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Purim celebrations in the court of Seret Vizhnitz in Haifa were marked this year by the tense security situation in northern Israel, as repeated rocket alerts disrupted the traditional tish on the night of Purim.

During the gathering, three consecutive sirens sounded across the city, forcing chassidim and guests to seek shelter in protected areas. When the first alert was heard, the Seret Vizhnitzer Rebbe left the bais medrash and made his way to a nearby protected space.

While the Rebbe remained in the secure area, thousands of chassidim stayed inside the bais medrash and responded to the tense moments with powerful singing, chanting the posuk “V’chol karnei resha’im agadei’a, teromamnah karnei tzaddik.”

After three separate alerts and a message from Home Front Command announcing that the immediate danger had passed, the Rebbe returned to his table to continue the tish. However, only minutes later another early warning notification was issued. At that point, the Rebbe immediately began birkas hamazon and again made his way to the protected area to ensure the safety of those present.

Amid the disruption caused by the sirens, chassidim also experienced an unusual moment during the krias hamegillah. On the night of Purim, the Rebbe personally read the first two chapters of the megillah, after which the reading was continued by Rav Meshulam Rosenberg.

During the daytime megillah reading on Purim, however, an unexpected development occurred. After the first two chapters were completed, Rav Rosenberg attempted to continue the reading but suddenly lost his voice due to hoarseness and was unable to proceed.

In response to the situation, the Rebbe took over the reading himself and continued until the entire megillah had been completed.

Chassidim later expressed deep excitement over the rare moment, noting that it is uncommon for the Rebbe to read the entire megillah himself. Many said they felt privileged, describing the experience as an extraordinary occasion within the chassidus.

{Matzav.com}

China’s factory activity shrank for a second month in February, though lower U.S. tariffs could bring about a small boost in the coming weeks. The official manufacturing purchasing managers index, or PMI, slipped to 49 from 49.3 in January, a four-month low, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Wednesday. The figure from its monthly survey […]

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that American and Israeli forces are on the verge of gaining complete control of Iranian airspace, a development he suggested would dramatically accelerate the allied military campaign against Tehran. Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the combined air power of the United States and Israel is rapidly dismantling […]

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday night that the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran that killed the country’s supreme leader was carried out “outside of international law,” adding that France cannot support the operation.

In a nationally televised address, Macron placed responsibility for the broader conflict in the Middle East on Iran but made clear that Paris does not endorse the strikes themselves, a stance that could strain relations with Washington.

His comments come as tensions between the United States and some European governments have intensified over the war. Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump threatened to halt trade with Spain after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the war as illegal and refused to allow American military aircraft to operate from Spanish bases during attacks on Iran.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who appeared alongside Trump during the press conference where the trade warning was issued, did not publicly defend Sánchez at the time. Macron’s remarks now appear to place France closer to the Spanish position regarding the legality of the conflict.

Although Trump has suggested the fighting could conclude within days or weeks, Macron warned that the conflict may continue for an extended period.

“Strikes will likely continue in the coming days to weaken Iran and destroy its counterattack capabilities. And in response, Iranian strikes in the whole region are expected to continue,” Macron said.

Macron also announced that France is strengthening its military posture in the region to safeguard its interests. The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is being deployed to the Mediterranean, accompanied by fighter jets and air-defense systems.

“We will continue this effort as long as it is needed,” he said.

The French president confirmed that Paris has also dispatched anti-missile defense systems to Cyprus, a move that had previously been reported.

“Cyprus, an EU member state, a country with which we have signed a strategic partnership … requires our support,” he said.

Macron stressed that France must uphold its credibility by honoring its security commitments to allies in the region, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, where approximately 800 French troops are currently stationed.

On Sunday, Iranian drones struck a French naval facility in the United Arab Emirates, though no casualties were reported.

French fighter jets also conducted flights over the UAE during the weekend as part of what officials described as “sky security operations,” according to French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Air Force says it has dropped more than 5,000 munitions on targets across Iran since the conflict began on Shabbos, with a major focus on the Tehran area. Meanwhile, the IDF says missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel a short while ago. Air defense systems intercepted the threat and shelter instructions issued […]

A U.S. submarine sunk a prized Iranian warship by torpedo, the first such sinking of an enemy ship since World War II, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday morning. “The Iranian Navy rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf. Combat ineffective, decimated, destroyed, defeated. Pick your adjective,” Hegseth said. “In fact, last night […]

The “Mishteh Hayayin” Tish in Yerushalyim today by Hagaon HaRav Yaakov Meyer Schechter of Breslov.

While Israel remains on high alert amid the ongoing security situation, the bais medrash of Yeshivas Ponevezh in Bnei Brak resonated late into the night with the powerful sound of Torah learning, as thousands of talmidim gathered for a continuous learning session on the night of Purim.

The long-standing tradition—established decades ago by the rosh yeshiva, Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l—continued this year with remarkable intensity. The evening also featured an emotional visit from the current rosh yeshiva, Rav Berel Povarsky.

As the streets of Bnei Brak filled with the festive atmosphere of the Yom Tov, tempered by the tension of the ongoing security situation in Eretz Yisroel, thousands of bochurim at the flagship yeshiva of the olam hayeshivos chose to arm themselves with what they see as the Jewish people’s most powerful weapon: Torah.

On the night of Purim, when many celebrate in the streets, the yeshiva’s talmidim set aside the usual festivities and gathered in the main bais medrash for an inspiring and uninterrupted learning session that continued until 2:00 a.m.

The famous learning session held each year on the night of Purim in Ponevezh is far from routine. It was instituted decades ago at the direct instruction of Rav Gershon Edelstein, who would regularly emphasize the unique power of learning Torah precisely at times when others might step away from it. The talmidim of the yeshiva, viewing this as a living spiritual legacy, packed the bais medrash to capacity.

A particularly moving moment occurred when the rosh yeshiva, Rav Berel Povarsky, entered the bais medrash to witness firsthand the extraordinary sight of thousands of young men deeply immersed in learning. The rosh yeshiva expressed great satisfaction, and dozens of talmidim approached him to discuss the sugyos they were studying, as he encouraged them to continue strengthening the merit of Klal Yisroel through their learning.

At the conclusion of the learning session at 2:00 a.m., a special tefillah was held for the salvation of the Jewish people and the nullification of harsh decrees.

Following the tefillah, thousands of bochurim broke out in powerful singing that echoed throughout the area. Alongside the traditional Purim melodies, songs of geulah and heartfelt supplication filled the hall, as the talmidim cried out and prayed for deliverance in the shadow of the ongoing war.

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{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Senate is headed towards a vote Wednesday on President Donald Trump’s decision to embark on a war against Iran, an extraordinary test in Congress for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East with no clear U.S. exit strategy. The legislation, known as a war powers resolution, gives lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional […]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler   The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact […]

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE Shas, Rashi & Tosfos IN JUST ONE YEAR!

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

Beyond the Grave

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

Israeli defense officials say there has been a significant decline in the number of missiles being launched from Iran, attributing the drop to extensive damage inflicted on missile launchers as well as reports that some Iranian soldiers have abandoned their positions out of fear they would be targeted.

Four days into the war, security officials in Israel say the number of launches has steadily decreased, a trend they link to sustained Israeli and American strikes on Iran’s missile infrastructure.

According to a report aired overnight on Kan News, roughly 90 missiles were launched on the first day of the conflict. The number dropped to about 65 on the second day, around 25 on the third day, and approximately 20 launches were recorded on Tuesday.

A security official quoted in the report said the decline is expected to continue. “This trend will intensify; we and the Americans are damaging Iran’s ability to carry out large-scale attacks.”

At the same time, the IDF announced that the Israeli Air Force has struck dozens of missile launch sites and rendered approximately 300 missile launchers in Iran inoperable.

Since the beginning of Operation Shaagas HaAri, the Air Force has dropped roughly 4,000 munitions across targets throughout Iran.

According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Office, hundreds of fighter jets and aircraft have carried out simultaneous strikes over the past 24 hours against hundreds of targets across Iran and Lebanon.

As part of the ongoing offensive effort, the Israeli Air Force continues to conduct successive waves of attacks targeting the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile systems and air-defense networks.

Since the launch of Operation Shaagas HaAri, the Air Force has neutralized about 300 missile launchers, the result of more than 1,600 strike sorties and an around-the-clock effort to hunt down launchers and missile stockpiles in order to reduce the volume of fire directed at Israel’s home front.

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s missile and drone attacks have dropped sharply since the start of the U.S. military campaign against the country, according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said American forces are now preparing to expand their strikes deeper into Iranian territory. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, […]

Two IDF soldiers from the 401st Armored Brigade were moderately wounded earlier today when Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed it targeted a Merkava tank in the village of Houla. The IDF says the soldiers were evacuated to a hospital in moderate condition, and their families have been notified.

Israel is preparing for at least one to two more weeks of military operations inside Iran as it seeks to systematically degrade the Iranian regime and its military infrastructure, according to information obtained by The Times of Israel. Israeli military planners expect the campaign to continue with a sustained wave of strikes targeting thousands of […]

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attended a public megillah reading Tuesday night, the night of Shushan Purim, at Yeshivas Mercaz HaRav in Yerushalayim, prompting criticism from some observers who questioned whether his participation complied with Home Front Command restrictions on public gatherings.

The prime minister joined a large crowd at the yeshiva for krias hamegillah, though the event drew scrutiny because current emergency guidelines issued by Israel’s Home Front Command prohibit large public gatherings.

After photos and video from the event circulated, the Prime Minister’s Office responded to media inquiries, stating that Netanyahu “acted in accordance with the guidelines.”

As previously reported, Home Front Command announced that the current security restrictions would remain in place until Shabbos, March 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Under the updated policy, public gatherings are not permitted, most workplaces are closed except for essential services, and educational activities are suspended.

The issue gained additional attention after Kan 11 political correspondent Michael Shemesh commented publicly on the situation following Netanyahu’s appearance at the reading.

“Incidentally, after Netanyahu’s appearance at the public megillah reading, it would be appropriate for Home Front Command to at least update the guidelines and allow many Jews who wish to hear the megillah properly to do so,” Shemesh wrote. “In my opinion the restrictions at this stage are completely excessive.”

{Matzav.com}

A diplomatic conversation infused with faith and historical reflection took place Tuesday between Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Boaz Bismuth and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, as the two discussed the joint Israeli-American operation in Iran, Operation Shaagas HaAri, during the days of Purim.

“The attack in Iran is like reliving the days of Mordechai and Esther. We are seeing the miracle before our eyes,” Huckabee said, highlighting the symbolism of the timing during the days of Purim.

Bismuth said during the conversation that Israel currently finds itself “in the midst of a process in which a new Middle East is being built, one that will influence the entire global order,” adding that the moment is historic and will reshape reality for generations.

He emphasized that Israel and the United States are in the middle of a historic initiative being led by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu—an effort that is reshaping the Middle East and influencing the broader world order.

According to Bismuth, “as people of faith, it can be said that the finger of God touched Trump and Netanyahu,” adding that the two leaders are acting with a sense of mission at a defining moment in history.

He continued, expressing the sense of purpose surrounding the events: “One can simply say that there is the finger of God here. This is a tremendous event. Truly tremendous.”

Bismuth also expressed gratitude to Ambassador Huckabee, the American people, and the U.S. administration for their friendship and steadfast support of Israel. He additionally conveyed condolences to the families of American soldiers who were killed during the operation, noting that Israel deeply values both their sacrifice and the partnership between the two nations.

{Matzav.com}

The United States and Israel have effectively divided Iran into separate theaters of war as the two allies wage the first-ever full-scale joint military campaign between the countries. According to the IDF, the war effort has been carefully structured to leverage the strengths and geographic positioning of each force, with the two militaries splitting responsibilities […]

An Israeli stealth fighter shot down an Iranian jet Wednesday in the first confirmed fighter-to-fighter dogfight since the outbreak of the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran. The IDF announced that an Israeli F-35I “Adir” intercepted and destroyed an Iranian YAK-130 at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, marking the first aerial duel between manned fighter jets since the […]

A moving moment unfolded on the night of Purim at the central Marina Roshcha shul in Moscow, as a rare and centuries-old Megillas Esther was presented to the Chief Rabbi of Russia in an emotional ceremony.

The gift was presented by Alexander Grodetsky, a 95-year-old Jewish man, who arrived at the shul and handed the miniature megillah to Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Berel Lazar. The ancient megillah had been preserved within his family for generations.

Standing firmly and speaking with deep emotion, Grodetsky shared the remarkable story behind the treasured heirloom. He explained that the megillah had been given to him 75 years earlier by his great-grandfather. That great-grandfather, born in the year תר”ל, had inherited it from his own father, indicating that the scroll was written more than two centuries ago. “When my grandfather gave me the megillah, he asked me to guard it for the rest of my life,” Grodetsky told the Chief Rabbi, adding resolutely, “I decided that the best way to protect it now is to entrust it to our rabbi.”

After the central public reading of the megillah before a large crowd, hundreds of young Jewish attendees gathered to hear remarks from the Chief Rabbi, who displayed the rare megillah to those present. Rav Lazar connected Grodetsky’s vitality and longevity with his dedication to Jewish tradition. “If you all want to be happy and at peace with long life like Alexander Grodetsky, you should keep Megillos Esther in your homes and follow the path of preserving the heritage of Israel. Our ancestors drew optimism from this megillah, and from it we understand that the Jewish people cannot be defeated.”

The rabbi went on to emphasize the contemporary message of Purim, stressing that every detail of life is guided by hashgachah pratis. “The belief that HaKadosh Baruch Hu watches over us gives us strength in every situation. Even when reality appears difficult, we must remain certain that there is a Creator who directs the world. There is no place for worry when we know that there is a Leader of the palace, and every doubt—which has the gematria of Amalek—has no place in the Jewish spirit.”

In his concluding remarks, Rav Lazar called upon the community to strengthen Jewish identity, particularly in light of the events unfolding in Eretz HaKodesh. He urged Jews to express pride in their heritage through traditional Jewish dress, the use of Jewish names, and the performance of practical mitzvos, foremost among them placing a mezuzah on the entrance to the home. Such acts, he said, will help ensure the security and ultimate victory of the Jewish people in Eretz HaKodesh and throughout the world.

{Matzav.com}