Matzav

Monmouth Medical Center South in Lakewood, NJ experienced a major power outage early Shabbos morning, leaving the hospital operating on limited backup power for several hours.

The outage occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m., knocking out electricity throughout the facility.

Of the hospital’s three generators, only one was functioning, creating a potentially dangerous situation for patients.

As the crisis unfolded, local askanim and members of Hatzolah of Central Jersey and Chaveirim immediately sprang into action. Working tirelessly and in coordination with hospital staff, they helped stabilize the situation and ensure that patient care continued without interruption.

Thanks to their swift and selfless efforts, the most critical systems were kept running, and patients remained safe throughout the ordeal.

Power was eventually restored after several hours, but the response from the community’s frum emergency volunteers once again revealed the dedication of Lakewood’s local baalei chesed.

{Matzav.com}

In an unprecedented moment for America’s largest city, New York City recorded zero shootings and zero murders on July 4th, 2025 — the first time such a violence-free Independence Day has occurred in the city’s recorded history.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the milestone Friday morning, calling it “a historic and hopeful moment for all New Yorkers.” The NYPD verified that not a single shooting or homicide occurred across the five boroughs throughout the holiday, long known for spikes in gun violence in major cities.

“This is not just a data point — it’s a reflection of what’s possible when strategic enforcement, strong community partnerships, and smart deployment come together,” said Tisch.

The news marks a significant milestone in what has already been a banner year for public safety in New York City. According to NYPD data, the first half of 2025 saw the fewest number of shooting victims and incidents on record — a 24% drop in shooting victims and a 23% decline in incidents compared to the same period in 2024.

Officials attributed the remarkable progress to a combination of initiatives, including targeted summer deployments in high-risk areas, expanded community collaboration efforts, and a revamped approach to data-driven policing.

{Matzav.com}

A group of rabbonim in Lakewood, NJ have issued a strongly worded kol koreh directed at members of the local community, emphasizing the need to uphold strict communal and halachic standards when renting and maintaining homes in local neighborhoods.

The rabbonim decry the recent trend of renting properties to tenants whose background, behavior, or appearance are not aligned with the values and sensitivities of the Torah world. “We have been approached by concerned members of the community regarding property owners who are leasing to individuals who appear outwardly incompatible with the spirit of a bais Yisrael,” the letter states. “This conduct brings about tremendous chillul Hashem and threatens the sanctity of our neighborhoods.”

The letter includes a list of clear guidelines that all property owners must follow:

• Multiple families may not reside in a single unit.

• Tenants must maintain cleanliness and order.

• Homeowners must keep their homes in line with neighborhood standards.

• All construction and renovations must comply with local zoning and halachic regulations.

• It is forbidden to rent to individuals with known criminal records or anyone whose background renders them unsuitable for a Torah community. Proper vetting must be done before signing or renewing any lease.

• Homeowners must regularly inspect their properties and handle needed repairs or tenant issues directly. If a problem cannot be resolved, the tenant must be removed.

• Responsibility may not be delegated; the homeowner is fully accountable and cannot pass off oversight to a third party.

The letter is signed by rabbonim including Rav Henach Shachar, Rav Uri Deutsch, Rav Chaim Meir Roth, Rav Avrohom Spitzer, Rav Yaakov Ephraim Forchheimer, and Rav Yosef Chananya Jacobowitz.

{Matzav.com}

A moving moment took place on Friday night at the tish of the Toldos Aharon Rebbe in Yerushalayim’s Meah Shearim neighborhood, Matzav.com has learned, when the Rebbe sent a piece of challah – some shirayim – to Agam Berger, a survivor of Hamas captivity, who was present in the ezras noshim.

Agam Berger was in Yerushalayim for a special Shabbos organized by the Kesher Yehudi organization – an incredible initiative led by various activists, including R’ Shmuel Yosef (Ralph) Rieder – which hosted hundreds of alumni from pre-army academies for a weekend of connection and inspiration.

During the tish, held at the main Toldos Aharon beis medrash, Berger’s father, Shlomi Berger, was called up by the Rebbe, who warmly praised the tremendous kiddush Hashem brought about by his daughter. The Rebbe then handed him a portion of challah to give to Agam, who was observing the tish from the women’s gallery.

Later over Shabbos, Agam Berger shared with the assembled participants of the Kesher Yehudi Shabbaton powerful reflections on her time in captivity. She recounted how she clung to her faith and mitzvah observance even in the darkest moments, drawing strength from her emunah and the Jewish identity that sustained her throughout the ordeal.

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Avrohom Dov Pinsky zt”l, longtime rosh yeshiva of Shaarei Tzion L’Tzeirim in Bnei Brak.

Rav Pinsky, who lived in Petach Tikvah and later in Kiryat Yearim (Telz-Stone), was niftar on Shabbos following years of illness. He was 76.

The levayah was held late Motzoei Shabbos at the Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah, where he was laid to rest.

Rav Pinsky was born in England on 25 Shevat 5709 (1949) to his father, Rav Kalman Azriel (Zelig) Pinsky zt”l, rosh kollel of Aliyos Eliyahu, and his mother, Rebbetzin Chaya Itta a”h, daughter of the famed mashgiach, Rav Elya Lopian zt”l.

As a young man, Rav Pinsky learned in Yeshivas Chevron in Yerushalayim, where he absorbed Torah from the roshei yeshiva and earned a reputation for his ahavas Yisroel and care for others.

One of the best-known stories told about him highlights his deep sensitivity. Rav Meir Tzimrot, a maggid meisharim, once shared that when he joined Yeshivas Chevron mid-year, he felt entirely alone. With 350 talmidim already settled in, there was no bed for him in the dorm, no spot in the first shift of the dining room, and no one to learn with. For two days, he sat alone, unnoticed. On the third day, just before Mincha, someone approached him and asked, “What’s your name?” When Rav Meir responded, the bochur asked, “Why are you learning alone?” Rav Meir, overwhelmed, burst into tears and admitted he didn’t know anyone. The young man then told him, “I’ll learn with you until I find you a chavrusa.” That bochur was Rav Avrohom Dov Pinsky. “He gave me chizuk and encouragement,” Rav Meir said. “I’ll never forget how he fulfilled the words of Shammai: Hevei mekabel es kol ha’adam b’sever panim yafos. It’s because of him that I remained in the yeshiva.”

Rav Pinsky married Rebbetzin Zehava a”h (née Sorsky), who predeceased him several years ago.

For decades, Rav Pinsky led Yeshivas Shaarei Tzion L’Tzeirim in Bnei Brak, raising generations of talmidim with dedication and warmth. In his hometown of Petach Tikvah, he founded Torah institutions and would often fondly recount the special relationship he merited with his grandfather, Rav Elya.

He was a beloved mispallel at Tefillah L’Moshe in Petach Tikvah, under the leadership of Rav Nissim Levi, where he was cherished by all who daven there.

In recent years, he relocated to Kiryat Yearim (Telz-Stone), where he continued to inspire those around him with his quiet dignity and yiras Shamayim.

Rav Pinsky leaves behind a large and distinguished family—sons, daughters, and grandchildren—who continue his legacy of Torah and yiras Shamayim.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Tonight, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s office issued a statement addressing Hamas’s latest response to the Qatar-backed ceasefire framework, stating unequivocally that “the changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel.”

Despite rejecting Hamas’s proposed amendments, the statement confirmed that Netanyahu, following a strategic assessment, instructed the negotiating team to proceed with proximity talks. “In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages – on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to – be continued,” the statement said.

Israel’s delegation is scheduled to depart on Sunday for discussions in Qatar, as the government moves forward in efforts to secure a deal based on the original terms it approved.

This update follows Hamas’s announcement on Friday night that it had responded favorably to the latest truce and hostage deal proposal, though it was also seeking what it characterized as “minor amendments.”

Among the changes demanded by Hamas are the shutdown of the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops to previously agreed-upon positions, and assurances that hostilities will not resume once the 60-day ceasefire concludes.

A diplomatic source involved in the talks emphasized the importance of firm commitments: “Egypt, Qatar, and the US must provide guarantees for the continuation of the process.” However, another official pointed out that unresolved issues remain, including the management of aid deliveries, control of the Rafah crossing, and the detailed schedule for Israeli troop movements.

An Israeli official commented on one of Hamas’s core demands, saying, “This GHF is exactly what led Hamas to agree to a deal,” and added, “so it’s not surprising that they demand its removal—but there will be no agreement to that.”

Speaking on Friday night, US President Donald Trump voiced cautious optimism about the negotiations, stating that there “could be a Gaza deal” in the coming week, though he also acknowledged the situation remains fluid and subject to change.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a unique and seldom-seen moment, the Rebbe of Chernobyl paid a special visit last week to the home of the Belzer Rebbe.

At the start of the visit, the Chernobyler Rebbe inquired after the health and wellbeing of the Belzer Rebbe, who responded, “Baruch Hashem, better now.”

The Belzer Rebbe then asked, “In Chernobyl, was it customary for the sons of the holy Rav Aharon of Chernobyl zt”l to say Torah publicly?”

The Chernobyler Rebbe replied, “They did not. Rav Aharon himself would say Torah in a whisper.”

Curious, the Belzer Rebbe asked whether the Rebbe himself delivers Torah discourses.

His son, Rav Aharon Twerski, answered on his behalf: “My father shlit”a only repeats teachings from holy seforim; he does not say his own. The tzaddik Rav Moshe of Koristshov zt”l, son of Rav Mordechai of Chernobyl zt”l, also refrained from saying Torah. One time, when he wasn’t feeling well, he told his son to go lead the tish and say Torah.”

The Belzer Rebbe honored his guest by inviting him to share something of his own.

In response, Rav Aharon Twerski recounted a story: “The holy Rav Mordechai of Rachmastrivka zt”l was once on a ship en route to Eretz Yisroel. One of the great rabbonim aboard asked him to say something, and Rav Mordechai responded, ‘If the rav is like an angel of Hashem, then seek Torah from his mouth.’”

The two Rebbes then made a l’chaim, blessing one another over wine.

The Belzer Rebbe shared a thought: “It’s said about the Me’or Einayim that he would say many divrei Torah, and the ones printed were only those he didn’t offer himself.” He added, “The seforim ask why the Torah uses the phrase ‘zos chukas haTorah’ when it only discusses Parah Adumah. Why not ‘zos chukas haParah’? The Me’or Einayim explains that although there is a reason given by Rav Moshe HaDarshan, the fact that teshuvah itself works is a chok — a Divine decree beyond reason.”

The Belzer Rebbe then asked if the Chernobyler Rebbe planned to travel anywhere to rest during the summer.

“Maybe to Switzerland,” the Chernobyler Rebbe answered.

“Where is your yeshiva currently located?” asked the Belzer Rebbe.

“In Elad,” replied the Chernobyler Rebbe.

“And who is the rosh yeshiva?” the Belzer Rebbe continued.

“There are ramim,” he replied, “but no official rosh yeshiva.”

Rav Aharon Twerski added, “The holy Rav Aharon zt”l once said that a yeshiva requires barrels of gold.”

To which the Belzer Rebbe responded, “The idea is that barrels of gold come from the yeshiva.”

Turning to their family histories, the Belzer Rebbe asked, “Did your grandfather, Rav Chaim Yitzchok Twerski zt”l, live in Chernobyl?”

The Chernobyler Rebbe responded, “He lived in Kyiv. Originally, he was from Mazyr in Russia, where he was born, and then later moved to Kyiv.”

“Your father, Rav Meshulam Zusia zt”l, came to Eretz Yisroel miraculously,” noted the Belzer Rebbe.

“Yes,” replied the Chernobyler Rebbe. “It was unheard of at the time. Back then, only the elderly would move to Eretz Yisroel. No one understood how he was able to come. My grandfather zt”l left for Eretz Yisroel just before the war. In 1939, he was sent from Poland to Jerusalem.”

“Your father spent Shabbos in Belz,” recalled the Belzer Rebbe.

The Chernobyler Rebbe confirmed, “Indeed, he wrote it down, though not explicitly. He hinted that he went to daven at the kevarim of the avos, and he spent a Shabbos during Elul in Belz.”

“I remember that when he lived in Eretz Yisroel, he would frequently visit my uncle, the Rebbe zt”l,” the Belzer Rebbe said.

The Belzer Rebbe added, “Your grandmother a”h, the mother of your father zt”l and daughter of Rav Yitzchok Yeshaya of Tshakhow zt”l, who was a grandson of the Rebbe Rav Yehoshua zt”l — she also lived here in Eretz Yisroel.”

The Chernobyler Rebbe replied, “Yes, she was born in Belz…”

The Belzer Rebbe concluded, “I remember she was present at my bar mitzvah celebration.”

The visit ended with warm brachos exchanged between the two Rebbes.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israel announced tonight that it will be sending a delegation to Qatar on Sunday to participate in indirect negotiations with Hamas over a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages.

In the same statement, the Prime Minister’s Office clarified that Hamas had put forward a number of changes to the existing framework, and that Israel views these changes as unacceptable.

The decision to send Israeli envoys to Qatar comes as Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu prepares to fly to Washington on Sunday. There, he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump, with the Gaza conflict and the ongoing hostage discussions expected to be a central focus of their talks.

On Friday, Hamas gave what it described as a “positive” reply to a framework backed by both the United States and Israel. The plan outlines the staggered release of about half of the hostages who are still alive, as well as the remains of roughly half of those who died in captivity, all over the course of a 60-day period and five separate handovers.

A source involved in the mediation revealed that Hamas requested three modifications to the plan.

According to that source, Hamas wants assurances that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire will continue until a final agreement is reached. They also insist that humanitarian aid be restored in full via United Nations and international aid channels, and demand that Israeli forces pull back to the positions they held prior to the collapse of the previous truce in March.

The Prime Minister’s Office said on Saturday night that Hamas’s proposed changes were submitted the previous evening and emphasized that “are not acceptable to Israel.” Nonetheless, it confirmed that the Israeli team would travel to Doha on Sunday to continue the process. The statement did not indicate which of Hamas’s demands were rejected.

Meanwhile, across Israel, families of hostages staged rallies on Saturday night, calling on the government to secure a deal that brings home all the hostages — and not just a portion — in exchange for a permanent halt to the war.

Ahead of the protests, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a statement criticizing the emerging deal, which they fear will leave some captives behind even after the two-month ceasefire ends.

“At this critical time, we must not conform to the various ‘Schindler’s lists’ being dictated, as if it wasn’t possible to bring them all back long ago,” the group said, referencing the Holocaust-era rescue of 1,200 Jews through Oskar Schindler’s factory.

The Forum warned that releasing hostages in phases using prioritized lists plunges families into “unbearable uncertainty.”

“All of the abductees could have been returned for rehabilitation and burial many months ago, if only the government had chosen to do so rather than operate based on considerations of political survival.”

Hostage families have previously likened past partial deals — such as the one-week pause in November 2023 that freed 105 captives, and the two-month break in fighting earlier this year when 30 more were released — to the Nazis’ “selection” process in the camps, where some were sent to die and others were temporarily spared for forced labor.

{Matzav.com}

Tucker Carlson has announced that he managed to secure an interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, shortly after the recent military operations known as Operation Rising Liuon and Operation Midnight Hammer.

“We know we’ll be criticized for this interview, and we decided to do it anyway,” Carlson stated. “We were just at war with Iran ten days ago, and may be again. Our view is that American citizens have the Constitutional and God-given right to know as much about what is being done with their money and in their name as they can. That includes hearing from the people they’re fighting.”

The United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer without a formal declaration of war against Iran—something that constitutionally requires Congressional authorization. This has stirred a familiar political firestorm, with lawmakers on both sides criticizing the administration’s decision to bypass Congress, continuing a long-running debate that dates back to the Vietnam era.

“Can you believe everything you hear from the president of Iran? Probably not,” Carlson acknowledged. “But keep in mind that anyone who seeks to deny you that right is not your ally, but your enemy. We have also put in an interview request for Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, for the third time in the past few months.”

Carlson pointed out that there were inherent challenges in conducting the interview. “We had to work remotely, and through a translator. There are some questions to which I cannot expect an honest answer, and so I didn’t ask, questions like ‘Was the nuclear program entirely disabled by the American bombing?’ The purpose was not the absolute truth, which was impossible, but to add to the body of knowledge available for the American people to form their opinion.”

{Matzav.com}

Republican New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa discusses the race and stresses the importance of ‘sticking to the issues’ against Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani.

WATCH:

According to a new report from The Telegraph, five Israeli military installations were directly impacted by Iranian missile fire during the June clashes between Israel and Iran.

The findings, based on satellite imagery reviewed by analysts at the University of Oregon, show that a total of six missiles landed at strategic sites across Israel’s central, northern, and southern regions. Among those targeted were Tel Nof Airbase and the Glilot compound, which houses the elite Unit 8200 of Israeli military intelligence.

Other affected sites reportedly included the Tziporit installation in the north, a military location close to Tulkarem, and another near Beit Nehemia that sustained two direct hits.

This new information adds to previously reported data indicating that 36 buildings were also struck during the fighting. Although the majority of Iranian rockets were neutralized before reaching their targets, experts observed that Iran’s accuracy improved over the course of the conflict. The reason for this trend remains uncertain, The Telegraph noted.

“The data shows that five previously unreported military facilities were hit by six Iranian missiles across northern, southern, and central Israel, including a large air base, an intelligence gathering center, and a logistics base,” The Telegraph reported. The IDF declined to provide specific details about the reported strikes, though a spokesperson emphasized that all essential units remained operational during the confrontation.

Roughly 16% of the missiles succeeded in bypassing Israeli and American defensive systems, leading to the deaths of 28 people.

A shul in Melbourne was targeted in a deliberate arson attack on Friday night, forcing members of the Jewish community to flee the building. The attack comes seven months after a similar act of destruction leveled another shul in the city, injuring one person.

According to a statement released by Victoria Police, a man approached the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation around 8 p.m., poured accelerant on the front double doors, and ignited the fire. At the time, roughly 20 people were inside the shul enjoying a Shabbos seudah. They escaped through a back exit, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread beyond the entrance. Damage was limited to the front doors, as shown in images released by authorities.

Police reported that the suspect was spotted walking through a nearby park before approaching the shul. After setting the fire, he ran from the scene. Authorities have not yet identified the individual.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the attack, linking it to the earlier incident and accusing the perpetrators of seeking to terrorize the Jewish population.

“Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate, and any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of antisemitism,” she stated.

Acting Commander Zorka Dunstan of Victoria Police addressed reporters, describing the fire as a “serious crime.” While the department’s Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit is leading the probe, officials emphasized that it has not yet been classified as terrorism.

“I’d like to make it very clear that we do recognize that these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent. But at this stage, we are not declaring this a terrorist incident,” Dunstan said.

“In the course of our investigation, we will examine the intent and the ideology of the persons involved, or person, to determine if this is in fact terrorism. At the moment, we are categorizing it as a serious criminal incident and responding accordingly,” she added.

Designating the attack as terrorism would allow for additional resources and could lead to more severe criminal charges.

Danny Segal, president of the shul, urged Australians to unite against hatred and violence.

“We’re here to be in peace, you know, we’re here for everybody to live together and we’ve got a fresh start in Australia, such a beautiful country, and what they’re doing is just not fair and not right, and as Australians, we should stand up and everybody should stand up,” Segal said.

Police released surveillance footage of a man they hope to question in connection with the fire. Though not officially labeled a suspect, he is described as being in his mid-30s, with a beard and long hair, dressed in dark clothing and carrying a large black bag.

Later that same evening, a separate disturbing incident took place at a Miznon restaurant in downtown Melbourne. Around 20 masked individuals reportedly harassed patrons, damaging property and creating panic. One window was broken, and police arrested a 28-year-old woman for obstructing officers.

Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, condemned the restaurant attack and said the demonstrators terrorized customers by shouting, “Death to the IDF.”

“Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews,” Abramovich said.

Mayor Nicholas Reece of Melbourne denounced both attacks, expressing deep concern.

“These criminal acts against a Melbourne synagogue and an Israeli business are absolutely shocking,” Reece said. “All of us as a community need to stand up against it.”

Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also responded to the news on social media, calling the incidents “yet another reminder of how far racist, antisemitic hate crimes have spread in the heart of Australia.”

“Israel stands with you,” Haskel wrote.

Investigators are looking into whether there is any connection between the shul arson and the restaurant incident. They are also probing another case involving property damage and fire at a business in Greensborough, a suburb of the city.

Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, sparked the war in Gaza, Australia has experienced a troubling surge in antisemitic violence and intimidation.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appeared in public for the first time since the onset of the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, participating in a somber Ashoura-eve observance.

Khamenei’s conspicuous silence and absence during the recent hostilities had fueled speculation about heightened protective measures. Iranian state television aired footage of him entering a mosque near his official residence and office in Tehran, where a crowd of supporters rose and chanted as he acknowledged them with waves and nods.

No immediate official remarks were reported from Khamenei at the event, although other senior Iranian officials, including the speaker of Parliament, were in attendance. Events of this nature are typically surrounded by significant security measures.

Sources indicate that throughout the conflict, the 86-year-old Khamenei had remained in a secure underground location due to elevated threats to his life.

During the war, after the United States escalated tensions by bombing three major nuclear facilities inside Iran, President Donald Trump issued pointed messages on social media. Addressing Khamenei, he said the U.S. was aware of the Supreme Leader’s whereabouts but had no intention of targeting him “at least for now.”

A few days after a ceasefire took effect on June 26, Khamenei broke his silence in a prerecorded message. In it, he declared that Iran had struck a blow to Washington by targeting a U.S. airbase in Qatar, and cautioned both America and Israel against further military action.

Trump, responding both in person and online, stated, “Look, you’re a man of great faith. A man who’s highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth. You got beat to h—.”

The ceremony Khamenei attended today commemorated the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, a seminal moment for Shiite Muslims.

Shiites, comprising more than 10% of the global Muslim population, honor Hussein as the rightful heir to the Prophet. His killing at the hands of Sunnis in the 7th century Battle of Karbala remains a defining moment in Shiite history and identity.

In Iran, where Shiism is the dominant faith, the ceremony featured red flags symbolizing Hussein’s spilled blood, and black tents and garments representing national mourning. Emotional displays included rhythmic chest-beating and self-flagellation by male participants. To ease the heat, some volunteers sprayed water on the crowd of mourners.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Thursday July 3, 2025,

One year ago, Torah in Eretz Yisroel stood at the brink. A sudden government freeze left more than 1,400 yeshivos and kollelim without vital support. Yungeleit went unpaid, meals were cut, and the entire infrastructure of limud haTorah was in danger of collapse. Klal Yisroel responded with extraordinary achdus and mesirus nefesh. Under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, and with the support of over 30,000 donors around the globe, $115 million was raised to keep the flame of Torah burning bright.

We had hoped the crisis would pass. But the war in the north and south still rages, the draft law remains unresolved, and the funding freeze continues. There is no political solution in sight, and no safety net in place. Today, more than 120,000 lomdei Torah are relying on Keren Olam HaTorah for their very survival.

Over the past two weeks, Gedolei Eretz Yisroel — among them Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, and Harav Don Segal, who traveled all the way from Switzerland despite recovering from illness — visited major kehillos across the United States on behalf of this urgent cause. They traveled to Baltimore, Chicago, Lakewood, Brooklyn, Monsey, Passaic, Deal, Toronto, and the Five Towns. In every city, their message was the same: the achrayus for the future of Torah rests upon us.

Their journey has already ignited a powerful wave of support. So far, 5,000 donors have contributed an incredible amount of more than $80,000,000. But the goal is $132 million, and we are still far from the finish line. The ones who got us there last time — those 30,000 donors who gave with large checks or small — are the ones we need again now.

This is not just another campaign. This is about ensuring the survival of Torah in Eretz Yisroel during one of the most challenging moments in its history. We did the impossible once. B’ezras Hashem, with your help, we will do it again.

BE A PART OF IT

[COMMUNICATED]

Over fifteen years ago, I committed to a life-changing mission: reciting the entire Sefer Tehillim every single day.

By the Tehillim Shliach Levi Piekarski

 Over fifteen years ago, I committed to a life-changing mission: reciting the entire Sefer Tehillim every single day.

About three years ago, I took it further. I began traveling to kivrei tzaddikim, reciting the entire Tehillim there—especially at the Ohel and at kevarim worldwide—specifically on behalf of those who ask me to daven for them. I’ve even started offering this as a service because I’ve personally witnessed miracles (both for myself and others) through heartfelt Tehillim. You can ask me about them.

How the Matzeivah Project Began

One day, while reciting the entire Tehillim at a kever on a yahrzeit, a Chevra Kadisha member approached me. He was trying to collect funds from the family to repair the kever. That same day, I helped secure the funds — and since then, I’ve arranged the repair of over 250 kevarim.

Right now, I’m working on a deeply meaningful project: repairing dozens of matzeivos of infants and young children, whose resting places deserve the same kavod as anyone else.

Why I’m Asking for Your Help

I’m dedicating myself to this mission for three reasons:

• A broken or neglected matzeivah causes pain to the neshama. This is chesed shel emes—true kindness with no expectation of reward.
• When I restore a matzeivah, I bring a picture of it into the Ohel when I recite Tehillim. I believe this adds power to the tefillos I say on behalf of others.
• Before COVID, my home was open almost year-round to everyone. While our hachnosas orchim has scaled down to family and friends, I continue the same spirit of giving—now through restoring kevarim.

A Story That Shook Me

On 26 Nisan this year, I was finishing Tehillim at a kever on its yahrzeit and driving toward the Ohel when a man approached me, looking for the Monistritcher Rebbe’s kever. I gave him a ride, and on the way, I asked which chassidus he was from. He said Vizhnitz, so I mentioned a nearby kever—Eiga bas Azriel, believed to be connected to Vizhnitz.

Her matzeivah reads:

“Lovely people, I am all alone and left no children. Please light a candle and ask for my neshama. In this zechus, may Hashem bless you to live to see your children and their children in their old age with everything good. Amen.”

After he returned from her kever, he turned to me and said: “I’ve been married for 23 years… and have no children.”

I was speechless. What are the chances? Later, when we arrived at the Monistritcher Rebbe’s kever, he told me that day was his yahrzeit. I replied, “No way—I recently raised funds to repair his Ohel!”

Though I usually only daven at the Rebbe’s Ohel (as a Lubavitcher), I knew in my heart the Rebbe would want me to recite Tehillim and light a candle at Eiga bas Azriel’s kever, and I did.

I turned to the man and said:

“In the zechus of 15 years of daily Tehillim, the hachnosas orchim I’ve done, and every kever I’ve repaired, may your wife become pregnant by Shavuos, and may you hold a child within the year.”

I asked for his and his wife’s names and gave them over in the Ohel. Though I usually offer this as a paid service, I told him, “This one is on me.”

Upon entering the Ohel, I cried my heart out, and begged the Rebbe, “Please show this Yid who’s the Boss and please intercede by HASHEM.

Two weeks later, I called him. He told me he’s been reciting Mishnayos every day since we met.

The Next Kever to Fix – Eiga bas Azriel

Recently, while davening at her kever, people approached me to ask for tefillos—for children, for shidduchim. One woman asked, “Does it help to daven here?”

I answered honestly:
“I don’t know what happened years ago, but I do know that so many people have lit candles and said Tehillim here, her neshama must be soaring. Of course she can help.”

While reciting the full Tehillim at her kever, I noticed her matzeivah is leaning to one side, and the base is buried under the earth.

I said to myself, How can I daven at so many kevarim and not fix hers?
So I took it upon myself to raise the funds to restore it properly. Any extra will go toward other kevarim projects, like the matzeivos for the infants.

Join Me in This Zechus

If this speaks to your heart, I invite you to be a partner in this mitzvah. I will recite the entire Tehillim on your behalf at any kever worldwide.

Chesed Shel Emes. Tehillim from the heart. Kavod for neshamos. Zechus for those who give.

Levi Piekarski 516.474.5846

Name4tehillim@gmail.com
Or, Click here to WhatsApp me.

Avi Piamenta, a beloeved presence in Jewish music and an acclaimed flutist, passed away on Friday night at the age of 69.

Avi died suddenly while visiting New York, where he had come to participate in the annual commemoration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s yahrtzeit.

Born in 1956 in Yerushalayim, Avi was raised in a secular environment. From an early age, he immersed himself in music, studying piano and then discovering the flute, an instrument that would ultimately define his musical identity. At 17, he joined forces with his older brother Yossi, a trailblazing guitarist, and the two began performing together onstage.

Following the Yom Kippur War, the Piamenta brothers launched what became the renowned “Piamenta Band.” Their group played a major role in reshaping the sound of Jewish music, fusing it with modern influences and reaching diverse audiences around the world.

As time went on, Avi grew increasingly connected to the Chabad movement, a path his brother Yossi also embraced. The family eventually relocated to the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. He became a familiar figure at Chabad events.

During the early 1990s, Yossi Piamenta moved back to Israel, and Avi soon did the same. He took up residence in Kfar Chabad, where he remained active on the simcha scene, playing at weddings and functions, and continuing to inspire audiences with his signature sound.

Avi leaves behind his wife, Yudit (nee Levy); his children, Yehuda Piamenta (Crown Heights), Genya Suwed (Mexico City, Mexico), Rivka Eichler (New Haven, CT), Mushka Piamenta (Monsey, NY), Chana Atar (Nicaragua), Mendy Piamenta (New Haven, CT), Dovy Piamenta (New Haven, CT), and Yossi Piamenta (Crown Heights), and grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Mrs. Chaya Meer (Morristown, NJ), and Mrs. Chana Lorber (Kfar Chabad, Israel). He was predeceased by his brother, Yossi.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A devastating flood in Texas has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including nine children, as rescue teams scramble to locate the missing, according to The Weather Channel. The catastrophe unfolded following a powerful storm that overwhelmed the region, with authorities particularly focused on the search for 25 children from a summer camp who remain unaccounted for, sparking widespread concern.

The Guadalupe River surged rapidly, submerging vast areas and sweeping through homes, vehicles, and campsites. ABC News reported that more than 160 aerial rescues were conducted, successfully evacuating approximately 850 individuals from flooded zones, rooftops, and campgrounds. Eight people sustained injuries ranging from mild to moderate and were flown to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick described the flooding as a disaster without precedent. “Not a single drop of rain fell before the tragedy, and then suddenly — a massive storm caused the river to rise by 7 meters in less than an hour,” he told Reuters, underlining the sheer speed and force of the flooding.

The storm struck as Americans celebrated Independence Day, compounding the heartbreak. One of the hardest-hit places was the “Mystic” summer camp, where hundreds of children were spending the holiday. Thirteen-year-old camper Linor Lester recounted the harrowing ordeal to CNN: “The camp was completely flooded. Suddenly, a helicopter appeared and started rescuing us. It was very frightening.”

According to AccuWeather, forecasters had alerted Texas officials hours before the flooding began. However, as NBC News reported, the company criticized the state’s failure to act quickly. “They had hours to evacuate,” the forecast provider said, suggesting a missed opportunity to prevent loss of life.

Still, Texas Emergency Management Division Chief NIM Kid defended the state’s response, explaining to Fox News that the actual storm intensity exceeded any prediction. “No one predicted the amount of rainfall — it was far beyond the forecasts,” he stated.

President Donald Trump issued a message of sympathy for those impacted. A statement from the White House read: “Melania and I are praying for everyone affected by this tragedy. Our brave rescue teams are doing their work with tireless dedication. God bless Texas.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his sorrow via social media, saying, “Heartbroken by the devastating floods in Texas. On behalf of the people of Israel, I extend my deepest condolences to all the people of Texas, to Governor Greg Abbott TX, a true friend of Israel who stood with us in our darkest hour, and to all the families mourning unimaginable loss, especially of young children at summer camp.”

“We admire the courage of the first responders and rescue teams working tirelessly to save lives, and we hope and pray that more survivors will be found safe. The people of Israel stand in solidarity with the people of Texas at this painful time.”

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk has announced the creation of a new political party, saying the traditional system is no longer serving the country.

In a post on X, the platform he owns, Musk unveiled what he’s calling the “America Party,” describing it as an answer to what he claims is a rigged and out-of-touch political class. Musk said the party would challenge the current system, which he believes has lost touch with ordinary Americans.

This announcement followed a July 4 poll Musk posted to X, in which he asked users whether they favored “independence” from what he labeled the “two-party (some would say uniparty) system.” The post quickly gained traction.

More than 1.2 million people responded, and 65.4% voted in favor of breaking away.

“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it,” Musk posted Saturday. “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

Musk’s announcement coincided with President Donald Trump’s signing of the sweeping “big, beautiful bill” on Friday at the White House.

That legislation, totaling $3.3 trillion, includes major tax reductions, funding for infrastructure, and economic relief. Critics from the right and libertarian circles have blasted it as reckless spending. Although Musk didn’t mention the bill in his announcement, the timing hinted at a possible clash brewing between the tech mogul and the president. Musk has long cautioned that out-of-control spending by both major parties puts the country’s economic future at risk.

According to Musk, the America Party will initially focus on a handful of congressional seats, aiming to form a small coalition capable of tipping the balance of power. His objective is to prevent both Republicans and Democrats from pushing what he sees as harmful agendas.

In response, some conservative voices warned that a new party could unintentionally hand power to the left by dividing right-leaning voters.

“Your third party will disproportionately take votes from the right vs the left and give the left an easier path to power,” conservative commentator Shawn Farash posted.

Joey Mannarino, another right-wing figure, advised Musk to focus his efforts on transforming the Republican Party from within.

Skeptics also noted that the online poll Musk conducted was informal and open to non-Americans, making it susceptible to bots and manipulation.

Historically, the American political landscape has made it extremely difficult for third-party movements to succeed due to structural hurdles like the Electoral College, single-winner districts, and restrictive ballot requirements. Even the most promising independent runs tend to fizzle after one election cycle.

Among the most notable attempts in recent decades was Ross Perot’s 1992 campaign.

He captured nearly 19% of the national vote as an independent but failed to secure any Electoral College votes. It was the most successful third-party bid since Teddy Roosevelt’s Bull Moose run in 1912, which challenged his former ally, William Howard Taft.

Other contenders like Ralph Nader of the Green Party and Libertarian Gary Johnson also entered the race in past years, but none came close to winning the presidency.

{Matzav.com}

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