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A sharp dispute has emerged between two Sephardic Chief Rabbis over the stature and approach of Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Kaf HaChaim, highlighting a broader debate over the role of stringency in halachic decision-making.

During his most recent weekly shiur, the former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, addressed the halachic question of whether a posek may rule against the Shulchan Aruch, even in a stricter direction. In the course of his remarks, he delivered pointed criticism of Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer, grandson of the author of the sefer Kaf HaChaim, who has been known to cite his grandfather’s teachings in support of adopting chumros.

Rav Yitzchok Yosef responded to a passage quoted by Rav Sofer from Kaf HaChaim (siman 158, se’if katan 25), which states that “anyone whose soul is more refined desires to pursue greater stringencies and piety, while one whose soul is not properly rectified desires to follow leniencies.” Based on this idea, Rav Sofer has explained his general approach of favoring chumrah in many areas.

Rejecting this interpretation, Rav Yitzchok Yosef said: “Did Beis Hillel, who were generally more lenient than Beis Shammai, have flawed souls, Heaven forbid? Did Maran Beis Yosef, who ruled leniently in many places, have a flawed soul, Heaven forbid? Rather, these are words of nonsense.”

He went on to clarify his understanding of the original teaching, explaining that a person of elevated soul does not rush to issue lenient rulings without careful analysis, but instead hesitates and says, “I do not know, I must investigate,” and only after proper consideration rules according to halachah—whether leniently or stringently.

According to a report, one of Rav Sofer’s sons responded to the criticism, arguing that a careful reading of Kaf HaChaim shows that the statement refers to personal conduct and not to psak halachah for the public. “Anyone who studies the original Kaf HaChaim will see that the statement was said only regarding appropriate personal conduct for each individual, and has no connection to private piety versus public halachic rulings. The quote is accurate and faithful to the original wording,” he said.

He further maintained that there is no comparison between Rav Yitzchok Yosef’s argument regarding Beis Hillel and the Beis Yosef and the concept of personal spiritual conduct, adding that his father based his approach on earlier authorities, including the Rosh and the Pele Yoetz.

The controversy is further underscored by contrasting remarks made recently by Rav Dovid Yosef, the current Rishon LeTzion and brother of Rav Yitzchok Yosef. At a recent dinner for alumni of Yeshivas Kaf HaChaim, Rav Dovid Yosef spoke in glowing terms about Rav Sofer, referring to him explicitly as “פאר הדור והדרו” and emphasizing that he meant every word.

Rav Dovid Yosef also recited the blessing “שחלק מחכמתו ליראיו” in honor of Rav Sofer, stating that “Maran the great gaon, the rosh yeshiva of Kaf HaChaim, is certainly worthy according to all opinions of the blessing ‘שחלק מחכמתו ליראיו’.”

In light of the ongoing security situation, with many residents displaced and others frequently moving between home and protected spaces, Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, has issued a comprehensive set of psakim addressing how to properly fulfill the mitzvah of bedikas chametz this year.

The guidelines clarify obligations for evacuees, those staying in temporary housing, and the use of public shelters.

Regarding evacuees, the ruling distinguishes between those who have permanently left their homes and those who still intend to return during Pesach. If one has fully vacated their residence and does not plan to return, the obligation of bedikas chametz no longer applies there. However, if there is any intention to return during Pesach, even briefly, the home must be checked before departure or arrangements must be made for someone else to perform the bedikah.

For individuals staying in temporary accommodations—such as hotels, host homes, or other residences—they are required to perform bedikas chametz in the place where they will be residing for Pesach. The obligation rests on the person using the space, even if they are not the owner.

A significant portion of the guidelines addresses public shelters. The responsibility to check for chametz in a shared or public shelter falls on those who regularly use the space. In practice, this obligation may be fulfilled by a representative of the residents, a designated individual, or local authorities. A berachah is generally not recited when checking such shared spaces unless it clearly qualifies as one’s primary dwelling for Pesach.

In situations where sirens may interrupt the bedikah, the ruling is clear: safety takes absolute precedence. If an alarm sounds during bedikas chametz, one must immediately stop and proceed to a protected area. Upon returning, the bedikah should be resumed without a new berachah, provided the interruption was not excessively long or distracting.

The Chief Rabbi also emphasizes that even under these unusual conditions, one should strive to perform bedikas chametz properly, using a candle or flashlight as appropriate, and ensuring that all areas where chametz may have been brought are checked.

At the same time, the tone of the psak underscores sensitivity to the realities on the ground. In cases of uncertainty, danger, or significant difficulty, one should rely on leniencies where appropriate and consult a competent rav.

These guidelines aim to ensure that the mitzvah of bedikas chametz is fulfilled responsibly and safely, even under the challenging circumstances facing Klal Yisroel this year.

{Matzav.com}

The United Arab Emirates has issued a sharp warning against Iran, with its ambassador to Washington declaring that Tehran poses a direct threat to global security and economic stability, as tensions continue to rise across the region.

In an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal, UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba wrote that weeks of ongoing conflict have reinforced long-standing concerns about Iran’s role in the region.

“Three and a half weeks of war have proven what we have known for nearly 50 years, that the Iranian revolution is a threat to global security and its economic stability. We cannot allow Iran to hold the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the global economy hostage,” he wrote.

Al Otaiba stressed that a simple ceasefire would not be sufficient, arguing instead for a broader outcome that addresses Iran’s full range of threats.

“A simple ceasefire is not enough. We need a comprehensive outcome to the war that addresses the full spectrum of Iran’s threats: its nuclear capabilities, missiles, drones, proxy terrorist organizations, and the blockade of international shipping routes,” he wrote.

He explained that Iran has singled out the UAE more than any other country, not only because of geography but also because of fundamental differences between the two nations.

“The reason Iran is attacking the UAE more than any other country, and why we have become a primary target, is not only because we are so close, but because we are so different. The UAE is a modern, progressive Muslim society that is thriving and serves its people. We empower women and welcome all religions. The UAE is an argument Iran cannot win, an idea it cannot accept.”

Al Otaiba emphasized that the UAE will continue to meet the challenge, expand its economy, and strengthen ties with the United States. At the same time, he noted that despite damage to Iran’s nuclear program and its proxy forces, more must be done to address ongoing threats.

“More must be done to remove the missile and drone threats,” he said, adding that the UAE is “ready to join an international initiative to reopen the strait and keep it open,” referring to the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that the UAE has been on the front lines of the conflict, noting that Iran has launched more than 2,180 missiles and drones toward the Emirates—more than at any other country.

“We have one of the most effective defense systems in the world and intercept more than 95% of these attacks,” he said.

Al Otaiba also warned that Iran’s actions extend far beyond the UAE’s borders.

“Beyond our borders, Iran is attacking airports, seaports, and energy infrastructure. It is blocking energy shipments and supplies for fertilizers and manufacturing, and threatens amusement parks and cultural sites around the world through its proxy network. This is not a war we wanted. Until hours before the first strike, Emirati officials were engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts from Tehran to Washington. We made it clear to the Iranians that in the event of war, UAE territory and airspace would not be used for attacks on Iran.”

Iran signaled a firm refusal to enter negotiations with the United States as the conflict continues, with its foreign minister declaring Wednesday that Tehran has no intention of engaging in talks.

The remarks, delivered by Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and broadcast by state media, came as American strikes on Iranian targets persist.

“We do not plan on any negotiations,” the minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said, signaling a hardline stance despite reports of indirect diplomatic contacts.

Iran has also dismissed a U.S.-supported 15-point proposal aimed at ending the fighting, describing it as unreasonable and unacceptable, according to regional sources and officials familiar with the matter.

Instead, Tehran has put forward its own five-point outline for bringing the conflict to a close.

The Iranian proposal calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, assurances that fighting will not resume, an end to targeted assassinations, compensation for damages caused by the war, and acknowledgment of Iran’s role in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials in Tehran maintain that the competing proposals from both sides cannot be reconciled.

A senior Iranian official told international media that Washington lacks the authority to impose an outcome and that Tehran will determine “how to end the conflict” based on its own conditions.

Observers say these statements underscore a growing disconnect between Iran’s public rejection of talks and U.S. assertions that diplomatic channels remain active behind the scenes.

Donald Trump has said his administration is involved in “constructive” discussions intended to bring the war to an end, now entering its fourth week.

While Iranian leaders deny that formal negotiations are taking place, diplomatic sources indicate that communication is continuing through intermediaries in countries such as Pakistan and Turkey.

The conflict erupted on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched widespread strikes on Iranian assets, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran throughout the region.

Since then, the confrontation has included missile barrages, disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and military actions across several countries.

At the same time, Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened.

A U.S. proposal reportedly included restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile activities in exchange for easing sanctions.

Tehran has refused to negotiate under what it describes as pressure created by ongoing military action.

Iranian leadership insists that talks cannot occur while strikes continue, a stance Amir-Abdollahian repeated on Wednesday.

It remains uncertain whether the current indirect exchanges could eventually develop into formal negotiations.

There is also ongoing uncertainty regarding which figures within Iran’s leadership hold the authority to decide on ending the war.

For now, both sides appear to be advancing on two tracks simultaneously — escalating military operations while maintaining limited diplomatic contact — leaving the chances for a negotiated resolution unclear.

Israel and the United States have reportedly paused plans to target two senior Iranian officials in a move aimed at creating space for potential negotiations to end the fighting, according to American sources.

Sources indicate that Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have been removed from operational target lists for a period of approximately four to five days. The temporary step comes as part of a broader effort to explore whether diplomatic progress can be made at the highest levels.

At the same time, international mediators—including Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt—are working to coordinate a meeting between U.S. and Iranian representatives in the near term. The goal is to secure a temporary ceasefire that would allow formal negotiations to begin.

Despite these efforts, officials involved in the process have cautioned that significant gaps remain between the two sides. Reports from Tehran suggest that Iranian leaders are, for now, rejecting proposals to enter negotiations.

The White House has also issued a firm warning that Washington is prepared to escalate its actions if diplomatic efforts fail.

In Israel, officials believe a ceasefire could be reached within days, though there is also a strong interest in continuing military operations beyond any initial pause.