https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5923946-lindsey-graham-iran-deal/
“I am somewhat concerned that Iran’s view of the agreement seems different than what the American negotiating team is claiming,” the South Carolina Republican added.
Monday, June 15, 2026
Trump's Iran deal stirs Israeli anger
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/14/trumps-iran-deal-stirs-israeli-anger/
The US President and his advisers are convinced that without reopening the Strait of Hormuz and bringing down oil prices, the global economy will slide into recession. For this reason, Trump is approving a memorandum of understanding whose only practical significance is the reopening of the strait. All other issues will be discussed afterward. The White House has told Israeli officials that in the final agreement, if one is signed, the US will achieve all the original goals for which it went to war.
Israel is deeply unhappy with the move, but is refraining from criticism out of an understanding of the predicament in which the president finds himself. At the same time, Israel blocked an Iranian demand that it withdraw its forces from Lebanon as part of the understandings.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
JCPOA 2.0: Trump's deal risks undercutting efforts against the Iranian threat - editorial
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-899266
It is not enough for Israeli officials to say that Trump understands Israel’s position. This is not a great deal. It is a dangerous one.
What’s worse than giving Iran $6 billion? Giving it two $6 billions.
The United States and Iran signaled last week that they were close to a deal, with reports suggesting it could be signed in Geneva this week.
Alongside those announcements came accounts of what the framework may entail: a memorandum of understanding that would open another 60-day period of technical negotiations; the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz; possible access to frozen assets; discussions over dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and disposing of enriched uranium; and broader understandings affecting Lebanon.
Furthermore, Israel has not been a party to the talks, while Israeli officials have been left to repeat that US President Donald Trump understands Israel’s concerns and conditions.
If those reports are true, Trump’s Iran framework is a disaster.
Ahead of signing, confusion swirls over Trump’s Iran deal
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h18ytwozmx
Trump says a framework agreement with Tehran will be signed Sunday, but major questions remain over uranium, sanctions relief, missiles and whether the deal would constrain Israel's actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon
The agreement would not formally end the conflict but would instead establish another 60-day ceasefire period during which the sides would negotiate a final accord on Iran's nuclear program and other issues.
Tehran has not yet confirmed that the agreement will be signed Sunday. However, Pakistan, which has acted as a mediator, announced that the signing would take place "digitally," meaning both sides would sign remotely without a face-to-face ceremony.
The emerging agreement has sparked concern in Israel, where officials fear it may fail to eliminate the threats posed by Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and could also restrict Israel's freedom of action against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Iran MOU would cap self-defeating ceasefire for Trump, marks huge problem for Israel
On Thursday night, Donald Trump did what he has done repeatedly during the 65 days of his two-week ceasefire with Iran that began on April 8: The US president issued new and bombastic threats against the Islamic Republic, only to call off the ostensible attack in the wake of an impending breakthrough in talks.
Trump insisted that the “final points” of an agreement — which were discussed in “great details” — were approved by a range of US allies, including Israel, and that a signing ceremony could take place over the weekend in Europe.
He did not reveal the details of the alleged memorandum of understanding, but according to Axios, it would extend the ceasefire for another two months, during which time the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened and a US blockade gradually lifted. Talks would take place on Iran’s nuclear program, but no action would be taken until a second deal is reached.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Why Israel stopped when Trump said stop: Understanding the 12-hour Iran war
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899173?utm_source=jpost.app.android&utm_medium=share
Israel waged the Six Day War in June 1967. The 12-Day War with Iran in June 2025. And now, in 2026, the 12-hour war. Again with Iran. Again in June.
To help make sense of what happened, what the country experienced, and what it means going forward, it is useful to look at other examples.
In a Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security Zoom briefing this week, former National Security Council head Yaakov Amidror and Eran Lerman, a former senior NSC official, turned to two seemingly unlikely examples: North Korea and Google.
The week’s events made it clear to everyone in Israel that there is no free lunch. US President Donald Trump’s support for Israel – the steps he has taken across the board over the years to assist the country – is not without a cost. And the cost is that he gets a say, a big say, in what Israel can and cannot do.
Angel of Sea
Bava Basra (74b) At the time when G-d desired to create the world, He said to the angel of the sea: Open thy mouth and swallow all the waters of the world. He said unto him: Lord of the Universe, it is enough that I remain with my own. Thereupon, He struck him with His foot and killed him; for it is written: He stirreth up the sea with his power and by his understanding he smiteth through Rahab. R. Isaac said: From this it may be inferred that the name of the angel of the sea was Rahab. And had not the waters covered him no creature could have stood his foul odour; for it is written: They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My Holy mountain etc. as the waters cover the sea. Do not read: They cover the sea, but in the sense: They cover the angel of the sea.
LevinAt11 Shlach-NJ Meridah update
BS"D
ע"ש פרשת שלח, תשפו
June 12, '26
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Tefillah request, for expeditious recovery of:
Rav Yehuda Ben Masha HaLevi;
Shimon Ben Masha; and
Lea Bas Freeda
זה נפוץ לזכות רפואתם בקרוב.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Linked below is this week's LevinAt11 Radio broadcast, of June 11, '26: including a brief update on the antireligious abortion/transgender-tyranny edict looming in NJ legislature, to be modified and ostensibly "improved" (??)...
למטה יש לינק לתכנית ראדיו רב יהודה לעוין, שליט"א, פרשת שלח, תשפו
--------
Selected Topic Highlights:
NYS bill A514 - threatening to release many dangerous criminals at age 55 (!) - if served just 15 years, R"L;
Da'as Torah: additional insights, and related observations from this week's Parsha (13:33), regarding identifying and discerning true spiritual greatness;
The Ongoing Rebellion Against G-d and its' mandate to us: See the Chofetz Chaim on 14:9;
Update on S2260/A2218*: a virulent, toxic, antireligious abortion/
* this bill was addressed last week here:
And here, in a letter:
The first part of the letter is on page 26. It continues on page 117.
And here, in wake of a statement from Agudath Israel, issued a day prior to the scheduled floor vote in the Assembly yesterday, Thursday:
And previously, on our pre-Shavous broadcast: htt
~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
Recent Broadcasts Posted:
Parshas Beha'aloschah:
Parshas Naso - see direct link below;
Parshas Behar Bechukosai:
https://daattorah.blogspot.
com/2026/05/authentic-torah- priorities-levinat11.html Parshas Emor, '86:*
https://daattorah.blogspot.
com/2026/05/chillul-hashem- root-causes.html
~~~~~
The LevinAt11 program was founded by Rabbi Yehuda Levin Shlit"a, a protégé of Rav Avigdor Miller ZT"L, who sports vibrant hamlotzos (approbations) of Gedolei Rabbonim of the previous generation for his work against the immorality movements, especially the LGBT/abortion Axis, including from these internationally recognized luminaries:
מחבר הספר שערים מצויינים בהלכה ,
The Debritziner Rov,
The Kashover Admor Rav Refoel Blum,
The Skulener Rebbe, (father of the previous Admor), all OBM.
~~~~~~
Good Shabbos,
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).
~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
News that matters - that you may not have seen:
BS"D
June 12, '26
להיות עם חפשי בארצינו...
About 25 Hesder Roshei Yeshiva directed their boys not to enlist in IDF Tanks, due to the IDF's ultra-feminist pilot plot, advancing integration of women (who are needed in the Army about as much as a Shahid in the head...)
And do we really think that the Army actually wants to draft all the Chareidim - or anywhere near that? So what is it that the Erev Rav running affairs over there really do want? See our recent radio broadcasts.
Rabbi Noson Leiter,
HROC
~~~~~~~~
See VIN post: https://us.list-manage.
## Fair Use ##
From Kav HaChareidi today, Thu., June 11, '26:
משבר מחריף בין צה"ל לישיבות ההסדר: 25 ישיבות מפסיקות לשלוח תלמידים לשריון
עשרים וחמש ישיבות הסדר הודיעו כי לא יפנו עוד תלמידים לחיל השריון החל ממחזור הגיוס הקרוב, במחאה על בחינת שילוב לוחמות בשריון המתמרן. בצה"ל מדגישים כי הנושא עדיין נמצא בבחינה וכי לא מתוכנן שירות משותף של גברים ונשים באותה מסגרת
JDN
העימות בין צה"ל לראשי ישיבות ההסדר סביב שילוב נשים בחיל השריון ממשיך להחריף. 13 ראשי ישיבות נוספים הודיעו היום כי יפסיקו להפנות את תלמידיהם לשירות בחיל השריון החל ממחזור הגיוס הבא, ובכך עלה מספר הישיבות השותפות למהלך ל-25 – כשליש מכלל ישיבות ההסדר.
המהלך מגיע בעקבות פיילוט שבוחן צה"ל לשילוב לוחמות בשריון המתמרן, במסגרת הליך המתנהל בבג"ץ. לטענת הרבנים, הכנסת נשים למסגרות הלחימה בשריון פוגעת בערכי ההלכה וברוח הלחימה של החיל.
במכתבם הדגישו ראשי הישיבות כי אין מדובר בקריאה לסרבנות או להימנעות משירות צבאי. לדבריהם, תלמידיהם ימשיכו להתגייס ליחידות קרביות ולתרום לביטחון המדינה, אך לא ישרתו בחיל השריון.
בצה"ל דחו את הטענות והבהירו כי בג"ץ לא הורה על שילוב נשים בשריון, אלא רק על קיום פיילוט לבחינת הנושא. עוד הודגש כי בכל החלופות הנבדקות לא צפוי שירות משותף של גברים ונשים באותה מסגרת, וכי טרם התקבלה החלטה סופית בנושא.
למרות ההבהרות, הרבנים עומדים על עמדתם וממשיכים במחאה, בעוד שבצה"ל חוששים מפגיעה משמעותית במאגר כוח האדם של החיל, הנשען במשך שנים על מתגייסים רבים מהציונות הדתית ומישיבות ההסדר.
ההתפתחות האחרונה מחזקת את הטענה בקרב הציבור החרדי כי צה"ל כלל אינו מותאם לשומרי תורה ומצוות. קידום מהלכים כמו שילוב לוחמות בשריון, לצד התערבות בג"ץ בסוגיות צבאיות רגישות, מראה כי בג"ץ הורס כל סיכוי לשילוב שומרי תורה ומצוות בצבא.
~~~~~~
Again, we copy a letter very relevant to the recent Adirei Torah event, and the imperative to act to defend Torah and its' adherents when under assault, as is the case right now in NJ, in very clear terms.
BS"D
Rav ...,
Thank you again. That selection of the Shaarei Teshuva (1:148) has some exceedingly relevant points, if one is medayek in the language and its contemporary relevance, perhaps as deep as it is broad.
For one prominent example, from this Rabbeinu Yonah
והמבזים לתלמיד חכם ויראתו מבטלים הידיעה הזאת, ומראים ההפך בהנהגתם, וכאילו אומרים אמור כי אין העבודה עיקר, וכי שורש הדבר נמצא מבלתי עבודת השם יתברך. והם מחללים את התורה
one can see the imperative of the proper identification of authentic Torah authority, and rejection of imposters.
Furthermore, the model of the authentic Ben Torah is sorely needed in the age of entitlement, superficiality and self-focus, as emphasized by Rav Dovid Soloveitchik ZY"A (Droshos) - that much of Torah is being learnt nowadays for selfish reasons: Money, kovod and Shidduchim.
A true Ben Torah will stand up for the Torah and Kovod HaTorah when needed, especially when it's unpopular and not politically correct, and especially when the assault on the Torah emanates from within, under the guise of Torah sanction; see Mishnas Reb Aharon 1:2:3:6...
I urge you to publicize that Mishnas Reb Aharon - on occasion of the celebration of the legacy of Rav Aharon ZY"A, namely honoring and emulating Omlei Torah.
...
Rabbi Leiter
~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
PS: Here's a direct link to our May 28th broadcast:
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Satmar Rav says Six Day War victory was natural - without Divine Providence
It seems that the Satmar Rebbe is saying that the 6 Day War victory was entirely natural - no miracles and no hashgocha protis. To ascribe it to a miracles is "maaseh Satan" i.e., an erroneous perception which causes major theological damage. He is not necessarily saying that Satan did these miracles. This is similar to the Novominkser Rebbe saying that the Gra's opposition to Chassidus was "maaseh Satan". Not that it originated with Satan but that it was a serious mistake with disastrous consequences and thus served Satan's purposes. However I have no problem understanding the way the gedolim of the Aguda understood it - i.e., it originated with Satan. It is rather a small difference between saying that when some error serves a negative purpose we use the idiom of "maaseh Satan" to describe it and saying that Satan actually caused the error. See - G-d does-miracles-even-for-irreligious
hhttp://www.baismedrash.com/2011/01/the-satmar-rebbes-position-on-the-six-day-war
Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel Behaloscha page 304): Would you even imagine that there would be empty headed fools that while they call themselves religious but the smell of heresy wafts from their mouths and they fool the whole world with their announcements about miracles [during the Six Day War] – G‑d save us. If in fact these were miracles it would have been much worse. That is because there is bitter retribution to the Jewish people when G-d does miracles from the aspect of evil as the Maharal mentioned before stated. However in truth there were no miracles here at all [concerning the Six Day War]. It was simply a natural occurrence as can readily be seen from the discussions in the newspapers that it was assumed that [Israel] would be victorious. I have already stated that I am fearful – G‑d forbid – for the time when actual miracles are done for them. If at this time when in truth there were no miracles and yet this great evil befell them, then surely if there had been miracles done for them that it would have brought about severe suffering as we mentioned above. From this we see the extreme degree of their cruelty and evil. That even though it was reasonable that [Israel] was going to win the war, nevertheless the Jewish people were in great danger. Nevertheless they placed the Jewish people in this danger for the sake of their glory and for the sake of their governing. Because it was obvious to those with understanding that [Israel] had the ability to completely prevent the war. There were a number of alternatives and circumstances regarding preventing the war, but this is not the place to go into detail. Nevertheless someone who has eyes will see that there is no doubt about this. In fact it was the filth of heresy that blinded their eyes and made them act in an irresponsible and irrational manner..
Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel #7 Shelach page 415): From here we see clearly that one shouldn’t talk about miracles done by Satan. One should avoid it to what ever degree that is possible. That is because this type of talk causes error and misleads the foolish to say that there is such a thing. And even if in truth miracles were done, it is necessary to conceal this fact and describe events in natural terms to the degree that it is possible because of the concern for the negative consequences which might come from it. Unfortunately due to our great sins, the opposite is done. People talk about and publicize miracles of Satan which in fact have no basis in reality. They are nothing more than phony miracles that are presented in order to fool the masses and to attract them to heresy and rebellion against G‑d and His holy Torah. Thus it is necessary for all Jews to avoid talking about the miracles of [Israel] so that they don’t have a part in the denial of G‑d and His holy Torah. Concerning victory in war, it clear from the words of the ancients in many places that it is not considered a type of miracle – even if the few defeat the many. And even the miracle of Chanukah in which the Chashmoneans defeated the vastly greater force of Greeks – even so the commemoration of Chanukah was not established because of the miracle of military victory but rather for the miracle of the oil. The Pri Magadim explains in the laws of Chanuka that it was because military conquest is not in the category of miracle since it appears to be totally natural. That is because there are times that it is natural for the few to vanquish the many even when they are greatly outnumbered. We can related this to the issue of this war of the Zionists with the Arabs.There was not even the slightest miracle because the Zionists were skilled in battle as opposed to the Arabs who were not real soldiers. The secular writers of those days testifiy that they knew from the start that the Zionists were going to win and thus the victory was according to nature. However due to our many sins we see that the heretics brag about their strength and their weapons and they do not believe at all in miracles. It is only the religious Jews who are attracted to these Zionists who loudly proclaim that it was miraculous in order to fool the world. Therefore we are obligated to deny and reject their words. [See Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTumra starting with simon 7)
hhttp://www.baismedrash.com/2011/01/the-satmar-rebbes-position-on-the-six-day-war
Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel Behaloscha page 304): Would you even imagine that there would be empty headed fools that while they call themselves religious but the smell of heresy wafts from their mouths and they fool the whole world with their announcements about miracles [during the Six Day War] – G‑d save us. If in fact these were miracles it would have been much worse. That is because there is bitter retribution to the Jewish people when G-d does miracles from the aspect of evil as the Maharal mentioned before stated. However in truth there were no miracles here at all [concerning the Six Day War]. It was simply a natural occurrence as can readily be seen from the discussions in the newspapers that it was assumed that [Israel] would be victorious. I have already stated that I am fearful – G‑d forbid – for the time when actual miracles are done for them. If at this time when in truth there were no miracles and yet this great evil befell them, then surely if there had been miracles done for them that it would have brought about severe suffering as we mentioned above. From this we see the extreme degree of their cruelty and evil. That even though it was reasonable that [Israel] was going to win the war, nevertheless the Jewish people were in great danger. Nevertheless they placed the Jewish people in this danger for the sake of their glory and for the sake of their governing. Because it was obvious to those with understanding that [Israel] had the ability to completely prevent the war. There were a number of alternatives and circumstances regarding preventing the war, but this is not the place to go into detail. Nevertheless someone who has eyes will see that there is no doubt about this. In fact it was the filth of heresy that blinded their eyes and made them act in an irresponsible and irrational manner..
Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel #7 Shelach page 415): From here we see clearly that one shouldn’t talk about miracles done by Satan. One should avoid it to what ever degree that is possible. That is because this type of talk causes error and misleads the foolish to say that there is such a thing. And even if in truth miracles were done, it is necessary to conceal this fact and describe events in natural terms to the degree that it is possible because of the concern for the negative consequences which might come from it. Unfortunately due to our great sins, the opposite is done. People talk about and publicize miracles of Satan which in fact have no basis in reality. They are nothing more than phony miracles that are presented in order to fool the masses and to attract them to heresy and rebellion against G‑d and His holy Torah. Thus it is necessary for all Jews to avoid talking about the miracles of [Israel] so that they don’t have a part in the denial of G‑d and His holy Torah. Concerning victory in war, it clear from the words of the ancients in many places that it is not considered a type of miracle – even if the few defeat the many. And even the miracle of Chanukah in which the Chashmoneans defeated the vastly greater force of Greeks – even so the commemoration of Chanukah was not established because of the miracle of military victory but rather for the miracle of the oil. The Pri Magadim explains in the laws of Chanuka that it was because military conquest is not in the category of miracle since it appears to be totally natural. That is because there are times that it is natural for the few to vanquish the many even when they are greatly outnumbered. We can related this to the issue of this war of the Zionists with the Arabs.There was not even the slightest miracle because the Zionists were skilled in battle as opposed to the Arabs who were not real soldiers. The secular writers of those days testifiy that they knew from the start that the Zionists were going to win and thus the victory was according to nature. However due to our many sins we see that the heretics brag about their strength and their weapons and they do not believe at all in miracles. It is only the religious Jews who are attracted to these Zionists who loudly proclaim that it was miraculous in order to fool the world. Therefore we are obligated to deny and reject their words. [See Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTumra starting with simon 7)
Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel #7 Shelach page 415): From here we see clearly that one shouldn’t talk about miracles done by Satan. One should avoid it to what ever degree that is possible. That is because this type of talk causes error and misleads the foolish to say that there is such a thing. And even if in truth miracles were done, it is necessary to conceal this fact and describe events in natural terms to the degree that it is possible because of the concern for the negative consequences which might come from it. Unfortunately due to our great sins, the opposite is done. People talk about and publicize miracles of Satan which in fact have no basis in reality. They are nothing more than phony miracles that are presented in order to fool the masses and to attract them to heresy and rebellion against G‑d and His holy Torah. Thus it is necessary for all Jews to avoid talking about the miracles of [Israel] so that they don’t have a part in the denial of G‑d and His holy Torah. Concerning victory in war, it clear from the words of the ancients in many places that it is not considered a type of miracle – even if the few defeat the many. And even the miracle of Chanukah in which the Chashmoneans defeated the vastly greater force of Greeks – even so the commemoration of Chanukah was not established because of the miracle of military victory but rather for the miracle of the oil. The Pri Magadim explains in the laws of Chanuka that it was because military conquest is not in the category of miracle since it appears to be totally natural. That is because there are times that it is natural for the few to vanquish the many even when they are greatly outnumbered. We can related this to the issue of this war of the Zionists with the Arabs.There was not even the slightest miracle because the Zionists were skilled in battle as opposed to the Arabs who were not real soldiers. The secular writers of those days testifiy that they knew from the start that the Zionists were going to win and thus the victory was according to nature. However due to our many sins we see that the heretics brag about their strength and their weapons and they do not believe at all in miracles. It is only the religious Jews who are attracted to these Zionists who loudly proclaim that it was miraculous in order to fool the world. Therefore we are obligated to deny and reject their words. [See Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTumra starting with simon 7)
Satmar Rebbe<(Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTemura simon 7): The consequences of all that we have discussed up to this point is that victory in war has nothing to do with miracles but is entirely natural. This is true even if a larger force is defeated by a smaller one and a stronger force is defeated by a weaker one… So surely concerning our topic of the war of the Zionists with the Arabs – there was not the slightest hint or scent of miracle. Because it is well known that Arabs and the descendants of Yishmael are not good soldiers and they fulfill the beracha that Avraham gave to Yishmael that he would fall before all his brothers…Therefore it is clear that there was not the slightest involvement of miracles in their defeat in war rather it was entirely natural. We have the testimony of many experts and government leaders that was published in the secular newspapers of that time which clearly foretold that the Arabs would not win a war because they were not good soldiers. I remember that in Israel prior to the founding of the State of Israel that the Zionist leaders gloated that they weren’t afraid of war with the Arabs even though they were numerically superior. These leaders explained that the nature of the Arab is to flee and escape from the sword of battle. But now the Zionist leaders are saying the opposite in order to blind the eyes and to exaggerate the victory by claiming false miracles and other things. They bribe the newspaper to write what they want to write in order to magnify their victory and their might. But it is clear that there is not even a whiff of truth in what they say about this. All of this is well known and there really should be no need to belabor the point nevertheless…I am belaboring this point…because of the great blindness in the contemporary world. Satan is becoming stronger and he is manifested in those religious Jews who are attracted to Zionism. Even to the degree that they announce that belief in the supposed miraculous victory is required and one of the foundations of faith. As if to say that whoever does not believe in their miracles is a heretic in their eyes. And they announce publicly and openly heretical words that these “miracles” were greater than the miracles done for those who were redeemed from Egypt…
Satmar Rebbe(Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTemura #86): It is one of the kindnesses of G‑d that He hasn’t tested us with tests that are so severe because there have not yet been open miracles. All their publicity and stories about their miracles are only false illusions that blind the eyes. Satan has been satisfied with that which the religious Jews who are attracted to Zionism have described as miracles. This has been enough to blind the eyes of a generation as weak and lowly generation as ours. However I am still afraid of what will happen in the future. I hope that it won’t come to this and that we won’t be tested from Heaven with different and powerful tests… In general a person needs to know that he should not be excited and impressed with any miracle or sign and wonder or success of the wicked or their ilk. That is because all of them are only tests from Satan…
"G-d does miracles even for the irreligious" - Criticism of the views of the Satmar Rebbe
One of the major theological controversies in recent years has been the validity of the Satmar Rebbe's claim that the Six Day War victory was ma'aseh Satan and whether miracles only happen to frum people. [There is of course Rav Moshe's teshuva (Y.D. 4:8.2) regarding the miracle of Entebbe which clearly disagrees with the Satmar. ] But there is a little known or remembered event that happened shortly after the Six Day War which clearly defined the basis of dispute. This is the version I heard from Rabbi Gavriel Beer - a life long Aguda askan - who was there.
As is well known by now, the mood leading up to the Six Days War was very gloomy. Many in Israeli and in the Diaspora were anticipating a war which would be very costly in life - both for the soldiers and civilian population. The more optimistic view was that Israel would take a harsh beating but would survive. There is no need to mention the pessimistic view.
But when the guns were silent after the incredibly short war in June 1967, Israelis discovered that not only had they survived but they had soundly thrashed the massive armies of the surrounding Arab countries and in addition had acquired the West Bank - which included the Old City of Jerusalem and the location of the Temple. Everyone seemed to say it was an open miracle. There was one major dissenting voice - the Satmar Rebbe - who insisted that it was not only not a miracle but the victory was in fact the work of Satan. He emphatically stated that miracles don't happen for the Zionist - especially to support the theological crime known as the State of Israel.
Several months later at the annual Aguda Convention, this astounding event was the central topic of discussion Speaker after speaker spoke on the topic and the gedolim were clearly divided on whether to agree or disagree with the Satmar position. One of those who publicly agreed with the Satmar view was Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky.
At the Melava Malka that weekend, the keynote speaker was Rav Itchie Meyer Levin - the Gerrer Rebbe's son-in-law. He of course spoke about the topic. After some introductory comments he made the following observation. "Not so long ago the Jewish people suffered the horrible loss of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust. When we went to the gedolim for an explanation we were told that we must be silent and accept this because it was G-d's will. Now we were just faced with another possible holocaust in the Land of Israel but the Jews were saved this time. We hear gedolim who say that these millions who were saved were saved by Satan. How is that when it comes to the death of Jews it is G-d's work but when it comes to rescuing them from death it is Satan? It can't be."
In response, Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky quickly wrote a note which he sent to be read from the podium. It said, "I want to publicly retract my previous statement supporting the view of the Satmar Rebbe and say that now I agree fully with what Rabbi Levin just stated."
Rabbi Beer noted that this was Rav Yaakov's greatness. His only concern was truth and he wasn't afraid to publically admit that he had erred.
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Igros Moshe(Y.D. 4:8.2):Concerning the matter of the Jews who were hijacked in Uganda and then were saved by [Israeli] soldiers who went to Uganda. It is reasonable that this should be considered an open miracle. That is because in the normal course of events it would not be possible that such a thing be successful. Whatever is done in the world is only by the hand of G‑d – whether it is for the good or whether it is – G‑d forbid - ! the opposite. He causes the blow and the cure. He caused that these Jews be captured. But He also caused that they were rescued by means of giving these soldiers special courage and motivation so that they were able to save the captives. He also arranged circumstances so the soldiers in fact were successful. Nevertheless the reasons that G‑d did a miracle through sinners are hidden from us. Furthermore it is prohibited for any man to be “wise” and raise question against G‑d’s actions. Rather it is necessary for us to be innocent and accepting whatever G‑d does as it explicity says in the Torah (Devarim 18:13)
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Igros Moshe(Y.D. 4:8.2):Concerning the matter of the Jews who were hijacked in Uganda and then were saved by [Israeli] soldiers who went to Uganda. It is reasonable that this should be considered an open miracle. That is because in the normal course of events it would not be possible that such a thing be successful. Whatever is done in the world is only by the hand of G‑d – whether it is for the good or whether it is – G‑d forbid - ! the opposite. He causes the blow and the cure. He caused that these Jews be captured. But He also caused that they were rescued by means of giving these soldiers special courage and motivation so that they were able to save the captives. He also arranged circumstances so the soldiers in fact were successful. Nevertheless the reasons that G‑d did a miracle through sinners are hidden from us. Furthermore it is prohibited for any man to be “wise” and raise question against G‑d’s actions. Rather it is necessary for us to be innocent and accepting whatever G‑d does as it explicity says in the Torah (Devarim 18:13)
What is a gadol?
Shabbos (3b) Rabbi Ḥiyya said to Rav, his sister’s son: Son of great men, didn’t I tell you that when Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi is involved in this tractate do not ask him questions in another tractate, as perhaps it will not be on his mind and he will be unable to answer? The dilemma that Rav asked was not related to the subject matter of the tractate which they were studying. As, had it not been for the fact that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi is a great man, you would have shamed him, as he would have been forced to give you an answer that is not an appropriate answer. Now, he was involved in another tractate. Nevertheless, he answered you well,
Many years ago I was a student in Shor Yoshuv studying under Rav Freifeld. The highpoint of each week was his drasha Shabbos morning after kiddush. One Shabbos he talked about this gemora in Shabbos which I had recently learned with my chavrusa and according to my understanding he was clearly mistaken, I went to him when he finished and commented that I thought he had misunderstood the gemora, His response was not defensive or even how dare I question him from my clearly inferior understanding. He instead said, "What to you expect when I haven't looked at the gemora in 25 years."
The point is that the desirable quality is not being the greatest scholar but an awareness of one's limitation and a readyness to publically acknowledge it
Berachos (4a) About midnight, instead of: At midnight? Moses did so because he maintained: Lest Pharaoh’s astrologers err and believe midnight to be earlier. Since no disaster would have occurred, they would say: Moses is a liar. Moses spoke in accordance with the principle articulated by the Master: Accustom your tongue to say: I do not know, lest you become entangled in a web of deceit.
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