Igros Moshe (O.C. IV #81): Question Hatzala using walkie talkie on Shabbos? Answer The question posed to me concerns the wearing of a radio by members of the Hatzolah organization. If they could not wear the radio and be in contact with the central office while away from home, it would necessitate their staying in their apartments with a radio receiver turned on waiting for a call for their services. Not to be able to leave home on the Sabbath would be surely a great burden and would reduce the number of volunteers so necessary for the proper functioning of this organization. The Talmudic discussion in tractate Shabbos [63a] makes it clear that an object can be classified as an ornament even though it does not serve the usual function of clothing, namely, to protect the body from the elements. The controversy recorded there concerns a soldier wearing his sword or carrying his bow, and involves the aesthetic evaluation of these items. If they are regarded as a sign of his status and importance as a defender of society, he may wear it on the Sabbath. If, however, it is a degrading symbol of his association with killing and warfare, then he may not. Clearly, if the item under discussion has no negative connotations, it can be considered an accessory to clothing, even though it may not be made of anything more than base metal. The Hatzolah beeper certainly does not signify an individual involved in a degrading activity. On the contrary, it identifies someone who is waiting to serve his fellow man in time of need. Although there is a controversy in the Talmud as to whether weapons will be needed during the Messianic era, and those who believe they will not be needed (for there will be no wars) do not look upon the sword as a symbol that gives honor and importance to the wearer, this does not apply to a beeper. Even if we accept the opinion of Rebbe Eliezer that there will be no illness in the Messianic era, and hence there will be no need for the Hatzolah organization, this in no way casts aspersions on the social approval accorded those who wear the beeper because of their great mitzvah work. There are no negative connotations to the wearing of the beeper as there may be to the wearing of a sword. In my opinion, therefore, it is permissible to wear a beeper on the Sabbath. They may leave their homes with it attached to their belts, so that they may respond quickly to a call from someone in need. It would be too burdensome to expect these people to stay at home waiting for the call to come, and as I have said, this would surely reduce the number of volunteers for this important work. Someone has suggested that the Sabbath work should be done by hiring non-Jews to serve as Hatzolah members. This contravenes the halachah that says that activities should be performed only by Jews and not by non-Jews, even when a non-Jew is readily available. In addition, a staff which works for money cannot be expected to respond with the same alacrity, the same devotion as those who do it in order to perform the great mitzvah of .
Monday, April 28, 2025
Shabbos save life of Goy
Igros Moshe (OC IV #79) Question Can doctor profane Shabbos to save non Jew? Answer The excuse stated in the gemora saying that he can’t do it since violates religious law would not be accepted in America. In fact if he is the only doctor available and he refuses to save the non Jew’s life he will be viewed as a murderer. Therefore if a non Jew comes to him on Shabbos in a life threatening condition he has to deal with him even if it involves violating a Torah law of Shabbos. To avoid treating the non Jew is not only a danger to the non Jew but also to the doctor from the patient’s relatives. Even if he thinks that his own life is not actually threatened, he needs to be concerned with the great hatred (aiva) to Jews this will produce in America from the people and government. It is necessary to understand that according to the way that today that there is a problem of his refusal to save a non Jew’s life producing great hatred even in countries in which there is legally religious freedom. I am astonished at the Mishna Berura (130.8) where the Chofetz Chaim wrote criticizing the doctors who violate Shabbos to save a non Jew’s life that even though not doing it causes aiva it is still considered a deliberate violation of Shabbos. I can certify that in Russia, in small towns where there was only a single physician for an entire district, a Jewish physician who refused to travel to care for a non-Jew on the Sabbath, regardless of his defense that his religion did not allow it, would surely have endangered his life and the lives of other Jews. Even the police would have made no effort to protect him from the wrath of the patient's relatives, who would have claimed that his failure to treat their relative had caused his death. It is obvious to me that the Chofetz Chaim was concerned with this problem, because he appended a footnote to explain that his position that the prohibition of a Jewish physician treating a non-Jew on the Sabbath applies "to the country of India, whose inhabitants are even today true idolaters." Even if there is only a small possibility, nevertheless since this is a matter of life and death (Pikuach nefesh) we are lenient. This is also the view of Chasam Sofer. Today there is a concern the world over especially with the instant widespread publicity through newspapers. There is a real concern that provacatours will magnify the hatred until there is will be massacres. Thus there needs to be concern that today this refusal to treat a non Jew will result in actual danger and therefore treatment is permitted. It has been reported, in the name of the Klausenberger Rebbe, that physicians should not take any fee for treatment rendered on the Sabbath. This ruling is right and proper. Surely, it is forbidden to profit from any Sabbath transgression, and therefore in this case, his entire motivation should be the saving of a human life and the performance of that mitzvah.
Trump Reveals Russia's 'Pretty Big Concession' in Peace Talks with Ukraine
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-reveals-russias-pretty-big-concession-peace-talks-ukraine-2063802
President Donald Trump asserted Thursday that Russia has already made a "pretty big concession" in the war against Ukraine by not attempting to seize the entire country. The president also said that Russia's willingness to engage in peace talks that could "stop the war" is a concession.
Trump's assertion has been met with strong resistance from Ukraine and many European nations, who argue that merely halting a full-scale land grab hardly qualifies as a meaningful concession.
Torah: Prizes for learning Torah
Igros Moshe (YD III:87.2) Question: Prizes of honor to encourage students for learning fixed amount?Answer This is a good thing to encourage learning and it is is possibly more effect than monetary prizes. .However my opinion is that every yeshiva needs to have the head of the yeshiva decide what is a good prize. It is also a good idea if several yeshivas join together. Nevertheless this should not be an obligation but should be done willingly and joyfully. The idea to make a program for all the yeshivas I think is not beneficial because what ever is publicized causes harm.
Torah What is proper Torah learning?
Igros Moshe (YD III:87.2) Question What is proper Torah learning in Yeshiva? Answer The mitzva of Torah study is to learn the entire Talmud and to to know all the Torah laws in addition to studying in depth each subject in the gemora as well as the Rishonim and Achronim which are indespensible even for a big Torah scholar. It is important also to understand the reasoning and the halacha as well as the explanations given by the Rosh Yeshiva
Education of girls Maaser money for tuitition?
Igros Moshe (YD II:113) Question: Can tuition for a daughter’s Beis Yakov be paid from Maaser? Answer There is certainly a distinction between sons and daughters in Torah study since the father has a clear obligation to educate his son in Torah even if he has to pay for it. And thus it is a Torah obligation and he should not use maaser money. In contrast there is no obligation to educate his daughter and if there is need then it is possible to pay from masser money. .However in America the law requires girls to be educated and due to G-d’s kindness they are allowed to study in proper religious schools. Thus if she doesn’t go to Beis Yakov then she would be required to attend public school where she will not get religious training. However he has an obligation that she get a proper religious education even if it costs him money and thus he actually has an obligation to send her to beis Yakov in America so Maaser money can not be used. However according to the Mishneh Berura the obligation is to save her from the goyim and thus it is not a special obligation on the father but a general one and accordingly maaser money could be used However this is problematic since the halacha is that the father is obligated to properly educate his daughter in proper faith mitzvos and avoiding sin. Therefore it is obvious that the father needs to pay for the education of both sons and daughters and therefore maaser can not be used for either. It is only if additional payment is required then for both sons and daughters maaser can be used.
Deception to get mitzvos & spiritual perfection
Shaarei Teshuva(482:2): It says in Bava Metzia (62a) that your needs come before that of other people even in a matters of life and death. This is learned by R’ Akiva in the case of two people in the desert with a single container of water from the verse of “Your brother shall live with you” - which means that his life is secondary to yours. So if this principle is true in physical issues then surely it is true in spiritual issues. (This is written in Igros Shmuel to Megila Ruth. He says that Boaz knew by ruach hakodesh that Ruth would be the ancestress of the Davidic kings and therefore he described her as a Moabite in order that she would be rejected for marriage and he could marry her and he would merit having the royal descendants. Even though it is prohibited for someone to deceive others even to take that which is rightfully his. But that prohibition is in monetary matters but not concerning mitzvos. Even though it is impossible to take a mitzva away from someone who already has obtained the rights to it such as mila, nevertheless if no one has actually claimed the mitzva yet then it is viewed as a wilderness and available to all and everyone has the obligation to perfect his soul and merit having mitzvos. We see this principle also with Yaakov and how he took the rights of the first-born and the berachos since he knew that Esav was headed to do evil and Yaakov needed them to reach spiritual perfection as is explained by the Akeidas Yitzchok…).
Dating Marriage – play house
Igros Moshe (Y.D. I #90): Question A boy and a girl want to get to know each other for the purpose of marriage to determine whether they will like each other. They want to know whether it is permitted to rent two separate bedrooms in one house where the owner and his wife also live. Answer It is clear that if it is known to the owner and his wife that they are not husband and wife – there is reason to be lenient. However if they have not informed then it is possible that they might mistakenly assumed that they are married and therefore it won’t help that the owner lives there. If the owner doesn’t know that they are not married it would thus be prohibited to rent the separate rooms because the owner is no longer a protection against sin because they are not embarrassed to be alone together and other similar problems. Regarding the issue of whether it is permitted for her to prepare meals for him, it seems that there is no concern that this is prohibited according to all authorities. That is because this is not included in the prohibition of utilizing a woman’s services. This type of service is permitted as is serving as a maid – even if she does it for free. All of this is permitted according to the strict letter of the law – however in actuality it is not worth doing. A person shouldn’t try to be too “smart” in these matters. It is sufficient if she finds favor in his eyes - regarding her appearance, her family and her reputation concerning her religious observance - that he can rely on that to get married with the hope that she was the one designated for him from Heaven. It is not necessary to examine her first. Furthermore this “test” is worthless to determine if she will be a good wife. Rather the Torah tells us to be “tamim” (to have simple trust) with G‑d.
Dating: What to look for in a spouse
Igros Moshe (YD I #90) Question Is it a good idea to be cautious in dating and that more is better to make sure it is “the right one”? Answer :Regarding a couple dating excessively to make sure it is ‘the right one’. “One should not be overly smart with regards to shidduchim. Therefore, one could marry the woman that finds favor in his eyes in her appearance and has a good family, and has a good reputation about her mitzvah observance, and assume that she is the one destined to him from heaven. He does not need to excessively tryout if they are compatible because it will not help, as the verse says “tomim tihiyeh im Hashem”, you shall be faithful with Hashem”.
Fact-Checking What Donald Trump Said in His ‘100 Days’ Interview With TIME
https://time.com/7280129/donald-trump-fact-check-2025-interview/
What Trump Said: “We lose $200 to $250 billion a year supporting Canada.”
The Facts: Trump has often made the claim that the U.S. is “subsidizing” Canada—it’s a key reason behind his desire to annex the country. In his interview with TIME, he mentioned Canadian cars, lumber, and energy, so it’s possible was referring to the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, which in 2024, amounted to $63 billion for goods.
But that number still is far short of $200 billion. In the interview, Trump also mentioned “taking care of their military.” Trump officials have often highlighted military spending as part of the $200 billion. The Department of Defense requested a budget of $849 billion for the 2025 fiscal year—though the request does not break down spending by region. In March, a White House official pointed The Washington Post towards North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a shared air defense program between the two countries. The U.S. is responsible for 60% of the cost of the radar system—though the system costs just $20 billion, an expert told the Post.
3 children who are US citizens — including one with cancer — deported with their mothers, lawyers and advocacy groups say
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/27/us/children-us-citizens-deported-honduras/index.html
Taken together, the families’ advocates say their removals from the United States underscore concerns about a lack of due process amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Trump First 100 Days Approval Rating Double-Digits Below Biden, Obama—Poll
New polling released by CNN on Sunday shows that Trump's approval rating stands at 41 percent. That is 18 points under his disapproval rating, which stands at 59 percent—including 45 percent who disapprove strongly.
Comparatively, former Democratic President Joe Biden's approval hovered at 53 percent at the same point in 2021, according to CNN. That puts Biden's approval at the 100-day mark 12 points ahead of Trump's.
Former Presidents Barack Obama, a Democrat, and George W. Bush, a Republican, had even higher marks at the same point. Obama enjoyed a 63 percent approval rating and Bush was nearly the same, at 62 percent. That's 22 points and 21 points ahead of Trump respectively.
Notably, Trump's current approval rating is even lower than it was at the same point during his first term in office. At the end of April 2017, Trump's approval rating stood at 44 percent—3 points higher than it is now.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Rav Moshe Feinstein: Prohibition of social dating
Igros Moshe(E.H. 4:60): Concerning the issue of a young man who is not ready to get married and has no interest in getting married and he is interested in having social dates with young women who also are not ready to get married and have no interest in getting married. They say that since they are careful to avoid the prohibition of yichud (seclusion) there is no prohibition in dating. Even though they know that this is not nice but they say they are not interested in issues of piety and extra measures of modesty and they don’t want to listen to lectures of mussar and rebuke. However they say that they will stop if they hear from me that this is prohibited according to the halacha. Therefore I am forced to respond immediately because this applies to a current activity… There is also a severe prohibition from the Torah in close friendships between a young man and woman. That is even if they avoid hugging and kissing as well as touching and yichud. The problem is that he talks with her for extended times in expressing love and he gets pleasure from this and stares at her. Even according to the Ramban who disagrees with the Rambam and holds this is only a rabbinic prohibition nevertheless agrees that this is a severe prohibition since it has an asmachta from a verse and that it is punished with rabbinic flogging. It is clear that dating is done because of love of women and not because of ordinary friendship since he clearly prefers being with a woman then with male friends. Why is he interested in this woman when it doesn’t give him greater respect or a good name? It is obviously because of love of a woman because she is a woman. In addition even though she is unmarried, she is a nidah which is prohibited with the punishment of kares…
Trump approval rating underwater in Fox News survey
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5265210-trump-approval-rating-fox-news-poll/
The poll showed Trump with an approval rating of 44 percent, down 5 points from the 49 percent he had in March. Fox noted the latest number is lower than where all of his most recent predecessors were at this point in their presidencies.
Former President George W. Bush had the highest rating among 21st-century presidents with 63 percent approval, followed by former President Obama with 62 percent and former President Biden with 54 percent. Trump also had a rating 1 point higher at this point in his first term than his current one.
CNN Data Guru Touts Historic Poll Showing Trump Most Unpopular Prez Since 1953
An overwhelming majority of Americans say the president is botching the job just months into his second term.
“These numbers are just horrible—there’s no way to sugarcoat it,” CNN data guru Harry Enten said while diving into the results of a new survey the network released on Saturday
Trump Tore Up Obama’s Iran Deal. Is He Now Negotiating Something Worse?
https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-obama-iran-deal
“The Iran Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into,” President Donald Trump declared in 2018 as he withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. He has always claimed that President Barack Obama’s nuclear agreement was terrible. And he has always been right.
But if Trump lets Steve Witkoff, his special envoy, continue to negotiate with Iran along the current lines, he will end up with an agreement even weaker than the JCPOA. Witkoff is driving Trump on the road to Obamaland.
A stunning reversal of fortunes in Canada's historic election- Trump saves the Liberals
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78jv246n91o
Last year, the Conservatives held a 20-point lead in national polls over the governing Liberals for months. Poilievre's future as the country's next prime minister seemed baked in.
Then a series of shockwaves came in quick succession at the start of 2025, upending the political landscape: Justin Trudeau's resignation, Carney's subsequent rise to Liberal leader and prime minister; and the return of Trump to the White House with the threats and tariffs that followed.
By the time the election was called in mid-March, Carney's Liberals were polling neck-and-neck with the Conservatives, and by early April they had pulled slightly ahead, national surveys suggest.
Trump's late-March announcement of global levies on foreign automobile imports allowed Carney to step away from the trail and take on the prime minister's mantle, setting up a call with the president and meeting US Cabinet ministers.
Poilievre, in contrast, is a veteran politician and polished performer. But on the shifting political ground, Conservatives appeared to struggle to find their footing, pivoting their message from Canada being broken to "Canada First".
Poilievre had to fend off criticism from political rivals that he is "Trump lite", with his combative style, his vows to end "woke ideology", and willingness to take on the "global elite".
American Battleground: Trump dreams of empire while struggling to keep some promises
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/26/politics/donald-trump-immigration-foreign-policy/index.html
For months, the Danes have effectively said the only threat is from the United States. They’ve pointed out that Greenland, an autonomous land under the Danish umbrella, has happily hosted American military forces for decades. They note that Vance’s stop is at a US base established in 1943 and still operating. They argue the White House can easily keep an eye on Chinese and Russian movements in northern waters from the island and can even expand America’s military footprint there without owning the earth beneath it. Anyway, Denmark says, Greenland is not for sale. Locals give an icier answer to Trump, Vance and their representatives: “We don’t want you here.”
Judge says 2-year-old US citizen appears to have been deported with ‘no meaningful process’
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/25/us-citizen-deportation-donald-trump-00311631
A federal judge is raising alarms that the Trump administration deported a two-year-old U.S. citizen to Honduras with “no meaningful process,” even as the child’s father was frantically petitioning the courts to keep her in the country.
U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty, a Trump appointee, said the child — identified in court papers by the initials “V.M.L.” — appeared to have been released in Honduras earlier Friday, along with her Honduran-born mother and sister, who had been detained by immigration officials earlier in the week.
George Santos, who conned his way to Congress before getting booted, sentenced to more than 7 years in prison
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/25/george-santos-prison-sentence-00309522
The disgraced former New York lawmaker pleaded guilty to felony charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
A federal judge on Friday sentenced disgraced former Rep. George Santos to more than seven years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a case that resulted in his expulsion from Congress and capped a colorful flameout for the first-term Republican.
Three U.S. citizens, ages 2, 4 and 7, swiftly deported from Louisiana
https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/04/26/us-citizen-children-deported-ice/
The cases have renewed concerns that the Trump administration’s expedited deportations are violating the rights of both citizens and noncitizens.
Three U.S. citizen children from two different families were deported with their mothers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the early hours of Friday morning. One of them is a 4-year-old with Stage 4 cancer who was deported without medication or the ability to contact their doctors, the family’s lawyer said.
Constantly in Motion, Trump’s Cabinet Portrays a White House That’s Always Winning
On social media, top officials stream an intimate window into their work that runs counter to the obstacles facing the White House agenda
On any given day, Americans on social media can hope to glimpse Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pounding push-ups with the troops. They might catch FBI Director Kash Patel alongside agents as they cinematically rappel from helicopters and blast their way into a building. Or they’ll find Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, dairy cows pacing behind her, pledging to rescind a government ban on whole milk in schools.
President Trump faces growing obstacles to his agenda from the courts, investors and world leaders. But on social media, his top officials are using their influence to tell Americans a different story, one in which Trump is securing victory after victory on his main goals. The strategy gives his cabinet the most robust public presence of any in recent memory.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Majority of Voters Find Trump’s Second Term ‘Chaotic’ and ‘Scary’
https://www.thedailybeast.com/majority-of-voters-find-trumps-second-term-chaotic-and-scary/
According to a New York Times/Siena College poll released on Friday, 66 percent described Trump’s second term as “chaotic,” while 59 percent opted for “scary.” Many of those same voters, the Times notes, nevertheless approved of Trump’s job performance.
On that point, the president’s approval rating sits at 42 percent, and he’s also underwater on a host of issues: immigration, managing the federal government, the economy, international trade, foreign conflicts, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Friday’s poll—conducted of 913 voters nationally from April 21 to 24—echoes a Fox News poll from earlier this week. It, too, showed Trump underperforming in many areas. Only 33 percent supported the president’s tariffs, for instance, while 51 percent predicted his policies will hurt the country in the long run.
Trump responded by lashing out at owner Rupert Murdoch and the network’s “Trump Hating, Fake Pollster.”
President Donald Trump admitted Saturday that he may have been wrong to believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace in the war against Ukraine and threatened further sanctions.
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!” the president wrote.
Friday, April 25, 2025
Why Does the Chazzan Repeat the Amidah?
Why is the repetition said even when there may not be such people present?
The sages instituted that it be said after every Amidah,5 since otherwise we’d need to interrogate each individual in attendance to ascertain whether there is a congregant who fits the criteria for the repetition.6
Nowadays, virtually no one fits the criteria. But there is another reason for the repetition—we recite the Kedushah and Modim prayers during this time.7
Torah Learning during repetiotion of Amida
Igros Moshe (OC IV #19) Question: Is it permitted to be studying Torah during Repetition of Amida? Answer It seems that Magen Avraham doesn’t object as long as amen is said at end of each beracha. However others object because others might learn from this to ignore selichos and other prayers as well as not to answer amen. This is true if there are 10 people listening to the full repetition. However if there are less than 10 it is prohibited since according to the original decree there needs to be 10 people listening to the entire repetition. Therefore if there are only 9 people participating fully and answering amen, it could be that the beracha said by the shliach tzibor is considered in vain Therefore everyone should view himself as part of the essential ten. Consequently it is forbidden to learn during the repetition of the amida
Rav Moshe and Gedolim
A major point of interest was Rav Moshe's influence on gedolim. Concerning wearing a plastic rain covering on a hat Rav Moshe said it was prohibited. In contrast Rav Aharon Kotler viewed that it was permitted. However Rav Aharon told people not to use it in deference to Rav Moshe. Similarly I once visited Ner Yisroel and observed Rav Ruderman learning from a sefer during the repetition of the Amida. When I came the following year he didn’t pick up a sefer and learn during that time. I asked one of his students who said that Rav Ruderman had heard that Rav Moshe was against the practice so he stopped. The son of a major rabbi from California told me that his father had gone to Rav Moshe a number of times regarding cases of Aguna and that he had got a heter based on mekach ta'os. After Rav Moshe was niftar he had a new but similar case so he went to Rav Eliashiv to get a heter. Rav Eliashiv told him that he didn't agree with the heter and would not give it. But those given by Rav Moshe were valid in spite of his disagreement with the justification.
Heart Transplants are Murder!
Igros Moshe (YD II #174) Question Heart transplant from another person – a new procedure that a number of Doctors are now starting to do. Answer I don’t want to show a lot of proofs and analysis because all those who add analysis and proofs are simply making the issue worse. That is because it seems to be saying that proofs are needed since it is a complicated matter. As a consequence it will lead to leniencies when some of the proofs are refuted even though the proofs were not genuine. Thus they serve to weaken the case against transplants because people will conclude it is simply a matter disputed by great authorities and it is legitimate to choose either side. G-d forbid!. Therefore I will respond to this issue in this letter in a clear ruling clearly and absolutely and will avoid all dialectics and analysis stating unambiguously that this procedure of heart transplants that doctors have recently started to do is simply the killing of two people. The doctors are killing with their own hands the one who is donating the heart since he is still alive not only according the Torah for which it is a capital crime , but also according to the doctors since there are some who are truthful and say the donor is alive when the heart is removed. However because of their wickedness they are not interested in preserving the donor’s life because he is not expected to live much longer anyway. In addition they are killing with their own hands the recipient who can live for many more years sometimes even for decades with his heart condition. It is well established that heart disease patients can live long lives. This that a heart transplant is done results in the deaths of the donor and recipient in a short time sometimes even hours. Others linger for a few days. While it is true there is a case in Africa that the recipient is still alive after 6 months, nevertheless the consensus is that it is impossible for him to continue living. It is astounding that countries around the world permit the evil doctors to kill two people since it is known that neither typically lives. Therefore the governments should punish these doctors who are literally murderers even though the patient consents. The agreement is a mistake because of the seduction of the evil doctors. Beside that a person is not allowed t to kill himself. My response to this question should be publicized without modifying my language
Igros Moshe (YD II #146) Question: Heart Transplant from a murdered person who was definitely dead before the heart is removed and obviously doesn’t mean killing the donor is it permitted? Answer It is prohibited because we don’t trust at all two claims of the doctors. 1) That the sick patent can’t live with his own heart 2) That he will live with the transplanted heart. We have seen that they are not accurate in their claims in these areas as we see that all the transplant recioients have died in a short time and with his own heart it is clear that he can live for a much longer time than if he got a transplant. Therefore all doctors who do heart transplants are real murderers. In most cases even if the patients heart is weak and sick he is not considered a treifa and therefore these doctors are also deserving the death penalty
Igros Moshe (Choshen Mishpat II #72) Question Are heart Transplants permitted?Answer They are considered that the doctor is killing them – the donor and the recipient as I have written a number of times. I have also said this is not a matter to continue to debate since there is no basis for leniency. I have discussed this with my son in law Rav Moshe Dovid Tendler and I looked at the Medical Journals and it is clear that there have been no improvements in that a recipient has survived for a number of years and even the time he lives is very painful and he needs constant medical attention. This procedure is prohibited in America except in one place for one very expert doctor. This makes no sense. There are also many countries which have prohibited this as as unnecessary murder The doctors are lying when they claim that transplants are good for the patients.The opposite is true and the doctors that perform transplants should be punished as cold blooded killers because they know that there is no benefit. .
Igros Moshe (YD II #174.1) Question : Can a transplant be done from a person who was decapitated but he is still moving? Answer A decapitated person even if still moving is halachicly dead.
‘Boomerang in a Very Bad Way’: How Trump’s Antisemitism Push Could Backfire
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/22/trump-antisemitism-backfire-00301548
“By directly linking billions of dollars of federal research funding to ostensibly combating antisemitism, I think it plays very much into long-standing tropes about Jews wielding financial leverage to pursue their so-called interests,” he said in an interview with POLITICO Magazine.
Pascal said the problem of antisemitism in America is very real — on campus and off — but argued Trump’s approach was not the solution in the long run.
“We need to be very vigilant about the erosion of the rule of law and our civil liberties,” Pascal said, “because that is the best defense against antisemitism, not the protection of the strongmen.”
Hegseth had an unsecured internet line set up in his office to connect to Signal
https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-dirty-internet-line-6a64707f10ca553eb905e5a70e10bd9d
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had an internet connection that bypassed the Pentagon’s security protocols set up in his office to use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer, two people familiar with the line told The Associated Press.
The existence of the unsecured internet connection is the latest revelation about Hegseth’s use of the unclassified app and raises the possibility that sensitive defense information could have been put at risk of potential hacking or surveillance.
Known as a “dirty” internet line by the IT industry, it connects directly to the public internet where the user’s information and the websites accessed do not have the same security filters or protocols that the Pentagon’s secured connections maintain.
Other Pentagon offices have used them, particularly if there’s a need to monitor information or websites that would otherwise be blocked.
Trump’s own strange and tepid wording illustrates his one-sided Ukraine peace plan
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/25/politics/trump-russia-ukraine-peace-efforts-language/index.html
“When Zelensky dares to speak the truth, Trump truly slams him,” John Herbst, the former US ambassador to Ukraine told Paula Newton on CNN International. “When Putin murders civilians with ballistic missiles he’s merely corrected. Or slightly chastised.”
“Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country. Pretty big concession,” Trump said.
This answer betrays a strange misunderstanding of what happened in the war and shows just how comprehensively Trump views the war through Putin’s lens.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Trump Reveals Russia's 'Pretty Big Concession' in Peace Talks with Ukraine
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-reveals-russias-pretty-big-concession-peace-talks-ukraine-2063802
President Donald Trump asserted Thursday that Russia has already made a "pretty big concession" in the war in Ukraine by not attempting to seize the entire country. The president also contends that Russia's willingness to engage in peace talks that would "stop the war" is a concession.
However, that claim has been met with strong resistance from Ukraine and many European nations, who argue that merely halting a full-scale land grab hardly qualifies as a meaningful concession.
Trump’s peace offer on Ukraine is generous to Russia, and may not even be enough for Putin
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/24/europe/trump-putin-peace-ukraine-analysis-intl/index.html
Imposing a deadline on a negotiation for a deal you desperately want is a risky tactic if your only move is to walk away.
President Donald Trump has threatened just this, and emphasized on Wednesday it is proving easier to make a deal with Russia than Ukraine. Yet that seems a perilous misreading of his own predicament. It is easier for Trump to pressure Kyiv, yes, because they are dependent on US aid and intelligence for their mere survival. But that does not mean Russia is more amenable to a deal. In fact, they are palpably dragging their feet.
This is where the gulf between a life in business deals and one steeped in geopolitical negotiation yawns desperately. Now, Trump is not in the world of real estate – he is not trying to get Putin to buy something. Trump is pushing hard and fast for the Kremlin to agree to terms to end the war that Putin has clearly divined will improve, not worsen, over time.
Here’s the most dangerous concession to Putin in Trump’s peace plan
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/04/24/trump-ukraine-russia-crimea-stimson/
Accepting Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea would upend a core tenet of U.S. foreign policy.
In its well intentioned but rushed and ham-handed attempts to end the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration is flirting with disaster. Apparently, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, real estate developer Steve Witkoff, has crafted a peace plan after traveling to Moscow for three lengthy meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin — but never once going to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The one-sided plan is now being presented to the Ukrainians on a “take it or leave it” basis, with Trump on Wednesday writing online that Zelensky “can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.”
Wristwatch electronic Shabbos
Igros Moshe (OC V #22. 25) Question Is it required to cover the buttons on an electronic watch on Shabbos which constantly shows the time even without pushing the button and is it permitted to move it on Shabbos? Answer It is permitted to move it and the buttons do not need to be covered. The need for some reminder or cover is only for an actual fire because of concern it might be tilted to burn better. That is why there is no need for a light switch on the wall. However if you might push the button on the watch it is best to cover it or make some reminder on the button
Trump accuses Zelensky of sabotaging U.S. peace plan for Ukraine
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/trump-attack-zelensky-response-ukraine-peace-plan
A source close to the Ukrainian government told Axios that Kyiv sees Trump's proposal as heavily biased toward Russia, with Moscow getting clear-cut wins and Kyiv only vague promises.
Giggling Putin Pals Celebrate Trump’s ‘Shocking’ Ukraine Surrender
https://www.thedailybeast.com/giggling-putin-pals-celebrate-trumps-shocking-ukraine-surrender/
The generosity of President Trump’s unprecedented Ukraine peace proposal has stunned and delighted the Kremlin’s premier propagandists. Instead of the supposed Art of the Deal, they are celebrating President Putin’s “art of the steal.”
On Wednesday, state TV show 60 Minutes broadcast the clips of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on repeat. The Russian networks are thrilled with their words, which carry an enormous propaganda value for the Kremlin. Writer Sergey Strokan marveled, “Who could have imagined this?” Beaming ear-to-ear, host Olga Skabeeva replied, “No one ever—they can’t believe it even now—if you’re talking about Donald Trump. It’s shocking, it really is. Completely incredible!”
Trump criticises Zelensky as Ukraine refuses Russian control of Crimea BBC agrees with NY Post!
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78jx68d922o
Recognising Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea would not only be politically impossible for Zelensky to accept, it would also be contrary to post-war international legal norms that borders should not be changed by force.
He has consistently rejected the suggestion that his country give up its claim to the Crimean Peninsula.
"There's nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution," he said.
Why Ukraine is in an impossible spot with the White House peace deal
Bottom line: Trump is asking Zelensky to make massive national-security concessions while abandoning hopes of a more realistic treaty and concrete security that might make such concessions strategically tenable — and allow him to try and sell the Ukrainian people on the bargain.
Trump can’t simply blame the war on Joe Biden and wash his hands of responsibility for what happens on his watch.
Trump’s Ukraine Ultimatum
The President puts pressure only on one side—not on Russia.
President Trump on Wednesday unleashed another broadside against Ukraine, and his dislike for President Volodymyr Zelensky isn’t news. But what matters to U.S. interests—and Mr. Trump’s Presidency—are the terms of a negotiated settlement. Mr. Trump’s current offer looks more like an ultimatum than grounds for a durable peace.
“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process,” Vice President JD Vance said from India on Wednesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sounded similar notes last week, and by “walking away” the Administration seems to mean abandoning Ukraine to Vladimir Putin’s designs.
DOGE loses its biggest advocate as Musk exits Washington
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/23/elon-musk-doge-trump-00306673
Elon Musk’s claim that his job in Washington is “mostly done” may calm Tesla shareholders — but his departure could sap the Department of Government Efficiency of its disruptive energy even as it continues to make major cuts to the federal workforce.
In an effort to reassure rattled Tesla shareholders after a bruising first-quarter earnings call, Musk told investors this week that his around-the-clock involvement in DOGE will soon be scaled back to just a day or two per week.
Trump’s Faith Adviser Says Women Should ‘Submit’ to Men in Bonkers Rant
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-faith-adviser-says-women-should-submit-to-men-in-bonkers-rant/
President Donald Trump in February signed an executive order establishing a White House Faith Office, pledging to “bring religion back” to the United States and “protect Christians.”
He appointed White, his longtime spiritual adviser, to lead the initiative. The two first connected in 2002, when Trump called her after watching one of her televised sermons.
Hegseth creates makeup studio in Pentagon
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5263819-hegseth-makeup-studio-pentagon/
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has refurbished a green room as a makeup studio in the Pentagon for high-ranking officials to prepare before on-camera appearances
CBS News reported that the refurbishment cost several thousand dollars, which the Pentagon denied in a post on the social platform X. Officials said they were modest when making the changes to the space.
“For this upgrade we were deliberately conservative and opted for several less expensive, on-hand material solutions that provide the Secretary and other VIPs the needed support and space for on-camera press engagements,” the spokesperson added.
Is This Trump’s Mitterrand Moment?
The French President saved his government by giving up socialism. It’s a precedent for tariffs.
President Trump continues to walk back his original tariff assault, and markets are pleased. They rose again Wednesday after Mr. Trump said he won’t fire the Federal Reserve Chairman and is likely to retreat from his highest China tariffs. Is this Mr. Trump’s François Mitterrand moment?
Readers of a certain age will recall how the French Socialist President swept into power in 1981 promising a far left agenda of government control over the private economy. The market reaction was brutal. Within a year he had put socialism on pause and by 1983 he had abandoned most of it. He went on to serve two terms.
Trump slams Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russian control of Crimea
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/23/europe/rubio-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-talks-intl-hnk/index.html
President Donald Trump slammed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday for his comments that Ukraine wouldn’t recognize Russian control of Crimea, calling the remarks “very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia.”
“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country,” he posted on Truth Social.
Any move to recognize Russia’s control of Crimea would reverse a decade of US policy and could upset the widely held post-World War Two consensus that international borders should not be changed by force.
Women president of Israel
Igros Moshe (YD II #45) Question You claim that when I questioned the Rambam’s view that all positions of authority are only for men not women and that it was his innovation that this creates a problem in that it justifies appointing a woman president in the Israeli government. Answer I am not responsible for the conduct of the Israeli government which unfortunately is controlled by heretics who have no interest in what I think in the slightest nor the view of the Rambam nor do they care whether something is permitted or forbidden by the Torah and therefore my views don’t create a problem for them in that they might therefore have a woman president. Nor is there a problem that my view will result in women being elected as presidents of synagogues and organizations in America. That is because they do not do anything without the ruling of a major rabbi and the fact of the Rambam’s ruling is enough to prevent this. For those who have deviated from proper religious observation they have no concern with this at all and we have no responsibility to what they do. Consequently no problems are created by my ruling.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Police confirm man killed in shark attack; victim named as Barak Tzach, 45
A man was killed in a shark attack off the coast of Hadera, police onfirmed Wednesday, after human remains were positively identified by forensics experts.
Tzach’s wife Sarit Tzach wrote on Facebook that her husband had gone to the beach on Monday after work so that he could document the sharks, and denied reports that he had been carrying dead fish that attracted the predator.
Wrist watch Shabbos
Igros Moshe (OC I #111) Question Can a wristwatch on Shabbos? Answer It is obvious that a pocket watch is prohibited. Even those that are worn attached to clothing are not regarded as jewlry or being worn. However a wristwatch that is actually on the wrist is like a garment. A proof that this is permitted is that a signet ring is permitted even though its use is prohibitd on Shabbos. Furthermore even if the signet ring is damaged and can’t be used for signatures it is permitted to br worn since it is worn on the body even though it is not viewed as a piece of jewlry. Its entire purpose is as a useful device. In a similar manner a scarf which is worn around the neck to clean the mouth and eyes (according to Rashi) and that is its basic reasoson for being worn. Thus it is merely the fact that it is useful that it is permitted to be worn and it is not considered carrying. Thus a watch worn on the wrist should be permitted even though it is only worn for the service it provides. While because of this reason there is no reason to protest against those who wear a wristwatch, it is appropriate for every ben Torah and G-d fearing man not to wear a wristwatch on Shabbos. This is to prevent others from thinking that all clocks (such as a pocket watch) are permitted even if attatched to the clothing. Because there is widespread ignorance and this is what I tell my students.
Yichud : Elevator Minimum time Prohibited
Igros Moshe (E.H. IV #65.22): Question What is the minimum time that yichud is prohibited? Answer Acording to Chazal it is the time it takes for sexual intercourse (Sotah 4), however time needs to be added to this for additional preparations such as getting undressed and getting dressed and also time for seduction if they are strangers and thus it is difficult to state a definite amount of time. Nevertheless even with a woman who is easily seduced the time of prohibited yichud is much more than the time for intercourse even if she is not Jewish who also require seduction. This is true even if she is a prostitute. . . Thus the amount of time prohibited is much greater than the all the times spent traveling between floors in an elevator even in a building of 25 floors. However with a non-Jewish woman controlling the elevator who we assume is licentious and with whom he is already familiar he should not take long trips with her in the elevator. However this is not a common situation. If there are two women in the elevator than yichud is not prohibited since we are not concerned he might seduce both of them in a short time and therefore there will not be transgression even with one of the two women .
Igros Moshe (EH IV #65.16) Question Is yichud always prohibited? Answer There is no prohibition unless if lasts longer than the time prohibited. However in an elevator if someone enters who thinks any amount of time is prohibited than yichud would be prohibited. In such a case the only permitted case would be where there are already two women in the elevator and one leaves even if there is less than the minimal time. This is a problem also for tall buildings of many floors with an elevator . If a man is alone in the elevator with a woman, than going one floor is not a problem. The prohibition of yichud with an unmarried woman is only Rabbinic and the decree against yichud is only if there is enough time for intercourse. For anything less than this time there is no prohibition of yichud .
Yichud Car
Igros Moshe (EH IV #65.3) Question Is it permitted to travel alone with a woman in a car ? Answer As a first choice is definitely not permitted. This is even if the majority of the trip is on a major highway that even at night there are always many people in cars. That is because it is always possible to leave the highway to a quiet side street. Even travel during the day is problematic since he can easily go to a secluded area and be intimate and this is clearly a concern at night where intimacy can easily occur in the car itself. Nevertheless in time of great need such as a woman of his neighborhood requests a ride or needs to get to his destination and if he refuses to give her a ride he is viewed as a selfish or cruel person. If a non Jewish women makes the request and he refuses than he might cause hatred to Jews. Therefore there is a basis to permit it because there is no halachic requirement to be concerned that he might go to a secluded place with a normal religious person but only that he might be overwhelmed with lust. While this seems to be a halachic dispute, one can rely on the lenient view in time of need.
Interview with Rav Ephraim Greenblatt from 1990
When I lived in Har Nof I met with Rav Ephraim Greenblatt in July 12 1990. I asked him questions regarding Rav Moshe and the Igros Moshe. He was very open with his comments. The question is whether I should publish them now. They might shock some while others will say this is well known or at least assumed. I have asked a posek and am waiting his decision.
I just received psak that I should publish the interview. which I will when I reformat it for greater readability.
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Reb Moshe believed that if you understood the gemora properly it was possible to posken directly from it. That the Shulchan Aruch itself was written for people that did not have time to learn the gemora properly. His avoidance of achronim was not because he didn't have the seforim but because he felt they were not necessary for him to posken. When confronted with a contradiction to his psak from the Yavetz he answered that his psak was meant to be from shamayim.
Reb Moshe told on himself that he had a strong temper by nature but that he worked on himself not to express it and to remain calm.
Reb Moshe held that what he poskened was valid and he had no problem with his views being publicized. There were issues he felt however should not be made known to the general public such as his views on Hatzola returning on Shabbos which were eventually published in the Igros.
Reb Moshe viewed his main halachic work to be the Dibros Moshe not the Igros Moshe. He felt that it was necessary to have a record of his opinions available- the Igros Moshe. Reb Moshe was aware that non Talmidei Chachamim read the Igros.That is why he did not posken on Gas on Yom Tov there because of the possibility of confusing gas with electricity.
He mentioned that Reb Moshe always emphasized the importance of understanding Metzius to posken properly. He assumed that Reb Tendler was the source of medical issues and was surpirsed when I told him that Reb Tendler said that he was not the sole source of this.
He was not aware of Reb Moshe being against going to a doctor for preventitive check ups but said that it was possible that there was such a position since his uncle nevers goes to doctors.
There were times that Reb Moshe poskened on a personal level against the Igros. For example in Memphis, he allowed a short mechitza because he felt that that was all they would take and that he hoped that later it would be possible to increase the hight. Similarly he allowed mixed classes up to sixgrade for Memphis. He agreed that the level of observance today might mean that Reb Moshe would be more machmir l'maaseh than for tshuvah's from 40 years ago.
I asked that Reb Moshe's attitude towards psak be written down. He replied that his uncle Reb Notah Greenblatt would be the one to do that and that he would ask when he returns to Memphis. He said that there has been much talk about collecting stories and Hashkofa from Reb Moshe's talmidim but that no one is willing to take charge and get it done. He said he once asked Reb Moshe what had been decided at an Aguda Convention. He replied, like always that we should have another meeting next year. He said that he is planning to retire soon to Yerushalayim and that perhaps he would be able work on the project.
On a related point, he mentioned that he was recently in Lakewood and was asked to speak about Reb Moshe. When he said he wanted to learn something in the Igros, they told him that everyone know the Igros and that they wanted to hear some stories. He took out an Igros and asked them what Reb Moshe held on a particular Issue. He said that he got 20 different versions of something stated in the Igros.
Reb Moshe felt that there was nothing he could do to help a person with cancer. In general he would not accept a kvittel for such a person unless he felt it would upset the family.For other illnesses however he would pray for recovering.
It was not unusual for people to understand Reb Moshe in different ways. There for he always tried to taperecord his sessions with Reb Moshe. There were instances where he was able to demonstrate to people that they had misunderstood Reb Moshe's position from these tapes.
Validity of the Igros. There is a definite problem with the last two volumes. He has been told by a number of big talmidei chachamim that there is there are things written which are definitely not Reb Moshe's language. In addition the last couple of years in which Reb Moshe's replies were typewritten by Mordechai Tendler are not reliable. People also got confused when Mordechai Tendler said things and assumed that it was from Reb Moshe when in fact some things were not. 10 years ago when he went to get a Beracha for his son-in-law Reb Moshe had to send Mordechai Tendler out of the room because he kept answering their questions - not letting Reb Moshe reply. Mordechai Tendler felt that he knew Reb Moshe well enough that he could provide the same answer as Reb Moshe- which was not always true. The problem of editing -have words or sections left out - could easily change the meaning of a tshuva.
Reb Moshe used to write over a copy of his tshuva before sending out a reply. When he was asked why not let a bachor do the copying, he replied that copying provided a chance for chazora and that here were times that he changed the original ruling based upon his chazora.
Newspapers: Rabbi Tendler claimed that Reb Moshe read the newspaper regularly. He replied that he never saw Reb Moshe read a newspaper. Reb Moshe did buy Der Tag regularly from a poor Jew who used to come into M.T.J. but then he would put in on a bench. He said he only bought the paper to provide parnosa for the Yid and that anyone could take the paper.
When I told him the problem of time of death, he agreed it was a major problem. He agreed that Rav Tendler feels that he knows what Reb Moshe would have said and that there is no actual evidence to support his interpretation as being what Reb Moshe held or would have held.
Rain Hat cover on Shabbos
Igros Moshe (OC I #108) Question: Can a thin plastic hat cover be worn when walking outside on Shabbos to protect from rain? Answer. Any thing worn as a garment is permitted according to Nedarim (55) even if the intent is just to protect against dirt. But simply to cover the hat and not the body at all is prohibited. It is clear from the Taz and Magen Avraham that the meaning of “wearing as garment” requires at least partial direct covering of part of the body or head. The old practice of wearing a hat on a hat was to provide greater warmth and is thus permitted while a rain hat cover does not increase the warmth nor is it even for appearance and in fact looks worse wearing only the hat alone. Its only purpose is to protect the hat from damage which is prohibited. This is not the same as wearing galoshes which are permitted because they add warmth and thus they not only protect the shoes but also the person from discomfort of water soaked shoes and cold. In conclusion the wearing of the plastic rain hat cover is not permitted. This is what I tell all those who ask me.
It is important to know that others such as Rav Menashe Klein disagreed. Rav Ahron Kuler also disagreed but he said to all that asked that the halacha was that it was prohibited because everyone should submit to the ruling of Rav Moshe
Rav has no Portion in Olam Habah
Avos Derav Nosson (36:5) These seven have no share in the World to Come: the scribe, the schoolteacher, the best doctors, the city judge, the magician, the sexton, and the butcher.
Shabbos (139a) It was taught. R. Jose b. Elisha said: If you see a generation overwhelmed by many troubles, go forth and examine the judges of Israel, for all retribution that comes to the world comes only on account of the Judges of Israel, as it is said, Hear this, I pray you ye heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money; yet will they lean upon the Lord, etc
Kiddushin (82a) The best of doctors are destined for gehenna, and the worthiest of butchers is amalek's partner
Rashi (Kiddushin 82a) 'The best of doctors are destined for gehenna' - They do not fear disease. They eat the food of the healthy, and they do not act humbly before God. Sometimes they kill, and sometimes they are able to heal a poor person but do not do so.
Sheailas Yaavetz (# 71) This that you view the statement in Avos DeRabbi Nosson as difficult as smoke in the eyes or vinegar to the teeth since it says that a person who renders judgements and decides halacha has no Olam Habah. I have previously explained this in my commentary to the Talmud. It simply means that these seven have no Olam Habah only when they don’t do their jobs properly, which in fact most of them do in fact act properly.
Think Twice Before Using Ozempic—New Study Links It To Mood Disorders And Brain Changes
Now, a new study published in Current Neuropharmacology has sounded the alarm on potential mental health risks associated with GLP-1 agonists. The research shows how these drugs may interact with genes involved in mood regulation and dopamine signalling, including DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1—genes linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Sharks drew crowds who swam with them off Israel’s coast — until one man disappeared
Israeli police on Tuesday scoured the Mediterranean coast for a swimmer they fear may have been attacked by a shark in an area that has long seen close encounters between marine predators and beachgoers who sometimes seek them out.
A shiver of endangered dusky and sandbar sharks has been swimming close to the area for years, attracting onlookers who approach the sharks, drawing pleas from conservation groups for authorities to separate people from the wild animal.
On Tuesday, the beach was closed as search teams used boats and underwater equipment to look for the man. His identity was not immediately known, but Israeli media said he had gone to swim with the sharks.
Jury finds New York Times did not defame Sarah Palin
A jury in New York ruled Tuesday that The New York Times did not defame former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) with an editorial about gun violence in 2011.
Tuesday’s ruling comes nearly three years after a separate jury found the Times not liable for damages over the op-ed, which linked her to the deadly 2011 shooting in an Arizona parking lot that injured then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Death Halachic Definition
Igros Moshe (YD III #132) The definition of when a person is dead is stated explicitly in the gemora (Yoma 85a) in the case where a person is buried under a pile of rubble. It says he can be dug out even on Shabbos and then his nostrils are examined to determine if he is still breathing. Rambam and Shulchan Aruch rule that if breathing is not detected he is considered dead. Thus we determine death by the absence of breathing. Even if the breathing is very slight he is considered alive. This can readily be determined with the aid of a feather placed near the nostrils. If the feather or a small piece of paper doesn’t move at all, he is presumed dead. Nevertheless he should be examined a number of times as I have explained previously to ensure he hasn’t just fainted because it is impossible to live without breathing. This test is valid only if the person is under constant watching. However since this is not realistic and it is possible he regained his strength a bit and was able to briefly get a few weak breathes it is impossible to properly determine death except by repeated testing. If these tests reveal there is no breathing at all than that is a sign the person is dead. This is more fully discussed by the Chasam Sofer. This is also relevant with the typical sick person who is close to dying, but is not dependent on a respirator. However there are many sick people who can not breathe without a respirator. Thus it is possible with a respirator to continue breathing even after death and these people are not considered alive. If it is not clear that he is alive from other indicators e.,g. he doesn’t respond even if stabbed with a needle such as being in a state known as a coma. Then as long as the respirator is working it is prohibited to remove it from his mouth because he might be alive and by the removal he is being killed. However when the respirator stops working for example when the oxygen tanks are depleted, it is not required to put him back on the respirator when it starts working for a period of 15 minutes. If he is no longer alive as seen by the absence of breathing then it means he has died. IKn contrast if he is living as can be seen from the fact that he is breathing even without the respirator even if it is with difficulty and interruptions then he should be returned to the respirator immediately. This should be done a number of times until his condition improves or it is apparent that he can’t breathe on his own and is dead.
You say that now there is a test that allows the great doctors to determine by the injection of a special fluid into the veins that can show whether the connection of the body to the brain has been stopped If this fluid does not go to the brain it is clear that the brain is no longer attached to the body and it also indicates the brain is already completely rotted and the patient is considered functionally decapitated. If this is true then we should be strict with those, especially if they don’t feel anything anymore and don’t respond if stuck with a needle and they no longer can breathe independently .to not declare them dead without doing this test. . That means if we see that the brain is still connected to the body even though they can’t breathe without a respirator to keep them on the respirator even for a long time. Thus we should say that the test of independent breathing should be done in conjunction with this test to determine death. This might be relevant also for those who have taken an overdose of sleeping pills or other medication. Until all the medication gets out of the body they can not breathe. In such cases the respirator needs to be connected for longer periods in order to clarify if they are dead since death can not be determined readily as long as the drugs remain in the body.
Igros Moshe (YD II #146) This that doctors say that the sign of of whether a person is alive or dead is in the brain In other words if according to their evaluation of a person if his brain is not working properly then he is considered that he is dead even though he is still breathing. You discuss this at length and try to refute this claim. You also say that the brain does not mean the brain stem at the top of the spine which you claim is irrelevant to this issue. I don’t understand your point. Since you are referring to the brain stem at the top of the spine in your discussion of the gemora in Chullin while the doctors are referring to the brain in the head. Furthermore the gemora is describing a case of where the brain stem is detached while the brain itself remains intact and healthy. If in fact the brain decomposes the animal is a treifa. Similarly if the brain dissolves and flows like water. Even though in general the status of treifa is because eventually the brain cover will be perforated, nevertheless the status of treifa occurs for other conditions both the actual brain and the brain stem. Thus it is possible to say like the doctors if the damage prevents the body from functioning properly it means death. Nevertheless it is certainly true that the brain stopping from working is not what we define as death since as long as there is breathing he is considered alive. It just means that when the brain stops working it will lead to death which is defined as the cessation of breathing. It is possible that since such a person is still alive and that there are known or yet to be discovered medicines that will restore the function of the brain. It is also possible in this case to pray to G-d to cure him. Thus he has the status of a seriously ill person whose life is in danger but he is not considered dead. If he were dead it would be prohibited to pray for him since it is considered a meaningless and worthless prayer. It is also obvious that anyone who killed such a person is considered a murderer and is subject to the death penalty. All this is because there is no mention in the classic sources of the gemora and poskim that the brain status determines whether the person is considered alive. It is not relevant to claim that nature has changed in this issue because even in Talmudic times the brain functioned then as it does now and all of man’s functioning depended on it. Nevertheless it was not considered that the person was considered dead with the cessation of functioning of the brain and so today we don’t either.
This that you say to be lenient if the doctors see the response of the heart in an electric radiogram and declare death.Death is determined solely by the stopping of breathing. You say this is like the situation that we don’t use a microscope to determin the existence of worms in food and we declare kosher food that has worms that are found with a microscope. To utilize the EKG to decide death is wrong. Even though the Chasam Sofer was concerned to observe the body for three days because there was a case of someone who was thought to have died but recovered and lived for 25 years. That is a very rare case. In fact a person can be buried immediately after death after he stops breathing and we don’t concrern ourselves with very rare cases.
It is very clear and obvious that the nose is itself not the source of life and breathing doesn’t depend on the nose. In fact it is the brain and heart that are the source of life. The nose is simply where the breathing takes place and thus it is just a sign og life not the cause. Similarly the heartbeat is only a sign of life. Thus detecting heart activity is not proof of life against the absence of breathing.