Regarding the New halls in Lakewood- Ateres Esther and Ateres Blima, we notified them that we have many serious kashrus concerns with their choice of caterer.

 Lakewood caterers, restaurants, take-out, pizza stores, food service, etc. establishments do not all have an acceptable kashrus standard.

Some are more reliable from a kashrus standpoint.

As  one in the kashrus arena for over 25 years recently exclaimed, somewhat shockingly "even the Flatbush Hashgocha beats Lakewood's Hashgochas in general".

Re: Eretz Hakodesh voting-All of Moetzes agree to vote for Eretz Hakodesh, besides two members, who threatened they will resign, if you don't succumb to us-

Yaakov Menken -From:menken@cjvalues.org-Sun, Mar 23 at 6:08 PM 

Dear Rabbi, I'm writing to you regarding something that is not directly a CJV cause, but is definitely for the sake of the Klal and for reducing anti-Torah voices in Jewish affairs. You have probably heard of the current WZO elections, and the charedi Eretz Hakodesh slate. This slate was founded with brachos from Reb Chaim Kanievsky zt"l and Rav Gershon Edelstein zt"l, and, in the words of Rav Shmuel Fuerst of Chicago shlit"a, has the support of "rov binyan" of Klal Yisroel. 

I know there are contrary voices, and that's why I will repeat this is not a CJV matter. But as I personally am honored to have been selected as an EHK delegate (as are several members of our Rabbinic Board), I do want to share the importance of this election with you. The World Zionist Organization controls a budget of over $1 billion. In recent decades the Reform and Conservative movements have mobilized their people to vote, and have taken the money to destroy all that we hold dear. They openly admit that all of their efforts in Israel are funded from this huge pile of money. 

They have stopped single-gender concerts and charedi bus lines, and set their sights on blocking kosher phones, all because they control the money. Women of the Wall? It's all funded from this. And that is how Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv, who got various positions within the WZO, is today the Chairman of the Knesset Committee on Aliyah and Diaspora Relations. What's he trying to do for Aliyah? He's trying to remove the Rav of the Kotel from his position, to make the Kotel a makom hefker with mixed Tefilah under Reform auspices. Your vote for Eretz Hakodesh directly impacts whether Reform gets this money. Reb Chaim did not say vote so yeshivos can get this money, although millions of dollars have now gone to yeshivos and Torah projects thanks to EHK. 

Reb Chaim said you must vote to ensure Reform does not get the money, so they cannot pursue their agenda. And I have seen similar, recent letters from Gedolim in E"Y that endorse the effort. It is not about joining with them, but, to the contrary, having a voice against them to stop the machrivei hada'as from having their way. By voting in this election, you help ensure that critical funding supports authentic Torah values and institutions in Eretz Yisroel, strengthening our commitment to maintaining Yiddishkeit in E”Y Israel to halacha. 

Yes, your vote contributes to funding Torah-true education systems and yeshivos, ensuring that future generations remain connected to authentic Torah values and mesorah without compromise or dilution of our sacred traditions. And yes, voting for Eretz Hakodesh plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining religious communities throughout Israel, supporting kollels, batei medrash, and the infrastructure needed for Torah-observant families to thrive in Eretz Yisroel. But again, the main reason is to ensure that others do not take the money to be machrivei hada'as. 

 Voting costs only $5, and is an extremely worthwhile investment in preserving authentic Yiddishkeit in Eretz Yisroel. Please take just 2 minutes to vote in this important election! Vote by going to https://eretzhakodesh.org/ and following the instructions. 

Please encourage your congregations and schools to do likewise—we had 25,000 votes in 2020, and can easily double if not quadruple that number this time. Make your voice heard for Torah values in Eretz Hakodesh—by voting for Eretz Hakodesh! Good Shabbos, 

Rabbi Yaakov Menken Executive Vice President Coalition for Jewish Values Office: 301-727-2700

The rest of the story- Vote for Eretz Hakodesh

 Charedi Ads Against Voting for WZO Funded by Chilonim and the Reform!

 DIN: I'm not surprised. Chareidim in Israel are a bunch of naive, ignorant sheep led by crooked askanim! Rav Landau was duped by his handlers who were bribed by the Reform.In Beit Shemesh Rav Landau declared a "milchemes" mitzva" in the local mayoral elections that ran against a Shomeret Torah Umotzvois, his "milchemes mitzva" won and it turned out to be a disaster! 

Anyone familiar with the World Zionist Organization knows there have been significant struggles between the Conservative Movement and the charedi faction, ever since the latter—Eretz HaKodesh, led by Rabbi Pesach Lerner—joined the WZO in the last elections.

However, it turns out that the peak of the struggle remained behind the scenes, far from the glaring spotlight. It actually involves direct interference in the election by the Conservative Movement—through one of its leaders, Dr. Yizhar Hess, who serves as the deputy chairman of the WZO, a member of its executive board, and a board member of the movement’s organization.

A Kikar Hashabat investigation reveals why a few weeks ago, bulletin boards in  charedi neighborhoods across Israel were suddenly covered with wall posters and street ads strongly warning against participating in or voting for Zionist institutions. This is currently a live issue among Diaspora Jewry and under discussion among senior rabbis (Gedolei Yisrael).

On one side, Rabbi Dov Landau firmly opposed voting. On the other, “Eretz HaKodesh” presents support from the late Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, of blessed memory, along with other rabbis in Israel and the U.S. who supported voting in the previous elections.

The posters, plastered around Jerusalem, were actually funded by the Conservative Movement. This is particularly unusual, given that the WZO elections aren’t widely discussed in Israeli media, and most of the Haredi public is unaware of the details—especially since the matter mainly concerns Diaspora Jews.

The Kikar HaShabbat investigation reveals that the “Merkaz Olami” association—an organization managing the Conservative Movement’s activities within the WZO—funded the printing and distribution of these posters.

As evidenced by an invoice obtained by Kikar Hashabbat,  “Merkaz Olami” transferred tens of thousands of shekels for a round of street ad placement against participating in the Zionist elections.

According to a charedi source in the WZO, “Despite their attempts to hide their involvement, the Conservative Movement views ‘Eretz HaKodesh,’ which represents the religious public in the WZO, as a political and ideological enemy and is trying to weaken it. They aimed to sway public opinion in the charedi world to harm Eretz HaKodesh and prevent its success in the U.S. elections.”

Beyond the shock and the audacity to speak in the names of Gedolei Yisrael and use their names on posters, the path they chose raises legal questions, possibly even slander violations and more.

It’s also clear they attempted to conceal their involvement. Dr. Yizhar Hess himself retweeted the posters, as if expressing solidarity with Eretz HaKodesh in the face of attacks—despite the fact that the posters were funded by the very organization he sits on the board of and helps lead.

Kikar HaShabbat also revealed that these posters are just the tip of a years-long influence campaign, in which the Conservative Movement has sought to sway key figures in the charedi public in order to damage Eretz HaKodesh.

Sources say the movement’s representatives approached charedi journalists, offering them large sums to promote anti-voting messages—falsely attributing them to the words of leading rabbis.

Most of these journalists declined once they understood the real identity of the backers.

One senior figure in the charedi media (whose name remains confidential) told Kikar HaShabbat:
“A well-known insider approached me some time ago with a vague, high-paying offer to join a campaign aimed at damaging Eretz HaKodesh through ads, media pieces, and social media. The strategy was to implant the notion that Eretz HaKodesh is trying to inject Zionism into the charedi sector, and to stoke opposition among more extreme factions.”

After a thorough investigation, he realized the campaign was entirely operated by the Conservative Movement, whose goal was to remove Eretz HaKodesh to further their own agenda in Israel. He declined to participate, despite the tempting offer.

Another prominent source in the  charedi PR world added that major players in mainstream Israeli media were also involved, using their connections to recruit charedi journalists for the long-term campaign against Eretz HaKodesh.

This wasn’t an isolated incident, but rather a structured and calculated campaign that may have crossed the line legally—potentially involving libel, illegal NGO funding, and election law violations.

Kikar HaShabbat reached out for responses from the Conservative Movement’s Merkaz Olami, Dr. Yizhar Hess (who declined to comment in a private conversation), and Eretz HaKodesh. As of now, no responses have been received, and they will be published if and when they are.

Alert: Freeze dried fruit, i.e. raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc. may be treated with ascorbic acid that is not kosher Li 'Pesach

 Fruits that were dried for 12 months do not have a concern of infestation, as the insects became dried out to a moisture content of 10-15% on average.

Fruits, i/e. raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc. that are freeze-dried are dried to a 1-4% moisture, therefore there should not be issue of infestation.

From an Email-

 Those that  are part of the “Free Money” – Taking money from the

government (Jersey Care, food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, etc.) 

should join ERETZ HAKODESH!

You should install A.S.A.P. a dual or triple lens dashcam ASAP, and avoid many legal issues, i.e. false cell phone tickets

The police were funded by the State of New Jersey to increase tickets for cell phones and seat belt.

It's well known that many false tickets are given for cellphones.

without an installed  dual lens DASH-CAM, you'll likely get a ticket.

Shatnez Warning!

 Vaad L'Mishmeres Shatnez-Tue, Apr 1 at 2:12 PM-ניסן תשפ"ה

 Shatnez discovered in woolen sweater

 Dear Concerned Yidden,

 We want to bring your attention to an important update following our recent notice about children’s clothing. Reports have now surfaced of adults potentially unknowingly wearing garments containing shatnez.

 Suits, coats, sweaters, and other wool-blend clothing, including those from prominent brands, are particularly at risk. Alarmingly,  a certain Diane von Furstenberg sweater have been found to contain a linen running stitch. Rabbi Yosef Sayagh, a leading shatnez expert, has indicated that all such sweaters should be presumed to contain shatnez.​

 While a random thread in the seams of one sweater might not appear in another, intentionally used linen stitching indicates that all similar sweaters are affected. This makes the situation especially serious.

  Consider this: if this were an issue of chametz before Pesach, there would be an immediate and widespread product recall. Why has awareness and observance of the mitzvah of shatnez fallen so far behind? Imagine sitting at the Seder in a home meticulously prepared to be chametz-free, every crumb removed—only to be wearing a shatnez sweater. Hard to believe? Tragically, for many uninformed consumers, this could be a reality.

 Attached are pictures detailing this discovery. We strongly encourage everyone to have their clothing checked, including woolen sweaters, by a certified shatnez tester without delay.

  May we all merit to fulfill this mitzvah with care and dedication.

 Did you know....The דבר שמואל states in תשובה קעח that those in positions of Rabbinical authority must examine all types of garments and inform the public about shatnez concerns. He mentions that the של"ה הקדוש did so in his ספר, and alerted the public to shatnez garments. You can view the דבר שמואל by clicking here.

 

 

 

From an Email- All of Moetzes agree to vote for Eretz Hakodesh, besides two Peleg "Eitz" members, who threatened they will resign, if you don't succumb to us- Wait till Shalom K. is a Moetzes member, he will use a Karate chop etc.

 What’s the solution: It is obvious: Roshei Yeshiva should be recognized for what they are: Heads of yeshiva, as a position, is often earned via nepotism5, and not because they are qualified leaders, even if the person is certainly a talmud chacham.6 They should not be considered leaders of klal yisrael unless they explicitly understand this contradiction and consciously overcome it. And since they are not leaders of Klal Yisrael, you don’t have to follow them, since they are not caring about WZO and other issues as part of their leadership of klal yisroel but rather of their institution (even if they do not realize it). Because even if they are not out of touch with their institution, they are out of touch from you.

Maybe they’d even get vaccinated next, chas veshalom.

2

I wish I was joking about this.

3

An even more obvious example is the “freezer”.

4

Please don’t tell me that Lakewood is a Yeshiva Town, so its analogous. The differences are obvious. BMG is not tied to the community in any way that the community affects BMG. It’s leaders are not beholden to the community, but rather the reverse. And the yeshiva is prioritized over the community. Hence, BMG’s leadership is just for itself.

5

Isn’t it an odd coincidence that the five most qualified people to “lead” Lakewood are also sons and sons in law of R Shneur Kotler?

6

Obviously, a community kollel or yeshiva where the community picks the Rosh yeshiva is similar to a kehilla model and would be different.

https://dusiznies.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-true-scandal-of-wzo-affair-and.html

ALERT- Shatnez Warning!

 Shatnez being found in Armando Martillo boy's suits

Armando Martillo boys' suits have once again been found to contain shatnez, a concern that first came to light three years ago and appears to persist even today. Alarmingly, many consumers remain unaware that polyester suits can also include shatnez. Despite this, the Jewish owner based in Canada has declined to issue a recall.

A troubling number of these suits have been confirmed to contain linen scraps (as shown in the picture). When paired with the wool incorporated into the jacket's inner components, this creates a significant shatnez issue, especially for children who might unknowingly wear these suits during Pesach.

These findings point to two potential scenarios: either a new batch of suits is being manufactured with the same shatnez issue, or older suits are still circulating, further perpetuating this risk.

To make matters even more concerning, multiple organizations are distributing these shatnez-laden suits for free, potentially spreading the issue unknowingly to recipients.

Did you know....

 The דבר שמואל states in תשובה קעח that those in positions of Rabbinical authority must examine all types of garments and inform the public about shatnez concerns. He mentions that the של"ה הקדוש did so in his ספר, and alerted the public to shatnez garments. 

Evergreen Shopping center, Route #9 Lakewood, NJ was obligated to install a traffic light, which was never installed-there were numerous tragedies- everyone is obligated APH to sue

It was the responsibilty of the contractor to have a trafdfic light installed prior to opening the shopping center. It was not a DOT obligation. The Township should have the contractor hire police 24/7 to direct traffic until the traffic light is installed and functioning.

Lakewood's Deep-State

 From an Email;

It's no secret anymore that we have a Deep-State issue in Lakewood that we must overcome.

The first thing is to vote out the Democrat Assemblyman that was shoved down our throats by the Deep-State.

No one should vote for anyone on the Vaad's list as they are all from the Deep State.

Any other ideas will be appreciated, It's a desperate situation.

Nuts factory Hashgocha finally removed

 https://vinnews.com/2025/03/16/kosher-certification-revoked-from-nuts-factory/

ALDI’S FRESH FARM-RAISED SALMON

 ALDI’S FRESH FARM-RAISED SALMON that is plain, unseasoned and vacuum-sealed and has skin / scales on one side is acceptable even without certification. 

[“Farm-Raised” is stated in fine print on the back.] 

This includes Aldi’s Atlantic Salmon Portion and Fillet, Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Portion, and Coho Salmon Portion. 

Some packages occasionally appear without any skin.  One should check each package for skin before purchasing.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9183

OU Kosher Advisory Leroux Liqueurs

 OU Kosher Advisory Leroux Liqueurs

March 6, 2025: Leroux Liqueur has not been certified as kosher for quite a while. Old kosher product has tinted glass, the font of the word Leroux in one way, and diagonal shoulder. Bears on OU. Non-kosher product has clear bottle, different font, and round shulder, no OU.

---

August 31, 2023 from the OU:

Following the acquisition of the Leroux liqueur brand by Phillips Distilling Company, Leroux liqueurs will no longer be certified by the Orthodox Union and will not bear the OU symbol.

From the Dallas K: For those of you who like Leroux liquor this is bad news! Now is the time to stock up!
Products bearing the OU are still acceptable.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8610

Ice cream House-Lakewood, NJ-

 From an Email received

"I was just there and one of the cashiers is wearing short sleeves!! 

For a Chasidish owned place  this is terrible!"

Rav Breuer, Z"L on Kashrus

 

Background: When Rav Dr. (Levy) Yosef Breuer, Z”L, announced the establishment of the highly respected KAJ Kashrus, he stated:

“I am founding a kashrus organization that will adhere to basic kashrus standards, without chumras or hidurim.”

He explained his reasoning:

“If one focuses on chumras and hidurim, eventually, there may be nothing left of basic kashrus.” 

Then the Chumras and Hidurim are irelevant. 

Today, Bnei Torah and Yeshiva Leit seek high-quality products with a reliable kashrus standard—one that maintains authenticity without unnecessary chumras and hidurim.

Tartikuv Minchas Chinuch stands out stands out very much in this are of Chimras/Hidirim, but no basic Kashrus.

ALERT: Brown Eggs- Kashrus dilemma

 Brown Eggs have a tendency to have more blood spots, brown or red. At times they have what is called in Yiddish a "gersh'tel", also a problem.

Very often they are Cage-free, and there are roosters.

The blood-spots are a ד'אוריתא.

All Amish country eggs have roosters.

Usually at least 3-5 eggs out of a dozen have an serious kashrus issue- THEREFORE COOKING THEM AND NOT CHECKING IS not compliant with THE HALACHA.

There is no Heter for a Non-frum to check eggs, even if they get paid for every one they find.

living financially for the Frum family

https://www.livinglchaim.com/koshermoney/episode/2a0722e2/the-hasidic-man-with-a-money-warning-for-jewish-families 

UPDATE: CRC Hisachdus Alert- Glicks Parve chocolate had some dairy ones mixed in-The Mashgiach was "pre-occupied" with other interests- If he came at all!!

 CRC Hisachdus has had numerous Parve/Dairy issues the past few years.

CRC/ Hisachdus Parve Chocolate from an East Greenville, PA manufacturer, which should be listed always as Dairy.

Their Pesach Chocolate made at the Barton's while chocolate covered Matzo was being made side by side.

CRC/ Hisachdus- Glicks Parve/Dairy chocolate made in Turkey- The Mashgiach was not doing his job. There were other distractions.

CRC/Hisachdus Bakeries often (we know of 3 times in the past year) send Dairy/Parve Danishes to caterers and affairs in not properly marked boxes and the Dairy ones were served after Fleshing's.

CRC/Hisachdus for years did a  Lakewood production of "Parve" Chocolate in a facility that does Cholov Akum - with no Mashgiach at all.

ETC

Turkish fake honey production on the rise

 https://www.dw.com/en/turkish-fake-honey-on-the-rise/a-71626685

They just had a mamzeres named Layah, per blessing of Reb Shmuel and Sholom Kamenetsky and Rabbi Gershon Bess et al

TAMAR EPSTEIN REMARRIed WITHOUT A GET!

This is an urgent notification in regards to a woman who has now crossed the line and done the unthinkable. We at Mamzer Alert were very saddened to hear about the recent union of Tamar Epstein with her new boyfriend Mr Adam Fleischer. This tragic act of joining together a halachically married woman with a partner who is not her husband was consummated through Rabbi Nota Greenblatt, and with the approval of Rabbi Shmuel Kamentsky. We at Mamzer Alert condemn in the strongest terms possible this adulterous travesty, which encompasses nothing less than the utter trampling upon and total disregard for our holy Torah's marriage laws. The public needs to be aware that any of her future offspring will be considered mamzerim. See  http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2015/10/tamar-epstein-rav-gestetner-condemns.html

The biggest Holocaust ever, is taking place in Israel by the Israeli leftist, chilonim, etc. Their fake Concerns about the Hostages?, only to take down the BIBI Government!

PS -Stop the Abortions, you'll have 30,000 soldiers annually, without the Chareidim at all.

Note: In the army, it's 100% abortions!

 Given Data:

• Jewish births (mostly by the frum) in Israel in 2021: Approximately 135,639
• Legal abortions in Israel (mostly by chilonim) in 2021: Approximately 16,508 (99.5% of 16,591)
• Estimated illegal abortions in Israel: Approximately 15,000
• Arabs don't allow abortions

Total Abortions (Legal + Illegal):

$$16,508+15,000=31,508$$

Ratio of Jewish Births to Total Abortions:

$$\text{Ratio} = \frac{\text{Jewish births}}{\text{Total abortions}} = \frac{135,639}{31,508} \approx 4.3$$

Percentage of Abortions Compared to Jewish Births:

To calculate the percentage of abortions relative to Jewish births:

$$\text{Percentage} = \left(\frac{\text{Total abortions}}{\text{Jewish births}}\right) \times 100 = \left(\frac{31,508}{135,639}\right) \times 100 \approx 23.2\%$$

Final Results:

• There are approximately 4.3 Jewish births from the Frum for every abortion (legal and illegal) mostly from the Chilonim.
• Abortions account for approximately 23.2% of Jewish births in Israel.

When they scream דעת תורה, I don't know what it is, but דעת תורה it definitely isn't. Bi'shaim Reb Dovid Soloveitchik, Z"L

Others are looking to put together Chaburos for Matzos at East Kennedy Bobov Bakery, we observed many bakeries, and we think that East Kennedy Bobov ranks above

 AT BOBOV IT WAS CHECKED WITH A MOISTURE METER, 18%-+ as a DOUGH, 1-2% right OUT OF THE OVEN, NOBODY COMES CLOSE TO THAT- GET YOUR REJECTORS AWAY FROM THE OVEN- ABOUT TIME, uNLESS YOU WANT TO WEAR AN APRON AND LOOK LIKE A ROSH YESHIVA AT MATZO BAKING-IT WON'T GET YOU A SHTELLAR.

Chaburah Hand Matzos some pointers

  Chaburah Matzos 5785

1-      Room cleaned out completely from any dough pieces, flour dust etc. “a chometz free environment”.

2-      Only Yoshon wheat [sometimes they add spring wheat to add gluten]. More whole wheat in mix, less water. Note: a dry crumbly dough could handle a hot oven 1000F +. The dough must be worked out very well to become very pliable, so the velgerers can easily roll out a thin large matzo. We’ll use the flour with added “Rozoveh” that works best with the least amount of water. 40% water ratio to flour

3-      Without Finners, it’s very hard to work out the dough be very pliable, unless they use more water which causes many other problems.

4-      Another Finner table, so the finning will be longer and a more pliable dough. The knetter & Finner are the first ones finished by the 18-minute break, so they should start earlier, same in the morning at first “ma’irah”. All finning tables to be used, smaller mairos. Too often matzo dough piles up by the reddler table- corrective solution needs to be implemented??

5-      Change bowl & gloves between every mayrah-even first 3.

6-      Change water cup every time. (the one that pours water into flour) as it may splash flour onto the cup.

7-      Plastic sleeve on vacuum, by the “knetter”.

8-      Finning tables & finning bars should be wiped with a dry towel in between every dough. [by a chabura person]

9-      By the finning-always go down to bottom with the finner bar, to prevent folds, hand roll into a log.

10-   The aluminum dough divider, must be changed after every dough, wiped clean (not over table) & checked.

11-   They should be cut equal size.

12-   We’ll have people to work the dough pieces after it’s cut.

13-   The edges should be the same thickness as the rest not a thicker rim.

14-   Matzo dough should have a moisture percentage of 18% +-

15-   Rolling pins should not be kept under the arm. Rolling pins should not leave room.

16-   Sufficient number of sticks that take the matzos to the oven, so we don’t have to reuse any during the 18 minutes.

17-   Burn out the redlers & the bowls the night before or that morning early.

18-   Reddler paper to move a bit quicker.

19-   No waiting at the redling table, straight into oven -1-2 or 3 matzos- prefer sets of 2 matzos at a time, there will be less burned ones

20-   9-10- to the pound

21-   Even steel will b end when hot, therefore if the matzo bends does not necessarily mean it’s not baked well, chech the moisture percentage if it’s in the range of 2%, it’s fully baked.

22-   If need be, lower the oven temp, unless water or other adjustments can be made. [water 40% +-]

23-   No matzo is to be moved around from place to place in the oven; once it’s picked up it should be removed completely.

24-   The matzo shouldn’t be kept at the oven door after baking, to dry out.

25-   Clean boards by oven to put matzos on when removing from oven.

26-   Reddler table should be moved further from oven room door, if need be.

27-   No outsiders at any time during our baking time. No room & it’s a shter to the chaburah.

28-   We can check at packing for burnt matzos, kefulos & remove them.

29-   Silica gel packs supplied by customer, to be put into each box inside the plastic bag.

NOTE: I eat in KCL establishments, can I eat in various food establishments in the tri-State area

Then you can eat in the other establishments provided that you do not use any items that require Bedikas toloyim or cholv stam/akum which is actually cholov treif.

We were given this to post,-Teves 5785 To the Rabbonim of the Beis HaVaad. [Note: we'll fix up the hebrew iy"h next week]

Teves 5785 To the Rabbonim of the Beis HaVaad. 

I am reaching out once again to express my deepest concerns over recent events surrounding the heter-nisuin of a kohein and giyores, and its aftermath. It has been about nine months since my previous letter.

1 During this time, the tumult surrounding the saga of the heter-nesuin, given and then officially retracted by a Beis Din of the Beis HaVaad, had mostly quieted down, at least in the public sphere. 

What remained in its place was the sad chillul Hashem of a heter given without any reality-based explanation to support it, leaving the public with the perception that the heter was given only because its recipient was wealthy enough to pay for it. Recently this saga returned to the public sphere with the release of Rav Gorelick’s kunteres, “Kesser Kehuna” volume one, which traces the kehuna of the Laskin family, making them, ironically, from the best documented kehuna families in Klal Yisrael today. 

 This kunteres also introduces us to a letter, written in Russian and dated September 10, 1915, which the Beis Din recently produced in an attempt to justify the doubt cast on the kehuna of the Laskin family. This letter seems to have been written by the Laskin’s great grandfather Avraham Lashinsky, and happens to mention details about Avraham Lashinsky’s life, which would force us to conclude that the Laskin’s great grandfather Avraham Lashinsky, is actually not the person whose kever in queens says “Avraham Yitzchak HaKohein Lashinsky,” but rather a different person with an amazingly similar life. The issue with this letter is that it’s a forgery. 

Rav Gorelick demonstrates this clearly in his kunteres, and includes letters from several additional Rabbonim who call out this forgery as well. After the release of Rav Gorelick’s kunteres, the mood of the many yungerleit who have been paying attention to the developments of this saga, became cautiously optimistic. Surely now, the Beis Din would respond with something of substance. Perhaps they would explain the basis of their heter, or alternatively, perhaps the Beis Din would explain that they paskened only based on information presented to them, and now that their information has turned out to be inaccurate or unreliable the psak is withdrawn…

 Regrettably, the Beis Din chose instead to release a compilation of letters insisting that their psak is valid, claiming support from well-known Rabbonim, and threatening divine punishment to those who question the authenticity of an unexplained heter allowing a wealthy kohein to marry a giyores. What was missing from these letters was the one thing desperately needed - a reality-based explanation of why this marriage is permitted. Not only did these letters fail to reassure us that an explanation for the heter actually exists, but they also actually had the opposite effect, as several of the statements made in these letters were quite alarming, exasperating concerns over Beis HaVaad’s credibility and integrity instead of quieting them. 

Takanah Weddings

 A Takanah Wedding, with additional guidelines for eliminating certain customs like a Vort and simplifying Sheva Brachos, emphasizes modesty, affordability, and spiritual focus. These adjustments are often instituted by Rabbinic or communal leadership to create a framework for weddings that aligns with Torah values and avoids unnecessary financial or social pressure.

Enhanced Guidelines for a Takanah Wedding:

1. Eliminating the Vort:
• No Engagement Party: The traditional Vort (engagement party) is omitted entirely, saving families from the expense of hosting an additional event.
• Instead, a simple l’chaim may be held with immediate family and close friends to celebrate the engagement privately.
2. Simplified Sheva Brachot:
• Small Gatherings: Sheva Brachos meals during the week are limited to intimate gatherings with close family and friends.
• Home-Based Meals: Often hosted in private homes rather than rented halls, with simple, home-cooked meals or modest catering.
• Shabbos Sheva Brachos: A primary focus is placed on celebrating Sheva Brachos during Shabbos, often incorporated into the Shabbos meals. This allows for a more communal and spiritual atmosphere without added expense.
• Avoidance of large-scale or extravagant Sheva Brachos events.
3. Core Features of the Wedding:
• Guest List: Limited to close family and friends to keep the event meaningful and affordable.
• Catering: A simple menu is provided for the wedding meal, with fewer courses or simpler options.
• Music: A small or one-piece band suffices, ensuring a lively yet modest celebration.
4. Purpose of These Changes:
• Financial Relief: Eliminating the Vort and simplifying Sheva Brachos reduces financial burdens on families.
• Minimizing Pressure: Helps avoid social competition over engagement parties or elaborate post-wedding celebrations.
• Focus on Kedusha: Keeps attention on the sanctity of the wedding day, the chuppah, and the mitzvah of building a Jewish home.

By implementing these practices, Takanah Weddings foster an atmosphere where the focus remains on Torah values and the joy of the couple without unnecessary materialism. These changes ensure that families can celebrate without undue stress while maintaining dignity and joy.