In an emotional radio interview, internationally acclaimed Jewish singer Gad Elbaz disclosed a deeply personal secret he carried unknowingly for nearly four decades. Speaking live on Kol Chai Radio in Israel, Elbaz revealed that until recently he had never undergone a bris milah, a discovery that led him, at age 39, to undergo the procedure and formally enter the covenant of Avrohom Avinu.
The stunning revelation has sent ripples through the Jewish music world. Elbaz, known for performing on major stages around the globe and widely seen as a symbol of connection to Jewish heritage and tradition, told listeners: “I was uncircumcised my entire life.”
In a heartfelt conversation with radio host Menachem Toker, Elbaz described the moment he accidentally discovered that he had not been circumcised as an infant. “At age 39, I had a bris milah after I discovered that they did not circumcise me when I was born,” Elbaz told a stunned Toker.
The singer spoke candidly about the shock and emotional turmoil that accompanied the revelation, as well as the medical and spiritual journey he undertook to correct what he described as a lifelong omission. Undergoing the procedure as an adult, he said, was both physically and emotionally challenging, but ultimately transformative.
According to Elbaz, performing the mitzvah marked the closing of a profound personal circle and reshaped his understanding of his identity. He said the experience gave renewed meaning to the songs and tefillos he has sung throughout his extensive career, infusing them with a deeper sense of personal connection and spiritual authenticity.
{Matzav.com}
Member of Knesset Meir Porush delivered a sharp speech in the Knesset plenum on Monday evening, accusing opposition leaders of relentlessly targeting bnei Torah and the chareidi community and branding them as part of what he called a “Losers Government.”
Speaking from the podium, Porush said he wanted to use his limited speaking time to address what he described as a pressing issue.
“I want to use the few minutes at my disposal,” Porush began, “to speak to you about another important issue. ‘The Losers Government.’ Yes, what you heard. Today, two governments are serving in Israel — the elected government and the ‘Losers Government.’ You are familiar with the term ‘shadow government’ from Britain? Here, we have the ‘Losers Government’ — people whose only common denominator is failure.”
Porush continued by elaborating on his remarks.
“‘The Losers Government’ is made up of members from various parties, some currently serving as Knesset members and some aspiring to serve. What they all have in common is that they served in the previous government and failed — just as losers fail. The members of the ‘Losers Government’ are many, and I will list the main ones in alphabetical order so as not to offend anyone.”
He then proceeded to name: “Naftali Bennett, Yair Golan, Yoaz Hendel, Avigdor Lieberman.”
Porush also criticized additional political figures who, he said, were undecided about joining what he termed the “Losers Government.”
“There are also those still deliberating whether they want to be members of the ‘Losers Government,’ such as Gadi Eisenkot and Benny Gantz, who have one foot here and one foot there. What distinguishes the members of the ‘Losers Government’? They have nothing genuine to offer the citizens of Israel. So what is their solution to justify their tenure? Incitement, division, hatred, and more of the same.”
He added that competition among them was intense.
“Lieberman wants to send us to the garbage dump, Lapid wants to strip us of the right to vote, Hendel wants us thrown out of our workplaces, and Bennett is a genius — he knows what we don’t know. If he just publishes multi-billion-shekel plans, all the chareidim will run to vote for him, just as he surely explained in his booklet ‘How to Defeat a Pandemic.’”
In closing, Porush said: “In the meantime, the losers are competing among themselves over who is the bigger loser, and the battle is tough — every day a new poll is published in which a different loser leads the race for who is closest to the electoral threshold. The head of the opposition who spoke here a few hours ago usually wins that race for the threshold. Dear losers, let me give you a spoiler — it won’t help you. Tommy Lapid tried this. It worked for a few short years, but it ended in disappointment. It’s a shame for you.”
{Matzav.com}
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that advancing Russia’s nuclear triad remains an “absolute priority,” outlining his government’s approach to its strategic weapons program during remarks tied to Defender of the Fatherland Day, according to media reports.
Speaking at a ceremony in which he presented state honors to military officers involved in the war in Ukraine, Putin highlighted efforts to reinforce the country’s nuclear capabilities, the Moscow Times reported.
During his address, Putin pointed to Russia’s nuclear triad — the three-part system designed to deliver nuclear weapons by land, sea and air — which is intended to guarantee a viable second-strike capacity in the event of a nuclear confrontation.
He characterized the continued development of the system as “an absolute priority,” adding that it “guarantees Russia’s security and ensures effective strategic deterrence and a balance of forces in the world.”
Putin also said Russia would keep bolstering its army and navy, “taking into account developments in the international situation, based on combat experience gained,” referencing lessons drawn from the ongoing war with Ukraine.
He further stated that Moscow plans to “significantly” upgrade the capabilities of other military branches, enhancing their operational readiness, flexibility and capacity to function under even the most demanding conditions.
“And, of course, we will accelerate the development of advanced systems for the armed forces,” he added.
The comments follow Russia’s decision on Feb. 5, 2023, to suspend participation in the New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington.
The treaty had placed caps on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems each side could maintain.
Despite halting its formal participation, Russian officials have previously indicated they intend to continue managing their strategic nuclear arsenal in what they described as a “responsible” manner and to adhere to previously agreed-upon limits.
Putin’s statements came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marked the start of a far broader global conflict, saying the Russian leader had effectively launched “World War III.”
“I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him… Putin will not stop at Ukraine,” Zelenskyy told the BBC in an interview Feb. 23.
Zelenskyy described the war as part of what he sees as Putin’s larger effort to impose a “different way of life” on the international community.
“Stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world,” he said.
When asked whether Ukraine might relinquish control of the contested Donbas region as part of a negotiated settlement, Zelenskyy cautioned that Moscow could rebuild its military power within “no more than a couple of years” and initiate another offensive.
“Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact,” Zelenskyy said.
{Matzav.com}
[COMMUNICATED]
This Taanis Esther 5786, will mark 40 years since the Rosh Yeshiva, Maran HaGoan Rav Moshe Feinstein ztvk”l, Rabban of Klal Yisroel, the poseik hador, left this world. He left us a remarkable legacy of Torah and Halachah through his Dibros Moshe and Igros Moshe.
Fifteen years ago, a project began to publish the thousands of shailos and teshuvos of halacha, hadracha and hashkafa that were transmitted orally, and recorded meticulously by his grandson, close talmid and gabbai, Rav Mordecai Tendler shlit”a. The result has been 5-volume masterpiece named Mesores Moshe, giving over Rav Moshe mesorah’s to our generation, with many volumes still to come, b’ezras Hashem.
Harav Dovid Feinstein zt”l recommended that before publishing, the work should be reviewed by talmidim of the Rosh Yeshiva zt”l. He suggested that Rav Shmuel Fishelis shlit”a, his son-in-law, and Rav Shmuel Fuerst shlit”a, Dayan of Agudath Yisroel of Illinois look over the galleys and edit it as needed. Rav Fuerst added a letter of haskama, detailing his involvement with the project.
The children of the Rosh Yeshiva then added their own haskama, pointing out that these seforim are a tremendous window into the thought process and daas Torah of their illustrious father.
Baruch Hashem the seforim were received by the Torah world with much excitement and is found and used in batei medrish around the world.
A few years ago, there was a growing interest in translating these works into English, so that those more comfortable with English can also be enlightened by the Rosh Yeshivah’s insights, sensitivity and worldview. After receiving a beracha from HaRav Dovid Feinstein zt”l, this new project began. Sections from the first two volumes were chosen, and translated from the original Hebrew.
The result is a wonderful blend of fascinating shailos brought to the Rosh Yeshiva, and his view of various topics such as doctors, shidduchim and giving berachos. There are numerous historic recollections the Rosh Yeshiva himself shared, of life in Russia and early years in America. HaRav Reuven Feinstein shlit”a graced this sefer with a warm haskama.
The Sefer has been acclaimed as a masterfully engaging release. It is widely being learned by chavrusa-schafts, Talmidei Chachamim, Baalei Batim, adults, and teenagers. The Sefer is noted to be exciting and exhilarating, whoever picks it up cannot put it down.
Available at all Jewish booksellers in stores and online.
Distributed by Alef to Tav – info@aleftotav.com
It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rebbetzin Leah Rila Meisels a”h, wife of Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Meisels zt”l, Gaavad of Kehillas Yereim of Sea Gate, Brooklyn. She was 98 years old.
For decades, the rebbetzin stood devotedly at the side of her illustrious husband as he spread Torah to multitudes and led the community. Known for her exceptional warmth, she merited to become related by marriage to many of the leading rebbes and rabbanim in Eretz Yisroel and around the world. Those who knew her recount that she received every visitor — from gedolei hador to the poor who knocked at her door — with a radiant countenance and genuine kindness.
Acquaintances describe her as a remarkable figure of hachnosas orchim and chesed. She quietly distributed large sums of tzedakah without seeking recognition, often ensuring that no one would ever know the source of the assistance. She served as a pillar of strength for both her family and the broader community and merited to see upright and distinguished generations continuing in her path.
The rebbetzin is survived by eleven children, all prominent rabbanim and admorim serving with distinction across the globe.
Her sons include: Rav Yisroel Shlomo Meisels, Av Beis Din of Limanov; Rav Dovid Dov Meisels, rav hatzair of Sea Gate and author of the seforim “Otzar HaShabbos”; Rav Yisroel Moshe Meisels, Av Beis Din of Alesk; Rav Pinchos Mordechai Meisels, Dayan in Sea Gate; and Rav Shmuel Zev Meisels, Av Beis Din of Yismach Moshe in Kiryas Yoel and son-in-law of the Satmar Rebbe. Among her sons-in-law are prominent admorim and rabbanim, including the Dushinsky Rebbe; Rav Yisroel Eliezer Unsdorfer, Rav of Kehillas Reishis Chochmah in Montreal; Rav Yisroel Meisels, Av Beis Din of Uhel-Williamsburg; Rav Yisroel Horowitz, Av Beis Din of Kinyan Torah in Flatbush; Rav Avrohom Yehuda Lowy, Av Beis Din and Rosh Yeshiva of Tiferes Eliezer; and Rav Avrohom Anshel Schorr, Av Beis Din of Klausen.
The levayah took place at Kehillas Yereim of Sea Gate in Brooklyn and proceeded to the Satmar cemetery in New Jersey for kevurah.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
A four-year-old boy in Israel was rushed to the hospital after suffering from severe abdominal pain and repeated vomiting. Following a series of comprehensive examinations, doctors discovered that he had swallowed eight small magnets.
The child arrived at Bnai Zion Medical Center with his parents after complaining of intense stomach pain and frequent vomiting. After undergoing thorough testing in the Pediatric Emergency Department, physicians identified the cause of his symptoms.
Dr. Liat Yaniv, a senior physician in the Pediatrics Department at Bnai Zion Medical Center, noted that the vomiting occurred without diarrhea and was an unusual color — findings that raised concern for a serious gastrointestinal issue. An urgent imaging scan revealed magnets lodged in the small intestine, along with evidence of an intestinal blockage.
In consultation with Dr. Raouf Naser, a pediatric gastroenterology specialist, the toddler was referred for surgical intervention. He underwent emergency surgery performed by Dr. Daniel Dubin, Deputy Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department at Bnai Zion Medical Center, together with Dr. Yair Ben Shmuel, a senior pediatric surgeon. Dr. Omar Abu Ras served as the senior anesthesiologist during the procedure. Surgeons successfully removed eight magnetic balls from the child’s small intestine.
The toddler was subsequently hospitalized in the Pediatric Surgery Department for continued monitoring and treatment and was discharged home several days later.
Dr. Yaakov Genizi, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Bnai Zion Medical Center, warned of the significant dangers posed by swallowed magnets. “They can attach to one another through the intestinal wall and cause blockage, tissue death, and even perforation of the intestine,” he cautioned. “Parents are urged to keep magnets and small parts out of reach of children.”
{Matzav.com}
Newly surfaced details in the investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie indicate that at least one image captured by her Nest doorbell camera was recorded on a different day than the others, suggesting the masked suspect may have visited the property prior to her suspected abduction on Feb. 1. A source familiar with the probe confirmed the development to Fox News Digital on Monday.
According to the source, one of the images released by the FBI does not match the date of the remaining footage, pointing to the possibility that the individual surveyed the residence in advance. The source declined to identify the specific date of the earlier image, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told Fox News that the information about the differing date did not originate from him.
Investigators have at various times asked neighbors to review their home surveillance footage from the entire month of January, specifically the night of Jan. 11, and also the period between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, when Guthrie is believed to have disappeared.
ABC News was the first to report that the suspect may have scouted the property earlier, citing unnamed sources.
Jason Pack, a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, said the apparent advance visit suggests the crime was deliberate rather than spontaneous.
“That’s sophistication. That’s the hallmark of someone who thought about this before they acted. And it matters significantly from a legal standpoint, because premeditation and planning elevate the severity of what investigators are looking at,” Pack said. “The suspect in this case may have thought they were being careful. But appearing twice on camera while trying to avoid identification isn’t careful. That’s exposure. And right now, investigators are working very hard to close that gap.”
The disclosure also implies that the information recovered by the FBI and Google from the camera system extended beyond the final event stored in the device’s memory.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Guthrie’s doorbell camera went offline at 1:47 a.m. on the night she was taken. Roughly 25 minutes later, at 2:12 a.m., another camera on the property detected a person but failed to record any footage.
Initially, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department directed inquiries to the FBI. After publication of the initial report, however, the department released a statement clarifying that no timestamps had been publicly disclosed in connection with the Nest images.
“We are aware that doorbell images released earlier in the investigation depict a suspect in different stages of attire, including with and without a backpack,” the PCSD said in a statement. “There is no date or time stamp associated with these images. Therefore, any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative.”
Prior to this clarification, experts had raised questions about whether the masked individual shown in the images was the same person, noting differences in clothing and the absence in some images of a backpack and holstered firearm that appeared in others.
{Matzav.com}
