In an interview with the ‘Bama‘ magazine this week, Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, emphasized the unprecedented challenges that Klal Yisroel are facing today.
“This is the first time in Israel that we are facing such trials and difficulties that have not been seen since the establishment of the state, and even before that. There is a need to prepare the youth for the period we are going through and will continue to face,” he said.
Rav Sorotzkin’s remarks come against the backdrop of the wedding of his son, where a controversial song was sung to the words “‘בשלטון הכופרים, ובלשכותיהם אין אנו מתייצבים – In the rule of the heretics, and in their offices, we do not stand,” a video of which garnered millions of views.

Harav Yaakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, issued a heartfelt letter to parents of his yeshiva addressing the increasingly troubling trend of boys collecting money on Purim for extravagant prizes, associated with organizations they know little about.
Rav Bender begins his letter by acknowledging the widespread tradition of children collecting for charitable causes during Purim, a practice he has long encouraged in his Yeshiva. “Every Purim, many children of all stripes and ages come to our home. The boys are often collecting for some cause or another, and I am more than happy to give them $5 or $10 each, aside from some of the major campaigns,” he writes.

An important and timely message from Rav Shmuel Fuerst, rov of Agudas Yisrael of Peterson Park, Chicago, IL, and dayan of Agudath Israel of Illinois.
WATCH:
The post WATCH: Rav Shmuel Fuerst On the Vital Importance of Voting for Eretz HaKodesh first appeared on Matzav.com.

The Chassidishe community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is reeling with shock and outrage following allegedly scandalous Purim celebrations that took place in the streets of the neighborhood that saw a disturbing display of impropriety.
The incident, which occurred on Motzoei Shabbos, the night following Shushan Purim, has sparked a wave of anger and concern among residents, particularly as the festivities unfolded in public, visible to families and community members.

עליה לציון מרן הגר”ח קנייבסקי זצ”לצילום: שוקי לרר

פורים בתולדות אברהם יצחקצילום: שוקי לרר

The surgery undergone today by the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, was completed successfully, to the satisfaction of all involved and according to the original treatment plan, Matzav.com has learned. This news follows a positive improvement in the Rebbe’s overall health.
Prior to the surgery, in the morning hours, the Rebbe was heard singing “Chamol” and “Od Yizkor” to the tunes of the Yomim Noraim as he entered the hospital for the procedure.
The surgery took place at City of Hope Hospital in Los Angeles, and at 1:40 PM local time, the doctors emerged from the operating room to confirm that the procedure had gone well. The medical team expressed their overall satisfaction with the outcome.

Maran Hagaon Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Philadelphia, was discharged from the hospital on Purim after being admitted the previous week due to complications from pneumonia.
Baruch Hashem, the zekan roshei hayeshivos is now recovering at home and has conveyed his gratitude for the heartfelt tefillos offered on his behalf.
All are asked to continue davening for a refuah sheleimah for Rav Shmuel ben Itta Ettil.

In a joint letter signed by three prominent rabbonim, Rav Shmuel Fuerst, Rov of Agudas Yisrael of Peterson Park, Chicago, IL, and Dayan of Agudath Israel of Illinois; Rav Gershon Bess, Rov of Congregation Kehilas Yaakov, Los Angeles; and Rav Menachem Greenblatt, Rov of Agudas Yisrael of St. Louis, the Torah-observant community is called to action in the face of growing liberal and reform influences on Jewish life in Eretz Yisroel.