In response to the ongoing war in Eretz Yisroel, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Rashbi, released a heartfelt and urgent letter of chizuk directed to bnei Torah in Eretz Yisroel and around the world. In it, he underscores the importance of spiritual introspection, the power of Torah, and the proper conduct during these trying times. The letter also includes a special segulah, transmitted from the Chofetz Chaim, for use in times of distress.

Maran Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, rosh yeshiva of the Philadelphia Yeshiva and the zekan roshei haeyshivos, has been released from the hospital.
The rosh yeshiva had been hospitalized due to low hemoglobin levels and remained so that additional tests could be conducted to evaluate other health concerns.
All are asked to continue davening for the complete refuah sheleimah of Rav Shmuel ben Itta Ettil.
{Matzav.com}

With great sadness, Matzav.com reports the passing of Rav Shmuel Breskin zt”l of Lakewood.
Rav Shmuel was a talmid of Rav Shneur Kotler zt”l at Beth Medrash Govoha, where he immersed himself in limud haTorah.
Rav Shmuel’s wife Leah, was a daughter of Rav Moshe Finkel zt”l and sister of Rav Elya Boruch Finkel zt”l.
Details of the levayah will be published once finalized.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}

In a video message released this week, Rav Yaakov Shapiro, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Merkaz HaRav, offered reflections on Operation “Am K’Lavi,” framing it as a moment of profound elevation for the Jewish people.
“This is an extraordinary time,” Rav Shapiro declared. “Hakadosh Baruch Hu is raising the stature of Am Yisrael—the pride of the nation and the honor of Hakadosh Baruch Hu Himself.”

In a moving encounter, Rav Gavriel Zinner, author of Nitei Gavriel, and Rav Yitzchok Yosef, author of Yalkut Yosef, met face-to-face for the first time after years of written correspondence.
The meeting took place this week in Flatbush, where Rav Yosef is currently staying due to the ongoing war that has shuttered Israeli airspace.

The Zutchka Rebbe convened his chassidim and talmidim this week for a special event titled “Vatelamedeim” in the Zutchka Bais Medrash, where he announced the founding of a new chaburah called “Kvi’in,” dedicated to committed and structured Torah learning.
Opening the event was Rav Chaim Yaakov Safrin of Yerushalayim, who warmly welcomed the participants and shared his personal experiences learning within this unique and focused framework.

In a dramatic halachic decision prompted by the ongoing war, former Rishon Letzion and nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, has ruled that weddings may be held during the Bein HaMetzarim period this year due to the extenuating circumstances facing many couples across the country.

In a moving recollection, Ponovezh Rosh Yeshiva Rav Beel Povarsky shared memories of the tumultuous days of Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, describing how the safest place he could think of during air raid sirens was the home of the Chazon Ish zt”l.
Rav Povarsky recounted: “The war had just begun, in 1948, when Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the state. Immediately the Arabs, including Egypt, planned to attack. Egypt sent a plane. There were sirens, and a bomb landed here on the K’vish HaShachor.”

Rav Kalman Bar, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, has issued a psak halachah stating that krias haTorah missed due to shul closures must be completed under specific conditions.

The story of the Meraglim in Parshas Shelach is one of the most tragic and consequential episodes in the Torah. But beneath the surface of the familiar narrative lies a deep and nuanced insight into the type of leadership chosen, the spiritual mindset of Klal Yisroel, and the nature of their mistake.
The Questions: What Changed — and Why?
In the first three parshiyos of Sefer Bamidbar — Bamidbar, Naso, and Beha’aloscha — we are introduced to the Nesi’im, the leaders of each shevet. They are appointed during the census, they bring korbanos during the chanukas haMishkan, and they are central to the organization of the camp.
Then suddenly, in Parshas Shelach, there is a shift.