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information presented to them, and now that their information has turned out to be inaccurate or unreliable the psak is withdrawn…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.

 

Is Israel currently an apartheid, genocidal Country? See, How they treat the Charedim V the Chilonim! Why isn't it taken to the UN or ICC?

Wig Alert: The Hashgocha of chanichei yeshivas, Rav Gross, Avrohom Schlesinger

According to Rav Moshe Shternbuch and other Dayonim,

DO NOT RELY ON THE HASHGOCHA on wigs/ sheitels It's a bluff, just taking money.
IT'S A FRAUD, to say it mildly.

באתי להציע בזה על גבי הכתב בס"ד, בירור דברים שעלה בידינו בעניין ה'הכשר' המדומה על מקור השערות המשמשות לפיאות נכריות, וידוע מה שכתב מרן פוסק הדור הגר"מ שטרנבוך שליט"א בתשובות והנהגות ח"ה סי' רס"ה אודות ההכשר שאין לסמוך עליו, ולאחרונה עורר על כך מרן שליט"א בקצרה בדרשת שבת הגדול שההכשר רפוי, והנה מתוך העיסוק בעניין, עלה בידינו ממצאים רבים – וכל הנכתב כאן מוקלט ומגובה במסמכים, [ובכל מקום שנכתב איזה עניין בשם אחרים, הכוונה שיש תחת ידינו הקלטה מזה, אלא שלא טרחנו לחזור ולכתוב כן בכל מקום], וכתבתי בקצרה, וגם ישנם כמה עניינים שלא הספקתי כעת לכתוב, אך באמת אין צורך בזה באריכות, כי הרואה יראה מיד מהו ערכו של הכשר כזה שהסוחרים עצמם שמקבלים הכשרות לועגים על ההכשר ואומרים שההכשר אינו מונע מהם מלייבא שער הודי, ואי"ה עוד חזון למועד להרחיב הדברים ולבארם עוד.

וזה החלי בע"ה, התמקדתי בעיקר בעשרה נושאים מורחבים, ובתוך כל נושא העניין מתפצל לכמה וכמה עניינים, וכאשר תחזינה עיניכם מישרים.

ובנותן טעם להקדים תחילה מה שאמר לי אחד הסוחרים מארה"ב המקבלים השגחה: "רבאי שלזינגר לא יודע בדיוק מה שקורה, מי שרוצה לחטוא בוודאי יכול לחטוא, אם זה היה בשר אני לא הייתי אוכל, אני סומך על הקב"ה, אני מסתמך גם על הגוי בסין שלא יכשיל אותי".

וזהו דוגמא אחת מיני אלף, ואידך זיל גמור.

א] יוצא ונכנס

1- מידת היוצא ונכנס במדינת סין: [המפעלים בסין שמקבלים השגחה, כוללים גם מפעלים ל'סקין', וגם מפעלים בסין שמייצרים את הפיאות ומוכרים פיאות מוכנות, וכפי ששמענו מהסוחרים העומדים תחת ההשגחה].

All human hair Sheitels / wigs have Indian hair

Re: Sheitels, all originate from India and are therefore תקרובי עבודה זרה

 

Others claim the "vegans" are causing it!

 

Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.

Lotus cookies has kashrus issues and is not recommended, many bakeries are using them.

 A very reliable European Rav knowledgeable in kashrus has verified that there are kashrus issues of concern.

Israel leftists, including the head of Mossad et al will release terrorists with blood on every finger of theirs, they need room in the prisons for the Charedim that refuse to be drafted.

Alert: Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbonim, etc. all signed against Eretz Hakodesh-They are all interconnected- Eretz Hokodesh, Young Israel and Star-k

They are all interconnected- Eretz Hokodesh, Young Israel and Star-k

 

Alert: Prioritizing Safety in Lakewood's and Central Jersey's Changing Landscape

Numerous episodes have been happening at the local restaurants, inappropiate language, inappropiate touching, the rest one can figure out.

Alert: Prioritizing Safety in Lakewood's Changing Landscape

Over the past few years, Lakewood has undergone significant changes—shifts that may not align with the original vision of Reb Ahron and Reb Shnuer, Z"L.

Some concerning incidents have occurred in various establishments. While we won’t delve into specifics at this time, it’s clear that vigilance is essential.

Our Recommendation:

Always ensure accompaniment for safety and guidance—whether as an individual or part of a group. Having someone alongside you provides protection, support, and peace of mind as you navigate these changes.

Stay safe and make mindful choices to uphold the integrity and spirit of our cherished community.

The Hashgocha says as long there aren't constant violations of kashrus and their fees to the Hashgocha are timely, that is our only responsibility.  

Important Kashrus Alert: Food Service Establishments in the Monsey Area

Important Kashrus Alert: Food Service Establishments in the Monsey Area

We have received numerous inquiries regarding kashrus standards in food service establishments throughout the Monsey area. This topic has been the subject of much discussion, and unfortunately, there has been significant activity from self-proclaimed "wannabes" in the kashrus field.

Currently, there are two overlapping organizations claiming to provide information and oversight, whose emblems are often displayed prominently. Additionally, CHAMA (Chevra Mivakshei HaKashrus) is another entity in the area, which also provides mashgichim for establishments.

Having been involved in the food service kashrus field for nearly 50 years, we have been fortunate to have Siyata Di’Shmaya in uncovering serious issues in numerous establishments. Based on our extensive experience, we must issue the following guidance:

Bottom Line:

As of Chanukah 5758, we cannot recommend relying on these organizations for kashrus certification. Instead, the reliability of a food service establishment often depends on the owner, manager, and mashgiach. If these individuals are known to be truly yir’ei shamayim (G-d-fearing), there may be more reason to trust the establishment. However, this requires careful discernment. Tjhese Organizations are actually a מכשיל את הרבים, ר"ל

To ensure your safety and adherence to proper kashrus:

• Bring your own food whenever possible.
• Avoid consuming vegetables from food service establishments that require bedikas toloyim (checking for insects), as this is often mishandled.

We urge the community to exercise caution and prioritize the highest standards of kashrus in all food-related decisions.

Update-2: Avoid the rush-Get your trees cut or branches trimmed. Glassman- Shomer Shabbos- insured

 Avoid the mad-rush, 

When everyone suddenly needs their trees cut/trimmed. 

This company just cut and trimmed the trees by the Forest/Carey BMG bais medrash-so it doesn't fall on the cars.

They cut/trimmed by Shain, he is very satisfied with the job.

Synopsis: Ninth Circuit Rules on Ministerial Exception in Kosher-Certification Dispute

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the ministerial exception applies to the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU) in a lawsuit filed by Yaakov Markel, a mashgiach (kosher supervisor). Markel alleged unpaid overtime and unmet promises of promotion and wage increases, arguing that the claims involved secular matters.

Circuit Judge Ryan D. Nelson, writing for the majority, affirmed the lower court's decision that the OU is a religious institution, and the role of a mashgiach qualifies as ministerial. The court held that the ministerial exception, grounded in the First Amendment, bars Markel’s claims, as his work was essential to OU’s religious mission of kosher certification. The court emphasized that delineating religious and secular decisions within religious institutions could lead to unconstitutional entanglement between church and state.

The ruling also extended the ministerial exception to protect individual defendants, such as Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz, from employment-related claims brought by ministerial employees. Circuit Judge Gabriel P. Sanchez concurred with the outcome but disagreed that the exception could apply to purely secular disputes.

The case underscores the constitutional principle that religious institutions’ decisions, even if appearing secular, are often intertwined with religious doctrine and are thus shielded from judicial interference under the ministerial exception. The decision is significant in defining the scope of the ministerial exception within religious organizations providing services for profit.