Russian Jews find themselves observing Purim against the backdrop of a national day of mourning declared in the wake of an ISIS assault in Moscow, claiming the lives of more than 130 individuals.
Following this solemn announcement, Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar has issued a directive to all Jewish communities across the nation, urging them to refrain from organizing musical gatherings during this period.
Upon receiving news of the Moscow tragedy as Shabbos concluded, Rabbi Lazar conveyed a message to Russian media, expressing, “The news of the tragedy in Moscow has inflicted profound pain upon us and our entire community. We share the grief of the families of the victims and offer prayers for the recovery of the wounded.”

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Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, noted posek and rov of Ramat Elchonon, called not to hold traditional joyous dances in the streets of cities during Purim due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
In a recording, Rav Zilberstein explained that it is appropriate to be sensitive to the families whose sons are currently on the battlefield in Gaza.
“I was mekabel from my rebbi, Hagaon Rav Mordechai Shulman, rosh yeshiva of the Slabodka Yeshiva, that at a time of war he would caution and say to the yeshiva students that it is forbidden to go out and wander the streets without reason.

Early this morning, authorities apprehended a suspect in Toms River, NJ after a pursuit initiated following the attempted kidnapping of a frum girl in Lakewood, NJ last night.
The alarming sequence of events unfolded at around 7 p.m. yesterday when reports of an attempted kidnapping in Lakewood’s Forest Park neighborhood prompted a response from both Lakewood Police and Shomrim.
Witnesses detailed that a male of black or Hispanic descent approached a teenaged Jewish girl, trying to coerce her into a white SUV on Forest Park Circle. Fortunately, the girl managed to break free, prompting the assailant to flee.
Subsequently, another similar incident was reported in a neighboring town.

Thousands of Jews converged on the Kosel on Thursday for an atzeres tefillah in honor of the captives held by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
The show of solidarity was broadcast live worldwide from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The proceedings included speeches from family members of the hostages and the recitation of Tehillim and a special tefillah for the return of the captives, and concluded with Jews from around the world reciting Shema together.

The Israeli Military Police have initiated an inquiry into the tragic shooting of a Palestinian ger tzedek near a junction close to a West Bank settlement on Thursday morning, labeled by the military as a “serious incident.”
63-year-old Sameh Muhammad Abd al-Rai Zaytoun, hailing from Chevron, was fatally shot by a reservist soldier upon exiting a Palestinian taxi at a bus station near the Elazar settlement, situated south of Yerushalayim.
The Israel Defense Forces asserted that Zaytoun had raised suspicions among the soldiers stationed nearby, prompting one to open fire. Subsequent to his demise, a small knife was discovered in the man’s bag; however, Israeli authorities remained uncertain whether he had genuinely posed a threat.

The families of the hostages held in Gaza by Hamas made their way to the Knesset on Wednesday, bearing 120 mishloach manos, adorned with yellow ribbons, which they distributed among Knesset members.
Departing from the usual Purim custom of sweet treats, these mishloach manos contained a modest provision of a quarter pita, a spoonful of cheese, and two olives—symbolic of the minimal sustenance provided to the hostages during their 166 days of captivity.
The families expressed that their Purim celebrations would remain incomplete until their loved ones are safely returned.

This episode presents the fundamental beliefs of Classical Judaism that form the prism through which its adherents view their own history and the history of the world at large.
Chapter 3: The House of Classical Judaism
What is the viewpoint of the House of Classical Judaism on the historical development of the Imperial Quadrant, and how does it see its role in that history?
The House of Classical Judaism sees itself as unique among all societies and places itself at the very center of world history as it plays out in the Imperial Quadrant.

Aish HaTorah has announced a mass atzeres tefillah for the well-being of the captives held in Gaza, to be held at the Kosel at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, Taanis Esther.
Jews worldwide are invited to take part virtually.
The asifa will be broadcast live and hosted in English by Jamie Geller, chief media and marketing officer at Aish Global.
“Join to hear the voices and exclusive stories of the hostage families concluding in a moment of prayer and solidarity with millions of Jews from around the world reciting the Shema together,” according to an Aish announcement.
Thousands came out on Jan. 10 for a tefillah gathering at the Kosel dedicated to the hostages and the well-being of the IDF soldiers fighting in Gaza.

Listen to Part I HERE.
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