A New York Assisted Suicide bill must be defeated now.

https://daattorah.blogspot.com/2025/05/stop-assisted-suicide-s138-in-ny-senate.html

 בס"ד

May 5, '25/  Achrei-Mos Kedoshim 5785

"Lo Sa'amod All Dam Rei'echa" (Kedoshim 19:16)

¶¶¶ Urgent Public Alert: ¶¶¶

Re: Stop Assisted Suicide S138 in NY Senate, ASAP

To All New Yorkers, and anyone else in contact with them:

Rav Shamshon R. Hirsch (d. 1888 CE) ZY"A taught us: The Truth never lost due to its opposition. The only times Truth has lost beyond recall were when its' advocates failed to properly articulate it and fight for it (see Collected Writings, vol.6, p.104).] One relevant example is lethal "Assisted Suicide" legislation, which preventably passed in NJ about seven years ago - by one single vote in each house of the Legislature.

Serving as a Shelucha DeRabbonon on this for many years, I ask you to publicize that in the wake of passage of Assisted Suicide by the NY  Assembly last week 81-67, we must unrelentingly fight it in the State Senate, where we have a fighting chance. This bill, S138, would enable doctors to give poison to "terminally" ill people who allegedly want to kill themselves.  This is state-sanctioned shefichus domim - downright murder. It would also invariably result in many others being killed as well 

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."

If you don't know who your legislators are, just call the NY Senate Switchboard: 518-455-2800, 9am-5pm.

Secondly, please urge all Democratic state senators not yet sponsoring this bill to oppose it (for a list, see below, or email TorahJewsForDecency@gmail.com) - since passage of this bill would ultimately result in the killing of many people who never wanted to die, including those incapable of making such decisions. 

Thirdly, urge all Republican state senators you can to actively expose the deceptive deadliness of this bill -- even according to the standards of those who support helping kill people who truly wish to kill themselves.

Do not be sidetracked by claims of various (flimsy) protections in the bill. All of them can be removed quietly within a few years. In fact, their presence in the bill actually makes it easier to pass it, R"L.

Now is the time to act decisively. The Orthodox Union, Agudath Israel, and Rabbinical Alliance of America all came out against this bill. All Orthodox leaders, advocates, and politicians need remember:

"יש קונה עולמו בשעה אחת"

עבודה זרה י"ז  --

Shatnez Alert

 

Strawberries- The ONLY ones that are reliable as insect free, is the KOSHER GARDEN Brand

 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 

Why are so many Lakewood Yungerleit carrying and pushing strollers in Lakewood on Shabbos

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:

• Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l was opposed to making an Eruv in Lakewood.
• Rav Shneur Kotler zt”l and Rav Matisyahu Salomon shlita maintained that the Eruv should not be relied upon.

Lakewood's Eruv is based on leniencies regarding:

• Whether the streets meet the halachic status of a reshus harabbim d’Oraisa.
• The acceptability of tzuras hapesach (posts and wires).
• Gaps in fencing or natural borders, etc.

 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

• Some reputable Eruv experts and Rabbanim permit its use and even maintain it l’mehadrin.
• Baalei battim and even some yungerleit follow poskim outside BMG (e.g., the Eruv in Flatbush is also controversial but widely used).

 B. Practical Pressure

• Young families with many children, especially when both parents go to shul or for meals, feel a strong need for strollers and diaper bags.
• Some rationalize: “If I don't carry, I can't go to shul, or my wife will be stuck home.”

 C. Social Shifts

• Once more people were seen using the Eruv, social pressure flipped. Early users may have felt awkward, but now non-users feel they’re the minority in many neighborhoods.
• Families moving in from other cities with established Eruvin (Monsey, Baltimore, etc.) often come with a default of using it.

 D. Lack of Clear Messaging

• Many young families were never told clearly why not to use the Eruv, or believe it's a personal stringency and not a communal standard.
• Some may be unaware that their Rebbeim do not rely on it.

 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.

• Backfire effect: Signs sometimes generate curiosity or a reaction of independence. ("Why are they pushing this so hard?")
• Polarization: It drew attention to the machlokes, and some decided to "side with the lenient view."
• Visibility: More people realized “everyone else is doing it,” even among Bnei Torah.
• Desensitization: Once people saw choshuve families with strollers and bags, the social hesitancy to carry faded.

 4. The Reality Today

• Many choshuve yungerleit carry not because they believe it's 100% mutar, but because they feel stuck between values and realities.
• Others genuinely rely on heterim from Rabbanim they trust.
• Some don’t realize it’s still a serious issue to many Gedolim in Lakewood.

 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.

 

FDA recently banning several artificial food dyes (e.g., Red No. 3)- kashrus concerns?

 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:

---

1. Common Natural Food Coloring Replacements

As artificial dyes are phased out, here are natural colorants that may become more common:

✅ Kosher-Suitable Natural Sources

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.

---

2. Problematic Natural Sources (Likely to Rise in Use)

These are of concern for kashrus reasons:

❌ Cochineal / Carmine (E120)

• 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.

❌ Shellac / Resinous Glaze

• 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.

❌ Bone Char / Animal Carbon

• 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.

---

3. Regulatory and Marketing Influence

• "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.

---

4. What Should Kosher Consumers Watch For?

📌 Label Red Flags:

• “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.

• Products with a natural or organic label but no hashgacha are not automatically kosher.

---

Summary

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.

Reb Shrage Feivel Mendelowitz, Zt"l

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.

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.

 

 

 

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.

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!"

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

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.

 

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.

A Tsunami is rolling in to the frum communities in all of our areas R"L- Reb Ahron Kotler's Revolution

https://matzav.com/listen-the-plague-of-over-indulgence-and-opulence-that-is-destroying-the-frum-community/ 

UPDATE: A little knowledge in kashrus can be very dangerous! Due to infeststion, one may NOT use J&R produce at all!כסלו 5758

 UPDATE: THE ONLY BRAND THAT IS CONSISTENTLY FREE OF INFESTATION IS POS'TIV  & KOSHER GARDEN ( Blossom w/CRC Hisachdus only- without any other heimish hashgocha) Many heimishe hashgochas have an agenda against Pos'tiv product, therefore they prefer the infested brands.

This J&R infested product was found this week-כסלו 5785
   

Matzav.com has received an advisory from the Va’ad HaKashrus of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway, which is guided by Rav Yosef Eisen, claims to be an expert in insect infestation. (Factually, he isn't an expert in infestation)
The Vaad advises that there is a report of very high infestation in fresh red cabbage. Small white insects can only be detected if the cabbage is opened on top of a light box. This is extremely tedious and impractical.

The following sources are acceptable to be used: Pos'tiv Cabbage, Romaine, lettuce and all other of their items

Red cabbage from whole heads may not be used until the end of August. END of article
Note: The bugs don't know when August ends, nor can they read "insect-free"
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DR. PEPPER SODA-Times have changed!- You heard right, we wouldn't drink it

After consulting with chemist expert, there are some serious Kashrus concerns.

(Even though it may be on sale)

DE JA VU- Another kosher certifier recently removed their Hashgocha as the Mashgiach was playing games

 What I don’t understand is why Tornopol allows this company to still be used in his establishments. He dropped and then bad mouthed them but still allows them to be used. Sounds like more to the story than..

Kashrus Alert

 

AlanFried.com Web Design, IT, Marketing and SEO

alanfried.com

GENERAL MICHAEL FLYNN: IN ISRAEL ON OCT 7 “THERE WAS A DECISION MADE TO HAVE A SECURITY STAND DOWN”

https://joehoft.com/general-michael-flynn-in-israel-on-oct-7-there-was-a-decision-made-to-have-a-security-stand-down/ 

A number of Yungrleit got scammed by dishonest car sales

After not getting the properly filled out title and mileage. make sure you see proper ID for the one signing the Title.

If you don't get the title in hand?-DON'T PAY.

They are known to give false temporary plates also.

proper verified ID is crucial.