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Rav Chaim Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, sent a deeply moving and highly unusual letter to his talmid, Ariel Shamai, who was recently arrested and imprisoned in Military Prison 10 for draft evasion.

Rav Feinstein, who last week delivered a shiur chizuk outside the prison where Shamai is being held, began his heartfelt message as follows:

“My dear, beloved son, treasure of my heart, the precious and outstanding bochur, sharp and knowledgeable, with deep and clear understanding — Ariel Shamai shlit”a. I write to inquire about your wellbeing. My dear one, know the greatness of your merit, for you have been chosen by Divine Providence to demonstrate an extraordinary level of self-sacrifice for Torah. One moment of pain in holiness is worth a hundred moments without it, and your reward is beyond measure.”

Rav Feinstein continued by comparing his student’s imprisonment to the suffering endured by gedolei Torah throughout history:

“Know that you are continuing the chain of generations who gave their lives for Torah for the honor of Hashem, who studied even during decrees of the kingdoms, like Rabi Akiva and those who followed in every generation. You have been elevated to join that line of righteous men who walked the path of those who love Hashem and think of His Name. You are a shliach tzibbur, a representative of the Torah world. It is not you who has been placed in prison, but rather all those who toil in Torah. In truth, it is the honor of the Torah itself that has been confined — and you hold the Sefer Torah with you. Therefore, let your heart not fall; on the contrary, he who releases the honor of the Torah from captivity will also bring about your release.”

The Rosh Yeshiva urged his talmid to maintain joy and spiritual strength despite the suffering: “Meanwhile, be joyous that you have merited to reach such heights — to serve as a shaliach tzibbur like the Kohen Gadol entering the Kodesh HaKodoshim on Yom Kippur on behalf of all of Israel. Be strong and of good courage, valiant warrior, for many are with you. Strengthen yourself and delve into Torah amid difficulty, for one who studies Torah through hardship finds that the curtain of Heaven is never closed before him. In that merit, you will rise and grow in Torah, understand and grasp the depths of the sugyos, innovate true insights, and be granted the revelation of Torah secrets — until you become a great marbitz Torah in Klal Yisroel.”

Rav Feinstein’s letter concluded with a moving bracha for spiritual protection: “May Hashem help you guard your holy and pure eyes from all the sights of impurity that exist there, whether from people or from the impure devices around you. Be like Yosef HaTzaddik, who did not look upon them and therefore merited two tribes and two portions in the Land. I already see the golden crown upon your neck and the fine gold upon your arms — ‘from there, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.’ Do not feel you are equal to those around you, for your level is incomparable; you are spiritual and exalted beyond them. I join with you in love — my heart beats warmly for you and for your Torah, as I await the salvation of Hashem, speedily and lovingly.”

{Matzav.com}

A tense on-air showdown between Sen. Rubén Gallego (D-Ariz.) and CNBC “Squawk Box” host Joe Kernen boiled over Monday morning, ending abruptly when the anchor terminated the interview after a fiery exchange over the ongoing government shutdown and Democrats’ demand to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. The back-and-forth began with Kernen questioning competing Senate spending […]

An Israeli educator visiting New York City was violently assaulted Monday in what authorities are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime, Ynet reports. The incident occurred as 58-year-old Rami Glickstein walked toward the popular kosher eatery “Mr. Broadway” on 38th Street in Manhattan.

According to Glickstein, the attack began when a man confronted him, gesturing toward his kippah and asking, “Tell me about your religion.” When Glickstein didn’t respond, the stranger snatched the kippah off his head, hurled it to the sidewalk, and spat on it. As Glickstein bent to retrieve it, the man struck him in the face.

Shocked onlookers immediately called police and emergency services while yelling at the attacker, who quickly fled the scene. Glickstein, bloodied and shaken, managed to make it inside the restaurant before being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The suspect remains at large as law enforcement continues its search.

“My Israeli pride was hurt,” Glickstein said. “It pains me that I couldn’t fight back, and I regret that deeply.” He noted that, beyond his teaching work, he also lectures for the IDF.

{Matzav.com}

In a rare public statement, Rav Shmuel Betzalel, a member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef, and head of the Shas Yeshiva Heads Committee on Maintaining the Status of the Torah World, issued a strong letter of support for Shas chairman Aryeh Deri following a series of leaked recordings broadcast over the past few days.

The recordings, aired on Channel 12, featured Rav Betzalel expressing opposition to the proposed draft law, saying, “I cannot come today and say not to make a law, but in truth, I pray there will be no law. It’s not a good law. Perhaps they should have forced them: a ben Torah without sanctions, without restrictions.”

The comments were seen as dramatic, since Shas has officially supported legislation to formalize the draft exemption with certain sanctions and limitations.

In his letter released Monday evening, Rav Betzalel defended Deri and clarified the process behind the draft discussions: “I hereby declare that everything related to the draft law is done solely with the consent of the Committee of Yeshiva Heads. And I testify that no external figure was involved in any of the decisions.”

He continued, acknowledging the law’s imperfections but defending the necessity of compromise: “We are aware of all the flaws in this law, but given the situation and the reality that has arisen, we must agree to the law. It is not the place here to detail all the reasons for this. I have seen libelous writings that scream of the baseness of their authors, testifying that there is no fear of G-d in their hearts, attacking a precious and G-d-fearing man, shlucha derabbanan, who has toiled for decades to spread Torah and yiras Shamayim. I do not know of another person in our generation or the one before it who has increased Torah and fear of Heaven through his great endeavors like Rav Aryeh Deri shlit”a.”

Rav Betzalel concluded sharply: “I was shocked by these wayward youths, devoid of Torah and fear of Heaven. Please desist from your actions and guard your souls. Beware of the attribute of judgment.”

The letter comes amid turmoil following recordings of the Rishon LeTzion Rav Yitzchak Yosef, who was heard criticizing Shas leadership and Prime Minister Netanyahu over the same draft law, saying, “If my father were alive, none of this would be happening. He would bang on the table and tell Deri, ‘There will be no government in Israel; there will be elections.’” Rav Yosef went on to describe Netanyahu as “an atheist on a high level” and “a blind fox,” adding that “Maran did not like him at all.”

Also heard in the leaked recordings was Rav Moshe Maya, senior member of the Moetzes, declaring, “If they enter the government, I will immediately resign from the council. They won’t do it. I told them to go to elections. There will be no coalition.”

{Matzav.com}

For decades, strange lights in the sky have captivated amateur stargazers and conspiracy theorists alike. But a new wave of reports is turning attention from the heavens to the oceans, where something equally puzzling appears to be unfolding beneath the waves. A popular UFO-tracking app called Enigma — which bills itself as the largest public […]

Thousands gathered in Queens this weekend as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani took the stage together, urging voters to embrace their movement’s vision and reject the narrative that progressive ideals are “crazy” or “outlandish.”

Ocasio-Cortez, who has been one of Mamdani’s earliest and most vocal backers, used her Sunday remarks to frame New York City’s identity as one born of struggle and diversity. “This city was built by the Irish escaping famine, Italians fleeing fascism, Jews escaping the Holocaust, Black Americans fleeing slavery and Jim Crow,” she declared passionately. “Latinos seeking a better life, Native people standing for themselves, Asian Americans coming together in Queens, in Brooklyn, in the Bronx, in Manhattan, in Staten Island, in this country, in a vision to build the freest, toughest and greatest city on earth.”

Her speech came just days after the Democratic Party’s establishment appeared to formally close ranks around Mamdani’s candidacy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced his support on Friday, writing that Mamdani had “explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers.” His endorsement followed that of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who months earlier had praised Mamdani as “the best choice for NYC mayor,” citing his “grass-roots movement fueled by everyday people.”

Ocasio-Cortez used her time on stage to push back against critics who have labeled the progressive left as extreme. “We must remember in a time such as this, we are not the crazy ones, New York City. We are not the outlandish ones, New York City. They want us to think we are crazy. We are sane,” she told the energized crowd, drawing loud cheers.

Recent polling shows that both Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani remain deeply popular among Democratic voters. A survey released in July by a pro-Palestinian organization reported that 68 percent of respondents viewed Mamdani favorably, while 75 percent had a positive view of Ocasio-Cortez. That same poll also indicated broad Democratic support for two of Mamdani’s more controversial positions — backing an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and halting U.S. arms shipments to Israel.

Mamdani, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has benefited from a shifting political landscape within the party. A study released in September by the Democratic Socialists of America Fund found that a majority of Democrats now identify more closely with socialism than with capitalism, with 74 percent saying that democratic socialism best expresses their beliefs.

The growing influence of figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani has not gone unnoticed beyond New York. During an August episode of HBO’s Real Time, host Bill Maher highlighted the two — along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren — as examples of left-wing Democrats who have refused his repeated invitations to appear on the show. Maher complained that despite the fact he “voted for them,” they continue to decline, while Republicans, he said, “show up and take their beating like a man.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said aboard Air Force One on Monday that a potential 2028 ticket pairing Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be virtually unbeatable, calling the duo “unstoppable.”

Traveling between Malaysia and Japan, Trump fielded questions about the political future but declined to commit to seeking a third term himself — a move currently restricted by the U.S. Constitution’s Twenty-second Amendment. “I haven’t really thought about it. We have some very good people, as you know, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had,” he said. “I mean, I just solved eight wars, and a ninth is coming, I believe Russia–Ukraine will happen.”

He pointed to his administration’s recent diplomatic successes, specifically citing the peace deal signed in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend between Cambodia and Thailand. “You know, we just left it. When you look at the treaty we just did, that was a war that was thousands of people were already shot at the border. And when you look at what we just did it was pretty amazing. We got a lot of good credit,” Trump said, adding, “And I really have to thank Malaysia for that, because the Prime Minister and everybody really helped get the two countries together.”

When pressed about who he views as rising stars for the 2028 race, Trump immediately mentioned the current vice president and his secretary of state. “We have, JD, obviously, the vice president is great,” he said as Rubio, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. “Marco is great… I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable. I really do, I believe that.”

Trump closed the exchange by reiterating his confidence in his current popularity and record. “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever,” he said with a smile before turning back to discuss his next stop on the Asia tour.

{Matzav.com}

Letter from HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau ahead of Thursday’s planned “Atzeres Ha’Million”. In a public notice, yeshiva bochurim and avreichim across Eretz Yisroel are urged to participate in the mass gathering in Yerushalayim, organized under the direction of Gedolei Yisroel in protest of the ongoing draft decrees. The announcement details coordination efforts for talmidim from […]

[By Y.S. Gold / Photos: Yaakov Cohen] Thousands gathered at Moshav Bror Chayil in southern Israel for the central hillula marking a decade since the passing of Rabbi Yoram Abergel zt”l. The event, led by his son and successor Rabbi Yisroel Abergel shlit”a, began with a hachnasas Sefer Torah and concluded with a moving seudat […]

Zohran Mamdani has been caught changing his story after claiming his Muslim “aunt” faced harassment for wearing a hijab in public after 9/11. It’s now revealed that the person he referred to was actually his late father’s cousin, Zehra Fuhi.

WATCH: Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he doesn’t regret the anti-tariff ad featuring Ronald Reagan that has escalated his feud with President Trump.

Sec. Scott Bessent: “We managed to find the money in the middle of October to pay our brave servicemembers, and I think we’ll be able to do it on November 1st, but we’re going to be out of money on November 15th.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that she spoke with US President Trump, and that the two agreed to extend a looming trade deadline for ‘a few more weeks’ to discuss pending issues with Washington

In anticipation of the Million-Man Atzeres, HaGaon Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein discusses fascinating inyanim in halacha connected to the upcoming gathering.

As Klal Yisroel prepares for the massive Atzeres Tefillah to be held this Thursday in Yerushalayim against the gezeirah of drafting bnei yeshiva, HaGaon Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein has issued a series of psakim addressing halachic questions that arise in connection with the atzeres. Among them: when should one daven Minchah—before the atzeres or as part of it? And should bnei chutz la’aretz travel to Eretz Yisroel specifically to participate?

These she’eilos u’teshuvos appear in this week’s issue of Divrei Chemed, which weekly features rulings and insights from the Torah of Rav Zilberstein.

A Gathering of Historic Proportions

Following the kol koreh of the gedolei hador, a massive Atzeres Tefillah will take place this Thursday at the gates of the holy city of Yerushalayim.

The sheer size of such an atzeres naturally raises many halachic questions, particularly regarding the rare bracha of “Chacham HaRazim”—recited upon seeing six hundred thousand Yidden gathered together. This bracha, mentioned in Maseches Berachos (58a) and brought in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 224:5), praises Hashem as the One “Who knows all secrets,” since no two Jews share the same mind or face, and only Hashem knows the thoughts of each individual.

This bracha was last recited publicly during the Atzeres Kiddush Hashem held in Adar Rishon 5774 (2014), led by Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l, when over six hundred thousand Jews filled the streets in unity and yiras Shamayim.

Can One Rely on an Estimate?

The first she’eilah Rav Zilberstein discusses is whether one may recite the bracha based on an umdena—an estimate—since no one can truly count exactly how many people are present.

He cites his mechutan, Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l, and his brother in law, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, who both ruled that an accurate umdena suffices. Rav Chaim explained, before the 5774 atzeres, that if reliable experts say there are six hundred thousand, one may indeed recite the bracha b’Shem u’Malchus.

Must One See All 600,000?

Another she’eilah: Must one physically see all six hundred thousand in order to make the bracha? Rav Zilberstein ruled that even if one sees only part of the kahal, but knows that six hundred thousand are present, he may say the bracha. Hearing the kol of the hamon am and knowing he stands among such a multitude is sufficient.

This, too, was the opinion of Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman and Rav Chaim Kanievsky – seeing part is considered like seeing the whole when the presence of the full crowd is known.

Do Women and Children Count?

Rav Zilberstein further discussed whether women and children count toward the total of six hundred thousand. Rav Chaim Kanievsky ruled that they certainly do. The term Ochlusei Yisroel includes all Jews—men, women, and children—so long as they are united for one purpose of Kiddush Hashem.

Akum obviously do not count, since the gemara specifies “Ochlusei Yisroel.” But even mechallelei Shabbos and those distant from Torah observance still count, since every Yid carries a nitzotz ha’emunah from Har Sinai.

Should One Person Be Motzi the Others?

Another question: should one person recite the bracha on behalf of everyone, or should each person say it individually? Although generally b’rov am hadras Melech, Rav Zilberstein noted that since many will hear the bracha only via loudspeakers, which may not constitute direct hearing, it’s preferable that each person say it for himself. Rav Chaim Kanievsky added that since this is a rare bracha, it is fitting that each individual be zocheh to personally say it, just as we do with Birchas HaChamah.

Should Bnei Chutz La’aretz Come to Eretz Yisroel for the Bracha?

Rav Zilberstein pointed out that according to the Rambam (Hilchos Berachos 10:11), the bracha of Chacham HaRazim is said only in Eretz Yisroel. Rav Chaim Kanievsky explained that this is because only the de’os—the diverse thoughts—of Yidden in Eretz Yisroel are considered de’os chashuvos. Hence, Rav Zilberstein said it is kedai for bnei chutz la’aretz to come to Eretz Yisroel for the atzeres, to be zocheh to this rare bracha b’Shem u’Malchus even according to the Rambam.

If One Said “Chacham Arazim” Instead of “HaRazim”

Rav Zilberstein related a story from the 5774 atzeres of someone who mistakenly said “Chacham Arazim” (“wise among cedars”) instead of “HaRazim.” Rav Zilberstein initially thought he may have fulfilled his obligation, since the sound of the words is similar and he had no negative intent. But Rav Chaim Kanievsky ruled that he had not been yotzei, since arazim and razim are two entirely different words, and the person must repeat the bracha correctly.

When to Daven Minchah, Before or During the Atzeres?

Another common question: should one who usually davens Minchah Gedolah do so before the atzeres, or wait to daven Minchah Ketana b’rov am during the gathering?

Rav Zilberstein cited the Mishnah Berurah (90:28), who writes that tefillah b’rov am is preferable to zerizim makdimin. However, that applies only if one does not have a fixed minyan. If he always davens with a steady minyan, he need not abandon it. But since in this case one is already going to the atzeres, it may be preferable to wait and daven Minchah there b’rov am.

As for davening outdoors, although the Shulchan Aruch cautions against davening in an open place, Rav Zilberstein explained that when thousands of Yidden surround him, the people themselves form a mechitzah, and such a tefillah has great power and zechus.

Answering Amen and Kedushah via Loudspeaker

Finally, Rav Zilberstein addressed whether one may answer Amen, Kedushah, and Chazaras HaShatz through a loudspeaker. He cited Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach in Minchas Shlomo, who held that one does not fulfill obligations through amplified sound. However, others, including the Chazon Ish were unsure.

At the previous atzeres, Rav Shmuel Wosner instructed that the chazzan should articulate every word slowly and clearly so that the entire kahal could follow word for word, enabling them to answer Amen and Kedushah properly.

{Matzav.com}

A New Jersey officer has been charged with misconduct after prosecutors say he didn’t quickly respond to and properly investigate reports of a shooting that turned out to be a double murder, instead stopping at an ATM and pizzeria. Franklin Township Police Sergeant Kevin Bollaro was the on-duty officer on the evening of Aug. 1, […]

Authorities in Minnesota have arrested a man accused of offering money for the assassination of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, after he allegedly posted a threatening message on TikTok that quickly drew federal attention.

According to Fox News, the suspect — identified as Tyler Maxon Avalos of St. Paul — allegedly uploaded a post featuring an image of Bondi alongside the words, “WANTED: Pam Bondi — REWARD: $45,000 — DEAD OR ALIVE (Preferably Dead).” The image appeared to include a red sniper scope dot superimposed on Bondi’s picture.

Investigators say Avalos captioned the disturbing post with the line, “Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?” sparking immediate concern among users who viewed it. A fellow TikTok user reported the video to authorities, prompting a federal investigation that led to Avalos’s arrest last Thursday at a St. Paul apartment complex.

Court documents reveal that Avalos’s background includes a long string of criminal offenses, such as stalking and domestic violence. Fox News added that “His TikTok account, investigators noted, also featured anarchist symbols and links to anti-government literature. His profile also brandished a link to ‘An Anarchist FAQ book,’ according to court filings.”

Federal agents moved swiftly to detain Avalos after uncovering what they described as clear threats of violence against a federal official. The Justice Department confirmed that Avalos now faces multiple federal charges tied to the incident.

Despite her critics, Bondi has remained active in national law enforcement initiatives. Though Ty Cobb — a critic of President Donald Trump and one-time White House special counsel — recently claimed that Bondi is the most “reprehensible” person to hold that office, she continues to collaborate with agencies across the country to combat rising crime.

Recent data released by Bondi, reported by Breitbart News, highlight major improvements in crime reduction tied to federal-state cooperation. She also issued a stern warning to Democratic officials who have been threatening Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents tasked with enforcing deportation laws.

As Breitbart explained, “The coordinated federal pushback is a response to the massive resistance from Democrats to the enforced deportation of millions of illegal migrants.” The outlet continued, “Progressive Democrats defend the migrants because they cannot agree to recognize the civic distinction between citizens and economic migrants. This resistance is backed by local business groups, which use the migrants to provide cheap services — such as food delivery — to the upper-income customers who are a critical part of the Democrats’ voting bloc and donor base.”

Authorities have not released further details on Avalos’s motives or potential accomplices, but officials emphasized that any threats against federal officials will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

{Matzav.com}

Senator Lindsey Graham voiced alarm over President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza ceasefire framework, arguing that the initiative could end up reinforcing Hamas instead of dismantling it.

In a lengthy post on social media, Graham aligned himself with King Abdullah of Jordan’s recent critique of the peace proposal, echoing the monarch’s skepticism toward deploying an international security force to disarm Hamas. “To expect an international force to go to war with Hamas to require their disarmament is unrealistic. To expect Hamas to disarm without the threat of confrontation is unrealistic,” Graham stated.

The South Carolina senator stressed that Hamas appears to be entrenching its control rather than moving toward peace. Referring to remarks made by King Abdullah during an interview with BBC Panorama, Graham wrote, “It is my growing belief that Hamas is not going to disarm but instead is in the process of consolidating power in Gaza by attacking those who would oppose them.”

Graham cautioned that the situation was only deteriorating under the current plan. “Under the current approach, every day that goes by allows Hamas to get stronger and more lethal,” he warned. “The world needs to understand that Israel cannot tolerate this outcome. If Israel feels it needs to re-engage in Gaza to finish Hamas off, they have my full support.”

King Abdullah, in his BBC interview, raised serious doubts about the role any peacekeeping or enforcement contingent could play. “If it’s peace enforcing, nobody will want to touch that,” he said, explaining that while Jordan and Egypt were open to helping train Palestinian police, most nations would reject sending combat troops into Gaza.

According to Trump’s 20-point plan, Hamas must lay down its weapons and surrender political control of Gaza. The proposal envisions a multinational stabilization force that would train Palestinian police under the coordination of Egypt and Jordan.

However, on the ground, there has been no sign that Hamas intends to comply. Instead, reports indicate that the terror group has been expanding its arsenal. In response, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hamas operatives, while other militant factions continue to clash with Israeli troops in several parts of Gaza.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Police have given their final approval for a massive protest to be held Thursday afternoon at the entrance to Yerushalayim, in response to the continued imprisonment of yeshivah bochurim, including talmidim from Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, among them Ariel Shamai. The event, which organizers are calling a “million-man march,” is expected to draw hundreds […]

Kan News has released what is believed to be the final footage of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, recorded just days before he was killed in 2024.

The video, aired Monday night, captures the mastermind of the October 7 massacre in a rare and vulnerable moment. Sinwar appears visibly weakened, wrapped in a blanket and leaning on a cane as he hurries to flee intense Israeli bombardment in Gaza.

According to the report, the footage was taken only a short time before the IDF located and eliminated the Hamas chief, ending one of the most extensive manhunts in Israel’s history.

The images provide a striking final glimpse of the man responsible for orchestrating the deadliest terror attack in Israel’s history—no longer the defiant leader seen in propaganda videos, but a fugitive struggling to survive as Israeli forces closed in.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}