A group of Orthodox Jewish teachers in New York City has lost a legal challenge against the Department of Education after being denied time off to prepare for Pesach, marking the first time in decades that such requests were rejected.
The dispute began last year when the Department of Education declined to grant religious exemptions that would have allowed observant teachers to miss work in order to prepare their homes for the holiday. It was the first time since 1999 that the agency refused to approve those requests.
As a result, teachers who wished to spend the day performing the traditional Pesach preparations were required to use personal leave or vacation days.
In May 2025, twenty observant Jewish educators filed a formal grievance challenging the policy. They were informed in mid-February that their complaint had been denied.
The United Federation of Teachers is now considering whether to pursue the matter further by requesting an arbitration hearing.
In response to questions about the issue, the Department of Education defended its position.
“We respect the religious observances of all employees and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs,” the DOE told The Post.
Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, pointed out that an arbitrator had ruled in 1999 that the Department of Education should permit religious observance days, and said requests for the Pesach preparation day had consistently been granted since that decision.
“The DOE and new Chancellor Samuels reaffirming an awful decision from last year is not only wrong but definitely borders on religious discrimination,” Spern alleged.
{Matzav.com}Commentator Tucker Carlson has drawn renewed attention after delivering sharp criticism of radio host Mark Levin and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, accusing Levin of attempting to manufacture political consensus through repetition and suggesting that Huckabee may be acting under what he described as a kind of “spell” in his support for Israel.
Carlson’s remarks about Levin were made during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show on February 26. His comments about Huckabee came earlier, during a separate interview on the Judging Freedom podcast with Judge Andrew Napolitano on December 17, 2025.
Clips from both interviews have recently resurfaced and are circulating widely on X, where users are sharing the segments amid a growing debate among conservative commentators over U.S. policy toward Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle East.
During his conversation with Megyn Kelly, Carlson spoke about the increasingly heated divide among conservatives on foreign policy issues, arguing that some figures attempt to shape political reality simply by repeating claims until they are accepted as truth.
Carlson said that “what people like Levin—whom I’m not attacking; I feel sorry for him because he’s clearly living in hell—are trying to do is a species of witchcraft,” explaining that in his view the tactic is straightforward: “you repeat something until it becomes true.”
He illustrated his point by describing the types of messages he believes are being repeated in the public discourse. According to Carlson, the argument is framed in slogans such as: “Khamenei must die. We’re going into war. We’re gonna knock off the government. This is good for us. Anyone who’s against it is an antisemite, a Nazi, should be expelled, Benedict Arnold, not allowed in the White House.” Carlson added that the strategy, as he sees it, is that “you keep repeating things that are untrue until they become true.”
Expanding on the idea, Carlson said he believes language itself can shape public perception. “You speak, and you create truth by speaking,” he said, adding, “In the beginning was the Word. There’s a holy power, a supernatural power, in words. Describing things is different from simply doing them.”
He continued by arguing that rhetoric can function almost like an incantation that creates a new political reality. “If you can talk reality into being, this is what an incantation is. This is what a spell is,” Carlson said. “It’s not spooky or crazy stuff—it’s the lived reality of every person. Say it, and it becomes true.” He concluded by questioning the strategic rationale behind the policy debate, saying that “nobody is making the case for how does this help The United States? How does this make us richer, safer, happier? Zero.”
Carlson also criticized former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, suggesting that some figures in Washington act more like paid advocates than independent voices. Referring to Pompeo, Carlson said that “shills like Pompeo—who are getting paid from who knows how many different groups to lie to you—come across as some moral voice.”
In his separate appearance on the Judging Freedom podcast, Carlson offered a broader explanation for what he sees as unusual political behavior in Washington, suggesting that it sometimes goes beyond ordinary political motivations.
Carlson said that “there’s something deeper. There’s almost a spell,” pointing specifically to Ambassador Mike Huckabee as an example. “Huckabee, for example—do you really think Huckabee is being threatened? I know Huckabee well. I’m sure you do, too. Nice man.”
Carlson said that when he observes Huckabee’s public comments, he finds them difficult to explain through conventional political reasoning. “What is this? I look at him and I see a man under a spell,” Carlson said, acknowledging that he expected criticism for the claim but insisting that he meant it seriously.
“There’s no practical, conventional explanation for some of this behavior,” Carlson said, adding that while he believes he understands the motivations of other political figures such as Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, Huckabee’s position appears different to him.
“But Mike Huckabee? I think he is under a spell. He is not thinking clearly at all,” Carlson said.
Carlson pointed to Huckabee’s public statements about the importance of supporting Israel as an example. He cited a comment in which Huckabee warned that “God will destroy our country if we don’t support Bibi,” saying he found the remark difficult to understand.
Carlson said that when he hears such statements he wonders how someone would reach that conclusion, adding that in his view the explanation may be “more metaphysical than political.”
{Matzav.com}
The sun had already begun its slow descent this past Sunday when the first guests arrived at MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening. The massive complex in East Rutherford, NJ, usually the stage for roaring crowds and athletic spectacle, was transformed into something entirely different, an evening dedicated not to sports or entertainment, but to Torah. Inside, hundreds gathered for a historic and deeply moving tribute presented by Agudath Israel of America: the Taamei HaSugyos Daf Yomi Maggidei Shiur Appreciation Event, honoring those who deliver Daf Yomi shiurim every day and the wives who make that lifelong commitment possible.
For those who participate in Daf Yomi, the maggid shiur is more than a teacher. He is the steady voice that guides the journey through Shas, daf by daf, day after day. In shuls, batei medrash, offices, and conference rooms around the world, these maggidei shiur transform the pages of Gemara into living Torah.
Sunday night was dedicated to recognizing them, the pillars of the Daf.
The evening opened in a fitting tone of tefillah for Acheinu Bnei Yisroel. Rabbi Itche Rosenbaum led the assembled crowd in the recitation of Tehillim.
Serving as emcee was Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Director of Torah Initiatives at Agudath Israel of America, who welcomed the audience and framed the unique nature of the gathering. He introduced Reb Shmuel Yosef Rieder, head of the Agudah Siyum Committee, who has been the leader in advancing Daf Yomi initiatives for four decades.
What followed was an experience unlike any other event. The dinner itself became a continuation of the learning, as each course was paired with a sugya in Shas. The concept reflected the theme of the evening — that Torah permeates every aspect of life, even the meal being served.
The first course, Machrozos Shel Dagim, was presented by Rav Avi Neuberger, who shared a shtickel Torah connected to the sugya.
The second course, Di Heilige Kurkevon, was presented by Rav Shlomo Cynamon, whose words combined depth with a sense of reverence for the sugya that inspired the dish.
Course three, Chatichos Basar Al Daf Shel Nachtumim, was presented by Rav Yitzchok Dovid Frankel.
For the fourth course, Hatmanah, Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum shared insights that demonstrated how even the most intricate halachic discussion can carry practical meaning.
The fifth course, Zeicher L’Minchas Marcheshes, was presented by Rabbi Yossi Glieberman.
But the evening was not only about the sugyos. It was also about the individuals whose lives embody dedication to Torah.
The featured speaker of the night was Rav Uri Tiger. A special edition of his sefer, Zevach Pesach, had been published for the occasion and distributed to all those in attendance. His personal story fascinated the audience. Born into a secular family in Israel, he experienced a childhood much like that of many Israeli youths, attending public school and living a completely secular life. Yet from that unlikely beginning emerged a remarkable talmid chochom. Rav Tiger’s journey led him into the world of Torah learning, where he eventually developed a close relationship with Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, becoming his personal chavrusah for fifteen years. His presence at the event at MetLife symbolized the transformative power of Torah, the way it can shape a life, redirect a path, and elevate a person beyond what might once have seemed possible.
Following his address, the assemblage was greeted by Reb Shloime Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Agudath Israel of America. Speaking with deep appreciation, he reflected on the impact of Daf Yomi and the maggidei shiur who dedicate themselves to teaching it. He spoke about the countless hours invested by these maggidei shiur and the ripple effect of their work: thousands of lomdim who, through their guidance, are connected daily to the words of Chazal.
The program then moved into a fascinating panel discussion featuring three maggidei shiur: Rabbi Yekusiel Elimelech Friedman, Rabbi Barry Liebowitz, and Rabbi Yechezkel Hartman. Moderated by Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, the conversation addressed a number of compelling Daf Yomi-related questions, including tips for other maggidei shiur, the challenges of delivering a Daf Yomi shiur, the use of AI and animation in the presentation of a Daf Yomi shiur, and more. The panelists moments of inspiration and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that their shiurim are helping people connect to Torah in a deeper way.
Then came of the highlights of the evening.
Guests were invited outside into the stadium itself. Under the towering lights and vast screens of MetLife Stadium, attendees watched a special video presentation on the giant Jumbotrons, a tribute to the maggidei shiur and their wives. The images and messages displayed across the enormous screens turned the stadium into a canvas celebrating Torah learning.
For many, it was an emotional moment, seeing the quiet work of Torah teaching elevated onto one of the largest stages imaginable.
As the evening came to a close and the guests began to leave, one final gesture awaited the wives of the maggidei shiur. Each received a special Lucite gift containing a letter written and signed in their honor by all the members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. It was a recognition that behind every maggid shiur stands a partner who shares in the sacrifice, the commitment, and the mission.
When the crowd finally dispersed into the night, there was a shared sense that something remarkable had taken place, a gathering that wove together Torah, gratitude, and celebration in such a creative and meaningful way.
At a stadium that usually echoes with the noise of competition, Sunday night was devoted to something far greater: honoring those who quietly dedicate their lives to Daf Yomi.
The maggidei shiur — and the wives who support them — truly are the pillars of the Daf, responsible collectively for millions upon millions of hours of limud haTorah. For one unforgettable evening, that dedication was brought into the spotlight, and the message was clear.
Torah is the real victory.
PHOTOS:
{Matzav.com}
A major change in the production of kugel under the supervision of Badatz Eidah Hachareidis has stirred discussion in the chareidi community after the kashrus committee announced that following Pesach it will no longer grant certification for kugel prepared in reusable aluminum pots. The decision comes amid concerns that the pots circulate without supervision. Rabbonim have given manufacturers time to prepare for the transition and have pointed to a producer who has already developed a suitable disposable pot solution.
For many years, members of the kashrus committee of Badatz Eidah Hachareidis have grappled with the issue of the well-known kugel pots used to prepare Yerushalmi kugel served at kiddushim and simchos throughout the community.
These pots are regularly delivered to kiddushim and events on weekends and later returned to the manufacturer. However, the pots often circulate widely before being retrieved, raising concern that they may be used in kitchens that are not under proper supervision. Such use, rabbonim warned, could create serious kashrus concerns.
In recent months, the kashrus committee of Eidah Hachareidis announced an end to the use of aluminum pots. A kugel manufacturer has since developed a new solution in the form of specially designed disposable pots intended for kugel production.
Kugel producers have welcomed the move, as it eliminates the logistical challenge of collecting pots from shuls and removes the need to employ workers to wash them. The main technical difficulty that had to be overcome was ensuring that heat reaches the upper portion of the pot. If the top of the kugel does not cook properly, it can spoil, raising the question of whether a disposable pot could provide adequate heat distribution.
Matzav.com has learned that a letter sent to manufacturers during the month of Kislev by the kashrus committee of Eidah Hachareidis explained the issue in detail. The letter addressed all producers and distributors of Yerushalmi kugel and discussed the ongoing problem of kugel pots remaining behind at event venues.
The letter explained that for several years the kashrus concerns surrounding these pots had repeatedly been discussed by rabbonim. After events, the pots are often left behind in various places, creating ongoing concerns about their handling and use.
Over the years, rabbonim together with the leadership of the kashrus committee attempted numerous solutions, but these ultimately proved impractical. In recent years, Rabbi Aharon Moshe Kubitschek of the Maadentchik company agreed to take on the challenge. After considerable investment and several trials, he succeeded in developing a disposable pot capable of baking an entire kugel, which rabbonim determined to be a workable solution.
Following an examination of the costs involved in development, production, and import, an agreement was reached to sell the pots to kugel manufacturers for 10.5 shekels per pot for a full kugel, with the hope that larger production volumes in the future would reduce the price.
As a result, rabbonim ruled that all kugel producers must stop purchasing reusable pots and instead order only disposable ones. Pots currently in use may still be used after the fact until the upcoming Shavuos, but after that date kugel may no longer be sold in reusable pots.
During the transition period, manufacturers were instructed to continue following the previous guidelines when using remaining reusable pots. These include making an effort to collect the pots immediately after use and checking returned pots to ensure they were not used for other purposes and were not washed improperly.
The directive stresses that the rule applies in every case, whether the kugel is being delivered to a shul, a simcha hall, a public venue, or a private home. Any deviation from these instructions, even if it occurred unintentionally, must be reported to the supervising mashgiach for further guidance.
{Matzav.com}
