Tuesday March 24 News Updates

 weather: 46° Abundant sunshine. 

- OpenAI said it’s closing Sora, the short-form video app that went viral after its launch six months ago.

- United Airlines introduces Relax Row: 3 Economy seats with leg rests that create a cozy lie-flat bed with a mattress pad, blanket and two pillows. It will be available starting next year on over 200 United flights.

- Germany's Volkswagen is in talks with Rafael, the Israeli Iron Dome maker, over a deal that would switch production at one of their factories from cars to missile defense

- After pressure from Washington to take action on the issue, the government will approve the establishment of a unit in the Ministry of Defense to deal with the hilltop youth in tge5 settlements, with a budget of 130 million shekels for the next three years

- Rav Yitzchak Meir Roshatzky, a posek on Hilchos Pesach in Eretz Yisrael, advised that weight loss injections like Ozempic may reduce appetite and affect fulfilling the mitzvos of matzah, maror, and afikoman. He recommends consulting a halachic authority before use. This guidance was issued after consultation with rabbanim and kashrus experts to ensure proper Pesach standards.

- Today, the Kollel Shomrei Hachomos pushka truck will be visiting the Jackson 21 Royal Grove neighborhoods in Jackson as well as Pine Lake Park in Manchester. The truck will be available from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, giving residents the opportunity to drop off their pushkas.

- An Israeli was arrested today at Egypt’s Taba airport after putting on tefillin while waiting for a flight, and another Chareidi traveler was reportedly reprimanded by authorities for learning Gemara at the airport. Israeli officials intervened, and the detained passenger was later released and allowed to board a different flight

- A 41-year-old Colorado man, Christopher Neff, has been indicted on 15 charges, including aggravated manslaughter, after allegedly driving drunk the wrong way on the New Jersey Turnpike and causing a crash that killed four yeshiva bochurim right after Sukkos  Yaakov Kilberg, Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen, and Chaim Grossman Z"L. Authorities say Neff had been drinking before the incident and had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit. He was also charged with weapons offenses after firearms were found in his vehicle. He remains in jail and is expected to be arraigned in early April.

- R' Aaron Hirsch, a  community activist has entered the race for Lakewood Township Committee seeking to run for a seat as a Republican in the upcoming primary election 

- The following approved companies produce Pesach products free of xanthan gum. : Unger’s, Bakers Choice, Blooms, Haddaga, Gefen, Glicks, Landau’s, Mehadrin Dairy, Ostreicher’s, and Balebuste

- Bein Hazmanim shiur today at Lutzk B"M 1pm by rav Yisroel Goldblatt shlita

- Lakewood planning board meeting today 6 pm watch livestream Here on the agenda an application to create 13 lots in the Oak Vine area Oak, Elroy, and Halsey Streets Block 1005, Lots 1 & 4 

-Pesach sale items Kosher West Chicken Legs Family Pack, Hisachdus-Kcl  $1.99 / lb

Chicken Cutlets Family Pack, $7.49 / lb

Nutmeg Chicken cutlets $6.79 (Marvid hisachdus or wsmndl

15 dozen eggs at Bingo $20

- A major development in the world of chazzanus in Yerushalayim was announced as Yeshurun Synagogue in Rechavia named Yitzchak Meir Helfgott as its new chief chazzan, where he will perform with choirs. He succeeds Nissim Saal, who held the position for the past three years. and rumors are that he may go next  door to the great synagogue of Yerushalayim. Helfgot was chazzan at Park East synagogu in NYC for over 25 years. (Matzav)

- The Dinover Rebbe of Toms River  Matzos with his Kehila last night at the Neimark Shul.

- Federal immigration ICE agents sent to assist at airports across the country have been confronted by travelers, including a woman at Newark Liberty International Airport who called them “Nazis.”

“Nazis don’t belong in America, and they don’t belong in airports,” the unidentified woman said when the agent appeared at the airport on Monday morning. NJ

- A new bill sponsored by New Jersey state Senators  would rename all township committees in the state to "township council;" townships would be required to update all materials to reflect this title change under the bill.

-In a move that indicates a desire to participate on the national political stage, Gov. Mikie Sherrill has launched a federal political action committee, Mission to Deliver PAC, to boost federal and statewide Democratic candidates across the U.S. in the 2026 midterm election.

Iran War Updates March 24

5:00pm

- Donald Trump is reportedly seeking a one-month ceasefire with Iran and the US has submitted a 15-point peace plan to Tehran. Middle East envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are working on a framework which involves 'the declaration of a monthlong ceasefire period, during which the sides would negotiate' the peace plan, sources told Israel's Channel 12.

 Israeli Channel 12 said U.S. Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and American businessman Jared Kushner were working on a mechanism that would introduce a ceasefire and allow the U.S. and Iran to negotiate on a 15-point plan. US 15-point Iran deal targets nuclear sites, proxies and Hormuz Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan destroyed, enriched uranium sent to IAEA All sanctions lifted in return with civilian nuclear program at Bushehr plant.

Iran denies the deal calling it fake news to manipulate markets

-Israel and the United States attacked the nuclear facility in Bushehr.

-Victim identified Nuriel Dubin, 27, was murdered by Hezbollah fire this evening in the north. She was supposed to get married this coming September.   

-  Bnei Brak update 9 injuredin direct hit

Magen David Adom updates the wounded toll of the Iranian cluster bomb impacts in Bnei Brak to nine. They include a man aged 23 in moderate condition, who was hit by shrapnel, and eight others in good condition including six children  who were hit by a blast or shrapnel, MDA says.

-At least three people are lightly injured after Iranian cluster munitions hit Bnei Brak, first responders say.Magen David Adom says they include a man aged 23 who was hit by shrapnel, and a woman aged 80 and a 7-year-old boy who were hit by glass shards. Several more bomblets struck Petach Tikva, with no reports of injuries there.

                          Bnei Brak this evening

- An Israeli was arrested today at Egypt’s Taba airport after putting on tefillin while waiting for a flight, and another Chareidi traveler was reportedly reprimanded by authorities for learning Gemara at the airport. Israeli officials intervened, and the detained passenger was later released and allowed to board a different flight.

- Trump: Iran gave us a gift, and the gift arrived today. It’s worth a lot of money. I won’t say what the gift was, but it showed me that we’re talking to the right people. It wasn’t related to nuclear matters, but to oil and gas.

Trump: "I can tell you they'd like to make a deal." "Their Navy's gone, their Air Force is gone, their communications are gone... We are roaming free over Tehran."

- MDA 2 lightly hurt by glass shards following Iranian missile impact in Tzefas 

- Major General Brandon R. Tegtmeyer, commander of the 78th Airborne Division, and his staff received an order from the Pentagon to deploy to the Middle East. Thousands of paratroopers from the 78th Airborne Division’s Rapid Reaction Force (IRF) are preparing for possible ground operations against Iran, according to Fox News officials

-Over 40 rockets fired from Lebanon into the north ny Hezbollah. One woman was killed from the attack by fragments at Machanayim junction 

-Israel to extend the nationwide state of emergency until April 14

-EL AL is drastically reducing operations due to government restrictions only 15 outbound flights daily with a 50-passenger limit per flight. Limited routes will operate to major cities (NY, LA, Miami, London, Paris, Rome, Athens). Outbound seats are extremely scarce (about 5% of normal), prioritized by original booking date and urgent humanitarian/medical needs. Inbound flights to Israel continue without passenger limits. Cancelled passengers can get refunds or credits. Outbound ticket sales are paused until April 15.

- Four hurt, including two infants, as missile fragment hits home in southern Bedouin community 

- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pushing Trump to continue the war against Iran, claiming that the joint military operation of the US and Israel provides a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East. In several conversations last week, bin Salman conveyed

- The Lebanese government declares the Iranian ambassador in Beirut "persona non grata" and ordered him to leave the country by Sunday

- President Trump's team and Iran might hold peace talks this week in Pakistan, in person

President Donald Trump appears to be determined to reach a deal with Iran aimed at ending hostilities ‌in the Middle East, three senior Israeli officials said on Tuesday. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that they viewed it is unlikely that Iran would agree to ⁠U.S. demands in any new round of negotiations (Reuters)

- Channel 2: The government is expected to approve today the mobilization of 400,000 reservists, against the backdrop of the expansion of the operation in Lebanon and the continuation of the war in Iran.

- No injuries or impacts are reported following Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack the 10th since midnight and a concurrent Hezbollah rocket attack. The Iranian missile had triggered sirens across southern Israel, and the Hezbollah rockets from Lebanon set off alerts in Karmiel and nearby towns in the Galilee.

- South Lebanon: IDF Golani eliminated 8 terrorists and destroyed the tunnel from which they emerged.

- Wall Street Journal: Saudi Arabia and the Emirates are on the verge of joining the fight against Iran due to the damage to their energy infrastructure. According to the report, Riyadh is already allowing the US to use its bases for attacks, and the crown prince is considering direct involvement, while the Emirates is intensifying economic pressure and closing Iranian institutions on its territory.

- Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Israel will maintain control of a “security zone” in southern Lebanon, up to the Litani River, until the threat of Hezbollah is removed, as the Air Force continued to pound targetsqq belonging to the Iran-backed terror group, which kept up its rocket barrages on northern Israel.

-Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threaten to conduct “heavy” missile and drone attacks on Israel in what it describes as support for Lebanese and Palestinian civilians.

“We warn the regime’s criminal army that if its crimes against civilians in Lebanon and Palestine persist,” Israeli forces “will be the target of heavy missile and drone strikes.eq q AQUARIUM+`! Q10 q!1--

Oif Simchas Monday 6 Nissan

Kiddush Levana opportunity 

Chasunas: 

Cohen - Kammer Ateres Reva

Koslowitz - Mandelbaum Cedar Palace 

Greenstein - Nadler Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Sassoon - Debbah Fountain Ballroom

Stolov - Rubenstein Ateres Esther

Gradon  - Fried Ateres Blima 

Weather Cold  low 29°

Monday March 23 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 46° Showers early, then cloudy in the afternoon Chance of rain 40%

- Federal Communications Commission orders a ban on the import of all ​new foreign-made consumer Internet routers FCC said these routers pose "a severe cybersecurity risk." China holds about 60% of the U.S. router market. The ban does not affect existing models but targets new ones (Bloomberg) 

- A large explosion occured at Valero oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas: Massive fires seen raging with heavy smoke visible for miles. A large explosion occured at Valero oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas: Massive fires seen raging with heavy smoke visible for miles. 

-NJ democrats  just passed 3 bills to fight back against Trump and ICE Assemblyman Avi Schnal voted yes on two  of the bills while information for the 3rd has not been made public yet The New Jersey Legislature passed three immigration-related bills and sent them to Mikie Sherrill for signature. The measures would limit cooperation with ICE, restrict sharing of driver data and immigration status, and require police officers to identify themselves while limiting mask use during arrests. 

About 100 people rallied outside the New Jersey State House protesting vote. Rep Paul Kanitra urged Mikie Sherrill to reject three bills that would limit cooperation with ICE and expand protections for undocumented immigrants, calling the measures extreme.  Paul Kanitra claimed Democrats support policies benefiting Illegal immigrants that cost New Jersey over $7 billion annually. He also argued they rely on undocumented residents for census counts to maintain legislative and congressional representation, accusing them of ignoring the financial impact on taxpayers. 

The Whitehouse  previously criticized the legislation citing a case in Lakewood when a mother and daughter were killed  by a drunk driver  who was illegal and should have been deported  for prior DWI  arrests.

- New Jersey and New York lawmakers Paul Kanitra R-Ocean and Monica Martinez say $50 toll violation fees unfairly punish one-time mistakes. They’re proposing new legislation to reduce fees for occasional offenders and target repeat violators instead, after finding most drivers cited are not habitual offenders.

- Trump: "Schumer is gone, I mean, he's a Palestinian... He used to be pro-Israel, now he's pro-Palestine. I've never seen anything like it. And, you know, he's he's worried he's going to lose this next election, which it only depends if anybody runs against him. If anybody runs against him, he'll lose." -President Trump

- Adirei Hatorah  notifies  there will be a 5th maamad kavod hatorah  event taking place on Sunday, May 31st, a week after Shavuos. No venue has been named but all previous events took place at Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia which has been renamed  Xfinity Mobile Arena 

-Pesach 2026 lakewood Complete Price Comparison 5-Store Specials Comparison It is for sale comparison, not daily prices see HERE 

Prices and availability may vary. Data was scraped from store flyers and may contain errors. Always verify in-store. Last updated: March 23, 2026.

- Delta airlines has rerouted to Laguardia flights to Atlanta 

- The Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Pushka truck will ber in jackson Brookwood and Flair neighborhoods today from 1-7 pm

- Tefillos for אריאלה אביגיל בת דינה ציפורה a Jewish lady who was injured in the air  Canada plane accident last night at Laguardia airport.

- Rav Dov Landau shlita with a message ahead of Pesach "One must be alert to the difficulty of the household members and instill a joyful atmosphere; one can tell a few jokes."

- NJ Filing day deadline today for politicians seeking to get on the June 2nd primary ballot for congress or senate need to get the required amount of signatures 

- The Lakewood DPW facility, located at 1 America Avenue, is currently operating on extended hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Tuesday, March 31, the site will remain open overnight through Wednesday, April 1, until 3:00 p.m.

Next week there will be a second round of curbside trash collection for all residential zones and the opening of multiple temporary drop-off locations a day before erev Pesach.

- Lakewood Township announced that there will be nine public Chometz food burning sites including one in West Gate at Hillside Boulevard and Brisk Lane

- Jersey City is asking the state for $150 million in state aid as it looks for a way to emerge from a $255 million budget deficit, officials said.

- Lakewood planning board meeting tomorrow with application to create 13 lots in the Oak Vine area Oak, Elroy, and Halsey Streets Block 1005, Lots 1 & 4

- Ocean County will host a free document shredding event this Friday in Lakewood at the DPW, 1 America Ave, from 9 AM to 12 PM.paper only - Documents with Social Security or open bank account numbers

- Golders Green hatzolah had Four of six ambulances destroyed in a hate-filled attack. govt officials in UK pledged four replacements via the London Ambulance Service, but they will take months to transfer. Hatzola launched a fundraiser to cover urgent needs for now

- Newark Liberty International Airport's air traffic control tower was evacuated earlier after a burning smell was detected from an elevator, leading to a ground stop. The FAA confirmed no fire, and operations were shifted to a backup tower. As a result, flights are delayed.

- Donald Trump, who said he supports ICE agents wearing masks during enforcement operations, but does not want them wearing masks when assisting at airports during the current staffing shortages. "The people coming into the airport, typically speaking, aren't murderers, killers, drug dealers, etc." "I didn't think [masks] was an appropriate look for an airport. I think it's a very appropriate look when they're out on the streets trying to find one of the 11,888 murderers that Sleepy Joe Biden let it do our country." - President Trump

At last night’s Mir dinner in Bellworks, the roshei yeshiva and hanhala traveled specially from Eretz Yisrael to help raise funds for the yeshiva as the dinnerwas plannedfor this week. Guests enjoyed a full exhibit celebrating the legacy of the Mashgiach, Rav Yerucham Levovitz, and received a commemorative sefer. Board members noted that even in these turbulent times, the fundraising surpassed previous campaigns. One honoree was granted the amud of the yeshiva, where tefillos have been recited for 50 years. 

- BDE:Petirah of Reb Shmuel Beller z”l, a Holocaust survivor who endured the horrors of Auschwitz and the Death March, and who rebuilt his life with remarkable strength, becoming a shining example of emunah, simcha, and ahavas Yisroel. He was 99/ Levaya held this morning in Boro Park at Shomrei Hadas with shivah in Monsey at 140 Horton Drive.

- In Bnei Brak, a woman approached a 10-year-old boy and cut off his peyos on 

The incident happened erev shabbos after a ball the boy was playing with accidentally hit her. The act was captured on security cameras, and the footage spread widely online.The woman was arrested and questioned on suspicion of assault and offending religious feelings. 

- FAA Statement

Air Canada Express Flight 8646 struck an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle after landing on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The accident occurred around 11:40 p.m. local time on Sunday, March 22. The CRJ-900 was arriving from Montreal. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB is in charge of the investigation and will provide all updates.

The airport is closed. Visit the NOTAM site for additional information.

Iran War Updates Monday March 23

1:30am

Impact sites in Tel  Aviv from latest rocket attack. Fragment fell causing a structure fire 

6 lightly injured from latest attack

Tel Aviv This morning 

10:30pm

Heavy missile barrage from Iran over Gush Dan region. Several impact sites no injuries reported.

7:00 pm

-All clear given 

More Incoming missiles red alerts in Yerushalayim Bet Shemesh and central regions 

-Iran fired a cluster bomb missile at Israel's north with fragments falling in Chaifa  area. Damage was caused to a home in the Chaifa suburb of Nesher by a cluster munition Medics say there are no reports of injuries

4pm

- Lufthansa cancels flights to Israel through May 31

- Vice President Vance spoke today on the phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu and discussed with him the attempt to open negotiations between the US and Iran, according to a source familiar with the details. The source noted that Vance and Netanyahu discussed the components of a possible agreement to end the war with Iran

- The IDF confirms striking in Beirut a short while ago, saying it has launched a wave of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets

- Netanyahu : Trump updated me on new opportunity for Iran deal that ‘protects our interests “Earlier today, I spoke with our friends, President Trump. President Trump believes that there is a chance to leverage the great achievements of the IDF and the US military to realize the war goals of the agreement. An agreement that will protect our vital interests. At the same time, we continue to attack both Iran and Lebanon. We sanctify the missile and nuclear programs to the last detail and continue to severely harm Hezbollah. Just a few days ago we eliminated two more nuclear scientists and the hand is still outstretched. We will protect our vital interests in any situation.”

3:00 pm

- After a few hours if calm Iran fired  a missile towards  the south, it has been intercepted.

2pm

-Despite negotiations with Iran, the U.S. moves ahead with plans to deploy thousands of Marines, sailors, and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, sources tell CBS News. The buildup continues even as diplomacy is put on the table, signaling parallel tracks of negotiation and military pressure.

- Senior Israeli official: Contacts are underway for a meeting between senior Iranian and American officials in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, later this week

Senior Israeli official: As part of the contacts for the summit in Pakistan, the possibility is being considered that U.S. Vice President Vance will be the senior American representative

Senior Israeli official: Israel knew that mediation efforts by several countries were underway to initiate talks between Iran and the U.S., but was surprised by Trump's statements that these contacts are progressing and that there are apparently agreements on 15 points (Ravid)

- Israir airlines: Effective immediately, flights will operate only to nearby destinations: Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Tbilisi, and Addis Ababa (including necessary humanitarian support). These destinations will serve as connection hubs for onward travel.

 Flight Cancellations: All flights booked through April 8, 2026, will be canceled in accordance with the new framework. Passengers will be offered either:

 A future travel voucher worth 130% of the original ticket value, valid for 24 months, or A full refund

 Reassignment of Passengers: Passengers who purchased tickets from Ben Gurion Airport to Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Tbilisi, and Addis Ababa will be reassigned to flights operating on these routes, subject to the updated schedules.

- President Trump outlines U.S. demands for Iran:

1. No nuclear bomb, no nuclear weapon, “not even close to it”

2. “Low key” on missiles

3. Peace in the Middle East

4. “We want the nuclear dust”

5. No enrichment

6. “We want the enriched uranium”

“If this happens, it’s a great start for Iran to build itself back. And it’s everything that we want.”

“And it’s also great for Israel and it’s great for the other Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, all of them, Kuwait and Bahrain in particular. So it’s great for all of them.”

- Trump:"Tomorrow morning, we were expected to blow up their largest electric generating plants that cost over $10 billion to build. One shot. It's gone. It collapses. Why would they want that? So they called. I didn't call. They called. "They want, very much, to make a deal. We'd like to make a deal, too. We're going to get together today.""If it goes well, we're going to end up with settling this. Otherwise, we'll just keep bombing our little hearts out." 

- Trump refuses to disclose who is leading Iran right now: “Because I don't want them to be killed”

israeli source: The senior Iranian official with whom the US is conducting talks - Parliament Speaker Galibaf

-Trump: Q How would you get Iran's enriched uranium?

“It's very easy. If we have a deal with them, we're going down, and we’ll take it ourselves”

- Trump: Strait of Hormuz with Iran after regime change: It would be jointly controlled. Maybe me. Me and the Ayatollah, whoever the Ayatollah is! There'll also be a very serious form of a regime change”

-EL AL Flight Operations Update:

Some passengers may receive notifications in the coming hours regarding the cancellation of their flights. The decision to cancel these flights results from constraints beyond our control, which currently prevent the operation of regular flights from Israel, except in rare exceptional cases. At this time, and due to these restrictions, we are unable to offer an alternative flight.

We continue working to return passengers home within the existing limitations. Relevant customers will receive a proactive update with full flight details once flight assignment becomes possible.

Ticket sales for flights departing from Israel are closed until April 15, while inbound flights to Israel are available for purchase based on seat availability.

Customers whose flights were canceled due to the current situation are entitled to a refund or a credit voucher. Request a voucher or a refund.

- Trump: 'Iran wants to make a deal urgently, it could happen within five days or even sooner': Fox Business

- Hezbollah rocket fire from the north continues qith5one injured in Kiryat Shmona

7:30 am 

- Iranian Fars news agency: Trump backed down amid Tehran’s threats, no direct or indirect communications held with US

- Trump cancels the attack on the power infrastructure in Iran: “I AM PLEASE TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WITCH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”

- Arkia Israeli Airlines stated that the “new flight framework does not allow us to operate in Israel,” adding that, starting tonight, the company’s aircraft will depart from Egypt and Jordan instead of Israeli airports.

- EL AL says new government limits on flights and passenger numbers will reduce its operations. The airline is reviewing how this affects safety and logistics, and plans to scale down while still maintaining essential flights to keep Israel connected. It will share updates soon and is urging authorities to open Ramon Airport to help support travel updatea.

- Washington Post: The United States is rapidly deploying about 4,500 Marines and sailors, backed by F-35 aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious forces, with additional forces on the way ahead of the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. “The Marines aren’t coming for decoration.”

At least two people are dead and about 60 people are injured in a collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The airport is closed

Widespread power outages in large areas of Tehran this morning following intense attacks last night, residents told The New York Times

Oif Simchas Sunday 5 Nissan

 Chasunas:

Frankel - Has Enfield Cedar Palace

Friedman - Jacobowitz Fountain Ballroom 

Springfield Yeshiva dinner Kesser Moshe 

MIR Dinner Bellworks

Sunday March 22 News Updates Lakewood

Weather 68° Considerable clouds, tonight  100% chance of rain. Tomorrow morning rain temps will drop to 30's some nights this week.

Isolated thunderstorms may appear over the Jersey Shore later this afternoon and tonight on March 22, according to the National Weather Service. The wet weather is expected between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., the weather service said in its advisory.

- Air Canada Jet Hits Fire Truck at LaGuardia, Killing Two Pilots

Flight AC8646 from Montreal, with 72 passengers and four crew, struck the Port Authority fire truck head-on around 11:40 p.m. Sunday on Runway 4 while rolling at 30 mph. The truck had crossed the runway to aid a United flight with sickened crew, but air traffic control yelled 'Stop!' too late, with a controller later admitting, 'I messed up.' At least 41 were injured, including first responders; LaGuardia shut down, and the NTSB probes communication lapses during the prior emergency.

 Two pilots dead, 41 people hospitalized after Air Canada plane hits fire truck when landing at LaGuardia, causing airport closure

- Anti semitic arson attack on Hatzolah ambulances in London Video shows 3 hooded men poor gas, ignite the blaze and flee the scene of a Hatzolah ambulance arson attack in Golders Green, London.

- NJ Gov Mikie Sherrill statement on Trump plan to send ICE agents to work for TSA at airports: "Every time Trump gets involved, he creates chaos for the American people. This latest proposal – deploying ICE agents to airports – is no different. Trump’s ICE has a track record of making communities less safe, and sending untrained ICE agents to staff our airports is not an acceptable solution. Instead, it’s time for Donald Trump and Washington Republicans to do their jobs and fund TSA.

- NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill wore a Hijab at a event in Newark celebrating the end of Ramadan.

- Moadim L'Simcha Pesach distribution at Blueclaws expect traffic in the area.

- Ben Gurion Airport officials recommends an immediate closure of the airspace

- Kollel Shomrei Hachomos pushka truck will be in south Lakewood developments today from 1pm -7pm

-Hachnosas sefer Torah will take place today Liluy Nishmas Habachur Aharon Nosson  Lebovits Z"L one of the 4 boys killed in a car accident after Sukkos. It will take place at Spruce st shul this afternoon 2pm.

- Suit and Hat sale today 470 Oberlin Lakewood hats $50 suits $100

- Hisachdus Harabonim Di’Lakewood-pesach 5786/ Recommended list by Rabbi y. Shain Here

- Busy  shopping day the Pesach sale at Bingo is  over  for now.

- Stop n shop removes sign from the location in Toms River as the store has closed.

- Mir Dinner today at BellWorks.

- Massive delays at JFK  and other Airport in NYC and across the US, crowds report waiting for hours in TSA lines

- President Trump confirms that ICE agents "will be going to airports" Monday as TSA delays continue across the country

"On Monday, ICE will be going to airports to help our wonderful TSA Agents who have stayed on the job despite the fact that the Radical Left Democrats, who are only focused on protecting hard line criminals who have entered our Country illegally, are endangering the USA by holding back the money that was long ago agreed to with signed and sealed contracts, and all. But watch, no matter how great a job ICE does, the Lunatics leading the incompetent Dems will be highly critical of their work. THEY WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB. The great Tom Homan is in charge!!! President DJT"

- Audio:  shiur on  Xanthan Gum from the Volover kashrus in Yiddish listen HERE

Montoloking  Alenhurst and Deal are among the top 30 NJ towns with the highest property taxes averaging $10,000 per NJ

-Video: Polishing Lakewood's Image Natie Weiss & Caleb Snyder/Talkline With Zev Brenner Watch video Here

 

Iran War Updates Sunday March 22

11:00 pm

- Many Americans still in EY trying to find a way back to the US for Pesach. There's limited  flight options and guided groups through Egypt are very expensive. National US frum organizations have not taken an active role in helping  Americans to get out.

- Iran's military spokesperson delivers english message directly to trump:

“hey trump, you're fired! you’re familiar with this sentence. thank you for your attention to this matter. the central headquarter of khatam al-anbiya”

-President Donald J. Trump commented on his recent warning to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, saying, “You’ll find out what’s going to happen soon. It will be very good. Total decimation of Iran. It’s going to work out very well.”(Ch13)

- Due to flight restrictions leaving Israem,sone Pesach programs in Europe geared for Israelis have canceled their program while others are working to arrange travel through Egypt to celebrate the Exodus from Egypt.

- Starting Monday at 5:00 pm, there will be only one flight per hour. Arriving flights will have no passenger limit but departing flights from Israel will be limited to a maximum of 50 passengers.

6pm

Fragment fell in the Shomron no injuries BH

- Fragment fell in Bnei Brak Breslov area no injuries 

- Exploding cluster bomb reports of impact sites as fragments fell in Ganei Tikva area.

- Incoming Iranian rockets red alerts issued for central region and for  South Yam Hamelach area

- Emergency Appeal for families of Arad fundraiser by Mosdos Gur HERE

2 rockets launched from Iran

5pm

-After receiving many requests for help, the US State Department will operate buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Amman International Airport in Jordan starting tomorrow. You can request a seat here. Note that in the past, some people have reported that religious articles (Talis, Tefillin, Seforim) have been confiscated when entering or leaving Jordan. Generally, this has been reported to happen when they are visible outside of baggage, so be sure all religious articles are packed away when entering and leaving Jordan or Egypt!(Dansdeals)

- Israel’s fights against Iran, Hezbollah to continue for several weeks, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says. “We are expected to face several more weeks of fighting against Iran and Hezbollah.

- The Transportation Ministry says that, “contrary to reports,” there is no change in Israel’s policy regarding arriving and departing flights, after reports indicated that further restrictions were being weighed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

- Ben Gurion Airport is scaling back flights, with departures expected to carry only 50 passengers each, and landings will be reduced to one per hour. Flight Restrictions - For outgoing flights only, incoming flights will be at full capacity (Din Fisher).

-Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged Trump and Netanyahu not to target civilian infrastructure in Iran

- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on NBC:

“The command and control of the Iranian regime is in chaos. It resembles Hitler’s bunker Hitler is dead, Himmler is dead, Göring is dead. Much of what we are seeing now are actions of lone wolves.” “Yesterday’s launch of medium-range ballistic missiles (targeting Diego Garcia) reflects actions driven by the regime’s desperation.”

- Ben Gurion Airport recommends an immediate closure of the airspace

Senior Ger leadership including the Rebbes son visits the scene in Arad

- Iranian President Pezeshkian: "The illusion of removing Iran from the map is indicative of desperation and helplessness in the face of the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terrorism only unite the people of Iran more tightly. The Strait of Hormuz is open to ships of all countries except aggressors against Iran's soil. We will decisively respond to the frantic rhetoric and reckless threats in the arena."

9:00am

- Trump: "Now with the death of Iran, the greatest enemy America has is the Radical Left, Highly Incompetent, Democrat Party! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT"

- IDF spokesperson: We eliminated the commander of the special forces in the 'Radwan Force' unit and additional terrorists from the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

- IDF attacks  the Al-Qasmiya bridge on the Litani River in Lebanon to eliminate Hezbollah transport of rockets.

- More missiles intercepted over Tel Aviv some fragments fell no injuries reported

 8:00am

- Cluster missile hits central region: 15 injured, impacts on Ayalon, in Petach Tikva and Ramat Gan. 14 lightly injured 1 serious condition.

Six waves of launches from Iran: impacts in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Petah Tikva following the launch of a cluster missile. Lanes on the Ayalon Highway were blocked.

- Ofer Moskovitz (“Pushko”) HYD was killed from a direct hit in Misgav Am in the north.

- Ahead of the situation assessment this evening at the Ministry of Transportation: Due to the rate of fire and the use of cluster missiles - professional sources recommend further reducing the number of departing passengers from Ben Gurion Airport and, for the first time, also the number of landings per hour.

- Ger chasidim who lost their homes in Arad attack have been transfered to a kosher hotel in Yerushalayim. A campaign was launched to provide them with clothing and other items thatvwew lost during the blast.

- Out of 190 hospitalized only 35 remain at Soroka hospital 2 in serious condition

- Update: Nearly 200 people were injured by Iranian strikes in the southern cities of Dimona and Arad 11 of them seriously, medics said, after Israeli air defenses failed to intercept at least two ballistic missiles.Among those seriously injured in the strikes on the south were a 12-year-old boy suffering from shrapnel injuries in Dimona, and a 5-year-old girl hurt in the subsequent strike in Arad

- Following the strikes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir pledged to continue fighting Israel’s enemies on “all fronts,” 

                  Impact sites in Gush Dan region

Netanyahu visits the scene in Arad

At the Scene in Petach Tikva

Sign in Stolin notifying chasidim  of restrictions 

Motzei Shabbos News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 40° Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Chance of rain 50%.

Stores open tonight for Pesach shopping ,Bingo, Evergreen, Nutmeg, Npgs, Kosher village,Aisle 9 (The Bingo pesach sale is over).

Pesach Kashrus questions tonight with Rabbi Moshe Elefant of the OU live on talkline with Zev Brenner listen live HERE

Melava Malka Tonight marking the Yartzeit of Rav Chaim Moshe Strulowics ZTL who was niftar during the onset of covid. it will take place at the Bais Medrash 8th and Madison.

- Mir dinner tomorrow at BellWorks.

- BDE: Petirah of Rav Shalom Meir HaKohen Vallech from Bnei Brak at the age of 79. He was one of the most well-known and influential figures in the world of Charedi literature and Darshan. He was mechaber many seforim om Torah Moadim and Mussar Mayan Hashavua.

For many years, he served as the Rav of the “Shikun Gimmel HaMerkazi” shul in Bnei Brak.

-Experts predict New Jersey drivers could see an average price of $4 next week

- Former FBI Director and special counsel Robert Mueller died Friday night at age 81. Mueller led the high-profile investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, concluding in 2019 that Moscow acted to benefit Donald Trump.

Trump posted "Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!"

- Tomorrow a hachnosas sefer Torah will take place Lilluy Nishmas Habachur Aharon Nosson Lebovits Z"L one of the 4 boys killed in a car accident after Sukkos. It will take place at Spruce st shul tomorrow afternoon 

- The FBI warned Friday that Russian intelligence-linked hackers have breached “thousands” of Signal accounts, targeting U.S. officials, military personnel, and journalists.

 FBI Director Kash Patel said attackers are impersonating app support messages to trick users into sharing login codes, enabling full account takeovers, message access, and phishing from victims’ accounts.

Iran War Updates Motzei Shabbos Vayikra 5786

- Missile  in the notth  from Lebanon 1 killed while  trapped in car hit by fragment at Kibbutz  Misgav Am 

- Cluster bomb missile intercepted several impact sites in Tel Aviv, Cholon no injuries reported 

1: 10 am Red alert in Central Israel Incoming Iranian rockets

- 22 countries, including the UAE, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Japan and others, release a joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz.

 Condemning recent attacks and calling on Iran to immediately cease threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to block commercial shipping.

- Iran, quickly responded to Trump's threat, and the spokesperson for the Emergency Command, Khatam al-Anbiya, said that if energy facilities and fuel infrastructure in Iran are attacked, then Iran will attack the energy infrastructure, information technologies, and desalination facilities of the US and Israel.

Names for Tehillim from Arad attack

רבקה פערל בת מלכה, אשר צבי בן רבקה פערל ,שלמה בן רבקה פערל ,שמחה בונים בן רבקה פערל

שִׁיר 

- A preliminary investigation reports that the U.S. THAAD system failed to intercept the missiles that struck Arad and Dimona.

Both intercept attempts reportedly missed.

Same missile type used in all incidents.

Similar failure noted in recent Beit Shemesh strike.

- IDF's Chief:"Iran launched a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 4,000 kilometers toward an American target on Diego Garcia Island. These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches the capitals of Europe: Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range."

"Iran launched a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 4,000

Over 130 injured, 11 seriously, in Iranian missile strikes on southern cities of Arad, Dimona

- In Arad a resident building with Gerer Chasidim was hit from the shock wave of a missile that hit the ground. Over 84 injured in Arad some in serious condition 

Magen David Adom reports that the number of injured in the Iranian missile strike in Arad has risen to 84, according to Hebrew media.

The number includes 10 people who are seriously injured, 19 who are moderately injured and 55 who are lightly injured.

The Gerer rebbe was notified of the missile attack in Arad  and instructed “It is incumbent upon everyone to follow the guidelines of the securitypersonnel. We must increase our tefillos for the healing of the wounded.”

MK Yitzchok Goldknopf headed to Soroka hospital to visit injured Gerer Chasidim

- 37 injured in Dimona as Iran targets Israel's city where nuclear facilities are, in retaliation for an attack today on Iran's facilities in Natanz.

- Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants if Strait of Hormuz not opened in 48 hours

- Last night, it was revealed that a few days ago, Iran launched two medium-range ballistic missiles toward the Diego Garcia base, a joint US and UK military base located in the Indian Ocean that is over 3,000km (2,000mi) away from Iran. Neither of the missiles hit the base, but the move marks a significant escalation in Tehran's attempt to reach beyond the Mediterranean borders and threaten US interests.

- A airstrike targeted Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility over shabbos

- BDE 18 year old bachur Yehuda Sherman HYD killed in a  Ralamming attack outside chomesh by a palestinian Arab driver.

                                      In Arad

          Scene in Arad after a missile hit

 

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת ויקרא תשפ"ו

 Friday, March 20, 2026 / ב׳ ניסן תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת ויקרא

Candle lighting 6:51pm

Shkiah/Sunset 7:09 pm

Weather tonight: 45° A steady rain overnight. Chance of rain 80%.

Shabbos day 59° Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower.

?למה האות א' של תחילת חומש ויקרא היא זעירא

כתוב בספר 'זרע קודש':

אל״ף, ראשי תיבות: "פתחי לי אחותי". חז"ל דרשו על כך: "פתחי לי פתח כחודו של מחט, ואני אפתח לך כפתחו של אולם". 

לכן האל״ף זעירא - לרמוז שדי בפתח קטן כדי לזכות לכל השפע והאורות

אדם כי יקריב מכם קרבן..

korbon

   

 Sing With Shira | Shira Choir ft. Ahrele Samet & Shea Kaller Band פרוק

Friday March 20 News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, March 20, 2026 / ב׳ ניסן תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת ויקרא

Candle lighting 6:51pm

Shkiah/Sunset 7:09 pm

Weather: 60° Sunny to partly cloudy. 

tonight: 45° A steady rain overnight. Chance of rain 80%.

Shabbos day 59° Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower.

Bein Hazmanim Bochurim are back 

- A Muslim man working as a USPS mail carrier has been arrested after attacking a four-year-old child in Monsey, New York, while delivering mail on his route. It was captured on video.

- Again people coming from EY will be arriving late today in Newark airport die to issues with connecting flights in Europe as TSA delays after landing. Rabbonim issued individual psakim based on the circumstances. 

- Rita's is celebrating the first day of spring by offering free Italian ice on Friday, including the debut of a new flavor

- CBS News is shutting down its radio news service after nearly 100 years of operation as part of a round of layoffs  NBC

- The Kollel Shomrei Hachomos pushka  collection truck will be making rounds throughout the Lakewood area, today it will drive through  the Route 9 South developments, to collect money from pushkas.

-Mir Yerushalayim Yeshiva spending shabbos in the tri state area ahead of the dinner this Sunday in Bellworks

- This motzei shabbos there will be a seudas melava Malka marking the Yartzeit of Rav Chaim Moshe Strulowics ZTL who was niftar during the onset of covid. it will take place at the Bais Medrash 8th and Madison.

- Lottery for 40 affordable homes in Jackson apply Here before Isru chag Pesach

- Nearly 90,000 bottles of children’s ibuprofen made for Taro Pharmaceuticals USA have been recalled after reports of contamination, including gel-like masses and black particles.

The recall, issued by Strides Pharma Inc. and reported by the Food and Drug Administration, affects 100 mg/teaspoon liquid sold in 4-ounce bottles and is still ongoing

- R' Shlomo Schorr of Agudath Israel of Americ NJ division director urged the New Jersey General Assembly to increase nonpublic school security funding from $205 to $260 per student, citing rising threats and growing security costs

- Update: Badatz Eidah HaChareidis has issued a new letter clarifying that claims circulating in their name suggesting they permit the use of xanthan gum on Pesach are false.

The letter (see below)states clearly that they do not approve or permit the use of xanthan gum for Pesach. This comes in response to recent reports or advertisements that may have implied otherwise.

- Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Friday that New Jersey and Roxbury are suing President Donald Trump‘s administration in an effort to stop controversial plans to convert a warehouse in the Morris County township into an ICE detention center.

- Stop & Shop on Lakewood Road &  rt 70  in Toms River closed permanently yesterday as the 3rd store in the area following the closure of the locations in Howell and jackson, There's some rumors that Amazing Savings will open up a location there. 

- Trump: Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER! President DONALD J. TRUMP

-NJ.com reports on  recent Toms River council meeting They yelled over each other. They called each other names. They dropped expletives  and even cursed each other out.

Town meetings are often contentious, featuring big egos and long-simmering political rivalries.

And then there’s Toms River, where fights between Mayor Daniel Rodrick and a majority on township council have taken the vitriol to a whole other level.

- Concern arose over Rav Moshe Sternbuch after reports of slight weakness, prompting tefillos. His family clarified that his routine remains normal and there is no major concern.

The Rav remarked, “We need rachamim,” and the ציבור is asked to daven for Rav Moshe ben Devorah.

- Rav Shlomo Machpud arranged a special charter flight to bring Shochtim back home to Eretz Yisroel from South America  home from South America for Pesach, He ensured both continued meat supply and their safe return to their families.

- Will the Strait of Hormuz Be the Site of the Final War of the End of Days? R' Daniel Glatstein

Machon Maggid Harakiah on Torah anytime Here 

Iran War Updates Friday March 20

5:00pm 

- Trump: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran: (1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry. (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others. The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

- Trump administration making heavy preparations for potential use of ground troops in Iran

Washington Pentagon officials have made detailed preparations for deploying U.S. ground forces into Iran, multiple sources briefed on the discussions told CBS News. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: "It's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality, it does not mean the President has made a decision, and as the President said in the Oval Office yesterday, he is not planning to send ground troops anywhere at this time

- Trump: We’re doing extremely well in Iran...They had a navy 2 weeks ago. They have no navy anymore. It's all at the bottom of the sea. 58 ships knocked down in 2 days

- Trump on Iran: "We're having a hard time.

We want to talk to them, and there's nobody to talk to. We have nobody to talk to. And you know what? We like it that way."

- Trump: Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Will the Strait of Hormuz Be the Site of the Final War of the End of Days? R' Daniel Glatstein

Machon Maggid Harakiah on Torah anytime Here  

More missiles fired towards Yerushalayim Fragments fall in Yerushalayim in the old city Rova parking lot

                      In the old city of Yerushalayim 

             Iranian missile Near Har Habayis

- Iran renews fire on Israel after brief lull, claims it can still produce missiles

- Update 8 lightly injured from latest barrage at central Rechovot area from shrapnel. 

- Iran launched twelve barrages toward Israel sincadt night , 7 of them toward the Yerushalayim area, and the last one toward the northern region. There are no reports of casualties. 

 

- There was a direct hit on a house in Rechovot

More impact sites in central Israel

Cars flipped over from impacr

Rechovot: Munitions crater in a soccer  field

- Switzerland says it would not issue licences for companies to export weapons to the United States due to the ongoing attacks on Iran, citing its neutrality.

-Iron Dome reservist soldier indicted for spying for Iran  a Jerusalem resident  provided information on workings of interception system, locations of batteries and IAF bases to Iranian intelligence.

- The media in Iran announced the elimination of Esmail Ahmadi, head of the intelligence division of the Basij forces

- The IDF officially confirms: The Air Force attacked and eliminated during the night Ali Mahmad Na'ini, spokesperson and head of the public relations division of the Revolutionary Guards.

- US State dept: El Al chartered flights from Israel to Newark and New York from March 16 to March 19 have returned over 2,000 Americans to the United States at no cost to the American taxpayer. Each of these flights was designated exclusively for American citizens.

- El Al has scheduled 28 commercial flights to North America to take place over the next 7 days to the extent permitted by the Israeli authorities.

Oif Simchas Thursday 2 Nissan

Chasunas:

Waksburg - Jacob Lake Terrace 

Abramczyk - Toder Ateres Blima

Rennert - Londinsky Fountain Ballroom 

Berkowitz - Rothenberg Cedar Palace

Tesser - Rotberg Ateres Esther

Sosna- Katz Ateres Chaim Elazar 

-Axon event by Bina at BellWorks

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

Kol Korei From Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America

Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5786

The month in which salvations abound

Am Hashem, be strong and strengthen yourselves

At a time when the entire world is in turmoil, and no one knows what a day may bring, the enemies of Klal Yisroel are digging in their claws to shake the walls of the House of Yisroel, especially our brethren, the residents of Eretz Hakodesh, who are in distress and in real danger, both spiritually and physically, may Hashem have mercy.

Let us awaken upon hearing the voice of Hashem -- “It is I Who have waged wars” (Avodah Zarah 2b) -- calling to us to return with a complete heart and to strengthen ourselves in heartfelt prayer, in charity and acts of kindness, in careful observance of the mitzvos, and in the study of Torah -- and to add the study of two halachos each day (during this period, the laws of Pesach are especially appropriate) as a merit for our Jewish brethren.

May the Master of Wars accept our repentance and hear our cries, so that we will not hear of devastation and destruction. Let us unite our hearts as one to our Father in Heaven, to ascend to Tzion with song, and to partake there of the offerings and the Korban Pesach, speedily in our days.

Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America

Thursday Rosh Chodesh Nissan March19 News Updates

                     ראש חודש ניסן תשפ"ו

Weather: 46° Partly cloudy warmer temperatures in the 60s and 70s are expected this weekend just in time for the arrival of spring on Friday.

ברכת האילנות today in eretz Yisroel with warmer weather 

Twelfth Yahrtzeit of Rav Elya Svei zt”l, Today, 1 Nissan

- Welcome home yeshiva bochurim as mesivtos and bais Medrash finish the winter zman. BMG will continue thru next week

- US State dept PR: El Al chartered flights from Israel to Newark and New York from March 16 to March 19 have returned over 2,000 Americans to the United States at no cost to the American taxpayer. Each of these flights was designated exclusively for American citizens.

El Al has scheduled 28 commercial flights to North America to take place over the next 7 days to the extent permitted by the Israeli authorities.

- Zeh Vzeh discount coupons for yom tov shopping is a program created by a group of working-class yungeleit for hard-working class families. It was created to provide store coupons during seasons when expenses become extraordinary, especially before Yom Tov. Participating stores offer special coupons and discounts to give families a little extra push with the added expenses. This program is not funded by donations it’s simply stores choosing to offer discounts to people just like them who are working hard and supporting their families. apply HERE for Lakewood discounts.

- Stop & Shop on rt 70 Toms River/Lakewood closing permanently for good today at 6pm. Apparently Amazing savings will be opening a location there.

- Residents in Lakewood are facing ongoing nightly road closures and heavy traffic on Route 9 and James Street during the busy bein hazmanim, wedding season, and pre-Pesach shopping period. Construction continues with no clear explanations, updates, or timeline provided by township officials who often shift the blame on county and state.

- The Vizhnitz Rebbe of Lakewood/Yerushalayim Rav Lazer Hager shlita was involved in a minor accident yesterday while arriving at his father’s kever in Monsey for the yahrtzeit. Baruch Hashem, he was not injured and left the scene without needing medical treatment.

- New Jersey WIC Program has approved its first cholov yisroel infant formula, allowing eligible families to purchase Baby's Only Infant Formula. Assemblyman Avi Schnall called the move a “game-changer,” saying it will ease financial strain for families who previously had limited options while maintaining their standards.

- WIC now available small 4 oz yogurts pack of 8 Blendz strawberry or vanilla flavor due to lower sugar content. The 32 Oz flavored yogurts are no longer approved.

- Lakewood  frum radio stations for those back for bein hazmanim  Station 88.7 FM features Jewish music and English-language shiurim, joining 104.7 and 107.9 FM and giving local listeners three frum radio options while sitting in traffic.

- Gourmet Glatt pre Pesach dinner special  for $70 serves 10 includes 9×13 choice of chicken fingers/nugget sesame or poppers plus 2lb side with 1lb Cole slaw and cucumber salad available at all 3 locations. Order must be placed by 1pm.

-Police in Yerushalayim  were recorded forcefully removing an ultra-Orthodox protester with a baby stroller during demonstrations in Mea Shearim against construction of a light rail station on receiving  Yehezkel. The incident led to officers being summoned for questioning. Protests reportedly included families with children, and police used crowd-control measures such as batons and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators.

-An opinion piece on USA today argues that New Jersey’s school funding formula is inequitable despite spending about $26,990 per student, leading to school cuts, job losses, and rising property taxes. A report by Garden State Initiative urges reforms, calling on Mikie Sherrill to take action for a fairer, more transparent system.

- ICE officials are urging Ocean County to honor a detainer for a Lakewood man,from Mexico who faces charges related to the alleged assault of a minor. Authorities warn he could be released under New Jersey bail reform, while federal officials are pushing to keep him in custody pending the case.

- Giyus: In light of the difficult the persecution of the Torah world there will be a atzeres chizuk In the 'Beit HaShem' community in Givat Sokolov in Bnei Brak with the participation Rav Dov Lando shlita .

- United States Postal Service may raise first-class stamp prices from 78¢ to around 90–95¢, according to Postmaster General David Steiner, who warned the agency could run out of cash within a year prompting some to suggest buying Forever stamps now ahead of a possible increase.

- Clarification  updated Pesach Kashrus Alert on Xanthan Gum several kashrus agencies who give a hashgacha on products with Xanthan gum say they made a special production  for Pesach and it is Kosher Lemehadrin for Pesach they include Badatz eidah Hacharedis, Rav Rubin, Hisachdus, Kedassia, Tartikov, Nirbater,  kashrus Kiryas Yoel.

On the contrary  The Volover Kashrus Agency and others warns  that food products containing Xanthan Gum are NOT kosher for Pesach. Even if labeled “Kosher for Passover,” Xanthan Gum derived from kitnoyos is soaked in alcohol the same type used for chametz gamur making it forbidden. Do not use or consume Xanthan Gum during Pesach. Xanthan Gum It is used as a thickener and stabilizer for sauces, salad dressings, and in gluten-free baking. Other kashrus certifying agencies have not issued any updates on this