Enoch was judged on Rosh HaShanna

Bereishis Rabbah (25:1). AND ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD, AND HE WAS NOT; FOR GOD TOOK HIM (V, 24). R. Hama b. R. Hoshaya said: AND HE WAS NOT means that he was not inscribed in the roll of the righteous but in the roll of the wicked. R. Aibu said: Enoch was a hypocrite, acting sometimes as a righteous, sometimes as a wicked man. Therefore the Holy One, blessed be He, said: While he is righteous I will remove him.’ R. Aibu also said: He judged [i.e. condemned] him on New Year, when he judges the whole world. Some sectarians3 asked R. Abbahu: ‘We do not find that Enoch died?’ ‘How so?’ inquired he. ‘"Taking" is employed here, and also in connection with Elijah,’ said they. ‘If you stress the word "taking",’ he answered, ‘then "taking" is employed here, while in Ezekiel it is said, Behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes,’ etc. (Ezek. XXlV, 16). R. Tanhuma observed: He answered them well. A matron asked R. Jose: ' We do not find death stated of Enoch?’ Said he to her: ‘If it said, AND ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD, and no more, I would agree with you. Since, however, it says, AND HE WAS NOT, FOR GOD TOOK HIM, it means that he was no more in the world, [having died,] FOR GOD TOOK HIM.’

 e Judaica

Enoch was among the nine righteous men who entered paradise without suffering the pangs of death (DEZ 1, end). "He ascended to heaven on God's command, and was given the name *Metatron the Great Scribe" (Targ. Yer. to Gen. 5:4). During his lifetime Enoch was the guardian of the "secret of intercalation" and of the "miraculous rod" with which Moses later performed the miracles in Egypt (PdRE 7:40). He is the central figure in some late Midrashim, such as Sefer Ḥanokh and Ḥayyei Ḥanokh (which are related to the legends found in the various pseudepigraphic Books of Enoch and other apocryphic works). Enoch lived in a secret place as a hidden righteous man and was called by an angel to leave his retreat to go to teach men to walk in the ways of God. He taught for 243 years, during which peace and prosperity reigned in the world. He made a powerful impression on all he taught, including kings and princes, and they acclaimed him as their king. As a reward for instructing mankind, God resolved to install him as king over the angels in heaven too. He ascended to heaven in a fiery chariot drawn by fiery chargers. When Enoch arrived in heaven the angels exclaimed: "How comes a man born of a woman amid the fire-consuming angels?" To which God replied: "Be not offended, for all mankind denied Me and My dominion and paid homage to the idols; I therefore transferred the Shekhinah ['Divine Presence'] from earth to heaven, and this man Enoch is the elect of men." God arrayed him in a magnificent garment and a luminous crown, opened to him all the gates of wisdom, gave him the name "Metatron," prince and chief of all heavenly hosts, transformed his body into a flame, and engirdled him by storm, whirlwind, and thundering (Sefer ha-Yashar to Genesis, p. 11a–13a). Notwithstanding these legends, third-century Palestinian rabbis deny the miraculous translation of Enoch, and state that he vacillated all his life between righteousness and sinfulness, whereupon God removed him from the world before he relapsed again into sin (Gen. R. 25:1). This derogatory evaluation of Enoch was, at least in part, a reaction against the use made by Christians of the legend of Enoch's ascension to heaven.

Florida Grapples With COVID-19's Deadliest Phase Yet

 https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-09-04/florida-grapples-with-covid-19s-deadliest-phase-yet

 Gov. Ron DeSantis has strongly opposed certain mandatory measures to keep the virus in check, saying people should be trusted to make decisions for themselves. He has asserted, too, that the spike in cases is seasonal as Floridians spend more time indoors to escape the heat.

Covid-19 Message From Our Local Rabbanim: Get Vaccinated

Tzadikim called G-d - a text ascibed to the Satmehr Rebbe Reb Yoel

 

Texas abortion law: The implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling

 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58426145

Just because the court declined to pass judgement on the merits of the Texas law doesn't mean the court's ruling won't have an immediate knock-on effect. Texas appears to have found a way around quick judicial review of constitutionally questionable laws.

The state law outsources enforcement of the abortion ban to private citizens, who can file lawsuits against abortion providers and individuals who "aid and abet" the procedure - collecting $10,000 (£7,230) in damages for each case they win. With no government official or entity enforcing the ban, the Supreme Court majority held, there's no one for opponents of the law to sue until those private cases start showing up in court.

 The tactic doesn't have to be limited to abortion, either. One can imagine liberal states passing legislation allowing citizen enforcement of handgun bans, global warming regulations or vaccine mandates.

 

‘It’s Time to Get Out’: Why Jews Are Fleeing South Africa for Israel

 https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/asia-and-australia/.premium-it-s-time-to-get-out-why-jews-are-fleeing-south-africa-for-israel-1.10177142

 In the first eight months of 2021, 350 South African Jews moved to Israel – more than the total number for 2020. At the current pace, Jewish Agency officials estimate that more than 500 will arrive by the year’s end. That would be the largest number in any given year since the fall of the apartheid regime. It would be surpassed only by the aliyah waves that followed the 1967 Six-Day War and the Soweto riots of the mid-1970s.

Number of ultra-Orthodox With COVID on the Rise, and Most Are Under 18

 https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-number-of-ultra-orthodox-with-covid-on-the-rise-and-most-are-under-18-1.10175759

 The number of confirmed COVID cases in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community has surged over the past few weeks following the reopening of schools and other educational institutions, and are now far exceeding national rates.

According to Health Ministry figures obtained by Haaretz, some 20 percent of all those diagnosed with COVID in Israel on Tuesday are ultra-Orthodox; that figure was just 10 percent three weeks ago, and five percent just one month ago.

More than 1,000 ‘Rabbis for Repro’ work for abortion rights. Their fight just got tougher.

 https://forward.com/news/475027/rabbis-for-repro-abortion-roe-texas-ncjw/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_2810783

 Some Jews, mostly Orthodox, oppose abortion, and have been active in the movement to overturn Roe. But Ruttenberg said that Orthodox Jews are represented in Rabbis for Repro. That subgroup includes Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, a popular writer and motivational speaker, and several Orthodox women who have been ordained and use the titles maharat or rabba.

 Orthodox theology does not assign a fetus the status of a person, as do many Christians opposed to abortion, Rabbi Avi Shafran, a spokesman for Agudath Israel of America, a leading Orthodox group, told the Forward in 2019. And abortion is permitted in Orthodoxy to save the life of the mother and sometimes for other medical complications with permission from one’s rabbi.

Rambam forcing Get when wife claim's her husband disgusts her

Get - Force R Gartner RJJ by yadmoshe

Tamar Epstein: With the denial of R' Gartner and R' Stern - the Kaminetskys are the only Getless marriage supporters known to exist

 Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 10:00 PM

Bs"d R. ... shlita shalom rav, how are things, long time no speak. It's come to my attention that certain individuals (bloggers et. al) are identifying me as one of the Rabbonim who signed off on the Tamar Epstein heter of kiddushei ta'us. This is totally untrue. Please feel free to disseminate the gist of this email as you deem proper on a need-to-know basis.

All the best and have a 'gutten vinter'

Tzvi Gartner

ב״ה

לכל מאן דבעי למידע

הובא לידיעתי, שנתפרסמה בשוק, שאני  הייתי מהב״ד שעקרו הקידושין של ״אהרן פרידמן״ להאשה ״תמיר עפשטיין״, ובצירוף הרבנים הרב שלום קמנצקי והרב צבי גרטנר.

ומצאתי לעצמי חובה להודיע, שדברים הנ״ל דברי שקר הם.

מעולם לא עסקתי בדברים כאלו. ולא היה לי שום שייכות לדבר כמו עקירת קידושין של הזוג הנ״ל. את הרבנים הרב שלום קמנצקי והרב צבי גרטנר אני לא מכיר. ומעולם לא דברתי עמהם, ותו לא מידי.

ולאות אמת באתי על החתום ביום ל׳ תשרי א׳

דר״ח מרחשון תשע״ו    

גבריאל שטערן

My brother Rav Dovid Eidensohn sent this today

I spoke to Rabbi Gavriel Stern that somebody named as a signer on the permission for Tamir to remarry and he vehemently rejected it. I sent in his remarks in Hebrew to my brother. I know people who are seeking out a name of people who signed for her to remarry. So far, the only thing that makes sense is that Rabbi Greenblatt relied on Rabbi Kaminetsky and his son. And I know Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetsky and also somebody who got a Kesubo from him and it was invalid. He does not know the laws of Gittin, and he once asked me where in the laws of Gittin does it say about writing names. If he doesn't know that, he is surely not a Gadol and he surely has no right to tell Tamir to remarry without a GET.

We know a few other rabbis who have in the past indicated that they would annul a marriage, but none of them are "Gedolim" and Rabbi Greenblatt told me that he did what he did because Gedolim wanted it done. I doubt if any Gedolim signed it, because the big names that I spoke to all were furious about it.

Rabbi Mordechai Willig was so angry that he almost sputtered when he talked about it. Nobody believes that any Gadol who knows Gittin laws signed the paper, and the Kaminetskies I know are not experts in Gittin. I talk about Gittin because I have the warm backing of Reb Moshe Feinstein and Reb Yosef Shalom Elyashev and Reb Shmuel HaLevi Wosner and other Gedolei HaDor. I did my shimush homework for many years, learning under Reb Aharon Kotler and every Gadol I could meet. But today, who knows the laws of Gittin? A lot of them are making it up as they go along, and the result will be many questionable children in the coming generation.

I know that these people are concerned about women who need a GET. But why are they not concerned about babies born mamzerim? After all, some of them will be ladies.

I Am Here to Ask Forgiveness - An Elul Message on Abuse

Eternal Jewish Family - Rav Nachum Eisenstein where are you?

Last November Eternal Jewish Family held a major event in Washingston. The participants included"

In addition to the chief rabbis, major presentations were delivered byTorah luminaries from around the world, including Harav ReuvenFeinstein, (Staten Island), President, EJF Halachic Committee, HaravBaruch Dov Povarsky, (Ponevezh) Harav Yitzchok Scheiner, (Kaminetz)-via video link, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, (Ateres Yisroel), HaravMoshe Shapiro, (Ulpana) Harav Hillel David (Sharey Torah) , HaravSimcha HaCohen Kook, (Rechovot), Harav Shmuel Lazer Stern, (Beis Din ofHarav Hagaon Shmuel Wosner), Chairman, EJF Halachic Committee inIsrael, Harav Shmuel Dishon, (Yad Yisroel, Karlin-Stolin), Harav AbbaBronspigel, (Touro Rabbinical College), Harav Nochum Eisenstein, (Va'adl'Inyonei Giyur, Yerushalayim), Harav Yakov Velvel Katz ( Rosh Kolel,Yad Chaim Mordechai), Harav Mordechai Dov Fein (Rav, Machzikeh Hadas)Harav Moshe Meiselman (Toras Moshe) Harav Mordechai Neugroschel, ,Harav Pinchus Rabinowitz, (Rosh Beis Din Ezer Mishpat), Harav ShlomoRyback (Rabbinical Council of America), Harav Nota Schiller (OhrSomayach International) Harav Dovid Schochet ( Beis Din of Toronto),Harav Mendel Senderovic, (Rosh Beis Din, Milwaukee), Harav MosheSoloveitchik, (Merkaz Rabbonim, Chicago), Harav Leib Tropper, (YeshivaKol Yaakov/Horizons), Harav Avrohom Union, (Va'ad Rabbinical Council ofCalifornia), Harav Yisroel Webster( Beis Din of New York), Harav DavidYosef, (Yichaveh Daas and son of Harav Hagaon R' Ovadia Yosef as wellas Conference Chairmen Mr. Marvin Jacob, Esq., Mr. Neil Auerbach, Mr.Malcolm Hoenlein and EJF Chairman Thomas S. Kaplan.

Next week - a year later [after Rav Sternbuch & the Bedatz issued condemnations of EJF and Rav Eliashiv had their convention in Argentina canceled in February] - Eternal Jewish Family is holding a much more modest event in Philadelphia. The participants are scheduled to be:

The overseas guests will include Dayan Avrohom Sherman, Chief Dayanof Israel’s Supreme Rabbinical Court, Dayan Raphoel Eliyahu Aisherig(Chief Rabbinate, Israel), Dayan Chanoch Ehrentrau, Chairman of theConference of European Rabbis and Dayan Menachem Gelley (UK). Some 40dayanim and Roshei Yeshiva will participate in the conference whichwill air some of the important emerging halachic issues that constantlycome to the fore on universally accepted conversion standards inintermarriage. All but some of the dayanim at the conference are partof a growing network of independent batei din in North America thathave adopted the geirus standards of leading poskim, as is beingpromulgated by EJF International.

The conference will be opened by Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, RoshYeshiva of the Yeshiva of Philadelphia and a member of the MoetzesGedolei Hatorah of Agudas Yisroel. Also addressing the conference willbe Harav Reuven Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta of Staten Island andChairman of the Halachic Committee of EJF, Harav Dovid Olewski, RoshYeshiva of the Gerer Mesivta (Brooklyn) Harav Betzalel TuviaWettenstein (Belzer Dayan of Monsey)and Rabbi Eliyahu Levin (Lakewood).

Why is there no mention of Rav Eisenstein - Rav Eliyiashiv's representative for geirus - who was prominently involved in previous conventions? Would greatly appreciate any information - including whether the failure to mention Rav Eisentein was just a error and that he in fact will be there.

After six years on the run, Israeli man arrested over divorce refusal

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-six-years-on-the-run-israeli-man-arrested-over-divorce-refusal/

 An Israeli man who disappeared nearly seven years ago after refusing to give his wife a religious bill of divorce, known as a get, was found sitting in his car in south Tel Aviv and has been arrested, advocates representing the woman said Wednesday.

Fringe-Watching: Madison Cawthorn | The Daily Social Distancing Show

Madison Cawthorn Is Openly Talking About Civil War at This Point

 https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/08/madison-cawthorn-is-openly-talking-about-civil-war-at-this-point

“If our election systems continue to be rigged and continue to be stolen, then it’s gonna lead to one place and that’s bloodshed,” Cawthorn said at the Republican event. “And I will tell you: As much as I am willing to defend our liberty at all costs, there’s nothing that I would dread doing more than having to pick up arms against a fellow American. And the way that we can have recourse against that is if we all passionately demand that we have election security in all 50 states.”

Divorce Court Battle Heats Up

 https://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/divorce-court-battle-heats-up/

But Rabbi Auman’s petition expands the criticism to include more moderate members of the Modern Orthodox movement. Among the signatories are Rabbi Shmuel Goldin of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, N.J., a self-described “lefty” because of his leadership in Shvil Hazahav, which supports the Oslo Accords; Rabbi Simcha Krauss of the Young Israel of Hillcrest in Flushing, Queens, an advocate of women’s prayer groups; Rabbi Yosef Adler of Congregation Rinat Yisroel in Teaneck, N.J.; and Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt of the Riverdale Jewish Center in the Bronx.

 

Israeli Supreme Court: Infidelity in marriage should not be a factor in dividing property during divorce

https://rackmancenter.com/en/israeli-supreme-court-infidelity-in-marriage-should-not-be-a-factor-in-dividing-property-during-divorce/

After 30 years of marriage, the husband petitioned for a divorce at the Rabbinic Court, together with a petition to divide the couple’s property. The Regional Rabbinic Court, in accordance with the legal precedents ruled by the Supreme Court (the “specific community property rule”), concluded that the wife is entitled to half of the family home that was registered under the husband’s name (as it was built on property belonging to him before the marriage) and where the couple lived throughout most of their married life. The husband appealed to the Grand Rabbinic Court arguing that the wife had committed adultery just before the end of their marriage (a claim that was denied by the wife) and, therefore, she is not eligible to receive her portion of the residential property.  The appeal was accepted and the Grand Rabbinic Court concluded that because it was convinced that the wife was unfaithful and “based on this infidelity” she was not eligible to receive any part of the residential property. The wife turned to the Supreme Court, sitting as the High Court of Justice, requesting that it overturn the decision. The request was rejected by a majority of the judges.

 

More than 100 Charedi women trapped in religious marriages

 https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/more-than-100-charedi-women-trapped-in-religious-marriages/

 More than 100 Charedi women are trapped in religious marriages in the UK, Labour Peer Jon Mendelsohn has said.

A Herschel Walker candidacy is a total nightmare for Senate Republicans

'Two really weird little lies' went viral about Biden. CNN fact-checks them

Poll: Ron DeSantis approval rating sags as COVID-19 rages

 https://floridapolitics.com/archives/445635-poll-ron-desantis-approval-rating-sags-as-covid-19-rages/

 DeSantis drew just 44% of Florida voters saying they approve of the job he is doing, while 49% said they do not approve of his job performance. The rest were unsure.

 That is a huge swing from the job approval numbers DeSantis received in a Florida Chamber of Commerce poll in May. That  survey gave him a 55% approval for his job performance, with 40% not approving.

NY Jewish institutions hit with 150 child sex abuse lawsuits since 2019

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/ny-jewish-institutions-hit-with-150-child-sex-abuse-lawsuits-since-2019/

 At least 150 child sex abuse lawsuits were filed against Jewish institutions in New York over the past two years, under a special law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations barring old claims, according to an analysis of the New York court system by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky says go to police over sexual abuse incidents

 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/kanievsky-says-go-to-police-over-sexual-abuse-incidents-678178

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, the leading rabbi of the Ashkenazi non-hassidic ultra-Orthodox community, has stated that complaints over sexual abuse should be made to the police, in comments which have been released to the public by the rabbi’s advisors.

The comments were made three years ago but have only now been publicly disclosed in a video seen by The Jerusalem Post of the meeting in which the rabbi stated his position. Kanievsky previously stated in 2015 regarding a specific case that a victim could report his abuse to the police, but the new comments refer in general to all incidents of sexual abuse and the video of his ruling was officially approved for release by the rabbi’s advisers.

3 chareidim allegedly invented the story of the Sanhedria Murchevet satanic abuse ring - to make money for themsevles!

The satanic abuse ring of Sanhedria Murchevet has been revealed as a fraud. (As I  noted when Rav Yitzchok Berkowitz publicly revealed that there was a satanic sex abuse ring in Sanhedria Murchevet - it was highly unlikely.) Rav Berkowitz' declaration caused great concern and fear in the whole neighborhood . This is another example of the harm that the involvement of naive and uninformed people can cause - no matter how intelligent and sincere.

Today 3 chareidim were arrested for making up the story in order to raise money for their own pockets

=====================================

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/03/satanic-child-abuse-is-there-ring-of.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/03/sanhedria-murchevet-problematic.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/03/satanic-child-abuse-is-there-ring-of.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/08/satanic-child-abuse-hysteria-in-1980s.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/03/update-where-satanic-abuse-ring-panic.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/03/satanic-child-abuse-is-believed-by-anti.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-disturbing-postscript-to-sanhedria.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2015/03/dangerous-false-rumors-flourish-when.html

update bhol - relationship to Nachlaot

ה"כת שלא הייתה": כך עבדה השיטה; ומה הקשר לתקיפות בנחלאות

לאחר מעצר 3 החשודים ב"המצאת כת נוצרית" והוצאת כספים במרמה מתושבים חרדים, "בחדרי חרדים" חושף לראשונה כיצד פעלה השיטה - שכנוע רבנים, התקנת מצלמות אבטחה וזריעת פאניקה. ומה הקשר לפרשת התקיפות בנחלאות • הסיפור המלא

לאחר למעלה משנתיים של חקירה מעמיקה, המשטרה הגיעה למסקנה כי ה"אגדה" בדבר קיומה של כת שהחברים בה מתעללים בילדים ומעבירים אותם על דתם לנצרות - אינה קיימת כלל.

הערב חושף "בחדרי חרדים" כיצד עבדה השיטה. על מנת להבין את הפרשה, הבה נחזור לאוגוסט 2011 אז התפוצצה פרשת התקיפות הגדולה ביותר שידעה מדינת ישראל. כתבי אישום הוגשו נגד שלושה חשודים בגין תקיפת והטרדת עשרות ילדים בגילאי 12-3 בשכונת נחלאות בירושלים.

גם לאחר החקירה והגשת כתבי האישום, בשכונה שררה אווירה מתוחה והתושבים טענו שהמשטרה פוסלת עדויות ומשחררת עצורים ועדיין ישנם אנשים מסוכנים המסתובבים בשכונה אשר פוגעים בילדים.

אחת מתושבות השכונה, אז בת 72, עליה סיפרו אגדות כי יש לה מרתפים עם חומרים מסיונריים, הוכתה באלימות קשה ובגין כך הוגש כתב אישום בין היתר נגד הרב משה שפירא ששלח את המכים. "צריך פשוט להכות אותה עד לאשפוז, וגם לא יהיה איכפת אם לא יהיה את מי לאשפז" הוקלט הרב אומר לאנשיו.

על רקע הפרשה שהסעירה את ירושלים ואת הקהילה חרדית, נמצא כר נוח לגריפת כספים. על פי חשד המשטרה, החלה ד' בפעילות ומסע שיכנועים ארוך ומאסיבי בו הצליחה לשכנע לא מעט מתושבי שכונת סנהדריה בעיר, כי ישנה "כת" הפועלת מטעם ארגונים נוצריים להמרת דתם של ילדים, חוטפת אותם למנזרים ואף מתעללת בהם.

ל"בחדרי חרדים" נודע כי תלמוד תורה חרדי מוכר קיבל פנייה מהחשודה כי מאחר וישנם אלמונים שעושים מעשים חמורים בשכונה היא מוכנה לתרום מספר בודד של מצלמות אבטחה שיותקנו ברחבי תלמוד התורה על מנת לעקוב אחר ה"פושעים". אלה השתכנעו והמצלמות הותקנו, אך הדבר גרם לפאניקה מוחלטת בקרב ההורים, שדרשו ממנהלי התלמוד תורה להשקיע בביטחון התלמידים. המנהלים נכנעו ללחץ ורכשו עוד עשרות מצלמות בעלויות כספיות גדולות - אולם דמויות חשודות לא נמצאו.

על רקע החשש הגדול של ההורים, על פי החשד, פנתה ד' לרבני השכונה וסיפרה להם על "המעשים החמורים" שמתבצעים בשכונה והשמועה עברה מפה לאוזן. ד' פנתה להורי ילדים ולהנהלת תלמוד התורה לגבי ילדים מסויימים שצריכים טיפול.

[...]

bhol

המציאו כת נוצרית והתעללות - וגייסו כסף

כשהם רוכבים על סיפורים שהמציאו, ניסו החשודים לגייס תרומות וכספים "לעזרה לילדים שנחטפו על ידי כת" מספר חשודים הציגו מצג שווא לפיו מאות ילדים נחטפו על ידי כת בשכונה חרדית בירושלים, עברו התעללות ואף המירו את דתם לנצרות - כל זאת במטרה לקבל כספים מתורמים וארגונים אותם על פי החשד לקחו לכיסם.  במשטרת ישראל מתנהלת חקירה, כאשר על פי החשד, מספר חשודים קיבלו במרמה כספים מתורמים בארץ ובחו"ל, ואף ניסו לקבל כספים מארגונים ממשלתיים, וזאת בטענה לקיומה לכאורה של כת שהחברים בה מתעללים בילדים וככל הנראה קשורה לנצרות.  החקירה הסמויה במשטרה החלה לפני כשנתיים בעקבות מידע שהתקבל לפיו בשכונת סנהדריה בירושלים ישנה כת שהחברים בה חוטפים ילדים בגילאי 4-10 כדי לפגוע ולהתעלל בהם וכן כדי להמיר את דתם לנצרות. על פי המידע שהתקבל, נפגעו כך מאות ילדים.  בחקירה עלה כי לא קיימת כת וכי החשודים הציגו מצג בפני אנשי הקהילה כי מדובר בכת נרחבת. מממצאי החקירה עולה כי במספר מקרים בודדים בהם עלה חשד לפגיעה בילדים הוכח כי אין קשר בין המקרים וכי אין קשר לכת.  אתמול עוכבו שלושה חשודים ובהם אישה, והם הובאו לחקירה במרחב ציון. החשודים נחקרו בחשד להתעללות בילדים וקבלת דבר במרמה.

Kikar haShabbat

המציאו כת שתוקפת ילדים, אספו כסף ונעצרו

המשטרה עצרה שלושה חרדים החשודים שאספו כספים ואף פנו לקבלת תקציבים במטרה לסייע בהתמודדות עם כת אותה בדו מדמיונם כשלטענתם היא פגעה במאות ילדים (משטרה)

הציגו מצג שווא לפיו מאות ילדים נחטפו ע"י 'כת', הותקפו פיזית ואולצו להמיר דתם במטרה לקבל כספים מתורמים וארגונים אותם עפ"י החשד לקחו לכיסם

במשטרת ישראל מתנהלת חקירה ע"פ החשד מספר חשודים חרדים קיבלו במרמה כספים מתורמים בארץ ובחו"ל, ואף ניסו לקבל כספים גם מארגונים ממשלתיים וזאת בטענה לקיומה לכאורה של כת שהחברים בה מתעללים בילדים וככל הנראה קשורה לנצרות.

החקירה הסמויה במשטרה החלה לפני כשנתיים בעקבות מידע שהתקבל לפיו בשכונת סנהדריה בירושלים ישנה כת שהחברים בה חוטפים ילדים בגילאי 4-10 כדי לפגוע בהם וכן כדי להמיר את דתם. ע"פי המידע שהתקבל נפגעו כך מאות ילדים.

בחקירה עלה כי לא קיימת כת וכי החשודים הציגו מצג בפני אנשי הקהילה כי מדובר בכת נרחבת. מממצאי החקירה עולה כי במספר מקרים בודדים בהם עלה חשד לפגיעה בילדים הוכח כי אין קשר בין המקרים וכי אין קשר לכת.

אתמול עוכבו 3 חשודים והובאו לחקירה במרחב ציון. החשודים נחקרו בחשד להתעללות בילדים וקבלת דבר במרמה.

And English translation appeared on the website of Jewish Community Watch

Jewish Community Watch

Using fictitious stories they created, the suspects fraudulently raised funds to help “save children kidnapped and abused by a cult

Several suspects have been accused of creating a fictitious story stating that hundreds of children have been abducted by a cult in a Chareidi neighborhood in Jerusalem, abused, and even converted to Christianity- all in order to scam fund from donors and organizations that they are alleged to have pocketed.

Israeli police have been conducting a lengthy investigation and alleged that that the suspects received fraudulant funds from donors in Israel and abroad, as well as trying to get governmental funding, using the claim of an existence of a sect of child molesters, possibly connected to Christianity.

The undercover investigation by the police began two years ago in the wake of information received that there was a cult active in the Sanhedria neighborhood in Jerusalem that was kidnapping children ages 4-10 to harm and abuse them and to convert them to Christianity. According to the information received, hundreds of children had been affected.

The investigation revealed no evidence of the widespread cult that the suspects presented to the community. The findings of the investigation indicate that the number of individual cases of abused and injured children which raised suspicion had no relationship to a cult.

Yesterday the police detained three suspects, including a woman. They were brought in for questioning on suspicion of child abuse and fraud.

At the conclusion of the investigation yesterday, which involved the prosecutions office and social services (revacha), two of the suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested and brought before the Jerusalem court which released them on condition of house arrest until 16/08/16

In addition, the court imposed a gag order on defense counsel regarding the details of the suspects.

Rabbi brothers suspected of sex abuse at their Jerusalem yeshiva

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/rabbi-brothers-suspected-of-sex-abuse-at-their-jerusalem-yeshiva/

 An ultra-Orthodox rabbinical court has found that two brothers who head a Jerusalem yeshiva have for years allegedly sexually assaulted their high school and post-high school students.

In a Friday ruling, the panel of five prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbis said that brothers Yitzhak and Moshe Tufik present a “serious threat” to students and advised that no students should enroll at their Be’er Yehuda yeshiva, located in the Sanhedria neighborhood of Jerusalem.

Yitzhak is dean of the upper yeshiva and Moshe is dean of the high school yeshiva, which is well-known in the Sephardic ultra-Orthodox community.

Sexual abuse by two rabbinic brothers suspected at Be’er Yehuda Yeshiva in Jerusalem

 https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/jerusalem-rabbis-investigated-for-indecent-acts-on-yeshiva-students-678032

A special rabbinical court convened by five prominent haredi (ultra-Orthodox) rabbis has ruled that two brothers who are deans of a prominent yeshiva in Jerusalem sexually abused their students for years, and have forbidden parents from sending their sons to the institution.

The court said that “severe and obscene transgressions” had been committed by Rabbi Yitzhak Tufik, dean of the Be’er Yehudah Yeshiva in the Sanhedria neighborhood of Jerusalem, and his brother, Rabbi Moshe Tufik, dean of the Be’er Yehudah “yeshiva ketana” for high-school pupils.

What’s the Truth about . . . Checking Tefillin?

 https://jewishaction.com/religion/jewish-law/whats-truth-checking-tefillin/

 Fact: The halachah is that tefillin that have been checked and found to be kosher and are then used regularly are not required to be rechecked. Nonetheless, as a stringency, various customs have arisen regarding how often they should be checked.

 

I was told that Rav Moshe never checked his tefillin but his family took them and had them checked anyway

דם החרדים הופקר, בגלל כסף // ישי כהן

 https://www.kikar.co.il/399840.html

 ראש שירותי בריאות הציבור, ד"ר שרון אלרועי פרייס, חשפה בריאיון הבלעדי ל'כיכר' את האמת שהממשלה ביקשה להסתיר; החרדים הופקרו, המדינה אחראית לתחלואה במגזר

COVID more likely to cause serious side effects than vaccine

 https://www.jpost.com/health-science/serious-adverse-events-more-likely-from-covid-vs-covid-vaccine-study-677731

 Individuals who take the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may suffer from four out of up to 25 clinically relevant side effects: myocarditis, swelling of the lymph nodes, appendicitis and herpes zoster, according to a new Israeli-American study.

In contrast, high rates of multiple serious adverse events were associated with coronavirus infection among unvaccinated patients, including a greatly increased risk of developing myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias, heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolism, deep-vein thrombosis or acute kidney damage, the study indicated.

Jewish prayers held discreetly at contested Jerusalem shrine

 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1jecfqzt

 Jewish prayers at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, were once unthinkable. But they have quietly become the new norm in recent years, flying in the face of longstanding convention, straining a delicate status quo and raising fears that they could trigger a new wave of violence in the Middle East.

Israeli rabbis ask pope to clarify remarks on Jewish law

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/chief-rabbinate-protests-to-vatican-over-popes-remarks-on-torah/

 “In his homily, the pope presents the Christian faith as not just superseding the Torah; but asserts that the latter no longer gives life, implying that Jewish religious practice in the present era is rendered obsolete,” Arusi reportedly wrote in the letter. “This is in effect part and parcel of the ‘teaching of contempt’ towards Jews and Judaism that we had thought had been fully repudiated by the Church.”

Florida is the only state where more people are dying of COVID now than ever before. What went wrong?

 https://news.yahoo.com/florida-is-the-only-state-where-more-people-are-dying-of-covid-now-than-ever-before-what-went-wrong-090001893.html

 A few months ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican of Florida, declared his hands-off approach to COVID-19 “a tremendous success.” Politico announced that he had “won the pandemic.”

But then came the hypercontagious Delta variant, which continues to hit Florida harder than anywhere else in the country.

The result? DeSantis just added another, less flattering distinction to his résumé. When COVID first surged across the Sun Belt last summer, the average number of Floridians dying of the disease every 24 hours peaked at 185, according to the New York Times’s state-by-state COVID database. The same was true over the winter.

HEALING THE FRAGMENTED SELVES OF TRAUMA - Dr. Janina Fisher -An approach to dealing with off the derech individuals

מרן פוסק הדור הגר"מ שטרנבוך בשיעור כללי בהיכל הישיבה לאחר שחרורו מבית החולים: "אני מברך שהחיינו", (צילום רפאל שוורץ), מצורף סרטון‎‎

התרגשות בעולם התורה: שיעור פתיחה (מאוחר) מזקן הפוסקים הגאון רבי משה שטרנבוך בהיכל ישיבתו בבית שמש לאחר שחרורו מבית החולים. מקורביו מבקשים מהציבור להמשיך להתפלל להמשך חיזוק בריאותו של מרן משה בן דבורה

לאחר שבתחילת זמן אלול היה זקן הפוסקים מרן הגר"מ שטרנבוך שליט"א מאושפז בבית החולים הדסה עין כרם, הגיע אמש (ג) למסור את ה'שיעור כללי' הראשון לזמן אלול, כשבתחילת דבריו פתח ובירך "שהחיינו" .

בדבריו הנרגשים אף עודד את תלמידיו לכתוב חידושי תורה או סיכומי סוגיות, וביקש מהבחורים הוותיקים לסייע לבחורים החדשים, הציבור נקרא להמשיך ולהעתיר בתפילה למען המשך חיזוק בריאותו.

עם הגעתו להיכל הישיבה לפני פתיחת השיעור כללי בסוגיית 'עדות שאי אתה יכול להזימה' במסכת מכות, פתח זקן הפוסקים בברכת שהחיינו בלי שם ומלכות: "אני מברך שהחיינו וקיימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה על מה שזיכני השי"ת לראות אתכם לאחר שלושים יום שלא ראינו זה את זה, ובמיוחד על מה שזיכני השי"ת לבוא למסור השיעור בהיכל הישיבה.

לאחר מכן עורר בדברי מוסר על חודש אלול וסיפר על אוירת חודש אלול מצעירותו: "בשנים עברו היה פחד נורא בחודש אלול, יהודים פשוטים פחדו בחודש אלול. אמי ע"ה סיפרה לי שבמינץ היה השמש מעורר את הציבור בכל בוקר בימי חודש אלול בניגון הקורא "שטייט אוף צו עבודת הבורא" - "קומו לעבודת הבורא", ואנשים אכן באו השכם לבתי כנסיות ולמדו מוסר ותורה, והרגישו את האויר של חודש אלול ברחוב".

בדבריו אף הוסיף וביקש מהבחורים הוותיקים בישיבה לקרב את החדשים: "באו הרבה בחורים חדשים לישיבה, והזמן גרמא לקיים מצווה מיוחדת – לקרב את הבחורים החדשים. זהו מצווה קלה שאינה כרוכה בקושי ועמל רב, ומאידך זהו מצווה רבתית שעל ידי זה בונה האדם נפשות.

כמו כן ביקש מהבחורים לכתוב חידושי תורה או לסכם בכתב את השיעורים הנאמרים בישיבה: "בישיבה אצלינו מעריכים ומעודדים מאוד את כתיבת השיעורים, כי על ידי כתיבת השיעור מוסיף כל אחד בהסברת הדברים, ועי"ז הוא נחשב כמחדש חידושי תורה, וכמו שכתבו הספרים ש'חידושי תורה' אין הכוונה דווקא לומר "דבר החדש", אלא לבאר ולהטעים הדברים ולפרשם,  וזוכה עי"ז לסגולות הנפלאות שנאמרו בזוה"ק על חידושי תורה.

"וכבר אמרנו פעם שכל שיעור נחשב רק כ"חצי שיעור", ומשום שהשיעור מצד עצמו אין מעלתו שלימה כל זמן שאין הבחורים מסבירים הדברים היטב ומלבנים את הדברים, ורק על ידי מלאכת הבחורים נשלם מלאכת השיעור, וכל מי ששותף לליבון הדברים הרי הוא שותף בשיעור ונחשב כמחדש חידושי תורה על ידי שנוטל חלק בהסברת הדברים.

"ועל הכל יש לזכור שה"לחם" זהו הגמרא רש"י ותוס', וחידושי תורה באו להוסיף לאחר ידיעת הגמרא, אבל צריך לשים דגש גדול על לימוד ושינון דפי גמרא רש"י ותוס'.

COVID: Almost 10,000 cases for 2nd day in a row, serious patients plateau

 https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/coronavirus-in-israel-9891-new-cases-second-day-in-a-row-nearing-10k-677664

Also on Wednesday, Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman said he is strongly against imposing additional coronavirus restrictions.

“We need to stop talking about new limitations and let the economy work,” he told a press briefing.

“When we look at the morbidity situation, the numbers have stabilized and there is reason for optimism,” Liberman said. “New restrictions were imposed in recent days, and we’ll have to wait another ten days to know if they are working or not.”

Therefore, there is no need to add restrictions on large gatherings or for public pools and outdoor restaurant seating.

Liberman: No more restrictions, let the economy work

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/312433

 Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman spoke to reporters Wednesday and suggested that Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz stop pushing for further restrictions that would harm Israel's economy.

"The coefficient of infection is going down, so we need to stop talking about the new restrictions and let the economy work," Liberman said, expressing opposition to the business owners' demand for compensation for the green pass restrictions: "Go to Superland and restaurants - everything is full."

Top rabbi says unvaccinated teachers not welcome in Haredi schools

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/top-rabbi-says-unvaccinated-teachers-not-welcome-in-haredi-schools/

Israel’s inoculation campaign has received a significant boost in the ultra-Orthodox sector, with one of the country’s top rabbis declaring that unvaccinated teachers aren’t welcome in his community.

Chaim Kanievsky is the leader of a large section of the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox community, and his relationship with authorities during the pandemic has been complicated. For example, at times he okayed the opening of schools in violation of national rules.

But he has now unequivocally thrown his weight behind the government’s vaccination push, telling coronavirus czar Salman Zarka late Tuesday that he wants principals to suspend teachers who aren’t vaccinated.

Lack of LGBT teaching threatens Stamford Hill school's expansion plans

 https://www.thejc.com/community/community-news/lack-of-lgbt-teaching-threatens-stamford-hill-school-s-expansion-plans-1.519785

 Ofsted will not recommend that a Stamford Hill primary be allowed to increase its age range because it will not talk about LGBT people to pupils. 

Talmud Torah London, an independent boys’ primary, is rated good by Ofsted and has previously received permission from the authorities to expand its numbers. 

The school, whose new headmaster is Eli Spitzer, wants approval to add classes for secondary age pupils of 12 and 13. 

But Ofsted says it would be unlikely to meet independent school standards on equality as leaders had confirmed since the inspection that the school had “no intention of ever referencing those who identity as lesbian, gay and transgender” as part of personal, social and health education or relationships education.

Rav Belsky - Original AZ was mother earth?

Rav Belsky in his book on alternative medicine states  that "the original AZ was the worship of 'Mother Earth' The mother in the following represents the earth." He cites AZ 43a as his source. 

However I can't find any sources that says this means something other than Eve. Does anyone know where he got this understanding?

 Avoda Zara (43a)The Sages interpret this verse as referring to the heavenly constellations, which indicates that it is prohibited to form only these figures, but it is not prohibited to form a figure of a dragon.Rather, the Gemara concludes, it is obvious that this halakha is referring to a case where one finds a vessel with the figure of a dragon, and this is as we learned in the mishna: In the case of one who finds vessels, and upon them is a figure of the sun, a figure of the moon, or a figure of a dragon, he must take them and cast them into the Dead Sea.The Gemara asks about the lack of consistency between the clauses of Rav Sheshet’s statement: Can it be that the first clause and the last clause are referring to a case where one finds vessels with the specified figures, and the middle clause is referring to a case where one forms these figures?Abaye said: Indeed, the first clause and the last clause are referring to cases where one finds vessels with figures, and the middle clause is referring to a case where one forms figures.Rava said: The entire statement of Rav Sheshet is referring to a case where one finds vessels with these figures, and the middle clause is in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda. As it is taught in a baraita that Rabbi Yehuda adds to the list of forbidden figures even a figure of a nursing woman and Sar Apis. The figure of a nursing woman is worshipped as it symbolizes Eve, who nurses the entire world. The figure of Sar Apis is worshipped as it symbolizes Joseph, who ruled over [sar] and appeased [mefis] the entire world by distributing food during the seven years of famine (see Genesis, chapter 41). But the figure of Sar Apis is forbidden only when it is holding a dry measure and measuring with it; and the figure of a nursing woman is forbidden only when she is holding a child and nursing it. 

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Above all, some of the material I came across makes overt references to the most ancient form of avodah zarah: the reverential worship of “Mother Earth.” The Gemara in Avodah Zarah (43a) states that the original avodah zarah was the worship of “Mother Earth,” and the original graven image () was the form of a mother nursing a child.16 The mother represented the earth and the child represented the human race, whose task is to gain its mother’s favor. This is how worship of the earth as a deity developed. Eventually it came to be called by different names, the most well-known being the mother-child cult,
note 16 is the Meiri  which does say such an explanation

בית הבחירה (מאירי) מסכת עבודה זרה דף מב עמוד ב
מצא בהם צורת פרצופין בפרצוף אדם אסור כר' יהודה ודאי לעבודה נעשה ואף על פי שאין בידם כלום שלא נאמר דין אחיזה אלא בצלם עצמו ודוקא בבולט ושאר פרצופין מותרין שאין דרכם בכך ויש חולקין להקל בפרצוף אדם אא"כ דמות מיניקה ויונק בידה על שם חוה או צורת שד ומודד תבואה על שם יוסף ויראה לי שמ"מ אף על פי שתחלת עבודתם בכך היתה מ"מ נתפשט מנהגם אח"כ בכל פרצוף שבאדם והכל אסור וכמו שנאמר בבריתא בסתם כל הפרצופות מותרות חוץ מפרצוף אדם:

Belsky, Rabbi Yisroel. Rav Belsky on Alternative Medicine . The Judaica Press, Inc. Kindle Edition.

“The Ways of the Emorite”

 https://outorah.org/p/20491/

 The Beit Yosef (YD 178) explains in the name of the SeMaG, that the cryptic expression "the ways of the Emorite" comprises two distinct prohibitions. One is the prohibition against sorcery, which was apparently widespread among the Emorites; the other is the general prohibition for Jews to gratuitously imitate other nations, as commanded in the verse "And don't walk in their ways" (Vayikra 18:3).

Rep. Kinzinger On CNN: Evacuating American Citizens & Allies from Afghanistan, Facing Consequences

For Jewish veterans of Afghanistan, feelings of relief and betrayal

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-jewish-veterans-of-afghanistan-feelings-of-relief-and-betrayal/

 He compared the Afghanistan war to watching someone terminally ill die slowly over the course of nineteen and a half years.

“The last couple days have been a very ugly death, but you just knew it was coming, and it’s been a very bad illness for nineteen and a half years,” Zager said.

“It’s almost like you’re relieved that it’s over

Shma causes demons to run away

 Turim (Devarim (06:04) The verse of Shma Yisroel begins with the letter shin and ends with the letter Dalet because the shedim (demons) run away when someone says this verse with deep intent (kavana)

Avoda Zara Parameters

קונטרס ד' אחד ושמו אחד) by yadmoshe

Introduction to the Igros Moshe

https://www.sefaria.org/Care_of_the_Critically_Ill%2C_Responsa_of_Rav_Moshe_Feinstein%2C_Introduction?lang=en This volume contains in large measure the responsa I have written to those requesting my halachic opinions. It might well have been appropriate not to answer them definitively (halachah le-ma'aseh), since so many Torah luminaries, great in knowledge of Torah and in piety, refused to issue definitive halachic rulings because of the warning recorded in tractate Sotah [22a]. [There it states that] Rav Abba, in the name of Rav Huna, stated, "Many has she destroyed—this refers to a scholar who has not reached the status of posek, but nonetheless issues halachic rulings." It should be noted [in contradistinction], however, that [the following] is also written, "And mighty are those she killed," which is interpreted as referring to a Torah scholar who is worthy of acting as a posek but refuses to do so [Sotah 44a–b]. It was for this reason that the sons of Rav Akiva Eiger noted, in their preface to their father's responsa, that he felt duty-bound to respond to requests for his halachic opinions lest he violate the second dictum and be counted among those who were guilty of not issuing halachic rulings even though they had attained the requisite knowledge. Those who refrain from issuing halachic rulings do so because one must rule with absolute accuracy, as in the days of Rav, Rav Huna, and Rav Abba. But every generation has a different standard for "attaining the level of a posek." Since decisors of equal standing with those of earlier generations are not available today, we [in our own time] are duty-bound to issue halachic rulings to our generation, as stated by Rav Akiva Eiger. [Despite this need, the prospective posek] must surely fear the danger of ruling incorrectly. For this reason many [great Torah scholars] refrained from [issuing rulings], Rav Akiva Eiger's strictures notwithstanding. Rav Akiva Eiger was sensitive to the obligation to issue his halachic rulings despite his many concerns [regarding the dangers of halachic decision-making], but as a Torah giant he took his own measure and decided to assume the mantle of a posek. It follows, therefore, that those of minor accomplishments, such as I, who lack both Torah knowledge and wisdom, should refrain from issuing halachic rulings. [Furthermore, even if I do so,] I should certainly not publish them and thus issue rulings for the entire world. However, in my humble opinion, [the scholars of earlier generations,] despite their inferiority when compared to the Torah scholars of [still] earlier generations, and, therefore, their concern lest they rule in error—an error known to Hashem—did not refrain from assuming the obligation to do so. The Torah instructs us, "It is not in heaven" [Deuteronomy 30:12]. Each posek must rule as he sees fit, after meticulous study and analysis of all the relevant texts and prior rulings, to the best of his ability, fully cognizant of the heavy responsibility he has assumed in applying Hashem's Torah to the life of the Jew. If, after all his efforts, his ruling does not concur with that known to Hashem, he may take comfort in the statement of our sages: "Both these and those are the words of our Living Lord" [Eruvin 13a]. If he makes his decision with due diligence, he will be rewarded for his efforts even though he has not divined the real truth. This principle can be adduced from a discussion in tractate Shabbos [130a regarding the dispute as to whether preparations for milah, such as preparing the surgical knife and other implements, may take place on the Sabbath, since the mitzvah of circumcision takes precedence over the Sabbath laws]. Rav Yitzchok said there was a town in Israel whose inhabitants accepted the ruling of Rav Eliezer that preparatory acts [machshirei milah] may be performed on the Sabbath—and Hashem rewarded them greatly. [Indeed,] when the [Roman] emperor's edict prohibiting milah was promulgated, this town was spared. [And yet,] in truth, [the townspeople] were wrong. The halachah which rejects R. Eliezer's opinion prohibits these acts of transgression. [Moreover, such violations] incur the death penalty when performed intentionally and a sin offering if done unwittingly. [The townspeople] were rewarded, nonetheless, because R. Eliezer arrived at his decision after due diligence. So it is with all disputes in the Talmud or later responsa. As long as no final conclusion is reached in the Talmud, each posek may rule in accordance with his own understanding, [and his rulings are authoritative] in his own town even if [others] rule in a contrary manner. All poskim receive a divine reward for their efforts even though only one of them is correct. Most certainly, we still find significant variations in laws and customs concerning very important Torah laws, as between those who follow the Rambam and R. Yosef Karo and those who follow the rulings of the Tosafists and the Rema. [But] both are the "words of our living Hashem" even though Hashem knows that only one is correct. The Talmud [Sanhedrin 6a–b] is aware of the great responsibility judges bear in applying Torah laws to the daily life of the Jew. Some may think, "Who needs all this anguish?" [i.e., If I err, I will be punished by Hashem, as Rashi explains]. The Talmud reassures [those with such concerns] that a judge may rule as he sees fit [for his intent is to reach a conclusion that is righteous and true to Torah precepts, as Rashi explains]. The same insight may be applied to the Talmud [Menachos 29b]. Rav taught that when Moshe Rabbenu went up to Heaven to receive the Torah, he noticed that Hashem was "adding crowns [i.e., the tagin] to the Torah letters." "Master of the Universe," Moshe asked, "what prevents You [from giving the Torah without the crowns]?" In other words, as Rashi explains, why are You bothering to add these embellishments to the Torah script? This explanation does not adequately explain the expression used, "What prevents You?", nor does it fit Hashem's answer, "There is a man named Akiva ben Yosef, who in the future will derive multitudes of halachos from every pen stroke I add in these crowns." I believe that the interpretation I am suggesting here corresponds exactly to the text. Hashem made the very letters of the Torah sovereign. That is, the Torah scholar may use his judgment to compare and contrast, and thus may rule in accord with the majority opinion as to the meaning of the Torah's sovereign words despite the possibility that his conclusions do not conform to the truth as understood by Hashem. The Holy One gave the Torah to Israel so that they would act in accordance with the written and oral traditions from Sinai as they understood them. No additional explanations will ever come from Sinai, for "[the Torah] is not in Heaven." Hashem's intent was always to acquiesce to the sages' understanding of the Torah's precepts. This is how I interpret the Talmudic passage in Menachos, which states that Hashem placed crowns on the letters of the Torah. Hashem gave them sovereignty, independent of His own definition of absolute truth. This explanation also elucidates the frequently occurring expression "The Torah says," for we rule in accordance with what "The Torah says." This makes it clear why [both positions in] a dispute between Shammai and Hillel should be viewed as [reflecting] the "words of a living Hashem" despite the fact that they are in opposition to each other [Eruvin 13a]. Moshe's question is now understandable. "What prevents You," he asked, from declaring that there is only one true interpretation and, therefore, from promulgating the Divine Laws in such detail as to allow for no dispute as to their intent? Why make the words of the Torah sovereign [and independent of Your intent]? Hashem's response defined the halachic process. The Torah is infinite in its impact on man and society. Hashem intended for sages like Rebbe Akiva to expound the Torah and thus expand its scope from the limited body of written and oral law to the vast expanse of Torah without boundaries or limits [Eruvin 21b]. When a decisor arrives at a pesak after prodigious effort to the best of his ability, and in full cognizance—due to his awe of Hashem—of the great responsibility he bears, it is truly the right ruling. Thus, the Torah scholars of our generation must be classified as having "attained the status of a posek," and are obligated to issue halachic decisions which have the force of "true halachah." The warning recorded in the Talmud [Bava Metzia 33a], that "errors committed unwittingly by a talmid chacham are to be considered willful transgressions," refers to one who did not make an adequate effort to clarify the relevant laws. This is the understanding of Rashi and Rabbenu Yona [Avos 4:12]. Failure to meticulously review all facets of the halachah before issuing a ruling counts as a intentional transgression, though the error may very well have been unwitting. Errors that could have been avoided by more diligent preparation are to be viewed as intentional transgressions, since the possibility of error is always present [and the decisor has the responsibility to guard against it]. I assumed the responsibility of responding to those who seek my halachic counsel [only] after I had clarified the halachah with much effort. In addition, I have recorded the reasoning for my rulings so that everyone may review my rationale. In doing this I assume the role of a teacher rather than that of a posek. The Talmud [Brochos 4a], noting that David HaMelech personally examined abortuses to determine the halachic status of the mother, teaches an important lesson. David HaMelech could have asked other great scholars to rule on these matters, but he did not, because it is forbidden to refuse to do a mitzvah [i.e., rule on a halachic matter] even if another person can act in one's place. That is why I answered every question addressed to me. In doing so, I also fulfilled a filial duty by giving pleasure to my father, my teacher, the Gaon, זצ"ל, who expressed both the hope and the certainty that many would come to ask my halachic guidance, whether orally or by written communication, and that Hashem would assist me in answering correctly. Indeed, I am thankful to Hashem for His help in permitting me to do so until now, and I pray that He will continue to assist me to accurately understand the teachings of our sages, and to issue rulings that are true to the halachah without error. I ask this blessing also for my children and grandchildren, and for all my descendants and students as well as for all Torah scholars. I decided to print my responsa because I only clarify and elucidate the halachah. Other Torah scholars can analyze my reasoning and decide whether they concur with my opinions. As anyone can see, I did not blindly rely on others, not even on the great decisors who preceded me, but critically reviewed and decided for myself what the correct ruling should be, as Rav Akiva Eiger taught us to do. I ask all who study my rulings likewise to critically analyze my writings. In doing so they will become aware of the halachic process, thereby learning to reach a halachic conclusion, and I will be rewarded for having taught this method. May Hashem grant all of us the gift of being able to study and teach all the days of our lives, and thus to merit the rewards of the final redemption, when Moshiach ben David comes to rebuild our Temple, and the world is filled with knowledge of Hashem

Trump tries to have it both ways, bashing Biden for Afghanistan deal he locked in

Withdrawing From Afghanistan May Be The One Thing Biden And Trump Agree On

 https://www.npr.org/2021/08/18/1028607717/strange-bedfellows-indeed-the-trump-biden-consensus-on-afghanistan

 So intense was Trump's intention to withdraw that he persisted even after the 2020 election. According to a report published by Axios in May, Trump signed a memo in November that would have withdrawn all U.S. troops by mid-January (just five days before his term was to end). His top national security team, civilian and military, persuaded him not to issue the order but to leave the withdrawal date at May 1.

 Trump has since said none of the current mayhem in Kabul would be happening if he were still president. Researchers will need to ascertain how many exit visas for Afghans had already been arranged before Trump left office, or what sort of procedures he might have had in place for Americans and Afghans wishing to leave. But lacking such evidence, and given Trump's timetable and concessions made to the Taliban, it is easier to imagine the current situation happening that much sooner.

Trump in fact had complained at his June 26 rally in Ohio that the Biden administration was dragging its feet and ought to get out faster.