Friday, May 8, 2026
“Nazi!”: Chareidi IDF Soldiers Attacked By Charedie Mob During Banned Lag BaOmer Celebrations In Meron
It seems that these R' Shimon ben Yochai celebrations in Meron are bringing the worst out of people!
R' Shimon was a Tanna and would have been very happy if they all stayed home and learned!
This proves that this entire event is a sham!
All my life I couldn't understand why someone would be attracted to Avoda Zara, but watching the events that unfolded in Meron with hundreds hiking for hours with babies to get to the banned Meron Lag Be'omer site, to dance around a fire and praying to someone who died over 2,000 years ago explains it all!
It is no wonder that the RBS"O didn't want anyone to know where Moshe Rabbeinu was buried to avoid this scene!
וַיִּקְבֹּ֨ר אֹת֤וֹ בַגַּי֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מוֹאָ֔ב מ֖וּל בֵּ֣ית פְּע֑וֹר וְלֹא־יָדַ֥ע אִישׁ֙ אֶת־קְבֻ֣רָת֔וֹ עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
A Chareidi soldier in IDF uniform was verbally assailed at Kever Rashbi during Lag B’Omer celebrations Monday night, as thousands of pilgrims overwhelmed authorities attempting to contain the crowds.
Video footage posted to social media showed a group of men surrounding two armed soldiers, one wearing a yarmulka and sporting payos, while shouting at them. One soldier was called a “Nazi” during the confrontation.
Despite IDF Home Front Command restrictions capping outdoor gatherings at 200 people and indoor events at 600, tens of thousands arrived at Meron for Lag BaOmer.
Clashes between attendees and law enforcement erupted throughout the night. In one instance, Chareidi men threw plastic chairs and water bottles at police officers stationed nearby.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited Meron and praised police for their restraint, describing their approach as “gentle” while urging the public to avoid traveling there.
Magen David Adom paramedics reported 23 injuries. One person sustained a moderate head wound, while the remainder suffered light injuries.
Rivki Blau would rather her children die than go off the derech
בשביל רבקי, האמא החרדית המודרנית שמתראיינת לחדשות 12, שבעלה הוא אברך והיא מתפרנסת יפה, עדיף שאחד מתשעת הילדים שלה ימות, מאשר שהוא חס וחלילה יהפוך לחילוני.
— הפורום החילוני (@forum_hiloni) May 4, 2026
אוכלי המוות - לא רק מי שחשבתם. pic.twitter.com/kGg8DgTdDY
Where did I learn that giving over your children to the "moilich" an avoda zara, where parents sacrificed their children, is forbidden?
Yet this brainwashed mother is prepared to have her children die than them going OTD!
When the reporter suggested that the loss of a child would be more painful than them living a non-religious lifestyle. Blau responded, “I’m not sure."
This Chardeie community is sicker than I thought!
Rivki Blau, a charedi owner of a beauty salon, has sparked widespread public debate following comments made during an interview with Israeli journalist Yair Sherki on Channel 12.
The discussion took place as part of an interview examining life in the charedi community. Blau was asked about the difference between a charedi mother’s concerns and those of a mother whose son serves as a soldier.
Blau explained that her daily concern is ensuring her children remain committed to religious observance and Torah study. In response to Sherki’s remark that a soldier’s mother fears her son may not return from military service, she questioned, “but what matters more?" When asked whether her priority was her children returning to a religious lifestyle, she answered affirmatively.
Throughout the conversation, Blau emphasized that she loves her children and would accept them regardless of their path. However, she also described the emotional distress she would feel if they chose to leave religious observance, saying, “if one of them becomes secular, every day, every moment, every hour, it would burn in my soul."
The exchange reached its most controversial point when Sherki suggested that the loss of a child would be more painful than their living a non-religious lifestyle. Blau responded, “I’m not sure."
Her remarks quickly circulated on social media, prompting strong and divided reactions from the public.
Later, Blau appeared on the Channel 12 studio broadcast, where her comments drew sharp criticism from journalist Josh Breiner, who described her statement as “outrageous" and said it was “impossible to even conduct a discussion about such a claim."
Attorney General to prosecute MK Tally Gotliv for revealing the identity of a senior Shin Bet officer.
Defense Minister Israel Katz signed the required confidentiality certificate, paving the way for Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to file an indictment against MK Tally Gotliv (Likud) over the exposure of the identity of a senior Shin Bet official.
The Shin Bet official is the partner of protest activist Shikma Bressler, and the minister’s signature comes after a nine-month delay on the matter.
Gotliv is expected to stand trial for violating the Shin Bet Law after publishing the identity of the senior Shin Bet official and accusing him of involvement in a conspiracy linked to Hamas.
As previously reported, the Attorney General announced last July that it had been decided to indict Gotliv pending a hearing, but Gotliv refused to appear either for the hearing or for police questioning on the matter.
Once the indictment is filed, the legal battle is expected to move into the political arena. MK Gotliv will be able to claim parliamentary immunity, with the issue set to be decided by the Knesset House Committee. Given the coalition’s majority on the committee, there is a possibility that her immunity will be upheld and the criminal proceedings blocked.
MK Gotliv responded sharply on X: “To everyone who is worried!! The persecuting Miara is welcome to file an indictment against me for exposing the partner of the leader of the rebellion and incitement that led us to the brink of disaster."
She added a direct message to the Attorney General: “Miara, don’t rush to celebrate. Let me remind you that you are required to receive approval from the Knesset Committee, and I fully intend to convince the coalition members, who hold the majority on the committee, to keep my immunity in place."
Meir Porush like King Ahaz turns to goyim for help! Some Sicko !!
Those who learn Tanach will find this Porush scenario very familiar.
In Malachim B (16:5-9) & in Divrei Hayamim B (28: 16-29) we find that Melech Ahaz sent messengers to the King of Assyria, asking him to save Yehuda from its enemies. Assyria did come to his aid but then became completely dependent on Assyria, and according to Divrei Hayamim this ultimately brought disaster on Klall Yisrael
Porush hasn't learned Tanach and therefore he hasn't learned a lesson!
MK Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism) sent a letter to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, calling on the US administration to intervene in Israeli domestic policy to prevent the arrests of haredim who evade military service.
In the letter, titled “Urgent Request for the Protection of Yeshiva students in Israel in Honor of ‘Jewish American Heritage Month,’" Porush praised the US administration and President Donald Trump for their support of the Jewish people and Jewish tradition.
“Throughout the generations, the United States has proven itself to be a nation that can be defined as ‘Righteous Among the Nations,’" Porush wrote.
He added that under President Trump, “we see an administration that also honors the Torah of the Jewish people, cherishes its values, and works tirelessly for the security and prosperity of the Jewish people."
Porush contrasted what he described as American respect for Jewish tradition with the treatment of haredi draft evaders in Israel.
“While in the US, the government goes out of its way to celebrate and honor the Jewish religion and heritage, in Israel, the military and judicial authorities act in ways of persecution and arrests against yeshiva students whose sole occupation is Torah study," he wrote.
According to Porush, “If the American government, through all its branches, finds it appropriate to honor the Jewish religion and respect its values, it is only fitting that the authorities in the State of Israel act with similar respect toward yeshiva students, who have been the guardians of our people's eternal flame for thousands of years."
Porush called on Huckabee to have the US government “exercise its moral influence and call upon the judicial authorities in Israel to immediately and completely cease the arrests of Torah scholars and yeshiva students."
“There is no more fitting time than ‘Jewish Heritage Month’ to clarify that the protection of yeshiva students is a supreme Jewish and democratic value," he wrote.
Meet the brave olim who will defend Israel as "lone" soldiers
Hundreds of young immigrants preparing to enlist in the IDF gathered in Jerusalem this week for the “Olim Al Madim" conference, an event designed to provide guidance, support, and practical assistance to lone soldiers ahead of their military service.
The conference brought together olim from around the world, many of whom recently immigrated to Israel and are preparing to begin mandatory service in the midst of ongoing security challenges.
Shraga Weissman, Director of the Nefesh B’Nefesh-FIDF Lone Soldiers Program, explained the purpose of the initiative.
“‘Olim Al-Madim’ is this great event that we're doing for people who are going to draft into the army, specifically olim from different countries," Weissman said. “There's a mandatory draft in Israel, and we're here to help them cut through the bureaucracy and help them understand all the nuances of Israel and the army and what organizations can help them as lone soldiers."
Weissman, himself a former lone soldier, stressed the importance of ensuring new immigrants do not feel isolated during their service.
“We're here to help as many of the lone soldiers feel that there are organizations to help them and people to help them - faces and people who have been through this before who understand and are here to make it slightly easier and feel less alone while they're doing their service," he said.
Among the participants was Dr. F., who made Aliyah from Brazil earlier this year and is preparing for at least two years of military service.
“I just made the Aliyah in January of this year," F. said. “After my year of stage, I have chovah with the army. I must go to the army for at least two years."
Though still deciding which unit to join, F. said his motivation is clear. “One thing I know - I want to be there. I want to help. That's why I'm here," he said.
F. added that his dream is to serve as a combat doctor. “I can't put into words how excited I am. I want to join the army to be a combat doctor… that's the dream, to help the people of Israel."
Another participant, identified only as R’, immigrated from the United States at the beginning of the year and said serving in the IDF had long been her goal.
“I've always wanted to draft ever since I was growing up," she said. “Before October 7th happened, I also wanted to draft. When the war started, it was a little difficult to come to Israel, and I was also studying. So I waited to finish my studies, and then I made Aliyah as soon as I graduated."
R’ also shared that she and her fiancé are both lone soldiers. “My fiancé drafted yesterday, and we're both going to the Air Force," she said.
B., a new immigrant from Holland who completed his Aliyah process on the very day of the conference, described his desire to fully integrate into Israeli society.
“I'm immigrating today. I did Aliyah today. I got my papers finally," he said. “I studied astronomy in the Netherlands. I was a teacher for a while. I did mathematics for the high schoolers. I'm joining the army also."
“To me, to integrate, to really learn the language, to get a feel for the country, to start my life here - I think it's really relevant to do my part and actually give back for all the things I'm getting here," he added.
F. emphasized the sense of community that many new immigrants discover upon arriving in Israel.
“One thing that I can guarantee you - we're not lonely," he said. “Here in Israel, it's a place to make friends. It's a place to meet people exactly like you."
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Candace Owens Becomes a Satmar Chasidiste reposts Satmar Lag Be'Omer Fire dance
Satmar now has at least two famous goyim to join their cult, the first one is Mamzarani the mayor and now they got themselves a black shiksa Candice Owens, both of them, just like Satmar, say that are not anti-Jewish they "are anti Zionist"
If you're Jewish or non-Jewish, please, let the world know:
— Voice of Rabbis (@voiceofrabbis) May 6, 2026
Video from last night in Monroe NY,
The message was unmistakable:
“We oppose and have no part in Zionism and State of israel”
Not fringe. Not small. pic.twitter.com/cxzCgG6TkY
Why I hate Lag Baomer
For weeks I’ve been writing about how, slowly but surely, the Charedi world is beginning to see the light — though it may be too little, too late.
The word “Charedi” itself, a made-up term, which I only learned after becoming a father of five, literally means “to tremble.” It refers to trembling in awe before HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
But let’s be honest — as you read this, you’re probably smiling and thinking, “I know a few Charedim who don’t tremble at all.”
Indeed, many are not trembling; instead, they are distancing themselves from the rest of the Jewish people and inventing new ideas as they go.
Another term I encountered only after becoming a grandfather is “Daas Torah.”
And truthfully, it means nothing — absolutely nothing.
Ask a Satmar chassid who his Daas Torah is, ask a Chabad chassid, ask a Litvak from Lakewood — not one will agree with the other. The phrase is used to intimidate the naïve and uninformed.
I know a young kollel man, a genuine talmid chacham, who divorced with several children. He consults his Daas Torah about whom to date and what to do next. Yet his Daas Torah has been wrong about every single woman he’s met.
This is what happens when people surrender their own judgment entirely.
Take Lag BaOmer, for example. These massive bonfires have no basis anywhere in Torah. Growing up in America, not one rebbe or rosh yeshiva ever made a fire on Lag BaOmer. Even Rav Yoelish Teitelbaum, the founder of Satmar, opposed the practice — he opposed it even for those living in Eretz Yisrael.
Or consider the idea of not working for a living. Rav Avigdor Miller was firmly against men learning all day while being supported by their wives.
The truth is that many serious, frum people are realizing that their Torah leaders are disconnected from Klal Yisrael. Those leaders receive filtered information from askanim with agendas, and their decisions are steering the community toward an abyss — a system that cannot sustain itself and will eventually collapse under its own weight.
People are beginning to speak out. For now, it’s mostly anonymous, but I predict that soon the silence will break.
Below is an article from a frum writer describing the Lag BaOmer fiasco — a symptom of a much deeper problem.
The Tzaddik from Meron Arrested after Sexually Abusing everything that Walked
A leading communal rabbi from Meron in northern Israel has been arrested for alleged “serious sexual offenses,” police said on Thursday, a week after he was accused by a cult watchdog of managing a tightly controlled group since at least 2011.
A statement from the Israel Police said Rabbi Yosef Shovely, 54, was arrested overnight Wednesday-Thursday following a covert investigation after multiple complaints were received.
Shovely is said to have maintained tight control over his followers, although it was unclear how many adherents he had.
Sources familiar with the details of the case told the Walla news site that according to complaints that had accumulated over time, Shoveli presented his control over followers as spiritual.
“He succeeded in entering into the lives of people and making them completely dependent on him. He controlled their daily routines, distanced them from their families, and some of them effectively became his servants,” a source with knowledge of the probe told Walla.
Shoveli was expected to be brought before a court for a remand hearing later on Thursday.
Police called on anyone who may also have been harmed by the suspect or have any knowledge of alleged crimes to come forward.
Last week, the Israeli Center for Cult Victims posted a warning about Shoveli, saying it had collected 16 testimonies against him, including from five people who were directly involved in the group’s inner circle, as well as from family members from the Haredi community.
The witnesses described “worrying patterns of dependence, control, harm to family ties, exploitation, an atmosphere of fear” and sexual exploitation in the group, with the earliest witness complaint being filed in 2011, according to the center.
Four of those who came forward said they were sexually assaulted by Shoveli, who presented the acts as “spiritual.” They said they were witnesses to assaults on other members, indicating a pattern of abuse in the group.
The center described an inner group of heightened control, and an external group among whose members “dependence, high piety, and harm to family ties” began to take shape.
In the internal group, members’ lives are intensely controlled, with the center noting some members wouldn’t even establish their own family without Shoveli’s approval.
Some even changed their last name to Shoveli, according to the center.
Members carry out daily chores for Shoveli, such as cleaning and caring for his children, without pay, the center said, adding that members viewed their servitude as a “privilege” and “mission.”
Shoveli said he “absolutely disavows all of the above and rejects the matters outright,” in response to the center’s claims.
Last year, survivors told a Knesset hearing harrowing tales of sexual abuse primarily taking place in ultra-Orthodox and national-religious communities, with abusers using the mantle of religion to justify the acts.
Mir Yerushalyim To Open New Branch In Beit Shemesh
In a major development for the Torah world and the growing chareidi community in Beit Shemesh, a massive five-dunam plot of land has officially been allocated for a new branch of Mir Yeshiva in the Ramat Beit Shemesh Hey 2 (Neve Shamir) neighborhood.
The new makom Torah will operate under the leadership of the Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon HaRav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, continuing the remarkable expansion of the Mir, today recognized as the largest yeshiva in the world.
The allocation was finalized following an extensive approval process and reportedly received strong support from Shmuel Greenberg, who has made the strengthening of mosdos haTorah a major priority in the city’s development.
The move is being viewed as another historic milestone in the continued growth of the Mir empire, which began in Yerushalayim’s Beis Yisroel neighborhood and later expanded to major branches including Mir Brachfeld in Modi’in Illit and the Mir yeshiva ketanah in Ramat Shlomo.
The establishment of a Mir branch in Ramat Beit Shemesh Hey is also being seen as a powerful sign of the neighborhood’s emergence as a major Torah center. Residents and askanim expressed excitement over the arrival of hundreds of bnei Torah who will bring the unique atmosphere and hasmadah associated with the famed Mirrer olam hayeshivos to the rapidly developing area.
At this stage, hanhalas hayeshiva is preparing for the initial planning phase of what is expected to become a major new Torah campus that will accommodate the yeshiva’s continued growth and expanding demand in the burgeoning Ir HaTorah of Beit Shemesh.
IDF Successfully Drafted 360 Chareidim This Week Despite Opposition From Leading Rabbonim
The Dam is finally cracking, as more and more Charedim want to be a part of the state and realizing that they are being led by a bunch of ancient disconnected clueless leaders who are being fed lies and propaganda by their handlers!
They don't want to be resented by the rest of Klall Yisrael, and want to contribute to the welfare of their own families and the State! This is our State, the home of the majority of the Jewish people, and they are recognizing that what they were told in their Yeshivas is not sustainable and was never the way Klall Yisrael functioned!
Reading Tanach, you will see every leader had an army!
?האחיכם יבאו למלחמה ואתם תשבו פה
The IDF drafted approximately 360 Chareidi men this week, the military announced, marking progress in its efforts to integrate Chareidim into compulsory military service despite staunch opposition from rabbanim and roshei yeshiva.
Of the recruits, 231 joined combat roles including the Chashmonaim Brigade, the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, and the Paratroopers Brigade. Another 131 were assigned to combat support positions, including fighter jet technician units. The IDF expects more Chareidi conscripts to arrive over the coming two weeks as part of the same draft cohort.
The push comes as the IDF says it faces acute manpower shortages. Some 80,000 Chareidi men aged 18-24 remain eligible for service but have not enlisted. The IDF says it urgently needs 12,000 recruits — primarily combat troops — to sustain operations across multiple fronts.
“We are drafting more Chareidi soldiers out of operational necessity,” the military insisted.
The IDF has expanded infrastructure to accommodate Chareidi service members, implementing new protocols that allow them to maintain religious observance while serving. However, Chareidi leaders say the new frameworks for Chareidi soldiers are woefully inadequate. ‘
R' Shimon ben Yochi Refuses to protect family of 6 "idiots" from a Rocky Cliff After Attempting To Reach Meron From Tzfat, Zionists come to the recue
It seems that R" Shimon ben Yochai doesn't want the fires, and instead wants Jews to abide by the Zionists safety regulations. First there was an enormous tragedy where Jews murdered other Jews and now there was at least 10 near misses.
The government was worried that Hezbollah would target Meron, and I don't even want to think what would have happened if this occurred.
Again, Charedim by-in-large are a reckless community and refuse to abide by safety standards because its issued by Zionists, but when they wind up in a hole and cannot get out, whom do they call? The Zionists!
These children need to be put up for adoption, they will be much better off, the grandmother needs to be rushed to an asylum !
Late on Tuesday night, a complex and dramatic rescue operation by volunteers from the “Galil-Carmel” rescue unit of the Israel Police came to an end.
Six family members, a grandmother and her five grandchildren, aged 10 to 15 from Tzfat, who had attempted to reach the Lag BaOmer celebrations in Meron on foot, lost their way and found themselves trapped on a dangerous cliff.
The incident began in the early evening, when the grandmother called the police emergency center. She reported that the family was lost in the field, stuck on a cliff with no ability to continue walking. Despite a strict ban on accessing Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s tomb, the family tried to make their way from Tzfat to Meron through rough terrain. Rain in the area made the slopes especially slippery and dangerous, leaving the group stranded on the western slope of the Nahal Amud stream.
Upon receiving the call, a command post was set up at the Kfar Shamai parking area. The unit’s search teams raced against time, with one team scanning the terrain and using sirens until they established voice contact with the trapped family. The operation was carried out in close cooperation with inspectors from the Nature and Parks Authority and volunteers from United Hatzalah. A drone operated by United Hatzalah located the group on the cliff and illuminated their position for rescuers. In the first stage, a flashlight and thermal blankets were dropped from the air to prevent hypothermia among the children.
Due to the difficult terrain and slippery rocks, the unit’s rope rescue team (climbing, rappelling, and rescue) was deployed. The rescuers built a complex rope system, through which the family members were safely extracted one by one out of the streambed. After a medical check by the unit’s paramedic, the family was evacuated home safe and sound.
It is worth noting that this was the second consecutive day of operations for the “Galil-Carmel” rescue unit in the Meron area, after they had also been engaged the previous day in rescuing hikers and worshippers in the region.
The rescue unit stated:
“We reiterate that access to the Meron area is strictly prohibited. The combination of challenging terrain and unpredictable weather can end in disaster. Our volunteers worked long hours in the rain, using specialized rope systems to bring the grandmother and her grandchildren home safely.”
Jonathan Pollard launches bid for Knesset
I met with Jonathan Pollard a couple of months ago, and my wife and I had an hour discussion with him in Yeushlayim, and found him to be extremely intelligent, honest and would make a great spokesperson for Israel from the Knesset.
For those who say that Pollard is a criminal and that he sold secrets to Israel for money, I say so what??
At the end of the day, he gave those secrets to Israel, not an enemy of the USA!
Israel for political reasons abandoned him.
For those who accuse him of treating his first wife, Anne, badly, that is not true. According to an interview to The Times of Israel on Nov 20, 2015, she says that she has no idea why Jonathan divorced her. We don't know why he divorced her and he never gave her closure, but why is that an issue in his campaign??
We are not electing a pope!
If we start scrutinizing the Knesset members you will be left with a handful of honest, clean background people.
What is interesting to note is that those criticizing Pollard because of his background also hate members of the Knesset who phenomenal backgrounds like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich!
Jonathan Pollard, who was held for 30 years in a U.S. prison for espionage on behalf of Israel, intends to run in the upcoming Knesset elections.
'The country was abandoned on October 7th just as I was'
In an interview with i24NEWS he says the idea took shape after the October 7th massacre.
Which party did he join and what is his criticism of the current actors on the right of the political map?
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The Jewish American 'Conception' ('conseptziya') VS. the Israeli konseptziya
The world has read extensively about the flawed Israeli 'conseptziya' (understanding of reality) that paved the way for the October 7 surprise attack. Far less has been written about a simultaneous breakdown occurring within American Jewry. While one relates to the horrors of kinetic warfare, the other concerns the true position and stability of the Diaspora.
For decades, American Jews operated under their own flawed 'conseptziya,' regarding their status in society-assumptions that have been exposed by the surge of Jew-Hatred since October 7. In both cases this misdiagnosis of reality led to huge lapses in judgement and planning.
President Trump Urges Jews to observe Shabbos to Honor U.S. 250th Anniversary....
President Trump has called on American Jews to observe a national Shabbos from sundown May 15 to nightfall May 16 in recognition of the nation’s 250 years of independence and the community’s contributions to America.
Trump made the suggestion Monday during his proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
"Fake Rav" Seidenfeld from Monsey issues Fake Siruv Against Rav Mordechai Willig !
Who is this Seidenfeld who pretends to be a Rav? I lived in Monsey for over 30 years and never heard of this Bais Din? The chutzpa to issue a "siruv" to Rav Willig!
A Monsey beis din has placed Rav Mordechai Willig - Av Beis Din of the Beis Din of America - in nidui.
The declaration, dated 8 Tammuz 5785, was issued on the letterhead of Beis Din Tzedek Mishpat Hatorah at 207 Bates Drive, Monsey, and calls on the public to distance themselves from him.
Rav Willig is one of the senior dayanim of the most established beis din in North America - the body that has issued seruvim against Gett refusers for decades.
The community deserves public answers from this Gett abuse-enabling “Dayan” named Seidenfeld on Bates in Monsey.
Baal Teshuva Lunatic Traveled from the USA to Israel so he "Can spit on Tziyonim"
But what I'm surprised is that there are adults all around them looking like normal people who are listening to this meshiginar and have no reactions!
And he is saying this with children around him!
Is it any wonder that Chardeim are splitting away from these sickos?
Toms River Rabbis Want Our Teenagers Who are a bit Off to eat at MacDonalds! They don't Want them in Kosher Restaurants!
This story out of Toms River is simply unbelievable. A group of rabbanim are upset that teenagers are hanging out at Smash House, a kosher restaurant.
I know these rabbanim personally, and until now I had tremendous respect for them — but this is sheer madness.
Where exactly do they expect these kids to go? Would they prefer the teens hang out in treif places instead?
And if the concern is that their own children might be influenced, there are literally hundreds of other kosher restaurants in Lakewood where they can take their kids. No one is forcing them to go to Smash House.
I can’t help but wonder: If it were their own children or grandchildren, would these rabbanim still think it’s better for teens to end up in non‑kosher environments rather than in a supervised, kosher restaurant?
Monday, May 4, 2026
"Disconnected" Litvishe Roshei Yeshiva Running Scared as their Followers Wake Up and Enlist
As I’ve been writing over the past two weeks, there is a noticeable shift taking place in the thinking and hashkafah of many within the Charedi community. More and more people are recognizing that they cannot remain separate from the rest of the Jewish people, and that this separation is creating real resentment.
We all live in this country, and every individual has a responsibility to be part of Klal Yisrael and not to be poretz geder.
Many are beginning to realize that their elderly spiritual leaders are, in their view, increasingly out of touch — disconnected from the realities unfolding around them — and that these leaders are often influenced by handlers who filter what they see and hear.
We are at war, yet when speaking to a typical Charedi individual, you might not sense it. Some openly say that this is not “their war,” a statement that echoes language historically used by those hostile to the Jewish people.
At long last, some within the community are waking up. There is a small but genuine ray of hope that people are beginning to see the larger picture and reassess long‑held assumptions.
An emergency gathering attended by dozens of Lithuanian-haredi yeshiva deans was held Sunday to warn against what they described as a "grave spiritual danger" posed by the enlistment of haredim into army frameworks tailored for the haredi public.
Central to the gathering was the reading of a sharply-worded letter from leading rabbis opposing military enlistment, even in frameworks that claim to accommodate religious observance and allow soldiers to maintain their haredi lifestyle. In the signatories' opinion, these arrangements "regrettably do not endure over time despite promises and commitments."
Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch wrote: "It has unfortunately come to my attention that, as part of efforts to enlist Torah students, various tracks have been established and given names such as ‘Kodkod’ and others, and recently additional enlistment tracks have been added in the south, in Netivot and Be’er Sheva."
"And it is certain that all of these tracks are an integral part of the army, and one who goes there hands himself over to the control and authority of the military rulership, and becomes a full soldier in every respect, and it is similar to joining the army, which has no permissible aspect at all."
The letter also included remarks by yeshiva dean Rabbi Dov Lando, who warned: "Anyone who, G-d forbid, joins these tracks or similar, should know that beyond the personal tragedy that he brings upon himself and his household, others may, G-d forbid, be drawn after him, and his sin would be great to bear."
However within the Chasidic-haredi community: In groups such as Belz, Sanz, Karlin, and others, married working men are permitted to participate in supervised military initiatives.
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