Election Results Midterms 2026

Ocean county live results Here

- 9pm Decision Desk HQ projects that the Democrats win the House of Representatives

NYT 95% Democrats gain control of the senate

Fox calls it Democrats to gain control of the senate 

- "Free, free Palestine!"Supporters of Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed break into spontaneous chants outside his victory party, turning an early morning election celebration into a pro-Palestinian demonstration. 

- Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, beating Republican Mike Rogers, per the AP. He'll be the first Muslim senator in American history.

- David Friedman, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel during Trump’s first term, responds to the U.S. election results: "We can’t sugarcoat reality: Jew-hatred has become a powerful political movement in the United States. This isn’t a matter of Republicans or Democrats, but a movement that crosses party lines, and unprincipled candidates are exploiting it to win votes.

- Kayleigh McEnany Former WH press secretary Tonight, socialist candidates - previously unthinkable near the levers of powers were empowered. They have professed views such as seizing private businesses and abolishing private insurance. One candidate couldn't say whether Cuba was a dictatorship, and another said she used the American flag as a napkin. Republicans MUST learn to make the case against socialism.  Tonight, they did not.  

- Trump congratulates Democrats on their election victories  "They did a good job"

- Decision Desk can project that Democrat Troy Jackson will defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine. The state has backed Democrats in every presidential election since 1992, but voters also elected Republican Susan Collins to five consecutive Senate terms. That record ends tonight

- Trump blames Iran war for crushing Republican midterm defeat. President acknowledges Iran conflict and soaring fuel prices contributed to Republicans' crushing defeat but insists he would launch the war again; 

- Democratic Senator Cory Booker has won in Lakewood with 56% of the total vote.(onejersey)

- Faanews: Jackson Township voters have spoken and they have spoken loudly, clearly, and decisively! In a stunning Election Day repudiation of Jackson's political establishment, voters rejected incumbent Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and the Council candidates running alongside her, handing a sweeping victory to the rival “Fight for Jackson” team. With all 34 of Jackson's 34 election districts reporting, Elliott Shem-Tov defeated Kuhn by more than 1,800 votes, while Councilman Christopher Pollak and Amanda Trombetta captured both available Township Council seats. The results represent a major political setback for the establishment-backed “Standing Up for Jackson” team and an especially uncomfortable Election Night for Council President Mordy Burnstein.

- The Fox News Decision Desk projects the GOP suffered major losses across four critical voter groups: Hispanic voters, young voters, independents, and rural Americans — a coalition collapse that fueled upsets few saw coming. And top Democrats are already signaling they plan to launch sweeping investigations targeting Trump and his administration

- Trump posts a red cap with the word VETO

- Trump: "If Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, hadn’t become a RINO in the last six months of his Political Life, he wouldn’t have lost. He went back to his original formula, and it wasn’t pretty! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Josh Turek has flipped the Iowa senate seat defeating Ashley Hinson. Dems are now at 51 in the senate.

-President Donald Trump told the New York Times that he would accept the results of the midterm elections and was prepared to work with Democrats.

- U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler NY17 (R)  conceded in #NY17 to Cait Conley (D).“I am exceptionally proud of my record," Lawler said. “Despite the election results tonight, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have served in this capacity.

Monsey: Joe Rand appears to defeat Republican Bill Weber in the New York State Senate race

- Democrat Gina Hinojosa will defeat Gov. Greg Abbott in the Texas gubernatorial race, ending his 12-year run

- Hakeem Jeffries, the current House Minority Leader from New York, is poised to become Speaker of the house when dems take control 

- Trump reacts to midterm results 

"I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

- The blame game is already underway inside Trump’s administration. According to The Wall Street Journal, White House sources and Trump allies say the Iran war contributed to Republicans’ sweeping election losses—and argue the outcome would have been very different had it ended months ago. 

- Another Dem senate flip Decision Desk HQ projects James Talarico wins the TX US Senate General Election

- All stock futures plunge across the board as a Democratic blue wave takes shape in the midterm elections.

- Jeff Van Drew has called Zack Mullock to concede.

- Low voter turnout in Lakewood Raitzik receives 401 votes in District 12 Wetgate Coles 603, Fuentes 571 votes.

- Senate flip: NBC just called SC for Annie Andrews (D) against Darline Graham who tool over for her brother Lindsey Graham

- Tom Kean, Jr. has called Rebecca Bennett to concede in NJ-7.

- Lakewood Coles and Fuentes get over 14,000 each Raitzik with 9000 votes. BOE write in over 8500.

- Polymarket projects Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan's Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate — 99% chance.

- Democrats sweep in Monmouth County, win two county commissioners and a surrogate.

- Polymarket projects James Talarico has flipped Texas's U.S. Senate seat, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate race in the state since 1988  99% chance.

- NY17  Mike Lawler VS Conley: consent order means no winner determined tonight. Ballots will be transported to secure location and counting likely to begin early Wednesday.

- Manchester  Joseph Hankins wins mayoral race

- Jackson Mayor race Elliott Shem Tov defeats Jennifer Kuhn. In council race  Chris Pollak and Amanda Trombetta win by a few thousand votes 

- Democrat Rebecca Bennett has been elected to Congress from New Jersey's 5th district, unseating two-term Republican Tom Kean, Jr.

- Democrat Kathy Hochul wins reelection for governor of New York, according to DDHQ projection.

- The Fox News Decision Desk projects that Republican Rep. Andy Barr will be the next senator from Kentucky, defeating Democrat Charles Booker. Barr will fill the seat left by former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

- According to an NBC News report, people close to President Trump say he is preparing for a potentially difficult election night for Republicans. The report suggests that Trump’s inner circle is bracing for potentially significant GOP losses as the midterm results come in, with control of Congress at stake.

- Jackson mayor close race Eliot Shemtov leading Jennifer Kuhn by 2%. Chris Pollak leading in council race.

- Democrat Roy Cooper projected winner of North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat, flipping it blue

- Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles wins seat, Debbie Fuentes holds seat.

Lakewood fire District Dovid Bender and Harrison Pfeffer win commissioner 

- Decision Desk HQ projects Byron Donalds wins the FL Governor General Election

- Republican Rep. Chris Smith has won re-election to a 24th term in Congress.  

- Democrat Cory Booker has won re-election to a third full term in the United States Senate from New Jersey.

- Jon Ossoff wins the Georgia U.S. Senate General Election after defeating Republican Mike Collins, according to DDHQ projection

- Democrat Adam Hamawy has been elected to Congress from New Jersey's 12th district.

- Florida Rep. Randy Fine wins reelection to the US House

- Polymarket projects former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has won the state's U.S. Senate race  99% chance.

- Fox News projects Democrat Chris Pappas will defeat former Republican Senator John Sununu in New Hampshire Senate race

Oif Simchas Tuesday 24 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Kirzner - Zelekovitz Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Aberback - Goldstein Ateres Reva

Nehmad - Quaknin Fountain Ballroom 

Koslovsky  - Stein Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Epstein - Newman Ateres Blima

Sturman - Brody Ateres Esther 

Scott - Pikcholtz Neemas Hachaim 

Solny  - Lench Cedar Palace 

Tuesday November 3 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 72°A mix of clouds and sun

-  Trump told the Financial Times that the United States has no immediate plans to launch new strikes against Iran, signaling satisfaction with how the situation with Tehran is unfolding. “It looks like we’re getting everything we want,” Trump said

- Trump social  post to Monsey Jewish community today :

"The Jewish community in Monsey, New York, and its surrounding neighborhoods, voted in very big numbers for me in our Historic 2024 Presidential Campaign. TREMENDOUS SUPPORT! TODAY, the eyes of the Country are on New York again! Congressman Mike Lawler has been a tremendous friend to the Jewish community and a strong leader in the fight against antisemitism. He has stood with the community when it mattered most, speaking out against hatred, and standing up for Religious Freedom and School Choice! Mike has worked tirelessly for his constituents, for our Country, and for the Jewish people. He understands the importance of strong leadership, protecting our communities, and delivering REAL RESULTS for the people he represents. His dedication to public service and his willingness to stand up for what he believes in have made a tremendous difference. That kind of commitment should never be taken for granted! Working together with your State Senator Bill Weber, Mike will continue to be your voice, and fight for you and your family! EVERY VOTE MATTERS. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD TODAY. VOTE MIKE LAWLER FOR CONGRESS — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Israel election update:  by Amit Segal vhief political analyst for CH 12: It is now clear that Eisenkot will be the first to be asked to form a government. When he goes to the President tomorrow, he will have more recommendations than Netanyahu, and probably many more. Here are the numbers as we know them now.

Eisenkot has the four Change Bloc parties, which together hold 48 Knesset seats. Netanyahu has only four of the five parties that ran with him, for 46 seats as UTJ has declared itself agnostic. Ra’am and the Joint List are not counted in either total, but they will clearly do whatever Eisenkot asks of them, whether that means recommending him or staying on the sidelines.

So what does Eisenkot do with the mandate? He will have six weeks from tomorrow, and essentially two options: a unity government with Netanyahu, or a government that includes the Haredim. He may be using the Haredi option as leverage against Netanyahu, or it may be a real option. Either way, here is what is on the table.

United Torah Judaism wants a draft law that is better, by its own standards, than the Bismuth bill, which critics nicknamed the draft-evasion law. It wants a law with no sanctions and no enlistment targets. As it happens, a solution like that already exists, and the man who proposed it is Avigdor Liberman. In 2017, as defense minister and a close friend of the Haredim, he offered them such a law. To this day they regret that they followed the most extreme voice among them and said no. Now Eisenkot needs to know whether Liberman and Bennett are truly with him, or whether they will push him off a cliff to score points in the next election. And nobody knows whether such a law would survive the High Court.

- NYT reports Israel has shared intel with the US asserting that Iran is considering the use of chemical weapons against its adversaries “Information met with alarm by some American officials and deep skepticism by others, according to U.S. and regional officials.”

- Rav Amnon Yitchak will be speaking in Lakewood this evening at the high school

- Trump: "If people ever got tired of me in the US, I'll move to Israel and become prime minister"

- Trump: "If you're black or if you're Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul, you're crazy.

- Shas officially announces: We will recommend Netanyahu. The hypocrisy of the left-wing parties is glaringly obvious.” UTJ yet to .ake recommendation  will wait for gedolim to return from keren olam HaTorah fundraiser in Europe  with a decision.

- Left change bloc suddenly courting the charedim to form a coalition without the Arabs. Journalist Amit Segal says “At the end of an entire campaign that focused on portraying the ultra-Orthodox Jews as ‘parasites’ (Golan), ‘draft dodgers’ (Bennett), ‘destroyers of the country’ (Lieberman), and ‘non-Zionists’ (Eisenkot), the leaders of the Change Bloc agreed that negotiations with the charedim should not be ruled out.”

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: For 4 years, we have witnessed unrestrained attacks on the charedi sector, morning and evening, by the media and the left-wing bloc. The only ones who acted and will act to regulate the status of Torah scholars so that anyone who studies Torah can continue to study Torah legally are Likud and the right-wing bloc. In the face of consciousness engineering, we insisted on producing a real solution, by agreement and in collaboration with the leaders and elected representatives of the Charedi public, and to ensure that anyone who does not study Torah in a yeshiva will enlist in the IDF, enter Caredi and exit charedi. We will act to complete this important mission.

- BDE: Petirah of Rebbetzin Chana Greenbaum a”h, daughter of Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz zt”l,  wife of Rav Dov Greenbaum Ztl ,she was niftar at the age of 104. Her  husband led the Yeshiva of Spring Valley  from 1951 until his passing in 1982  and they were instrumental in establishing Torah life and education in Rockland county.  Her sister, Rebbetzin Shulamis Schiff a”h, wife of Rav Shea Schiff zt”l rosh yeshiva of Mesivta Bais Shraga in Monsey. was niftar in July at the age of 98. 

- President Trump says the U.S. will end roughly $4 billion in annual aid to Israel by the end of the year, revealing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the decision. Explaining his support for ending military aid to Israel, US President Donald Trump suggests he doesn’t want to give ammunition to critics who knock Washington for giving more to the Jewish state than any other country.“Why should we suffer the slings from lunatics like an El-Sayed when they don’t need it,” Trump tells Fox News. “It’s a bad talking point. Because then you’d say, ‘Why don’t we give everyone $4 billion? Israel is our number one. We give them more than anybody else,’” he continues.

- Nurses to Rally Wednesday in Lakewood

Nurses at Kimball Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood and RWJBarnabas Health’s Toms River facility have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract, citing inadequate staffing, lower sick leave benefits, and wage concerns.  The nurses are demanding contractual staffing ratios of no more than 4–5 patients per nurse, compared to reports of up to six patients per nurse during 12-hour shifts. A rally is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, as nurses push for better staffing protections, wages, and benefits.

- LPD: Six Drivers Arrested for DWI in Lakewood Over the Weekend as Police Vow to Keep Up Crackdown: Chief Gregory Meyer credits proactive patrols for pulling impaired driver

- In the Monsey election race for state senate Rav Yisroel Dovid Schlesinger שליט״א warns against compromising Torah values for personal, political, or financial interests. He stresses that no one should claim to represent Klal Yisroel without proper authority, and that achieving a desired goal never justifies using improper means. The Jewish community must remain faithful to Torah principles as a ממלכת כהנים וגוי קדוש – a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Audio

- Democrat Ocean County Commissioner candidate Kia Phua says he is disappointed that the Lakewood Vaad did not give him an opportunity to present his platform before endorsing incumbent Commissioner Frank Sadeghi. Phua points to county tax-rate increases of 10.7% in 2024, 7.1% in 2025, and 8.2% in 2026, totaling a reported 28.2% since 2023. He argues that taxpayers deserve greater accountability and transparency. Phua pledges to vote against any county tax increase that would raise taxes on Ocean County municipalities and says residents deserve an opportunity to hear from all candidates before endorsements are made.

-Lakewood Election

No Robo Calls, No Campaigning Lakewood Election Day Remarkably Quiet

On what is usually one of the busiest days of the election season, Lakewood has been unusually quiet. No barrage of robo-calls, no major get-out-the-vote campaign, and very little visible effort by the incumbent candidates to reach out to the community.

The silence raises a legitimate question: Why the sudden lack of campaigning?

For years, residents have been told how important it is to turn out in large numbers, regardless of who wins. Voter participation and showing strength at the polls have always been emphasized as essential.

Yet this time, there seems to be a deliberate decision to keep things unusually low key. Have the incumbents simply lost interest in reaching out to voters, or is there another reason behind the silence?  Lakewood residents deserve an explanation.

Election Day Tuesday November 3

Election day 2026 midterm elections: Polls open until 8:00pm in New Jersey. Voting is at the local district. Find polling place HERE at NJ voter information portal. No trash collection and municipal offices are closed.

- America First Republican  Rep. Fine

,aka the Hebrew Hammer, has officially WON reelection in Florida’s 6th Congressional District!.

- Republicans in NJ-7 are doing well on GOTV, but the Democratic advantage is still over 13,000.(NJ Globe)

- 6pm in New Jersey  so far 115,8911 have vited with democrats at 23% Republicans at 52% and unaffiliated 23%

- Low voter turnout around Lakewood  as of  4pm crowds vote after 2nd seder

- As of 2pm a total of 72,405 voted  in Ocean county with democrats at 23% Republicans at 53% and unaffiliated 24%

As of 10:30 am 30,000 voted in Ocean county with Republicans 53%

Democrats are hoping to take back control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Election forecasters have predicted that Democrats will win the House majority, but that the race for control of the Senate remains a toss-up. Republicans are hoping for a massive turnout  to beat the early voting numbers favoring democrats. 

Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM today, with voters deciding a U.S. Senate race, all 12 congressional seats, county offices, municipal governments, school boards, and hundreds of other contests.  

Locally in Lakewood two seats are open for township committee with Moshe Raitzik on the ballot to unseat the incumbents. There's also elwctions for fire Dep and BOE. In Jackson there's a tight race for mayor and council.

 NJ Globe: This is Donald Trump’s midterm election.  He is the omnipresent force in American politics today. The president’s approval rating in New Jersey has fallen to 29%, with 66% disapproving, according to the latest Fairleigh Dickinson University poll. Among independent voters, Trump’s approval stands at just 24%.  A separate FDU survey found Democrats leading Republicans by 23 percentage points in statewide congressional races.

Democrats enter Election Day with an enormous head start.  An analysis by Umichvoter shows that 1,222,264 New Jerseyans have already voted, including 693,281 Democrats, 290,095 Republicans, and 238,888 unaffiliated and third-party voters. That’s a 403,186-vote Democratic advantage before Election Day.   The numbers reflect party registration, not votes for individual candidates, and Republicans traditionally rely more heavily on Election Day turnout.

At the top of the ballot, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker is seeking a third full term against Republican Justin Murphy, a former Tabernacle deputy mayor.  Booker is heavily favored in a state that hasn’t elected a Republican U.S. senator since Clifford Case in 1972.

The biggest congressional battleground is New Jersey’s 7th district, where Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) faces Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot. Trump carried the district by one point in 2024, while Gov. Mikie Sherrill won it by two points last year. Bennett hopes a favorable national political environment and an energized Democratic electorate will end Kean’s congressional career after two terms.

In South Jersey’s 2nd district, Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) faces Cape May Mayor Zach Mullock.  Democrats have built a significant early voting advantage in a district Trump carried comfortably, although Van Drew has a substantial reservoir of reliable Republican voters who have not yet cast ballots.  Van Drew should be winning, but Democrats

- BDE: Petirah of Rebbetzin Chana Greenbaum a”h, daughter of Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz zt”l,  wife of Rav Dov Greenbaum Ztl ,she was niftar at the age of 104. Her  husband led the Yeshiva of Spring Valley  from 1951 until his passing in 1982  and they were instrumental in establishing Torah life and education in Rockland county.  Her sister, Rebbetzin Shulamis Schiff a”h, wife of Rav Shea Schiff zt”l rosh yeshiva of Mesivta Bais Shraga in Monsey. was niftar in July at the age of 98. 

Oif Simchas Monday 23 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Schwartz - Friedman  Fountain Ballroom 

Lubling - Koslowitz Cedar Palace

Lauer - Reiss Ateres Reva

Aboud - Shwekey Ne'emas Hachaim 

Spira - Slomovits Ateres Chaim Elazar

Roness  - Burzsryn Ateres Esther 

Rothman - Alpert Ateres  Blima

Heller - Parsons Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Monday November 2 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 67° Partly cloudy.

- The United States struck Iran’s strategically important Qeshm Island on Monday, U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal. The attack is reportedly part of a series of limited, previously undisclosed U.S. strikes against Iranian targets in recent weeks. According to U.S. officials, the operations are intended to prevent Iranian threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

- Mussar  Shmuz subtle Mashgiach shlita at BMG Beren hall.

- Nusach Ashkenaz- As of Mincha yesterday 90 Shemonah esreis  have been said with the inclusion of משיב הרוח ומוריד הגשם therefore beyond this point one who is unsure if he added Mashiv Haruach can halachicaly be presumed to have said it and need not to repeat shemonah esrei. (nusach Sefard never needs to repeat) (one who served as a shliach tzibbur during this time period may count his chazaras hashatz toward the count of 90. (Tidbits by Klal Govoha)

- Iranian reports indicate explosions were heard in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas following a reported U.S. strike targeting an Iranian air defense system on Qeshm Island, near the Strait of Hormuz. The reported strike comes as Washington and Tehran are engaged in diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement.

- Youngeleit in Lakewood were holding large signs against voting for Booker due to his anti Torah agenda.

- Trump: Oil Prices are DROPPING LIKE A ROCK, down almost $10 a Barrel, A RECORD, because people feel that there will not be a War with Iran. Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible. It could happen!"Things are trending in the right direction for America.

- Netanyahu says he is open to talks on forming a broad government, while rejecting any coalition dependent on Ra’am or the Joint List, which he accuses of supporting terrorism and denying Israel’s existence as a Jewish state. He says Likud emerged as the largest party and argues that the result gives him a mandate to lead the next government.

- Trump says Iran wants a deal and that an agreement is possible.

-Antisemitic Graffiti and Nazi Swastika Symbols found scrawled on Four  Williamsburg School Buses of frum schools Police Investigating

- Reminder today is the deadline New Jersey homeowners and renters eligible for the 2026 ANCHOR property tax relief benefit have until TODAY, November 2, to submit their applications.Don't miss out on your property tax relief! Apply here.

- Early voting numbers in New Jersey. So far 1.1 million people have voted in New Jersey both in person and vote  by mail

Combined : 1,123,645

🔵 DEM 645,777 (57.5%)

🔴 GOP 264,662 (23.6%)

⚪️ OTH 213,206 (19.0%)

- Iran offers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours if U.S. meets its demands.

- Iran's President Says Khamenei Has Authorized His Government to Pursue Peace Talks

- Tucker Carlson claims Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring President Donald Trump to launch a nuclear strike on Iran, targeting an alleged underground enrichment facility. 

- Jackson a swastika was painted in the windows of a home under construction off Whitseville rd.

- Decision desk HQ: Democrats now have an 84% probability of winning control of the House, their highest point of the cycle. Our forecast expects Democrats to win 241 seats. 218 seats are needed for a majority.

- The Texas Senate race is now the most expensive non-presidential race in U.S. history, with a record $573 million pouring in. The latest Fox News poll shows Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico tied at 49%, 

- Israel elections president Herzog Urges 'Open Heart' in Coalition Talks as Arab Parties Prepare to Back Eisenkot as will Liebman, the Shas party is leaning to back Netanyahu.

- Ehud Barak is backing down from the conscription Giyus flag: "The IDF is not capable of absorbing all the Charedim, suggests giving them national service," 

- Avigdor Lieberman: The opposition failed a crushing failure, the responsibility lies with Yiznkor and his people who ran an egotistical campaign. We lost 7-8 mandates in the last 10 days.

- Segal: Lieberman has effectively chosen elections. Liberman has ruled out a government with Netanyahu (even in a rotation offer) and support for a minority government. After meeting key leaders, he confirmed Yisrael Beiteinu will endorse Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister and support Yair Lapid for Speaker of the Knesset By backing Lapid over Eisenkot's preferred Speaker choice—a move that burns bridges to a unity government—and ruling out a minority coalition, Lieberman leaves only two real options: a full unity government or new elections. Lieberman has effectively chosen elections.

New Jersey Senate and congress elections. 

 America’s big elections this year are about Congress, and New Jersey is one of the states to watch as control of the U.S. Senate and House hang in the balance during the midterms of President Donald Trump’s second stint in office.

At the top of the ticket in the Garden State, Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker is running for re-election against Republican Justin Murphy in a relatively low-profile race.

Getting more attention: All 12 of the state’s House seats are also on the ballot — including a huge race in the swing 7th District. There, Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is in a competitive battle with Democrat Rebecca Bennett that could help determine whether Republicans keep their majority in the chamber.

There’s also a question if Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew could be in trouble against Democrat Zack Mullock in South Jersey’s 2nd District as the national mood seems to be tilting against Trump and the GOP.

- Lakewood elections 

Twenty years after promising to restructure and establish an Ichud Rabbonim to ensure broader community representation, the Lakewood Vaad has yet to deliver. Despite tremendous growth in the community, it continues to operate without elections, public accountability, or meaningful input from the broader Kehilla. Critics say the Vaad only becomes active around election time, issuing endorsements and robocalls while remaining silent on residents' concerns. The central question remains: Where are the promised reforms, transparency, and representation? After 20 years, perhaps it's time to let the community choose who speaks on its behalf.

Oif Simchas Sunday 22 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Weisberger - Deutsch Ne'emas Hachaim 

Engel - Frank Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Samber - Chase Ateres Blima 

Weichman  Bais Faiga

 Novograd -Saterah Lake Terrace 

Crispe - Locbtman Eagle Ridge 

- Ner  Moshe Siyum Fountain Ballroom 

- Sheva brachos at Khal Toldos Mordechai Vizhnitz

Sunday November 1 News Updates Lakewood

Weather:  61° Partly cloudy 

Mincha Gedolah 12:10pm

Shkiah 4:54 pm

Giyus: The. Chosson who was arrested earlier today has been released from military prison at the request of his lawyer after he agreed to reappear at a later date 

- President Trump issued another warning to Iran, saying he is holding back further military action to give diplomacy a chance and prevent additional loss of life.“The only reason we haven't finished with Iran is that I want to be kind. I want to try and save as many lives as I can.” Trump warned that patience has its limits:

“At some point, we're going to have to give them the hammer.”

- A blow to Abdul El- Sayed. Democrat Haley Stevens just endorsed Republican Mike Rogers against her own party. Chuck Schumer immediately attacked her on twitter "This is a despicable betrayal from Rep. Stevens. Senate Democrats are united in our support for Abdul El-Sayed, because we know he will fight for the economic interests of working families in Michigan, unlike Mike Rogers, who is a tool of Donald Trump and billionaire donors."

- Congressman Chris Smith was in Lakewood today at pizza Plus Clifton Ave and other pre election photo ops.

- Business Jet Crashes Into Florida Mobile Home Park, Multiple Dead no survivors 

A Learjet 60 crashed into a mobile home park in Greenacres, Palm Beach County, shortly after 1 pm local time today. The FAA says nine people were aboard. Authorities report multiple deaths, but the exact toll is unknown, including whether anyone on the ground was killed. It happened not far from Mar a lago where a anti missile defense system has been deployed.

- Giyus: Tomorrow, a “Sheva Brachos” celebration-protest will likely take place, accompanied by music and a meal, outside the gates of Prison Ten, where  a chosson is being held after he was arrested for draft evasion in middle of Sheva Brachos. A few weeks ago they tried arresting him but the crowds from Tzeva shachor prevented it.

- Segal: It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if United Torah Judaism doesn’t endorse Netanyahu.

Assuming, reasonably, that Eisenkot will have more recommendations, he’ll be given four weeks to form a government, with the option of a two-week extension. I find it hard to envision a scenario in which Netanyahu gets the first chance.

- Trump: I have just been informed by the Great Attorney General of Kansas, Kris Kobach, that a Radical Left PAC operative was caught on camera going door to door in Wichita offering gift cards to people for votes. We have photographic evidence. This is a Criminal Offense! Press release attached. If any members of the Public have any information, please notify Attorney General Kris Kobach’s Office, immediately: 785-296-2215. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Giyus: After a chosson was arrested during sheva brachos for draft evasion and sentenced  for 20 days in jail,the Badatz Eidah Hacharedis is considering large protests.

- United Torah Judaism is considering not recommending any candidate to the President to form the government.

- Senior officials in the Iranian regime ordered Hezbollah and other proxy organizations to enter high alert in anticipation of war.

- Trump may launch a major military operation against Iran if Republicans lose badly in the midterms, as a US official warns that “if he feels embarrassed, he will do something bold,” adding that Iran’s best chance for a deal is now.

- A new era for Kashrus in Lakewoodas the KCL is to transition into a new entity with new leadership. The Kashrus Council of Lakewood (KCL) has announced a major leadership transition following the retirement of Rabbi Avraham Moshe Weisner, who has led the organization for nearly four decades. In a letter to the Lakewood community, Rabbi Weisner reflected on his years of service under the guidance of the city's rabbinic leadership, helping maintain kashrus standards throughout Lakewood and expanding KCL supervision to numerous local stores and businesses under the Kehillos Chareidim kashrus system. Explaining that he felt it was time to step away from the demanding responsibilities, Rabbi Weisner expressed confidence in the new leadership and hopes for a smooth transition. A newly appointed five-member Board of Trustees will oversee the organization going forward. The board consists of Ari Stern, Meir Gelley, Shaul Seigman, Tovia Rosenberg and Yanky Adler. The transition also includes changes to KCL's administrative procedures, contact information and payment arrangements. The organization expressed its appreciation for Rabbi Weisner's nearly 40 years of dedication and service to the Lakewood community. More

- Keren Olam HaTorah delegation of  gedolei yisroel including Rav  Dov Landau and Moshe Hillel Hirsh headed out to Europe for fundraiser  for yeshivos in EY.

- President Trump is heading to Iowa and Kansas for back-to-back rallies today, while new figures show early voting is up nationwide compared with the last midterms.

- Giyus: Outrage following arrest of a chosso  during sheva brachos. Ye’ari Lieberman, was detained  together with his kallah. According to reports, military police officers dressed in civilian clothing ambushed him as he stepped off a bus. The officers were reportedly wearing Corona masks, apparently making identification more difficult. After apprehending him, the officers informed R'Lieberman that he was under arrest and transferred him to a military prison.The arrest has sparked further outrage, with additional details surrounding the incident still emerging.

-  Fox: With two days until midterms, some voters are making it clear that their decisions are just as much about who they're voting against as who they're voting for. From frustration with President Trump and his administration to concerns about socialism and the economy, Americans across the country are telling Fox News Digital what's driving them to the polls

- Members of the Silver Spring Jewish Center, an Orthodox synagogue in Montgomery County, can carry firearms inside their building but still cannot carry them on the walk there on Shabbos. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, U.S. District Judge Deborah Chasanow of the District of Maryland refused to undo that split. She rejected the synagogue’s request to reconsider and to block the county’s firearm restrictions within 100 yards of places of public assembly, including private houses of worship.

Lakewood Election 

Lakewood Residents Are Paying More and Getting Less. Where Is the Leadership?

Something unusual is happening in this year's Lakewood Township Committee election. There has been very little campaigning by the two Democratic incumbents, and even more surprising is the apparent absence of the usual major push by askanim, who traditionally bombard the community with messages about the importance of showing up and voting in large numbers.

Why the silence?

This election comes at a particularly difficult time for Lakewood residents. Homeowners are facing massive tax increases, with many reportedly seeing their annual property taxes rise by approximately $2,000. At the same time, the township is cutting services, courtesy busing has been eliminated for many students, traffic continues to worsen, and residents are struggling with mounting quality-of-life issues.

For many families, the financial pressure is becoming unbearable. Monthly housing costs have increased by $300 or more for some homeowners, while the services and conveniences they once relied upon are disappearing.

Meanwhile, Trenton appears to have turned its back on Lakewood, cutting funding despite the township's enormous growth and its position as the fourth-largest municipality in New Jersey.

After 25 years of the current leadership being in power, residents have every right to ask: Where is Lakewood's political influence in Trenton? Why hasn't this leadership been able to secure the funding and support that a community of Lakewood's size and importance needs?

Those looking for a different approach have another choice in Moshe Raitzik, who is running for Township Committee. In 2024, Raitzik received close to 13,000 votes, demonstrating significant support for his candidacy.

An election is an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard. Regardless of the usual political endorsements or community pressure, voters should examine the record, ask tough questions, and decide whether the current direction is working.

When residents are paying more, losing services, and seeing their quality of life deteriorate, doing nothing is not an answer. Lakewood residents deserve accountability.

Motzei Shabbos Vayera News Updates

Weather low 37° tomorrow hi 62°

Change clocks tonight Motzei Shabbos Daylight saving time in the United States ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time, when clocks "fall back" one hour to 1:00 am

- Sof Zman Krias shema/Gra Sunday morning 9: 03 am

- NYC Marathon Verazzano bridge closed tomorrow in both directions and upper level closed tonight 

- President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were progressing but described Tehran as unreliable, claiming it makes deals and then withdraws. He said Iran would never obtain nuclear weapons and asserted that the US could address its remaining one or two sites within 10 minutes.

- Degel Hatorah Knesset members met with Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch for post election meeting as they decide on who to endorse for making a coalition. There's chatter of them going with the left in a supporting role if a deal on giyus is reached in which civil service can be counted.

- RCCS melava Malka fot Belz community at Yeshiva Mekor  Chaim off  Locust street in Lakewood 

- Carlebach Kumzitz Melava Malka Motzei Shabbos 10:30pm at Caranetta drive Lakewood, NJ at DR. Rothkopf.

- Israel Electioms:  No matter what twisted ideas you come up with, in the end, unity is the only solution. Journalist Amit Segal says the starting point for a unity government is Netanyahu and Smotrich with 33 seats, and Eisenkot and Bennett with 33 seats each. All other scenarios being promoted by journalists including coalitions involving Arab parties, caredi parties, and the left are simply not feasible in reality.

- Last day of Early voting is tomorrow at Lakewood town hall and Jackson Toms River Libraries polls open from 10am - 6pm.

Candidate Moshe Raitzik is running for a sear on the Lakewood township  committee 

- Candidate For Governor of New York Bruce Blakeman   isits Rebbe’s Ohel ahead of Election

- BDE: Petirah of Rav  Mordechai Dov Kreshinsky zt”l,  rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Maayan HaTalmud in Yerushalayim on rechov Givas Moshe. He was 91 years old. He was a talmid of Rav Elya Lopian ztl a d founder of Hamesorah cheder in Yerushalayim 

- A Orlando Man arrested Over threats to shoot up new  frum Community Near Okeechobee Jerry Sneed, 31, was taken into custody by FDLE agents and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

- President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke yesterday against the backdrop of tensions with Iran, The Wall Street Journal reports.

- Toms River Council took a tentative step toward approving an affordable housing plan for Toms River Oct. 28, when members unanimously introduced a measure approving zoning that would allow for 140 new apartments at the Jamestowne Village apartment complex. App

- Israel Opposition plans to change the knesset speaker along with help from the frum parties due to his toeva lifestyle.  A surprise candidate for the position of Knesset Speaker is Gadi Eizenkot. In the Change bloc, they are interested in appointing someone who could in the future move from the position.

- Violent demonstrations  by Islamists erupted across parts of Germany and France over the weekend, with masked protesters setting barricades ablaze, hurling projectiles at police and turning major city streets. In the French city of Lyon, footage circulating online appeared to show demonstrators burning Israeli and American flags.

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת וירא תשפ"ז

     כִּי בָרֵךְ אֲבָרֶכְךָ וְהַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה אֶת זַרְעֲךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם וְכַחוֹל אֲשֶׁר עַל שְׂפַת הַיָּם וְיִרַשׁ זַרְעֲךָ אֵת שַׁעַר אֹיְבָיו

Shabbos Hachnosas Orchim

Friday, October 30, 2026.                                      י״ט חשון תשפ״ז ערב שבת פרשת וירא

Candle lighting 5:38pn

Shkiah/Sunset 5:56 pm

Weather 73° Sunny. tonight low 41 

Shabbos 61 sunny and cooler 

- Reb Shayala Keristir would dip his challah from hamotzie in Honey this shabbos since the leining is the parsha read on Rosh Hashana

.

מנהגו בקודש של רביה"ק ר' ישעי'לע מקרעסטוער זיע"א לטבול פרוסת המוציא בדבש בש"ק פרשת וירא שקוראים קריאת  התורה של ימי ראש השנה   

--------------------------------------------------  

קוטעים את הקריאת הפטרה באמצע. הילד מת, האישה בדרך לנביא, ו"כאן מסיימים הספרדים"  ככה לעצור בשיא המתח? הסוף לא מסקרן אתכם

אלא מה, יהודי ספרדי יודע: אם הצדיק הבטיח - ברור שהבטחתו התקיימה.  האשכנזים ספקנים.  לא יאמינו עד שלא יראו בעיניים  (רבי אריה לוין)

Friday October 30 News Updates Lakewood

Shabbos Hachnosas Orchim

Friday, October 30, 2026.                                      י״ט חשון תשפ״ז ערב שבת פרשת וירא

Candle lighting 5:38pn

Shkiah/Sunset 5:56 pm

Weather 73° Sunny. tonight low 41 

Shabbos 61 sunny and cooler 

Change clocks this Motzei Shabbos Daylight saving time in the United States ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time, when clocks "fall back" one hour to 1:00 am

- Sof Zman Krias shema/Gra Sunday morning 9: 03 am

-19 Cheshvan Yartzeit of Rav Dovid Feinstein ZTL

Admor Temeshvar shlita will spend shabbos in Lakewood at 425 12th street.

Rav Shaul Alter shlita will spend shabbos in Tampa Florida

Loitzk rebbe will be in Baltimore for shabbos

- NYC Marathon The Verazzaano upper level  will be closed Motzei Shabbos 

- The Secret Service ordered short-range surface-to-air missile systems and counter-drone technology to be positioned in and around President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

- Giyus 35 bochurim/avreichim will be spending shabbos in military jails  while they have not been visited by any of the frum knesset members.

-Trick or treating is tomorrow for those celebrating Halloween

- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is weighing blocking Russian diesel from being unloaded in New Jersey.

First Shalom Zachor this shabbos at Lakefront community Okochobbee, Florida.

- Tefilos for the NIkolsburg Rebbe Rav Mordechai Jungreis of the Woodbourne shul who is in need of rachmei shamayim name is Mordechai Zev ben Necha Leiba 

- New Jersey Democrats have added more than three times as many voters as Republicans since last year’s gubernatorial election, widening their registration lead by about 31,000 voters heading into next week’s midterm election. Democrats added 42,901 voters statewide from November 2025 through September 2026, according to state data. Republicans added 11,815 voters over the same period, and the number of unaffiliated voters grew by 27,844.

- EY: A bus driver in his 50s was killed Friday morning when the bus he was driving, carrying girls from Moshav Tifrach on their way to seminary, collided with a tractor on Route 25 near Moshav Shibolim and Netivot. 22 girls were injured, in moderate and light condition. According to MDA, a 61-year-old Morah was also seriously injured. Names for  Tehillim are יעל בת אורה ,עדינה בת פייגא 

- Audio when you call the city of Sedom

- Lakewood Shopper Local election editorial

There are many examples of money still being spent on various property purchases and land swaps, on the questionable shuttle bus system, and in other areas that only benefit one or a few people. Furthermore, businesses are still being granted tax abatements, thus denying the township of the important taxes from rateables that a city needs to balance its budget. While helping businesses is important, and such tax abatements are sometimes justifiable, one still may wonder if they are being handed out too easily and frequently, and at the expense of the public in general.

We have been attempting to get answers to these questions for weeks, to no avail. We have heard many excuses, but no solutions of substance have emerged. No candidate has campaigned on a platform that addresses these and other crucial issues that acutely affect every Lakewood resident.

It must be noted that these are topics that are taken very seriously by our da’as Torah. The Shopper is privy to first-hand information regarding behind-the-scenes meetings between establishment activists and Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbanim, in which these figures have pressed for endorsements of candidates who may not be the best for the community, but who will push certain specific issues that fit a defined agenda. The Roshei Yeshiva brought up quality of life issues – such as the fact that one has to sit in traffic for much of the day just to get to yeshiva – but were told that issues like this must be sacrificed for the sake of specific things which are important to the powers that be. The problems with this situation should be self-evident. Elections are not a joke, but, sadly, the consequences are not being taken seriously by certain individuals.

In our conversations with elected officials and public representatives, The Shopper has brought up many practical ideas – quite a few of which were suggested by our wonderful readers – that could help solve some of the problems this town is facing. We are sad to say that, for the most part, very little action has been taken on any of these ideas.

In short, the truth remains that we have gotten no real word on how these matters will be addressed.

We also have received no indication that Lakewood’s problems will receive any real attention on the state or county level. Governor Sherrill is clearly antagonistic to Lakewood. Lakewood is the fourth largest municipality in the state, with a population of over 141,000. (In truth, it is probably the third by now.) It is also the fastest-growing township in the state (and second fastest-growing in the country), and it is not one of the wealthiest townships. Despite all this, Lakewood is receiving almost nothing from the state. And with Sherrill’s new cuts, that funding has gone down much more.

What efforts are being exerted to change this?That’s another question we have no good answer for. Having said all this, we feel that it is impossible for us to weigh in on whom to vote for or why.

Iran Israel Updates October 30

- Trump said the Iran war would end soon and predicted oil and fuel prices would fall rapidly once the fighting ends. Trump said Iran lacks clear leadership, leaving Washington uncertain whom to negotiate with. He said Tehran wants a deal, but the U.S. is demanding guarantees that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons.

- At least 10 U.S. military transport aircraft have landed at Israeli airbases, according to Israel's Kan News. Several flights originated from Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas a major U.S. Army air and missile defense hub housing interceptor missiles, Patriot systems, and other air defense assets. The aircraft reportedly landed at Nevatim and Ovda airbases in southern Israel.

The movements come amid reports that Washington is reinforcing regional missile defenses and preparing for the possibility of renewed military strikes against Iran.

- A CENTCOM official said that the U.S. Air Force struck a missile launcher on Iran’s Qeshm Island earlier tonight, following missile launches from the area. “This is an area we’ve been watching over the last week, and we were prepared to act in a defensive manner,” 

- Qatari mediators have returned to Tehran as efforts to broker an agreement between Washington and Iran continue, a source told Reuters. According to the source, Qatar is coordinating its mediation efforts with the United States.

- CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper met with President Trump today and briefed him on options for military strikes against Iran, The Wall Street Journal reports. The briefing comes as Saudi Arabia urges Washington to give diplomacy more time, fearing renewed conflict could trigger Iranian attacks on Saudi infrastructure and energy facilities.

- Iran’s military spokesperson declared that the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen until Tehran’s conditions are “fully met,” claiming Iranian forces maintain strategic control of the waterway, N12’s Sapir Lipkin reports.

- US Vice President JD Vance has contacted Iran’s security chief in a bid to revive peace talks that could head off a renewed American assault on the Islamic Republic, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the Journal reported, in a move that one of the newspaper’s sources said was directed by US President Donald Trump.

Oif Simchas Thurs 19 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Shachar  - Steinberg Ateres Esther 

Shmurak - Breuer Ateres Blima

Schreiber - Kogan Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Drillick - Friedman Ateres Chaim Elazar

Rosenblatt - Gurfreund Neemas Hachaim

Eisenberg - Moskowitz Ateres Reva 

- Oraysa Siyum on Maseches Yevamos at Fountain Ballroom 

Chumash Shiur by Harav Yeruchom Olshin shlita 11:30 pm at B"M Ateres Bracha live 646-726-9977

Thursdays October 29 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 69° Abundant sunshine

- Trump: "If you're Black or if you're Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul, you're crazy."

- Oraysa Siyum on Maseches Yevamos tonight in Lakewood at Fountain Ballroom with the participation of Roshei yeshiva and Rabbonim.

- Giyus: In response to heavy police brutality today a t a charedi protest on route 4, reporter Shilo Fried: "Blood. So much blood at a protest against the arrest of deserters on the Geha Highway. Injured protesters are being evacuated in ambulances, after being beaten with batons and hit with stun grenades. No citizen should have to return from a protest like this. No one. Even if their opinion is really unpopular, and even if they blocked a road."

- ICE activity in Lakewood today.

- Gas prices drop below $4 around Lakewood at $3,99

- Director of New Jersey Office of Homeland Security  Thomas G. Hauck was in Lakewood today with a visit to BMG.

Flu activity is currently classified as moderate but rising in New Jersey, with early seasonal circulation picking up earlier than the traditional late-fall or winter. Cases in the Lakewood area too.

- Curent New Jersey In-Person Early Vote Returns:

 Dem: 52.2% (-0.9%)

 GOP: 28.6% (+0.5%)

 IND: 19.2% (+0.5

- LPD Traffic Alert: Williams St. will be closed Southbound from Prospect St. to Sylvan Ct. for planned Verizon construction. Plan alternate route if possible.

- Naftali Bennett Exploring Potential Alliance With Shas and UTJ to Form Government Without Netanyahu or Arab Parties According to a report by Kol Chai, behind-the-scenes efforts are reportedly underway to connect Naftali Bennett with Shas and United Torah Judaism in a potential coalition that would exclude both Binyamin Netanyahu and the Arab parties. The proposed alliance could strengthen Bennett’s negotiating position against Gadi Eisenkot and allow him to demand the first rotation as prime minister. The reported initiative remains exploratory, with no confirmed agreement between the parties.

- After  several askanim and politicians warned green card holders and other noncitizens not to vote illegally after reports that some community members were detained over alleged unlawful voting. The warnings, intended to prevent serious immigration consequences, are now circulating outside the frum community, with critics portraying them as evidence of voter fraud and calling for investigations, especially following President Trump’s announced $1 million voter fraud reward. However, the reports do not establish widespread or coordinated voter fraud within the frum community. Agudath Israel and the Aleph Institute stressed that even unintentional voting violations can have serious immigration consequences and urged noncitizens to seek qualified legal guidance. 

- Israel is tightening security checks on international flights following reports of an attempted hijacking involving an Omani pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel. Under the new regulations, airlines will be required to provide Israeli authorities with crew information at least 48 hours before departure, allowing security officials to screen personnel in advance.

- In a heated Jackson Township election, candidates are using Lakewood-style development as a campaign issue, likely raising concerns about dense housing, overdevelopment, traffic, and pressure on local services.  With campaigns highlighting opposition to two proposed projects totaling 738 housing units near the Lakewood border.

- A heated Toms River town council meeting resulted in the mayor arguing with residents during public comment, telling one woman to “get a job” and asking her if she lived in her parent’s basement. The exchange came at the end of a contentious meeting marked by a bitter affordable housing fight, clashes between Mayor Daniel Rodrick and residents, and renewed questions about his conduct during council meetings.

- Shas leader Aryeh Deri reportedly offered to step down after party collapse with only only 6 seats in the elections. Rabonim  met with him today at his house convincing him to remain at the  helm while he does not want to be blamed for the results 

- Dollar store giant Dollar General made millions off the backs of consumers by allegedly overcharging its low-income and rural customers at the register, according to a lawsuit filed by 20 states, including New Jersey, and federal regulators.

- Vaad  Mishmeres Kohanim of Lakewood has announced the successful completion of an extensive tree-cutting and trimming project near several area cemeteries, eliminating longstanding halachic concerns along numerous heavily traveled roads. With the necessary trimming now completed, the Vaad says kohanim can travel along the affected stretches without having to rely on halachic leniencies that had previously been necessary.

Among the locations addressed was County Line Road between Route 9 and Clifton Avenue, a busy thoroughfare used regularly by Lakewood residents. Tree trimming was also completed along Ridge Avenue near East County Line Road. Additional work was performed on Honey Locust Drive between Massachusetts Avenue and Route 9, another roadway where overhanging branches had raised concerns for kohanim. In Jackson, crews addressed the Lakewood–New Egypt Road, an important route for motorists returning to the Lakewood area from Interstate 195. The improvements are particularly significant for kohanim who regularly use that roadway and previously faced questions regarding travel near cemetery grounds.

The project also extended into Toms River, where problematic trees were trimmed along Old Freehold Road and Route 166, resolving additional concerns along roads frequently traveled by members of the broader Lakewood community. Beyond the work undertaken by Ocean County, Lakewood Township officials assisted with additional tree trimming along Clifton Avenue and Courtney Road near Bais Faiga, addressing further locations identified as requiring attention.

Lakewood Elections 

:Lakewood Yeshivos and Shuls to Lose Municipal Trash Collection January 1

Lakewood will end municipal garbage collection for private schools and houses of worship effective January 1, 2027, forcing yeshivos, Bais Yaakov schools, shuls and other institutions to arrange and pay for private trash removal. The move is expected to save the township approximately $2 million annually and is reportedly required by the state as a condition for financial assistance amid Lakewood’s budget crisis. The added expense will fall on institutions already facing tight budgets, potentially leading to higher costs for parents and donors. Matzav reports according to information obtained from the township, the elimination of garbage collection for private educational and religious institutions is not a voluntary policy change, but rather a condition imposed by state officials in connection with financial assistance intended to stabilize Lakewood’s finances.

The Lakewood Township Committee stated that “the change is being required by the state as a condition for the Township to receive financial assistance to help stabilize its budget. As a result, Township officials have little choice but to implement the policy.”

Lakewood residents have already been hit with property tax increases of as much as $2,000 for homeowners, while courtesy busing has been eliminated. Now, yeshivos and shuls are losing municipal garbage collection, shifting yet another expense onto already strained institutions and families.

This raises serious questions: Where is all the money going? With so many new homes added to the tax rolls, why hasn't the township done more to control spending and prepare for rising costs?

Officials have pointed to an expensive winter, including millions in snow removal costs. But residents can reasonably ask whether one costly winter in more than a decade should be enough to explain the township's broader budget problems.

Tax abatements are another concern, potentially keeping properties from contributing their full share to the tax base. Residents deserve a transparent accounting of municipal spending, the impact of tax abatements, and what steps have been taken to reduce costs before shifting more of the burden onto homeowners, parents, schools and shuls. With the Township Committee election underway, the incumbents seeking reelection have yet to provide clear answers, instead pointing fingers at everyone else.

With the Township Committee election underway, the incumbents seeking reelection have yet to provide clear answers, instead pointing fingers at everyone else.

Israel Election Update

- UTJ is floating a coalition with Eisenkot. It’s a fantasy. The math: change bloc 48 + UTJ 7 = 55. The rest would have to come from Ra’am. So Eisenkot’s “Zionist draft government” would rest on Goldknopf and Abbas from the outside. If he pulls that off, he doesn’t deserve the premiership. He deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. UTJ isn’t one party. It’s three feuding factions and seven men with seven interests. But the frustration is real. UTJ’s version: we went with the right. Smotrich got his settlements, Netanyahu got power, Ben-Gvir got the police, and the Charedim got draft orders, arrests and a travel ban on “deserters.” So maybe Eisenkot, Lieberman and Golan will get the attorney general off our backs.

Three reasons it won’t happen: The numbers don’t add up.

You can’t run an entire campaign on drafting the charedim, then bring them in the next morning.

The “leftist court” theory doesn’t hold. The judges toughest on the charedim were Sohlberg, Mintz and Willner.

Unity government? Eisenkot has peaked. From a negligible third place to almost prime minister. But his camp changes leaders like socks, and new elections won’t get him from 48 to 61. Joining Netanyahu is unlikely given his character, but Israel can’t afford another election. And Netanyahu, now holding the better cards, has little reason to drop Ben-Gvir Amit Segal analysis.

- 100% of votes counted:  No bloc reaches the 61 seats needed for a majority.

- Netanyahu bloc: 53

- Eisenkot bloc: 48

- Arab parties: 19

 Likud 27

 Yashar 21

 Together (Beyachad) 12

 Joint List 11

 Democrats 8

 Ra'am 8

 Otzma Yehudit 7

 Yisrael Beytenu 7

 UTJ 7

 Shas 6

 Religious Zionism 6

- In light of Lieberman’s rejection statement of Bibi and the Shin Bet investigation: We’ve moved much closer to the 2027 elections. Amit Segal reports The likelihood of the entire election being invalidated is extremely slim, given the time constraints. The same is, of course, true of holding a new vote. There are thousands of polling stations in Arab communities. In my opinion, this simply accelerates the possibility of either a unity government or new elections, and in either case, there would no longer be any need to invalidate part of the results

- Election drama probe ordered into foreign funds used to interfere and boost Arab voters 

Election Committee Chairman and Supreme Court Justice Solberg reportedly ordered Shin Bet head Zini to investigate information concerning foreign funding of a campaign intended to influence Israel’s elections. The suspected scheme allegedly involved substantial sums from Arab entities to boost Arab voter turnout through illegal means. 

 “Serious suspicions have been brought to my attention regarding improper influence on the elections  exerted through funding provided by foreign entities acting against Israeli interests,” Sohlberg writes. “While I cannot attest to the substance of these suspicions, it is my view that given they involve foreign entities there is an obligation to investigate them thoroughly.”

- According to the report, funds originating in Qatar and Turkey allegedly reached Israel through terror-financing channels to influence the election.

- Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman: “We will not sit with either Bibi or Tibi.”If that rules out outside parliamentary support as well, it would shut the door on an Eisenkot minority government dependent on both Liberman and Ahmad Tibi’s party.

- President Herzog urges 'thorough' probe into alleged election interference, warns against 'tarnishing' Arab community.

- Gadi Eisenkot’s plan for this election rested on two things: getting more seats than Likud, and Ra’am being able to make up the difference to reach 61. If he now lacks legitimacy because of his failure to achieve the former, then thanks to the Qatar allegations, Ra’am now lacks legitimacy for the latter. Amit

- Results as of 9:49 a.m., Thursday, October 29, with about 93.8 percent of the vote counted, including the double-envelope ballots:

Blocs

Netanyahu’s coalition: 53

Change bloc: 48

Arab parties: 19 (Joint List 11, Ra’am 8)

Likud: 26

Yashar (Gadi Eisenkot): 21

Beyachad (Naftali Bennett): 12

Joint List: 11

The Democrats: 8

Ra’am: 8

Yisrael Beiteinu: 7

Otzma Yehudit: 7

United Torah Judaism: 7

Shas: 7

Religious Zionism and Zehut: 6

Oif Simchas Wed 18 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Hochman - Malin Cedar Palace

Gluck - Kogel Neemas Hachaim

Sklar - Rosenberg Bais Faiga 

Jacob - Kahan Cedar Palace 

Nussbaum - Wainbrabd Ateres Esther 

Hogbi  - Griner Ateres Blima 

Elbaz Fountain Ballroom 

Waxman  - Leibowitz Lake Terrace 

Wednesday October 28 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 63° sunny

- Oraysa siyum on Maseches Yevamos will take place tomorrow night in Lakewood at Fountain Ballroom. Starting Maseches Kiddushin November 1.

- Rav Shaul Alter shlita currently visiting the US he's in Boro Park, no word yet about coming to Lakewood 

- Cheerios is now rolling out resealable bags in its cereal boxes. Cheerios makes major change to cereal boxes after years of consumer complaints. The General Mills brand has teamed up with Ziploc to introduce Cheerios with Ziploc PantrySeal, a resealable bag inside a traditional cereal box. The new packaging is designed to open only partially across the top, creating a pour spout that can then be resealed to help keep cereal fresh.

- A woman approached a couple  and another individual while shopping at Seasons grocery store in Toms River on Friday and asked, “It’s my first time doing Shabbos, can you help me?”The three walked through every aisle with her, helping her shop for candles, challah, grape juice, and everything else she needed for Shabbos. They also paid for the entire bill, brought her to their house for homemade Shabbos foods, and made her feel what it's like to join klal Yisrael for Shabbos. (5 townscentral)

- Federal Reserve Holds Rates at 3.75%-4% as Inflation Remains Elevated The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest-rate target unchanged Wednesday in a 10-2 vote. Officials said inflation remains elevated, 

- Tax  sale Today October 28, 2026  Lakewood  township tax  sale  of 2025 and prior year delinquent taxes, water/sewer and other municipal charges through an on-line auction. For a listing of all parcels, delinquencies and costs, please visit Here 

- Lakewood BOE meeting tonight.

- Oh Delices Patisserie and Cafe is open in Lakewood, NJ, with French pastries and a full dairy cafe menu. Croissants and individual tarts share the menu with breakfast plates, sandwiches, salads and Israeli dishes, bringing a sit-down meal component to the bakery. Oh Delices is located in Todd Plaza at 1091 River Avenue, Lakewood, NJ. The bakery is under the supervision of Chelkas Hakashrus of Zichron Yaakov, with Pas Yisroel, pareve/Cholov Yisroel, Bishul Yisroel and Yoshon certification.YTK 

- Major Lakewood Planning Board Applications at the planning board next week Nov 10 

Kollel Kinyan Torah  Proposed six-lot subdivision and a planned educational campus at 502–506 Lakewood-New Egypt Road and 68 White Street.

Kettle Creek Holdings LLC – Proposed 30-lot subdivision near New Hampshire Avenue and Route 70.

300 Rt 70 LLC – Application for 300 Route 70 and Locust Street; to create 35 lots.

- A new FDU poll finds 48% of NJ voters approve of Gov. Mikie Sherrill, while 32% disapprove. Her approval rating has dropped 10 points in seven months, largely as more Democrats express uncertainty. Meanwhile, President Trump’s approval in New Jersey remains below 30%.

- Israir airline has removed all Tuesday flights between JFK and Tel Aviv in both directions from its schedule. Passengers who were booked on Tuesdays are being offered a refund or a flight on Monday or Wednesday. (Dansdeals)

- Lakewood DPW  2026 Leaf Collection Schedule Beginning November 2 

Zone 1 (Monday garbage collection): November 2–6 and November 30–December 4.

Zone 2 (Tuesday garbage collection): November 9–13 and December 7–11.

Zone 3 (Wednesday garbage collection): November 16–20 and December 21–25.

Zone 4 (Thursday garbage collection): November 23–27 and December 28–January

Israel Election Update

- Israel's Central Elections Committee has begun counting absentee ballots in the elections for the 26th Knesset. These ballots include votes cast by IDF soldiers and other eligible voters who voted outside their assigned polling stations.

- With approximately 90% of the votes counted, the latest election update shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud remaining the largest party, with 26 seats, followed by Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party with 21.

Election Analysis by Amit Segal: It will take time, maybe a long time, to understand what’s happening. But one thing is already clear: Benjamin Netanyahu will remain prime minister for the foreseeable future. He could do it at the head of a unity government, by peeling off parties or candidates from the other side, or as caretaker through another election. Even if the next round ends more or less where this one did, there’s no way to move him.

So the picture is clarifying, and Netanyahu holds the stronger hand. The other side’s only card is the threat of a minority government, and it worries Likud a great deal. Not because the chances are high. But just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you.

I think the odds of a minority government right now are close to zero. At Yashar’s faction meeting today, at least four of its members made clear they don’t support such a government and couldn’t live with it even briefly. It would need Ra’am’s active support and the Joint List’s abstention, Balad’s anti-Zionist faction included, and for them that’s unacceptable.

What the opposition still has is a stick: replacing the Knesset speaker and trying to push legislation through. That’s the dilemma. If they’re headed to another election anyway, they can tell voters: we replaced the speaker, we passed a law for a state commission of inquiry, and we stopped the government from weakening the attorney general. But electing a new speaker is a permanent, irreversible move. Once they make it, this option is effectively dead.

- The current assessment is that Gadi Eisenkot will receive the first mandate to form a government, with the Arab parties also expected to recommend him. According to Ami Yarchi, Netanyahu’s circle says the prime minister has no interest in going first, fearing that a failed attempt could leave his coalition partners feeling free to leave.

- Ch 14: The most realistic option is a unity government pushed by President Herzog and maybe by President Trump which would have Netanyahu serve the first two years as PM in exchange for an agreement to retire from politics afterwards and receive a presidential pardon

- Likud claims Arab parties 'stole' Israeli election, demands investigation.Likud announced that it would submit hundreds of testimonies and pieces of evidence to the Israel Police, Shin Bet, and the Central Elections Committee.

-Approximately 5 mandates thrown away from the right bloc parties who didn't pass the threshold 

Over 230,000 votes wasted

Hendel & Zelekha: 127,884 votes

Ofer Winter: 78,337 votes

Tzeva Shachor: 9,502 votes

 Leitner's HaTzibur HaCharedi: 9,029 votes

 Noam: 7,503 votes

- Results from 100% of the votes counted, excluding double-envelope ballots:

53-48-19

Netanyahu with a 5 seat advantage.

- Analysis Netanyahu has three main options for forming Israel’s next government: form a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, win over an opposition party, or allow negotiations to fail and face another election.

With his coalition projected at 53 seats, Netanyahu needs eight more seats to secure a parliamentary majority. However, opposition leaders’ resistance and the political compromises required make negotiations difficult.

If talks fail, Netanyahu would remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. A fresh election could benefit his bloc if voters from parties that failed to cross the electoral threshold shift toward Likud, although that outcome is uncertain.

Bottom line: Netanyahu retains leverage as caretaker prime minister, but neither side has a confirmed majority. The outcome depends on whether political rivals can reach a coalition agreement or Israel must return to the polls.

- President Herzog: “One thing must be understood, and I said this even before the elections: We must do everything possible, especially after yesterday, to avoid another round of elections. Therefore, I expect everyone who comes here to do so with an open mind.”

- Gadi Eisenkot faces four possible paths to forming Israel’s next government with a projected 48 seats for the change bloc: a unity government with Netanyahu, a coalition supported by Arab parties, an alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties, or failure to form a government and go to new elections.

Each option presents major challenges, particularly disagreements over military conscription, national security, Gaza, and political principles. If coalition negotiations fail, another candidate could get a chance to form a government, potentially leading to new elections.

Bottom line: Eisenkot’s challenge is not just securing the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority, but building a coalition whose members can agree on Israel’s most divisive issues and keep the government stable.(Jewish warrior on x)

- As of 12:30 pm With 84% of ballots counted, pro-Netanyahu bloc at 54 seats, Eisenkot-led bloc at 49, Arab parties at 17

As of 10:50 a.m. on October 28, approximately 70.7% of votes have been counted.

Current Netanyahu Right coalition: 54 seats

Change Bloc: 47 seat

Arab Joint List: 13 seat

Ra’am Arab larty: 6 seats

- Likud – 27

- Yashar – 20 (-1)

- Joint List – 13 (+1)

- Beyachad (Together) – 11

- The Democrats – 8

- Yisrael Beiteinu – 8

- United Torah Judaism – 7

- Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) – 7

- Shas – 7

- Ra’am – 6

- Religious Zionism and Zehut – 6

-The Tzibbur Hacharedi party  by Moti Leitner failed to take off with only 1.29% of the vote in charedi cities,coming in under 8000 votes for now.

- Shas party collapse as voters went to Ben Gvir party

- The Tzeva Shachor party did better than Tzibbut charedi party

- Last night, the exit polls told one story: Netanyahu had lost, but it wasn’t clear who on the other side had won. This morning, the results are telling another. Netanyahu hasn’t won yet, but the change bloc has clearly lost.

- Amit Segal: If you look at the vote shift itself, almost no seats moved from the Netanyahu bloc to the change bloc. The decline has three causes. First, the Arab vote increased by a dramatic one percentage point. Second, no votes were “wasted” on the Meretz and Balad side, as they were last time. And third, about 2.5 percent of the votes were “wasted” on the Netanyahu bloc’s side: Ofer Winter, a few scattered votes for Noam and Leitner, and the Ethiopian Immigrants Party.

- Israel’s 2026 election results could be significantly affected by approximately 600,000 double-envelope ballots, many of which are cast by IDF soldiers and reservists. The counting process may continue until Friday.

These absentee ballots have historically favored parties other than Arab and Charedi parties. However, the large number of reservists serving this year makes the political impact harder to predict. According to the financial daily Globes, Arab parties could lose Knesset seats once the final votes are counted.

Other double-envelope voters include prisoners, medical personnel, people with medical conditions, and Israeli representatives serving abroad.

Oif Simchas Tues 17 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Steinharder - Berkowitz  Cedar Palace 

Rabinowitz - Amsel Ateres Blima

Eisenberg - Loewy Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Falk - Gershbaum Bais Faiga

Pichey  - Falik Fountain Ballroom 

Abady  - Tobal Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Neuman  - Paige Ateres Esther 

Tuesday October 27 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 62° Plentiful sunshine

16 Cheshvan Yartzei of  Rav Lazer Shach ZTL

- After nearly a third of the votes had been counted, Likud was leading by a significant margin. According to the current distribution of seats, Netanyahu’s bloc held 59 seats, the left-wing bloc had 46, and the Arab parties held 15. Voter turnout stood at approximately 77.7%, the highest in 25 years. Channel 14.

- Trump: “When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu. It all took place AFTER the Endorsement by President Trump, who only wants what is good for the Middle East, Israel, and the United States of America!”

- The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. has warned Gulf allies to prepare for a possible short, intense military campaign against Iran after the midterms. Trump reportedly has not made a final decision, but preparations are underway.

- Israel elections 

-The ultra-Orthodox parties have not ruled out cooperating with Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, N12 reported "If Eisenkot has any sense, he will form a government and not fill the [ministerial positions] that are important to us," source in the Shas party told N12.""If there is a reasonable conscription law, perhaps we will join later,” . Eisenkot has previously said that he would not include h

Charedi parties in his coalition, saying they did not meet his criteria for joining the government.

- Channel 14:  right wing bloc 59.5 Mandates

- Amit Segal: In Likud, they believe their lead will widen further. 56–47

- Netanyahu: “We must establish a strong, national, right-wing government. We must not form a government that relies on anti-Zionist Arab parties.”

“The Likud is the largest party in Israel. You remember how the propaganda channels manipulated public opinion with polls that showed us with only 18 seats?”

- 9pm Ch 14 updates 60 -60  between the block with Lieberman back in at 4 pr 5 mandates. Netanyahu to speak soon at Likud election headquarters 

Amit Segal: It’s going to be a very long night, with some major twists, so if you’re in America, lucky you: you’re six hours behind.

Ch 14 says Lieberman may still get back in as the real results will go be back and forth with ups and downs.

Eisenkot: “Holding another election would be a mistake. I will do everything to fulfill the will of the people. Netanyahu should retire from political life.”

Shas leader Arye Deri will not issue any statement this evening as polls show party did not perform well with only 6 or 7 seats.

- Channel 14 pollster Shlomo Filber reports that Avigdor Lieberman’sparty party failed to pass the electoral threshold, pushing up the right-wing bloc to 61 seats.

Voter turnout reached 77.7%, an increase of 7.1 percentage points from the 2022 election.

Channel 13 * Likud: 25 * Yesh Atid with Eisenkot: 23 * Hadash-Ta’al: 14 * Joint List: 10

The Democrats: 9 

Channel 12: Netanyahu bloc 50, change bloc 52, Arab parties 18. Likud 24, Yashar 22, Bennett's party 12, Shas 8, UTJ 6.

Kan 11: Netanyahu bloc 50, change bloc 53, Arab parties 17. Likud 25, Yashar 21, Bennett's party 14, Shas 6, UTJ 6.

Channel 14: Netanyahu bloc 60, change bloc 43, Arab parties 17. Likud 30, Yashar 19, Shas 9, UTJ 9.

No block has a majority based on the exit polls.

The left can only form a coalition with support of the  Arabs. The frum parties may have lost 4-5 seats. If Netanyahu gets the mandate to form a government he will reach out to Eisenkot to form a national unity govt without the charedim. Or theirs  a chance for a second round of elections.

10 pm Polls close long night ahead final results will take a few days.

Exit polls channel 14, Likud with 30 seats 

Right wing block with 60 Left with 43 and 17 for  Arabs. Lieberman may not make it in

 Most smaller parties did not make the threshold. Overall the right wing block have won the elections the question is can Netanyahu form a coalition. UTJ 7 Shas 9

Ben Gvir projected to go up

Avigdor Lieberman party may not pass threshold according to media outlets 

- As of 9pm voter turnout is 74.3% highest figures since 1988. Record turnout in Arab, charedi and settlers neighborhoods.

Polls close 10 pm israel is now 6 hours ahead.

Voter turnout at 66.7% as of 6 p.m., highest in recorded history for this hour

- Beitar Illit 63.6%

- Modiin Illit 69.8%

- Elad 71.2%

- Bnei Brak 64.3%

By 2 pm 44.9% of eligible voters had cast their ballots

 By noon, 31.5% of eligible voters had cast their ballots. The highest level since 1973

- Amit Segal: As of 10 a.m., voter turnout stands at 16.7 percent. One in six Israelis has already cast a ballot. This is the highest figure since 1981, when Begin and Peres ran against each other—and we still old Israeli shekel. 

By 2 p.m. we’ll know whether turnout really is this high or whether, as has been the case in recent years, many Israelis simply vote in the morning, get it over with, and then go on outings or just relax, whatever makes them comfortable on election day..

- In an opinion piece for the Asbury Park Press, long-time resident Matt Genovese notes that Jackson Township's population growth from 3,500 to over 61,000 residents since 1950 makes continuous demographic shifts and development the historic norm rather than an exception. While acknowledging modern anxieties regarding growth, Genovese argues that current critics often overlook how older generations viewed their own arrivals decades prior as disruptive to a rural lifestyle. 

- Lakewood parents have launched a public campaign on social media, sharing a flyer featuring their five-year-old daughter and appealing for help to get her into school. The flyer carries a heartfelt message: “She wants a chance to grow up like all children.” The little girl has yet to be accepted into a school for the current school year, and her parents are hoping their public appeal will help find a solution

- LSTA in person Appointments  today  for parents who are requesting  a change they must cine down personally to discuss and apply for the stop change  request available October 26–28, from 6:30–8:30 PM, and must be booked online

Lakewood local elections Moshe Raitzik running  for a seat on the township committee  see more 

- Brooklyn Square Pizza bringing kosher version to Toms River from owners already known to jersey Shore pizza fans. Kosher Square Pizza, from Peter Grippo and David Mizrahi, will open soon at The Row, a shopping center on Route 9. The restaurant, which replaces La Mossa Pizzeria Romana, is the second location for the concept; the first opened in June in Ocean Township. APP

- NJ ranks in top 10 most expensive states for American Dream including home ownership  and expenses to pay for college and weddings.

- Jackson Township has announced several road closures this week, including Beam Avenue between Tilford Street and South Cooksbridge Road on Monday, October 26, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and between Pine Hill Street and South Cooksbridge Road on Tuesday, October 27, during the same hours. A closure on Patterson Road is planned for Wednesday, October 28, with more details expected. Additionally, North Hope Chapel Road and New Central Avenue will remain closed 24 hours a day for approximately three weeks. Motorists should follow posted detour signs and previously announced traffic arrangements.

Lakewood Elections

Grdolei yisroel voting

Herrera rebbe

Rav Moshe Hillel