In a deeply personal moment on live Israeli radio, popular singer Benny Friedman revealed that his seven-year-old son is on the autism spectrum, sharing details of the family’s private journey for the first time during a broadcast of the Motzaei Shabbos program Motzaei Shabbos Chai in Israel.
The disclosure came during what began as a routine interview with host Menachem Toker, focusing on Friedman’s latest album. While discussing song selections, Friedman unexpectedly spoke about his fourth child, who is celebrating his seventh birthday this week, and his experience living with autism.
The revelation arose while Friedman described a song he received from composer Ari Goldwag. “I have a son with autism, and he absolutely lit up from this song,” Friedman said simply. “So I told my wife — I’m not sure about the song, but our son loves it.”
Toker, taken aback by the candid admission, responded emotionally, saying, “Wow, that’s incredibly moving.”
Friedman went on to explain that his son is high-functioning, able to speak and communicate, and shared especially uplifting news about his recent progress. “It’s a huge miracle from Shomayim,” the singer said. “He’s now beginning to learn a full day in a regular school.”
The singer was careful not to take credit for the breakthrough himself, instead praising his wife’s extraordinary dedication. “My wife is a miracle worker,” Friedman said on air. “She worked with him incredibly hard.”
The heartfelt disclosure offered listeners a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs behind the scenes of one of the leading figures in Jewish music.
{Matzav.com}
A major inauguration ceremony planned by the Skverer chassidus in Beit Shemesh has been postponed amid heightened security tensions and concerns over a possible escalation involving Iran.
An official announcement confirmed that the chanukas habayis celebration for the new Skverer Beis Medrash in the Ramat Daled neighborhood of Beit Shemesh will be delayed.
The decision followed consultations with the Skverer Rebbe, who instructed his eldest son, Rav Aharon Mendel, to cancel his planned trip to Israel in light of the current regional situation.
The development came at an advanced stage of preparations for the large-scale event, which had been expected to draw significant crowds. In a message circulated to chassidim, organizers explained that the question was presented to the Rebbe due to the unpredictable security climate. The Rebbe ruled that since the event can be held at a later date without loss, it would be preferable to wait for a calmer and safer time.
In further remarks, the mosdos’ leadership said the goal is to celebrate the inauguration of the new and impressive building with full peace of mind, allowing the many participants—traveling from across Israel and from abroad—to attend safely and joyfully, without concern or fear.
The Skverer chassidus emphasized that the decision constitutes a postponement, not a cancellation. Details regarding a new date will be released in the future. For now, the community will wait for an easing of the security situation so the event can take place as originally envisioned, with proper splendor and elevated simcha.
It was also reported that another planned gathering—a special chizuk assembly for all Skverer chassidim in Israel, marking one year since a historic hachnassas Sefer Torah during which communal commitments were undertaken—has likewise been called off at this time.
{Matzav.com}
