Rabbeinu was born in the year 5507 in Baghdad, where his illustrious forbears had been the presidents of the Jewish community, one of the most distinguished families in all of Iraq.

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Opinion and Comment Chanukah, the Miracle of Mesiras Nefesh Compiled from the sichos of Morenu veRabbeinu HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg, shlita Part Two Chanukah is a celebration of mesiras nefesh; an acknowledgement of what mesiras nefesh can accomplish, regardless of the odds, regardless of teva. In response to our mesiras nefesh Hashem saved us with miracles. Therefore, according to the Maharam MiRottenburg celebrations of mishteh vesimchah do not adequately express our gratitude to Hashem for the nes of Chanukah. Hallel and hodo'oh can best publicize the nes of Chanukah; the miracle of mesiras nefesh.

Opinion and Comment They Try to Make us Forget Your Torah by Mordecai Plaut The issue of army service for yeshiva students has been in the news lately, as a case before the High Court that seeks to upset the Tal Law makes its way through the legal process. The public service of yeshiva bochurim was also discussed extensively at a Cabinet meeting two weeks ago, where suggestions were made to make army service "more attractive" to Torah scholars, as it were. In addition, various economic leaders present the importance of integrating the "chareidi community" with the work force of Israel from their own perspective.

Opinion and Comment Hiddurim in Olive Oil for Hanukah by Yated Ne'eman Staff Regarding the hiddur of using olive oil to light Hanukah candles, Maran HaRav Eliashiv made known previously that the closer the oil is to the olive oil used for the menorah in Beis Hamikdosh, the more mehudar it is for Hanukah.