Feed aggregator

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz

This week’s parsha of Bamidbar opens a new sefer in the Torah and introduces the counting of the Bnei Yisroel and the precise arrangement of their encampments as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Chazal instituted that Parshas Bamidbar is always lained on the Shabbos preceding Shavuos, and that connection is deeply significant. As we stand at the culmination of the days of Sefirah, during which we prepared ourselves for Kabbolas HaTorah, the lessons embedded in this parsha become especially relevant.

Rashi, on the opening posuk, explains that Hakadosh Boruch Hu counts the Jewish people because of His love for them. A person repeatedly counts and checks his treasured possessions not because he has forgotten them, but precisely because they are precious to him. What we value, we do not lose sight of.

The Gemara in Bava Metzia teaches that when a person loses money, we assume that he has already realized the loss and despaired of recovering it, because people instinctively and constantly check their pockets to make sure that their valuables are still there. Rarely does someone lose a wallet or checkbook without immediately noticing the loss. We carefully monitor what matters deeply to us.

That is the message of the census in Bamidbar. Every Jew counts because every Jew matters. Though we are many millions strong, no individual is expendable, interchangeable, or insignificant. No Jew should ever feel like a faceless statistic swallowed by the masses. No person should ever be made to feel that the world would manage fine without him.

The Torah’s insistence on counting every individual teaches that human worth is not measured by prominence, accomplishment, wealth, or influence. Every person is precious because every person bears the tzelem Elokim. Every neshomah is counted because every neshomah matters.

This lesson is particularly timely during the days of Sefirah. Chazal teach that the talmidim of Rabi Akiva perished because they failed to accord one another proper respect. It is difficult to understand how the disciples of the great Rabi Akiva – the very Tanna who proclaimed “Ve’ahavta lerei’acha kamocha zeh klal gadol baTorah” – could have stumbled in this area. Perhaps the sheer size of their numbers contributed to the failing. When there are 24,000 students, it becomes easier for an individual to feel less indispensable. The uniqueness of each talmid becomes blurred within the vastness of the crowd. Familiarity and scale can dull sensitivity.

But the Torah demands the opposite perspective. The greater the crowd, the greater the responsibility to ensure that no individual disappears within it.

The iconic Mirrer mashgiach, Rav Yeruchom Levovitz, whose 90th yahrtzeit falls this Sivan, was once asked how he could possibly guide and influence the hundreds of bochurim in the Mirrer Yeshiva. How could one person serve as mashgiach to three hundred talmidim, each with different struggles, personalities, strengths, and aspirations?

Reb Yeruchom answered with a perspective that revealed the essence of Torah leadership and chinuch. He said, “I am not one mashgiach over three hundred bochurim. There are three hundred bochurim, and each one has one mashgiach.”

In those few words, he defined what it means to care for people.

Most people who viewed the Mir bais medrash saw a large yeshiva filled with hundreds of students. But Rav Yeruchom did not see a crowd. He saw individuals. He did not relate to his talmidim as part of a mass, nor did he speak to them as interchangeable members of a group. Every bochur was an olam malei, a complete world unto himself, with unique strengths to cultivate, weaknesses to address, and greatness waiting to be uncovered.

That was the secret of his influence. People flourish when they know that they are seen and when they are addressed as individuals, not merely as another member of the group.

Rav Yeruchom understood that chinuch and leadership cannot be built on generalities alone. A successful mashgiach, rebbi, rov, or parent is not someone who merely delivers shmuessen to a room full of listeners. A good mechanech listens, notices, understands, and connects. He recognizes when someone is discouraged, when someone else is struggling, when one person needs guidance, and when another simply needs encouragement and belief.

Rav Yeruchom did not ask, “How do I manage three hundred students?” He looked at each one and asked, “What does this bochur need from me?”

That perspective reflects the Torah’s view of Klal Yisroel. When Hashem commands Moshe to count the Jewish people in Parshas Bamidbar, the counting was not about statistics. It was about affirming the value of every individual. Each Jew was counted because each Jew mattered.

The greatness of a leader, a teacher, or anyone else lies in the ability to look beyond the crowd and see the individual standing before him.

There are people who speak to you without making eye contact. They may technically be talking to you, but they are not really looking at you. And when they do not look at you, you sense that they do not truly care about you. Their eyes drift beyond you or past you, because their minds are occupied elsewhere – with themselves or with something else entirely. People like that cannot genuinely connect.

And when someone does not truly look at you, you instinctively feel that he does not truly care about you.

Real connection demands presence. It requires more than speaking. It requires listening. More than hearing words, it requires recognizing the person saying them. The people who influence us most are not always the most brilliant or eloquent. They are the people who make us feel seen, understood, and valued.

My rebbi, Rav Elya Svei, was one of the leading roshei yeshiva of his generation and was sought out by people across the world for guidance and counsel. Yet, when I, or any other young bochur, stood before him in the bais medrash, speaking with him in learning or discussing personal matters with him in his office, there was no one else in the room.

He looked at you. He focused on you and your issue. At that moment, there was nobody else and nothing else more important. And because of that, the talmid felt that he mattered.

One time, when I was sitting with Rav Elozor Menachem Man Shach, the conversation continued for quite some time while people waited impatiently outside the room for their turn to speak with him. There was noise and commotion beyond the door, but Rav Shach did not hear any of it. He heard me. He looked at me. He focused on me, despite the fact that I was an American yungerman in my twenties.

One of the attendants entered the room and informed him that a certain dignitary was waiting outside, hinting that the gadol hador should quickly finish up with his anonymous American guest. Rav Shach looked at him quizzically and said, “But I’m speaking now to Lipschutz.”

The other person would have to wait.

To Rav Shach, to a gadol b’Yisroel, every Jew was choshuv. Every Yid deserved simas lev, to be focused on and treated with respect.

And that is part of what the Torah is teaching through the counting in Parshas Bamidbar. Hashem does not look at Klal Yisroel as an anonymous mass. He counts each Jew individually because He sees each Jew individually. Every person carries a unique mission, a unique struggle, and a unique worth.

This is one of the great lessons the Torah seeks to teach us before Kabbolas HaTorah. The talmidim of Rabi Akiva failed because they did not sufficiently honor one another as unique and irreplaceable individuals. They saw each other as part of a group instead of appreciating the value of each individual comprising the group.

In a large yeshiva, in a thriving community, or even within a family, it is easy for people to become numbers, faces in the crowd, individuals whose struggles and strengths go unnoticed. Parshas Bamidbar reminds us that this is not the Torah’s view of a Jew. Hashem counts us because Hashem treasures us. And those who seek to walk in His ways must learn to view others the same way.

People are often quick to criticize, quick to dismiss, and quick to condemn without fully understanding another person’s struggles, circumstances, or intentions. One of the central avodos of Sefirah is learning to restore dignity to other people – to see them, value them, and treat them with the respect due to someone created b’tzelem Elokim. The counting of the Bnei Yisroel was a public declaration of love, importance, and worth.

This message carries enormous relevance in our generation. Not many decades ago, the Jewish people stood on the brink of destruction. Every surviving Jew was cherished and appreciated. During those terrible years, Jews instinctively understood that every person mattered. Yet, prosperity and growth can sometimes weaken that sensitivity. When communities flourish and botei medrash and schools overflow, there is a danger of unconsciously taking individuals for granted.

There was a time when yeshivos struggled desperately to find students. Today, many institutions are bursting at the seams with talmidim and talmidos. But abundance must never diminish appreciation. A great yeshiva, even when crowded, never makes a single bochur feel invisible. A good school, even when it has more students than it ever dreamed possible, never makes a student feel superfluous. No child is extra. No student lacks needs, emotions, and feelings that must be attended to. There is room and a place for everyone. A thriving community must never allow any individual to feel forgotten.

The parsha continues by describing the arrangement of the encampments: “Ish al machaneihu v’ish al diglo.” Every shevet had its designated place. Every individual camped where he belonged.

The Torah here teaches another fundamental principle: Greatness comes not only from recognizing your value, but also from recognizing your place.

Every shevet has a mission. Every person has a role. The harmony of Klal Yisroel depended upon each individual understanding where he belonged. One of life’s great temptations is the assumption that we could do better if only we occupied someone else’s position. We imagine that if we stood where others stand, if we had their platform, influence, authority, or responsibilities, we would accomplish more than they do and fix what they are doing wrong. And so, people abandon their own mission while attempting to live someone else’s.

The Torah’s carefully ordered encampment teaches that greatness is not achieved by invading another person’s territory. It is achieved by maximizing the potential of the position Hashem assigned to us.

Since the country is focused on war, perhaps we can illustrate this with a moshol about a group of friends who were drafted into the army. One was assigned to the infantry, another to the air force, and another to the navy. Each was jealous, convinced that the other had been given a better, easier, or more prestigious role.

Eventually, they approached their commanders and requested transfers to different units. But the commanders explained that each was performing a vital role. An army cannot function with only infantry, only pilots, or only sailors. Every division is essential, and every role is indispensable to the success of the whole.

What creates the strongest and most effective fighting force is not uniformity, but rather when every soldier in every branch rises to his fullest potential and fulfills his mission with excellence. Only then can the army achieve victory.

So too with Klal Yisroel. Each person has a unique role and shlichus in this world. Instead of looking at others and wishing to be in their place, we are meant to focus on fulfilling our own mission with dedication and integrity. That is what builds the strength of the klal and brings each of us to our personal and collective purpose.

Sefirah is meant to restore order to our inner world. Just as the encampments in the desert were arranged with precision and purpose, these weeks are meant to help us organize ourselves spiritually and emotionally in preparation for Matan Torah. Much as the month of Elul prepares us for Rosh Hashanah, Sefirah prepares us for Shavuos.

Ever since the second day of Pesach, we have counted upward, day by day, from Yetzias Mitzrayim toward Kabbolas HaTorah.

And so, as Shavuos approaches, we must ask ourselves some questions. Have we grown during these weeks? Have we refined our middos? Have we become more patient, more humble, more respectful, more disciplined? Have we become more worthy of receiving the Torah anew?

Forty-nine days separate Pesach from Shavuos because transformation takes time. Forty-nine shaarei kedusha must be approached. Forty-nine steps must be climbed. Each day is another opportunity to rise beyond the distractions, superficiality, and moral confusion that dominate the world around us.

As the Am Hanivchar, we are called upon to live differently. Before we can stand at Har Sinai and realize our destiny, we must elevate ourselves and become better than we are – more refined, more compassionate, more elevated, more selfless.

Let us seek to excel in our roles, in our learning, and in our understanding of Torah.

Let us show, through the way we speak to one another and care for one another, that we have learned the tragic lesson of Rabi Akiva’s talmidim. Let us demonstrate through our actions that we are worthy of receiving the Torah.

May we all be zoche to growth in Torah and mitzvos and merit the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu bekarov.

[Video below.] President Donald Trump arrived Thursday at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People for a closely watched summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as both nations confront mounting tensions tied to the war in Iran, instability in global energy markets, and ongoing economic disputes.

Chinese officials welcomed Trump with an elaborate state ceremony in Tiananmen Square that included a military honor guard and a thunderous cannon salute, underscoring the significance Beijing attached to the visit. After the public reception concluded, the two leaders moved into private meetings focused on a broad range of geopolitical and economic issues, including trade disagreements and the growing crisis surrounding the Persian Gulf.

As talks began, both leaders highlighted their personal relationship and publicly struck a warm tone.

The pair then headed into a bilateral meeting. Xi offered welcome remarks before Trump said of Xi, “You’re a great leader, sometimes people don’t like me saying it but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”

“It’s an honor to be with you. It’s an honor to be your friend,” Trump said before promising that “the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”

President Xi told President Trump: “Can we, in the interest of the well-being of our two peoples and the future of humanity, build a brighter future together for our bilateral relations?” He also noted, “The whole world is watching our meeting.”

Despite the cordial public statements, the conflict involving Iran remained a central issue hanging over the summit. The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has fueled major concerns over global energy supplies, leading U.S. officials to press China — one of Iran’s largest oil customers — to use its leverage with Tehran.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that China itself has a strong economic incentive to help de-escalate the crisis.

Ahead of the trip, Trump reiterated that stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a non-negotiable objective of his administration. He said concerns about the financial pressures facing American consumers would not alter his position in negotiations with Tehran.

“We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” the President noted, describing his position as one that every American understands.

Trade negotiations also ranked high on the agenda during the Beijing meetings. Trump traveled with a large delegation that included prominent leaders from the technology and defense industries, reflecting the administration’s push to secure additional business agreements with China.

Taiwan continued to loom as another sensitive topic between the two powers. While the Trump administration has approved substantial weapons sales to Taiwan, the President’s shifting comments on the issue have raised questions about the long-term direction of American support for the island.

With Taiwan remaining a dominant producer of the semiconductors that power much of the world’s advanced technology, officials on both sides recognize that the economic and strategic implications are enormous.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

WATCH:

LISTEN:

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

LISTEN:

Amid intensifying political turmoil ahead of expected elections, senior charedi sources are now claiming that the recent public clash between Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and charedi leaders—including threats of coalition collapse and a sharply worded letter from Hagaon Rav Dov Landau—may not reflect a genuine break, but rather a coordinated political move behind the scenes, Matzav.com has learned.

In recent days, the political system reached a boiling point after Litvishe charedi leadership declared that “Netanyahu is a liar” and signaled an end to their automatic alignment with his bloc. However, according to high-ranking charedi insiders, the public narrative may not fully reflect what is actually taking place.

Several months ago, following the easing of tensions after the Iran conflict and relative calm on the northern front, Netanyahu appeared interested in advancing legislation addressing the draft issue. Discussions were held, and draft proposals circulated between Knesset committees and leading rabbinic authorities.

As the legislative process dragged on—with progress repeatedly stalling—Netanyahu was seen by charedi representatives as disengaged, leading to growing frustration. In closed-door conversations, some argued that had it been a priority comparable to other coalition demands, the law could have been advanced much more quickly.

At the same time, as previously reported, charedi lawmakers and rabbinic representatives began exploring alternatives to Netanyahu, holding meetings with figures such as Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, and Benny Gantz in an effort to assess possible future coalitions.

While Shas has officially remained aligned with Netanyahu and avoided formal negotiations with other political figures—partly due to concern over losing support among traditional voters—it has signaled that discussions remain possible if necessary to protect the Torah world.

With the outbreak of the war with Iran, charedi representatives came to the conclusion that any remaining chance of passing a draft law had effectively disappeared. The political pressure on figures like Bezalel Smotrich and members of Likud made such legislation unlikely in the current climate, especially with elections approaching.

Within charedi parties, urgent internal discussions focused on how to respond, particularly in light of the looming legal consequences for yeshiva students and avreichim without formal arrangements with the military, who could soon face criminal exposure.

Contacts with opposition figures, including Bennett and Yair Lapid, continued, increasing pressure on Netanyahu’s circle. Charedi representatives made it clear that the long-standing alliance was under threat due to the failure to pass the draft law and what they described as disregard for the community.

One senior charedi source explained the dilemma: “We understood that something had to come to an end. We have become the joke of the Knesset and the government. Every time we threaten with an empty gun and then back down because we have no real choice. We had two options—either to put Netanyahu in his place so he understands he cannot treat the charedim this way, or to actually move toward the other bloc and close deals with them.”

The same source added that the charedi community had historically functioned as a political swing factor, but that alignment with Netanyahu—especially for Shas—had weakened that leverage. He pointed to what he described as significant setbacks for the community, including legal and financial pressures, particularly on Torah learners and institutions.

Another senior figure described what he said was the real dynamic behind the current crisis. According to him, Netanyahu’s camp acknowledged in internal discussions that passing a draft law at this stage was not feasible, but suggested a coordinated political strategy that would benefit all sides.

“The charedi withdrawal from the government right now is complete fake, and everyone knows it,” the source claimed. He noted that the election date would ultimately be set by Netanyahu, who is believed to prefer September over October—a timeline that coincidentally aligns with the interests of Shas leader Aryeh Deri during the Elul season.

The source went further, alleging that the public confrontation serves a political purpose for both sides. According to his account, charedi parties would publicly attack Netanyahu over the draft law and appear to leave the coalition, thereby demonstrating to their voters that they took action, while Netanyahu would head into elections portraying himself as standing firm against charedi pressure.

He also suggested that Rav Landau’s letter, while sharply worded, could serve to energize Netanyahu’s base by raising concerns that charedi parties might align with the left and secure more favorable draft terms.

The source argued that multiple political actors stand to benefit from the arrangement: Smotrich avoids making the draft law a central campaign issue, Netanyahu gains politically from appearing independent, and charedi parties can claim they stood up for their constituents—even if the practical outcome remains unchanged.

In conclusion, the source said the dramatic developments of the past day may not represent a fundamental shift. While Rav Landau’s letter was indeed strong, he noted that similar sentiments have been expressed for over a year. According to this view, the current situation reflects a familiar pattern in which charedi parties project a tough stance publicly while maintaining underlying political coordination with Netanyahu as elections approach.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s political system moved closer to a potential collapse Wednesday as Yesh Atid formally submitted a bill to dissolve the 25th Knesset, setting up a possible vote next week amid an escalating coalition crisis over the draft law and growing rift between charedi leadership and Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu.

At the same time, MK Yuli Edelstein, the former chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, delivered a forceful and unusually direct criticism of the charedi parties, accusing them of acting out of political interests rather than seeking a real solution.

“I told you already ten months ago that replacing the leadership of the committee would not change anything,” Edelstein said, referring to his removal as committee chairman, which he believes effectively ended any realistic chance of advancing draft legislation.

Edelstein, who was removed from his position after supporting a sovereignty bill in Judea and Samaria against his faction’s stance, said the Israeli public now understands who is acting in the interest of soldiers and who is driven by politics. “My greatest pride is that I prevented the evasion law,” he declared, adding that he will continue to push for a fair draft law even outside the committee.

Responding to his dismissal, Edelstein said, “If all my sins were that I stood by the Land of Israel and voted in favor of applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, then I am proud of it. Just as I am proud that I prevented evasion and that I am fighting for real charedi enlistment.” He added, “Even outside the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, I will continue to fight for equal enlistment and for the Land of Israel.”

In one of his harshest critiques, Edelstein accused charedi leadership of having no genuine intention of resolving the draft issue, even at the cost of bringing down a right-wing government. Recent efforts to pass draft legislation have failed, despite Netanyahu’s assurances to charedi leaders that a final version would be presented. Delays ultimately stalled the process. A senior charedi figure acknowledged at the time, “It must be admitted, there will be no draft law in the current Knesset. We failed.”

Edelstein argued that charedi leaders would rather collapse the government than advance a draft law requiring yeshiva students to serve in the military or national service. He described the situation as “cheap politics” conducted at the expense of reservists and active-duty soldiers, vowing to continue advocating for what he sees as a balanced and equitable solution.

Despite speculation about divisions among charedi factions, reports indicate that Degel Hatorah and Shas are operating in full coordination on the issue of yeshiva students and share the view that Netanyahu has failed to meet his commitments. As previously reported, this breakdown led to a dramatic directive from Hagaon Rav Dov Landau, who declared that “the concept of a bloc no longer exists.”

According to accounts from a key meeting of Degel Hatorah representatives, Rav Landau instructed party members that from now on, the only consideration would be “what is good for charedi Judaism,” without regard for previous political alliances. He also stated that “we no longer have trust in Netanyahu,” a declaration that significantly undermines the stability of the current coalition.

The convergence of Yesh Atid’s bill and the loss of charedi backing for Netanyahu has left the government facing a serious challenge to its survival. With prominent Likud figures like Edelstein openly criticizing former coalition partners, the coalition’s ability to withstand a vote next week is increasingly uncertain.

Political parties are now preparing for the possibility of elections, with the draft issue expected to become a central campaign topic. Rav Landau’s directive means that future Knesset votes by charedi parties will be guided solely by what they see as beneficial for their community, rather than broader coalition considerations.

Edelstein’s remarks come at a time when the coalition is already under severe strain. The recent decision by Rav Landau is widely seen as marking the collapse of the longstanding political alliance between charedi parties and Netanyahu, raising the possibility that the government could fall in the near term and trigger early elections.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

ATIME Live Auction Drawing TONIGHT 11:45PM!!

LAST CHANCE! 2 Tickets in each prize for $260! Code: BONUS2X 

Exclusive Women’s Package: 2 Tickets per prize for $100! Code: WOMEN100

GET THE DEAL NOW!

ATIME Live Auction Drawing TONIGHT 11:45PM!!

LAST CHANCE! 2 Tickets in each prize for $260! Code: BONUS2X 

Exclusive Women’s Package: 2 Tickets per prize for $100! Code: WOMEN100

GET THE DEAL NOW!

ATIME Live Auction Drawing TONIGHT 11:45PM!!

LAST CHANCE! 2 Tickets in each prize for $260! Code: BONUS2X 

Exclusive Women’s Package: 2 Tickets per prize for $100! Code: WOMEN100

GET THE DEAL NOW!

Senior charedi figures signaled a major political shift Wednesday, declaring an end to their longstanding automatic alignment with Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and indicating they may be open to working with other political figures, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman.

The remarks came during a series of media appearances ahead of expected elections, as charedi representatives publicly distanced themselves from the right-wing bloc.

Motty Babchik, a key Agudas Yisrael figure close to MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, said in an interview with i24NEWS that the “right-wing bloc” is effectively finished and that the automatic partnership with Netanyahu has come to an end.

Babchik pointed to the ongoing dispute over the draft law and economic sanctions affecting the charedi community, stating that “there is no more bloc.”

He argued that Netanyahu never intended to pass the draft legislation and had misled his charedi partners for years. Citing Hagaon Rav Dov Landau, he said Netanyahu had been called “a liar,” adding that many in the charedi public feel betrayed after providing the prime minister with a political “safety net.”

Babchik also criticized Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni for not acting earlier to bring down the government. He said he would not rule out the possibility that charedi parties could, in the future, join forces with Bennett, Lieberman, or other candidates, depending on the sector’s interests.

“If Bennett calls on September 2 — we’ll talk on September 2!” Babchik said, underscoring the shift in approach.

MK Yitzchok Pindrus delivered a similar message in an interview on Channel 14’s “The Patriots,” stating that “our relationship with the bloc has ended.”

When asked about the possibility of aligning with left-wing parties, Pindrus replied, “we’ll examine what the cost of that would be.”

He also did not rule out supporting a state commission of inquiry into the massacre, saying, “we will do everything we can to protect the Torah world.” He added that “the legal system has opened a war against us because of the partnership with Netanyahu.”

The interviews came as Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz submitted a bill, together with coalition faction leaders, to dissolve the 25th Knesset, with the date of elections to be determined in discussions by the Knesset Committee.

{Matzav.com}

A wave of grief has spread through the chassidic world following the passing of Rebbetzin Rochel Rosenbaum a”h, the wife of the Mezhibuzher Rebbe, who was niftar Wednesday at Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center after a prolonged illness.

The rebbetzin, who passed away at a relatively young age after years of battling a serious disease, was known for her dignity, faith, and refined character.

She was the daughter of the mekubal Rav Mattisyahu Safrin zt”l, who also passed away at a young age after suffering from the same illness, and the granddaughter of the Komarna Rebbe of Yerushalayim.

In a poignant moment earlier in the day, her grandfather, the Komarna Rebbe of Yerushalayim, came to her bedside at the hospital shortly before her passing to bid farewell.

Throughout her life, she stood alongside her husband, supporting the growth and maintenance of the chassidus and serving as a source of chesed and guidance to many who turned to her.

In her final hours, surrounded by close family members and many chassidim mourning the tremendous loss, she returned her pure soul to its Creator.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge in Brooklyn has sentenced the head of a violent neo-Nazi network from Eastern Europe to 15 years in prison after prosecutors said he directed multiple terror plots aimed at Jews and other minority groups.

Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 22-year-old citizen of Georgia who used the nickname “Commander Butcher,” was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges connected to soliciting hate crimes and sharing instructions for creating deadly explosives and poisons, according to NBC News.

U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon handed down a 180-month prison sentence, stressing during the hearing that the punishment was tied to the defendant’s direct efforts to encourage violence and murder.

“The defendant is not sentenced because of his warped views,” Judge Amon noted during the proceedings. “He is being sentenced for his calls to action.”

Federal authorities identified Chkhikvishvili as the leader of the “Maniac Murder Cult,” an extremist organization operating out of Russia and Ukraine that spreads neo-Nazi ideology online. Prosecutors said the group used encrypted messaging services, including Telegram, to recruit and radicalize supporters internationally.

Investigators said Chkhikvishvili wrote a document called “Hater’s Handbook,” which outlined methods for carrying out mass killings and school shootings.

U.S. Attorney Nocella said the defendant deliberately focused on vulnerable communities in New York, including Jewish children.

“The defendant is a hate-mongering menace who intended to hurt and kill children in the Jewish community and in other minority communities in New York City,” Nocella stated. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message to hateful extremists, wherever you are, who seek to spread fear through unspeakable violence: we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

Court filings described several disturbing plots tied to the case. One alleged scheme involved having an associate dress as Santa Claus on New Year’s Eve and hand out poisoned candy to minorities in New York City. Prosecutors said the plan later evolved into a targeted conspiracy to poison children attending Jewish schools in Brooklyn.

Authorities said Chkhikvishvili went beyond online propaganda. In 2023, he allegedly communicated with an undercover FBI agent whom he believed was a potential recruit, urging the agent to commit murders and bomb attacks.

After being arrested in 2024, Chkhikvishvili was extradited to the United States the following year to stand trial.

Defense attorneys argued that years of bullying and personal difficulties contributed to his radicalization. Prosecutors rejected that explanation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Reich describing the case as one involving “sustained and deliberate solicitation of violence.”

Appearing in court in prison clothing, Chkhikvishvili expressed remorse over the suffering students faced and acknowledged that they should never have been subjected to such threats of violence.

{Matzav.com}

A charedi man from Bnei Brak recently made a dangerous trip into Houthi-controlled Yemen, spending a short time there before returning safely to describe his experiences from one of the most hostile places for Israelis.

The man, identified only as Yaakov and holding foreign citizenship, spoke anonymously after completing the journey. He was interviewed in recent days by Kan 11 Arab affairs correspondent Roy Kais, who sought to understand how he managed to reach the Houthi stronghold.

Travel to Yemen—and especially to its capital, Sanaa, a center of Houthi control—is widely considered extremely dangerous for Israelis and Jews. Nevertheless, Yaakov managed to enter the country for a limited period and return without being identified.

Asked what motivated him to travel there, Yaakov said, “It’s crazy. Bnei Brak is a place unto itself, a completely different culture. I want to get to know many other cultures. I’ve visited quite a few places before Yemen. There’s a kind of glass ceiling even among travelers who go to unconventional places, like Lebanon and Syria.”

According to the report, Yaakov began his journey by flying to Jeddah in western Saudi Arabia. From there, he continued to Seiyun in southern Yemen, an area associated with opponents of the Houthis. He then made the long and dangerous drive to Sanaa, one of the most hostile locations for Israelis and Jews.

When asked whether he was afraid of being exposed, Yaakov said, “It’s a terrifying fear. It’s stressful. To the point that you cut tags out of your clothes beforehand, bring receipts from the United States that you collect to prove where you live, carry a different phone, and leave your own phone in Dubai.”

Yaakov said he stayed in Sanaa only briefly, explaining, “The local guy told me, if you stay here overnight, it will be your last night.”

He also described visiting a military academy in the city, saying, “It’s a jihad culture. I was in their school (in Sanaa), and one of the books with the most copies was Hitler’s Mein Kampf.” He added that he presented himself as an American journalist and promised to portray them as freedom fighters.

Asked what surprised him most during the trip, Yaakov said he was struck by how eager people were for some sort of agreement with the United States, while expressing deep hostility toward Israel. One of the most tense moments, he said, was secretly bringing and putting on tefillin in the Yemeni capital.

In addition to visiting Houthi-controlled areas, Yaakov also traveled to the southern city of Taiz, where clashes continue between the Houthis and their opponents, and even briefly attended a local wedding.

Despite completing the journey safely, Yaakov does not recommend that others follow his path. Still, it appears he may already be thinking about his next high-risk destination in the Middle East.

{Matzav.com}

The well-known mekubal Rav Dov Kook of Tiveriah was taken today to Poriya Medical Center after developing pneumonia, prompting widespread concern among his many followers.

According to sources, Rav Kook was admitted to the hospital where he is currently receiving respiratory support as part of his treatment.

Talmidim of the rav are urging the public to daven on his behalf and to intensify tefillos for his full recovery.

His name for tefillah is Rav Dov HaKohen ben Shoshana.

{Matzav.com}

A New Jersey resident admitted in federal court on Wednesday that he intentionally drove his vehicle into the world headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in Crown Heights during a memorial gathering earlier this year, causing damage to the building’s entrance while dozens of people were inside.

Dan Sohail, 36, of Carteret, New Jersey, entered a guilty plea in Brooklyn federal court to a charge of intentionally damaging religious property. The federal civil rights offense carries a potential penalty of up to three years behind bars, fines reaching $250,000, and approximately $19,000 in restitution payments to the synagogue.

As part of the agreement, federal authorities did not file hate crime charges against Sohail. Prosecutors told the court that the recommended federal sentencing range is estimated at zero to six months in prison.

The plea agreement brings an end to the federal prosecution stemming from the January 28 incident, when Sohail drove his 2012 Honda Accord repeatedly into a side entrance of the synagogue located at 770 Eastern Parkway. The crash took place during a gathering commemorating the yahrtzeit of the Chabad movement’s spiritual leader. Although many people were present inside the building at the time, no injuries were reported.

Court documents state that Sohail arrived at the entrance shortly before 8:40 p.m., exited his vehicle, removed security stanchions, and motioned for people near the doorway to step aside.

According to prosecutors, Sohail then got back into the car and slammed into the entrance before backing up and striking the doorway four additional times. Authorities said the repeated collisions ripped the door from its hinges and destroyed the front bumper of the vehicle.

The building at 770 Eastern Parkway is regarded internationally as the center of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and has functioned for decades as both a synagogue and the residence of the movement’s leaders.

During the hearing before U.S. District Judge Eric Vitaliano, Sohail appeared wearing a Rikers Island-issued jumpsuit. He had long, disheveled hair and a thick beard. Speaking clearly and loudly, he acknowledged that he intentionally targeted the building.

“I drove to the building in order to intentionally damage the building,” he said. “I drove into the door because it is the Chabad headquarters.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brachah Goykadosh emphasized the repeated nature of the attack during the proceeding, telling the judge that Sohail “rammed his car not once, not twice, not three times, but four times.”

No relatives or friends of Sohail attended the hearing. However, he appeared to recognize a Chabad rabbi seated in the courtroom gallery and seemed to wave toward federal agents who were holding a plastic bag containing his belongings.

Investigators said that after his arrest, Sohail told law enforcement officials that he had recently discovered Jewish ancestry in his family background. According to the complaint, he said he had visited the Chabad headquarters before and had been invited to attend the event that evening. He also claimed that icy roads and the heavy boots he was wearing caused him to lose control of the car.

At the time of the incident, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said surveillance video showed Sohail parking several blocks from the synagogue, moving barricades away from the entrance, and clearing snow before driving into the structure.

The NYPD initially treated the matter as a possible hate crime investigation. However, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez later dismissed the state charges, and federal prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence to secure a hate crime conviction.

Sohail is expected to be sentenced later this year following the completion of a presentence report by federal probation officers. Authorities said he will be moved from Rikers Island to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

{Matzav.com}

A diplomatic dispute erupted Wednesday after the United Arab Emirates officially denied reports of a secret visit by Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, just hours after his office confirmed that the trip had taken place during Operation “Roaring Lion.”

In a sharply worded statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry rejected the reports outright, saying, “The United Arab Emirates denies the circulating reports regarding a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu to the country, or the reception of any Israeli military delegation on its territory.” The statement added that “the country emphasizes that its relations with Israel are open relations, established as part of the Abraham Accords, and are not based on secrecy or hidden arrangements.”

The Emirati denial came in response to reports detailing a covert meeting said to have taken place on March 26 in the city of Al Ain, near the UAE-Oman border. According to those reports, Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for several hours at a location roughly 250 kilometers from Iran’s coastline.

The conflicting accounts have created a complicated diplomatic situation. Netanyahu’s office said earlier in the evening that “during Operation ‘Roaring Lion,’ Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu visited the United Arab Emirates in secret and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. This visit led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE.”

However, the UAE Foreign Ministry insisted in its statement that “any claim of unannounced visits or arrangements has no basis, unless officially announced by the relevant authorized entities in the United Arab Emirates.”

{Matzav.com}

The sharp rupture between Degel Hatorah and Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is being viewed by insiders as genuine, not political theater, raising new questions about whether charedi parties may ultimately play a role in choosing an alternative leader.

When Degel Hatorah Knesset members entered the home of Hagaon Rav Dov Landau on Tuesday, they understood a significant decision was coming. Even so, few expected the unusually harsh letter that emerged, openly targeting Netanyahu.

The dramatic move followed a series of political developments, but many observers say the deeper story lies in growing frustration among charedi voters. In recent months, public sentiment has become increasingly critical, with many accusing their representatives of failing to deliver results. Some go further, describing them as disconnected from the public and unresponsive to its needs. While lawmakers may argue they did everything possible but were blocked, that explanation no longer satisfies many voters.

For many in the charedi community, the reasons behind the lack of progress matter less than the outcome. Whether the blame is placed on the attorney general, internal dissent within Likud, or coalition constraints, the bottom line, they say, is that there have been no tangible achievements.

Against that backdrop, Degel Hatorah’s decision cannot be dismissed lightly. It is difficult to recall such a forceful public attack on Netanyahu. The confrontation appears authentic, and the significant efforts by Netanyahu’s associates to prevent the letter from being published only underscore how serious the situation is. Still, talk of a complete and final break remains premature.

Even now, some note that political realities could shift again after elections. If it turns out that the best option is once again a government led by Netanyahu, it is far from certain that charedi parties would rule it out.

“We will from now on do only what is good for charedi Judaism and the yeshiva world,” Rav Landau wrote. If, after elections, that calculation points back to a Netanyahu-led coalition—one that offers stronger guarantees and meets charedi demands—few believe the option would be dismissed outright.

At the same time, there are those who argue that Netanyahu’s political standing may have suffered a serious blow. For years, opponents attempted to unseat him through protests, campaigns, elections, and investigations. Now, it may be his charedi allies—once seen as his most reliable partners—who could mark the beginning of the end of his tenure.

It is often assumed that charedi parties would never align with the left. That may be true, but Israeli politics has repeatedly shown that “never” is rarely absolute. Past experience has demonstrated that even a party with just six seats can propel its leader to the premiership. With charedi parties holding close to 20 mandates, some are asking why they could not support a different candidate from the right or even the center.

Some analysts suggest that the charedi parties may not necessarily shift to the left, but instead seek a new political partner.

When discussing alternatives, the conversation often focuses on familiar figures such as Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, or Naftali Bennett. However, others point to more broadly acceptable figures from the charedi perspective, such as Gadi Eisenkot, as potential options.

Shas, however, faces a more complicated situation than Degel Hatorah. The party led by Aryeh Deri is more deeply rooted within the right-wing bloc than United Torah Judaism. As a result, while Degel Hatorah occasionally voices more independent positions—and some of its members are even labeled “left-leaning” within the camp—Shas has taken a markedly different approach.

Despite close coordination between the two parties, observers do not expect Shas to adopt similarly sharp rhetoric against Netanyahu, and certainly not to advocate dismantling the right-wing bloc.

The divergence was evident in the parties’ respective newspapers. On one side stood Yated Ne’eman, representing Degel Hatorah; on the other, Haderech, aligned with Shas. Two charedi publications, two allied parties, but two distinctly different responses to the political upheaval of the past day.

{Matzav.com}

After a day of silence, Shas has joined calls to dissolve the Knesset, while signaling a markedly different tone from its Lithuanian counterpart and maintaining its loyalty to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.

The party’s newspaper, Haderech, published its long-awaited response, but the wording underscored a significant contrast in political approach. While Degel Hatorah declared a complete break from the bloc and a loss of personal trust in Netanyahu, Shas framed the situation as internal disappointment rather than a rupture.

The headline in the paper read, “Without progress on the law, there is no point in maintaining the current government,” reflecting a softer stance. Notably, Shas is not demanding the immediate passage of the legislation as a condition for the government’s survival, but rather its advancement. This phrasing leaves Netanyahu room to maneuver and indicates that Shas, unlike Degel Hatorah, is not rushing to sever ties with the prime minister.

At the same time, Shas is already looking ahead to the next government, setting a clear condition that draft exemptions must be resolved before any future coalition is formed, as part of pre-coalition agreements.

The tone adopted by Shas is far more measured than the sharp rhetoric seen in other charedi outlets. Terms such as “pain” and “disappointment” suggest the posture of a loyal partner expressing frustration, rather than one seeking to dismantle the ideological alliance. For Shas, the primary dispute at this stage centers on the timing of elections, not on its broader affiliation with the national-religious camp.

In a special column published in the party’s paper, the ideological position was made clear: “Whoever naively believes that a left-wing government will solve everything is living in illusions.” The piece argued that the only unifying factor of the opposing bloc is “hatred of the charedim,” dismissing the idea of cooperation with the left as unrealistic.

In summary, while Shas has followed Degel Hatorah in formally backing the push to dissolve the Knesset, it has done so while carefully preserving its place within the right-wing bloc. The party’s message to Netanyahu is clear: It remains aligned with him, but believes the current government has reached the end of its ability to advance key religious priorities. The expectation is that both sides will meet again at the ballot box and return strengthened under the same political alliance.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has decided not to take part in discussions at the President’s Residence aimed at reaching a plea agreement, according to a report broadcast Wednesday night on Channel 12, following a prolonged internal debate over how to respond to President Isaac Herzog’s proposal.

The report stated that Netanyahu did not respond to Herzog’s initiative for ten days, during which a deep divide emerged between his legal team, who supported entering talks, and his family members and close advisers, whose position ultimately led to the decision to reject the offer.

Senior officials close to Netanyahu sharply criticized the president’s initiative, calling it “a spin” and “complete nonsense.” They described it as “a staged production meant to drag out time and avoid dealing with the pardon request,” adding that Netanyahu is close to making a final decision to reject the proposal and instead continue pressing Herzog on the issue of a pardon.

Netanyahu’s decision stands in contrast to the view of his attorneys, who believe that participating in discussions at the President’s Residence would be in his legal interest. Despite their position, the stance of his inner circle appears to have prevailed in favor of rejecting negotiations toward a plea deal.

Earlier in the day, Herzog addressed the matter at the President’s Conference for a Shared Israeli Future, referring to the pardon request as “an elephant in the room.” “I am touching on very painful issues, an issue that is a kind of elephant in the room,” he said. “The issue of a pardon for the prime minister or a request for a pardon. Why do I call for dialogue and explanation, for talks toward an arrangement? Because I truly believe that in these heavy issues that burn at the heart of Israeli society and divide it, the right path, as much as possible, is to reach understandings and agreements. I believe in this.”

Herzog added that he expects both sides to be willing to engage in discussions. “In this case as well, it is difficult for everyone. The moment one side said it is willing to come into the room, I expect the other side to come into the room as well.”

{Matzav.com}

Officials inside the White House are reportedly considering a proposal for President Donald Trump to grant as many as 250 pardons in connection with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations later this year.

The report, first published by The Wall Street Journal, cites unnamed sources familiar with internal discussions.

According to the Journal, a White House official acknowledged that conversations are ongoing about how best to implement the president’s priorities, while emphasizing that Trump will ultimately decide whether and how to proceed with any clemency actions.

Among the dates being considered for a possible announcement are June 14—Flag Day and Trump’s birthday—or July 4.

If carried out, the move would further expand Trump’s use of presidential pardon authority during his second term.

The Journal reported that some within the administration have expressed concern about issuing a large number of pardons ahead of this year’s midterm elections.

Trump has tied a number of initiatives to the country’s 250th anniversary, known as the semiquincentennial.

Those plans include the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes featuring 250 statues, a nationwide athletic competition for high school students called the “Patriot Games,” and upgrades to national monuments in Washington.

The report also noted that leaders throughout history have occasionally used milestone anniversaries and commemorative events as occasions to grant pardons or other forms of clemency.

Ed Martin, Trump’s appointed pardon attorney at the Justice Department, has previously written that the power to grant pardons has long played a meaningful role in justice systems.

Trump has already issued several notable pardons during his current term, including clemency for individuals connected to the January 6, 2021 Capitol incident, as well as pardons for former Binance executive Changpeng Zhao, Nikola founder Trevor Milton, and Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht.

Justice Department figures show that more than 16,000 formal pardon applications were submitted last year, the highest total recorded since at least 1937.

Several high-profile individuals have publicly sought clemency. The attorney representing Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, has openly discussed the possibility of pursuing a pardon in exchange for cooperation related to the case.

Trump previously said he would consult with the Justice Department when asked about the possibility of granting Maxwell clemency.

“I have a lot of people who’ve asked me for pardons,” Trump told reporters last year.

{Matzav.com}