Using Reform and Conservative Synagogues: A new halakhic clarification

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/351277

 The Orthodox objection is to the organizational rejection of the ideals, but in no way do the orthodox reject the Reform or Conservative Jew.  Conflating and obscuring this distinction is a tactic of some of the less ethical members of the Reform and Conservative clergy.   The purpose of this falsehood is to rally the masses against the orthodox and to draw away attention from the organizational rejection of thousands of years of Torah-true belief. 

Rav Moshe responded with three points:

a kosher individual should not be present at a wedding in a Conservative Temple where the Rabbi will officiate. 

If, however, a kosher Rabbi will arrange the Kiddushin properly and the wedding is held at a time where people do not come to pray there – there is no prohibition technically – for there is no concern that they will suspect that he is praying there. 

However, a choshuv (important) individual should not go there even under such circumstances.  He may only go there if it is a great need and also only derech mikreh shenizdamen kain – if he happens to be nearby. 

Generally speaking, one may apply Rav Feinstein’s dictum of “nit shain” but if a Rabbi has special reason to attend a simcha there – the principles of V’ahavta larayacha kamocha would override a “nit shain.”

A False End of the ‘Two-State Solution’

 https://www.wsj.com/opinion/israel-e1-land-jerusalem-palestinians-west-bank-europe-53cbba94?mod=hp_opin_pos_4

Long-proposed building in the Jerusalem suburbs isn’t the death of peace.

Our friends, the Europeans, are always on the lookout for opportunities to bash Israel. Their latest is called E1, a small area of land just east of crowded Jerusalem, where Israel has long wanted to build to connect to a nearby suburb. Plans approved in 2025 are now moving forward with construction tenders. Cue the “grave concerns.”

The U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and (honorary European) Canada published a statement last week warning of “serious breaches of international law.” Developing the E1 area, they warned, “will undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank and harming the contiguity of the Palestinian Territories.” The U.K. said it will soon impose sanctions. A Dutch boycott is set to begin next month.

Fact check: Trump keeps making stuff up about Canada

 https://edition.cnn.com/2026/08/25/politics/fact-check-trump-canada

Throughout his on-again, off-again trade war with Canada, which has erupted again this week, Trump’s criticism of the US neighbor has been filled with lies – a remarkable variety of assertions that either wildly distort a kernel of truth or are just plain made up.

Among other things, the president has falsely claimed that the Canadian public likes the idea of becoming the 51st US state, which is overwhelmingly unpopular with the Canadian public; that Canada is one of the world’s highest-tariff countries, though it is actually low in world rankings; that Canada prohibits US banks from operating there, though more than a dozen US banks operate in Canada; that Canada doesn’t accept US agricultural exports, though Canada is the world’s second-largest purchaser of those exports; that Chinese and Russian ships are “constantly surrounding” Canada, though that never happened; and that “they don’t, essentially, have a military,” though Canada’s very-much-existent military jointly operates the North American Aerospace Defense Command with the US and fought alongside the US in Afghanistan, against ISIS in the Middle East and in various prior wars.

There’s no doubt that the Canadian economy is heavily reliant on the US, but there’s no apparent basis for Trump’s “95%” figure. In 2025, about 72% of Canadian merchandise exports went to the US – down from about 76% in 2024 and the lowest percentage since the early 1980s. Even 72% is a very large number, of course, but it’s far from the one Trump used. And the percentage fell below 70% in the first half of 2026.

Trump learns the hard way, 'incompetence has consequences'

Jewish Demons

 https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/history/articles/rabinnical-monsters-maoz-kahana

In 1651 the rabbi-politician-philosopher and ex-converso Menashe ben Israel (1604-57) published Nishmat chaim—a polemic treatise proving the immorality of the soul from almost every possible aspect. The course of the discussion led the author to look into the possibility of the existence of “mixed” human-demonic hybrids: “And indeed, if, as investigation shows, it is possible for women to have sex with demons, we must ask whether they [the demons] have reproductive organs.” To investigate the issue, ben Israel reviewed the opinions of “the great Christian sage Augustine,” alongside the words of R. Simon bar Yochai, and referring also to his own lived reality: “Now, all of Germany, Alsace, and France ... know of the craft of witches … who are women who have made covenants with demons … They assemble in groups in a designated place where they dance and hop in the night, and they have intercourse with satyrs, that is, with spirits.”

As the discussion continues, Menashe embarks on a scientific description of such creatures, and questions the necessity of judicial actions against the human participants of such strange interactions, namely, the witches.

Nishmat chaim was part of an early modern process that saw an increased scholarly interest among Hebrew writers in novel intellectual regions and domains. As such, its use of intertwining scientific, demonological, and kabbalistic language closely corresponded with the literature of its age, such as Rabbi Aron Modena’s Ma‘avar Jabok (1626), or the more homiletic-theoretical works of kabbalists like Rabbi Isaia Horowitz’s Shney luchot ha-brit (1648), as well as the later, and more scientific-medical approach taken by Tuvia Ha-Cohen in his Ma‘ase Tuvia (1707), which was devoted to enriching Jewish knowledge with detailed scientific descriptions.

The fascinating nature of such mixed or magical creatures as dragons, centaurs, sirens, and the aforementioned human-demonic hybrids was a common focus of such early modern Jewish works. Science, Kabbalah, and Jewish Talmudic and medieval demonological traditions were merged together, creating a vibrant and widespread discussion. In this manner, these 17th-century works contributed to the growing place of wondrous creatures in Jewish imagination and literature. In this specific realm, Jewish interest can be seen as closely corresponding with the growing European concern with similar creatures. This interest is evident, for instance, in Francis Bacon’s influential plan for cataloging the wondrous phenomena of the natural world, and its subsequent materializations such as Joseph Glanvill’s works on magic and witchcraft. These and similar works played no small role in what might be termed the “new science” of the 17th century.

Trump was warned an Iran war could spiral. Six months later, it has

 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skrtdj5vfx

Days before President Donald Trump ordered the United States into war with Iran in February, he summoned his intelligence chief to the Oval Office and asked whether a full-scale attack was the right move, according to a Wall Street Journal report detailing the warnings he received before the conflict and the decisions that followed.

Iran was at its weakest point in decades, senior aides and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump, offering what they saw as a rare chance to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program and strengthen the president’s legacy as a peacemaker. The question was whether a major attack could achieve that goal and perhaps even bring down the regime.

Then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard presented a far more cautious assessment.

According to people familiar with the meeting, she warned Trump that killing Iran’s supreme leader could produce an even harder-line government, one more willing to pursue nuclear weapons. Tehran would likely move to close the Strait of Hormuz, destabilizing global energy markets, and strike US forces and allies across the Middle East, raising questions about Washington’s credibility and resolve.

Those warnings were not isolated. Senior military leaders also cautioned that a war could result in American casualties, strain weapons stockpiles and create readiness problems for an already stretched military.

Trump was warned an Iran war could spiral. Six months later, it has

US officials warned Trump that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz, attack American forces and survive regime change; after six months of war and failed diplomacy, he is now betting on sanctions and a blockade

ynet|08:37

Days before President Donald Trump ordered the United States into war with Iran in February, he summoned his intelligence chief to the Oval Office and asked whether a full-scale attack was the right move, according to a Wall Street Journal report detailing the warnings he received before the conflict and the decisions that followed.

Iran was at its weakest point in decades, senior aides and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump, offering what they saw as a rare chance to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program and strengthen the president’s legacy as a peacemaker. The question was whether a major attack could achieve that goal and perhaps even bring down the regime.Trump was warned an Iran war could spiral. Six months later, it has 

Those warnings were not isolated. Senior military leaders also cautioned that a war could result in American casualties, strain weapons stockpiles and create readiness problems for an already stretched military.

Trump ordered the attack anyway. It began on Feb. 28, accompanied by calls for Iranians to overthrow their government.

Nearly six months later, a war Trump had said would be over within six weeks is still underway, with no clear end in sight.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains in control of the country and continues attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The government led by Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father after the supreme leader was killed, has shown no sign of surrendering.

The stalemate has pushed Trump to consider declaring victory if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, even without securing the nuclear agreement he originally sought.

For now, the president has shifted toward sanctions and a continuing blockade, betting that economic pressure can accomplish what military force and diplomacy have so far failed to deliver.

The cost has already been heavy.

An estimated 3,000 Iranians and 18 US servicemembers have been killed in combat-related operations, while the Pentagon says another 756 American troops have been wounded. US bases have been damaged, emergency oil reserves have been depleted and American munitions stockpiles have been strained.

Politically, the war has also become a growing liability. It is weighing on Republican prospects ahead of the midterm elections and has helped push Trump’s approval ratings to the lowest point of his presidency.

Some former White House and national security officials argue there is no simple path left to Trump’s preferred outcome: a deal that indefinitely restricts Iran’s nuclear program while allowing him to claim a historic wartime achievement.

“This was all predictable and predicted,” said Eric Brewer, a deputy vice president at the Nuclear Threat Initiative who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations. “You can draw a straight line from the fact that the war was launched without any clear political objective to the mishandled diplomacy in trying to end it.”

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said Trump had devastated Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure and was now preparing to crush its economy through sanctions and a naval blockade.

“He will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Wales said. “It would be wise for Iran to reach a deal. Otherwise, they know what could happen.”

Despite the warnings from national security officials, Trump repeatedly suggested that the military could deal with complications as they emerged.

Hegseth and Caine responded on several occasions that they would manage whatever problems developed, according to officials who attended the meetings. Early applause gives way to doubts

Shortly after the war began on Feb. 28, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Steve Witkoff, one of Trump’s principal Iran envoys, arrived at a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago with major news: Israel had killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Trump was delighted. He told them to announce the news to the crowd.

The room erupted in applause. Trump crossed his arms and puffed out his chest as he absorbed the reaction, according to people familiar with the event.

The satisfaction did not last.

'A small taste': MK Sukkot confirms he destroyed monument in West Bank town while guarded by IDF

 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-906496

MK Zvi Sukkot (Religious Zionist Party) confirmed he had destroyed a monument in Kafr Madama near Nablus, after footage circulated on social media and was shared by Israeli outlets on Tuesday morning. 

The monument appears to be in honor of members of the al-Aqsa brigade and Palestinians killed in the intifada.

"Every child who sees every day a giant monument that glorifies murderers of Jews will dream of being a terrorist," Sukkot said in a post to X/Twitter. He claimed that he had taken action after appealing to the IDF several times to remove the "terror monuments throughout the area," and that destroying the monument in the village was "a small taste."

רעידת אדמה בלונדון | בית הדין הורה להשבית את הלימודים בכל הסמינרים בעיר; זו הסיבה

 https://www.kikar.co.il/haredim-news/london-seminary-shutdown-rabbinical-court

צעד חסר תקדים בציבור החרדי: בית הדין בלונדון הורה להשבית כליל את פתיחת שנת הלימודים בכל הסמינרים בעיר • הרבנים מתייצבים לצד הבנות שטרם שובצו ומבהירים: "לא יפתחו השערים עד שאחרונת התלמידות תמצא את מקומה" • בעולם החינוך קוראים: "מהם יראו וכן יעשו בכל העולם" • המכתב המלא (חרדים)

סערה חסרת תקדים בעולם החינוך החרדי בבריטניה: המשבר העמוק סביב מצוקת השיבוצים במוסדות החינוך בלונדון מעמיק, ומגיע ביממה האחרונה לשיא חדש, דרמטי וחסר תקדים.

בצעד היסטורי שלא זכור כמותו, יצא מכתב נוקב מטעם בית הדין צדק של 'התאחדות קהילות החרדים' בלונדון, החתום על ידי גדולי הרבנים ומנהיגי הקהילה. במכתב מורים הרבנים בצורה נחרצת וחד-משמעית: פסק דין - היות שעדיין לא נסתדרו כל הבנות שבעיר בהסעמינארן (סמינר, ח.ר.), על כן הננו להודיע שבלית ברירה, על כל הסעמינארן להיות סגורים עד שיסודר הדבר שיתקבלו כולם.

Trump received a warning on Iran fallout – but overruled his generals

 https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/08/25/trump-shifts-economic-warfare-iran/

Tulsi Gabbard and senior commanders predicted heavy casualties and a severe drain on munitions ahead of the military campaign, with massive fallout affecting the world economy.

Trump repeatedly brushed aside the reservations expressed by top national security officials during these discussions, expressing confidence that the military would organically resolve any complications. Officials present at the briefings recalled that Caine and Hegseth continuously promised they would manage whatever difficulties emerged.

A major breakthrough materialized on June 17, taking the form of an interim peace accord designed to open the strait and facilitate a 60-day window for nuclear diplomacy. When questioned by close associates about his willingness to accept a temporary arrangement, the president referenced internal White House surveys showing that nearly 80% of the public favored any agreement that would stop the war, regardless of its specific details. Following the implementation of the June interim agreement, Tehran immediately resumed its attacks on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump interpreted the renewed aggression as an outright betrayal.

Trump to Ford Motor: Drop Dead

 https://www.wsj.com/opinion/donald-trump-auto-tariffs-50-percent-canada-ford-motors-7111dadb?mod=hp_opin_pos_4

A 50% tariff on autos and parts from Canada would punish U.S. companies.

There he goes again. President Trump on Monday raged against Canada on the social-media heath, threatening it with 50% tariffs on autos and auto parts. What does he have against U.S. car makers?

Mr. Trump is angry that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over the weekend vowed to retaliate dollar-for-dollar against his latest tariff barrage. “Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years,” Mr. Trump wrote. “On January First, 2027, Tariffs on all Cars, Trucks, both large and small, Automotive Parts, and Steel, will be increased to 50%.”

Wife of active-duty Army sergeant is deported to Honduras under Trump’s immigration crackdown

 https://apnews.com/article/immigration-military-spouse-deported-1f7b72c850410fa1e314902b0464eca5

Cristy Maryori Villafranca-Trejo is at least the seventh spouse or parent of an active-duty U.S. military service member to be deported under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

The Associated Press has found more than 50 cases in which immediate family members of U.S. troops were placed in federal immigration detention after the Trump administration rolled back protections for military families. In some instances, DHS has released military spouses following media attention and advocacy by congressional leaders.

Prior to Trump’s second administration, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement would typically allow immediate family members of U.S. troops to adjust their legal status even if they had been issued a final order of removal, according to Dan Gividen, who served as ICE deputy chief counsel from 2016 to 2019 under Trump.

'The Antithesis Of My Politics': Graham Platner Slams Nazism, Fascism Amid Controversy Around Tattoo

Lies and Slander

 There is a frequent false claim being made by a commentator that I supported the election of a neo Nazi.

I generally delete such slander, I assume he is referring to Graham Platner who was at one time running in a Democratic race as an anti- Israel progressive. I never voiced support or opposition for him and furthermore he clearly is not a Nazi. He did have a tattoo which is associated with the Nazis There is more evidence that Trump is a Nazi than that he is. But our commentator has a problem with the truth and enjoys slinging mud instead of facts

Protests expected following yeshiva student's arrest

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/432139

Arrest of alleged haredi draft evader ends five weeks of relative calm, with protesters expected to target Highway 4 near Bnei Brak.

The attempted handover in Holon follows the arrest of another yeshiva student on Sunday in Haifa. The student, who attends the Kfar Hasidim Yeshiva in Rechasim and was formerly a student at Beit Midrash Elyon, was arrested and handed over to the Military Police following a clash with an inspector over a "Rav Kav" card payment issue. Police were called to the scene, arrested him, and later transferred him to the Military Police because he is classified as a draft evader.

Following the arrest, the smaller Peleg faction is expected to hold protests in central Israel on Monday. The location and time have not yet been finalized, but the protest is expected to take place near Highway 4 at the entrance to Bnei Brak at approximately 5:00 p.m.