Feed aggregator

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1667-Chikuy-Part-67-Cause.mp3

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich delivered a frightening warning at a meeting of his Religious Zionist party on Monday about Israel’s enemy within. “After remarkable successes on external war fronts, the biggest threat today comes from within,” he declared. “The images and incidents from the Negev in recent days must trigger every alarm bell, reminding us […]

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Stories4Life-Shiur-519-Talmid-R-Dovid-Soloveichik.mp3

By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld In the beginning of  Parshas Vayechi, Yaakov Avinu blessed his grandchildren, Ephraim and Menashe. He told them that Yisroel will bless their children to be like Ephraim and Menashe. The posuk uses the words “on that day” referring to when Yaakov bentched them.      The Targum Yonoson writes that this bracha shall be given to each child on the day he is circumcised.      The Pirush Yonoson explains the specificity of the day of milah as the time of this bracha since the posuk uses the term “on that day.” He adds that the word Yisroel seems to be unnecessary in the posuk since it is obvious that a Yisroel (not a goy) will bentch his child in this way. By using the word Yisroel, the posuk is teaching us that the day the child becomes a Yisroel is the day he receives this bracha.      The Moshav Zekeinim Le’Baalei Tosfos explain that the Sefardim who say the following upon completion of the Bris carry out this tradition. “It should be the will of Hashem that the baby should be “Ach l’Shiva and also l’shmona.” This is saying that the baby should be like Ephraim and Menashe who were numbers seven and eight when the Nesiyim brought the korbanos at the inauguration of the Mishkan.      The question arises; why is it important to give this Bracha on the day of a Bris over any other day?      The first answer is that there is a great ayin hora on the day of the Bris Milah. (We learn that Bilam tried harming Bnei Yisroel when they were in the midbar on the day of the milah.) We therefore bless the child that he should be like Ephraim and Menashe who were from Shevet Yosef, and therefore an ayin hora has no effect on them.       Secondly, we want to give a child the bracha as early as possible since it might be too late once the child is grown up, so we bracha is said as soon as he enters into the covenant of being a Jew.      The last answer is that we know that when a child cries at the bris all tefillos go up to shomayim without any hindrance. That is why we pick that opportune time to give the baby this bracha.      Let us hope that all these tefillos and brachos will be mekuyam.

A stormy discussion took place on Sunday in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding the emerging draft law Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth lashed out at representatives of Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara after being forced to grant them speaking time, saying, “I’m giving you 15 minutes. This committee will not serve as a platform for […]

TEHILLIM: Hagaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Staten Island, has been hospitalized is in need of a refuah. All are asked to daven for the complete refuah of Shalom Reuven ben Shima.

The venerable gaon Rav Meir Greineman was released Monday afternoon from Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer after successfully undergoing a pacemaker implantation, b’chasdei Shamayim.

As previously reported here on Matzav, Rav Greineman was rushed to the hospital late Friday night after losing consciousness while learning with his grandson. Following the arrival of his eldest son, the decision was made to evacuate him to the hospital, where he was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit.

Rav Greineman, the last living nephew of the Chazon Ish and known for his lifelong stringency of not eating food prepared outside his home, declined to eat the meals served by the hospital, despite their mehadrin kashrus. It was also learned that he did not allow food to be brought from his home, as he did not want anyone transporting food for him on Shabbos from Bnei Brak to Tel Hashomer, even though an eiruv could have been relied upon.

As a result, from approximately 2:00 a.m. on Friday night until noon on Shabbos day, Rav Greineman consumed only water, despite his advanced age and delicate medical condition. Only at around 12:00 p.m. did a non-Jew arrive with food brought from his home.

Rav Greineman has now returned to his residence in Bnei Brak, where he will continue resting and resume his regular learning schedule.

All are asked to continue davening for the complete recovery of Rav Meir ben Tzivia.

{Matzav.com}

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Fox News interview tonight that while negotiations toward a peace framework with Russia have made significant progress, surrendering Ukrainian territory remains a red line that would derail any agreement.

Zelensky said that roughly “90%” of the proposed framework has already been settled, but stressed that the remaining dispute over land is the most difficult issue still unresolved.

Speaking about the eastern Donbas region, which Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to seize, Zelensky warned that withdrawal would carry grave consequences. “All the parties have to understand that the worst way is to go out from the Donbas,” he told Fox News “Special Report” host Bret Baier.

According to Zelensky, any deal brokered with Putin — with President Trump acting as the intermediary — would ultimately require approval by the Ukrainian public through a national vote. He emphasized that moving forward with concessions he knows would be rejected makes no sense. “Of course, referendum — if we will go to referendum — is very important, but if we are not stupid, we can’t go to referendum after signing with President Trump … we can’t go to referendum knowing that the referendum will fail.”

He underscored that point bluntly, adding, “I mean, I think it’s stupid.”

Zelensky said handing the Donbas region to Moscow would be unacceptable to the public and dangerous for the country. “It will be a big risk for Ukraine,” he said of ceding the territory to Putin, calling such a move “not acceptable for Ukrainians.”

Summing up his position, the Ukrainian president argued that any agreement must reflect the will of the nation and lead to a lasting resolution. “We have to find real peace,” he said, “a real way to peace which is acceptable by the Ukrainian nation.”

{Matzav.com}

A Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings. State District Judge Tony Graf said the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of the day. Attorneys for […]

U.S. forces have now killed at least 106 suspected terrorist-linked drug traffickers in strikes aimed at smuggling vessels operating in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, according to military figures released this week.

The latest operation is believed to be the first conducted under “Operation Southern Spear” since December 22, and marks the 30th such strike since September 2.

U.S. Southern Command said Monday that another suspected drug-running vessel was destroyed in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two individuals described as “narco-terrorists.”

“On Dec. 29, at the direction of [War Secretary] Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters,” Southern Command posted on X.

According to the command, the target had been under surveillance and was moving through a well-known trafficking corridor. “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” the post continued. “Two male narco-terrorists were killed. No U.S. military forces were harmed.”

{Matzav.com}

A conservative watchdog group is scrutinizing the finances of Ilhan Omar as outrage intensifies over a massive fraud scandal in Minnesota and questions mount about the congresswoman’s rapid rise in personal wealth. The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) confirmed it is reviewing Omar’s financial disclosures, according to a report by the New York Post. […]

A milestone was marked this week in the rapidly growing chareidi community of Charish, with the formal appointment of a rav for the kehillah in the Choreish neighborhood.

Rav Reuven Miron was named rav of Kehillas Beis Hashem in Choreish during a ceremony attended by leading rabbonim and members of the community. Rav Miron is a close talmid of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and a son-in-law of Rav Tzvi Weber, rav of the Neve Yaakov neighborhood in Yerushalayim. He has also served for many years as one of the rabbonim of Kollel Ahavas Shalom.

The first ceremony took place at the home of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch as part of a series of gatherings held in the homes of gedolei Torah. The event was attended by members of the Charish community, Rav Weber, and rabbonim from other kehillos.

Rav Hirsch, who has accompanied and guided the Charish community since its founding, spoke at length in praise of Rav Miron, highlighting his personal qualities and his suitability to lead a kehillah. He recalled his long-standing personal connection with Rav Miron, noting that Rav Miron transcribed his shiurim during his years in yeshiva. Rav Hirsch offered heartfelt brachos to the newly appointed rav and to the community, expressing his hope that they will continue to strengthen and expand Torah.

At the home of Rav Dov Landau, the rosh yeshiva joined in extending warm brachos, wishing Rav Miron great siyata diShmaya in his leadership role and success to all members of the community.

Charish in general, and the Choreish neighborhood in particular, is widely viewed as having tremendous potential for Torah growth. The city’s rapid chareidization, relatively affordable housing, proximity to central Israel, strong mosdos, quality kollelim, employment opportunities, and convenient transportation to major chareidi centers have made it an increasingly attractive destination for young families seeking a strong Torah environment.

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. military said Monday that it had conducted another strike against a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people. The strike, which was announced by U.S. Southern Command on social media, has brought the total number of known boat strikes to 30 and the number of people killed […]

MK Simcha Rothman, the chairman of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, sharply attacked the Supreme Court and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, saying they want to run the country without public accountability. Speaking in an interview with Kol Chai on Monday, Rothman said, “There is no doubt that the Supreme Court and the Attorney […]

Voluntary departures from the United States have surged during President Donald Trump’s second term, with the Department of Homeland Security reporting that close to 2 million illegal migrants left the country on their own initiative this year.

In a year-end summary of DHS activity released in mid-December, the department said 1.9 million people departed voluntarily between January and December 2025, a figure officials say reflects the administration’s intensified approach to immigration enforcement and deterrence.

According to the Washington Examiner, the numbers are being cited by the White House as proof that its strategy of encouraging illegal migrants to leave without formal removal proceedings is having an impact, despite sharp criticism from Democrats and activist organizations who argue the approach relies on intimidation.

Administration officials counter that the policy restores order while saving taxpayer dollars after what Republicans characterize as years of lax border enforcement. “President Trump is delivering on his promise to make America safe again and deport criminal illegal aliens,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Examiner, describing the effort as the “largest mass deportation operation of criminal illegal aliens in history.”

Beyond voluntary departures, the Examiner reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has removed an additional 600,000 illegal migrants, most of whom had criminal records. Together, the figures point to a dual-track strategy combining arrests with pressure for migrants to exit the country on their own.

Analysts quoted by the outlet said ICE’s limited staffing — roughly 6,500 deportation officers nationwide — makes large-scale arrests impractical, increasing reliance on self-deportation as a release valve for a system strained during the Biden administration. Former immigration judge Andrew Arthur said consistent enforcement sends a signal that many migrants understand. When the law is applied steadily, he said, people “get the message and leave on their own.”

That message, according to the report, has been reinforced through frequent social media posts and high-profile arrests. The Examiner pointed to a White House post highlighting the apprehension of an illegal migrant previously deported and later convicted of fentanyl trafficking, emphasizing the administration’s focus on criminal offenders.

Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks dismissed claims that the campaign is designed to instill fear, saying the goal is clarity. “Do not come,” he said, summarizing the administration’s warning to would-be migrants.

CBS News reported last week that DHS has also expanded incentives for voluntary departure, tripling the so-called exit bonus from $1,000 to $3,000 for undocumented migrants who enroll through the revamped CBP Home app and leave the country by Dec. 31. Those who participate may also qualify for free airfare and relief from certain civil penalties related to unlawful presence.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CBS that migrants who decline the program will be “found,” “arrested,” and “never [allowed to] return” to the United States. DHS has said the initiative significantly reduces costs, with ICE estimating that a full arrest, detention, and deportation process averages about $17,000 per migrant — far more than airfare and a stipend.

While DHS said “tens of thousands” have used CBP Home to coordinate departures, officials have not released detailed figures showing how many received government assistance versus those who left independently.

Some analysts remain skeptical of the headline number. The Examiner reported that Cato Institute researcher David Bier cautioned the 1.9 million total could include some legal residents leaving voluntarily and may be influenced by incomplete survey data.

Even critics, however, acknowledge the underlying trend. As enforcement intensifies, departures — voluntary or otherwise — continue to climb.

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is developing chemical and biological warheads for ballistic missiles, according to military sources cited by Iran International. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the IRGC’s Aerospace Force is pursuing the development of the unconventional warheads while simultaneously relocating missile launchers to eastern Iran. In addition to […]

As the city prepares to welcome a new administration in 2026, NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will quietly take office just after midnight in a closed ceremony held far below the streets of Lower Manhattan, his transition team said Monday.

The oath will be administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James at the long-abandoned Old City Hall subway station, with members of Mamdani’s family present. The underground setting will mark the official transfer of power as the new mayor enters office at the start of the New Year.

“When I take my oath from the station at the dawn of the New Year, I will do so humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness,” Mamdani said.

The Old City Hall station, situated beneath City Hall Park, opened in 1904 as part of the city’s original subway system. Though it was taken out of service in 1945 amid system upgrades, the ornate station later gained recognition as a New York City landmark in 1979 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Reflecting on the choice of location, Mamdani said, “It was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives.” He added, “That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath City Hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above.”

Later that day, Mamdani will take part in a public ceremony he has titled the “Inauguration of a New Era,” to be held on the steps of City Hall. The event will include a Broadway block party with designated viewing areas, allowing residents from across the city to attend.

The public swearing-in is scheduled for 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day, with Sen. Bernie Sanders set to administer the oath.

{Matzav.com}

As Israel confronts intensifying threats on multiple fronts and the Trump administration presses forward with regional agreements, the decisions now being made on borders and security control may determine the country’s future for generations. Israel’s next moves could either open the door to a genuine era of peace — or repeat the deadly missteps that […]

In Israel, some dismissed the move announced on Friday by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, when he announced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. In reality, the move was set in motion by outgoing Mossad chief Dedi Barnea—driven by clear and deliberate strategic considerations. Anyone who has tracked Israeli Air Force operations against the Houthis in Yemen over […]

A National Guard deployment in New Orleans authorized by President Donald Trump will begin Tuesday as part of a heavy security presence for New Year’s celebrations a year after an attack on revelers on Bourbon Street killed 14 people, officials said Monday. The deployment in New Orleans follows high-profile National Guard missions the Trump administration […]