The following are details provided by MetLife Stadium regarding the upcoming 13th Global Siyum HaShas of Daf Yomi.

Please note that carry-in policies,approved bags, parking and other details may be different for those attending at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Event Timeline:
Parking Lots Open: 8:00am
Ticket Office and Will Call Opens: 10:00am
Gates Open: 11:00am
Event Time: 1:00pm

Ticketing Information
Ticket Policy: Guests over 34 inches must have their own ticket

Re-entry Policy: No Re-Entry.  If you leave the Stadium, you will not be allowed to re-enter on the same event ticket.

Ticket Office/Ticketmaster Will-Call: Located at trailer outside MetLife Gate            

Stadium Carry-In Policies

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” OR one-gallon clear, plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar) – limit 1 per person
• Small clutch purse/wallet no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose

Approved Bag Sizes/Types:

Additional Approved Items:            

• Food contained in a clear plastic bag
• Factory-sealed, plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 oz. or less in size
• Still-photography cameras (not contained in a case) with a lens that is 6″ or less
• Tablets (iPad) not contained in a case
• Binoculars not contained in a case
• Rain ponchos, jackets or blankets after being patted down or searched
• Small portable phone chargers (no larger than an iPhone)
• Official national flags that can reasonably be hand-held by a single person and do not obstruct the view of other guests (no sticks or poles)

Prohibited Items:               

• Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size including purses/handbags, camera or binocular cases, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, and briefcases/computer bags
• Cameras with a lens longer than 6” or single-purpose video cameras
• Signs and banners of any size
• Alcoholic beverages of any kind
• Umbrellas
• Strollers
• Laser pointers, flashlights or fireworks, and balls of any kind
• Selfie sticks
• Drones, model aircraft, kites, and other remote controlled or tethered flying objects
• Battery powered heated clothing

Parking Information/Transportation

Parking Lots Open: All MetLife Stadium parking lots will be available at 8:00am.

Day of Event Parking Cost: $40 per car; $160 per Bus/RV. Cash and Credit Cards Accepted

Parking Directions: CLICK HERE

PRE-EVENT Drop-offs: Between Lots D and E

NON UBER POST EVENT Pick-up Locations: Lot D

UBER ONLY POST EVENT Pick-up Zone: Lot E

Public Transportation:

NJ TRANSIT TRAIN:  Will be operational from Secaucus Junction starting at 10:30am.
More info HERE.

COACH USA BUS: Will be operational from NYC Port Authority starting at 10:30am.
More info HERE.

Concessions
Pre-packaged kosher food items will be available for purchase at all concession stands. Alcoholic beverages will NOT be sold inside the stadium for this event

Security Screening Procedure
All guests will be subject to a courteous screening via a walk-through metal detector to ensure the highest level of safety and security.  Guests will be required to place their cell phones, cameras, and keys on the security table prior to walking through the metal detector.  In order to make this process go as smoothly as possible, guests should only bring those things they absolutely need while attending the event. Please leave enough time to get to your seats; the earlier you arrive the better!

Additional Event Information

Stadium Social Links:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
WiFi: Connect to the Free WiFi network: MLSWiFi – No password required

Stadium Map: HERE

Guest Services Hotline: 201-559-1515

Guest Text Messaging Service: Text 78247 and type MLS, followed by a space and your request and location

Code of Conduct – Guests at MetLife Stadium are encouraged to:

• Respect each other as well as our Stadium team members and staff
• Consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner
• Refrain from fighting, throwing items or using foul/abusive language or gestures
• Keep MetLife Stadium SMOKE-FREE by only smoking on the plaza near the Stadium gates or in parking lots

Please report any guests failing to adhere to the code of conduct via our Guest Text Messaging Service, Guest Services Hotline or to a Stadium staff member.

General Event Tips

• Check the weather and dress appropriately. Please be aware of the type of shoes that you wear as some do not offer as much protection or comfort when moving in a crowd.
• Cell phones: Please remember to keep your cell phone charged.
• Bring essentials. Please carry emergency phone numbers and list of any medical information, if applicable.
• Use the buddy system. Stay with your friends when moving throughout the Stadium.
• Pick a place to meet up. Please identify a place inside and outside the Stadium to meet up with your party in the event you become separated.
• Plan to arrive early. Try to arrive at the Stadium at least one hour before the start of the event.This will help your entry into the Stadium.
• Report problems immediately.Please contact a uniformed Stadium team member or use the Guest Text Messaging system if you need assistance. Do not allow someone or something to impact your experience in a negative manner.

{Matzav.com}

Williamsburg – New Jersey’s top law enforcement official met with the Satmar rebbe during a trip across the Hudson River Tuesday to pay a shiva visit to the family of a Jersey City attack victim.

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal assured the rebbe, Rav Zalman Leib, that the investigation into how the attack happened last Tuesday afternoon will be thorough, according to someone present at the visit.

“He told the rebbe,” the observer said, “that members of the Jewish community should not be afraid, should not be ashamed, to continue coming to live in New Jersey.”

The rebbe gave the law enforcement officials his blessing for the investigation’s success.

Prior to the meeting with the rebbe, Grewal held a meeting with leaders in the Satmar community in Williamsburg, to whom the two victims belonged.

“We greatly appreciate the hard work the attorney general is putting into this case, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI,” said Rabbi Joel Friedman, a leader in the Satmar community and a law  enforcement chaplain. “They are working on this tirelessly and professionally.”

The attorney general, who has been the principle provider of information as the attack progressed, was accompanied by members of the federal U.S. Attorney’s office in his state.

The group then went to the Deutsch home on Lorimer Street where he paid his respects to the family of Moshe Hersh Deutsch Hy”d, a 24-year-old bochur who was caught in the attack during a brief stay in Jersey City.

Also killed in the attack that has shaken the frum community were Mrs. Leah Mindel Ferencz Hy”d and grocery worker Douglas Rodriguez. Police Det. Joseph Seals was killed in an earlier skirmish.

Photos by JDN:

{Matzav.com}

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Three days of bliss, relaxation and indulgence on a Fort Myers Beach.

A group of growth-oriented women spent these magical days bonding, having fun, laughing and learning, and inspiring each other. How does one put together a program that women ranging from mainstream Orthodox to extremely less connected Jews will all identify as a life-changing trip?

That’s Project Inspire’s special formula which utilizes a unique Jewish unity approach which taps into the powerful, deep and heartwarming connections between Jews of all levels of observance. There’s nothing quite like a Project Inspire retreat, an opportunity to forge close friendships, to relax and pamper the body, while igniting the soul. At Project Inspire, we strengthen each other to grow as Jewish wives, mothers, and individuals who make a difference.

Yoga on the beach. Festive BBQ at the poolside. Thought-provoking classes and late night discussions. One on one learning. Watersports. Tex mex dinner and spa experience. And so much more….

The retreat, which took place from Sunday-Tuesday, December 8-10, united an eclectic group of women, who, by the time the event drew to a reluctant close, created memorable bonds.

Led by renowned lecturers Mrs. Aviva Barnett and Mrs. Esther Wein, and joined by yoga instructor Andrea Portal, the Winter Retreat at a sun-drenched resort exceeded all expectations.

Aviva spoke eloquently about the power of the Jewish woman to use her feminine gift to truly connect with her husband, avoiding the four C’s (criticizing, correcting, contradicting and controlling,) to enable her spouse to feel successful in his desire to make her happy. Esther’s fascinating multi-part series about foundational Jewish concepts and our self-expression as it relates to godliness set the tone for three days of growth and fun.

The parasailing adventure, in particular, was one of the highlights of the retreat, as the women encouraged each other to reach out of their comfort zones and ‘go for it’ – with parasailing being an apt metaphor for the rest of our lives.  The euphoria and ‘high’ they experienced made it all worthwhile.

The three days ended much too quickly, but the inspiration doesn’t stop.  Participants WhatsApp each other regularly, recognizing that they’ve just experienced something very special together.  As Karen expressed, “We expected to have a grand time…but we didn’t expect all the laughing and crying from emotion –and most importantly, the inspiration!”

Nechama couldn’t get enough of the ten-star experience. “Really REALLY was over the top! The venue, the menu and of course the most AMAZING BUNCH of ladies!!  It’s back to the daily grind and work, but I am savoring the lessons we learned and friendships we made. It will keep me warm for the long winter haul.”

Perhaps the most moving words were from Michelle, who wrote, “I’m taking the day off today to reflect on what I learned and will move forward with more clarity. My soul was filled these last few days with knowledge, and my heart with so much love and affirmation. Today I am so blessed. Thank you so much for all of your words of inspiration, excitement, appreciation and friendship. It is such a privilege to be part of this special sisterhood.”

A Project Inspire trip, whether a memorable week to Israel or three days on a sunny beach, is an experience that will transform your life. You get an incredible bonding experience, a spiritual awakening, and memories that will last a lifetime. After all, there is nothing like a Project Inspire trip or weekend to ignite the spark in your soul.

Our children are our future, and Klal Yisroel throws its collective heart and soul into creating and shaping a bright future. Torah Umesorah has been at the helm of much of it, for the last 75 years, providing much-needed resources, such as seminars, conferences and professional development courses for rebbeim and moros as well as community development and resources for students and parents. Our network comprises of approximately 800 yeshivas and day schools across North America and has lasting impact on over 300,000 children today.

While a heavy focus was placed on professional development for rebbeim and moros, 12 years ago, the Presidents Conference was born to meet the demand for services of those at the helm of the executive and financial departments of schools.

The Conference empowers those who manage the business, financial, and administrative aspects of schools – in order to foster new practices and ideas for leadership, fundraising and administration. This year there are close to 700 registered attendees!

The three short days at the Presidents Conference propel conversation, inspiration, and innovative ideas. Some of Torah Umesorah’s most groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Nefesh Chaya Mashgiach & Mechaneches Training Program, the Aliyah B’Tefila program, Project Lishmor, and most recently, the Diverse Learners Initiative were born from discussions that took place at the Presidents Conference. The Presidents Conference empowers lay leaders and activists with the tools necessary to do even more for Klal Yisroel.

This year’s 12th Annual Presidents Conference will take place in the Miami Trump Doral on December 19th – 22nd and will highlight the ways Torah Umesorah MPowers each and every one of us. Members of our esteemed Vaad Roshei Yeshiva – HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita, HaRav Hillel David, Shlita, and rabbanim Rabbi Eli Mansour, Shlita and Rabbi Moshe Gruenstein, Shlita – will be in attendance. The Conference will be co-chaired by Mr. Bentzion Heitner and Mr. Daniel Woflson and will feature a wide variety of esteemed lecturers.

Couldn’t attend in person? Tune in live today, Thursday, December 19th, starting at 8 pm, CLICK HERE TO WATCH via Matzav.com and MPower yourself too!

The 13th Global Siyum HaShas of Daf Yomi will be held two weeks from today, on January 1, 2020 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

With MetLife being an outdoor venue, weather has been a major topic of discussion.

Matzav.com has been monitoring the weather forecast for the momentous day of the Siyum.

As of this afternoon, the weather forecast for East Rutherford, NJ for January 1 – 13 days away – is partly cloudy, with 20% chance of precipitation, and a high temperature of 40°F, with a low of 29°F. The Siyum will be held during midday, when temperatures are closer to the high.

In case you are wondering, the record high for the date of January 1 in East Rutherford, NJ is a balmy 63°F. The record low is -6°F.

The Siyum program is set to begin at 1 p.m. ET. Shkiah the day of the Siyum HaShas is at 4:39 pm.

{Matzav.com Newscenter}

Last night, at the annual Satmar כא’ כסלו eventm, with thousands celebrating the escape of the previous Satmar Rebbe zt”l from the Nazis ym”s, the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, spoke about current issues and events pertaining to the klal.

The rebbe spoke out against smartphones, stating that we are losing our body and neshama together, and even for those who have a filter, the yetzer hora has found a way to bypass it through other means, such as Watsapp groups and statuses that are not filtered, connecting people of different backgrounds with each other.

“People send and forward all kinds of lashon hora, rechilus, nivul peh and giluy arayos,” he said, “and within a few seconds one can spread filth across the world.”

The rebbe said to the one who sends these clips he is “like Yerovom ben Nevat who causes others to sin.”

“This has caused many tzaros on Klal Yisroel, both physically and spiritually, destroying homes. We must scream loud about the low point that we have reached.”

The rebbe called out those who post and pass images of people in trouble with the law, who were caught or convicted. “It’s bad enough they are shamed at the moment, but this only increases their bizyonos,” he said.

The rebbe called a person who takes such a picture “a rotzeach,” for as chazal say, כל המלבין פני חברו ברבים כאילו שופך דמים. Those who share it and distribute it to other groups are also guilty of retzicha. “We have murderers among us to whom Jewish blood is cheap in their eyes,” he said.

Hefker Velt

{Matzav.com Newscenter}

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Clearing for Phase One of Kesser Torah Estates in Naugatuck, CT is nearing completion.

MESIVTA YESODEI HATORAH

Click here to view the Mesivta Yesodei Hatorah Brochure.

KESSER TORAH ESTATES

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A massive conflagration has destroyed the Lucerne Yeshiva in Canvey Island near London, led by Rav Moshe Koppelman, at whose home the bochurim of the yeshiva were at during the time of the blaze, attending a Chanukah mesibah. The approximately 90 bochurim are left without any of their belongings, which were destroyed in the fire.

We are told that the Sifrei Torah, seforim and tashmishei kedusha of the yeshiva were destroyed by the fire, which wiped out the buildings housing the bais medrash as well as the dorm.

No one was injured, boruch Hashem.

{Matzav.com}

A new 400-page sefer עמק הסופגנים has been published for Chanukah on the minhag of eating donuts or sufganiyot on Chanukah. The sefer is the 3rd chelek and part of a series called אכילה בהלל: עיונים וביאורים בעניין חיובי ומנהגי אכילה בימי חנוכה written by Rav Reuvein Shwartz of Brooklyn, NY and has haskamos of the Chevron Rosh Yeshiva Harav Dovid Cohen and other gedolei Roshei Yeshivos.

Moshe Schapiro writes on Torah Musings:

Every once in a while we receive a book in the library that is so unusual that I feel compelled to share it with the world. I am referring to the publication of Sefer Emek HaSufganim (lit. The Valley of the Donuts) by Rabbi Reuven Schwartz. You may be asking yourself, “Where is this valley? Someone show me the way!” But the word “emek” – “valley” here really means “depth.” So perhaps the better translation of the title would be The Depth of the Donuts. Now you may be asking, “What’s so deep about donuts?” Well, hold your breath and let us dunk into this new book and find out.

There is a very old custom for Jews to eat donuts on Chanukah. One of the oldest sources for this is Rabbi Maimon, the father of the Rambam, who mentions the custom to eat donuts on Chanukah because they are fried in oil, which recalls the miracle of the Menorah. R. Schwartz cites or suggests several other explanations for the custom. I’ll just mention two. Could donuts be the levivot that Tamar made for Amnon (Shmuel II 13:8-9) and is there some connection to Chanukah? Or could donuts be a stand-in for the spiritual food-stuff known as manna that fell in the desert?

But, now we come to the bulk of the book: what are the legal ramifications of eating donuts on Chanukah? There are many. Let’s explore a few.

1) Is it incumbent upon every individual to eat donuts on Chanukah?

On the one hand, R. Maimon, when he mentions this custom, stresses how important it is not to treat any custom lightly! So it would seem that one should eat the donuts. On the other hand, R. Shternbuch (Moadim u-Zmanim 8:148) cites some authorities who were unsure if you should mention Chanukah when you make an ‘Al ha-Michyah (the blessing after eating things like donuts) so they actually avoided eating donuts. R. Shternbuch suggests that the source for eating potato latkes is as a substitute for donuts! So maybe you shouldn’t eat the donuts. However, R. Shternbuch points out that we do not follow those authorities. Moreover, the Rambam (Hilchot Chanukah 4:12) says that one is supposed to add praise and thanksgiving to Hashem on Chanukah, beyond the lighting of candles and recitation of Hallel. According to this, one should eat the donuts because they recall the miracle of the oil and thereby add praise to Hashem.

2) When is the time to eat the donuts?

According to the Meiri (Taanit 12a) the holidays that were instituted in Megilat Taanit (a list of holidays from the Second Temple) begin at night. However, the Minchat Chinuch (301:8) argues that they only begin during the day. The Gemara (Rosh HaShanah 18b) teaches that Chanukah was one of the holidays instituted in Megilat Taanit, so it would seem to be a dispute whether the night of Chanukah is considered a festival. According to the Minchat Chinuch one should only eat donuts during the day. However, this is untenable, as we all know we light the Chanukah candles at night, so obviously the night is part of the festival! R. Schwartz has a lengthy and erudite discussion about the difference between Chanukah and the other Second Temple holidays and attempts to conceptualize why the nights of Chanukah are not the same as the nights of the others. But in conclusion- you should eat donuts day and night. Hmm… maybe I should re-phrase that last line.

3) What bracha are donuts?

This is the biggest section of the book. There is a major dispute between Rabbenu Tam and the Ramban how to define the difference between “bread” and “baked goods.” Does it all depend on the “baking” or on the consistency of the dough or both. It’s complicated and donuts are right in the jelly-filled center of it all! Donuts are usually made with a thick dough, like bread, but donuts are not baked. They are fried. Some types of frying might be considered the halakhic equivalent of baking, but then again they might not be and most frying is considered like cooking. So are donuts ha-motzi or  mezonot? Do you wash and  bentsch on them or just say ‘Al hamichyah? Do you have to take challah from donuts? Can you make dairy donuts? Are donuts subject to the prohibition of bishul akum or pat akum or maybe neither? Can you dunk your donut in hot chicken soup on Shabbat? (Admit it- we’ve all wondered about that last one).

At this point your head may be spinning like a dreidel and you might be second-guessing every donut you ever ate. Don’t! (or do I mean donut?). Remember the verse:  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of donuts, I will fear no evil.” There’s nothing to fear here, because this sefer has haskamot! To be fair some of them were written for earlier works by the author, but R. Yitzchak Zilberstein offers a very hearty approbation stating that instead of eating donuts we can now bite into the Torah of donuts thereby countering the attempts of the Greeks le-hashkicham toratecha – to cause the Jewish people to forget Hashem’s Torah.

These are just a few examples of some of the unusual and interesting discussions covered in this new volume. It does seem a little funny at first, but there are actual, serious halakhic issues covered in this book that are quite scholarly and worthwhile. At any rate, it’s definitely something to chew on this Chanukah. (Source: Torah Musings)

{Matzav.com}

The 13th Global Siyum HaShas of Daf Yomi will be held two weeks from today, on January 1, 2020 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

With MetLife being an outdoor venue, weather has been a major topic of discussion.

Matzav.com has been monitoring the weather forecast for the momentous day of the Siyum and providing regular updates.

As of this evening, the weather forecast for East Rutherford, NJ for January 1 – 9 days away – is partly cloudy, with 10% chance of precipitation, and a high temperature of 41°F, with a low of 29°F. The Siyum will be held during midday, when temperatures are closer to the high.

In case you are wondering, the record high for the date of January 1 in East Rutherford, NJ is a balmy 63°F. The record low is -6°F.

The Siyum program is set to begin at 1 p.m. ET. Shkiah the day of the Siyum HaShas is at 4:39 pm.

{Matzav.com Newscenter}

All are asked to daven for Rav Yitzchok Feigelstock, venerated rosh yeshiva of Mesivta of Long Beach, NY, who is in need of a refuah sheleimah.

The rosh yeshiva was having difficulty breathing and was taken to the hospital. The rosh yeshiva is now on a respirator and breathing better, but is still in need of our tefillos.

The name for Tehillim is Rav Yosef Yitzchok ben Gittel.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Mr. Sam Harris z”l, father of Rav Dovid Harris, rosh yeshiva or Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and member of Torah Umesorah’s Vaad Roshei Yeshiva.

The levayah took place in Scranton, PA.

There will also be a levayah at 8:15 pm tonight at JFK Airport, Cargo Area D, Building 75. The GPS address is 75 North Hanger Road.

Kevurah will take place on Har HaMenuchos on Wednesday at 8 pm.

The family will be sitting shivah from Thursday morning until Thursday afternoon at 13 Rechov Devora Haneviah, dira #5, Ramat Bet Shemesh Gimmel / shtayim; from Friday morning until Monday morning at 550 Clay Avenue, apt. #2-D, Scranton PA; and from Monday afternoon until the conclusion of shiva on Wednesday morning (Jan. 1) Rav Dovid Harris and Rabbi Shlomo Y. Harris will be sitting at 141-06 73rd Avenue, Kew Gardens Hills NY.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The 13th Global Siyum HaShas of Daf Yomi will be held one week from today, on January 1, 2020 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

With MetLife being an outdoor venue, weather has been a major topic of discussion.

Matzav.com has been monitoring the weather forecast for the momentous day of the Siyum and providing regular updates.

As of this afternoon, the weather forecast for East Rutherford, NJ for January 1 is mostly sunny, with 10% chance of precipitation, and a high temperature of 43°F, with a low of 30°F. The Siyum will be held during midday, when temperatures are closer to the high. Winds will be WNW at 7 mph.

In case you are wondering, the record high for the date of January 1 in East Rutherford, NJ is a balmy 63°F. The record low is -6°F.

The Siyum program is set to begin at 1 p.m. ET. Shkiah the day of the Siyum HaShas is at 4:39 pm.

{Matzav.com Newscenter}