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Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is expected to create greater public distance between himself and Israel’s chareidi parties as the next election campaign approaches, according to a report Monday evening by Kan News, even as he seeks to preserve the cohesion of the right-wing coalition.

Senior Likud officials told the broadcaster that Netanyahu intends to emphasize that separation as campaigning intensifies.

“As we get closer to the elections and the campaign begins, Netanyahu plans to deepen the separation from the Chareidim and try to distance himself from them publicly,” one senior party official said.

Another senior Likud figure said the prime minister will have to strike a careful political balance.

“He will have to walk a tightrope so as not to attack the Chareidim directly and damage the bloc,” the official said.

The report comes amid renewed tensions within Israel’s right-wing camp over military service and public support for IDF soldiers. Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Netanyahu weighed in after remarks by the rosh yeshiva, Rav Dov Landau, criticizing elements of the Religious Zionist community sparked widespread controversy.

Although Netanyahu did not mention Rav Landau by name, he wrote that “IDF soldiers deserve deep appreciation, gratitude, and the full backing of every segment of the public, certainly including the Torah world.” He added that Israel’s soldiers—religious, secular, and chareidi alike—risk their lives to defend the country.

Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich also entered the debate, writing: “Better late than never: Do not speak disparagingly about IDF soldiers. I repeat and emphasize: Do not speak disparagingly about IDF soldiers. Not perhaps, not indirectly, not because of something else, not at all.”

Urich also responded to a clarification issued by Rav Landau’s office, which stated that “It is unclear what Netanyahu is condemning. The rav did not speak about Religious Zionist soldiers themselves. He was referring to a theoretical halachic discussion about a situation in which the state sends soldiers to war for its own honor rather than for an existential war. Nothing more.”

Rejecting that explanation, Urich wrote: “That is the most distorted clarification I have ever seen. Here’s a suggestion: Let the political operatives keep quiet for 99 days so that we can win the election.”

{Matzav.com}

A centuries-old mystery surrounding the burial place of Rashi has reportedly been resolved following the discovery of an ancient manuscript in Oxford University’s library. The newly uncovered document, together with additional historical manuscripts and maps found this year, points to the precise location of Rashi’s burial in the French city of Troyes. The discovery has already prompted efforts to establish a proper monument at the site.

Rashi—Rabbeinu Shlomo Yitzchaki, the greatest commentator on Tanach and the Gemara—was born in Troyes in the Hebrew year 4800. At the age of 20, he traveled to Germany to study Torah, returning to France a decade later to lead a yeshiva and compose the monumental commentaries that became foundational to Torah learning. He passed away on the 29th of Tammuz in the year 4865.

Following the expulsion of the Jews from France during the era of the Rishonim, the tombstones in the Jewish cemetery of Troyes were uprooted, and the city’s Jewish community disappeared for centuries. Although French Jewish tradition consistently maintained that Rashi had been buried in Troyes, later rumors claimed he had instead been buried in Prague or Worms.

Those reports were always viewed with skepticism, particularly since both Prague and Worms maintained continuous Jewish communities that preserved no tradition identifying Rashi’s burial place there. Nevertheless, the conflicting claims created enough uncertainty that many historians eventually concluded that the exact location of Rashi’s grave was unknown.

This year, as talmidim of the Vizhnitz London Yeshiva prepared for a trip to the gravesites of the Rishonim in France under the leadership of Rav Levi Yitzchak Hager, son of the Vizhnitz-London Rebbe, they undertook extensive research into the question. Their investigation led them to an ancient manuscript housed in Oxford’s library that, for the first time, provides what they describe as a clear historical source confirming that Rashi was buried in Troyes.

The manuscript, known as Seder HaYuchasin of the sages of France during the era of the Rishonim, was written in France toward the close of the fifth millennium of the Hebrew calendar. Portions of the work were previously cited by the Maharshal in his Teshuvos (Siman 29), but the complete manuscript has only now come to light. Because of its difficult handwriting, earlier researchers who examined it reportedly overlooked its most significant passage.

In its account of Rashi’s passing, the manuscript states: “In the year 4865, the lamp of Israel was extinguished, the crown of glory fell, and he was laid to rest with his fathers in Troyes!”

The newly discovered source also reinforces a statement by Rabbeinu Tam, Rashi’s grandson, who referred to Troyes in his Sefer HaYashar (Teshuvos, Siman 16) as “the city of my fathers’ graves,” echoing the language of Nechemiah. While that phrase alone did not explicitly identify Rashi’s burial place, the newly discovered manuscript—written in France only a few generations after Rashi, while the Jewish cemetery still existed—states directly that Rashi was buried alongside his ancestors in Troyes.

Following the discovery, researchers contacted historians of the city of Troyes working on behalf of the French government. They were told that, independently, additional medieval Christian writings had recently been uncovered identifying Troyes as Rashi’s burial place. Researchers also located detailed historical maps identifying the precise boundaries of the former Jewish cemetery, with a full report expected to be published later this summer.

Last week, talmidim of the Vizhnitz London Yeshiva traveled to the gravesites of the Rishonim in France as a reward from the yeshiva administration for faithfully maintaining daily written records of their learning throughout the year. After davening at the resting place of the Baalei HaTosafos in Ramerupt, they continued to nearby Troyes, where they davened within the grounds of the historic Jewish cemetery believed to contain Rashi’s kever.

While there, the talmidim completed Maseches Bava Basra, which they had studied throughout the year, timing the siyum to coincide with Rashi’s yoma d’hilula. In doing so, they fulfilled Rashi’s own words in Yevamos (122b): “On the day that a great person dies, it is established in his honor, and every year when that day arrives, Torah scholars gather from all around and come to his grave together with the rest of the people to establish a yeshiva there.”

Rav Yisrael Meir Gabbai, chairman of Oholei Tzaddikim, who participated in the trip, met while in Troyes with local attorneys and representatives of the local Jewish community and French government to begin the legal and logistical process of erecting a permanent monument marking the precise location of Rashi’s burial. The goal, organizers said, is to enable Jews from around the world to visit the site, daven there, and seek yeshuos for both spiritual and material needs.

{Matzav.com}

A couple who were advised by doctors to reduce a triplet pregnancy have welcomed three healthy baby girls after choosing to continue the pregnancy based on the guidance and blessing of Rav Yigal Cohen. In recent days, they visited the rav together with their daughters to express their gratitude for the support they received throughout the journey.

Nearly a year ago, Rav Yigal Cohen, rosh mosdos Yabia Omer and a member of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate Council, received an urgent request for guidance from a woman who had become pregnant with triplets.

The woman explained that although she had been blessed with the pregnancy, her doctors strongly recommended reducing two of the fetuses because of what they described as serious medical concerns. Unsure how to proceed, she turned to Rav Cohen for hadrachah.

Together with his personal assistant, Shimon Bardi, who remained in close contact with the family throughout the process, Rav Cohen carefully reviewed the case. After consulting with leading physicians and medical specialists, he reached the decision that the pregnancy should continue without any fetal reduction.

The husband and wife accepted the rav‘s ruling wholeheartedly and received his berachah. Throughout the pregnancy, they remained in regular contact with Bardi, who continually updated Rav Cohen on the mother’s condition and the progress of the pregnancy.

B’chasdei Shamayim, the couple welcomed three healthy, complete baby girls, bringing tremendous joy to their family.

In recent days, the parents returned to visit Rav Cohen, bringing the three infants with them to personally thank him and Bardi for their guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the pregnancy. Those present said the emotional reunion moved many to tears.

The story carries special significance for Rav Cohen because of his own family’s experience. Years ago, his daughter was diagnosed during pregnancy with a severe heart defect, and doctors urged the family to terminate the pregnancy. However, after receiving a berachah from the Admor Rav Dovid Abuchatzeira, the pregnancy continued. Today, Rav Cohen says his daughter has become a source of inspiration for him and for many other families facing similar circumstances, encouraging them to preserve pregnancies despite difficult medical predictions.

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of Gerer chassidim gathered late Monday night outside the Tel Aviv home of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, holding a surprise protest just hours after the Gerer Rebbe led a massive demonstration outside Prison 10 over the arrest of a yeshiva bochur from the chassidus.

The late-night demonstration drew approximately 200 participants, who assembled outside the attorney general’s residence after Gur’s leadership canceled plans for a much larger protest that had originally been expected to attract thousands.

According to organizers, the larger event was called off because of the severe congestion, overcrowding, and disturbances that developed earlier in the evening during the main rally outside Prison 10.

Despite the official cancellation, about 200 chassidim made their way to the site on their own. Wrapped in taleisim, participants recited Selichos, with the shliach tzibbur leading the davening while draped in a tallis. Later, demonstrators cried out together, “She has no share in the World to Come.”

Among those in attendance were young children who stood alongside their fathers carrying protest signs reading, “We do not abandon any Torah learner,” and “Whoever disgraces Torah scholars has no share in the World to Come.” At one point during the protest, several demonstrators became involved in heated verbal exchanges with a passerby.

Earlier in the evening, tens of thousands of Gerer chassidim, led by the Gerer Rebbe, had assembled outside the entrance to Prison 10 in a large-scale protest against the imprisonment of a yeshiva student from the chassidus.

The massive gathering was marked by significant crowding and heavy congestion, eventually leading demonstrators to breach the fence surrounding the prison complex. Although the event had been coordinated in advance with Israel Police, it was suspended for an extended period because of safety concerns.

As the situation intensified, United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzchak Goldknopf appealed to the crowd to move back in order to protect those gathered near the stage where the Gerer Rebbe was seated.

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

הפגנת גור מול ביתה של היועשית (צילום: הילל בן אור)

{Matzav.com}

By Rabbi Doniel Neustadt

When Tisha B’Av falls on Thursday, the halachos of the Tenth of Av are different to usual.

The Nine Days begins on Rosh Chodesh Av and ends on the evening of Tishah B’Av. But because the Beis Hamikdash was actually destroyed on the tenth of Av, Ashkenazi custom dictates that many of the Nine Days restrictions continue to be in effect on the tenth of Av as well, until chatzos.

However, when Tishah B’Av falls on a Thursday, as it does this year, many of these restrictions aren’t practiced on Thursday night or Friday, since doing so might be in conflict with the important mitzvah of preparing for Shabbos.

There are many opinions and customs as to exactly which restrictions continue to be in effect on Thursday night and Friday, and which don’t. There are also various opinions as to when exactly these restrictions are lifted.

If you have a specific family custom regarding this issue, then continue to follow it. Otherwise, the list below can serve as a guide for you and your family to follow:

Business / Construction / Gifts                          – Thursday night

Cleaning (house) for Shabbos                            – Thursday after chatzos (if necessary)[1]

Embroidery / Crocheting                                        – Thursday night

Food shopping and preparation                    – Thursday after chatzos[2]

Haircut and Beard Trim                                           – Thursday night

Laundry / Dry Cleaners (all clothes)               – Thursday night

Laundry separation / preparation                     – Thursday after chatzos (if necessary)

Meat[3] and Wine                                                            – Friday after chatzos

Mending / Sewing                                                        – Thursday night

Music / Dancing                                                           – Friday after chatzos

Nail cutting                                                                      – Friday morning (Thursday night, if necessary)

Shaving (for Shabbos[4])                                            – Thursday night

Shaving (not for Shabbos)                                     – Friday after chatzos

Shower (cold / lukewarm, for hygiene)          – Thursday night

Shower / Bath (hot, for pleasure)                      – Friday after chatzos

Shower / Bath (hot, for Shabbos[5])                    – Friday morning

Shehecheyanu                                                              – Friday after chatzos

Shopping (Shabbos clothes)                                – Thursday night

Shopping (weekday clothes)                                – Friday after chatzos

Swimming (adults) / Boating                                – Friday after chatzos[6]

Swimming (small children) / Sprinklers        – Thursday night

Travelling                                                                           – Thursday night

Wearing laundered / new clothes                     – Friday after chatzos[7]

Wearing freshly set / new wig                              – Friday after chatzos[8]

Wig washing and setting                                     – Thursday night

[1] A regularly scheduled cleaning lady may come before chatzos as well.

[2] If necessary, food shopping permitted before chatzos as well.

[3] Clear chicken soup is permitted Thursday night. Meat and wine are permitted at a siyum on Thursday night.

[4] Not planning to shave again for Shabbos.

[5] Not planning to bathe or shower again for Shabbos.

[6] Swimming for exercise permitted Thursday night.

[7] If pre-worn or used is not available, fresh or new may be worn from Thursday night.

[8] If pre-worn or used is not available, fresh or new may be worn from Thursday night.

Maran Rav Dov Landau, Slabodka rosh yeshiva, responded Monday night for the first time to the public controversy surrounding remarks that were widely interpreted as criticism of soldiers from the Religious Zionist community.

Speaking at a gathering of community rabbonim organized by the Ichud Bnei Yeshiva, Rav Landau sharply criticized the way his private comments had been portrayed following their publication.

“As was proven over the past day when remarks I made during a private conversation were published, those motivated by hatred of the unlearned approached those words with distortion and complete misunderstanding,” Rav Landau told the assembled rabbonim.

His comments came after widespread reaction to the publication of a private meeting at his home with the heads of Yeshivas Mir, during which he spoke critically about what he referred to as the “knitted-kippah community.”

The controversy sparked strong reactions from across Israel’s political spectrum. Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu firmly rejected the remarks, saying that “IDF soldiers deserve the deepest appreciation.” In response, Degel HaTorah issued a forceful statement defending Rav Landau and warning critics, “Beware of speaking against the Torah giants.”

During the same gathering, Rav Landau also addressed yeshiva students, offering guidance for the upcoming bein hazemanim period.

“During bein hazmanim, you may encounter people whose way of life is different from ours. It is essential to avoid any ideological arguments with them,” the rosh yeshiva emphasized. “Our worldview is clear to us from our rabbonim, the mighty giants of the land, from whose teachings we draw.”

Rav Landau further cautioned bnei yeshiva against engaging in debates with “people who, under the banner of their beliefs, persecute the Torah and those who study it.”

According to Rav Landau, such individuals “are incapable of understanding or accepting our worldview, which was the worldview of our great rabbonim, the Chazon Ish and the Brisker Rav zt”l.”

{Matzav.com}

Former President Barack Obama sharply criticized Vice President JD Vance during a public discussion Thursday, accusing him of promoting a “blood and soil” view of American identity despite being married to the daughter of immigrants.

Obama made the remarks while speaking with author Malcolm Gladwell about the Reconstruction era, arguing that many of the debates that defined that period continue to shape American politics today.

“It’s impossible to spend a lot of time thinking about Reconstruction without reflecting on the present day, right?” Obama said. “Because these issues are — well, they’re still there. If somebody is asking why it is relevant to talk about Reconstruction, I have to describe for them the degree to which we’re having the same arguments. The issues of: How are we going to help the freed people who’ve been enslaved? What are we going to give them to allow them to have a go at life? What does real freedom mean?”

Drawing parallels between Reconstruction and current political debates, Obama pointed to disputes over voting rights following Supreme Court rulings on congressional districts and argued that one of the nation’s major political parties has embraced an exclusionary definition of American identity.

“We have a politics now that at least one of our major parties has been captured by politics that is not that subtle about suggesting that ‘We the people’ means a certain kind of people,” Obama said. “When you have the vice president, current vice president, making a speech that is basically a blood and soil version of ‘We the people,’ that it matters who your parents were and how long they’ve been here despite him being married to a daughter of an immigrant himself.”

He continued, “That echoes, then, ideas about who can be a citizen, who belongs, who gets to make decisions. So all these issues are still being debated, sometimes not as bluntly and explicitly as they have in the past, but they’re still there.”

The phrase “blood and soil” originated in Nazi Germany and has long been associated with white nationalist ideology.

Gladwell echoed Obama’s criticism, accusing Vance of hypocrisy for advancing what he described as a nativist message while being married to Usha Vance, whose parents immigrated from India. Obama agreed with that characterization but argued that such inconsistency nevertheless reflected societal progress.

“That is progress. Listen, hypocrisy is progress. It is, because it means that you feel guilty enough to either lie to yourself or others. And that is better than not even thinking about the idea that maybe you’re doing something wrong,” Obama said.

Obama’s comments appeared to reference Vance’s Independence Day address earlier this month commemorating America’s 250th birthday in New York, during which the vice president urged Americans to reject narratives that focus solely on the nation’s shortcomings.

“So what I’d ask you to do, my fellow Americans, on our 250th birthday, is to reject the two-dimensional view of your fellow citizens and reject the two-dimensional view of your country. Reject that America is a place for zero-sum thinking because it is not. Our history is one of people carving a great civilization out of the wilderness. Reject the view of your nation that sees only its sins, but not its grace and its greatness. Everything that we have done, everything that we’ve done as a country, we have all done together, not as citizens divided against each other, but as a common people working towards a common future,” Vance said.

Although Obama has generally refrained from mentioning Vance by name in recent public appearances, he previously took an indirect jab at the vice president during the 2024 presidential campaign after then-Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.

“When a presidential candidate chooses a running mate, it says a lot about who they are and what kind of president they’ll be. Do they pick someone inexperienced and polarizing who will deepen our divisions?” Obama asked. “Or do they pick someone with the judgment to make tough decisions, and the character to believe that every voice counts and everyone deserves an equal chance?”

{Matzav.com}