Thursday, May 21, 2026

Parsha Naso, My return to Judaism Part 4, Eruv Tavshillin, 2 stories, Swords or Iron, Rising Lion/Epic Fury and other news

 

This week I unsubscribed 20 or so readers from my direct mailing. It seems that Hotmail.com no longer exists. I tried outlook.com in its place and the name was rejected.

 

Good Shabbos Book of Numbers 4:18 - 7:89 Not included is the Yom Tov Shavuous Reading in Exodos of the 10 Commandments. Parsha Yisro.

 

Parsha Naso

 

 

This week’s Parsha takes off where we continue with the counting and functioning of the Leviim in the Mishkan. It is also the longest single Parsha in the Torah.

 

4:21 And the LORD spoke unto Moses saying: 22 'Take the sum of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers' houses, by their families; 23 from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them: all that enter in to wait upon the service, to do service in the tent of meeting. 24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens: 25 they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting, its covering, and the covering of giraffe skin that is above upon it, and the screen for the door of the tent of meeting; 26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and whatsoever there may be to do with them, therein shall they serve. 27 At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burden. 28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the tent of meeting; and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

 

The Bnei Gershon of Sheves (tribe) Levi would be in charge of all the textile in the Mishkan. They would mantle and dismantle the curtains and skins. The were in charge of washings and drying when needed. In the wilderness, their main job was dismantling and reassembling the curtains and other material of the Mishkan and packing on the wagons.

 

29 As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them by their families, by their fathers' houses; 30 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that enters upon the service, to do the work of the tent of meeting. 31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tent of meeting: the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof; 32 and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, even all their appurtenance, and all that pertains to their service; and by name ye shall appoint the instruments of the charge of their burden. 33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tent of meeting, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.' 34 And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses, 35 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for service in the tent of meeting. 36 And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. 37 These are they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, of all that did serve in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

 

The hardwood boards I calculated the tonnage to be about three tons based on the tapered hardwood and density thereof to be distributed on the wagons.

 

38 And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by their fathers' houses, 39 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for service in the tent of meeting, 40 even those that were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers' houses, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty. 41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that did serve in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the LORD. 42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers' houses, 43 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for service in the tent of meeting, 44 even those that were numbered of them by their families, were three thousand and two hundred. 45 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

 

The Leviim from Merari took care of the wood.

 

46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel numbered, by their families, and by their fathers' houses, 47 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, 48 even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore. 49 According to the commandment of the LORD they were appointed by the hand of Moses, every one to his service, and to his burden; they were also numbered, as the LORD commanded Moses.   5:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 2 'Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is unclean by the dead; 3 both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camp, in the midst whereof I dwell.' 4 And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp; as the LORD spoke unto Moses, so did the children of Israel. 5 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 6 Speak unto the children of Israel: When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to commit a trespass against the LORD, and that soul be guilty; 7 then they shall confess their sin which they have done; and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him in respect of whom he hath been guilty. 8 But if the man have no kinosman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made shall be the LORD'S, even the priest's; besides the ram of the atonement, whereby atonement shall be made for him. 9 And every heave-offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they present unto the priest, shall be his. 10 And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.

 

The Bnei Levi and even more so the Bnei Yisrael are forbidden to trespass in the camp of the Cohanim or to make sacrifices or eat the gifts to the Cohain.

 

11 and the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 12 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: If any man's wife go aside, and act unfaithfully against him, 13 and a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, she being defiled secretly, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken in the act; 14 and the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled; or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled;

 

There are women that defile themselves, but most are loyal to their husbands. However, there are men that are very jealous of their wives without any reason and these types are capable of disfiguring or even murdering their spouses. The Torah offers a release in such cases.

 

15 then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is a meal-offering of jealousy, a meal-offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. 16 And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD. 17 And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water. 18 And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal-offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal-offering of jealousy; and the priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that causes the curse. 19 And the priest shall cause her to swear, and shall say unto the woman: 'If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness, being under thy husband, be thou free from this water of bitterness that causes the curse; 20 but if thou hast gone aside, being under thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee besides thy husband-- 21 then the priest shall cause the woman to swear with the oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman--the LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the LORD doth make thy thigh to fall away, and thy belly to swell; 22 and this water that causes the curse shall go into thy bowels, and make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to fall away'; and the woman shall say: 'Amen, Amen.'

 

The process is degrading and the woman is then stripped from the waist upwards with her hair uncovered before all.

 

23 And the priest shall write these curses in a scroll, and he shall blot them out into the water of bitterness. 24 And he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter. 25 And the priest shall take the meal-offering of jealousy out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the meal-offering before the LORD, and bring it unto the altar. 26 And the priest shall take a handful of the meal-offering, as the memorial-part thereof, and make it smoke upon the altar, and afterward shall make the woman drink the water. 27 And when he hath made her drink the water, then it shall come to pass, if she be defiled, and have acted unfaithfully against her husband, that the water that cause the curse shall enter into her and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall fall away; and the woman shall be a curse among her people. 28 And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be cleared, and shall conceive seed.

 

It was so as I told the story of Rabbi Chaim Azulay (The Chida) when the woman appeared with her husband and she was read the Pasha to get a divorce. She proclaimed her innocence. He was a Cohain and as soon as she left his house on the street below, her legs swelled and she died on the spot. Some place elsewhere in the city the man who committed adultery with her died suddenly. But as the Torah writes, if not, she conceives a child.

 

29 This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, being under her husband, goes aside, and is defiled; 30 or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon a man, and he be jealous over his wife; then shall he set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law. 31 And the man shall be clear from iniquity, and that woman shall bear her iniquity.

 

In conclusion, many husbands get jealous of their wives and this whole section is to repair such things. However, if the woman really cheated, she would die.

 

6:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: When either man or woman shall clearly utter a vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to consecrate himself unto the LORD, 3 he shall abstain from wine and strong drink: he shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried. 4 All the days of his Naziriteship shall he eat nothing that is made of the grape-vine, from the pressed grapes even to the grapestone.

 

The Talmud mentions the proximity of the loose woman (Sotah) with that a Nazir. The first thing mentioned is that if one sees such a woman, he should swear off wine and strong drink lest he fall into lusting via his thoughts. That should be a reason for being a Nazir and not trying to be ‘holier than thou’.

 

5 All the days of his vow of Naziriteship there shall no razor come upon his head; until the days be fulfilled, in which he consecrates himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

 

The minimum is 30 days.

 

6 All the days that he consecrates himself unto the LORD he shall not come near to a dead body.

 

He should avoid visiting graveyards and being within a presence of a person about to die.

 

7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die; because his consecration unto God is upon his head. 8 All the days of his Naziriteship he is holy unto the LORD.

 

He is similar to a high priest and cannot bury his closest relatives.

 

9 And if any man die very suddenly beside him, and he defile his consecrated head, then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

 

He has accidently become Tumay not though his choosing but now has to go to recleaning process and start his Nazir Vow over again

 

10 And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tent of meeting. 11 And the priest shall prepare one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, and make atonement for him, for that he sinned by reason of the dead; and he shall hallow his head that same day. 12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his Naziriteship, and shall bring a he-lamb of the first year for a guilt-offering; but the former days shall be void, because his consecration was defiled. 13 And this is the law of the Nazirite, when the days of his consecration are fulfilled: he shall bring it unto the door of the tent of meeting; 14 and he shall present his offering unto the LORD, one he-lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt-offering, and one ewe-lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin-offering, and one ram without blemish for peace-offerings, 15 and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and their meal-offering, and their drink-offerings. 16 And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin-offering, and his burnt-offering. 17 And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest shall offer also the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof.

 

This is what he has to bring to the Cohain.

 

18 And the Nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the door of the tent of meeting, and shall take the hair of his consecrated head, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace-offerings. 19 And the priest shall take the shoulder of the ram when it is sodden, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazirite, after he hath shaven his consecrated head.

 

Even his body has to be cleansed and his head shaved.

 

20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave-offering before the LORD; this is holy for the priest, together with the breast of waving and the thigh of heaving; and after that the Nazirite may drink wine. 21 This is the law of the Nazirite who vows, and of his offering unto the LORD for his Naziriteship, beside that for which his means suffice; according to his vow which he vows, so he must do after the law of his Naziriteship.

 

He could be a Nazir from 30days to a life time (cutting his hair once a year) according to his vow.

 

22 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 23 'Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying: On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel; ye shall say unto them:

 

This blessing was to be in the Mishkan/Mikdash daily with the morning and evening (late afternoon) Korban Tamid (daily offering).

 

24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee;

 

You shall be blessed and preserved.

 

25 The LORD make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;

 

You will get the radiance of the Shechina.

 

26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

                                  

The ending of the blessing is that the L-RD will look upon you and bless you with Shalom.

 

27 So shall they put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.'

 

The Cohanim will bless throughout all generations.

 

7:1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had made an end of setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it, and all the furniture thereof, and the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them and sanctified them; 2 that the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers' houses, offered--these were the princes of the tribes, these are they that were over them that were numbered. 3 And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen: a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox; and they presented them before the tabernacle. 4 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 5 'Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tent of meeting; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.'

 

The wagons were still around from 211years previously when Yosef sent them to transport Yacov to the land of Goshen.

 

6 And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites. 7 Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service.

 

All the cloth and skins could be packed into two long wagons.

 

8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 9 But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the holy things belonged unto them: they bore them upon their shoulders.

 

The three tons of boards and their braces and clamps require four wagons.

 

10 And the princes brought the dedication-offering of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes brought their offering before the altar. 11 And the LORD said unto Moses: 'They shall present their offering each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar.'

 

The tribes were divided into the four directions and how they would set out for war. Thus, the princes (Nassiim) were arrange in that order. Each day, a Nassi would bring his gift and the sacrifices (Korbanos).

 

12 And he that presented his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah;

 

In order that no tribe would give more or less than another, the gifts to be brought were to be the same. This week becomes the longest Parsha as the few lines of gifts given get repeated 12 times. This shows the dearness of each tribe before HASHEM.

 

13 and his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 14 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 15 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 16 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 17 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

 

The tribe of Yehuda is to get the kingship as blessed by Yacov Avinu. They are the first to go into battle and lead off the Korbanos of the Nassiim (Princes) of the tribes.

 

18 On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer: 19 he presented for his offering one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 20 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 21 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 22 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 23 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar. 24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun: 25 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 26 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 27 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 28 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 29 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon. 30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben: 31 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 32 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 33 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 34 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 35 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur. 36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon: 37 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 38 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 39 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 40 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 41 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 42 On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad: 43 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 44 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 45 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 46 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 47 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel. 48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim: 49 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 50 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 51 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 52 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 53 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud. 54 On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

 

This is the beginning of Pasha Shemini as Aharon and sons take over from Moshe.

 

55 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 56 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 57 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 58 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 59 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lamb of the first year. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

 

After the offering of the day, while the celebration of the tribe of Menashe was taking place, the two sons of Aharon die. The joy is turned into sadness.

 

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin: 61 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 62 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 63 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 64 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 65 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni. 66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan: 67 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 68 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 69 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 70 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 71 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, prince of the children of Asher: 73 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 74 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 75 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 76 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 77 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran. 78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali: 79 his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering; 80 one golden pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 81 one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 82 one male of the goats for a sin-offering; 83 and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

 

Even though each of the Nassiim are wealthy similar to Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, etc. in our day, the Torah gives an accounting for each item. This went already on Avraham Avinu and later on Moshe Rabbaynu where neither of them took as much as a shoe lace for their service. (After Avraham freed Lot and returned the spoils and Moshe at the time of Korach and the end of the Torah.)

 

84 This was the dedication-offering of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, at the hands of the princes of Israel: twelve silver dishes, twelve silver basins, twelve golden pans; 85 each silver dish weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and each basin seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; 86 twelve golden pans, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the pans a hundred and twenty shekels; 87 all the oxen for the burnt-offering twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the he-lambs of the first year twelve, and their meal-offering; and the males of the goats for a sin-offering twelve; 88 and all the oxen for the sacrifice of peace-offerings twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he-goats sixty, the he-lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication-offering of the altar, after that it was anointed.

 

The Torah has finished the accounting on the 12th of Nissan 2449.

 

89 And when Moses went into the tent of meeting that He might speak with him, then he heard the Voice speaking unto him from above the ark-cover that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and He spoke unto him.

 

Moshe will continue speaking with HASHEM behind the curtains in the Mishkan otherwise the Aron and Ceruvim were for the Cohain Gadol on Yom Kippur.

 

 

All new 4th Part of my return to Judaism

 

 

These are the formative years of 1966 to 1973 (late 5726 to 5774). After the two events that defied logic and probability, I had to give G-D a chance. I had to follow what was right. Who was to tell me which religion was right or wrong. I could not follow a religion that had statues as I did know the ten commandments. I did want to check out Unitarianism which seemed to reject statues (at least on the surface). But when I went to hear them, they were like a Christian version of Reform Judaism and I rejected that out-right. Buddhism was basically taken from a wise Jew the proof is that their head is called ‘Roshi’ which is ‘my head(leader)’ in Hebrew like Rosh Yeshiva or Rosh Chodesh*. My age group during this time is from a 19year old youth to a father of children and 27 years old. *[The story of Buddha is that he met a wise man.]

 

I am going through two processes at this time. The first is to become an observant Torah Jew. The second and perhaps more pressing is to make a Torah Family which was to become more urgent when my father passed away when I was 21.5 years old of wanting to build an Orthodox Jewish Family and home.

 

At 19, I was still in the world of Broadway Romance. Popular a bit before then was West Side Story a youth, Tony meets Maria and they fall head on in love. It is not the Jewish Concept of Yitzchak meets Rivka in an arranged marriage, similar ideas and good family. Yitzchak brings Rivka into his tent, is comforted by her presence in place of his mother as the woman of the house and he loved her. Had I been taught this, it would have saved me a lot of misconception. But that was not to be. Without a proper Jewish Background, I was literally barking up the wrong tree.

 

The first thing I did was start reading the Holy Scriptures – especially the Chumash. I began to give up eating pork products and meat and cheese together. My knowledge of Kashrus was that rudimentary at the time. I slowly moved to frozen diners in when I went for a weekend to Greenwood Lake. At that time, I would still eat meat that was not slaughtered or prepared in a kosher manner. Still it was a giant leap forward from nothing to something. Later it would become only frozen fish dinners.

 

Stage two would come with the help of Mrs. Dyckoff, the mother of my friend Howard. She wanted me to become within myself whole by making a Bar Mitzvah with an Orthodox Rabbi. I finally agreed that after the summer of 1967, I would visit an Orthodox Rabbi and start the process. In fact, in my Junior Year, I would take Hebrew 101 to start learning the language to read and write.

 

I was at this time dating a lovely girl and we would go out every Friday to a movie. If I had continued, she might have become Frum with me but a number of things happened and I ended wanting to be by myself for my transition. I guess I was too immature to think of a real partnership. Perhaps, if I confided in her my religious transposition it would have been different. It is Robert Frost’s famous poem, “The path not taken”.

 

Then came the Six Day War and all the hidden miracles (some of which I understood and others like Rabbi Goren and his driver single handedly capturing Chevron without firing a shot, I would only learn years later).

 

At this point, I was no longer able to date Reform Jewish Girls because I was a bit of a religious fanatic to them. I started dating a Conservative Girl or two. One funny incident was when it was a cold winter date and she was wearing pants with a hood over her head and us walking arm in arm. People passing us would look if we were two men or a man and a woman. I was not quite ready for forbidden to touch until married Orthodox. I am now 20 and a lot of my friends have steady girlfriends, in fact one had met is wife of the next 50 years until her passing.

 

Just before 5728 (Sept. 1977), I am helped by a fellow named Danny Levy who buys for me a Hebrew – English Siddur. Then just before the High Holidays, I hitch a ride in Greenwood Lake to the Schul in town for Rosh Hashanah and meet via Mrs. Dyckoff Rabbi Klayman of the Ocean Avenue Synagogue. He helps me buy Tephillin, The Code of Jewish Law by Rabbi Ganzfried, the Hertz Chumash, and some Soncino Books on the Tanach.

 

I start reading the previously mentioned books on loan from Rabbi Klayman and the basic Halacha of the Jewish Law Book. I want to keep away from Tuma and want to observe Taharos Mishpacha (family purity).

 

I am still young, romantic but sort of between two worlds. The Reform Jewish Young Women viewed me as a fanatic. Suddenly, I found myself talking to religious female Protestant Girls at school. I was about to be attacked by the Yetzer HaRa with the danger of Intermarriage. I feel head over heels in love with an intelligent Julie-Ann. She was a ballet dancer who was working her way through College as her father had passed away. She gave me points on my English Papers that turned a B or B+ into an A or A+. She was a beautiful redhead who had once worked at the Copa Cabana. She believed in reincarnation and other things. Fortunately for me, she was not interested in Shabbos or Family Purity so those two points kept me on the straight and steady path. Kashrus would not bother Linda a year later but these points would.

 

I did attempt to meet Frum Girls via a friend of my mother, who was observant. Somehow, they were not impressed by my personality or Yiddishkeit. But still held out a ray of hope.

 

In February 1969 (Shevat 5729), a few days before my father’s passing, I entered a new semester at Yeshiva Haichal HaTorah. I offered to pay my way by substitute teaching and other duties. I would end up helping out on Wednesday Evening at the weekly BINGO Game selling sandwiches and soda. I was also finishing up my BA in College.

 

I was about to start learning Gemara (Talmud) and one of the fellows, Mordechai Rubin told me about buying a set of Blackman Mishnayos.

 

The trials and tribulations of a new fully observant Jew was only beginning. To be continued.

 

More on the trials and tribulations of dating in the Orthodox World when one or one’s family are outsiders. https://assets.torahtidbits.com/2026/05/13102427/1660-Bemidbar-A.Ben-Shalom.pdf

 

 

This week we need to make an Eruv Tavshillin on Thursday

 

In Israel, it is rare that a Yom Tov is followed by a Shabbos. In the diaspora, with two days of Yom Tov, the people had to make one to cook from Pesach to Shabbos. It can happen in Israel on Rosh Hashanah and Shavuos and perhaps I am forgetting something. There was a very nice article in the OU about preparing the Eruv Tavshillin and the background for it.  https://assets.torahtidbits.com/2026/05/13102434/1660-Bemidbar-R.E.Ozarowski.pdf

 

 

Fulfilling the Final Commandment of the Torah by R’ Y. Tilles

https://ascentofsafed.com/cgi-bin/ascent.cgi?Name=1483-34

 

 

In the small town of Okop in Western Ukraine, where Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov was born and also lived for a certain period in his life,[1] there was a wealthy man named Rabbi Yoel. He was respected not just for his riches; he was an advanced Torah scholar, God-fearing, and meticulous in observing the commandments.

One day, he felt a strong desire to fulfil the final (613th) commandment that appears in the Torah, that every Jewish man should write a Torah scroll for himself. But for Rabbi Yoel, doing a mitzvah "properly" meant doing it magnificently.

He purchased cattle, gave the meat away to the poor, and had the hides specially processed to be excellent quality parchment for an exceptionally beautiful Torah scroll. Then he hired a highly respected scribe, known both for his expertise and his piety, brought him to Okop and hosted him in his home for many months while he worked.

 

Every day the scribe immersed in a mikveh (ritual bath) before writing. Every letter was written with reverence.

When the Torah scroll was finally completed, Rabbi Yoel organized an elaborate celebratory feast. After all, tradition teaches that completing a Torah scroll deserves a true celebration.

The guest list included the town elite: rabbis, judges, cantors, ritual slaughterers, wealthy benefactors, and community leaders. Rabbi Yoel himself spent days preparing the lecture he planned to deliver at the event - something Talmudic, yet sophisticated enough to impress the Torah scholars of Okop.

One person who did not receive an invitation was Berel the water-carrier.

Berel was a simple Jew. Not rich. Not scholarly. Every morning before dawn he would go to the small synagogue called "Chevra Tehillim," where he and other working men gathered to pray and recite the entire Book of Psalms before heading out to their daily labors.

When Berel heard about the celebration for the new Torah scroll, he innocently assumed -- that any Jew who loved Torah would be welcome there.

So he put on his worn Shabbat clothes, made himself presentable as best he could, and went to Rabbi Yoel's home. Without thinking twice, he sat down among the honored guests.

When Rabbi Yoel saw Berel the water-carrier sitting in the place reserved for Torah scholars, he approached him angrily and hissed, "Just because you say a lot of Psalms, you think yourself a man of distinguished lineage and importance?"

Berel understood instantly. Without saying a word, he stood up and quietly left.

Inside, the celebration continued in full splendor. Silver goblets gleamed, candles burned in expensive candelabras. Rich food and fine wine covered the tables. Musicians played lively melodies while guests enthusiastically sang and danced in circles around the Torah scroll.

Rabbi Yoel was radiant with joy. He danced passionately, delivered his brilliantly crafted Torah lecture, and basked in the admiration of the town scholars, who were deeply impressed by his deep scholarship, broad knowledge and sharp insights concerning the verse: "And now, write for yourselves this song" [Deut. 31:19].

Late that night, after the final guest had gone home, Rabbi Yoel climbed into bed feeling completely satisfied with himself; everything had gone perfectly.

Then he fell asleep… and dreamed.

In the dream, a violent storm seized him and swept him away like a tidal wave. into a barren wilderness. He found himself standing alone and terrified in a desolate wilderness, when suddenly he noticed a brightly illuminated structure in the distance.

He knocked and entered. Inside sat a panel of solemn judges around a long table. Immediately, the head judge called out: "Rabbi Yoel of Okop - you are hereby summoned to judgment."

The plaintiff stepped forward. Rabbi Yoel was shocked to his toes when he realized that the plaintiff was King David himself.

"I accuse you," David declared, "of dishonoring my Tehillim (Psalms) and publicly shaming Berel the water-carrier, who recites every verse in each of the 150 chapters every single day with sincerity and devotion."

Next, the prosecutor rose and demanded the harshest punishment of all: that Rabbi Yoel's soul should not be returned to his body.

Rabbi Yoel was frozen with terror. He could neither speak nor move.

Then, surprisingly, help came from an unexpected source. Another figure stood up in his defense: the Baal Shem Tov.

"If Rabbi Yoel dies now," he argued, "people will never learn the great value of reciting Psalms with sincerity. Let him return so the lesson can
be known."

At once the storm wind returned, carrying Rabbi Yoel back into his body and bed.

He awoke shaking in fear, soaked in cold sweat.

The next afternoon, between the afternoon and evening prayers, Rabbi Yoel went to visit the humble "Chevra Tehillim" synagogue. Standing before the congregation, he publicly asked Berel for forgiveness.

The astonished worshippers listened as Rabbi Yoel recounted the entire episode: the feast, the insult, the terrifying heavenly trial, and the lesson he had learned.

From that day on, Rabbi Yoel changed completely. He no longer took pride in being the greatest scholar in the town.

Instead, every morning he joined the uneducated but wholehearted workers at the little synagogue, sitting among them and reciting Psalms with humility, warmth and sincerity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Source: Freely adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from Sipurei Tzadikim.

Why this week? Moses transmitted eight of the Ten Commandments - a primary text in the first and every Torah scroll since -- to the Jewish people on [the first!] SHAVUOT. King David and the Baal Shem Tov both passed away on SHAVUOT.

[1] Some say both clauses apply to Tlust, not Okop.

My grandson, Yosef Yitzchak, named my great-grandson Dovid (David) in honor of Melech Dovid not knowing that baby’s great-great uncle was Dovid ben Yosef.

 

 

A Rare Power of the Baal Shem Tov by Rabbi Y. Tilles

https://ascentofsafed.com/cgi-bin/ascent.cgi?Name=1484-35

 

 

The Baal Shem Tov's grandson, Rabbi Baruch of Mezhibuz, although known for the manner of authority and royalty with which he conducted his leadership, nevertheless considered himself totally insignificant in comparison to the greatness of his grandfather. One of the disciples of Rabbi Baruch was a young dedicated Torah scholar and a God-fearing Jew, who had come to Rabbi Baruch to learn Torah and Divine service according to the Chasidic ways of his holy grandfather, the Baal Shem Tov. He would cling to the dust of his Rebbe's feet and travel with him on all his journeys.

 

Once, when traveling back to Mezhibuz with his holy Rebbe, a thought arose in his mind: How much greater and more wondrous could the marvels and awesomeness of his grandfather the Baal Shem Tov have been, that the whole world praises and extols him? He found it difficult to believe that there could be a man who surpasses his holy Rebbe.

 

As they arrived near the city, the young Chasid needed to relieve himself. He descended from the wagon and entered the nearby forest temporarily, yet Rabbi Baruch ordered the wagon to continue traveling. When his follower came out of the forest and didn't find the wagon, he walked to the city on foot. Meanwhile, it began to rain and all his clothes were soaked.

 

When the young man arrived at the city, he entered the first house that he saw had a mezuzah, in order to rest a bit and warm up. Once inside, he saw an old man sitting and learning Talmud so diligently that he did not notice the young Chasid’s entrance, and the latter did not dare approach him. Eventually, the old man paused his learning and saw the unannounced visitor. "Where are you from?" he asked.

"I'm from Mezhibuz and I was traveling with Rebbe Baruch."

 

"Who is this Rabbi Baruch? I don't know him and have never heard of him."

"He is the grandson of the holy Baal Shem Tov." The old man responded, "Indeed, I knew the holy Baal Shem Tov well. But his grandson I never heard about.

"Now, allow me to tell you how great was the power of the Baal Shem Tov.

 

* * * * *

 

"When the Baal Shem Tov came to live in Mezhibuz and everyone rushed to him, I wasn't eager to do so also because I didn't think it justified interrupting my Torah learning. Even when I heard people greatly praising his wonders, I didn't want to postpone my studies to go to him.

 

"Once, on a Saturday night, the heat was very intense, and after a long learning session, I no longer could bear the heat. I rose and went outside to breathe fresh air. As I walked, lost in my thoughts, my feet brought me near the Baal Shem Tov's house. I said to myself, 'Let me go and see this man whose fame is so widespread among the people.'

 

"I entered and saw the Baal Shem Tov sitting on his chair, surrounded by a group of women telling him their troubles, and he was answering each one. I said to myself: 'At this time, when a person should be engaged in the midnight prayers and rectifications and Torah study, he's busy with women's talk and vanities?!'

"So I left there. I came across his Beit Midrash-study hall, and entered. Immediately my eyes were drawn to a man standing before the ark, lamenting the Exile and the Destruction of the Holy Temples, pronouncing the words of the Midnight Rectification Prayer from the depths of his heart, with a spiritual melody in an exceptionally sweet voice.

 

"I wanted to see who this man was so I maneuvered carefully to see his face without disturbing his concentration. To my great shock, it was the Baal Shem Tov! How was this possible?

 

"I hurried back to the room where I first saw the Baal Shem Tov, and found him sitting and engaging with the women as before! I still couldn't believe my eyes.

"I ran full speed back and forth from the Baal Shem Tov to the study hall and from the study hall to the Baal Shem Tov. Again, I found him in the room still sitting and dealing with the women, and at virtually the same moment standing in the study hall saying the midnight prayers with tears!

 

"Even though it was difficult for me to process my perceptions, I was greatly amazed at this sight. I realized that it is not for naught that they refer to the Baal Shem Tov as a miraculous holy person.

 

* * * * *

 

"Soon after this episode," the elderly man continued, "a bad incident happened to me. One day, while in the midst of saying the Shema Yisrael prayer, an impure image appeared before my eyes. And this continued to occur every time I said the Shma. What great distress this caused me!

 

"I took upon myself fasts and abstinences, but they didn't help at all. Against my will, I realized that I needed to go again to the Baal Shem Tov, this time to seek his advice and help. I told him everything that had happened to me. His response was: 'If so, take upon yourself one complete fast from Sabbath to Sabbath.'

 

"I went home and did as he said. On Saturday night, I didn't eat anything. On the morning of the first day, when I woke up, the desire for food overwhelmed me greatly. I felt very weak. I thought that there was no way I could keep the fast because the hunger grew stronger from moment to moment. I decided in my mind that I was ready to die. But as soon as I agreed to this in my heart, immediately the hunger left me and I felt satiated as if I had eaten a good meal.

 

"And so it was every day. In the morning I was very hungry to the point of death. And when I held back and overcame my hunger, the hunger left me after I agreed to die of hunger.

 

"On Friday night I ate the Sabbath meal, and immediately the impure image left me at last, and since then my thoughts have been pure and clean, thank G-d.

"I understood that all this was the work of the Baal Shem Tov and that indeed he was truly a holy individual, head and shoulders above everyone else. I became very attached to him."

 

When the old man finished speaking, the young man understood that his own holy Rebbe had arranged this encounter, so that he would hear from the old man about the greatness of the holiness and wonders of the Baal Shem Tov. Rebbe Baruch wanted him to realize that all the wonders he had seen with him did not reach the deeds of the holy Baal Shem Tov.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Source: Excerpted and freely adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from an article by the Rabbi, Chasid and Kabbalist, R. Yitzchak Ginsburg (born and raised in Philadelphia - may he live more long and healthy productive years), on his highly recommended website, //inner.org.

Why This Week? The festival of Shavuot - Receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai - is also the yahrzeit of the Baal Shem Tov.

 

 

Milestone: Barney Frank, 86, Democrat Congressman. long-time progressive who strove for equal rights for LGBTQ Americans and who co-authored the last major finance reform bill. https://www.timesofisrael.com/barney-frank-the-jewish-progressive-congressman-behind-landmark-finance-bill-dies-at-86/

 

 

Inyanay Diyoma

 

 

May 16th and 17th

 

Day 953 and Day 954 since Oct. 7th Day 76 and Day 77 of Roaring Lion/Epic Fury start of week 137

 

Shabbos saw the elimination of two arch terrorists. One was a mastermind of Oct. 7th and the other the second in command in ISIS in Nigeria. https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-confirms-hamas-gaza-chief-izz-al-din-al-haddad-killed-in-airstrike/

 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-says-abu-bilal-al-minuki-second-command-isis-globally-killed-us-nigerian-operation

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-noam-bettan-finishes-second-at-eurovision-as-bulgaria-takes-the-win/

 

While we were praying Mincha on Shabbos, a plane flew overhead. I was concentrating on listening to the Parsha. One of my neighbors looked up and afterwards said, that plane was an American Plane. There was an unusual amount of planes on Shabbos. https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-iran-talks-stall-israel-and-us-prepping-to-renew-war-as-soon-as-next-week-report/

 

The IDF on Saturday night announced that Captain Maoz Israel Recanati, 24, fell in combat in southern Lebanon after he was hit by an explosive drone. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427157

He was scheduled to be married next month. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkcw001wymx

 

Maybe frozen PA funds could go to Board of Peace? https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427151

 

Earlier this week (Thursday), the elite undercover Duvdevan unit arrested the hit-and-run driver from the fatal crash near the village of Luban ash-Sharqiyah earlier this month, in which IDF soldier Nethanel Ayala was killed. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427159

 

Deputy AG endangers democracy. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427127

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/judge-declares-mistrial-in-harvey-weinstein-rape-retrial-amid-deadlocked-jury/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/judge-bars-kars4kids-from-advertising-in-california-saying-it-misled-donors-about-jewish-mission/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/cornell-trustees-back-jewish-president-after-anti-israel-students-mob-his-car/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-suspends-case-against-netanyahu-aides-accused-of-harassing-key-witness-in-pms-trial/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-for-man-charged-with-killing-israeli-dc-embassy-staffers/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/uks-ex-health-minister-streeting-says-will-run-to-replace-pm-keir-starmer/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/top-texas-democrat-wont-campaign-with-candidate-who-wants-prison-for-american-zionists/

 

Right wing activists chain themselves to the Syrian Border. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427178

 

UK police search for man threatening to behead Jews. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427177

 

Hilltop outpost burnt by police after evacuation. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427179

 

Beit Shemesh Engines preplanned explosion. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427163

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/15/academic-bds-gains-ground-europe-poses-strategic-threat-israel-new-report-warns/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/15/toronto-sees-50-drop-2025-hate-crimes-82-percent-religiously-motivated-attacks-target-jews/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/15/we-are-one-community-new-york-university-condemns-swastika-flag-raised-near-campus/

 

If I will observe Shabbos, G-D will save me = the key to success in Iran.

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/15/thousands-people-pledge-observe-trumps-national-shabbat/

 

Israel may have to go deeper into Lebanon. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s182ttl1zg

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/15/dan-bilzerian-accused-inquiring-assassinating-ben-shapiro-israeli-officials/

 

Bibi, the poodle of Trump, doesn’t even bark. https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/15/israel-lebanon-extend-ceasefire-45-days-washington-talks-conclude/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-launches-strikes-targeting-hezbollah-for-1st-time-since-lebanon-ceasefire-extended/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/on-synagogues-playgrounds-in-ny-swastika-graffiti-is-increasingly-common-and-rarely-prosecuted/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/iraqi-militia-commander-charged-in-us-for-plotting-attacks-on-jewish-targets-for-iran/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/backers-of-abbas-rival-excluded-from-fatah-confab-despite-egypts-push-for-inclusivity/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/settler-filmed-clubbing-dog-to-death-in-palestinian-village/

 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/several-injured-after-car-plows-italy-crowd-driver-stabs-passerby-report

 

https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/iran-war-trump-news-strait-hormuz-blockade-ceasefire-tensions-may-16

 

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/dog-walkers-routine-stroll-turns-incredible-3000-year-old-discovery-picturesque-forest

 

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-teen-takeovers-threatening-explode-summer-cities-remain-edge-very-worried

 

https://www.foxnews.com/media/president-trump-reveals-xi-jinpings-response-releasing-imprisoned-chinese-critic-jimmy-lai

 

https://www.foxnews.com/media/bill-maher-offers-stark-warning-democrats-coddling-antisemites-calls-out-woke-idiots-party

 

Hantavirus found six years in man’s semen. https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/rkkyh0ikzx

 

In the complaint, Al-Saadi, working on behalf of the Islamic Regime proxy, told an undercover law enforcement officer that his "people" were behind two attacks in Canada, against a consulate and synagogue. 

 

Make-believe ballroom time? A US Senate official on Saturday removed security funding that could be used for US President Donald Trump's planned $400 million White House ballroom from a massive spending package, Democratic lawmakers said, imperilling Republican efforts to devote taxpayer money to the contentious project. https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-896391

 

Instead of a flotilla, a land convoy from Libya. https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-896381

 

PA reinforces ‘pay for slay’ policy. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896389

 

State Dept. approves $25.8 Billion in arms.  https://www.jpost.com/international/article-896356

 

Two Arab Motorbike thieves arrested. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896401

 

Singer Yuval Vilner is named as rapists. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-896409

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/sealed-files-on-nazi-angel-of-death-mengele-to-be-opened-swiss-intel-agency-says/

 

May 18th

 

Day 955 since Oct. 7th Day 78 of Roaring Lion/Epic Fury

 

I took a photo of one of the American planes landing yesterday. It was probably a refueling tanker and not a Galaxy which is shorter and fatter. Israel is betting on an attack in the next few days. Begin chose Chag Shavuos to blow up the Iraqi Tammuz Atomic Core. So maybe history will repeat itself.

 

The head of Jihad in Lebanon died in an attack last night.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/4-idf-troops-wounded-one-severely-by-roadside-bomb-in-south-lebanon/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/now-60-netanyahu-admits-israel-taking-more-territory-in-gaza-despite-ceasefire/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-warns-of-major-personnel-shortages-last-window-to-solve-crisis-with-legislation/

 

New Truth Social warning to Iran. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427222

 

Iran accuses the US and Israel of dividing the Arab World. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427226

 

In a major diplomatic victory for the international campaign against global Islamic extremism, Honduras has formally blacklisted both Hamas and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organizations, JNS reported.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427229

 

No Torah, no Israel. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427221

 

No American Airways flights until Jan. 2027. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427225

 

Arab Mafia strikes again mayor shot. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sy4a00mujgg

 

Op-Ed Ron Ben Yishai How Trump can end the Iranian Stalemate. https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hypcytp1fx

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/17/israel-to-establish-defense-offices-in-former-unrwa-compound/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/17/uae-reports-drone-strike-at-nuclear-power-plant-as-iran-war-deadlock-endures/

 

Germany's intelligence service refers to the image of a watermelon slice as one of the identifying symbols of secular pro-Palestinian antisemitism and extremism.

https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-896498

 

Al Gore after 25 years of Global Warming now pushing an Ice Age. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-celebrates-un-climate-committee-moves-away-extreme-global-warming-scenario

 

US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) appeared to call for a limited military strike against Iran to "reset" the conflict between the US and the Islamic Republic in response to Iran's continued intransigence and threats to global shipping.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427259

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/early-results-in-fatah-leadership-vote-show-abbass-son-intelligence-chief-elected/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/who-declares-ebola-outbreak-in-congo-uganda-a-global-health-emergency/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/death-penalty-law-for-palestinian-terrorists-comes-into-effect-in-west-bank/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-convenes-security-cabinet-amid-reports-israel-us-preparing-iran-strikes/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-netanyahu-revealed-secret-uae-visit-to-avoid-being-upstaged-by-election-rival-bennett/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/coalition-seeks-to-fast-track-legislation-through-committee-bypassing-legal-review/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/researchers-find-oldest-english-poem-in-a-roman-library/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/mass-dc-prayer-event-with-top-white-house-officials-seeks-to-reclaim-us-christian-roots/

 

Crushing the left’s challenge. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427253

 

Lighter side of the news? After 35 years of marriage, the wife discovers a second woman and a seven-year-old daughter. https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/lifestyle/article/byknl7okzg

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-just-3-of-israeli-ninth-graders-met-science-requirements-in-latest-tests/

 

May 19th

 

Day 956 since Oct. 7th Day 79 of Roaring Lion/Epic Fury

 

Today should have been “Bomb Iran Day” but it was put off again for “Diplomacy” that is far from working on Shachid Fanatic Dynamics. https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/trump-iran-war-israel-hormuz-nuclear-deal-may-18

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/18/trump-says-good-chance-iran-nuclear-deal-delaying-strike

 

A lethal shooting targeted the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, leaving three victims dead, including a facility security guard. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427279

 

A young girl was critically injured and ten other people were hurt seriously, moderately, and lightly after a bus crashed into a tree on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv. Emergency crews are operating at the scene of the accident.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427269

 

Parents raising a public scandal over Moshiach Patch – DO YOU REALLY NEED CHAREDIM OR IS IT PURE B.S. IN ORDER TO DESROY TORAH? https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427244

She definitely wants to up-root Torah. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427304

 

J-Street a cancer in Israel. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427289

 

Finally, after 6 years illegal Arab Outpost to be cleared. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427310

 

Another Oct. 7th terrorist dies after crossing the line. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427305

 

Explosive drone hits Vehicle inside Israel. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427312

 

Iraq places 50,000,000 bounty on Trump. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-896661

 

In a significant legal blow to one of the international community's most vehement anti-Israel voices, a US federal court has ruled that Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Palestinian Arabs, cannot evade a defamation lawsuit filed against her by two prominent Christian organizations, JNS reported.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427286

 

The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court has approved a settlement agreement requiring an Arab resident who attacked two Haredi young men with pepper spray in central Jerusalem to pay them NIS 16,000 in compensation. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427292

 

Teen terrorist caught. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427308

 

Op- Ed Jonatan Tobin. Antisemite vs. Jews and Trump. The race has seven-term incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) pitted against challenger Ed Gallrein, a relative political newcomer. Under normal circumstances, it would take an earthquake to topple someone seeking their eighth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. But in this case, all it took to make the race competitive was an announcement from President Donald Trump that he’d like Gallrein to defeat his least favorite Republican congressman. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427298

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/18/jewish-man-brutally-attacked-london-speaking-hebrew/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/18/irans-executions-more-than-double-2025-making-up-80-global-total/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/18/israel-warns-escalating-terror-threat-west-bank-iran-turkey-hamas-seek-stoke-extremism/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/18/beyond-ironic-mamdanis-nakba-video-features-non-arab-woman-critics-say-european-roots/

 

https://www.foxnews.com/us/austin-shooting-suspect-named-timeline-terror-revealed-teens-alleged-28-hour-12-attack-rampage

 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/maduro-ally-deported-us-alleged-billion-dollar-corruption-scheme-tied-oil-food-program

 

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-republicans-confirm-nearly-50-trumps-picks-energy-land-management

 

May 20th

 

Day 957 since Oct. 7th Day 80 of Roaring Lion/Epic Fury

 

B”H Another Antisemite bites the dust: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-backed-navy-seal-vet-delivers-major-blow-massie-fiery-gop-primary

 

Another Antisemite faces fraud charges. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jd-vance-says-doj-looking-ilhan-omar-committed-immigration-fraud-amid-brother-marriage-allegations

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-reservist-killed-in-exchange-of-fire-with-hezbollah-in-southern-lebanon/

 

Iran will attack beyond the region. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjkddwoyml

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/nyt-israeli-developed-plan-sought-to-have-ahmadinejad-run-iran-after-khamenei-killed/

 

One could really go up to a certain point on the Temple Mount with Mikveh. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427354

 

Supreme Court balks on Muslim petition on Chevron. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427358

 

Armed Bedouin with clubs try to steal munitions from the IDF.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427333

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/19/lebanese-people-broadly-support-hezbollahs-disarmament-peace-israel-new-poll-finds/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/19/trump-says-us-may-strike-iran-again-but-that-tehran-wants-deal/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/19/antisemitic-ai-videos-target-children-disney-pixar-style-push-holocaust-denial-report-shows/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/19/yeshiva-university-holds-conference-calling-social-science-study-rising-antisemitism/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/19/hungarian-filmmaker-says-orgy-antisemitism-overtaking-west-feels-ostracized-film-industry/

 

Chris Rabb - a progressive state lawmaker who is staunchly critical of Israel - is poised to become the newest member of Congress’ “Squad" after winning a Democratic primary Tuesday in Philadelphia. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427355

 

If you don’t invest in Torah, you won’t have one. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427088

 

Children of K. Shemona panic during attack. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427364

 

The television in the living room of the large two-story house on the outskirts of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon was still on. On a table in the sitting room lay three Kalashnikov rifles. A quick check showed there was a round in the chamber. The terrorists had been moments away from opening fire. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjcvagikfl

 

TX Democrat wants interment camp for Jews. https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/05/20/galindo-zionist-internment-camp-texas-primary/

 

Have people found the Tomb of Alexander of Macedonia? Greek officials have presented the Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis, northern Greece, for the first time, unveiling marble-lined corridors, complex architecture and refined sculptural details, including sphinxes that guarded the entrance to the site, Fox News reported.

https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/05/20/has-alexander-the-greats-lost-tomb-been-found/

 

Bibi better behave towards the Charedim or the election could be Oct. 6th

https://www.timesofisrael.com/preliminary-vote-to-dissolve-knesset-set-for-wednesday-as-legislative-agenda-cleared/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-intercepts-all-ships-in-gaza-bound-flotilla-over-400-activists-being-transferred-to-israel/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/board-of-peace-urges-countries-that-promised-funds-for-gaza-to-pay-up/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/smotrich-says-icc-has-issued-warrant-for-his-arrest-promptly-orders-demolition-of-west-bank-hamlet/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/somalilands-first-ever-embassy-anywhere-will-open-in-jerusalem-envoy-says/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/rep-jared-moskowitz-becomes-latest-us-jewish-lawmaker-to-reveal-antisemitic-threats/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/uproar-after-channel-14-anchor-talks-about-iran-strategy-without-censor-approval/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liberman-says-his-goal-for-the-upcoming-election-is-to-become-prime-minister/

 

Shabbos and Yom Tov Times. www.israelnationalnews.com/shabat.

 

Smash Hopper awarded contract to stop drones. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427370

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/big-data-ai-startup-will-open-tel-aviv-engineering-hub-to-tap-into-local-tech-talent/

 

May 21st

 

Day 958 since Oct. 7th Day 81 of Roaring Lion/Epic Fury end of week 136

 

A female soldier is the latest badly injured by a drone in Lebanon. Trump completely has no clue that to lose in Shiite History is to win. They cannot yield to Dhimmi Christians and Jews and their Sunni Muslim enemies are afraid of a Moshiach instead of a Mahdi.

 

Bibi was frustrated with Trump during their last call. https://www.timesofisrael.com/irgc-threatens-war-will-spread-far-beyond-the-region-if-us-renews-attacks-on-iran/

https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/05/20/trump-gives-iran-another-chance-after-heated-white-house-clash-with-vance/

 

Israel is prepared for renewed fighting. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427413

 

In other news another Arab Mafia Murder.

 

Op-Ed David Horowitz Netanyahu needs to fire Ben Gvir of course he won’t. https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-needs-to-fire-ben-gvir-after-his-flotilla-provocation-but-of-course-he-wont/

 

Disgusting Chillul HASHEM.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/ben-gvir-posts-video-of-himself-taunting-bound-and-detained-gaza-flotilla-activists/

 

Letter to the Pope: Itamar died respecting the church. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427423

 

6 soldiers injured by drones. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427401

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427425

 

IDF destroys Hamas weapons depot. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427373

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/meta-begins-job-cuts-in-israel-as-global-layoffs-in-the-name-of-ai-mount/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-jewish-groups-urge-senate-to-back-1-billion-bipartisan-antisemitism-bill/

 

https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/05/20/iais-new-weapon-aims-to-transform-navy-for-modern-combat/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-stabbed-to-death-in-synagogue-in-bnei-brak-in-front-of-his-son/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-shock-decision-national-security-council-stops-work-on-climate-change/

 

Poll opposition weakens. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427398

 

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Major General Yoram Halevi, on Thursday sent an official letter to the leadership of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), demanding the immediate cessation of any transfer of fuel, aid, or other support to the Turkish organization IHH, which has been designated in Israel as a terrorist organization and promoted the recent flotillas to the Gaza Strip.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427421

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/20/czech-republic-emerges-israels-new-european-shield-escalating-eu-pressure-campaign/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/20/tucker-carlson-israeli-tv-us-israel-not-democracies-israel-most-violent-country-world/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/20/antisemitism-germany-remains-alarmingly-high-levels-new-report-warns/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/20/netanyahu-saar-rebuke-ben-gvir-over-flotilla-video-as-pro-israel-voices-warn-of-strategic-damage/

 

https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/05/20/jewish-groups-call-us-congress-combat-union-antisemitism-health-care/

 

We are righteous and have not sinned. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-doj-prosecutor-charged-stealing-confidential-jack-smith-investigation-documents-trump

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/left-empty-for-over-2-years-israel-said-weighing-closure-of-istanbul-consulate/

 

 

Chag Shavuos Samayach, with a healthy, happy, peaceful and restful Shabbos,

Rachamim Pauli