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Soul Parenting is a 6-week online parenting course based on the timeless wisdom of the Torah taught by Rabbi Shais Taub. In Soul Parenting, Rabbi Shais Taub gently guides participants to uncover the deep, powerful qualities of great parenting they already possess — qualities that too often lie dormant beneath the surface. This course isn’t about learning to become someone you’re not. It’s about discovering the spiritual tools you already have and using them to build a more connected, meaningful relationship with your children. Whether your child is a toddler or already grown, it’s never too late to grow as a parent. Through a soulful, Torah-based lens, participants learn to tune into their innate power, recognize the infinite value of each child, and tap into the unbreakable bond between parent and child. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY  Classes are LIVE and INTERACTIVE. Lesson 1
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The White House issued a strong rebuttal following a New York Times report that revealed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had created a second Signal messaging group that included his wife and brother, where he allegedly discussed a U.S. airstrike in Yemen targeting Houthi militants. The administration emphasized that no classified details were ever disclosed in the chat.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly dismissed the claims, saying, “no matter how many times the legacy media tries to resurrect the same non-story, they can’t change the fact that no classified information was shared.”

She further stated, “recently fired ‘leakers’ are continuing to misrepresent the truth to soothe their shattered egos and undermine the president’s agenda, but the administration will continue to hold them accountable.”

According to the New York Times, the secondary Signal thread—hosted on a publicly available app that is not cleared for sharing sensitive defense content—had 13 members. Among them were Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, a former Fox News producer, and his brother Phil Hegseth, a senior adviser and liaison from the Department of Homeland Security. Both individuals have accompanied Secretary Hegseth on official trips and attended top-level briefings.

Sean Parnell, who serves as Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, criticized the article in a statement to Newsmax, likening the report’s timing to a media stunt.

“Another day, another old story—back from the dead,” Parnell wrote. “The Trump-hating media continues to be obsessed with destroying anyone committed to President Trump’s agenda.”

Parnell accused the New York Times and other media outlets of leaning on biased sources to manufacture controversy. “This time, The New York Times — and all other Fake News that repeat their garbage — are enthusiastically taking the grievances of disgruntled former employees as the sole sources for their article. They relied only on the words of people who were fired this week and appear to have a motive to sabotage the secretary and the President’s agenda.”

He made clear that the Signal chat in question never contained sensitive material. “There was no classified information in any Signal chat, no matter how many ways they try to write the story. What is true is that the Office of the Secretary of Defense is continuing to become stronger and more efficient in executing President Trump’s agenda.”

Parnell concluded by emphasizing the administration’s commitment to military readiness and national defense. “We’ve already achieved so much for the American warfighter, and will never back down.”

{Matzav.com}

China on Monday warned other countries against making trade deals with the United States to China’s detriment. Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with Washington after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s trading partners on April 2. The import taxes were quickly paused against most countries after markets panicked, but he increased his already steep tariffs against China. “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month the countries currently negotiating trade deals with the U.S. should “approach China as a group” together with Washington. The U.S. tariffs against other countries are economic bullying, the ministry said in the statement attributed to an unnamed spokesperson. “Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot win respect,” it added. “For one’s own temporary selfish interests, sacrificing the interests of others in exchange for so-called exemptions is like seeking the skin from a tiger. It will ultimately only fail on both ends and harm others without benefiting themselves.” China said it’s open to talks with Washington but no meetings have been announced. Trump made China the target of his steepest tariffs, imposing several rounds of tariffs totaling 145% duties on Chinese imports. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs of 125% on U.S. imports. The tariffs have spooked exporters and stalled shipments, while threatening to drag on the global economy. (AP)

An IDF soldier who never got to celebrate his bar mitzvah finally did so today – while on duty in the Gaza Strip

President Trump is reportedly planning to strip Harvard University of another $1 billion in federal funding, building on his administration’s move last week to freeze $2.2 billion in grants over the school’s unwillingness to reform its policies on antisemitism and admissions practices.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the decision to escalate came after Harvard released a detailed letter outlining demands from the Trump administration—contents that White House officials had expected would remain confidential.

Originally, the administration had intended to show more flexibility toward Harvard compared to Columbia University. But after Harvard’s leadership disclosed the letter—which included stipulations such as federal supervision over admissions decisions, staff hiring, and ideological leanings among students and faculty—the White House reconsidered its approach.

Harvard president Alan Garber commented on the letter from Trump’s newly established Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, saying the administration’s conditions “make clear that the intention is not to work with us to address antisemitism in a cooperative and constructive manner,” according to the Journal.

Garber went on to say, “We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement.”

The Trump team had initially expected Harvard to comply in the same way Columbia did, when it quickly accepted federal conditions in an effort to reclaim $400 million in frozen aid. But Harvard’s public opposition and release of the letter significantly heightened tensions, resulting in the $2.26 billion freeze.

In addition to halting funding, the administration is reportedly considering targeting Harvard’s tax-exempt status and its capacity to admit foreign students—moves that could financially cripple the university.

Sources said Harvard originally approached the Trump administration in March, attempting to resolve the issue quietly. But as negotiations dragged on and the administration’s demands became more sweeping, university officials concluded the terms were far too invasive.

The April 11 letter was seen by the White House as a final ultimatum, sources said. Harvard officials noted the letter had no confidentiality markings, but members of the task force claimed they had conveyed their desire to keep the talks behind closed doors.

The public disclosure of the letter left many in the administration convinced that Harvard had no real intention of cooperating, the Journal reported.

Although the demands were made public one day earlier than originally scheduled, a spokesperson for the White House emphasized that the release was deliberate.

“Instead of grandstanding, Harvard should focus on rebuilding confidence among all students, particularly Jewish students,” the spokesman said. “The White House remains open to dialogue, but serious changes are needed at Harvard.”

Garber, in his statement, acknowledged that while a portion of the administration’s demands related to combating antisemitism, the bulk of the proposals amounted to “direct governmental regulation.”

{Matzav.com}

MKY! A Tzadik is going around Reunion in Orlando collecting leftover food for Tomchei Shabbos, the Kollel and other people in the local community. Video via Shimi J.

Aftermath of an Israeli air strike in central Gaza that targeted multiple terrorists.

Pete Hegseth on the media targeting him: “Leakers get fired and hit pieces come out.. This is what they do. They take anonymous sources from former employees, and they try to ruin people’s reputations… not gonna work with me!”

WELCOME TO MIAMI! Israel’s National Security Minister Ben Gvir is heckled by upset Israelis upon his arrival in Miami.

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from South America, has passed away at the age of 88.

The Vatican’s camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell — who assumes temporary authority during the transition between popes — announced the pontiff’s death on Monday after an extended illness brought on by double pneumonia.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Francis was the oldest of five siblings. His father, Mario Bergoglio, was an accountant from Italy who emigrated to Argentina to escape Mussolini’s fascist rule, according to Vatican records. His mother, Regina Maria Sivori, descended from a Catholic family also originally from Italy.

As a young man, Bergoglio worked various odd jobs, including as a custodian, nightclub bouncer, and lab technician, before pursuing religious life and becoming a priest in 1969. In 1998, he was named archbishop of Buenos Aires, and in 2001, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II. Within the Curia, he held important responsibilities and developed a strong reputation. At the 2001 Synod, he took over a leading role from Cardinal Edward Michael Egan, who remained in New York following the 9/11 attacks. His performance during the synod left a strong impression on his fellow cardinals.

During the 2005 conclave that led to the election of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio reportedly finished second in every round of voting, coming close to ascending the papacy at 68.

When Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013 — the first resignation of its kind since 1415 — Bergoglio emerged as a favored choice to usher in reform and transparency within the scandal-hit Church.

On February 28, 2013, the conclave selected him to lead the Catholic world. He chose the name Francis to pay tribute to St. Francis of Assisi.

Elected at 76, Francis dealt with multiple health challenges throughout his leadership, leading to speculation at times that he might voluntarily step down — something he never did, although he acknowledged the possibility.

{Matzav.com}

WH Press Sec. Karoline Leavitt shuts down the Fake News about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “The President stands strongly behind Pete Hegseth, who is doing a phenomenal job leading the Pentagon.”

LEE ZELDIN: “We have to both protect the environment and grow the economy. It’s what the American people are demanding… they want us to make sure that we are applying common sense.”

DHL Express will halt deliveries of packages valued at $800 or more to the U.S. due to increased customs and import complexities stemming from new global tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir flew to the US overnight Sunday for an official visit to the US. Ben-Gvir was boycotted by the Biden administration [along with Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich], and this is his first official visit to the US since taking office.