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The Beis Din of Crown Heights has once again sounded the alarm over Tefillin and Mezuzos written by Yaakov Shlomo Itzkovitz of Zinkov, Ukraine, warning that items written by this sofer, whose work was previously deemed questionable, are still circulating in the marketplace.

In a public letter released Friday, 1 Tammuz 5785, the rabbonim of the Beis Din expressed concern that mezuzos and tefillin written by Mr. Itzkovitz continue to be found in the possession of STaM (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzos) dealers and magiim (scribal examiners), despite prior warnings. The letter emphasized that those entrusted with maintaining the sanctity of STaM are responsible to ensure that the public does not unknowingly use invalid items, which could result in serious halachic consequences.

To assist the public in identifying potentially problematic items, the Beis Din announced a dedicated weekly time slot for verification. Every Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., individuals may bring mezuzos and tefillin to the Beis Din offices to compare the handwriting with that of Mr. Itzkovitz. Those wishing to bring items must first call the Beis Din during those hours and provide the names of those coming in.

“This is a serious matter,” the letter stated. “We hereby notify the public to urgently act with anyone known or suspected to have mezuzos or tefillin written by this sofer—so that it will be possible to determine whether they are indeed his writing, and whether the items are kosher or invalid, as was stated in the previous letter.”

The letter was signed by Rabbi Avraham Osdoba and Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun, senior members of the Crown Heights Beis Din.

{Matzav.com}

In a communication honoring the day of Gimmel Tammuz, the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, President Donald J. Trump issued a letter to the Rebbe’s Ohel.

President Trump calls the Rebbe “one of the most dynamic and influential faith leaders in modern history,” and relates how he personally drew strength from Rebbe’s legacy during his visit to the Ohel in Queens, NY last year.

The text of the letter:

Dear Rabbis of Chabad-Lubavitch,

Melania and I are honored to send our greetings on the occasion of the yahrtzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, to the Chabad shluchim and the millions inspired by him across our country and around the world.

As I affirmed in my Proclamation on Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., the Rebbe was one of the most dynamic and influential faith leaders in modern history, helping launch a renaissance of Jewish faith in the dark days following the Holocaust. Among his many achievements, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his tremendous impact on our country.

As time has worn on, his many blessings have only increased. His teachings were a core inspiration for criminal justice reform, as seen in the First Step Act, and Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis and rebbetzins run a whole host of institutions-whether religious, educational, or social-that have a tremendous impact on American spiritual life.

When I visited the Ohel on the anniversary of the terrible attacks of October 7, I drew strength and inspiration from the Rebbe’s legacy. When Edan Alexander was returned to his loving parents earlier this year, after an unimaginable ordeal in the hands of Hamas, the entire country felt the power of the Ohel and the Rebbe’s enduring example. As is frequently cited in the Talmud, the Rebbe lived by the principle that when you save one life, you save an entire world.

Through great strength, unflinching resolve, and much prayer, I am committed to restoring peace throughout the world-not least in the Middle East, as we witnessed over the past week-and to stamping out anti-Semitic hate wherever it rears its head. In doing this, we will restore our country to its tradition of greatness and usher in a new Golden Age for the entire world. This, I believe, is the Rebbe’s legacy.

Signed,

Donald J. Trump

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk, tech billionaire and former DOGE executive, used his 54th birthday to post a scathing critique of the latest version of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” warning that it would cost countless American jobs and jeopardize the country’s strategic interests. His comments were posted to X on Sunday.

“The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country! Utterly insane and destructive,” Musk wrote.

This latest criticism follows an earlier falling-out between Musk and Trump over the spending package. Earlier in June, Musk slammed the initial version of the bill, calling it bloated and reckless.

He didn’t hold back at the time, writing on June 3, “massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill [that] is a disgusting abomination.” He added, “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”

Senate Republicans released the updated bill Friday evening, with the goal of delivering it to the president’s desk by July 4. The revision was introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

The latest draft includes a variety of contentious revisions: changes to Medicaid provider taxes, limitations on cost-sharing for food assistance programs, new caps on state and local tax deductions, and a significant rollback of federal support for wind and solar energy initiatives.

Under the new guidelines, only clean energy projects that begin construction before 2028 will qualify for full tax credits, while future projects will be subjected to additional taxes.

Reacting specifically to the renewable energy cuts, Musk accused lawmakers of clinging to outdated industries at the expense of innovation. “Handouts to the past, destruction of the future,” he said in the same post.

His concerns were echoed by the American Clean Power Association (ACP), which warned that the proposed tax changes could cripple the U.S. clean energy sector and lead to higher energy costs for consumers.

“With no warning, the Senate has proposed new language that would increase taxes on domestic energy production,” ACP CEO Jason Grumet wrote. “In what can only be described as ‘midnight dumping,’ the Senate has proposed a punitive tax hike targeting the fastest-growing sectors of our energy industry.”

Grumet went on to caution that these tax measures would “strand hundreds of billions of dollars in current investments, threaten energy security, undermine growth in domestic manufacturing and land hardest on rural communities who would have been the greatest beneficiaries of clean energy investment.”

He urged lawmakers to take a step back and reconsider. “We understand the Senate’s desire to meet the President’s July 4th deadline, but the stakes here are very high,” Grumet stated. “We urge Senate leadership to strike these last-minute tax increases and to take the time to responsibly analyze the impacts of this new tax regime on American businesses and communities.”

Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., vowed on X that she would help block the bill’s swift passage by forcing a marathon reading session of the nearly 1,000-page text.

“Democrats need to use every second to fight back against the Big Beautiful Bill,” Warren posted.

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A Senate Republican facing a tough political landscape made it clear he would not back President Donald Trump’s sweeping legislative proposal, citing concerns over significant Medicaid reductions included in the massive bill.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina told Fox News Digital that he plans to oppose the bill at the crucial procedural stage needed to begin formal debate and amendment votes, a key step before any final vote can occur.

After stepping out of a closed-door Republican Senate luncheon, Tillis—who faces reelection in 2026—said he maintains good relations with fellow senators, but cannot endorse the bill due to the harmful effects it could have on his home state. “We just have a disagreement,” he said. “And, you know, my colleagues have done the analysis, and they’re comfortable with the impact on their states. I respect their choice. It’s not a good impact in my state, so I’m not going to vote on the motion to proceed.”

Tillis also stated he has no plans to support the bill at later stages either. He’s among a group of Senate Republicans raising alarms over provisions that adjust the Medicaid provider tax rate—changes he believes would hit North Carolina particularly hard.

His defection presents a challenge for Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, who can only afford to lose three Republican votes. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has already pledged to oppose the procedural motion, and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky is also expected to vote no.

During the lunch, Trump met with Johnson and Senator Rick Scott of Florida, another potential swing vote, in an effort to shore up support for the legislation.

The growing pushback may force Thune to reevaluate the current draft of the bill. Further complicating the effort is Senator Susan Collins of Maine, also up for reelection in 2026, who said she would vote to advance the bill initially, but might oppose its final passage if further revisions aren’t made. “Further changed,” she said, was her condition for full support.

The most recent version of the bill, unveiled just before midnight, includes modifications to delay the controversial Medicaid provider rate adjustment by one year and adds $25 billion for a rural hospital support fund.

While other senators such as Collins and Josh Hawley of Missouri are willing to move the bill forward through the early stages, Tillis remains firm in his objection, arguing that his state would suffer dramatically under the proposed Medicaid adjustments.

In fact, during a closed-door session earlier in the week, Tillis reportedly warned colleagues that North Carolina could see a $40 billion reduction in Medicaid funds if the bill becomes law.

Despite having spoken directly with Trump, Tillis seems steadfast in his stance. He also indicated that he intends to release additional data showing the negative consequences of the bill for North Carolina—data he claims no one in “the administration or in this building” has been able to challenge.

“The president and I have talked, and I just told him that, ‘Look, if this works for the country, that’s great. And if my other colleagues have done extensive research and concluded it’s different in their states, I respect that,’” he said. “We just have a disagreement based on the implementation in our respective states.”

{Matzav.com}

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York informed fellow Democrats on Saturday that he intends to have Senate clerks read aloud the entire 1,000-page Republican-sponsored spending and tax bill once the GOP initiates a procedural vote to move it forward. This maneuver, aimed at slowing down the legislative process, is expected to consume roughly 12 hours and could stall President Trump’s legislative timeline by at least half a day.

According to a Democratic aide with knowledge of the floor strategy discussions, Schumer told members of his caucus to be ready to demand a full reading of the lengthy bill as soon as Republicans begin formal debate.

One of the pressing questions now facing Senate leadership is whether Republicans will press ahead with the reading through the night and into early Sunday, or allow staff to rest before launching into the next phase of the legislative process — a marathon session of amendment votes known as a vote-a-rama.

Republicans had reportedly anticipated that Schumer might use this tactic as a form of protest against the legislation.

Schumer’s move comes as Senate Republicans work against the clock to pass President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending proposal ahead of the July 4 deadline he set. GOP leaders had initially planned to hold a preliminary vote on Saturday afternoon, then proceed with up to 20 hours of debate, followed by a vote-a-rama involving potentially unlimited amendments.

Now, due to Schumer’s intervention, the anticipated start of the vote-a-rama will be delayed.

Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether Republicans have secured enough votes to advance their version of the bill. With only a slim margin for defections, GOP leaders can afford to lose no more than three votes — and three Republican senators, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have publicly committed to voting against it.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump once again voiced strong opposition to the ongoing legal proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu. He is a War Hero, and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to bring Great Success in getting rid of the dangerous Nuclear threat in Iran. Importantly, he is right now in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas, which will include getting the Hostages back. How is it possible that the Prime Minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a Courtroom all day long, over NOTHING (Cigars, Bugs Bunny Doll, etc.). It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He went on to argue that the trial is undermining important diplomatic efforts. “This travesty of ‘Justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations. In other words, it is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu. The United States of America spends Billions of Dollar a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,” he added.

Trump ended his message with a call for the trial to be stopped immediately. “We just had a Great Victory with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the helm — And this greatly tarnishes our Victory. LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!”

This is the second time in just a few days that Trump has condemned the trial. On Wednesday, he posted another statement on Truth Social, labeling the legal case a “ridiculous Witch Hunt” and urging either its termination or a full pardon for Netanyahu.

Despite these calls, the Yerushalayim District Court on Friday turned down Netanyahu’s request to suspend testimony in his corruption trial for the upcoming two weeks. The court confirmed that proceedings are scheduled to continue on Monday and Wednesday, although Monday’s session will begin at 11:30 a.m. instead of earlier.

Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman, issuing the ruling, stated, “the request to postpone the hearing, in its current form, does not present a basis or detailed reasoning that could justify canceling evidentiary hearings.”

After the court’s denial, Netanyahu submitted another appeal, this time including a sealed envelope with his proposed weekly schedule. However, the judges again declined, noting that “The schedule presented does not contain data, details, or exceptional matters that could justify canceling hearings.”

{Matzav.com}

Ali Samkhani, Khamenei’s senior advisor who was seriously injured in an IDF attack during the war, made his first public appearance at the funeral today, surrounded by bodygaurds and leaning heavily on a cane.

Israeli defense officials announced that one of the founding architects of Hamas’ military operations and a central figure behind the October 7 assault has been killed in a targeted strike.

Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa was eliminated in an Israeli airstrike carried out in the Sabra area of Gaza City, according to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces.

Al-Issa was one of the last remaining original commanders of Hamas’ armed wing. He played a key role in orchestrating the October 7 onslaught that triggered the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

“Issa led Hamas’ force build-up, training, and planned the October 7 massacre. As Head of Combat Support, he advanced aerial & naval attacks against Israelis,” said an IDF post on X.

“The IDF & [Israel Security Agency] will continue to locate and eliminate all terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre.”

Al-Issa was known to be a vital reservoir of operational knowledge for Hamas. Prior to the October 7 attack, he had held numerous senior posts within the organization, including heading its Training Headquarters.

He played a leading role in reconstructing Hamas’ internal structure following months of Israeli pressure that degraded the group’s capabilities.

In addition, Al-Issa co-founded the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades’ military academy, where he helped train thousands of operatives and shape the hierarchy of Hamas’ military framework, according to the Jerusalem Post.

He entered Gaza in 2005 after spending time in Syria and was reportedly with his wife and grandson when the strike occurred.

Al-Issa’s elimination comes on the heels of another significant blow to Palestinian militant factions. Earlier this week, the IDF said it neutralized Asaad Abu Sharia, the leader of the Mujahideen Brigades — a Palestinian terror faction linked to the abduction and execution of Hamas captives taken on October 7.

Sharia was reportedly killed during a coordinated operation between the Israeli military and the Shin Bet in Gaza City.

Last month, Israeli forces also struck down top Hamas commander Mohammad Sinwar in an aerial assault on a hospital facility in Gaza.

Sinwar had been hiding in tunnel infrastructure beneath the medical center. His body was retrieved from the debris in a dramatic operation captured on video by IDF troops.

{Matzav.com}

In a powerful message marking Gimmel Tammuz, the Yartzheit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe ZT’L, President Trump sent a letter to the Rebbe’s Ohel, calling the Rebbe “one of the most dynamic and influential faith leaders in modern history.” President Trump reflected on his visit to the Ohel last year, noting how he personally drew strength and inspiration from the Rebbe’s enduring legacy.

Large crowds of mourners lined streets in Tehran as Iran held a funeral for top military commanders, nuclear scientists and some of the civilians killed in the aerial war with Israel.

Elon Musk sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s proposed “megabill,” warning in an X post that it would “destroy millions of jobs” and cause significant strategic harm to the U.S., escalating their public feud as the Senate prepares to vote on the spending package.

GE Appliances is investing $490 million to move washing machine production from China to its Kentucky facility, creating 800 jobs and aiming to become the largest U.S. washing machine manufacturer, aligning with its strategy to produce appliances closer to customers.

The British newspaper The Times published a report disclosing that Israeli Mossad operatives were active within Iran for more than ten years, conducting covert intelligence work on Iran’s nuclear operations in anticipation of possible future military strikes.

As outlined in the report, Mossad agents began surveilling Iranian nuclear infrastructure back in 2010. Their efforts focused on pinpointing locations where centrifuges were being assembled, specifically at three key sites in Tehran and Isfahan—facilities that later became primary targets in Israel’s Operation Rising Lion. Intelligence officials stated that this surveillance extended far beyond the well-known sites of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, reaching other, lesser-known components of the Iranian nuclear project.

The report further notes that Mossad operatives delivered detailed intelligence used to carry out strikes on several nuclear-related locations. These included the enrichment plant at Natanz and military installations in Isfahan tied to the SPND, a secretive Iranian defense research entity. The documents also revealed that Israeli operations aimed at facilities used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for weapons development, including a site in the Sanjarian area.

According to the classified materials, by the close of 2024, Iran had reached an advanced stage in its nuclear efforts—so advanced, in fact, that it could potentially reach full operational capability within a matter of weeks.

The report draws from internal intelligence files that were obtained by The Times.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a powerful message marking Gimmel Tammuz, President Donald J. Trump sent a letter to the Rebbe’s Ohel, calling the Rebbe “one of the most dynamic and influential faith leaders in modern history.” President Trump reflected on his visit to the Ohel last year, noting how he personally drew strength and inspiration from the Rebbe’s enduring legacy.

President Trump denied claims by the “Fake News Media” that he wants to give Iran $30 billion to build non-military nuclear facilities, calling it a “ridiculous idea” and a “HOAX” intended to demean him. He labeled the media “SICK!!!”.

At Da Nang Airport in Vietnam, a VietJet passenger plane collided with another aircraft while taxiing on the runway, severing the other plane’s tail. The incident happened as both jets were on the ground, readying for takeoff. No injuries occurred, but the crash caused extensive damage, grounding both aircraft.

Iran’s Kayhan newspaper, overseen by Khamenei’s representative, threatened Trump and Netanyahu with death in a front-page article, stating they “should not be allowed to live” after the funeral of top IRGC commanders in Tehran.

Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, head of Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN), issued a letter to his personnel marking the conclusion of Operation Rising Lion.

“At the end of twelve historic days of combat against Iran, a ceasefire took effect yesterday, though it is too early to assess its stability,” Binder wrote. “Operation Rising Lion fully achieved its objectives, and even exceeded some, focusing on: striking multiple key components of Iran’s nuclear program, damaging the value chain of Iran’s precision missile industry, and preventing the emergence of an existential threat from Iran. These achievements will be discussed at length, and you—the men and women of Military Intelligence—played a central role in them.”

Binder emphasized that despite the operation’s accomplishments, the broader conflict remains far from over. “Alongside this important recognition of our achievements,” he continued, “we in Intelligence must always remember that on the other side stands a determined and extremist enemy, with a deeply rooted and persistent belief-based concept of victory. AMAN will likely continue to be at the forefront of this struggle in the coming years—through early warning, intelligence gathering, situational analysis, and developing means to strike this enemy.”

Reflecting on the contrast between recent success and past failure, he wrote, “It is precisely at such moments of exceptional success that the memory of AMAN’s failure on October 7th resonates. The same organization experienced both failure and success, carried out by individuals who gave their utmost to fulfill their mission. This memory obligates all Intelligence personnel to genuine humility—acknowledging the complexity of the profession and the fragility of our understanding of our various enemies. Those in this field bear a continuous responsibility for skepticism, self-critique, and constant review and improvement—both in times of success and in times of failure.”

Binder noted that Israel now finds itself in an improved, yet still difficult, strategic environment. “Following the operation, Israel faces a better security reality, though one no less complex. Across the various fronts, there remain many operational and intelligence challenges, which AMAN remains committed to addressing with responsibility and reverence. At the forefront remains the effort to achieve the war’s primary goals in the Gaza Strip: the urgent return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”

He praised the dedication and spirit of his team, writing, “Throughout the operation, as in the long months of war that preceded it, I had the great privilege to meet so many of you across the country—commanders and soldiers, in regular service and reserves, in research and collection, in headquarters and operations, in AMAN formations and operational units, shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the IDF and the intelligence community. What unites you all is a deep belief in the justness of our path—extraordinary human strength, initiative, creativity, and a drive to act—that form the foundation of AMAN and the IDF’s achievements in this operation.”

Binder concluded with a call for ongoing engagement and reflection: “These qualities will continue to be necessary as we face the many challenges ahead,” Binder concluded, “and we will approach them alongside a comprehensive review of our actions in this campaign and the battle procedures that preceded it. I expect each of you to take an active and meaningful role in this process. I am proud of you and love you.”

He closed the message with a quote from Mishlei: “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”

{Matzav.com}