Monday, June 22, 2026
Israeli kinetic art pioneer Yaacov Agam dead at 98
Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, considered to be the father of the Kinetic Movement in modern art, died on Sunday at the age of 98, the Agam Museum announced.
Agam, who was awarded the Israel Prize for Visual Arts in April, was known for works that incorporated movement, light, color and viewer interaction.
A public memorial ceremony will be held on Monday at the Agam Museum in the central city of Rishon Letzion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time, followed by the funeral, which is scheduled to depart from the plaza of the military cemetery in Rehovot.
“The art world in Israel and around the globe is bidding farewell to one of its great innovators,” the Agam Museum said in a statement. “Yaacov Agam dedicated his life to groundbreaking artistic creation that transformed modern art and influenced generations of artists worldwide.”
Born in Rishon Letzion in 1928, Agam studied at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem before continuing his education in Zürich, Switzerland. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he created works exhibited at major institutions worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Among his most notable works are the Fire and Water Fountain in Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Square, the kinetic fountain in Esplanade de La Défense in Paris and a giant Chanukah menorah displayed annually on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
Between Torah study and the responsibility to earn a living
The Value of Work
Many questions arose in response to my previous column, in which I explained the value of work and wrote that according to the Torah it is proper for a person to work and set fixed times for Torah study, rather than to learn all day as a kollel student and receive a living stipend. I explained that there is inherent value in a person working. In this column I will address some of those questions, and with God’s help, more in the next column.
Q: Is work not a curse imposed upon man as a result of Adam’s sin - so why did you write that it has value?
A: Before Adam’s sin, man was destined to be a worker and partner in the settlement of the world, as it is written: “And the Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and to guard it" (Genesis 2:15). Our Sages added that man was not given permission to eat from the fruits of the Garden of Eden “until he had done labor" (Avot de-Rabbi Natan 11). And this too is part of God’s kindness toward man - that God created the world incomplete, in order to give man a place to be His partner in building and repairing it.
After Adam’s sin, ordinary work was no longer sufficient. Man now needed to toil with great hardship to atone for his sin, as was decreed: “By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread" (Genesis 3:19). But even this labor is for man’s benefit - through his hard work to obtain bread, man atones for his sins and develops both himself and the world.
The Halakhic Ruling on the Debate Over Work
We further learn the value of work from the ruling of our Sages that even a wealthy woman who has servants and has no need to do household work should nevertheless work, because “idleness leads to boredom" - that is, to deterioration and distraction of the mind (Ketubot 59b). Admittedly, if she occupies herself with games such as chess or keeping pets, she will not be subject to boredom - yet there remains the concern that idleness will lead her to sin, as Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel said: “for idleness leads to licentiousness" (Ketubot 61b).
Therefore, if there is a dispute between husband and wife - the wife wishing to be exempt from all work while the husband wants her to work in some household or income-producing capacity - the wife is obligated to work. Conversely, if the husband wishes his wife to be exempt from all work while she wishes to work, the husband is forbidden to prevent her from doing so (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer 80:2-3).
Those Who Are Idle Are Disqualified from Giving Testimony
Our Sages further stated (Sanhedrin 24b) that those who pass their time in idleness - such as dice players - are disqualified from giving testimony, “because they do not engage in the settlement of the world" (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 34:16). The Rambam likewise wrote: “One who occupies himself neither with Scripture, nor with Mishnah, nor with a way of the land (i.e., work) - is presumed to be a wicked person and is rabbinically disqualified from testifying, for anyone who has sunk to such a level is presumed to transgress most transgressions that come his way" (Laws of Testimony 11:1).
WHAT IRAN IS REALLY TESTING AND WHY SO MANY ISRAELIS FEEL THE TABLE HAS SUDDENLY TURNED
For the past several days, I've been receiving variations of the same question from readers. Not about a specific Hezbollah attack. Not about a specific statement from Washington. Not even about the details of the latest U.S.-Iran negotiations.
The question is much simpler:
How did the pressure suddenly shift from Iran to Israel? It is a fair question.
Only a short time ago, Iran appeared to be on the defensive. Israel and the United States were closely coordinated. Tehran and its proxies were under pressure. Hezbollah was constrained. The strategic momentum appeared to be moving in one direction.
Today, many Israelis feel as though the entire table has somehow been turned.
Whether that perception is fully accurate or not, it is worth examining why so many people have reached that conclusion.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Trump Shamelessly Taking Credit for What Israel Actually did, while throwing her under the bus
The man is shameless. He didn’t kill the Ayatollah, the Israeli Air Force did. He didn’t take out Iran’s anti-aircraft capabilities, the Israeli Air Force did. The man is taking credit for the operations of a country that he is now throwing under the bus. pic.twitter.com/t9jmsyiI2a
— Joseph Gelman (@JosephGelman) June 20, 2026
Mark Levin to Trump ... "Stop Trashing, Smearing, Bullying the State of Israel "
🚨 NOW: Mark Levin fumes and demands the Trump administration "stop trashing, smearing, bullying the little state of Israel!"
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 21, 2026
"Stop cozying up to and telling us that the enemy regime in Iran is now more rational, more moderate, and a regime that we can deal with!"
"I don't know… pic.twitter.com/GwhsyJhhE5
IDF Seizes Strategic Iranian-built Hezbollah Underground Command Center ..Hundreds of terrorists trapped
BREAKING: Israeli forces have seized a strategic Iranian-built Hezbollah underground command center on the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon.
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) June 21, 2026
Hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists are believed to be trapped inside as the IDF dismantles the site. pic.twitter.com/0HgESRDAVF
Miriam Adelson Turns on Trump
An Israeli newspaper owned and published by Donald Trump megadonor Miriam Adelson attacked the president on Friday in open letter about his Iran peace agreement, accusing him of “betraying” Israel and declaring that he has “failed.”
With the scathing headline, “You could have been the greatest president of all, but you failed,” Danny Zaken wrote directly to Trump in a letter published in Israel Hayom, Israel’s most widely distributed paper. Zaken argued to Trump that he “may be remembered forever as the president who brought about America’s humiliation.” He wrote:
“And from where I sit, near Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the people of Israel since the days of the kingdoms of David and Solomon, I say to you: You made a colossal mistake. You failed by signing a surrender agreement with a murderous and cruel terror regime. You severely harmed American interests and the democratic and human values of the enlightened world, and you turned over the hourglass toward the next war, which your successors will have to deal with in the years to come.”
Zaken also rebuked Trump over his use of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nickname.
“Two weeks ago, someone in your circle made sure to leak the sharp conversation you had with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” he wrote. “And I deliberately emphasize the full title. He is not ‘Bibi.’ He is the elected prime minister of the independent and sovereign State of Israel, as would be anyone else sitting in his chair.”
Zaken went on: “And I am trying, and failing, to understand what caused this absurd change of direction, so contrary to everything you have said and done until now. The midterm elections are a flimsy excuse. You are in your second term, and the surrender memorandum of understanding will hurt the Republicans more than it will help them.”
He concluded with “one last word”: “We feel betrayed, nothing less, because your heart was, it seemed, in the right place, with all your flaws. You acted against it. You lost your patience and your moral and leadership compass. Only if you walk this back and avoid reaching a final agreement with Iran might there be a correction.”
It’s not the first time Trump and the paper, which was started by the late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson in 2007, have been at odds, despite the over $300M the president received from the Adelson family during his three election campaigns.
In 2024, then-presidential candidate Trump lumped Israel Hayom with the “fake news” after two reporters wrote that Trump’s message to Israel left them both “shocked” as Trump urged Israel to end its war against Hamas.
Miriam Adelson, alongside her late husband, has historically been one of Trump’s largest campaign donors, for which Trump gave her a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018. In December, she said during a Hanukkah event at the White House that she would give Trump “another $250 million” if he ran for a third term.
Watch Danny Danon tell UN Special Rep Venessa Frazier to Shut Up!
Watch: During a UN discussion, an attempt was made by Special Representative @_VanessaFrazier to interrupt my remarks and shut down legitimate criticism. I refused to be silenced. pic.twitter.com/cF5F1sUSWw
— Danny Danon 🇮🇱 דני דנון (@dannydanon) June 20, 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026
World’s oldest living land animal, a 194-year-old tortoise was born When Andrew Jackson was Elected President
He is slow and steady — and winning the race against time.
A 194-year-old tortoise was just honored with Guinness World Records’ prestigious ICON award.
Born around 1832, Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal, was given the title in the record book’s latest edition, alongside greats like John Cena and Shohei Ohtani.
The Seychelles giant tortoise, who lives in Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, is also the oldest turtle ever recorded.
The local legend has lived at the Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of Saint Helena, since arriving there in 1882 at the age of 50.
The remarkable reptile was sent there from his native Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, as a gift for the incoming governor, and has since been there for 31 governors’ terms.
“Jonathan’s recognition as a Guinness World Records ICON is warmly welcomed by the people of St. Helena,” Nigel Phillips CBE, the current Governor of Saint Helena, said in a statement.
“For generations, he has been regarded as a local icon, deeply embedded in the island’s identity and collective memory. This global acknowledgement reflects what the community has long known, that Jonathan is not only remarkable in age, but truly special to St. Helena and its people.”
Phillips also held a press conference on June 17 in recognition of Jonathan’s impressive achievement.
In 2022, Phillips officially announced Jonathan’s birthday as Dec. 4, 1832.
Although he’s lost his senses of sight and smell, the elderly creature is healthy — so much so that his DNA is being analyzed for its secrets to longevity.
Strait of Hormuz Closed Again , Trump’s Iran deal is worse than Obama’s..... New York Posts Turns on Trump
By Post Editorial Board
As he prepared to sign his “memorandum of understanding” with the Islamic dictatorship of Iran, President Trump again insisted that his deal was much different than that of his predecessor, President Barack Obama.
He’s right — it’s probably worse.
Obama’s treaty did not prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, it simply punted the issue down the road in exchange for cash.
Trump’s agreement has the same vague promises, the same payouts, but with the added twist that Iran can and will take the world hostage by shutting the Strait of Hormuz at will.
On Friday, just days after the signing of the MOU, Iran moved to close the Strait, saying no ships could cross without its permission and suggesting that “insurance fees” must be paid.
This isn’t in violation of the deal. This is part of the deal.
Point No. 5: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialog with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Why would opening the door for “administration” of a previously free international waterway even be part this agreement?
How is this in any way the “unconditional surrender” Trump described?
The deal contains just one condition Trump previously said was required of Iran.
It’s No. 7: “Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons.”
“Reaffirm” — because that’s what Iran has always claimed.
If they suddenly mean it, it would be a win.
The rest of the 14-point plan is almost entirely about what Iran gets: Immediate sanctions relief on exported oil.
Protection of Hezbollah from Israeli attack.
And the possibility of a $300 billion reconstruction fund if all goes well with the next round of talks.
No mention of Iran reining in its terror proxies in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen.
No restriction on conventional weapons.
No mechanism to surrender the enriched uranium it has already created.
No regime change or mercy for protesters.
Italian PM claps back at Trump for ‘senseless’ verbal attacks, as feud escalates Trump Doubles Down
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clapped back at President Trump Saturday for what she called his “senseless” attacks – as their extraordinary transatlantic feud escalated.
The two leaders traded barbs on social media, with Meloni posting on Instagram shortly after Trump slammed her on his Truth Social account.
“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” Meloni wrote on Instagram.
“My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.”
Then she referenced US use of military bases in Italy, saying they are governed by agreements “we have always respected.”
“In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she concluded in a sharp sign-off.
The spat began when Trump claimed at the G7 last week that Meloni had “begged” him to take a photo with her.
Meloni quickly rejected the claim in her own post on Friday, to which Trump responded on Truth Social earlier Saturday.
“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France,” the president insisted on his social media platform.
“She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!),” Trump wrote.
Brave Charedie Bochur Waves Israeli Flag in Meah Shearim
The irony is that there are multiple Palestinian Flags in Meah Shearim, but when they notice the Flag that represents Jews including them, they go berserk!
כל הכבוד to the guy!
Friday, June 19, 2026
Zera Shimshon Parshas Chukas
בנימין זאב בן פריידא
לעלוי נשמת
חיי בריידל בת דוד הכהן
Sponsoring Zera Shimshon is $100.00 per week and can be paid on the side bar titled
"DIN Tzaddaka fund" Please email me the name! dusiznies@aol.com
I would like to thank those donated generously to my Tefillin Campaign; we distributed over 50 pairs of tefillin!
One of the donors who donated 6 pair of tefillin came to Israel, and I introduced him to the boys who were receiving the tefillin and he was able to give them the tefillin himself while his family was watching, it was a very moving moment! תזכו למצות
Vance scraps overnight flight to Switzerland for first round of nuclear talks with Iran
Vice President JD Vance will not head to Switzerland Thursday evening for the first round of planned technical nuclear talks with Iran, his office announced.
The trek to Switzerland was already in flux, the veep had previously admitted, as his team worked to iron out the logistics and figure out whether or not the Iranians would participate. The technical negotiations were outlined in a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran that was finalized this week.
“As the Vice President said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity,” a White House spokesperson said in a statement
“[T]he logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable,” the spokesperson added. “As of now, the Vice President is not departing tonight. We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible.”
The Iron Wasp – Israel’s new anti-drone weapon
Israel’s premier defense company, Rafael, unveiled its new anti-drone weapon, Iron Wasp, a rapidly deployable air defense system designed to protect mobile ground forces from aerial threats.
Should the Left in Israel win, they will evacuate all the farms, all new communities in the Shomron
Smotrich in *Makor Rishon*:
“I say, based on knowledge, that there are talks between senior
European Union officials and senior figures in the coalition—which I hope will
not be an Eisenkot-Bennett government—about rolling back everything I have
done in Judea and Samaria in this government and returning to a political
framework.
The meaning is that if there is a left‑wing government, they will evacuate all
the farms, all the new communities we established. This is not an assessment
but a fact. Just as I said, based on knowledge, that Bennett would join forces
with Abbas after the elections, so it is now. Absolute knowledge.”
Thursday, June 18, 2026
The great Chabad Conundrum ..On one hand the Rebbe is alive and on the other hand everyone goes to the Ohel on Gimel Tammuz
Tens of thousands are expected to visit the Ohel in Queens on Wednesday and Thursday for Gimmel Tammuz, marking the 32nd yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson Zt"l .
Organizers announced separate entrances for men and women, designated tent areas, and a one-way exit route toward Francis Lewis Boulevard.
The NYPD will establish a restricted zone around the site, limiting parking and vehicle access. Visitors are encouraged to use bus transportation.
Clown Trump Turns into a Maniacal Wimp Says "Hamas actually behaved pretty well." Will Rubio Quit?
Here’s the hostage video of Rubio standing behind Trump as Trump tries to reassure us about his surrender to Iran with a word salad. It’s no surprise he made everything worse.
— Matthew RJ Brodsky (@MattRJBrodsky) June 17, 2026
He praised Qatar and Pakistan and Iran — like he himself was being held hostage.
He tripled down on… pic.twitter.com/wENrfaNCEh
BREAKING: President Trump publicly rebukes Israel over its war against Hezbollah.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 16, 2026
"Israel's fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed."
Trump said he opposed strikes that destroy apartment buildings filled with civilians and revealed he urged Israel to… pic.twitter.com/sfLxhiWTqA
Trump publicly rebukes Israel over its war against Hezbollah.
Trump wants Israel to wait until Israelis are killed to respond!
"Israel's fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed."
Trump said he opposed strikes that destroy apartment buildings filled with civilians and revealed he urged Israel to let Syria take the lead against Hezbollah instead.
"If Israel can't do the job without killing everyone else, he'll do the job. Syria will do the job."
US-Iran deal leaves Qatar on top
According to reports, during the 60 days set to begin this Friday, the Americans are supposed to lift the naval blockade, the Iranians are supposed to allow freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Middle East is supposed to see a ceasefire. Iran will be allowed to sell oil as it did before the war, and it could receive further relief under certain conditions.
In short, it is quite likely that at the end of those two months, the sides will return to square one: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will again disrupt shipping, the Trump administration will respond by reinstating the naval blockade, and the cycle of tension will resume.
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