Dear Matzav Inbox,
Recently, a respected rabbi returned from a trip to Eretz Yisroel and shared his impressions with his followers. Some of his remarks—specifically those expressing concern about yeshiva bochurim seen walking the streets of Yerushalayim during hours typically devoted to learning in the Beis Midrash—were subsequently quoted on the Matzav website. The Rabbi cautioned parents of boys studying in Israel, stating, “I want to tell the people here who have boys in Eretz Yisroel that their children are roaming the streets of Eretz Yisroel.”
While I do not share the Rabbi’s perspective, he is certainly entitled to express his views to his own audience. However, I believe that Matzav should have exercised greater discretion and refrained from amplifying these remarks to a wider public. The journalistic ethos of the early 1900s—“Not everything said should be printed”—ought to have guided the editorial decision in this case. One can reasonably argue that such negative statements may border on lashon hara.
The large majority of our sons who learn in Eretz Yisroel are sincerely striving for both deeper Torah knowledge and growth in yiras Shomayim. When they return to our batei kenisios, their elevated level of hasmodah and their care in tefillah are clearly visible. These exemplary bnei Torah, the pride of Klal Yisroel, are sought after for the most promising shidduchim. Chazal taught that not every student achieves the same outcome—“elef nichnas v’echad yotzei l’ho’ro’oh.” The pre-marriage learning system in Eretz Yisroel allows bochurim to make meaningful spiritual strides. And while no system is perfect and not every student succeeds equally, this does not justify broad public criticism. Constructive suggestions for improvement should be directed privately to those responsible for the system, not broadcast in respected forums such as Matzav.
It is equally important to remember that many bochurim who travel to Eretz Yisroel are still developing in their Yiddishkeit and searching for inspiration. In time, many indeed become inspired. Their growth is gradual, and perhaps some seemingly aimless walks through the streets of Yerushalayim Ir HaKodesh, together with the hashkafah and mussar shiurim they hear in specially designed yeshivos, will ultimately guide them toward genuine transformation.
I offer these remarks in a constructive and respectful spirit. May our most precious accomplishment as Klal Yisroel—the nurturing of our bnei Torah—be protected from comments that risk diminishing their true achievements.
F. B.
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The White House moved to quiet persistent speculation on Monday by releasing the full medical findings from the MRI President Trump received earlier this fall. After reviewing the test, presidential physician Dr. Sean Barbabella concluded that the 79-year-old president is in “excellent overall health.”
Dr. Barbabella issued a memo describing the October imaging as routine for an annual executive physical, emphasizing that everything observed during the exam was “perfectly normal.” He explained, “As part of President Donald J. Trump’s comprehensive executive physical, advanced imaging was performed because men in his age group benefit from a thorough evaluation of cardiovascular and abdominal health.”
Expanding on the purpose of the test, Barbabella noted, “The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function. President Trump’s cardiovascular imaging is perfectly normal.”
He added further detail regarding the condition of Trump’s heart and blood vessels: “There is no evidence of arterial narrowing impairing the blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels. The heart chambers are normal in size, the vessel walls appear smooth and healthy, and there are no signs of inflammation, or clotting. Overall, his cardiovascular system shows excellent health.”
The MRI itself became a topic of discussion only after Trump mentioned it in passing on Oct. 27, describing the procedure as “perfect” when speaking about his Oct. 10 visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His remark triggered a flurry of follow-up questions because the original readout of the physical omitted any reference to the MRI.
The White House memo also addressed the abdominal portion of the imaging. “His abdominal imaging is also perfectly normal,” Barbabella wrote. “All major organs appear very healthy and well-perfused. Everything evaluated is functioning within normal limits with no acute or chronic concerns. Summary: This level of detailed assessment is standard for an executive physical at President Trump’s age and confirms that he remains in excellent overall health.”
Earlier this summer, on July 17, officials disclosed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after noticing “mild swelling in his lower legs.” Medical experts said the condition is generally managed with compression stockings to reduce the risk of clotting.
Trump has also displayed a recurring bruise on his hand, which aides have attributed to his daily aspirin regimen—intended for heart health—and the large number of hands he shakes at public events.
{Matzav.com}
A new long-range outlook is raising alarms, warning that some of the coldest temperatures on the planet are likely to settle over the northeastern United States before December draws to a close. Climatologist Judah Cohen of MIT explained to USA Today that the chilly start to the month is merely a preview, saying, “My thinking is that the cold the first week of December is the appetizer and the main course will be in mid-December.”
According to Cohen, weather models are flagging an enormous zone of potentially record-breaking cold stretching across North America. He noted, “The most expansive region of most likely extreme cold on Earth stretches from the Canadian Plains to the U.S. East Coast in the 3rd week of December,” crediting his analysis to computer-driven atmospheric simulations.
This looming deep freeze is tied to a projected shift in the polar vortex, which appears ready to sag southward and send a torrent of Arctic air barreling across the country. Although the precise temperature plunge cannot yet be pinned down, Cohen believes the looming cold spell will surpass the already frigid conditions hitting parts of the nation this week.
Midwestern states are already struggling with daytime temperatures stuck in the teens and low 20s, with nighttime lows near zero from Illinois through Missouri. Cohen’s modeling suggests that the most intense cold air mass anywhere in the world later this month will be pointed straight at the U.S. East Coast.
Whether snow accompanies this outbreak remains uncertain, as storm development will determine how the cold manifests. But should a system materialize, the bitter temperatures will be more than sufficient to support significant winter weather.
Across the country, the season has already announced its arrival. Much of the Midwest endured a messy round of November snowfall over the weekend, triggering widespread delays and transportation headaches for travelers.
In the Northeast, the next punch arrives on Tuesday, when the region braces for its first major winter storm of the season. A developing Nor’easter is expected to spread snow from Pennsylvania through Maine, with Fox Weather predicting that parts of New York and New England could pick up as much as 8 inches, while isolated spots in New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont may receive up to a foot.
Major coastal cities—including New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia—are not expected to accumulate much, with brief morning flakes quickly giving way to a cold, steady rain lasting most of the day.
By early Wednesday, forecasters say the storm should finally be moving out, leaving the region to prepare for whatever the polar vortex has in store next.
{Matzav.com}
The Knesset Finance Committee on Monday approved a list of 95 nonprofit organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions under Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance. The list was finalized with one notable exception: a Temple Mount advocacy group was removed at the request of MK Moshe Gafni.
Gafni, who chairs the committee and leads Degel HaTorah, asked that the organization known as the Temple Mount Administration be taken off the list until the Israel Tax Authority conducts a new and thorough examination of its activities.
Explaining why he demanded the removal, Gafni said that Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly insists that the status quo on the Temple Mount must remain unchanged. He argued that the organization’s activities contradict longstanding halachic rulings and the position of the country’s chief rabbinate, and therefore should not be granted eligibility for tax-recognized donations. He added that he wants the Tax Authority to verify that granting such approval would not violate existing law or disrupt the current status quo.
The Temple Mount Administration responded with a statement defending its work. The organization said that the past decade has seen significant positive developments on the Temple Mount, including regular morning and afternoon prayer gatherings led by prominent rabbinic figures. It said it has been a partner in these improvements through coordination with government officials and security agencies and intends to continue its efforts.
With the rest of the list approved, the Tax Authority will now decide whether the group can regain eligibility after completing its renewed review.
{Matzav.com}
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President Donald Trump used a Truth Social message on Monday to urge Israel to stay engaged with Syria diplomatically, emphasizing that Jerusalem should avoid steps that could hinder Damascus’ progress. He praised recent developments in the region, insisting that “the United States is very satisfied with the results displayed, through hard work and determination, in the country of Syria. We are doing everything within our power to make sure the Government of Syria continues to do what was intended, which is substantial, in order to build a true and prosperous country.”
Trump highlighted what he believes has been a major boost for Damascus, noting that “One of the things that has helped them greatly was my termination of very strong and biting sanctions – I believe this was truly appreciated by Syria, its leadership, and its people!”
He followed with a direct appeal to Israel, saying that “it is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State. The new President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is working diligently to make sure good things happen, and that both Syria and Israel will have a long and prosperous relationship together.”
Calling it a pivotal moment, Trump added: “This is a historic opportunity, and adds to the success, already attained, for peace in the Middle East!”
His remarks were issued shortly after a volatile stretch along the Syrian-Israeli frontier. Days earlier, Israeli forces carried out a significant raid targeting three “Jamaa Islamiya” operatives in southern Syria. According to the IDF, the mission turned into close-quarters combat, leaving three soldiers in critical condition and three more with varying injuries.
The tension escalated the following day in Beit Jinn, a Syrian town situated at the base of Mount Hermon, roughly 11 kilometers from Israel’s border. Reports indicate that IDF units entered the area—near a buffer zone monitored by Israel—with the intent of detaining a local resident. Their arrival triggered an eruption of violence, including exchanges of gunfire between troops and residents, resulting in the deaths of two Syrian civilians and injuries to others.
Throughout the confrontation, Israeli forces deployed artillery fire while Israel Air Force aircraft circled overhead, providing support as the situation unfolded. After approximately two hours of clashes, the IDF pulled back to the outskirts of the town.
{Matzav.com}