Eretz Yisrael

The Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 265:7) notes that the practice in Eretz Yisrael is to recite the bracha of Shehecheyanu at a brit. This custom persists today. This practice has taken very strong root in Eretz Yisrael, as the Vilna Gaon (Biur Hagra 265:36) strongly endorses reciting the Shehecheyanu at a brit. Many of ...

Yisrael was learning in yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael. A taxi driver started schmoozing with him while bringing him to yeshiva one day. The driver said, “I used to learn in yeshiva, but I left all that behind me. I still believe in Hashem, but mitzvot—that's not for me. However, my best friend Avi, who also left yeshiva, ...

The Chida was niftar on Leil Shabbos, 11 Adar 5566/1806, in Livorno. In 5720/1960, when the authorities were planning to desecrate his holy kever, his remains were brought to Eretz Yisrael for reburial on Har Hamenuchos. Many open nissim occurred then, further attesting to the Chida's greatness and ...