Political commentator: 'Trump dumped Israel'

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/428661

Political commentator Zvi Yehezkeli published a stark warning on the US-Iran agreement, criticizing US President Donald Trump, and claiming that he is rushing an agreement that could harm Israel’s security interests.

According to Yehezkeli, the situation represents a significant strategic danger that he believes is even more serious than the circumstances that existed on the eve of the last war. He stressed that any agreement in the Middle East must be evaluated not only from a Western perspective, but also according to how it is perceived by the other side.

Yehezkeli sharply criticized US President Donald Trump, claiming that the US administration is rushing to reach an agreement.

Yehezkeli added that even if some of the reports do not accurately reflect the final wording of the agreement, the overall direction resembles the nuclear deal signed in 2015.

IDF, Mossad largely oppose Iran nuclear deal, favor continued sanctions against Tehran

 https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-899503

The vast majority of the IDF and the Mossad oppose the current Iran nuclear deal as insufficient in light of the power dynamics between the parties, the "blood and treasure" invested, and the threats confronting Israel, the Jerusalem Post has learned.

While that view is not unanimous and top Israeli officials understand the need to defer to Israel's political echelon and to the Trump administration on certain matters, it is nearly unanimous, and officials are making their views heard in private forums.

While the Trump administration has been almost entirely focused on opening the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear issue, the Post understands that IDF and Mossad officials had hoped for progress on the ballistic missiles and proxy threats, which they are stuck dealing with on a day-to-day and year-to-year basis.

Trump Gives Iran a Lifeline and Calls It Peace

 https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-gives-iran-a-lifeline-and-calls

President Donald Trump gave himself a birthday present on Sunday and declared that peace has been achieved after his second Iran war. “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me,” he posted on Truth Social Sunday evening. “With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”

Don’t break out the ticker tape just yet. This is not a treaty, not a deal, and not a peace agreement. It’s a memorandum of understanding to negotiate the terms of a broader peace over the next 60 days. Put another way, it is yet another ceasefire. In this respect, the agreement does not achieve any of the aims that Trump laid out on February 28 when he launched the second Iran war with Israel.

The only tangible benefit of this memorandum of understanding for the U.S. and the global economy is that Iran will agree to open the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Trump believed he had achieved that more than two months ago in April. That turned out to be a ceasefire in name only. In other words, Trump is celebrating an agreement that temporarily solves a problem his war helped create.

Because Iran has not agreed to anything with regard to its nuclear material, ballistic missiles, or support for terrorist proxies throughout the Middle East. As for Trump’s statements early on in the war encouraging the Iranian people to seize their institutions and rise up against their oppressors, that objective has been placed inside a memory hole.

The details of sanctions relief, cash payments, and the unfreezing of assets are still unknown. But a senior U.S. official on Friday told reporters that Iran will see no sanctions relief or unfrozen assets, or receive any cash until it delivers on its other obligations. It’s possible that the U.S. won’t pay Iran’s regime, but America’s allies will. Over the weekend, the United Arab Emirates denied an earlier report that it had already unfrozen some $20 billion in Iranian assets. One U.S. military official working closely on the negotiations, however, said that Iran would see some economic gains before the substantive negotiations began, but the details were still being haggled over. Iran’s state-directed Mehrs News Agency reported Sunday that the U.S. has agreed to unfreeze $12 billion in Iranian assets this week before negotiations begin, with another $12 million to be released during the 60 days of talks.

Trump says Obama’s Iran nuclear deal was ‘horrible’ but his is unlikely to be any better

 https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/trump-says-obama-iran-nuclear-195543664.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIc5ZlvuuBUu8EGTNbxjq0VLJsscajgVsZRPG9aDVqiF3piYugBfWuxArEP2TnYmXK3CcN6RjR3r_0NgdrPfbfUuD33vPwlI8e9d6Ia3B4Ci90cubMqnv6_x-GYlHOlXrPClCnheNHQTZP25vPCxiixs7rqA6eFSNZPhyU8zU81l

During an interview with NBC News last week, he trashed his predecessor for offering "weak and ineffective leadership on behalf of the United States" and argued that Obama and others "allowed [Iran] to get away with murder."

"That deal was tantamount to giving them a nuclear weapon. It was a horrible deal given by Barack Obama, and really penned by him," Trump said "It was a horrible deal."

His comments were just the latest in a series of examples of Trump trashing one of Obama's signature foreign policy accomplishments and boasting that he could do better.

And despite what Trump says, there was no "cash" involved — he's confusing the sanctions relief with a separate payment the U.S. made to settle a decades-old dispute over weapons purchased by the pre-1979 government that were never delivered to Iran.

Trump says he can get a better deal, but it's hard to see how what the plans leaked out by U.S. and Iranian sources are better than the JCPOA.

For one, the deal Trump keeps touting isn't a real deal — it's a 60-day extension of the ceasefire and a promise for more talks.

Obama's Iran deal was disastrous, Trump's is opposite

 https://www.foxnews.com/video/6398446209112

Alex Gray criticizes former President Barack Obama's Iran nuclear deal, labeling it as the worst U.S. diplomatic effort. Gray asserts the Obama administration bribed Iran with cash, putting them on a path to nuclear weapons.

Former NSC chief of staff under Trump, Alex Gray, sharply criticizes former President Barack Obama's Iran nuclear deal. Gray argues Obama's administration 'piled cash' to Iran as a 'bribe,' facilitating their nuclear ambitions and posing a global threat. He credits Donald Trump with halting this dangerous trajectory, calling Obama's recent claims about a new deal 'preposterous.'

Donald Trump’s Pallets of Cash

 https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/trump-pallets-cash-iran

Less than three months ago Donald Trump was mocking the 2015 deal Barack Obama made with Iran that cleared the regime’s path to a nuclear bomb. “They sent Boeing 757s over there, loaded with cash, hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Trump, referring to the cash ransom Obama aides delivered directly to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, or IRGC, to bribe the Iranians to agree to the phony deal. “That’s not going to happen with Trump.”

And yet it seems that’s exactly what’s happening with Trump. According to reports Friday, the United Arab Emirates, a key U.S. regional ally, is making $20 billion of frozen Iranian assets available to the Islamic Republic, with $3 billion of it having already been delivered to Tehran, perhaps by a Boeing 757, and maybe even on wooden pallets like those Obama stacked with cash to pay the terror state. Emirati officials deny that they’re buying off Iran on behalf of the U.S., but if Abu Dhabi thought Trump was going to put the clerical regime down for the count, they wouldn’t be giving money to a neighbor that since March has set fire to high-end real estate properties with hundreds of missile and drone attacks. Instead, the Emiratis are paying tribute to the side that looks like a winner.

Trump’s Been Out-Bluffed By Iran With A ‘Weaker’ Copy Of Obama’s Nuclear Deal | Michael Rubin

Prayer to Angels

 Rashi (Sanhedrin 44b) A person should always pray that all the heavenly beings strengthen his power of prayer – in other words that the angels should assist him in prayer and that he have no enemies in Heaven

Rashshash (Sanhedrin 44b) The gemora states a person should always pray for mercy that all heavenly beings should strengthen his power of prayer. From this we can bring support for the prayers addressed  to angels which many criticize. However perhaps this is permitted for the individual as is stated in Sotah (33a)

Sotah (33a) A man should never pray for his needs in Aramaic. For R. Johanan declared: If anyone prays for his needs in Aramaic, the Ministering Angels do not pay attention to him, because they do not understand that language!  There is no contradiction, one referring to the prayer of an individual and the other to that of a Congregation.

Shulchan Aruch (OC 

Yerushalmi (Brachos chapter 9:1) If a human is in trouble, he should cry neither to Michael nor to Gabriel, rather he should cry to Me and I shall answer him immediately 

Angels criticize G-d

Sanhedrin (44b) Rav Dimi explained as follows: At the time that the Holy One, Blessed be He, said to Ezekiel: Go say to Israel: “Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite” (Ezekiel 16:3), the spirit Paskonit, which is another name for the angel Gabriel, said before the Holy One, Blessed be He: Master of the Universe, were the patriarch Abraham and the matriarch Sarah to come now and stand before You, would you speak to them in such a manner and put them to shame? Is it not stated: “Debate your cause with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another”? But does the angel Gabriel have so much authority that he can reprove God in such a manner?  Yes, as Rabbi Yosei, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, says: He, the angel Gabriel, has three names: Piskon, Itmon, and Sigron. He is called Piskon because he splits [sheposek] words and argues with God on High. He is called Itmon because he conceals [she’otem] the sins of the Jewish people. And he is called Sigron because once he closes [shesoger] his arguments on behalf of the Jewish people, no one reopens the discussion. 

Iran never won a war, but never lost a negotiation

 https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/15/iran-never-won-a-war-but-never-lost-a-negotiation/

The deal gives the Iranian regime a lifeline from the lowest point it has reached and resources to rebuild its capabilities. Instead of forcing Tehran to sever its ties with Lebanon, it strengthens Iran's hold there. With an outcome like this, the Trump administration is making itself a laughingstock in the countries of the region.

According to reports, the memorandum of understanding offers the Iranians far more than that. It heralds the beginning of the end of the severe economic distress that sent masses of citizens into the streets in protest and fueled the internal threat to the regime's survival. Opening the Strait of Hormuz to Iranian oil exports will allow Tehran to earn millions of dollars every day. Added to that are the billions expected to flow to Iran once the memorandum of understanding enters into force and during its implementation.

Including the Lebanese front in the framework of the deal is a gift to Iran. Not only will it ensure a space of immunity for Hezbollah, the most important proxy organization from Iran's perspective, but it will also gain recognition of its status as a player in the Lebanese front. If the expectation was to dismantle Iran's hold over the proxy organizations, this agreement actually tightens it. This is happening as the administration of Gen. Joseph Aoun is singing a different tune and desperately needs to remove the suffocating patronage of the ayatollahs' regime.

And not only that. As far as is known, the deal makes no reference to the issue of ballistic missiles. Iran's progress in this field created a strategic threat not only to its neighbors and the countries of the Middle East, but also to Europe.

There is an agreement, but when and what will Iran and the US receive? | ynet explains

 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyctifp11fg

For now, the official text of the agreement has not been published. Iran’s deputy foreign minister clarified overnight that the text of the memorandum of understanding will be released after the official signing. Nevertheless, Iran is actively trying to present the provisions most favorable to it, and state-affiliated Iranian news agencies are continuously publishing different versions of the agreement. In Tehran, for example, it is claimed that the United States has committed, among other things, to halt sanctions on oil sales, present a reconstruction plan worth at least $300 billion, and release $24 billion in frozen funds. As noted, the full text has not been published — and there is no certainty that the memorandum of understanding indeed includes such clauses or under such conditions.

U.S. and Iran reach deal to extend ceasefire and open strait

 https://www.axios.com/2026/06/14/us-iran-ceasefire-extended-hormuz-reopen-trump

The U.S. and Iran agreed to a framework extending their ceasefire for 60 days, with a formal signing ceremony expected Friday and nuclear talks to follow.

Graham ‘concerned’ that Iran views deal with U.S. differently than Trump administration

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.

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.

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.

Iran MOU would cap self-defeating ceasefire for Trump, marks huge problem for Israel

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/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.

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.

Trump lies about Vietnam War dead in a desperate attempt to justify troops killed in Iran

🫵Who brought the missiles to Bnei Brak? Maran Rabbi Zilberstein breaks his silence and reveals in...

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

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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

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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/transgender-tyranny edict looming in NJ legislature.  This wicked bill is similar to the evil decrees of the Greeks against which the Maccabees fought to the death.  (Will we derive inspiration - to rise to the occasion to properly protest it - from the awareness raised via the Adirei Torah event on Sunday, May 31?)

* this bill was addressed last week here:

https://daattorah.blogspot.com/2026/06/levinat11-schnall-vote-no-on-a2218.html

And here, in a letter: 

https://jewishlink.news/transgender-enforcement-edict-s2260-a2218-looming-in-new-jersey/

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:

https://daattorah.blogspot.com/2026/06/agudah-sounds-alarm-over-nj-bill-that.html

And previously, on our pre-Shavous broadcast: https://daattorah.blogspot.com/2026/05/nj-amalekism-looming-levinat11.html, and updated here prior to passage in the NJ Senate: https://daattorah.blogspot.com/2026/05/antireligious-edict-in-nj-senate.html.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~   ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~  ~~~~~~ 

Recent Broadcasts Posted:

Parshas Beha'aloschah:

https://daattorah.blogspot.com/2026/06/levinat11-schnall-vote-no-on-a2218.html

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

torahjewsfordecency@gmail.com

Tomim Tih'yeh [countering "New-Age" infiltration]: 

Tomim1679@gmail.com

Presentations on New-Age dangers: 605-313-6831 ext. 2

Heard weekly on New Jersey's WSNR Radio 620AM, co-hosting the renowned Levin At Eleven program, every Thursday evening, 11pm to midnight (ET).

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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

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See VIN post: https://us.list-manage.com/otq6ol2hNOG?e=4fa57d7224&c2id=7507e8b297f0910ef6cf61f0cd652d4e

## 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.

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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

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PS: Here's a direct link to our May 28th broadcast:

 Levin 05-28-2026_HQ.mp3

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 Levin 06-11-2026_HQ.mp3

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)

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)

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.

Trump has been ‘way too eager’ for an Iran deal and 'has PAID for It'

Trump Needs a New Iran Strategy

 https://www.wsj.com/opinion/donald-trump-iran-middle-east-israel-strait-of-hormuz-a4e249ca?mod=hp_opin_pos_1

After weeks of insisting a deal with Iran is around the corner, President Trump may be admitting the reality. The regime is “tapping the U.S. along” in negotiations, he said Wednesday. The President has given diplomacy a chance, but “they keep playing us for suckers,” he added. Is Mr. Trump ready at last for a new approach?

For nine weeks, the cease-fire has let Iran dictate events in the Gulf. The regime gets to start each “skirmish”—shooting at U.S. forces, U.S. allies, or commercial ships—and then decide when the exchange ends. Iran has also used Hezbollah to fire on Israel, only to cite the resulting fighting in Lebanon as an excuse to stall talks with the U.S

Knesset advances Basic Law bill equating Torah study with IDF service, despite coalition revolt

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-advances-basic-law-bill-enshrining-torah-study-despite-coalition-revolt/

The Knesset voted 56-43 on Wednesday in a preliminary reading to advance a controversial Basic Law declaring Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel, and effectively equating the study of Torah with military service. The vote passed despite several coalition lawmakers breaking ranks to vote with the opposition against the divisive legislation, causing an uproar in the plenum.

Sponsored by ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism lawmakers MKs Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, and backed by the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, the measure would recognize those who dedicate themselves to long-term Torah study as performing “meaningful service” to the state, effectively equating it to army service and conferring upon yeshiva students equal rights to those who serve in the army.

The bill will now be sent to the Knesset House Committee, which will determine which committee will prepare it for its subsequent readings. The coalition hopes to pass the bill before the upcoming national election in the fall.

After rabbis’ threat, IDF says men and women won’t serve in same tanks

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-rabbis-threat-idf-says-men-and-women-wont-serve-in-same-tanks/

The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday insisted that men and women won’t serve together inside the same tanks, in response to a threat by the leaders of 12 yeshivas who said earlier that they would no longer send their students to join tank units because of a pilot plan to integrate women into the Armored Corps.

Among the signatories to the rabbis’ letter were Rabbi Elyakim Levanon and Rabbi Shahar Imber, the joint heads of the Elon Moreh yeshiva, and Rabbi Baruch Wieder, head of Hakotel Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

The tentative coed pilot program in the Armored Corps — whose units are trained to enter deep into enemy territory — was originally scheduled to start in 2024. The IDF had previously deemed the program impractical. Its opening was delayed twice during the multifront war, and the IDF last said it was expected to begin in November 2026.

Agudah Sounds Alarm Over NJ Bill That Could Criminalize Religious Guidance on Gender, Family Issues

 https://belaaz.com/news/agudah-sounds-alarm-over-nj-bill-that-could-criminalize-religious-guidance-on-gender-family-issues/

Agudath Israel of America is urging New Jersey residents to contact their state Assembly members and demand a “no” vote on A2218/S2260, a sweeping bill aimed at furthering demands of groups opposed to the Torah’s definition of gender and other family issues passed out of committee Monday that religious-liberty advocates say poses an existential threat to the ability of frum Jews to live, speak and raise children in accordance with their beliefs.

The bill, which the Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced on June 8 by a 9-to-4 vote, is framed by its sponsors as a “shield law,” but a close reading of its text reveals language so broad and ill-defined that it could expose rabbis, teachers, school principals, and even parents to civil lawsuits or criminal prosecution for expressing Torah views on gender.

The vote is expected to come before the full Assembly this Thursday, and Agudah is urging New Jersey residents to act immediately.

The civil liability exposure is not the only danger. Section 5 creates a new criminal offense – “interference with reproductive health care services” – and includes within its scope any person who, “by force or threat of force,” intimidates, threatens, or coerces any person “in order to intimidate a person or entity, or a class of persons or entities, from becoming or remaining a patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant of reproductive health care services.”

The organization’s suggested message to Assembly members reads: “I am your constituent and urge you to vote NO on A2218/S2260. This bill’s vague and overly broad language could expose religious leaders, educators, counselors, and parents to lawsuits based on subjective claims of emotional or reputational harm. The legislation threatens religious liberty, free speech, and parental rights. Please oppose A2218/S2260.”

New Jersey residents are urged to contact their Assembly members today. To find your representative, visit the New Jersey Legislature’s website at www.njleg.state.nj.us.

Trump Says ‘I Love the Inflation’ as Approval Rating Sinks to Record Low

 https://www.newsweek.com/trump-says-i-love-the-inflation-approval-rating-sinks-record-low-12056206

President Donald Trump appeared to downplay a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report finding rising inflation on Wednesday, telling reporters in the Oval Office: “I love the inflation.”

Gasoline is up 41 percent over the past year, with fuel oil—used for heating homes and buildings—having risen 59 percent. Data from the American Automobile Association shows that gas prices remain above their pre-war averages but have dropped in recent weeks. As of Wednesday, prices averaged $4.151 per gallon nationwide, down from $4.522 one month earlier but still higher than $3.122 one year ago.

“No. I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation," he said. "You know why? Because as soon as this war is over, you know I can say it now. Something you didn’t know—did you know we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil? Nobody knows it. You know who doesn't know about it? Iran, until right now. We took out the other night 22 ships, late at night, with no lights because they don’t have any radar because we blasted the crap out of it. That’s why oil is $85 a barrel."

Trump seeks to tie Netanyahu’s hands, as the partnership that went to war 100 days ago collapses

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-ties-israels-hands-as-the-partnership-that-went-to-war-100-days-ago-collapses/

Telling Israel it had better not respond to an Iranian missile attack, the US president — desperate for a deal with the devilish Tehran regime — presented the PM with a stark dilemma

In another of his Sunday interviews, with the Financial Times, Trump said that if he couldn’t reach a deal with Tehran, he might either “go in and take care of the rest of the place that we didn’t take care of militarily,” or maintain the current blockade.

But he was certain about one thing: Netanyahu would have to accept any deal he agreed with the regime. “He won’t have any choice,” Trump said of Netanyahu. “I call the shots. I call all the shots.”

Not in Iran, he doesn’t.

Rambam and Christianity

 Rambam (Melachim 11:4) Jesus of Nazareth who aspired to be the Mashiach and was executed by the court was also alluded to in Daniel's prophecies, 'The vulgar among your people shall exalt themselves in an attempt to fulfill the vision, but they shall stumble.'Can there be a greater stumbling block than Christianity? All the prophets spoke of Mashiach as the redeemer of Israel and their savior who would gather their dispersed and strengthen their observance of the mitzvot. In contrast, Christianity caused the Jews to be slain by the sword, their remnants to be scattered and humbled, the Torah to be altered, and the majority of the world to err and serve a god other than the Lord.

Rambam (Melachim 11:7)  Nevertheless, the intent of the Creator of the world is not within the power of man to comprehend, for His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts, our thoughts. Ultimately, all the deeds of Jesus of Nazareth and that Ishmaelite who arose after him will only serve to prepare the way for Mashiach's coming and the improvement of the entire world, motivating the nations to serve God together as Tzephaniah 3:9 states: 'I will transform the peoples to a purer language that they all will call upon the name of God and serve Him with one purpose.'

Rambam (Melachim 11:8)  How will this come about? The entire world has already become filled with the mention of Mashiach, Torah, and mitzvot. These matters have been spread to the furthermost islands to many stubborn-hearted nations. They discuss these matters and the mitzvot of the Torah, saying: 'These mitzvot were true, but were already negated in the present age and are not applicable for all time.'