Haredi Life

Israel

IDF soldier and scion of anti-Zionist Satmar dynasty joins ‘Mislaibeled’ podcast for wide-ranging conversation

Chaim Meisels, the great-grandson of the previous Satmar rebbe, spoke to podcast host Laibel Weiner about joining the IDF, fighting in Gaza post-Oct. 7, Israeli politics, and more

Legislation

New bill would exempt matzah bakeries, other restaurants from environmental rule

Staten Island Assemblyman proposes bill to exempt matzah bakeries, pizzerias from environmental rule that constitutes “discrimination against ethnic restaurants”

Borough Park

Fire at Borough Park synagogue leaves five people hospitalized, with three in serious condition

The fire broke out in the Stavnitz rabbi’s home, above the synagogue he leads, and was caused by a cooking accident

Yeshivas

Judges hear oral arguments in state’s appeal against yeshiva advocates

At issue is whether the state can institute enforcement mechanisms for the regulations it sets for nonpublic schools, including yeshivas

New Square

Ramapo police recover $14,000 shtreimel stolen from a car in New Square

The pricey fur hat, traditionally worn by Hasidic men on Shabbos and holidays, was returned to its owner, and two suspects were arrested

Legislation

New Jersey bill to help with private school tuition via tax credits and a scholarship fund

Under the proposed legislation, donations to a state-chosen scholarship fund for private school students would get a dollar-for-dollar tax credit

Holidays

For a holiday marked by generosity, banks across Borough Park stock up on cash

For Purim giving, banks provide for everyone’s preferences — half-dollar coins, two-dollar bills, hundreds and fifties

Agunah

Sex strike for agunah stirs controversy, elicits disapproval from prominent rabbi Hershel Schachter

While some have voiced support, various Orthodox figures have called the sex strike a “terribly destructive idea” and “morally wrong”

Antisemitism

Antisemitism toward Haredim discussed at ADL’s ‘NeverIsNow’ summit, but few Haredi leaders in attendance

At the annual conference, held at New York’s Javits Center, panelists spoke of the unique challenges with antisemitism faced by Haredim, whose Jewishness is highly visible

Gender

‘For Women and Girls Only’: new book explores Haredi women artists and performers

Author Jessica Roda charts a trend in which Haredi women's art and creativity has transcended schools and summer camps

Yeshivas

New Agudah billboards suggest Haredi yeshivas teach children to be proud Americans

In the latest installment in its ongoing “KnowUs” campaign, Agudah’s ads over Times Square and several New York City highways say yeshivas won’t teach boys to “hate America”

Israel

Survey: Majority of Haredim approve of Netanyahu, want Gazans expelled

New survey finds a majority of Haredim approve of Israel’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and want to see Israel take over Gaza after the war