Ahead of Chanukah, leading gedolim and roshei yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel issued a powerful and unified letter calling on yungeleit and bochurim to significantly increase their limud haTorah throughout the days of Chanukah — all the more so this year, which they describe as a time “when many seek to interfere with Bnei Torah in their learning.”
The letter carries the signatures of Rav Dov Landau, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Berel Povarsky, Rav Don Segal, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Rav Aviezer Piltz others.
Addressed to “our brothers, the House of Yisroel , wherever they are,” the gedolim recall that in the era of the Chashmonaim, there was extraordinary siyata diShmaya that overturned the gezeiros and allowed Klal Yisroel to return to learning and mitzvos because they were willing to give up everything for Torah. They reference the teaching of the Ramchal that every spiritual light revealed at a certain time in history reappears annually when that time returns, offering renewed kochos to those who tap into it. Therefore, every Chanukah carries with it a fresh outpouring of hashpa’ah for hatzlachah in limud haTorah and in avodas Hashem.
Because the yeshuah of Chanukah specifically restored the ability to learn Torah, the gedolim write that these days naturally obligate even greater hasmadah. They quote the Shelah HaKadosh, who taught that “these holy days are especially fitting for continuous Torah learning more than other days.” Every moment wasted during Chanukah, they stress, is a real loss.
They note with urgency that this message applies even more forcefully this year. “And certainly in this year, when many seek to disturb Bnei Torah from their learning — may it not be — it is necessary to increase merits and to add more hours of learning during Chanukah,” the letter states. They call on all mosdos haTorah to maintain full seder as usual and to strengthen it even further. Kehillos, they write, should ensure that the botei medrash remain vibrant with limud haTorah, “so that in their zechus, all decrees will be annulled.” They also remember that Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l invested immense personal effort year after year to increase Torah learning during Chanukah in the yeshivos.
The gedolim add that throughout the winter — and not only on Chanukah — kehillos should implement structured learning sedarim for both bochurim and avreichim on the long Friday nights, long Erev Shabbos afternoons, and long Motzaei Shabbos evenings.
They warn sharply against wasting precious time on events that are not fitting for anyone — “and certainly not for Bnei Torah.” Especially in these elevated days, they write, our avodah is to add and add again in Torah, not chas v’shalom the opposite.
{Matzav.com}
The Binyamin Regional Council in Samaria on Tuesday announced the “historic” official legalization of six former outposts by the government.
Ahiya, Harasha, Migron, Nofei Prat, Adei Ad and Shvut Rachel have been “fully regularized and recognized as official towns” by Israel’s Interior Ministry, the council, which administers communities in southern Samaria, said in a Hebrew-language statement.
“Following years of struggle, effort and challenges, these towns are now formally recognized, with ‘settlement symbols’ and full recognition by the State of Israel,” it said. “This is a significant achievement, especially for the young settlement, which has maintained faith and determination over the years, despite harsh weather conditions and many obstacles.”
Binyamin Regional Council leader Israel Ganz thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also oversees civilian issues in Judea and Samaria as part of his secondary role as a minister in the Defense Ministry.
“We continue building and settling with full strength!” Ganz concluded.
Ahiya, Adei Ad, Nofei Prat received Israeli Cabinet approval in May, while Harasha, Migron and Shvut Rachel are neighborhoods of existing communities that were split off by a March 22 Cabinet decision.
All six are established towns, some dating to the early 90s, with hundreds of residents, and have received retroactive authorization.
On Nov. 10, Israel Defense Forces Central Command head Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed an order setting “jurisdiction zones” for the communities, which formally demarcates their municipal boundaries, which was an official step closer towards the full legalization of these villages.
Now, the Interior Ministry has issued official “settlement symbols,” turning them into legal communities for all intents and purposes.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has led an unprecedented drive to expand control of Judea and Samaria, approving some 50,000 housing units and over 50 new Jewish communities since late 2022.
As of Jan. 1, 529,704 Jews lived in the Judea and Samaria territories, amounting to approximately 5.28% of the Jewish state’s population.
Nearly 70% of Israelis want Jerusalem to extend full legal sovereignty over the disputed territory, according to a poll conducted on Jan. 29. JNS
{Matzav.com}
Rav Simcha Shmuel Zaks, nosi of Yeshivas Slabodka, was hospitalized after experiencing a cardiac episode. He was admitted to Maayanei HaYeshua Medical Center, where he is currently receiving treatment and being closely monitored.
All are asked to daven for a refuah sheleimah for Rav Simcha Shmuel ben Esther Rivka.
Rav Zaks, one of the leading transmitters of the Slabodka mesorah in our generation, carries on the path of his illustrious father, Rav Amram Zaks zt”l, who served as rosh yeshiva of Slabodka.
Tomorrow, the 20th of Kislev, marks exactly thirteen years since the passing of Rav Zaks’s father. Large crowds are expected to visit his kever to daven and to plead for the full recovery of his son.
{Matzav.com}
[Photos below.] The inaugural Agudah National Action Summit, held December 1–2, brought together over 1,500 participants from across the broad spectrum of Torah Jewry under the banner of Agudath Israel of America. The enthusiasm and unity that filled the two-day event underscored the community’s drive to strengthen themselves and the broader Klal.
The Summit featured eight specialized tracks, each led by field experts, Gedolim, and Rabbonim. Sessions addressed a wide range of pressing communal realities—including shidduchim, chinuch, special needs, mental health, community growth, and complex halachic and legal challenges—equipping attendees with both practical strategies and the hashkafic grounding needed to navigate these issues with clarity and purpose.
Keynote:
Opening the Monday Evening Dinner Keynote Session, Mr. Ronnie Wilheim highlighted the centrality of Daas Torah and the Summit’s deep connection to Agudath Israel’s mission. “The Agudah has spent more than 100 years bringing together diverse segments of Klal Yisroel and addressing the needs of both the individual and the community under the direction of our Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah,” he said. “Torah is our guiding light—our prism for every decision. It is through a Torah viewpoint that we confront antisemitism, the tuition crisis, and the shidduch crisis. That commitment to Daas Torah is what binds every track and ties them to Agudas Yisroel.”
Rav Yaakov Bender, addressing the energized crowd, praised the dedication of all who participated. “Every single person here wants to help Klal Yisroel,” he stated. He concluded with a charge of inspiration: “Our job today is to walk out of this makom kadosh and say, ‘I am ready to do more and more and more and more and more.’”
Rav Uren Reich delivered powerful words about the unique challenges facing the current generation—challenges he noted are even more formidable than those of the past. He emphasized the critical importance of guarding oneself and ensuring the Yetzer Hara finds no entry point into one’s life.
The Community Builders Track:
The Community Builders Track brought together stakeholders and activists from across the country, creating a vibrant forum for collaboration, insight, and shared purpose. Organizers intentionally designed the track not only as a space to present information but also as an opportunity to truly listen to those working on the ground in communities nationwide.
Following an in-depth presentation on the history and development of the federal scholarship tax credit, the track shifted into an engaging roundtable breakout session, where Agudah staffers and attendees explored the nuances of the legislation together. Participants contributed their experiences, concerns, and creative ideas, offering valuable perspectives on the practical realities faced by families and schools. This open exchange allowed for a deeper understanding of the program’s potential and highlighted the collective commitment to ensuring its successful implementation across the country.
The Emerging Community Builders Track:
The Emerging Communities Track gathered key leaders involved in building their communities from South Bend to South Florida and many places in between. Kicking off the morning, attendees heard reports about efforts to lower healthcare costs and threats to shechita, workplace religious freedom, and shemiras Shabbos.
This was followed by a panel of prominent builders of Klal Yisroel, including Agudah Chairman Shlomo Werdiger, Bentzion Heitner of Toronto, and Yaakov Polatsek of Houston. They shared insights into overcoming challenges, how to work with others, and how to inspire the next generation of askonim.
A session about political engagement and getting out the vote featured Chaskel Bennett, Uri Davidi, Rabbi Ephraim Gurell, and Yaakov Brisman, all of whom provided their frank opinions and unique insights that could help activists across the country.
It would not be an Agudah event without seeking Daas Torah, and this summit was no different. After lunch, the attendees participated in a lively question-and-answer session with Rabbi Ahron Kaufman of Waterbury, Rabbi Shragi Malinowitz of Jackson, NJ, and Rabbi Yaakov Robinson of the Midwest Conference of Rabbonim.
The final session was a practical tutorial on how to succeed in zoning challenges as communities expand into new buildings and neighborhoods. Mark Kurzmann, Esq. provided the legal expertise; Agudah board member Duvy Gross shared his experiences from a ten-year battle with Clifton to build a shul; and Avrohom Rosskamm offered tips for success based on his experience as chairman of a planning board.
The Kallah Teacher Track:
The Kallah Teacher Track provided a warm, dedicated space for kallah teachers from around the globe to come together in shared mission and growth. Participants had the opportunity to learn directly from Daas Torah, gaining clarity and guidance on the complex realities facing today’s kallos and the evolving challenges within the world of shalom bayis and chinuch.
Just as importantly, the track fostered a supportive environment where teachers could connect with one another, exchange experiences, and draw strength from a network of peers who understand the profound responsibility of this role. Through in-depth discussions, collaborative learning, and practical workshops, attendees explored how to identify and address the emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal struggles that many kallos encounter. The track left participants empowered, enriched, and united in their commitment to guide kallos with compassion, confidence, and a deep sense of Torah-centered purpose.
The Legal Professionals Track:
The Legal Track featured four presentations from a collection of Rabbonim and attorneys who lectured on topics such as religious and political activism in the workplace, advanced directives and end-of-life issues, ethical and halachic considerations for the legal practitioner, and using the legal system to hold terror actors accountable.
“The presentations were very well received,” stated Daniel Kaminetsky, Esq., Agudath Israel of America’s General Counsel. “I could tell that the audience was very engaged, which is the result of the high quality of the lectures. We look forward to continuing to offer attorneys the opportunity to earn CLE credit while being exposed to some of the legal issues that are particularly relevant to the Orthodox community.”
The Mental Health Professionals Track:
The Mental Health Professionals Track offered an exceptional opportunity for frum clinicians to engage deeply with the guidance of Gedolei Torah and leading Rabbonim on the complex emotional and psychological challenges facing the frum community. Guided by leading Rabbonim such as Rav Yaakov Bender, Rav Dovid Cohen Rosh Yeshivas Chevron (who participated via Zoom), Rav Reuven Feinstein, Rav Sholom Kamenetsky, Rav Aharon Lopiansky, and the Novominsker Rebbe Rav Yisroel Perlow, participants gained Daas Torah that was marked by clarity, balance, and a nuanced understanding of contemporary mental health realities.
Particularly impactful were sessions addressing early-stage marriage struggles, suicide awareness, bullying, and ethical clinical dilemmas, where Rabbonim and experienced professionals demonstrated respectful collaboration and clear role definition. Attendees described the track as profoundly grounding and strengthening, providing chizuk, restoring a sense of mission, and reinforcing the responsibility of mental health work as an avodah rooted in Torah values, while also fostering meaningful connection and professional community among frum practitioners.
The Rabbonim Track:
The Rabbonim Session at the Agudah Action Summit drew an exceptional turnout, with a packed room of Rabbonim from across the community gathering for an in-depth exploration of “Case Studies in the Hashkafa and Halacha of Conflict Resolution: Shalom Bayis and Family Alienation.” The presentation and ensuing dialogue were described by participants as riveting, insightful, and highly relevant to the complex challenges faced in contemporary kehillos.
The overwhelming attendance highlighted how deeply Rabbonim appreciate structured guidance and practical tools in navigating delicate family dynamics. The thoughtful questions and active engagement throughout the session reflected the importance of the topic and the eagerness of Rabbonim to broaden their understanding in order to better assist their kehillos.
The Shadchan Track:
The Shadchan Track at the Agudah Action Summit brought together a remarkable gathering of shadchanim from cities across the US and Canada, all united with one purpose: to deepen their knowledge, refine their craft, and strengthen their avodas hakodesh in guiding Klal Yisroel through the shidduch process.
The program featured enriching networking opportunities, an introduction to the innovative new shidduch platform MyMatsch, and the chance to hear from a wide range of voices, including dating coaches, mental-health professionals, therapists, and Roshei Yeshivah Rav Elya Brudny and Rav Reuven Feinstein, each offering insight from their own valuable perspective.
United in mission and spirit, participants left with enhanced tools, renewed clarity, and a strengthened sense of partnership in supporting singles and families throughout the community.
The Special Needs Professionals Track:
The Special Needs Professionals Track at the Agudah Action Summit was an uplifting and transformative experience, drawing professionals from across the country who came eager to gain chizuk and deepen their knowledge. Participants engaged in thoughtful, candid sessions addressing the most pressing and sensitive issues facing the special needs community.
A major highlight was the opportunity to hear directly from our Gedolim, who responded to complex questions with brilliance, insight, and warmth, providing a strong Torah framework to the professionals for the vital work they do. Leading doctors, clinicians, and therapists shared cutting-edge expertise and practical tools to help caregivers and professionals better support children and adults with special needs. Attendees left with renewed energy, purpose, and a deep sense of commitment to the beautiful neshamos they serve.
The Women in Leadership Track:
The Women in Leadership Track brought together women leading organizations from across the globe for two days of inspiration, skill-building, and meaningful connection. The program opened with Mrs. Hadassah Waldman, who welcomed the women and conveyed the goal and vision behind adding this track to Agudah’s Action Summit.
The first session, given by Mrs. Sara Rivka Kohn and drawing on her extensive experience as a leader, focused on how to grow yourself personally while guiding an organization’s development. A highlight of the track was the zchus of hearing Rav Elya Brudny provide chizuk and participate in a Q&A moderated by Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger.
Attendees also gained insight from a panel of experienced askanim: Mr. Eli Tabak, Mr. Howard Tzvi Friedman, and Mr. Yakov Polatsek, leading board members and supporters of mosdos in their respective cities. They shared candid perspectives with Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld on what resonates with them as prospective donors, which strategies succeed, and encouraged the women to feel confident representing their organizations and leveraging their strengths when reaching out to donors.
The keynote, led by Mrs. Carol Sarah Cohen and facilitated by Mrs. Chanie Jacobowitz, invited participants to reflect on their own experiences, recognize the power of their personal stories in guiding their work, and explore strategies for communicating effectively with their teams.
Mrs. Toby Tabak led a discussion and posed questions to Mrs. Brany Rosen, Mrs. Bina Sussman, and Mrs. Elke Pollak—leaders of their own organizations—who shared insights on navigating the balance between family responsibilities and communal commitments. Mrs. Goldie Schechter facilitated an interactive roundtable encouraging participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another’s leadership journeys.
Participants also received practical guidance from Mrs. Hindy Langer on securing grants and building strong relationships. They heard directly from Agudah board members Mr. Shlomo Werdiger and Mr. Avi Schron, who offered real answers to challenging questions on how to effectively engage with boards and community stakeholders.
PHOTOS:
{Matzav.com}
