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It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the tragic passing of Yisroel Mordechai Goldstone z”l, who was tragically niftar on Sunday night at the age of 34 after drowning in Puerto Rico, where he resided with his wife, Mrs. Sarah Medina Goldstone.

Yisroel Mordechai was the beloved son of Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchok Goldstone. He grew up in Far Rockaway, where his father is a devoted member of the staff of Yeshiva Darchei Torah.

Those who knew Yisroel Mordechai remember him as a deeply kindhearted person, whose gentle spirit and warm smile left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He was a true baal chesed, always ready to extend a helping hand, to lift the spirits of those around him, and to give of himself in quiet, meaningful ways. Friends and family alike recall his sincerity, humility, and his constant concern for others.

The tragic news has plunged his family, friends, and community into grief. In Puerto Rico, he and his wife Sarah Medina built a life together, and his presence will be profoundly missed by all who were privileged to know him.

As of this writing, authorities have not yet released the body for kevurah. Dedicated askaním are working tirelessly to secure its release so that proper burial arrangements can be made according to halacha.

Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}

A man who evaded authorities with his three children in the remote New Zealand countryside for nearly four years was shot and killed by a police officer Monday, law enforcement said. One child was with Tom Phillips at the time of the confrontation and the other two children were found in the forest hours after the shoot-out, in which an officer was critically injured. The December 2021 disappearance of Phillips and his children — now about 9, 10 and 11 years old — confounded investigators for years as they scoured the densely forested area where they believed the family was hiding. The father and children were not believed to ever have traveled far from the isolated North Island rural settlement of Marokopa where they lived, but credible sightings of them were rare. Phillips has not been formally identified, but authorities believed he was the man killed. Police officer was shot and critically injured A police officer was shot in the head and critically injured during a confrontation with Phillips after he robbed an agricultural supplies store early Monday morning, New Zealand’s Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters in the city of Hamilton. The child with Phillips at the time of the robbery was taken into custody. The officer was undergoing surgery at a hospital. His injuries were survivable, Rogers said, but he was shot “multiple times with a high-powered rifle” and further surgeries were expected. Fugitive’s other two children found hours after shoot-out The whereabouts of Phillips’ other two children was unknown immediately after the shooting and authorities held serious concerns for them, Rogers said earlier. About 13 hours after their father was killed, however, Rogers told reporters that the children had been found unaccompanied at a remote campsite in rugged forest. The child taken into custody Monday had cooperated with the authorities, allowing them to narrow the search area, she said. The farm supplies store targeted Monday was in a small town in the same sprawling farming region of Waikato, south of Auckland, as the settlement of about 40 people from where the family vanished. The case has fascinated New Zealanders and the authorities made regular unsuccessful appeals for information. Sightings of Phillips were limited to surveillance footage that showed him allegedly committing crimes in the area. He was wanted for an armed bank robbery while on the run in May 2023, accompanied by one of his children, in which he reportedly shot at a member of the public. Authorities believed Phillips had help Phillips did not have legal custody rights for his children, Detective Senior Sgt. Andrew Saunders told reporters in 2024. Authorities said they had not had access to formal education or health care since their disappearance. Law enforcement always believed that Phillips had help concealing his family and some residents of the isolated rural area expressed support for him. A reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars ($47,000), large by New Zealand standards was offered for information about the family’s whereabouts last June, but it was never paid. Family had gone missing before December 2021 was not the first time Phillips prompted national news headlines after disappearing with his children. The family went missing that September, launching a three-week land and sea search after Phillips’ truck was found abandoned on a wild beach near where he lived. […]

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By Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

A unique siyum took place recently at the Kolel Kabbolah Chatzos (the Midnight Kolel) of Torah-24 in Yerushalayim. Every night, talmidei chachomim geonim and known mekubalim gather there at midnight to first recite Tikkun Chatzos and then, for hours, to delve into the Zohar, Otzros Chaim (by Rabbeinu Chaim Vital) and other Kabbalistic works.

One of Eleven

Kolel Kabbolah Chatzos is one of 11 kollelim under-one-roof at Torah-24. These kollelim offer different learning shifts in all aspects of Torah b’iyun – every day, 24 hours per day. This follows the learning tradition of the Ramchal, Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh and Reb Chaim Volozhener – to ensure that the sound of Torah learning does not cease even for a minute.

Torah-24 is part of the ‘Total Torah Legacy’ of Maran Sar Hatorah, Rabbeinu Hagadol Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, who served as Nasi of Torah-24 and the Shas Yiden network. (Click on https://www.torah-24.com). Each kollel has regular oral farhers and written tests.

The Siyum

The gathering celebrated the diligent completion, by the rabbis of the Torah-24 midnight Kolel Kabbolah Chatzos, of the study of the entire Zohar, its commentaries and the Otzros Chaim. The event also acknowledged the dedication and the dissemination of Torah study at Torah-24, which encompasses both nigleh and nistar.  

The gathering took place in the home of the famed, leading kabbalist, Maran Hatzadik Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter, shlit”a, in Yerushalayim. Rav Schechter praised the founder of Torah-24, the Pozna Rov, for his notable vision and expansion of Torah study, and for his inclusion of true Kabbalah study method, not just for individual learning but in a holy enclave of talmidei chachomim. This would expand its influence across the world, he said, and this Kolel’s growing impact will bring about Redemption as detailed in the Zohar.

He also paid tribute to the memory of the Pozna Rov’s grandfather, Harav Asher Zelig Margolius, a great Yerushalmi kabbalist who Rav Shechter knew personally. He also spoke extensively about Kabbalah study, citing insights from great mekubolim he had known.

The head of the Kolel Kabbolah Chatzos, Hamekubel Avrohom Eisenbach, shlit”a, son in law of Hamekubel Daniel Frish , baal Matok Midvash on the Zohar. He delivered the siyum on the Zohar and gave an insight into the Kabbalah learning. He gave an introduction to the nightly regimen of the Kolel and the recitation of Tikkun Chatzos – mourning the Destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and praying for its Rebuilding. Harav Avraham Rabinowitz, son-in-law of the Toldos Aharon Rebbe, spoke, and was followed by Harav Tzvi Vigder who recited the siyum of the Otzros Chaim. The Kaddish was recited by Hagaon Harav Yosef Samet, chief editor of Oz V’hadar edition of the Talmud, who is also a member of the Kolel Kabbolah Chatzos.  

The gathering concluded with a l’chaim and brocha from Rav Schechter, a nigun in which all joined, and danced for kovod Hatorah. 

Watch as a train crashes into a double-decker bus in Mexico, leaving 8 fatalities and 45 injured.

TRAGEDY IN GAZA: The IDF has announced that four soldiers were killed early this morning in a Hamas attack on the outskirts of Gaza City. Among the fallen are: • Staff Sgt. Uri Lamed hy”d, 20, from Tel Mond • Sgt. Amit Arye Regev hy”d, 19, from Modiin • Sgt. Gadi Cotal hy”d, 20, from Kibbutz Afikim All three served in the 401st Armored Brigade’s 52nd Battalion. The name of the fourth soldier will be released later. According to the army, Hamas terrorists launched a surprise attack on an IDF encampment around 6:00 a.m., throwing explosives into a tank and opening fire. Despite the soldiers’ return fire, four lives were tragically lost.

Hamas on Monday rejected a new U.S.-backed ceasefire and hostage-release proposal as unworkable, saying that the framework delivered through Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin and Dr. Bishara Bahbah is riddled with “traps and pitfalls” that undermine its credibility. In comments to Asharq al Awsat, Hamas sources said the group remains focused on securing an agreement that guarantees a full end to the war, not what they described as a one-sided arrangement. They argued that the plan’s demand for the immediate release of all 48 hostages—including both the living and the dead—on the first day of the deal is unrealistic, citing cases where hostages were killed in areas now reduced to rubble or buried after Israeli operations. Extracting their bodies, Hamas said, would require halting Israeli military activity in contested zones. The group further blasted the omission of Israeli withdrawals from critical choke points such as the Philadelphi Corridor, and the reopening of Rafah crossing. Hamas has insisted that any deal must include binding guarantees from the United States and other “guarantor countries” that Israel will move toward ending the conflict. According to sources who spoke with The Jerusalem Post, the plan envisions Hamas freeing all hostages on day one in return for a personal assurance from President Donald Trump that hostilities would not resume until negotiations conclude. In exchange, Israel would release 2,000 to 3,000 Palestinian security prisoners—including convicted murderers—cancel its planned military operation in Gaza City, and begin talks on a comprehensive end to the war. Israeli forces, however, would retain a limited presence in designated parts of Gaza throughout the truce. Diplomatic sources acknowledged that Hamas is unlikely to accept terms that would strip it of leverage so quickly. “Hamas would essentially be giving up the hostages on day one in return for a presidential guarantee,” one source told the Post. “What happens if the negotiations collapse? Hamas would have lost all of its leverage.” Still, Israeli officials said the government is weighing the offer seriously. A senior aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the proposal is under “very serious consideration,” though he conceded Hamas’s rejectionist stance makes progress improbable. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

For the first time in the history of the Vizhnitzer chassidus, a major change has been made to the timing of Selichos. Due to the health condition of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, the traditional late-night Selichos have been moved on Motzoei Shabbos to 10:30 p.m., instead of the longstanding custom of beginning at 12:30 a.m.

The adjustment follows the Rebbe’s hospitalization this past Motzoei Shabbos at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital after experiencing weakness over Shabbos. To the great relief of his chassidim, the Rebbe was discharged this morning and is now resting at a guest residence in Moshav Ora.

For the time being, the Rebbe will not be receiving visitors.

Sources told Matzav.com that the directive to advance the timing of Selichos was issued by the noted dayan Rav Yisroel Miller and applies only to the Rebbe’s personal minyan. All other Vizhnitzer minyanim in Eretz Yisroel and abroad will continue to recite Selichos at the traditional time, after midnight.

According to current plans, the Rebbe is expected to remain in Moshav Ora throughout the month, returning to his residence only for Yom Tov. Even on the Shabbos following Rosh Hashanah, he is expected to remain at the guest home together with his son-in-law, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Beit Shemesh.

All are asked to continue to daven for Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther.

{Matzav.com Israel}

FIRE!!! FIRE!!! Our shul went up in FLAMS — let’s REBUILD together! CLICK HERE  Help us rise from the ashes — fund our shul today!   OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW SHUL WAS JUST A FEW WEEKS OLD WHEN IT TRAGICALLY CAUGHT FIRE, LEAVING BEHIND NOTHING BUT ASH AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES. CLICK HERE  CLICK HERE  FIRE!!! FIRE!!! Our shul went up in FLAMS — let’s REBUILD together! CLICK HERE  Help us rise from the ashes — fund our shul today!   OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW SHUL WAS JUST A FEW WEEKS OLD WHEN IT TRAGICALLY CAUGHT FIRE, LEAVING BEHIND NOTHING BUT ASH AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES. CLICK HERE 

US Supreme Court APPROVES President Trump’s major illegal immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, ruling 6-3.

The horrific terror attack this morning at the Ramot Junction in Yerushalayim, which claimed the lives of six people, has left many shaken and deeply unsettled. For countless residents, daily routines such as walking in public spaces or traveling on buses — once mundane parts of life — now feel threatening and unsafe. Yet experts stress that understanding both the psychological effects of trauma and the ongoing security measures in place can help restore a measure of calm.

The Psychological Impact of Terror

Studies conducted in Israel, where terror is unfortunately familiar, reveal that exposure — whether direct or indirect — to such violent events often triggers intense emotional reactions. Fear, anxiety, and even avoidance of public transportation are common responses. According to surveys from the Ministry of Health and other research bodies, as many as 34% of Israelis who were near a severe incident reported symptoms of post-trauma or prolonged anxiety. While such reactions are normal in the days and weeks immediately following an attack, persistent distress that disrupts daily life may require professional support.

Practical Tools for Coping

Mental health experts recommend several approaches to help individuals work through these feelings:

• Acknowledgment and Communication: Accepting that fear is a natural reaction and sharing those feelings with family, friends, or professionals eases the emotional burden. Silence only deepens anxiety.

• Limiting Media Exposure: Both the World Health Organization and Israeli health authorities advise reducing intake of graphic or traumatic media coverage. While curiosity is natural, constant exposure to distressing content often intensifies fear.

• Gradual Return to Routine: Avoidance can reinforce anxiety. A step-by-step reintroduction to daily habits — such as starting with short rides or traveling with a companion — helps rebuild confidence.

Security Measures in Place

Despite the tragedy, it is vital to recognize the extensive efforts taken to ensure public safety. In 2024 alone, over 1,000 major terror attempts were thwarted by the Shin Bet and the IDF, alongside thousands of arrests and enhanced security deployments on buses and in sensitive locations. Authorities note that the past year has actually seen a sharp decline in successful attacks — 70% fewer compared to the year before.

The public also plays a vital role. Security officials repeatedly emphasize that vigilance and reporting anything suspicious are critical components in safeguarding communities.

A Closing Thought

Terror attacks shake our sense of safety to the core. Still, the overwhelming majority of Israelis reach their destinations unharmed each day, a reality that reflects both relentless security work and, as many believe, divine protection. May we soon see the day when such tragedies cease, fulfilling the words of Tehillim (91): “לֹא תְאֻנֶּה אֵלֶיךָ רָעָה וְנֶגַע לֹא יִקְרַב בְּאָהֳלֶךָ – No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

WATCH: An “Honor Convoy” recently set out from the Umm al-Fahm police station for the levaya of Officer Niv Peretz, passing through his hometown of Afula on the way to the city’s military cemetery.

An Australian judge on Monday sentenced triple-murderer Erin Patterson to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years for poisoning four of her estranged husband’s relatives with death cap mushrooms. Justice Christopher Beale told the Victoria state Supreme Court that Patterson’s crimes involved an enormous betrayal of trust. Patterson was convicted in July of murdering Don and Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, with a lunch of beef Wellington pastries laced with foraged death cap mushrooms. Patterson was also convicted of attempting to murder Heather’s husband Ian Wilkinson, who spent weeks in a hospital. Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was invited but did not attend the July 2023 lunch served to her parents-in-law and her estranged husband’s aunt and uncle at her home. Murderer robbed her children of their grandparents “Your victims were all your relatives by marriage. More than that, they had all been good to you and your children over many years, as you acknowledged in your testimony,” Beale said. “Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinson’s health, thereby devastating extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents,” he added. Both prosecution and defense lawyers had agreed that a life sentence was an appropriate punishment for the 50-year-old on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. But defense lawyers had asked for Patterson to become eligible for parole after serving 30 years. Prosecutors had argued she should never be considered for parole because she did not deserve the court’s mercy. Survivor calls for kindness Ian Wilkinson did not comment on the sentence but thanked police, prosecutors and health services he’d encountered since the poisonings. “We’re thankful that when things go wrong, there are good people and services and systems available to help us recover,” he told reporters outside court. “Our lives and the life of our community depends on the kindness of others. I’d like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other. Finally, I want to say thank you to the many people from across Australia and around the world who through their prayers and messages of support have encouraged us,” he added. Beale said Patterson had also intended to kill her husband if he had accepted his invitation to lunch. She had pretended to have been diagnosed with cancer as a reason to bring them together. She claimed to have wanted advice on how to break the news to her two children, who were not present at the lunch. Beale accepted Ian Wilkinson’s account that the guests were served grey plates while Patterson ate from an orange-tan plate. This was to ensure she didn’t accidentally eat a poisoned meal, Beale said. Only triple-killer knows her motivation “Only you know why you committed them (the crimes). I will not be speculating about that matter,” the judge told Patterson. Patterson showed little emotion during the sentencing hearing, which took less than an hour. She kept her eyes closed for much or it or stared directly ahead. Patterson maintained at her trial that she had added foraged mushrooms to the meals by accident. But she had initially denied to authorities that she fed her guests foraged mushrooms. A drug that is a specific antidote for death cap […]

Amid the horror of Monday’s deadly terror attack at the Ramot junction in Yerushalayim, where six Jewish civilians were murdered simply for being Jewish, one extraordinary act of courage stood out. A chareidi yungerman from the Ramot neighborhood, who obtained a personal firearm license about a year ago, charged at the terrorists and, together with other armed civilians, brought the assault to an end.

According to reports, the man, who had been approved for a weapon under the firearm reform pushed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, reacted without hesitation. He entered the bus where the terrorists had taken position, opened fire, and neutralized them within moments.

By doing so, he prevented further bloodshed among the passengers. Eyewitnesses said his quick action and bravery averted a far greater tragedy.

Although gun ownership is not widespread in the chareidi community, it has become increasingly visible in recent years, particularly following the war nearly two years ago that left many Israelis deeply shaken about their personal security.

Personal firearms are now playing a growing role in Israel’s civilian defense. Data from 2024 shows a clear trend: as the number of licensed firearms rises, so does the involvement of armed citizens in thwarting terror attacks. In fact, most attacks in civilian areas over the past 18 months were stopped by ordinary people carrying weapons—often under fire themselves, and sometimes even after being wounded.

There are currently more than 313,000 active firearm licenses in Israel, reflecting a nearly 180% increase since the start of the war. The Ministry of National Security reports that applications for gun permits have surged to record levels.

Examples continue to pile up. Armed civilians were among the first responders at attacks in Glilot, Yavne Junction, Chadeira, Yaffo, and other locations, neutralizing terrorists and saving lives. Security officials recognize their contribution to public safety but stress that personal weapons demand strict responsibility, thorough training, and full compliance with the law.

Exactly one year ago, Minister Ben Gvir allocated 3.8 million shekels to boost security in Elad, a chareidi city, which included funding for a new rapid-response unit and a police off-road vehicle. He praised the 1,300 Elad residents who received gun permits in the past year under his reform, turning the city into a community eligible for widespread firearm licensing.

Recently, five additional municipalities—Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Gan Yavne, Megiddo Regional Council, and Tel Mond—were added to the list of towns where residents are entitled to apply for private gun licenses. This expansion means that another 100,000 Israelis are now eligible to carry firearms.

According to ministry figures, since the start of the accelerated licensing reform, approximately 230,000 new firearm permits have been issued, dramatically changing the landscape of civilian defense in Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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As the new year begins, the Boca Raton Kollel reflects on the tremendous Torah learning, personal growth, and community impact it has been privileged to experience this past year — together with its cherished community.

Over the past year, the Kollel’s yungeleit immersed themselves in the depths of halacha, diligently studying the complexities of Hilchos Basar B’cholov, Ta’aruvos, Niddah, Choshen Mishpat, and additional simanim in Yoreh Deah. Their tireless hasmadah and mesiras nefesh, alongside the steadfast support of their wives, culminated in a remarkable milestone: receiving semicha — Yoreh Yoreh, Yodin Yodin.

A heartfelt mazal tov is extended to the new musmachim and their families. This achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a true kiddush Hashem and a source of pride for the entire Boca Raton community.

Spreading Torah Beyond Our Walls

The Kollel’s continued impact is demonstrated by the fact that its five graduating yungeleit are stepping into new roles across the Greater South Florida Jewish community:

• Rabbi Yosef Schottenfeld and Rabbi Shmuel Baldinger are joining Mizrahi Family Torah Academy as Rabbeim

• Rabbi Meir Palgon is currently a Rebbi at the Torah Academy of Boca Raton

• Rabbi Aaron Deutsch is serving as Executive Director of the new East Boca Kollel

• Rabbi Yaakov Rimmer is taking on the role of Director of Community Outreach at the Boca Raton Kollel

The community wishes them continued bracha in their new positions and expresses gratitude that they remain connected to the Kollel family.

Welcoming New Faces

The Kollel is thrilled to welcome four new yungeleit:

• Rabbi & Mrs. Yehoshua Lehmann

• Rabbi & Mrs. Yosaif Slotkin

• Rabbi & Mrs. Binyomin King

• Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Goldberg

With their arrival — alongside the dedicated returning yungeleit — the kol Torah, harbotzas Torah, and warmth that define the Kollel will continue to flourish.

Together, the Kollel and its community have built a beautiful and welcoming makom Torah, a beacon of inspiration for the entire Boca Raton community. The Kollel recognizes that your partnership, friendship, and support make all of this possible.

Looking ahead, the Boca Raton Kollel eagerly anticipates another year of Torah, growth, and connection – together.

Visit: www.brkollel.com

THE NEW UK: British MP Naz Shah takes her oath of office in Parliament wearing a hijab, placing her hand on the Quran, and expressing gratitude to Allah.

UPDATE: After a series of drone infiltration sirens, the IDF says it was a false identification.

WATCH: The final night of Sheva Brachos for the daughter of the Rachmastrivka Rebbe (Oak & Vine) to the great-grandson of the Skverer Rebbe took place last night, with Harav Malkiel Kotler and Harav Yeruchem Olshin in attendance.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited a lookout point near two villages in the West Bank from which the two Palestinian terrorists set out from to carry out this morning’s deadly shooting attack in Jerusalem. “We are here after a very serious attack. I have ordered a full closure of the area from which the terrorists came out,” Zamir says at the scene, according to remarks provided by the IDF.