of a tzibbur being stronger, applies even if one is just doing a mitzvah deRabbanan.
The Trumas Hadeshen, based on this Rosh, says in siman kuf ches that the mitzvah of Parshas Zachor is to listen to it with a minyan. Therefore, if one has only one of the following options—either hearing Zachor with a minyan, or Krias Hamegillah with a minyan—one should choose Zachor with the minyan, since the mitzvah is min haTorah. The Shulchan Aruch in siman kuf mem vov, seif bais, concurs.
The Pri Chodosh in seif koton bais asks: Where did the Rosh learn this halacha, that one needs a minyan for the reading of Zachor? In addition, why don’t we find that a person has a chiyuv to hear any of the other mitzvos of zechiros (for example, remembering Yetzias Mitzrayim or Maaseh Miriam) betzibbur?
The Hagahos Peulas Sachir on the Sefer Maaseh Rav for the Gra says that the chiyuv of tzibbur for Amalek will come as a result of the shita of the Yereim in siman taf lamed heh, who holds that the mitzvah of erasing Amalek is not a mitzvah for every private person, but rather a mitzvah on the tzibbur under a king. With this in mind, it makes sense that we should read the parsha of Amalek betzibbur, to remind us that this is a tzibburdige din.
There are many poskim who disagree and say you do not need a minyan; however, according to the Rosh, we can understand why we need a minyan.
Let us hope we are zocheh to the tzibbur and the king Moshiach to wipe out Amalek.
President Donald Trump will step before Congress on Tuesday night to deliver his State of the Union address, using the nationally televised platform to argue that his first year back in office has been a success, even as political headwinds build ahead of November’s pivotal midterm elections.
The annual address arrives at a moment of heightened political tension. After a year marked by rapid policy moves and sweeping executive actions, the 79-year-old Republican faces growing scrutiny from critics and fresh challenges that could shape the trajectory of his second term.
Among the developments reportedly frustrating the president are recent opinion surveys showing sagging approval numbers — figures he has publicly brushed aside — and a Supreme Court decision overturning his signature tariff program, a central element of his economic strategy.
The optics of the evening add another layer of drama. Trump will speak before the very justices who invalidated the tariff policy, including two whom he appointed to the bench. Following the ruling, he sharply criticized the court, calling members of it “fools.”
Control of Congress hangs in the balance this fall. Should Democrats reclaim either chamber, Trump could face significant legislative gridlock for the remainder of his term and renewed talk of impeachment, potentially setting the stage for a third such effort against him.
Despite those risks, the president is expected to project confidence. His speech is likely to blend a forceful defense of his administration’s record with a clear pivot toward the upcoming midterm campaign.
“It’s going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about,” Trump said at the White House on Monday.
He also rejected the legitimacy of unfavorable polling data, labeling as “fake” surveys such as a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released Sunday that pegged his approval rating at 39 percent.
Democrats, meanwhile, are preparing visible counterprogramming. Some lawmakers plan to boycott the address, while others intend to stage silent protests during the speech. The address itself is required under the Constitution, which directs that the president shall “from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union.”
Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota announced she would not attend, saying Trump uses such appearances to “spread lies – not to mention they’re long and boring.”
The speech follows a year in which Trump has expanded executive authority, aggressively confronted political adversaries and advanced a high-profile domestic agenda, while pursuing a more disruptive approach to international affairs.
On immigration, Trump is expected to highlight what his administration describes as substantial progress in reducing illegal crossings at the southern border. He has frequently pointed to enforcement actions along the Mexican border as evidence of a crackdown.
Yet public opinion appears divided. While many voters support tougher immigration policies in principle, some surveys indicate discomfort with large-scale enforcement raids. Protests over those operations in January were linked to unrest that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens.
Economic policy will also feature prominently. The president plans to argue that inflation has eased under his watch and to promote what he has repeatedly called a “Golden Age” of American prosperity.
Still, he faces skepticism from voters who remain concerned about rising living costs. Many critics have tied those pressures to the tariff policies that were later struck down by the Supreme Court, complicating his economic message.
Internationally, observers will be listening closely for signals regarding Iran. A significant U.S. military buildup in the region has intensified pressure on Tehran to reach a nuclear agreement, raising speculation about potential military action if negotiations falter.
State of the Union speeches have historically served as platforms for major foreign policy initiatives. In 2003, George W. Bush used his address to lay the groundwork for military action in Iraq, underscoring the significance of the moment.
As tradition dictates, attention will also focus on the guests seated in the House gallery. Lawmakers from both parties often invite individuals whose stories align with their political messages.
Trump has extended an invitation to the U.S. men’s ice hockey team, which captured Olympic gold in Italy with a 2-1 victory over Canada — the program’s first such triumph since 1980.
However, according to U.S. media reports, the women’s team declined an invitation from the president. The development followed remarks Trump made in a call with the men’s team in which he joked that he would be impeached if he failed to invite the women as well.
{Matzav.com}
President Donald Trump said tonight that California Gov. Gavin Newsom has “just dropped out of the Presidential Race,” despite the fact that Newsom has made no such announcement and has not formally declared a 2028 campaign.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump asserted that the California governor had exited the contest, writing “Wow! Gavin Newscum just dropped out of the Presidential Race!!! President DJT,” a statement that conflicts with Newsom’s own public comments. Although Newsom has long been viewed as a potential White House contender, he has neither confirmed nor ruled out a future bid in recent months.
Speculation about Newsom’s national ambitions has circulated for several years. In 2021, he flatly rejected the idea, saying he had “sub-zero interest” in seeking the presidency. More recently, however, his rhetoric has softened. In a June 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Newsom said “it’s a path that I could see unfold,” while stressing that he had not made any immediate plans. His expanded national presence — including a widely covered CNN speech criticizing Trump’s decision to deploy military personnel to Los Angeles — has only intensified talk about his political future.
Newsom has remained active in national debates and has continued to challenge Trump directly, including publicly correcting what he described as false statements made on Truth Social. Those posts included accusations that California was harboring a “drug cartel” and claims regarding Walmart’s business operations, both of which Newsom disputed. The two have repeatedly sparred in public settings, including at the 2024 Munich Security Conference, where Newsom accused Trump of fostering an “age of authoritarianism”
Political observers say Newsom’s recent activity suggests a deliberate effort to build a broader national profile. Larry Sabato, who directs the University of Virginia Center for Politics, characterized one of Newsom’s recent comments as a “home run,” arguing that it effectively positioned the governor’s opposition to Trump as part of a larger defense of democratic norms. At the same time, a December 2024 survey found that more than half of California voters believe Newsom is more focused on potential presidential ambitions than on governing the state.
For now, Newsom has not provided a clear answer about whether he intends to pursue the presidency in 2028. His office has declined to clarify his shifting tone or respond directly to Trump’s latest assertion.
{Matzav.com}
The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, held an emotional seudas hodaah on Monday night at his residence in the moshav of Ora, commemorating 26 years since he survived a devastating car accident near the entrance to Yerushalayim. The gathering was combined with a fundraising initiative on behalf of the Vishnitzer community’s Kimcha D’Pischa campaign in Elad.
Prominent supporters of the chassidus, who contributed substantial sums toward providing Pesach necessities for families in need, were seated around the Rebbe’s table for the special occasion.
Also in attendance was the Rebbe’s son-in-law, the Vishnitzer Rebbe of Beit Shemesh, who addressed the assembled chassidim. In his remarks, he reflected on the many kindnesses of the Ribbono Shel Olam over the years and spoke of the ongoing gratitude felt by the community.
Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, Av Beis Din of Vishnitz in Elad, delivered heartfelt words, his voice breaking with emotion. He offered a tefillah that Hashem have mercy on the impoverished and downtrodden, and that the chassidim merit to soon see the Rebbe restored in full strength and splendor.
Throughout the tish, lively singing filled the room, with the Rebbe strongly encouraging the melodies, especially during the singing of “Yesh Borei Olam.” He later expanded on divrei kodesh inspired by the elevated atmosphere.
In deeply moving remarks, the Rebbe recounted the details of the accident and the miraculous chain of events that led to his rescue. He reviewed the sequence of those days and expressed gratitude for the many individuals who stood by him and assisted during that critical period.
The Rebbe also spoke with visible emotion about the hospital visit of Rav Shmuel Wosner, who came to see him shortly after the accident.
At the conclusion of the gathering, following Birchas Hamazon, the benefactors approached to receive a special gift in honor of Pesach, presented as a token of appreciation for their steadfast support of the chassidus’s charitable efforts.
{Matzav.com}
A wave of hate mail targeting chareidi members of Knesset has been recorded in recent days, against the backdrop of heated public debate over the draft law and rising anger toward the chareidi sector.
One of the letters, published by journalist Yaakov Hershkowitz in Yisroel Hayom, included extreme and offensive language. It stated: “You chareidim — all of you are bloodsuckers. Evaders of military service. Parasites and leeches. Despicable liars.”
The letter was reportedly sent to several chareidi MKs and reflects the escalating rhetoric surrounding the issue of military exemptions. According to aides, this was not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing pattern of similar letters being delivered to Knesset offices.
Staff in the lawmakers’ offices said they continue to act as emissaries of their rabbinic leadership and choose to ignore what they described as “background noise.” However, they acknowledged that the phenomenon is troubling and appears to be intensifying.
{Matzav.com}The Trump Organization is expanding into Australia with plans to develop a major hotel and residential tower on the Gold Coast, marking the company’s debut project in the country.
Eric Trump revealed that the company will construct what he described as the tallest building in Australia, unveiling the Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast as its inaugural Australian development. “I am so proud to announce what will soon be the tallest building in Australia — Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast,” Eric wrote in a post on X. “This marks our first venture into Australia — an extraordinary country in every respect — and I couldn’t be more excited to help shape its iconic skyline forever.”
In an official statement, the Trump Organization said it has partnered with Altus Property Group to introduce the new project, formally announcing the launch of Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast. According to the release, the development will include a 285-room luxury hotel carrying the Trump name and serving as the centerpiece of a planned 91-story skyscraper.
“This landmark development reinforces The Trump Organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding its portfolio of luxury residential, hospitality, and golf projects globally,” the press release says.
Project details outlined in the announcement indicate that, in addition to the hotel, the tower will house 272 upscale residential units. The statement further explains:
The Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast will feature a 285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo, anchoring the 91-storey development. The project will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.
In a separate statement, Trump said the development demonstrates the company’s “unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences.”
Altus Property Group Founder and Chief Executive David Young also welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing the project’s significance. “Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,” Altus Founder and Chief Executive David Young said in a statement. “Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success.”
{Matzav.com}Hamas has altered the way it brings weapons-related materials into the Gaza Strip, abandoning its previous reliance on tunnels and trucks in favor of a maritime method designed to evade detection.
According to a report by Kan News, the terror group is now using specially designed containers that travel beneath the surface of the sea. The shift reportedly takes advantage of rough winter waters, which can make monitoring more difficult.
Under the updated approach, smugglers reportedly deposit the cargo roughly five miles off the coast of Sheikh Zuweid in the southern Gaza Strip. From there, ocean currents moving at approximately two knots carry the submerged containers overnight. Within 10 to 14 hours, the shipments are said to reach the coastal areas of Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis.
The report states that the smuggling network is divided into multiple teams. Some cells operate out of Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, while others function along Gaza’s coastline. These groups reportedly use diversionary tactics, including launching UAVs to distract and overwhelm IDF surveillance and interception systems.
By adopting this underwater transport system, Hamas is believed to be importing key components used in rocket manufacturing, including parts intended to improve the range, precision, and stability of its projectiles.
The development is seen as part of Hamas’s broader attempt to rebuild and maintain its military capabilities despite operational constraints and ongoing countermeasures.
{Matzav.com}
President Donald Trump is reviewing whether to authorize military action against Iran as diplomatic discussions are set to resume in Geneva, while his top military adviser has cautioned that such a move could carry serious consequences, including the danger of a drawn-out conflict.
According to Axios, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine has told Trump and senior national security officials that launching a campaign against Iran could expose the United States to significant risks, among them the possibility of becoming mired in a prolonged war. The report cited five individuals who either participated in or were briefed on high-level internal meetings.
Axios reported that Caine has not urged the president to carry out a strike, though he would carry out any directive ultimately issued. One person familiar with the discussions described him as a “reluctant warrior” when it comes to Iran, noting that his stance differs from his backing of the mission targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. While Caine was said to have strongly supported the Venezuela operation, two sources indicated he has taken a more measured approach regarding Iran, viewing the stakes as higher and the risks of escalation and American casualties as more substantial.
Another individual with direct insight into Caine’s perspective told Axios that the chairman does not oppose a military campaign outright but is “clear-eyed and realistic” about the chances of success and the potential chain of events that could follow the start of hostilities. A senior official, however, rejected the suggestion that Caine had expressed doubt about military action.
Joint Staff spokesman Joe Holstead told Axios that in his role as an adviser, the chairman outlines “a range of military options” and includes “secondary considerations and associated impacts and risks,” providing that guidance privately. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a written statement that Caine is a “talented and highly-valued” member of Trump’s national security team and that the president listens to “a host of opinions” before determining what course best serves U.S. national security.
Axios also reported that Caine has recently been “the only military leader” briefing President Trump on the escalating tensions with Iran. The outlet noted that U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper has not participated in the Iran-focused meetings convened by Trump and has not spoken directly with the president since the standoff began in early January. A senior administration official confirmed that Trump has not communicated with Cooper during that time. By comparison, Cooper’s predecessor, Gen. Erik Kurilla, had provided briefings to both Trump and President Joe Biden on Iran-related matters, the report said.
Behind the scenes, senior officials have been debating how to handle the confrontation with Tehran and what the consequences of each potential path might be. Several advisers have urged caution, although one person familiar with the deliberations said the president has recently shown a leaning toward approving military action. Another source said Trump has insisted that his envoys continue diplomatic efforts to ensure all options are “exhausted” before he reaches a final decision. Those briefed on the meetings said none of the participants has supported sending ground troops or undertaking a “boots on the ground” operation.
At 3:11 p.m. on Monday, President Trump on Truth Social:
Numerous stories from the Fake News Media have been circulating stating that General Daniel Caine, sometimes referred to as Razin, is against us going to War with Iran. The story does not attribute this vast wealth of knowledge to anyone, and is 100% incorrect. General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won. He knows Iran well in that he was in charge of Midnight Hammer, the attack on the Iranian Nuclear Development. It is a Development no longer, but rather, was blown to smithereens by our Great B-2 Bombers. Razin Caine is a Great Fighter, and represents the Most Powerful Military anywhere in the World. He has not spoken of not doing Iran, or even the fake limited strikes that I have been reading about, he only knows one thing, how to WIN and, if he is told to do so, he will be leading the pack. Everything that has been written about a potential War with Iran has been written incorrectly, and purposefully so. I am the one that makes the decision, I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we don’t make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people, because they are great and wonderful, and something like this should never have happened to them.
Vice President J.D. Vance has voiced concern during internal discussions that military action could pull the United States into a wider confrontation. One source told Axios that Vance has questioned the operational complexity and potential fallout, while another said he has been laying out arguments “on both sides” so the president can weigh the full picture. The same source added that Vance is not “outright opposed” to a strike.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to two sources, has not taken a firm public stance either for or against military action, instead “sitting on the fence.” Although Rubio has traditionally been seen as hawkish on Iran, Axios reported that his recent focus has shifted more heavily toward matters involving Venezuela and Cuba.
Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Thursday for another round of indirect negotiations brokered by Oman. Axios reported that both advisers have encouraged Trump to hold off on military action for the time being, arguing that further diplomacy could strengthen Washington’s position before any irreversible step is taken.
Speaking to Fox News over the weekend, Witkoff said Trump has been “frustrated” and “curious” that Tehran has not “capitulated” despite mounting U.S. military pressure, while cautioning that such descriptions might exaggerate the president’s stance. Witkoff also warned that Iran could be “a week away” from converting its highly enriched uranium into “industrial-grade bomb-making material,” a development he said would sharply reduce the remaining space for diplomacy.
Beyond the administration, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has been among the most vocal advocates for military action. In remarks to Axios on Saturday, Graham said he was frustrated that some of Trump’s advisers were counseling restraint and opposing strikes. He also spoke directly with the president on Sunday, urging him not to postpone military measures.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has likewise pressed for strikes. Axios reported that since meeting with Trump about ten days ago, Netanyahu has grown concerned that the United States may ultimately decline to act militarily. A U.S. source who met with Netanyahu last week told the outlet that the prime minister left his discussion with Trump unsure whether he had persuaded the president. “Is he still with us?” Netanyahu asked, the source said.
A senior administration official summarized the internal dynamic, telling Axios, “Everyone has a job to do and does their job. Rubio isn’t figuring out what planes to fly. Caine isn’t worrying about diplomatic fallout. The decision to strike, when and how or if at all, has not been made.”
{Matzav.com}
