An extraordinary medical and spiritual story from Yerushalayim has resurfaced, as a prominent physician from Har Nof—once declared beyond hope—continues his recovery after what many are describing as nothing short of techias hameisim.
Yerushalayim’s Har Nof neighborhood is accustomed to the steady stream of visitors arriving at the home of the renowned posek, Rav Moshe Sternbuch, where daily audiences draw individuals seeking guidance and brachah. In recent days, however, the atmosphere there was markedly different, as songs of praise and thanksgiving filled the residence during a rare and emotional gathering marking a dramatic medical recovery that has stirred the city.
The gathering marked the visit of a well-known Har Nof physician who, nearly two years ago, was considered clinically “dead” by medical standards. During the COVID period, the doctor suffered a severe stroke after being infected with the virus, leaving him unconscious and in a vegetative state. Physicians told the family with certainty that there were “zero chances” of recovery, with one doctor reportedly stating that it would have been better had he passed away, as there was no hope he would ever awaken.
The full account was related by Reb Daniel Travis, a rosh kollel and close talmid of Rav Sternbuch, who served as the family’s emissary. Rav Travis explained that members of his kollel undertook daily tefillos on the patient’s behalf, maintaining the effort without interruption for a year and a half.
Eventually, family members raised a halachic concern, arguing that the patient was effectively considered dead and that continued tefillah might constitute praying for a miracle, which is generally not permitted. Rav Travis brought the question directly to Rav Sternbuch, seeking a clear halachic ruling.
After listening carefully and inquiring in detail about the medical circumstances for several minutes, Rav Sternbuch reflected deeply before delivering a decisive response. He ruled that continued tefillah was entirely permitted and encouraged, explaining that contemporary medical advancements leave room for recovery through natural means. He instructed Rav Travis to continue the tefillos and assured him that they would yet see a great yeshuah.
Rav Travis conveyed the ruling to the family, reinforcing Rav Sternbuch’s words that hope had not been lost. Remarkably, the very next day, the patient suddenly regained consciousness. He began communicating, speaking, and gradually recovering, in a development that doctors reportedly could not explain and for which there was no known medical precedent.
Rav Travis recounts receiving an emotional phone call from the patient himself, who wished to express gratitude for the brachah delivered through Rav Sternbuch. Hearing the voice of someone who had been considered dead left Rav Travis stunned, though he said he was not surprised after the clear ruling and assurance he had received from his rebbi.
In the weeks that followed, the recovering doctor was even seen at times learning in Rabbi Sternbuch’s beis medrash. When he first entered, those present reportedly looked on in disbelief as the man they believed had passed away stood on his own two feet.
Although the core events occurred nearly two years ago, the story is only now being widely publicized, as the doctor—now significantly stronger—recently returned to Rav Sternbuch’s home to formally express his gratitude. Overcome with emotion, he asked Rav Travis to recount the full story publicly.
To conclude, Rav Travis shared an additional insight that sheds light on Rav Sternbuch’s approach. He recalled witnessing a case years earlier in which Rav Sternbuch initially declined to issue a halachic ruling granting a young man success in finding a shidduch, only to do so months later. Within three weeks of that ruling, the young man became engaged.
When Rav Travis later asked whether a halachic ruling can truly determine future outcomes, Rav Sternbuch replied that he had received this tradition from Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer: when a genuine posek issues a ruling in this world, it is accepted in the Heavenly court as well and can draw down yeshuos.
{Matzav.com}
Politico first reported that the Trump administration has begun pulling back a significant number of U.S. ambassadors, a move that has prompted unease among some members of Congress and the labor union representing American diplomats.
The largest concentration of changes is in Africa, where ambassadors from 13 nations are being recalled: Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, and Uganda.
Asia follows, with six countries affected by ambassadorial turnover: Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Additional recalls span multiple regions. Four European countries—Armenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovakia—are included. Two countries each are affected in the Middle East (Algeria and Egypt), South and Central Asia (Nepal and Sri Lanka), and the Western Hemisphere (Guatemala and Suriname).
According to two State Department officials who requested anonymity to discuss internal personnel matters, chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were notified last week that their assignments would conclude in January.
Those officials said all of the ambassadors in question began their overseas postings during the Biden administration. While they initially remained in place after President Donald Trump returned to office and an early round of removals focused largely on political appointees, that status changed this week. On Wednesday, they began receiving formal notifications from Washington that their tours were being cut short.
The administration has emphasized that the affected diplomats are not being dismissed from the Foreign Service. Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and generally hold their posts for three to four years. Those being recalled may return to Washington and take on other roles if they choose, the officials said.
The State Department declined to provide precise figures or name the ambassadors involved, but defended the action as routine, describing it as “a standard process in any administration.” The department added that an ambassador is “a personal representative of the president and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda.”
The recalls come as the Trump administration continues reshaping U.S. diplomacy abroad, seeking to ensure that senior embassy leadership aligns fully with President Donald Trump’s America First priorities.
{Matzav.com}
Vice President JD Vance told a packed audience at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Sunday that the most meaningful way to honor the late Charlie Kirk is to avoid the kind of exclusionary behavior Kirk himself rejected throughout his life.
Vance framed his remarks around the broad appeal of President Donald Trump’s political message, emphasizing that the slogan “Make America Great Again” is rooted in inclusion rather than gatekeeping. He said the strength of the movement lies in the idea that every American is welcome, regardless of background or circumstance.
VP VANCE: "President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless, self-defeated purity tests… I didn't bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform… The best way to honor Charlie is that none of us here… pic.twitter.com/jyMQotlW1O
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 21, 2025
“President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless, self-defeated purity tests,” Vance said. “He says ‘Make America Great Again’ because every American is invited. We don’t care if you’re white or black, rich or poor, young or old, rural or urban, controversial or a little bit boring, or somewhere in between. People of every faith come to our banner because they know that the America First movement will make their lives better and they also know that the Democrats don’t care about anything other than maybe transing their kids.”
According to Vance, that open-door approach is precisely why the America First coalition has grown into a political force. He argued that Americans who love their country and want it to be “richer, stronger, safer, and prouder” naturally belong within the movement.
Vance also addressed criticism he expects to receive, saying he deliberately avoided attacking or excluding fellow conservatives. He stressed that Kirk’s legacy was built on bringing people together, not pushing them out.
“I didn’t bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to deplatform, and I don’t really care if some people out there — I’m sure we’ll have the fake news media denounce me after this speech, but let me just say, “the best way to honor Charlie is that none of us here should be doing something after Charlie’s death that he himself refused to do in life,” Vance said. “He invited all of us here.”
He concluded by reiterating that the America First movement remains a home for anyone committed to the country’s strength and future, echoing what he described as the core principle Charlie Kirk championed from the beginning.
{Matzav.com}
WATCH:
Mr. Barry Ray z”l, a devoted askan and pillar of the Chicago Torah community for more than four decades, was niftar, leaving behind a legacy of quiet dedication, steadfast leadership, and tireless service to Klal Yisroel.
For over 45 years, Mr. Ray stood at the forefront of communal responsibility in Chicago, where he was widely known as a trusted supporter, advisor, and builder of Torah institutions. With vision and unwavering commitment, he was instrumental in the founding, strengthening, and ongoing support of numerous mosdos, not only in Chicago but also in Baltimore, Florida, and Eretz Yisroel. His involvement was marked by humility and discretion; he worked behind the scenes, motivated solely by a sense of achrayus and love for Torah and its learners.
Mr. Ray understood that strong communities are built through consistency, reliability, and personal responsibility. He was always available when a cause needed backing, when an institution required guidance, or when a communal initiative demanded resolve and follow-through. His impact was felt far beyond the public eye, in the stability and growth of countless Torah endeavors.
He is survived by a distinguished family who continue his legacy of communal service. He was the devoted father of R’ Tzvi Ray, an active board member of Agudah of Illinois and the Midwest Bais Horaah; R’ Shua Ray, a steadfast supporter of Chicago mosdos and deeply involved in a wide range of communal activities; Mrs. Ahuva Feiler, wife of R’ Yanky Feiler, who worked for Agudath Israel of Illinois and continues to be active in political advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community; and Mrs. Shoshana Krupp, wife of R’ Ari Krupp, a prominent and active leader in the Baltimore Jewish community.
The levaya and kevura took place today in Chicago.
The family is sitting shiva at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shua Ray, located at 3118 W. Wallen Avenue. Tefillah times: Shacharis: 7:30 a.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv: 4:10 p.m.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
Thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday night in the Satmar neighborhood of Bnei Brak for a large procession marking the release of yeshiva students who had been detained.
The event drew vast crowds and unfolded as a celebratory march through local streets, accompanied by energetic dancing and singing.
At the same time, a parallel procession was held in Modi’in Illit, honoring the release of Binyamin Kreif, a talmid of Yeshivas Darchei Chaim. Kreif was freed from military prison after serving close to three months, including more than 50 days in solitary confinement.
In both cities, the atmosphere was jubilant. Participants danced in the streets as the bnei yeshiva being honored were lifted onto shoulders and escorted through the crowds.
PHOTOS:
{Matzav.com}
CBS’ 60 Minutes has pulled a planned report examining the deportation of migrants to El Salvador’s notorious maximum-security prison, CECOT, opting to delay the segment just hours before it was scheduled to air.
Late Sunday, the program issued an editor’s note on X announcing the change.
“The broadcast lineup for tonight’s edition of 60 Minutes has been updated. Our report ‘Inside CECOT’ will air in a future broadcast,” the note read.
In place of the delayed report, the broadcast aired a different segment, “The Kanneh-Masons,” which centers on seven siblings from Britain who “have become sensations in the classical music world.”
A spokesperson for CBS told Fox News Digital that the network “determined it needed additional reporting,” but did not elaborate further on the decision.
Before the postponement, the network had promoted the piece as an in-depth look inside El Salvador’s most severe detention facility. According to the original press materials, correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi was set to speak with deportees who had since been released and who “describe the brutal and torturous conditions.”
“Earlier this year, the Trump administration deported hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, a country most had no ties to, claiming they were terrorists. This move sparked an ongoing legal battle, and nine months later the U.S. government still has not released the names of all those deported and placed in CECOT, one of El Salvador’s harshest prisons,” the press release for the segment read.
Around the same time the delay was announced, the show also made its promotional video for the segment private on YouTube. The preview had included Alfonsi questioning a former inmate about his experience during detention, referencing his account of “four months of hell.”
“Did you think you were going to die there?” Alfonsi asked.
“We thought we were already the living dead honestly,” one prisoner responded.
The deportations themselves have remained a flashpoint for controversy. Earlier this year, Donald Trump’s administration sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants—many alleged to be gang members—to CECOT. In March, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued an emergency order blocking certain removals to El Salvador. Despite that ruling, hundreds of migrants stayed in the prison for months afterward.
Boasberg has since directed the Department of Justice to disclose the whereabouts and current status of the migrants who were transferred to the El Salvador facility.
{Matzav.com}
Amid widespread unease over household finances, a top economic adviser viewed as a leading candidate to chair the Federal Reserve says the administration anticipates a surge in tax refunds and stronger paychecks next year, arguing that improving data will soon be felt by families.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett outlined those expectations during an appearance Thursday on FOX Business’ Varney & Co., predicting an unprecedented refund season.
“We are going to see the biggest refund cycle ever in the history of America, and people are going to get massive refund checks,” Hassett said.
He added that the magnitude of the refunds could be substantial.
“We’re expecting just that part of it alone to be worth a couple-thousand-dollar refund … the numbers are striking.”
Earlier in the week, Donald Trump echoed that outlook during a Wednesday night address, saying the administration expects “the largest tax refund season of all time” next spring and asserting that many households would save between $11,000 and $20,000 per year.
Hassett also addressed recent polling that paints a more pessimistic picture of the economy. A Fox News Poll found that 44% of respondents say they are falling behind financially, while 74% describe economic conditions as “not so good” or “bad.” He argued that wage growth and inflation trends tell a different story.
“You saw in the jobs report that … wages for the typical worker were up 3.7%. So if you’re running 3.7% wage increases at 1.6% core inflation, then real wages are growing at a rate of about 2 [to] 2.5%. By our estimates right now, blue-collar workers have already seen an almost $2,000 raise this year after inflation, because wages are growing so much faster than prices,” Hassett explained.
Speaking later on FOX Business’ The Big Money Show, Hassett suggested that the benefits of recent policy moves may take time to show up in tax filings, recalling a similar lag during the administration’s earlier legislative push.
“I think that what happens in the end — and this is what happened in the first [Trump] term — is that people will see it in their wallets,” he said. “We didn’t pass the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ until the middle of the summer. And so a lot of the tax changes, which affect last year, weren’t in any tax forms that people filled out at the beginning of the year.”
Overall, Hassett struck an upbeat note on economic conditions, pointing to what he called a “blockbuster” November inflation report that came in cooler than analysts expected. He said supply-side growth is now exerting downward pressure on prices.
“What’s happened is, as we predicted throughout this term, that if you really put the pedal to the metal on aggregate supply, then that’s gonna put downward pressure on prices,” he said.
He concluded by drawing a parallel to earlier performance under President Trump, when growth and inflation appeared to settle into a favorable balance.
“And don’t forget, that’s where we were last time in President Trump’s first term. We were growing in the 3% range, and we had inflation in the 1% range. And it looks like that’s where we are again.”
{Matzav.com}
