Monday, March 30, 2026
Muslim antisemitism: Dangerous but modern
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/muslim-antisemitism-dangerous-but-modern/
Yet even while recognizing the severity of this phenomenon, several clarifications must be made. First, not all Arabs and Muslims, whether in Israel, the Middle East, or Europe, hate Jews. It is no coincidence that Israel has already signed peace treaties with six Arab and Muslim countries, and there is active discussion of additional agreements. Second, not all hostility toward Israel, especially among Palestinians, stems from antisemitism. Sometimes it does, as we saw clearly and horrifically with Hamas, but often it arises from the political, historical, or national conflict itself. This is still a dangerous phenomenon, which Israel has every right to resist, but it is not necessarily antisemitic, and recognizing that distinction is crucial.
And there is another important point: Contrary to common perception, antisemitism in the Arab and Muslim world is neither inherent nor ancient, but rather a relatively modern phenomenon. Extensive research by leading scholars of Islam and the Middle East, among them the late Bernard Lewis, Emmanuel Sivan, and Esther Webman, shows clearly that this phenomenon took shape only in the late 19th century. It did not originate with Muhammad or with the Quran.
So when and why did the relative tolerance of Muslims toward Jews come to an end? And when and under what circumstances did antisemitism in the Arab and Muslim world begin to rise? The answer lies in the late 19th century, when several processes occurred at once.
In sum, antisemitism in the Arab and Muslim world is a dangerous but modern phenomenon. It is not eternal, not ancient, and not an inevitable fate. Precisely for that reason, it can and must be confronted, accurately and responsibly. Countries with which Israel has made peace have not only ceased to threaten it but have also opened their doors to Israeli visitors. Such a distinction is not only a matter of fairness toward a vast, complex, and diverse Muslim world, but also a way to avoid falling into the trap of despair – the feeling that “the whole world is against us” –and, just as importantly, to preserve a measure of hope.
Christian Nationalism and Modern Antisemitism
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/christian-nationalism-and-modern-antisemitism/
While we are often reminded to “Never forget,” many of us were never taught this history. Understanding the legacy of Christian nationalism and its role in shaping antisemitic attitudes is crucial in recognizing when the Church uses its power to harm marginalized groups—and in taking action. Addressing Christian nationalism’s ongoing influence can help foster genuine interfaith reconciliation and prevent history from repeating itself.
Throughout history, Christian antisemitism has fueled discrimination, violence, and exclusion, from early Church doctrine to the horrors of the Holocaust. Despite Vatican II and various Protestant reforms, antisemitic attitudes persisted in Christian societies long after World War II. Today, Christian nationalism has emerged as a significant force in the U.S. and beyond, often fueling conspiracy theories, political extremism, and religious intolerance. While many Christian institutions have distanced themselves from historical antisemitism, elements within Christian nationalist movements continue to promote antisemitic ideas, sometimes disguised as political rhetoric, theological resistance to reconciliation, or conspiracy theories.
Christian nationalism is a political ideology that merges religious identity with national identity, claiming that a nation must be governed by Christian values to fulfill its divine purpose. This ideology has gained increasing influence in the United States, Europe, and parts of Latin America and Eastern Europe, where it is often associated with far-right politics and hostility toward religious minorities, including Jews.
Trump officials cite white supremacists in bid to end birthright citizenship
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/03/30/trump-birthright-citizenship-supreme-court-case/
The administration builds its arguments on an 1800s campaign, led in part by a Confederate officer, that scholars say was steeped in anti-Black and anti-Chinese racism.
The Trump administration argues the 14th Amendment does not apply to people in the country illegally or on temporary visas. If the high court agrees, and reverses the long-held interpretation, it could render hundreds of thousands of children born to immigrant parents stateless.
Trump administration attorneys cite Morse in their Supreme Court brief to argue the disputed idea that commentators in the 19th century widely agreed that the Constitution “exclude[s] the children of foreigners transiently within the United States” from qualifying for citizenship.
Salyer said the challenge of mounting a credible argument against birthright citizenship — which has long been accepted as legal bedrock — may explain why the administration relies so heavily on Morse, Wharton and Collins.
איזהו מקומן
Tefillah is associated with Korbanot. Tefillat Shacharit is divided into several sections. The first section involves reciting the daily Korbanot as an attempt to reenact what was, and for which we are praying, to be reinstated.[1] The power of this recital is directly related to our understanding.
This section concludes with a chapter of Mishnayot, Eizehu Mekoman. This unique chapter of Mishnayos from Masechet Zevachim presents a summary classification of the Korbanot. This summary is cryptic and confusing for the uninitiated, anyone who hasn't invested in studying Kodshim.
The attached, a carefully planned and organized chart with concise notes was composed to help clarify the differering details in each Mishna, along with various unclear references, such as:
אלו ואלו נשרפין
שיירי הדם
שינה באכילתן
As mentioned in the notes, a chapter of Mishnayot was included so that we approach Tefillah after learning oral Torah. Besides relating to and providing an overview of Korbanot, this is the only chapter in the entire Shas Mishnayot without even one disagreement.
This chart was created by a young avreich, Rav Nosson Neta Weiss Shlita, and repeatedly peer-reviewed until it reached the current state of superb clarity. It serves as an introduction to Korbanot as it renders the chapter readily accessible and meaningful with relatively minimal effort.
It is his sincere desire that these charts be distributed in durable form far and wide לזיכוי הרבים and to dramatically increase the power of כאילו הקריבו recital considered as if these Korbanot were actually brought up.
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May this learning help to focus our yearning for the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash speedily in our days ושם נעבדך ביראה כימי עולם וכשנים קדמוניות
Rav Weiss lives in Bet Shemesh, and may be contacted by phone at 0533101314, email g0534158595@gmail.com. He is fluent in Hebrew and in Yiddish. For English, please contact 0533144111.
Important request:
A donation of 100 NIS covers printing 100 copies, enabling another 100 of our brothers to recite with clear understanding. With sufficient funds, costs drop, enabling greater distribution.
Please donate here to participate in distribution of Eizehu Mekoman Charts.https://nedar.im/dYqr
The donations are eligible for an Israeli charity tax deduction (Chapter 46).
[1] אמר ריש לקיש: מאי דכתיב 'זאת התורה, לעולה, למנחה, ולחטאת, ולאשם'? כל העוסק בתורה - כאילו הקריב עולה, מנחה, חטאת, ואשם.
אמר רבא: האי 'לעולה, למנחה', "עולה ומנחה" מיבעי ליהW אלא אמר רבא: כל העוסק בתורה - אינו צריך לא עולה, (ולא חטאת) ולא מנחה, ולא אשם.
אמר רבי יצחק: מאי דכתיב 'זאת תורת החטאת', ו'זאת תורת האשם'? כל העוסק בתורת חטאת - כאילו הקריב חטאת. וכל העוסק בתורת אשם - כאילו הקריב אשם." (מנחות ק"י ע"א).
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Invoking faith in wartime, Pete Hegseth breaks norms and worries critics
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/03/29/pege-hegseth-christianity/
The defense secretary is upending decades-old norms, current and former leaders say, with some cautioning that his proselytizing violates the Constitution and undermines troop cohesion.
Every month at the Pentagon, Hegseth hosts evangelical worship services that legal experts say are unprecedented. His social media profile and public comments routinely espouse his understanding of Christianity, which is one that would dominate American life and cast those who disagree with him as God’s enemies. He has brought clergy from his small Christian denomination to preach at the Pentagon, including a prominent pastor who says women shouldn’t have the right to vote.
On Wednesday at the Pentagon, Hegseth prayed for U.S. troops to inflict “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy … We ask these things with bold confidence in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ.” Later that day, his department announced military chaplains would no longer wear their rank on their uniform and instead would wear religious insignia.
BBC interviews Chabad author as book becomes national bestseller
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/424752
“Letters for Life," exploring the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s guidance on emotional wellbeing, entered Argentina’s top 10 bestseller list, gaining traction in stores nationwide and drawing attention from global media, including a BBC interview with the author.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Trump ‘I like people that like to listen to my success’
President Trump on Friday evening joked that he surrounds himself “with losers” because he “like[s] people who listen to my success” in public remarks at a Saudi-backed investment conference.
Trump was responding to a question at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Miami about leadership skills he believes are missing in the world.
“Well, it’s winning, you’ve got to win,” the president told the crowd, before adding that there are “mostly losers, fortunately.”
“I always like to hang around losers actually because it makes me feel better,” he continued. “I hate guys that are very, very successful and you have to listen to their success stories. I like people that like to listen to my success.”
Trump added later that he was “only kidding, I want to say that — eh, sort of.”
Saving Neshamos in Eretz Yisroel & Kimcha DePischa:
Saving Neshamos in Eretz Yisroel & Kimcha DePischa
Rabbi Noson Shmuel Leiter,
Executive Director,
Help Rescue Our Children
845.642.1679
Direct: 771.215.8892
Israeli Helpline: 03.721.3337
Tomim Tih'yeh [countering "New-Age" infiltration]:
Presentations on New-Age dangers: 605-313-6831 ext. 2
Heard weekly on New Jersey's WSNR Radio 620AM, co-hosting the renowned Levin At Eleven program, every Thursday evening, 11pm to midnight (ET).
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G-d weakens Nature to Make Miracles
Rabbeinu Bachya (Shemos 17:13) “Joshua weakened, etc.” The word “he weakened,” is testimony that G’d does not totally destroy and make ineffective the forces of the horoscope, and that He does not force nature not to pursue its assigned tasks unless there is an overwhelming and urgent need for this. The reason that He does not destroy the system is simply that he Himself created it. Why should G’d uproot His own handiwork? Nonetheless, G’d from time to time “outwits” the system in order to save someone whom He wants to save; He continues to operate His system of reward and punishment without destroying the system of the laws of nature in the process.