Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer (The Hill) The following is a statement from the Agudah about Senator Schumer's recent remarks. They are exactly right and their statement follows in its entirety: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has a long and distinguished record of strongly supporting the security and welfare of the State of Israel and its citizens. Understanding the millennia-old plight and oppression of the Jewish people, his love and devotion toward Israel are intense and deeply personal. He feels the existential threat that Israel faces and the hate and viciousness tha ..read more

by Shana Aaronson Shana Aaronson (TOI) It's been awhile since I've posted anything here. But when this important Times of Israel article caught my eye, I felt it imperative to pass it along.  Shana's words speaks for themselves. So without further comment, they follow:  When you work in sexual assault advocacy, you are privy to an endless amount of inaccurate information that gets thrown around, whether it be on the internet or shared at the shabbos table. Inaccurate and misleading information is always damaging. But if I had to point to just one issue where myths do by far ..read more

The former President in the Oval Office (JNS) A very insightful review of former President Barack Obama's new book as it pertains to Israel - by Dov Lipman: (November 26, 2020 / JNS) I have never criticized former U.S. President Barack Obama publicly—neither during my time in the Knesset nor anywhere else—despite my having disagreed with many of his policies. I am of the strong opinion that Israelis should not engage in or interfere with American politics, and I regularly offer a blanket thank you to all American presidents, including Obama, for their economic and milit ..read more

By Rabbi Marvin Hier Rabbi Marvin Hier (SWC) Simon Weisenthal Center Founder and Dean (and Academy Award winner), Rabbi Hier makes some very keen observations in his JNS article. Hard to argue with: It is common knowledge to anyone that studies the phenomenal trajectory of the State of Israel that the miracle of its creation in 1948 would not have occurred without the pivotal role and support of non-Jews—Christians who, unexpectedly and against all odds, suddenly seem to arrive at the scene to take charge at key moments in the young Jewish state’s 72-year history. Harry S. Truman, a v ..read more

Netanyahu speaks with Trump and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed What are the odds that the mainstream media will either ignore this story. Or minimize it's significance if they don't ignore it. From the Jewish Press: Israel and the United Arab Emirates have reached an historic peace agreement, the first such event to take place since Israel and Jordan signed their peace treaty in 1994. The two countries are expected soon to exchange ambassadors and embassies, Reuters reported.  President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed ..read more

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Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Firer (JNS) The following column in JNS by Ruthie Blum says it all: The brouhaha surrounding a benefit concert whose proceeds were earmarked for the health-care NGO, Ezra Lemarpe—founded and directed by genius medical autodidact Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Firer—is a perfect example. The concert, a tribute to the 50-year career of Israeli singer Shlomo Artzi ahead of his 70th birthday, was supposed to take place on Nov. 20. It was canceled on Monday by Firer, who was fed up and clearly hurt by the commotion that his religious beliefs were causing. The carry ..read more

Someone sent me this unbelievable 60 Minutes story about Donald Trump - who was interviewed by Dan Rather at the time. Trump's personality has not changed. He considered running for President back then. Most of the people that saw that 60 Minutes segment probably laughed at the idea. One so called expert said it would never happen. One of the few things that are indeed actually impossible. And that Trump knows that. Kind of makes us all look foolish now ..read more

Rabbi Jonathan Muskat (Facebook) Brilliant piece of writing in the Times of Israel by Rabbi Jonathan Muskat. It reflects my views completely. Only he said it much better than I ever could have. It follows: Last week I authored a blog post where I suggested parameters for preventing a schism within Orthodoxy in general, and between the Modern Orthodox and Open Orthodox communities in particular. I received much feedback from this post, and one central question that intrigued me was why I, and for that matter other modern orthodox Rabbis, feel compelled to call out practices we disagre ..read more

BMG Founder, R' Aharon Kotler The following letter by Yosef Shidler, appeared in Greater Lakewood, a publication geared for the Charedi world in Lakewood, New Jersey. As most Orhtodox Jews know, Lakewood is the home of BMG, the flagship institution of the Charedi world in America. The letter speaks for itself. If it is anywhere near an accurate description of what goes on in this town, it is a devastating indictment of how this community has evolved. Without any further comment, I present it in full. So here we go again. It’s another year and another story about Lakewood, New Jersey ..read more