"THE SEVERE BREACH OF HALACHAH INVOLVED IN THE USE OF SHAVING MACHINES is well known to all. Their use was prohibited by our Rabbis, the Gedolim of the [previous] generation, including the Chofetz Chaim and the Chazon Ish. Moreover, this [prohibition applied] even to the shavers of many years ago [when the shavers were far more primitive and did not cut hair as close to the skin as modern shavers]. Today, the shavers have been enhanced [and cut much closer to the skin], and thus the halachic issues involved are far more severe. This was also the halachic ruling of our great teacher [the Steipler Gaon, R’ Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky], the author of Kehilas Yaakov, zt’l, and of our great teacher, R’ Elazar M. Shach, zt’l. They would cite the ruling of the Chazon Ish who equated all shaving machines with a razor. For the Torah does not say: “Do not shave with a razor,” but rather “Do not destroy the edges of your beard.” Any shaving that destroys the beard is forbidden [as a razor], as is evident from Makkos 21a and Rambam, Hilchos Avodas Kochavim, ch. 12.
THEREFORE, USING ANY SHAVER that leaves the face smooth, even if it was used to remove only two hairs, violates the prohibition of “Do not destroy the edges of your beard.”
IT IS THUS OBVIOUSLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL THE ROSHEI YESHIVA [heads of the yeshivos] to confront this issue and not allow shavers that leave the face smooth to be brought in [to the yeshiva premises]. This prohibition applies both to the one who shaves and the one who is shaven.
IT IS A GREAT MITZVAH TO STUDY THE SEFER TIFERES ODOM, authored by the Chofetz Chaim, zt’l, which focuses on strengthening the observance of this prohibition and explains the reward received in both this world and the next for its practice."
Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv zt’l, refused to sign this Psak Din in its original proposed wording, which indicated a “halachic concern.” He only agreed and signed it once the wording was changed to “a clear prohibition,” ("עד שיתוקן לאיסור 'ודאי' ולא בלשון 'חששא'") as is related in the authoritative collection of Rav Elyashiv’s halachic decisions Ashrei Ha’ish Y.D. p. 143
Rav Chaim Kanievsky when he was asked whether any shaving machine can be “kosher” :
"החזון איש אסר כל מכונה וכ"כ כל גדולי הדור"
“The Chazon Ish prohibited every [shaving] machine. ALL the Gedolim of our generation ruled similarly.”
In his sefer Emes l’Yaakov on Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 181), Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky zt’l wrote (to his grandson) that there is no mesorah from the Rabbonim in America that can be relied upon to permit the use of electric shavers. To quote Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky zt’l:
"Regarding [the prohibition of using] machines for shaving [the beard], this is not just a chumra [halachic stringency] but a substantive [halachic] issue…. In fact, I do not know whether the great Torah authorities (Gedolim) of America [ever] explicitly permitted them. It is possible that they kept silent because no one asked them [their opinion], and they avoided the issue, knowing that their words would not be heeded. As for [any leniency] that has become accepted in past generations, it is a fact that over time there have been many improvements in the machines. It is possible that, as a result of these improvements, shaving with them has become prohibited [even according to the reasoning offered for that leniency]. Accordingly, in this case, it is difficult to rely on [any] tradition [to be lenient].... Indeed, [Rabbonim] should rule that it is not just a halachic stringency. If a young man wishes to be scrupulous and avoid using any shaving machine, his parents should not object to this and say that [their son] is just trying to find [superfluous] halachic stringencies."
*********************************************************************************
The issue of "lift and cut" in electric shavers is a major topic in halachic discussions regarding whether certain shavers violate the Torah prohibition of "lo sakifu"—the prohibition against shaving the beard with a razor (Vayikra 19:27).
The Torah prohibits shaving with a razor where the blade touches the skin and cuts the hair at the root.
A "lift-and-cut" mechanism involves a dual-action system: one part lifts the hair, and the other cuts it below the skin surface, which resembles the action of a razor and is therefore problematic according to many Poskim.
Permitted shavers are those that function like scissors (cutting above the skin) and do not have a “lift and cut” feature.
Rabbi Shmuel Feurst permits only certain shavers. His psak, consistent with many other prominent poskim, is that any shaver with a "lift and cut" mechanism is forbidden, as it is halachically comparable to a razor.
Permitted Shavers (according to Rabbi Feurst and other major poskim):
These typically do not have a lift-and-cut mechanism:
Panasonic Arc series (wet/dry models) – These use a foil system and do not have the rotary “lift and cut” blades.
Certain foil shavers without a second cutting mechanism beneath the foil.
Norelco OneBlade – This is often permitted, as it trims more like a trimmer/clipper, above the skin.
Shavers considered problematic:
Philips Norelco rotary shavers with Lift-and-Cut (many 3-head rotary models) – These are generally assur.
Braun rotary models with dual action (if they mimic lift-and-cut) – Need to be checked individually.
According to Rabbi Shmuel Feurst and others (including Rabbi Belsky zt”l, Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l via talmidim):
Lift-and-Cut = Assur
Foil shavers acting like scissors = Mutar
Shavers must be checked model-by-model.
From a comment: This caterer has some serious kashrus concerns that are in the areas of chilul Shabbos, Bishul Akum, Bos'ur Shenis'alem, treif utensils, misleading clientele, etc. R"L
We gave them some better choices from a kashrus point and reliability.
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.
High to Very High Entrenchment of Radical Islam
|
Rank |
Country |
Notes |
|
1 |
France |
Hundreds of terror deaths, entrenched Salafi networks,
urban no-go zones |
|
2 |
Belgium |
Molenbeek = ISIS hub, high number of fighters per capita |
|
3 |
United Kingdom |
London, Birmingham, Manchester have seen repeated jihadist
attacks |
|
4 |
Sweden |
Large Salafi networks, failure to integrate in suburbs
like Rinkeby |
|
5 |
Germany |
1,000+ ISIS recruits, radical mosques in major cities |
|
6 |
Netherlands |
Moderate-size radical base, active de-radicalization
efforts |
|
7 |
Austria |
2020 Vienna attack, growing Salafi presence |
We checked and verified with the major growers of blueberries and other experts, and they confirmed that all blueberries are to be considered "highly-infested". Contrary to other reports.
Synopsis of “When Everyone is not Everyone” by Shmuel Sackett
The issue of drafting Haredim into the Israeli army has again reached national attention.
The new IDF Chief-of-Staff, General Eyal Zamir, boldly declared: “Everyone will serve.”
Protests, political posturing, and media incitement have heightened internal divisions.
General Zamir’s call for universal conscription is misleading; it targets Haredim exclusively.
No one realistically advocates drafting all Israeli citizens—especially not Israeli Arabs.
Israeli Jewish men aged 18–45 have borne the overwhelming burden of the war since October 7th.
Many have served over 300 days, disrupting family life and exhausting reserves.
As IDF operations intensify, even more of these men are being called up again.
Critics argue Haredim benefit from the state (e.g., stipends, voting rights, education) without sharing military duties.
The public resentment appears to be based on perceived inequity in national responsibility.
Over 2 million Israeli Arab citizens—many of them healthy, strong, and fluent in Hebrew—are not conscripted.
They also benefit from government services (education, stipends, voting) yet are never included in draft discussions.
The common excuse—that Arabs can’t be trusted with weapons—contradicts their integration into society:
Arab doctors treat Jewish patients.
Arabs work as engineers, drivers, chefs, and even police officers with firearms.
They’re already entrusted in sensitive civilian roles, so trust isn’t truly the issue.
The focus on drafting Haredim reveals societal resentment—not a true quest for equality.
Haredim are seen as spiritually fulfilled, family-oriented, and less materialistic, provoking jealousy among secular Israelis.
Their lower divorce rates, community safety, and Torah-centric lifestyle make them a cultural outlier.
The IDF doesn’t actually need more soldiers—it needs a new strategy.
The prolonged war results from poor tactical decisions, not Haredi exemption.
Sackett argues: bomb Gaza buildings from the air rather than send in ground troops.
Haredim contribute through spiritual protection by learning Torah.
But this must be taken seriously—Yeshivas and Kollels must adopt a 24/7 learning schedule with rotating shifts, no vacation breaks like Ben HaZmanim.
Just as soldiers give full commitment, Torah learners must too.
If “everyone must serve,” then train Israeli Arabs from places like Taibe and Um-Al-Fahm for IDF service.
Assign them to the dangerous missions—like clearing booby-trapped buildings—if the draft policy is truly about equality.
Sackett asserts that the current draft debate is not about fairness or national security—it’s a targeted campaign against the Haredi community, driven by jealousy and double standards. True equality would mean drafting Israeli Arabs too—but no one dares suggest that. Until then, demanding more from Torah scholars while ignoring this contradiction is unjust and divisive.
Message: Am Yisrael needs both soldiers and scholars. Let’s be honest about who’s really being asked to serve—and why.
Subject: Urgent: It's Time to Face Reality — and Act
Dear Rabbanim, Community Leaders, Mechanchim, and Fellow Yidden,
This is not a rant. This is our reality. Thousands of families in Klal Yisrael are drowning financially and emotionally — and we can no longer afford to stay silent.
We built an incredible post-war Torah world. It lifted generations and rebuilt what was lost. But today, that very system is crushing many of us. We need to take real, responsible action.
What can we do? A few necessary steps:
Financial Training – Every family should take financial education courses (such as through the OU). Basic financial literacy must become standard.
Live Within Our Means – We must stop pretending we can afford luxuries. Fancy weddings, designer shopping, and unnecessary spending are hurting us.
Responsible Tzedakah – Tzedakah should go to those making an effort to help themselves. No $12,000 chasuna checks for those buying diamond rings or ignoring budgeting programs.
No Party Planners, No vorts (just a li'chaim), No catered Sheva Brochos.
Smaller weddings- no real flowers, one piece band, etc.
Shop Smart – Yes, it may be less convenient, but shopping smarter can save 30–50%. It’s worth it.
Close Overseas Seminaries – It’s an unsustainable luxury. Let’s be honest.
Buchurim should not go to Eretz Yisroel before getting married.
Job Shidduchim – Each shul should designate two members to connect job seekers with opportunities, and coordinate with others.
Expand to Affordable Areas – Communities must grow beyond current borders. Yeshivos should lead this by planting yungerleit in out-of-town areas to make them viable.
Daven for Siyata D’Shmaya – None of this can succeed without tefillah.
All Kolel couples should go after the wedding to an out of town kolel for 4-5 years.
But that’s not enough. We need to re-examine the entire path we’re pushing our sons toward.
Today, nearly every boy is expected to learn in yeshiva and kollel indefinitely — whether or not it suits him. The pressure starts in 6th grade. If he isn’t a future gadol, he's seen as a disappointment.
We’ve created a system where:
Parents are financially burdened for decades.
Young couples are dependent on family and communal support.
Boys delay life planning — no parnassah path, no financial preparation.
Marriage is entered with no readiness for real-world responsibility.
This is not sustainable. It’s not how Klal Yisrael always lived.
Even Gedolim of the past often worked. Torah and parnassah were partners, not enemies. Let’s bring that back.
We must begin encouraging:
Earlier marriage (18–20) for many boys.
Entry into the workforce with dignity.
A model where the top learners continue long-term, and others build Torah lives with work and avodas Hashem.
It is honorable to be a working baal habayis who learns daily, gives generously, and raises ehrliche children. That must once again become the norm.
Our current path is no longer working. Let’s stop pretending.
We need leadership. We need honesty. And we need the courage to do what’s right — not what’s popular.
With sincerity and love for Torah and Am Yisrael,
A Yid who sees what’s coming
https://daattorah.blogspot.com/2025/05/stop-assisted-suicide-s138-in-ny-senate.html
בס"ד
Therefore, in line with the repeatedly published Psak (Rabbinical statement) against all forms of Assisted Suicide legislation (attached, and available on request - text 845-642-1679), which has been signed by a broad range of Gedolei Rabbonim, every voting-age New Yorker is urged to tell their own State Senator the following:
"Assisted Suicide is Assisted Murder, and that's what the legislators are supporting by allowing S138 to pass. Please vote and lobby against this barbaric bill."
For anyone who's senator is considering voting for this bill, please add:
"IF you would vote for this deadly bill, we will vote against you, even if you direct taxpayer money to our community organizations."
Strawberries remain "Muchzak bi'toliyim" even after cutting off the top and soaking in a soap/vinegar solution and rinsing/washing well under a strong stream of water
Here is a comprehensive
analysis of the full scope of bitul Torah (loss of Torah learning
time) caused by the Adirei HaTorah event, accounting for all known
components: travel, preparation, meetings, logistics, and post-event effects.
I. CORE EVENT PARTICIPATION
1. Lakewood Yungerleit
2. Lakewood Bochurim
3. Out-of-Town Yungerleit &
Bochurim
4. Roshei Yeshiva / Rabbeim /
Chavrei Kollel
5. Baale’batim (Working Men Who
Learn)
II. INTERNAL BMG LOGISTICS & PREPARATIONS
6. Roshei Chabura Meeting
7. General Yungerleit BMG-Wide
Meeting
8. Ticket Purchasing and
Coordination
III. INDIRECT AND FOLLOW-UP LOSSES
9. Post-Event Fatigue and Late
Start Next Day
IV. TOTAL ESTIMATED BITUL TORAH
|
Category |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
Lakewood Yungerleit |
48,000 |
70,000 |
|
Lakewood Bochurim |
18,000 |
40,000 |
|
Out-of-Town Lomdei Torah |
24,000 |
48,000 |
|
Roshei Yeshiva / Rabbeim |
3,000 |
10,000 |
|
Baalebatim |
10,000 |
20,000 |
|
Roshei Chabura Prep |
875 |
875 |
|
General BMG Meeting |
15,000 |
17,500 |
|
Ticket Coordination |
7,000 |
7,000 |
|
Post-Event Lag |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
TOTAL HOURS |
130,875 |
218,375 |
Summary
The Adirei HaTorah event,
while a major display of kavod haTorah, directly results in an estimated:
130,000 – 218,000 hours of bitul
Torah
This figure includes:
Wives/Mothers: Lose shiurim, seder hours, household stability, especially if husband is away for long.
Post-event lag: The day after has reduced productivity in many kollelim and yeshivos.
Prep time for organizers: A select group may lose days or even weeks preparing.
Why are so many Bnei Torah and choshuve Lakewood Youngerleit
carry and go with carriages and strollers on Shabbos. It seems it increased
exponentially since they started putting up signs in the last few years than
one should not carry in the Eruv on shabbos.
1. Halachic Background:
Lakewood's Eruv has long been subject to serious
halachic debate, particularly among senior poskim such as:
Lakewood's Eruv is based on leniencies regarding:
2. Why Do So Many Use
It Anyway?
Despite the strong halachic resistance by many Roshei
Yeshiva and local Rabbanim, more and more families do rely on it.
Here are key reasons:
A. Alternative Halachic Rulings
Exist
B. Practical Pressure
C. Social Shifts
D. Lack of Clear Messaging
3. The Effect of the
Signs
Why did use increase after the signs went up?
Many never realized that there was an Erev in Lakewood, but
when they see signs about the Erev, they don’t read the entire sign, just the
part that there is an Erev.
4. The Reality Today
In Summary:
It’s a complex mix of halachic leniencies, practical
pressures, and changing communal norms. But just because “many are doing it”
does not mean it’s right or acceptable in the eyes of all poskim —
especially those connected to the mesorah.
The Brand name BELEAVES was recently hijacked by Minchas Chinuch Tartikuv and Zichron Shmuel DON'T USE THEM
According to the latest from Israeli Rabbanut sources.
The above-mentioned meat should not be considered as GLATT at this time, until the proper changes are made, including Cameras that are monitored online.
We will advise when the changes are in place.
With the FDA recently banning several artificial food dyes (e.g., Red No. 3), manufacturers are increasingly turning to natural alternatives — some of which may present kashrus concerns, particularly for ingredients derived from insects or non-kosher animals. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely ahead and what kosher consumers should watch for:
As artificial dyes are phased out, here are natural colorants that may become more common:
These are generally considered acceptable with proper supervision:
Beet juice (red/pink)
Turmeric (yellow)
Paprika or annatto (orange/yellow; needs hashgacha due to extraction concerns)
Spinach extract or chlorophyll (green)
Grape skin extract or elderberry (purple)
Carrot juice, pumpkin extract (orange)
Each of these may still require kosher certification, especially for commercial use, due to processing equipment and potential additives.
These are of concern for kashrus reasons:
Source: Ground up cochineal insects.
Color: Deep red/pink.
Kashrus Status: Not kosher. Considered non-kosher insect-derived and completely assur (prohibited).
Use cases: Yogurts, beverages, candies, juices, lipstick, and more.
Likelihood of resurgence: High. It's a stable, vibrant, natural red dye — likely to replace Red No. 3 in non-kosher or poorly supervised products.
Source: Secretions from the lac insect.
Use: Shiny coating on candies (e.g., jelly beans, chocolate lentils), pills, and fruits.
Kashrus Status: Controversial. Some hold it is not kosher; others are lenient in non-food use. Major kashrus agencies tend to avoid it or certify only synthetic alternatives.
Likelihood of use: Medium to high, especially in confectionery and pill coatings.
Use: Filtering agent in sugar refining (not a coloring agent, but relevant in processing).
Source: Animal bones, often non-kosher.
Kashrus Status: Usually avoided by reliable hashgachas. Some leniencies exist under specific conditions, but consumers rely on certified sugar to avoid issues.
"Natural" marketing claims often lead manufacturers to prefer animal/insect-based colorants like carmine, as these are perceived as healthier alternatives to synthetic dyes.
Vegans and vegetarians are also pushing for plant-based replacements — which ironically helps the kosher consumer, as companies often label "carmine-free" or "insect-free" for these markets.
Kashrus agencies are well aware of these shifts and are increasingly vigilant, especially in health food sectors, natural candies, beverages, and supplements.
“Carmine,” “cochineal extract,” or “E120” – avoid.
“Natural color” – vague term; may include insect-based dyes. Always look for certification.
“Resinous glaze,” “confectioner’s glaze” – may refer to shellac.
As artificial dyes are banned, the use of natural alternatives — including insect-based and animal-derived colorants — will likely increase, especially in non-certified products. For the kosher consumer, this means greater vigilance is necessary, particularly regarding red and shiny colorings in foods and pills. The kosher industry is adapting, but consumers should always look for proper certification and avoid relying on ingredient lists alone.
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.
Vaad L'Mishmeres Shatnez-Tue, Apr 1 at 2:12 PM-ניסן תשפ"ה
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