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The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as the Trump administration’s ambassador to Israel. Israel supporter John Fetterman was the only Democrat to join Republicans in voting for Huckabee, with the final vote tally 53 to 46. Huckabee, a religious Christian and a staunch supporter of Israel, insists on calling the “West Bank” by its popular biblical name of Yehudah and Shomron. A frequent visitor to Israel, he even expressed interest in the past in buying a vacation home in the Shomron. US President Donald Trump responded to the appointment by saying that Huckabee is “going to be fantastic, he’s going to bring home the bacon.” He then realized that maybe he should have chosen a different expression and said jokingly: “Although bacon isn’t too big in Israel.” Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu congratulated Huckabee on the confirmation, stating: “Congratulations to my dear friend Mike Huckabee upon being confirmed as the next ambassador of the United States to Israel. This is a great day for the Israeli-American alliance. I look forward to working with you to make the unbreakable bond between our two nations even stronger.” The head of the Yesha (Yehudah and Shomron) Council, Yisrael Ganz, sent a letter of congratulations to Huckabee, stating: “Your appointment represents, in our view, an important moral statement by the U.S. administration and the American people. We regard you as a representative of the United States and President Trump, as well as a true partner of the people of Israel and their undeniable historical right to live in the Land of the Bible—Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley.” “We deeply appreciate your longstanding commitment to the Jewish people, its Torah, and its land, as well as your resolute stance in support of our right to security and development of communities throughout all parts of our ancestral homeland, in accordance with the vision of the prophets.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Michelle Obama has addressed the swirling rumors about her relationship with former President Barack Obama, attributing the divorce chatter to her recent embrace of personal autonomy and decision-making.

Speaking on the “Work in Progress” podcast hosted by Sophia Bush, the 61-year-old former first lady responded to the speculation that intensified after she missed several significant public events earlier in the year — most notably, the inauguration of President Trump.

“The interesting thing is that, when I say ‘no,’ for the most part people are like, ‘I get it, and I’m OK,’” she shared, explaining her decision to decline prominent invitations.

She went on to touch on a broader struggle many women face when setting boundaries and prioritizing themselves.

“And that’s the thing that we as women struggle with — disappointing people,” she said.

Michelle remarked that some couldn’t believe her choices were simply about personal boundaries — leading many to concoct stories about her marriage.

“So much so that people, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

She laughed off the rumors that she and Barack had split, calling out the disbelief that she could just be “a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself.”

“But that’s what society does to us,” she added. “We actually finally start going, ‘What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?’ And if it doesn’t fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.”

The gossip gained momentum in January when Barack Obama attended major events — including Trump’s inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral — alone.

As media speculation surged, reports clarified that Michelle had taken time off in Hawaii during the funeral and had chosen not to attend the inauguration to avoid putting on a forced front.

Michelle reflected on the shift in her life now that she’s no longer in the White House and her daughters, Malia and Sasha, are grown and independent.

“I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year. It was a real big example of me, myself, looking at something that I was supposed to do, you know, without naming names, and I chose to do what was best for me,” she said.

She spoke candidly about the internal tug-of-war that many women face when making self-focused choices.

“Not what I had to do, not what other people wanted me to do, and between you and me, that was an important test for me just as a woman, as an independent person. Because, like all women, I operate from guilt.”

Acknowledging a new chapter in her life, Michelle emphasized her desire to take full ownership of her decisions.

She explained that she’s in a season of self-discovery, where intentional choices shape her daily life.

“Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?’ And that changes,” Michelle said.

She’s exploring freedom in simple pleasures — from choosing lunch companions to spontaneous travel with friends.

“So, who do I want to have a lunch with? How long do I want to stay in a place? Do I want to travel? If a girlfriend calls and says, ‘Let’s go here,’ I can say ‘Yes!’ I can. And I’m trying to do that more and more.”

Michelle concluded by affirming that her evolving lifestyle still includes meaningful work and advocacy.

“So what does it look like? It looks like whatever I want it to look like. And I still find time to give speeches, to be out there in the world, to work on projects. I still care about girls’ education,” the ex-first lady added.

{Matzav.com}

The Torah world of Petach Tikvah is mourning the petirah of Rav Hillel Yosef Meltzer zt”l, one of the city’s prominent talmidei chachomim and marbitzei Torah, who was niftar at the age of 57 after a prolonged illness involving serious kidney complications. In recent weeks, he had been connected to an ECMO machine as his condition worsened.

Rav Meltzer was a son of HaGaon Rav Shmaryahu Meltzer.

From a young age, he distinguished himself as a tremendous masmid and talmid chochom. He learned in the Brisk Yeshiva in Yerushalayim and later continued in Yeshivas Chevron, where he quickly became known as an illui and one of the most diligent bachurim in the yeshiva.

Even in his youth, he was an oveid Hashem, a tzaddik, and a parush, removed from worldly distractions.

Twenty-two years ago, he married the daughter of Rav Shmuel Eldad zt”l, a member of one of Petach Tikvah’s long-standing Torah families.

Throughout his life, Rav Meltzer maintained close ties with many of the gedolei hador, and as a young man was even privileged to speak in learning with the Steipler Gaon.

Rav Meltzer served as a R”M at the yeshiva in Kiryat Herzog and, in recent years, as the rosh kollel of Kollel Tiferes V’Hanetzach, located in Beis Medrash Chevron Heichal Yechezkel in Petach Tikvah. There, he delivered deep and penetrating shiurim that attracted many bnei Torah.

He was an expert in all areas of Torah, including penimiyus haTorah and machshavah, and was sought after by many who came to consult with him in halachah, aggadah, and hashkafah.

For many years, he delivered shiurim at the Beis HaMussar of Petach Tikvah, established by the great baalei mussar of the previous generation, including Rav Yechiel Mordechai Gordon zt”l, Rosh Yeshivas Lomza.

Despite years of suffering and medical challenges, Rav Meltzer never ceased his toil in Torah. Even during grueling dialysis treatments, he would return to the beis medrash to learn with all his strength. He could often be seen walking the streets immersed in thought, quietly reviewing seforim such as Chovos Halevavos, which he knew entirely by heart, word for word.

Rav Meltzer is survived by his wife, Mrs. Esther Meltzer, and six unmarried children, the youngest of whom is just ten years old.

The levayah was held tonight at Yeshivas Lomza in Petach Tikvah, followed by kevurah at the Segulah Bais Hachaim.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Burger King’s Israeli branch has agreed to provide meal vouchers worth 480,000 shekels (approximately $128,000) to IDF combat soldiers, including those serving in reserves, as part of a resolution in a class-action case. A total of 8,727 vouchers—each valued at 55 shekels ($14.70)—will be redeemable at the chain’s kosher locations and will be available to both religious and secular service members.

This settlement comes in response to a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a religious customer who alleged he was misled into consuming non-kosher food at Burger King’s Hod Hasharon location. The customer claimed that despite losing its kosher certification over a year earlier, the branch continued to be advertised as kosher through a large sign outside the Azrieli Mall. The sign remained up until legal proceedings were initiated.

According to the lawsuit, the customer visited the location because of the visible kosher sign and ordered a cheeseburger labeled as having kosher-style cheese. After tasting it, he realized it contained real cheese, leading to the discovery that the restaurant no longer held kosher certification.

The plaintiff maintained that, while the restaurant had removed any kosher documentation and signs from inside the premises, the highly visible outdoor signage remained untouched. This, he argued, could easily mislead other observant Jews into unknowingly eating at a non-kosher establishment.

While Burger King rejected the allegations of wrongdoing, it did confirm that the disputed sign was taken down soon after the legal complaint was filed. The chain also asserted that locating additional observant customers who may have been similarly affected would be difficult, given that such individuals usually avoid restaurants without valid kosher supervision.

After updates were made to promotional materials and the signage was finally removed, the court approved the settlement. Judge Rachel Arkobi, who authorized the agreement, stated: “There is no dispute that the sign at the mall presented the branch as kosher, establishing a personal claim for the plaintiff.”

“The more complex question is the group definition, as kosher certification inside the branch had already been removed. The settlement amount appropriately reflects the scope of the group and provides suitable deterrence in cases involving misleading kosher claims,” the judge added.

The food vouchers will remain valid for 12 months and will be issued within 45 days of final court approval. The plaintiff will receive a compensation payment of 9,600 shekels ($2,560), and his legal representatives will be awarded several tens of thousands of shekels in attorney’s fees.

Plaintiff attorneys Amit Ben-Aroya and Shira Blum-Wolff commented on the outcome: “We’re pleased that Burger King took full responsibility, immediately removed the misleading signage and donated meals to IDF combat units — amounting to about a third of the chain’s revenue during the relevant period.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

An extraordinary moment took place on Thursday morning at the Bais Medrash of Caulfield in Sydney, Australia, as a Siyum Masechta was held — not just any Siyum, but one made by Reb Berysz Aurbach, who, at the remarkable age of 104, was mesayem Maseches Chagigah, allowing bechorim who participated to eat. Reb Berish, born Gimmel Elul 5680 (1920), hails from a Chassidishe family in Biala Podlaska, Poland — a town with deep roots in Gerrer Chassidus. He was raised in a home filled with warmth, Torah, and mesorah, together with his siblings — three older brothers, a sister, and a half-brother. He still remembers learning as a child in the local Talmud Torah — memories from a world that would soon be destroyed. In an incredible neis, he was one of the last Yidden to be smuggled out of the Warsaw Ghetto before Pesach 5703 (1943), mere days before the uprising and the brutal destruction that followed. Tragically, aside from one sister who had made her way to Eretz Yisroel before the war, his entire family was murdered al kiddush Hashem. With nothing left in Poland, Reb Berysz reached out to an uncle in Australia, who sponsored his visa and enabled him to rebuild on new shores. And now, at the age of 104, he stands as a living witness to a century of upheaval and survival — and still learns, still finishes Masechtos, and still inspires those around him. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Russia expressed frustration on Wednesday over the continuous threats directed at Iran, warning that airstrikes would do little to foster stability and pointing out that Tehran was already taking precautionary steps in response to the situation.

With nuclear discussions scheduled over the weekend between Iran and the United States, Iranian sources told Reuters on Tuesday that their government is entering the negotiations with skepticism, uncertain of any positive outcome and harboring deep doubts about America’s true motives.

The announcement of the upcoming talks came from U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Since returning to office in January, Trump has made multiple aggressive statements against Iran, reviving tensions with the long-time adversary and indicating that military action remains on the table if no deal is reached.

Responding to questions about Moscow’s stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the presence of “quite harsh rhetoric” and emphasized that Iran was acting to defend itself. He added that diplomacy, not conflict, should take precedence.

“Indeed, the world is growing tired of the endless threats against Iran,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said when asked by Reuters to clarify Russia’s approach. “There is a growing understanding that bombing cannot pave the way to peace.”

Iran’s nuclear ambitions date back to the 1950s, originally launched with American support during a friendlier era. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, however, the program has become a central point of contention between Iran and much of the global community. Western nations, including the U.S., Israel, and several European countries, accuse Tehran of covertly trying to build a nuclear arsenal—an allegation Iran denies. In recent years, Tehran has fostered closer ties with Moscow, the leading nuclear power in the world.

While Russia has purchased weapons from Iran for use in Ukraine and signed a long-term strategic pact with Tehran earlier this year, their historical alliance has been rocky. Relations between the two nations have fluctuated since the 16th century, when formal diplomatic engagement between Muscovy and the Persian Empire first began.

Some Iranian officials claim that Russia is often more bark than bite—issuing strong statements without intending to engage in a large-scale Middle East conflict. Notably, the 20-year agreement signed between Moscow and Tehran contains no clause mandating mutual military defense.

Still, Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained cordial ties with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The two countries, both facing sanctions and condemnation from the West, have found common ground. Yet Russia remains cautious, wary of sparking a nuclear proliferation race in the region.

Russia, Zakharova said, wants “effective negotiable solutions” that would both reduce Western suspicions about Iran’s uranium enrichment program and restore trust while ensuring a balance of interests – and avoid a crisis.

During his previous term, President Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear accord that had limited Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for reduced sanctions and expanded international inspections.

That move prompted Tehran to abandon its commitments under the agreement and significantly increase its uranium enrichment, raising alarms that it could move closer to weapon-grade material.

“Tehran cannot be held responsible for the consequences of the illegal actions of those who, through their shortsightedness and erroneous forecasting, undermined agreements,” Zakharova said.

{Matzav.com}

Investor Kevin O’Leary is urging former President Donald Trump to go even further in his hardline approach to China, calling for dramatically increased tariffs as the administration stays firm on its trade stance amid intense market swings.

“104% tariffs against China are not enough. I’m advocating 400%,” O’Leary said in an interview on CNN. “I do business in China. They don’t play by the rules. They’ve been in the WTO for decades. They have never abided by any of the rules they agreed to when they came in for decades. They cheat, they steal, they steal IP, I can’t litigate in their courts.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Tuesday that a new 104% tariff on goods from China would be implemented the following day. During the same press conference, she reaffirmed Trump’s view that Beijing is interested in reaching a trade agreement.

“I want [China’s President] Xi on an airplane to Washington to level the playing field,” he said.

O’Leary, who is known as “Mr. Wonderful,” went on to say that the issue has moved beyond just taxes on imports. “This is not about tariffs anymore,” O’Leary continued. “No one has taken on China yet. Not the Europeans. No administration for decades. As someone who actually does business there, I’ve had enough. I speak for millions of Americans who have IP that has been stolen by the Chinese.”

“The government cheats and steals and finally an administration — you may not like Trump, you may not like his style or his rhetoric — finally, an administration that puts up and says ‘enough.’”

He argued that harsh economic consequences could compel President Xi Jinping to come to the negotiating table, since political power in China depends on maintaining a strong job market. “Xi can only stay the supreme leader if people are employed,” he said.

“It’s the time to squeeze Chinese heads into the wall now,” he added, emphasizing that the United States still holds considerable economic dominance and should use that power to pressure China into meaningful talks.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

For the first time, Israel has transferred long-range surface-to-surface missiles to militias in Iraq, defying US President Donald Trump ahead of direct US-Tehran talks, the UK-based The Times reported on Wednesday. The move significantly bolsters Tehran’s influence in the region as the missiles are capable of reaching Europe. The report contradicts a Reuters report earlier this week that the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are considering disarming due to pressure from the Trump administration. A source told The Times that these reports are false. “The efforts seen in the last 48 hours to create a picture that the militias are disarming is a ruse,” he said. “Iran has recently transferred missiles to Shia militias in Iraq, including new models with longer range, which have not been given in the past to those militias,” a regional intelligence source confirmed to the Times. “It’s a desperate move by the Iranians, risking the stability of Iraq,” The report continued by saying that “the weapons were transferred last week, according to regional intelligence involved in monitoring the nearly 1,000-mile border between the countries. It was the first time long-range surface-to-surface missiles had been in the possession of an Iran-allied militia in Iraq. Sources said the delivery was arranged by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Air Force.” “Sources said that two other types of missiles, the Quds 351 cruise and Jamal 69 ballistic missiles, were also smuggled into Iraq last week. They had a much shorter range than the new surface-to-surface missiles, which could be positioned to target as far as Europe.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai stirred up a storm online after he said on Nadav Perry’s podcast that anyone who is religious is opposed to democracy. Perry: “You’re saying something harsh that I don’t accept. Are you saying that anyone who believes in a supreme being cannot accept democracy in the same breath?” Huldai replied without hesitation: “No. Because if you believe in Him, it means He is supreme. It can’t be that the Supreme Court will decide against what is written and what you believe in. Therefore, religion, by its very nature, is anti-democratic.” “Those who are religious go to the Rav for everything. It’s already determined and written and the Rav tells you if something is according to Halacha or not. If Halacha is the law – then we are Iran,” Huldai added. Channel 14 journalist Yinon Magal responded to Huldai’s remarks by stating: “Ron Huldai is so anachronistic that he still lives in a world where a religious soldier was asked if he’ll listen to his commander or his Rav. As if we haven’t been through the show of refusal of all those who ‘listened to their conscience’ and announced that they ‘will stop volunteering for the IDF, because they are ‘loyal to the kingdom and not the king,’  and object to the public influencing the identity of the judges through their elected representatives in the Knesset (like everywhere else in the world).” “And he is so ignorant because he has no idea what it is to be a religious person and he has no idea what democracy is. For him, democracy is when his values ​​rule – even if it means that the minority rules over the majority. In short, another ‘enlightened’ dinosaur,” Magal concluded. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France may officially recognize a Palestinian state in the near future.

“We must take the path of a recognition [of the Palestinian state]. So that’s what we’re gonna do in the coming months,” he shared during an interview with France 5.

Macron suggested that this recognition could occur during a United Nations conference scheduled for June, which will be co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia and focused on establishing a Palestinian state.

“Our goal is something like June with Saudi Arabia to hold this conference to finalize the mutual recognition movement by several countries.”

He emphasized that his decision would not be motivated by the desire for unity or to appease anyone. “I won’t do it for unity or in order to please someone,” Macron explained. “I’ll do it because I think that at some point it would be fair. And also because I want to take part in a collective dynamic, one that allows everyone who defends Palestine to also recognize Israel.”

He further argued that this step would enhance regional security.

{Matzav.com}

The last person convicted in Germany for crimes committed during the Holocaust, Irmgard Furchner, died at the age of 99, a German court announced on Monday. In 2022, Furchner, who served as a secretary at the Nazi concentration camp Stutthof during World War II, received a two-year suspended sentence for complicity in the murders of more than 10,000 people. Her trial marked the first prosecution of a woman in Germany for Nazi-era crimes in decades. The Stutthof concentration camp, located near Gdansk in occupied Poland, was established by Nazi Germany in 1939. Around 65,000 people lost their lives at Stutthof, many of them non-Jewish Poles, as well as Jews deported from Warsaw, Bialystok, and forced-labor camps in the occupied Baltic states. Between June 1943 and April 1945, Furchner worked directly under the camp commander, Paul Werner Hoppe. Her husband was also an SS officer at the camp. The court noted during her trial that Furchner was fully aware of the “extremely bad conditions” prisoners endured. Furchner made headlines when she attempted to evade her trial by fleeing from the retirement home where she lived. Authorities quickly apprehended her in nearby Hamburg. Due to her age at the time of the crimes—she was a teenager—her trial took place in a juvenile court. In 2024, the Federal Court of Justice upheld Furchner’s conviction, emphasizing her conscious involvement in the atrocities committed at the camp, including the deaths caused by gassing, inhumane conditions, transportation to Auschwitz, and forced death marches as the war ended. “For Holocaust survivors, it is enormously important for a late form of justice to be attempted. Even nearly 80 years after the Holocaust, no line can be drawn under Nazi crimes,” said Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. Stutthof was the very last Nazi concentration camp to be liberated at the end of World War II. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A touching event took place today at the Chozrim L’chayim Rehabilitation Department at Tel Hashomer Hospital. Lt. Col. Hadi Falah, a Bedouin officer in the IDF who suffered severe injuries during a battle in the Gaza Strip about three months ago, signed a special agreement to purchase all of the chametz from the residents of Gush Etzion in preparation for Pesach.

The idea originated from a conversation between Falah and Rabbi Akiva Weiss, who served as a liaison in the Nachal Brigade. Their discussions at the ‘Brigade House’ led to the formation of a friendship, and during one of their talks, Falah asked a surprising question: “You are a religious rabbi, right? So why do you sell the chometz every year to a Palestinian? Why not to me – a Bedouin who serves the country and loves the people of Israel?”

Just days after this exchange, tragedy struck. The unit’s two Humvees hit explosives, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and the injury of six others, including Falah. Rabbi Weiss, who saw Falah among the wounded, held his hand when he asked for water and assured him, “Hadi, I will not only bring you water – I will bring you a sale of chometz!”

Despite his serious injuries, Falah did not forget his request. When Rabbi Weiss visited him in the hospital, Falah, with a smile, inquired, “Well, what about the chometz?”

Rabbi Weiss reached out to Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon, the Chief Rabbi of Gush Etzion, to share the story. Rabbi Rimon responded: “As soon as I heard the request from Hadi, a Bedouin lieutenant colonel, that he wanted to have chometz sold through him, I knew: Gush Etzion’s chometz will be sold through him,” said Rabbi Rimon. “It is a great privilege that the chometz will be sold to a person who sacrifices himself for the people of Israel and for our wonderful country. The Bedouin community is an amazing partner in the IDF and even paid a heavy price in this war. We are very happy with this important partnership.”

In a heartfelt ceremony today, with the presence of Rabbi Rimon and other rabbonim, the sale was finalized. Falah, who is still undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation, signed the documents to officially purchase the chometz from thousands of Gush Etzion residents. Communities from all over the country, including Caesarea, Tel Aviv, Efrat, and more, requested to join in the sale.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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The IDF’s Discipline and Order Branch has released a comprehensive update to its guidelines regarding appearance and dress for all personnel, reflecting current trends and societal shifts. These guidelines apply to everyone in the military, from active-duty soldiers to reservists, with specific new instructions regarding facial hair.

The revised facial hair policy permits any soldier to grow facial hair, including a beard or mustache, provided it is kept neat and appropriate for the military’s standards. A full beard can be grown from the jawbone to the chin, alongside a mustache, or alternatively, a goatee may be chosen. However, a faded or scraggly style will not be accepted. A soldier whose beard does not maintain the proper military look will lose the right to grow facial hair.

This change regarding facial hair is the most significant update in the new directives. Previously, only religious soldiers and a few others in special circumstances were granted permission to grow beards.

A servicemember who has their facial hair privileges revoked can appeal the decision to an officer with the rank of colonel or to the Discipline and Order Branch. Additionally, soldiers may submit a request to grow facial hair either when they enlist, during basic training, or at any point during their service.

Other updates include changes to the combat uniform guidelines. Combat soldiers now have the option to wear their tactical uniforms even outside their designated units and can also wear fleece or softshell jackets during the colder months. Career soldiers are now allowed to leave their base wearing their work uniforms, including coats that feature their unit insignia and the Israeli flag. Female soldiers can now wear two pairs of earrings, while unmarried men are permitted one ring. The regulations for nail polish will now allow a broader range of colors, excluding designs and sparkles.

Religious female soldiers are now permitted to wear black stockings and have a wider selection of approved headcovering colors. Reservists are restricted to wearing only work clothes, though they can wear dress uniforms with explicit permission.

Career soldiers are now allowed to wear boots with their service dress, even if they are not engaged in combat roles.

“We started this administrative work for two main reasons,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Yitzhak Hai, the head of the Discipline and Order Branch. “Strengthening the uniformity of the IDF servicemembers’ appearance, and at the same time, aligning the appearance guidelines with the current zeitgeist. All while the main goal before us is strengthening discipline in the ID.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

(Translated by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow – Email asebrow@gmail.com for sources) Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l was renowned for his concise, often one-word answers to halachic questions. Over the years, various individuals compiled and published collections of the questions they asked him—and the succinct responses they received in return. Below is a translation of several questions related to Birchas Ilanos (the blessing recited upon seeing blossoming fruit trees in the spring). Please note: while these insights are fascinating and can spark meaningful discussion, all those who published these collections emphasized that the responses should not be relied upon halacha l’maaseh (for practical halachic rulings). For sources or further inquiries, feel free to reach out via the email address provided at the top of this article. Are women obligated to recite Birchas Ilanos? They are obligated if they see a blossoming fruit tree. Should one train his children to recite Birchas Ilanos? Yes. If a boy is turning 13 in Nissan, should he wait until he is Bar Mitzvah to recite this bracha? He does not need to wait. Why is that different than Kiddush Levana? Kiddush Levana is an obligatory blessing, so an argument can be made that a boy should wait until he is Bar Mitzvah. There is no obligation at all to see a blossoming tree and recite Birchas Ilanos. If one sees a blossoming fruit tree, he must recite a bracha. Therefore, if a boy sees a blossoming fruit tree, he should recite the bracha then and not wait until he is bar mitzvah. May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a potted fruit tree with holes on the bottom? Yes. May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a fruit tree still in the Orlah years? There is a discussion about this. Some are lenient. (Rebbe Akiva Eiger says one can recite Birchas Ilanos on Safek Orlah outside of Israel.) Rav Chaim Kanievsky is recorded as giving contradictory answers whether one may recite Birchas Ilanos on a potted fruit tree that does not have holes on the bottom. (Atzitz She’aino Nakuv) Can one recite Birchas Ilanos on a blossoming fruit tree that only produces a spice used to flavor other dishes? No. If someone mistakenly recited Birchas Ilanos on a non-fruit-bearing tree, should he recite the bracha again on a fruit-bearing tree? Yes. May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a detached branch of a blossoming fruit-bearing tree? No. Is it permissible to recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree if the flowers have already fallen off, but the emerging fruit is still unripe? No. May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree growing by someone who does not keep Shabbos R”L;Perhaps he may have planted it on Shabbos. One does not need to be concerned for that possibility. Is it forbidden to recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree that was guarded and worked on during Shmitta? Those that forbid reciting Birchas Ilanos on a grafted fruit tree would also prohibit this. May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a fruit tree planted without permission? Without Shem U’Malchus. May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree whose fruit is infested with bugs? Yes. May one recite Birchas Ilanos in Adar? The custom is not to. But if one recited it in Adar, he fulfilled his obligation. (The Rivivos Ephraim reports that he personally witnessed […]

The Israeli Ministry of Aliyah and Integration released its annual report on immigration Wednesday, summarizing the movement of new arrivals to Israel from Pesach 2024 through Pesach 2025.

Even in the face of a year marked by war and serious security threats, aliyah continued uninterrupted. Over the course of this challenging year, 27,281 individuals made the bold decision to move to Israel and begin a new life.

Russia once again topped the list of countries sending the most olim, contributing 15,188 immigrants. The next largest groups came from the United States, which sent 3,209 new residents, followed by 2,265 from France and 878 from Ukraine. Notably, several immigrants came from places rarely associated with aliyah, including one each from South Korea, Kenya, Zambia, and Afghanistan.

The report highlights the diverse age distribution among this year’s immigrants. The youngest group included 5,700 children under 18, while the oldest consisted of 212 individuals aged 85 and above. The most prominent age bracket was 25 to 34, which accounted for 4,519 people—about 16% of the total—and is expected to significantly contribute to Israel’s economy and workforce.

A broad spectrum of expertise came with the immigrants as well. The report notes that 1,345 of them are healthcare professionals, 3,236 are engineers, 297 are either athletes or artists, and 13 are involved in agriculture.

These new citizens chose to make homes in 286 different localities throughout Israel. Tel Aviv–Jaffa took in the highest number, with 4,215 newcomers—roughly 15.5% of the year’s total. Netanya and Haifa also absorbed large numbers, welcoming 4,066 and 3,032 immigrants, respectively.

Beyond the major urban centers, many chose quieter, less central locations. Among them were towns like Mitzpe Ramon, Ma’ale Gilboa, and Rechalim—highlighting not only the wide geographical spread of aliyah but also the immigrants’ commitment to integrating into all parts of Israeli society.

{Matzav.com}

On Wednesday, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Yisroel Katz, traveled to the Morag Corridor in the Gaza Strip, accompanied by Major General Yaniv Asor, the Commander of the Southern Command, Brigadier General Moran Omer, the Commander of the 36th Division, and various other military leaders.

While at the site, the military commanders provided Katz with an update on the ongoing IDF operations in the area and the progress made in securing the region.

Katz remarked: “I came here today to support the commanders and soldiers of the IDF who are fighting with determination to free the hostages and hurt Hamas’s strength. The IDF is eliminating terrorists, locating and eliminating terrorist infrastructure, and dividing the Gaza Strip, even in places like the Morag Corridor where we haven’t operated in the past.”

He continued: “The Gazan population is leaving the combat zones and many territories are being seized and added to the State of Israel’s security zones and Gaza is being left smaller and isolated. If Hamas continues in its refusal and will not release the hostages soon, the IDF will move to intense combat in all of Gaza until the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated.”

Katz also emphasized, “At the same time, we are working to advance a voluntary emigration program for the residents of Gaza in line with the US President’s vision, which we are working to implement. I turn to the residents of Gaza: Get rid of Hamas and return the hostages – that is the only way to stop the war.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A growing number of Americans now view Israel in a negative light, according to a new Pew Research Center survey released Tuesday, with 53% expressing an unfavorable opinion of the Jewish state — rising from 42% in March 2022. The survey also found that confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains low, with just 32% of Americans trusting him to handle world affairs appropriately, while 52% say they have little or no confidence in his leadership. Partisan divides were evident in the results: 69% of Democrats hold an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 53% in the 2022 survey. Among Republicans, the number of those viewing Israel negatively increased to 37%, compared to 27% three years ago. The shift has been especially pronounced among younger adults. Among Republicans under 50, views on Israel are now nearly evenly split — 50% negative versus 48% positive. In 2022, 63% of this group viewed Israel favorably, with just 35% holding a negative opinion. Negative views among older Democrats jumped by 23 points over the same period, compared to a 9-point increase among younger Democrats. Pew also noted waning American interest in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In January, 65% of Americans said the war was personally important to them. That number has now dropped to 54%. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[COMMUNICATED]

To All Friends and Admirers of Shas Yiden,

Pesach – חג הישועות

The Festival of Redemption

As we approach Pesach, we recall so many miracles in Mitzrayim during the departure from slavery – the beginning of Klal Yisroel’s journey to receive the Torah and to fully become and live as עם ה’. 

For so many centuries, departure from one place in the golus inevitably led to going to another golus and establishing new yeshivos and kollelim, all of which had positive influences in their new locales. 

However, over the last 16 years, a new approach and acclaimed method of limud Hashas has been developed and fostered in Eretz Yisroel at Reshet Kollelei Shas Yiden. This phenomenon has captured the imagination and electrified lomdei Hatorah throughout the world, and has earned the avid support of Gedolim across the Torah spectrum. 

Shas Yiden in UK & USA

Shas Yiden not only grew from 6 avreichim metzuyonim to 129 avreichim geonim in five kollelim across Eretz Yisroel but, in response to repeated requests from abroad, a Shas Yiden kollel was first established in the UK, in Stamford Hill, London. The Shas Yiden reputation soared in this location.

This development has been followed by a long-awaited opening of the first US Shas Yiden kollel in Flatbush, NY. The Eretz Yisroeldike bren of learning the entire Shas has already had a significant local impact and is a source of inspiration to the local Flatbush kollelim. The incredible devotion to limud gantz Shas and its completion within a year by each avreich at Shas Yiden has encouraged many others to try and emulate this emmesdike derech halimud of Shas as declared by Maran Hagaon Hagadol, Harav Gershon Edelstein, זצ”ל.

This elevated level of Torah study at Shas Yiden and the ability of the avreichim geonim to face public oral farheren by world recognized Gedolei Torah, together with monthly tests on 225 blatt, is nothing short of remarkable. Shas Yiden has truly raised the bar in the study of Shas. Our unique system of learning, the tight demanding regimen and the motivation emanating from Eretz Yisroel has truly placed Shas Yiden in a Torah league of its own. 

In the Words of Maranan Hageonim…

Sar Hatorah, רשכבה”ג Maran Hagadol Harav Chaim Kanievsky, זצ”ל – Nasi, Shas Yiden — I tested them annually and zei kennen Shas – a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar partnership 

Rosh Hayeshiva, רשכבה”ג Maran Hagadol Harav Gershon Edelstein, זצ”ל —Shas Yiden has raised the bar of Torah learning in both depth and clarity, and its unique method of ameilus in Torah

Rosh Hayeshiva, רשכבה”ג Maran Hagadol Harav Dov Lando, שליט”א —Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with Shas Yiden

The Sanzer Rebbe, שליט”א — A first in 2000 years of Jewish history – never before a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim know kol Hashas kulo, Rashi and Tosfos b’al peh

Over 1.7 Million Blatt at Shas Yiden

This Year Alone!

With each of the 129 avreichim geonim at Shas Yiden required to complete a minimum of 13,555 blatt per year, you are helping support some 1,748,595 blatt! 

At the most recent farheren, the reaction of the Gedolei Torah conducting the testing of the prowess of the Shas Yiden was simply one of amazement at the breadth and detailed knowledge and all-encompassing mastery of Shas – remarking: “They know it like others know Ashrei Yoshvei!” 

The joy of the avreichim geonim and their clear love of Torah electrifies each farher. (To see the different farheren in action, please click on our website: www.shasyiden.com.) It is no wonder that the overall reaction to the Shas Yiden Network is that in the 16 years of its existence it has certainly revolutionized and raised the bar in the learning and mastery of Shas. 

Caring for the Avreichim Families

Despite the difficulties of these last few years, including Covid, Shas Yiden has made sure to keep our commitment to each of the Shas Yiden families to ensure their menuchas hanefesh and to be free to focus on Shas.  Each month their salaries have been paid on time. Further, in Tishrei and, now again, for Nissan, they are all paid full extra salary checks to help them meet the extra Yom Tov expenses. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you. That we have been able to do so, is due to you all. You have an eternal stake in the incredible learning of Shas Yiden. Your on-going interest and support of this unique ‘Entire-Shas’ Torah-learning venture is most sincerely appreciated. Collectively and individually, you are singular partners in changing the way the Torah world views the ability to both learn and master the entire Shas. Whatever you can do to help in defraying their extra Yom Tov expenses will be a great chesed to these Bnei Torah who are true bnei aliyah.

With best wishes to you and your families for a חג כשר ושמח, 

Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov

Founder, Shas Yiden

U.S. stock markets surged today after President Trump declared a 90-day suspension on most of his “reciprocal” tariffs, with the exception of China, which he hit with a steep 125% levy, citing their “lack of respect.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared by 2,962.86 points, or 7.9%, marking its biggest single-day points gain ever, closing at 40,608.45. This came after Trump shared on Truth Social that he would pause the significant tariffs, responding to requests from over 75 countries who sought to engage in negotiations.

“I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately,” Trump posted on Truth Social, sending Wall Street into a rally.

The S&P 500 surged close to 10%, and the Nasdaq 100 rose more than 12%, as the major stock indices rebounded from early-morning declines, which had been triggered by fears of China imposing an 84% retaliatory tariff on the U.S.

“I think the hope from the outset — for most of the business community — was that Trump’s tariffs were a negotiating tactic, and that he would be willing to negotiate them down,” Alan Sykes, senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, shared with The NY Post.

“He’s reversing course to a certain extent, while at the same time still listening to the China hawks,” Sykes remarked.

Trump’s move comes after a dramatic week in which the Dow lost around 5,000 points due to fears that his “reciprocal” tariffs could spark inflation and potentially lead to a recession.

The announcement of China’s massive retaliatory tariff unsettled investors earlier on Wednesday, as the proposed tax threatened to hurt U.S. companies that rely on “Made in the USA” branding and drive up costs across domestic supply chains.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump wrote on his post Wednesday afternoon.

“At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.”

Carol Schleif, chief market strategist at BMO Private Wealth, commented that investors were eagerly awaiting any positive signs about the tariffs. As a result, the 90-day pause was a welcome relief for the markets.

On Tuesday, the Dow briefly surged by over 1,400 points after reports emerged that negotiations were underway with countries like South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. However, those gains vanished by the afternoon after the White House announced plans to impose another round of tariffs on China, resulting in a 320-point drop in the Dow by the end of the day.

{Matzav.com}