Chasunas:
Weather: 83° A mix of clouds and sun. High 83F
13 Elul Yartzeit of the Ben Ish Chai.
- Lakewood BOE to stop providing free courtesy busing to public school students after Lakewood township cuts the funding. Until now public school students who are not mandated for free transportation from the school district received free courtesy busing sponsored by Lakewood municipal township. (While yeshiva non mandated parents pay out of pocket for busing provided by LSTA) Now the township notified the BOE that they will not longer pay for the free. Courtesy busing due to funding cuts.
- Satmar rebbe Rav Zalman Leib shlita paid a visit today to the Lakewood kehila in Rockwell ahead of the yomim Noraim
- Delta Air Lines will resume daily nonstop service from New York JFK to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on September 6, using Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. “The safety and security of our customers and employees remain our top priority.”
- United plans to resume September 8. American remains suspended through March 27, 2027.
- Schools were urging parents to opt in to LSTA new busing fee by the 5pm deadline despite the steep increase since carpooling will mean more traffic and safety issues.
- BDE: Petirah of Mrs. Chanie Jacobs A"h (nee Bresler) after a illness, wife of Rav Chaim Jacobs shlita from Forest Ave, rebbe in Kamenitz yeshiva. Levaya today at the Lakewood chapel off 7th st 6:30 pm with Kevura in Lakewood. She was in her 50's.
-BDE: Petira of Rebbetzin Frieda Fried A”H, wife of Harav Psachya Fried Shlita, she was suddenly Niftar at her home in Lakewood today.. The Levaya will take 5:00 PM at the Lakewood Chapel, followed by Kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.
- Bloomberg: Talks between Russia and Ukraine are at a dead end; Putin plans to escalate the war
- Admor M'Chernobyl shlita from Brooklyn will be in Lakewood this evening for kabolas Kahal ahead of the Yomim Noraim. At Cedarview ave starting with 7:30 Mincha until 10:30pm.
- Biala rebbe shlita will be in Deal,NJ today for a short visit.
- At the Jackson council meeting last night the Township passed an ordinance prohibiting data centers in all zoning districts of the town . Four council members voted in favor while one opposed it.
- Youtuber Tyler Oliveira is reportedly back in Lakewood today and has been approaching residents and schools, he was in other jewish neighborhoods in brooklyn yesterday trying to engage people for interviews with a film crew.
- Over 40 girls still not placed yet in high school. In previous years the nashgiach Rav Mattisyahu Solomon would not allow schools to. Begin the year untill all girls were placed.
- Chavivim of Ocean county ads 9 new members to expand services for the community
- Tomchei Shabbos of Lakewood dedicates the Fischl family warehouse in Lakewood on Summer Ave, that will serve as a distribution place for the food packages.
- Moishes supermarket in Howell was set to open ahead of the yomim tovim shopping season, as of now there's no official opening date announced yet.
- LSTA deadline for opting in has passed there's no data yet about what percentage of parents decided, yet several parents of mesivta age boys have organized their own carpool as the morning shacbris buses arrive too early with empty routes that are not utilized.
- FAA news LSTA drama leaves more questions than answers. Lakewood residents are still seeking answers about the LSTA’s revised $675 busing charge. Where did the approximately $290 reduction come from, and was LDC, UEZ, or other funding pursued? What happened to tbe $1.6 million loan. Questions also remain about who approved the original $945 charge and the reduction, board member current role with LSTA and Igud, and whether any conflicts of interest exist. Most importantly, residents want a clear explanation of why courtesy transportation is funded differently for public and nonpublic students and who ultimately pays for each program. Here
- BDE: Petirah of Rabbi Aron Gertz zt”l, a longtime rebbi at Yeshiva Karlin-Stolin of Boro Park, who spent many years dedicated to the chinuch and growth of generations of talmidim Originally from Kensington area and relocated in the later years he suffereda beart attack a few weeks ago. Levaya in Lakewood today 11am at the chapel off 7th st.
- APP reports Families of non-mandated private and religious school students in the township are scrambling to adjust to a steep financial shock after the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority announced that courtesy busing fees will more than double for the upcoming 2026–27 school year.
- Hatzolas Nefashos Calls for Apology at Jackson Council Meeting. A representative of Hatzolas Nefashos called on a Jackson council member to publicly apologize for remarks made about the volunteer emergency medical organization two weeks earlier, including referring to it as a “copycat” ambulance service. The representative invited the council member to tour the organization’s operations, meet its volunteers and medical teams, and observe their training firsthand. He also disputed claims that Hatzolas Nefashos volunteers are improperly trained or primarily based outside Jackson, and said a video showing a vehicle running a red light did not involve the organization. The representative emphasized that Jackson residents volunteer around the clock to help save lives and provide emergency transportation, including free transports in some circumstances. “Judge us by our actions and not assumptions,” he said, adding that the organization is here to serve Jackson residents and deserves an apology for what he called inappropriate public remarks.
A Council member echoed the statement saying there's no need for competition among volunteers everyone should be welcomed to serve along with the EMS for the. Benefits of the community. The council member who made the earlier remarks took up the offer to get a personal tour of Hatzolas Nefashos.
- Toms River shul application coming up at the zoning board in 2 weeks for a Shul building on three lots totaling slightly more than two acres in size at 2030 Whitesville Road. A 1.5-story home is located on one of the properties; total property taxes paid on the three parcels is $21,304 this year, according to Ocean County tax records. APP reports
- Yair Netanyahu was evacuated from Miami several months ago after an Iranian cell was uncovered that was spying on him and preparing to assassinate him
- Beginning October 1, 2026: Some non-citizen immigrants may no longer qualify for NJ FamilyCare
- Catastrophic flash floods and mudslides have struck Jilong Port in Tibet near the Nepal border. Three Americans are among the hundreds feared dead in the disaster.
- Jackson Police are investigating a series of vulgar, threatening voicemails left for Jackson Township Mayor Jennifer Kuhn amid a heated mayoral race. No matter what side of the aisle you are, please don't do this at all Callers used extreme language, including death threats. Both Kuhn and her opponent Elliott Shem-Tov condemned the messages, saying real change happens at the ballot box. Authorities have stepped up presence around Town Hall because of this NJ12 reports
- United Torah Judaism chairman Moshe Gafni drops a bombshell with his plan: “I know whom I will recommend for prime minister, and it won’t be Netanyahu. Pundits say, With the left, it’s much easier to move forward.
Weather: 80° Generally cloudy. High around 80F.
12 Elul the 7th Yartzeit of Rabbi Shlomo Gissinger ZTL
- BDE: Petirah of Rabbi Aron Gertz zt”l, a longtime rebbi at Yeshiva Karlin-Stolin of Boro Park, who spent many years dedicated to the chinuch and growth of generations of talmidim .Originally from Kensington area and relocated in the later years to Lakewood. Levaya in Lakewood tomorrow 11am at the chapel off 7th st.
- Trump administration pauses all immigrant visa applications worldwide.
- Over 40 girls not yet placed in high school a week before school starts
- Bingo/Menachem Lev Elul /Yom Tov sale going on now through September 5 side of salmon $8.99 see list below
- Tomchei Shabbos of Lakewood Chanukas Habayis and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new warehouse 503 Summer Ave. 5:30pm
- LSTA opt in deadline extended to tonight while parents decide their options.
- A massive fire broke out Tuesday morning at - Mordy’s Shtiebel, in Delaware Trail Rd at the Lakewood/Jackson border, heavily damaging the shul. Firefighters brought the blaze under control around 7:00 a.m. B’H all the Sifrei Torah were safely removed and found to be in good condition. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
-NYT reports on the ICE immigration raid on Clifton Ave in Lakewood 2 months ago. Federal immigration agents raided El Oaxaqueño, a Mexican supermarket in New Jersey, on June 24. Workers and day laborers tried hiding in bathrooms, upstairs areas and a walk-in refrigerator, but agents found and detained several people. One worker said she was traumatized after pleading with officers, explaining that she had a 2-year-old daughter.
- Trump: I would never interfere with Canadians speaking French! In fact, I have never even thought of doing such a stupid thing. This lie was made up by a weak and ineffective Prime Minister in an attempt to gain political support, which he has totally lost, from the people of Quebec. I love French Canadians! President DONALD J. TRUMP
- More U.S. employers are reportedly cutting coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs as healthcare costs soar.
- At last night’s Lakewood Zoning Board meeting, several applications were heard and approved. The Planning Board chairman sat in for several applications because of conflicts of interest involving other board members. The board approved a subdivision for BMG, which recently purchased a property on 5th Street and N. Lake Drive that includes a cemetery. The cemetery will be subdivided from the original lot and remain as is. Another application near Prospect Square, submitted jointly by nine property owners for a mix of duplexes and single-family homes, was approved with some future restrictions. The board also approved an application on Pine Drive, adjacent to the Hearthstone neighborhood, that includes a new 40-foot road connecting Route 9 to New Hampshire Avenue and will allow for 16 homes.
- Despite setting up parking spaces the Lakewood town square has homeless camping there.
APP reports Lakewood temporarily turned its town square into a 35-space parking lot because construction reduced downtown parking. Officials say they were not aware that the construction company painted it already it’s temporary and reversible, but residents, churches, and nonprofits oppose it because the square is a longtime public gathering space and fear the parking could become permanent.
- Trump: Canada has been “Ripping Off” the U.S.A. for decades. They have been charging our Farmers 400% Tariffs, and more. They have driven many wonderful U.S. companies out of business. For 10 years they wouldn’t certify Gulfstream Jets, until I got involved. They wanted 100% of the market for Gulfstream’s Canadian competitor. I deal with many countries, and Canada is easily the most difficult and unreasonable. They feel entitled, but they are not a State, and will be entitled no longer! President DJT
- LSTA report: From the NJ state report on the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority Funding.
Funding for the LSTA comes from three major sources, The first is an agreement with Lakewood Public School District to provide transportation or aid in lieu for approximately 25,000 nonpublic school students at the maximum AIL rate per student. For FY 2022, this amount was $24,740,600. The next largest is fees paid by families for courtesy transportation designed to fill the buses. LSTA charged $260 per student for the approximately 10,000 students receiving this service. For FY 2022, the total revenue to the LSTA from families paying for in-district and out-of-district transportation was $2,513,364. The third and final revenue stream is a payment from the town to help ensure that nonpublic school students get seats on a bus. For FY 2022, this amount was $1,203,100. Total revenue for the LSTA (FY 2022) was $27,253,964. The LSTA’s expenses totaled $30,813,857 for FY 2022. Program expenses included $28,817,333 for contracted bus services and $869,994 for aid in lieu payments. The LSTA reported administrative expenses of $1,126,530, about 3.8% of program expenses, which is in line with what CTSAs charge (although the LSTA does not explicitly charge an administrative fee in the same way that CTSAs do). One concern is that the LSTA appears to be running at a loss each year and has a growing amount of receivables at the end.
- President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States is seriously considering renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America,” escalating his war of words with Canada as a bitter trade dispute intensifies and Ontario’s premier threatens to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the United States. “The United States is giving serious consideration to changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America in that we don’t expect to [be] doing much business with Ontario any longer,” Trump declared on Truth Social Tuesday.
- Ivanka Trump/Kushner opens up about her conversion to Orthodox Judaism in a conversation with Miriam Adelson. “I actually converted before Jared and I became engaged.”She speaks about what a blessing Judaism has been in her life, how its values have strengthened her connection with her children, and how Shabbat and the Jewish holidays have added so much meaning to their family life
- Bingo Mesamchei Lev price list
- Trump: I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed. Through Space Force, we are watching every square inch of the Strait, as we are, also, with Pickaxe Mountain and the already destroyed three other Nuclear sites. There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
- Trump: The failing Islamic Republic of Iran is not paying large segments of their military, while at the same time killing protesters, even when they are not protesting, at levels not seen before. It is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, and must be stopped, NOW. President DONALD J. TRUMP
- Netanyahu: Following my instructions and in continuation of the law we passed, the eviction of the UNRWA compound in Kfar Akab, near Jerusalem, began today. The State of Israel will not allow an organization whose employees were involved in terrorism and the massacre of October 7th to operate within its territory, and it will take action against it using all available means.
- The Trump administration issued a $10 million reward for information on the whereabouts of the Commander of the Revolutionary Guard, the Commander of the Iranian Armed Forces, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Organization, the Commander of the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guard, and the Commander of the Cyber Unit of the Revolutionary Guard.
Iran attacked an oil tanker in Hormuz. After six days without reports of attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, it was reported tonight that a missile or a drone hit the engine room of an oil tanker moving in the waters off Oman - an event that caused the tanker to be disabled
NYT: The Trump administration is preparing to return diplomats to the US embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, a move that may indicate that the US is not preparing to return to combat in the near future
IDF and Shin Bet: Yesterday we attacked and destroyed five weapons depots and a launch site of the Hamas terrorist organization in several strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. The attacked depots stored rockets, weapons, explosives, grenades, and other combat equipment that Hamas terrorists used to promote terrorist plots against our forces in the Gaza Strip. The attacked depots were set up inside mosques and next to humanitarian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. This is another example of Hamas' cynical use of civilian infrastructure, including mosques and humanitarian infrastructure, in violation of international law and cynical exploitation of the civilian population.
- WSJ: Days before ordering an attack on Iran, Trump received explicit warnings from intelligence officials who cautioned that eliminating Khamenei would not topple the regime - but would instead lead to the rise of a more extreme and hardline leadership that would work to accelerate the development of nuclear weapons.
- The United Nations on Tuesday slammed Israel’s threat to evacuate people from areas where kites, drones and balloons are launched in Gaza, lamenting “unacceptable rhetoric” coming from Israeli leaders. “On the threat of expulsion due to children’s kite flying, I hope we can all agree that this is outrageous,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.
Opt out its not manageable, no Opt in it's cheap!
What is most insulting is not even the increase itself it's the lack of explanation. People feel they were played.
The initial number families were already paying was $385. It was raised to $945. That price has now been reduced by $290, bringing the new total to $675 per child. But the statement never acknowledged that this $290 is on top of the $385 base parents were already paying it was presented as if the added cost was only $290, when in reality the total cost per child is now closer to $700. That omission is what many people find especially misleading.
The financials also make no sense. If the shortfall was $2.7 million, why was the increase set at a level well above that to begin with and then what suddenly changed that allowed additional funding to be found? Regardless, this is still a steep increase for parents to absorb, and it raises real questions about transparency. There is no guarantee this new baseline won't rise again especially considering that the cost was just $150 not long ago, and is now effectively $700.
People deserve answers. Was the original increase deliberately set high to create panic and make the final number seem more manageable? When was this actually known? Why were people told that those in charge had only recently learned about it? Was this planned in advance? How long before was this known?
This is not a game. These decisions affect families' emotions and finances. Those responsible owe the public more than an apology they owe a full public explanation of what happened and what is still happening.
There are also major unanswered questions about the justification for using municipal tax dollars to fully fund courtesy busing for public school students while not doing the same for non-public-school students. The public has repeatedly asked for a legal explanation and still has not received one.
And taxpayers are being told that budget cuts are responsible, with blame placed on Trump, FEMA, and the state. But Lakewood's municipal tax levy increased for 5 years in a row from about $72.2 million in 2021 to $97.2 million in 2025 an increase of roughly 35%. The Township is now proposing another $14 million increase for 2026, bringing the municipal levy to approximately $111.2 million.
So the question remains: Where is all the tax money going and why is the public still not getting straight answers?
Weather: 82° Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon
- BDE: Petira of Sanzer Rebbe of Boro Park, Harav Hatzaddik Reb Boruch Halberstam, zt”l. He was 70 years old. The Rebbe, a descendant of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, zt”l, was widely known for his extraordinary dedication to chesed and hachnosas orchim and for his open door to Yidden from across the community.
- LPD Traffic Alert: E 4th Street will be closed from Cottage Place to Negba Street for planned NJAW construction. Plan alternate route if possible.
- Amazon plans to begin using drones to carry out deliveries around South Jersey starting in mid-October, according to a notice the tech giant sent to Mantua Township officals. According to the notice, the proposed operating area for its "Prime Air" service will cover a radius of around 15 miles from its facility at 240 Mantua Grove Road in West Deptford Township. NJ
- Trump: The Radical Left Democrats are going CRAZY with Fake Polls. They’re putting them out at levels never seen before. They’re called, “Demoralization Operations,” where they try to demoralize Republicans so that they don’t go out and vote — But the actual Polls are tremendous, and the Spirit in our Country has never been higher. We’re winning against EVERYONE, including Iran, whose Country is in Economic and Military Death Spiral. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
- LSTA update: Parents will have to "only" pay an additionl $290 instead. Total of $675 per child for courtesy busing. (While Lakewood township fully sponsors public school courtesy busing.)
This is what schools are asked to send out
Important Update Regarding Non-Mandated Bussing
Dear Parents,
We are pleased to share an important update regarding non-mandated bussing for the upcoming school year.
Over the past several days, we have been working closely with representatives of the LSTA, together with our local and state government officials and dedicated askanim, in an effort to ensure that transportation for the children of our Kehila can begin on time and without interruption.
Baruch Hashem, through these discussions, the additional fee for non-mandated bussing has been reduced to $290 per student.
In light of this development, we are now recommending that parents opt in for transportation. Please note that the $290 fee is due at this time in order to secure transportation.
We fully recognize that this is still an additional expense for families. This arrangement is intended to allow bussing to begin on time while we continue our efforts to explore possible solutions.
We will continue to keep parents informed of any developments as they arise. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout this process.With best wishes for a successful school year,{Your Mosed}
- Rav Shlomo Eisenberger shlita R"Y Telz will be giving a Elul shmooze at B"M Kol Aryeh today at 1:15pm
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the US if the trade war with Canada worsens.
- LSTA: With the Monday night deadline looming, there have still been no updates from LSTA, the schools, or elected officials, leaving parents wondering what to do about bus transportation for the upcoming school year. There is still hope that some source of funding will come through, but for now, families are being left with a wait-and-see approach as the deadline rapidly approaches.
- LSTA from the state report: Recent LegislationIn 2024, new legislation expanded the LSTA model and allowed additional transportation consortia to form. Unlike the 2016 pilot, the new law allows districts from multiple counties to participate, removes district-size requirements, requires savings from mandated funds to be returned to districts, and permits up to a 6% administrative fee for busing.
Lakewood Student Transportation Authority functions similar to a coordinated transportation services authority (CTSA). However, a CTSA is a governmental entity and the LSTA is a non-profit limited-liability company.
More from the report: One of the LSTA’s advantages over Lakewood for operating nonpublic routes is its flexibility in charging for courtesy busing, which Lakewood cannot do because of the district’s free and reduced lunch percentages. A study performed by Lakewood, NJ CPA firm HFA Certified Public Accountants and Advisors in 2020 found that the LSTA saves the district over $11 million versus the district bidding and managing all routes.
- Man with the truck will be in Lakewood today at BM Ohr Tuvia East End Ave hall 4:30 pm
- Tuition in Lakewood survey from TVOL interview with Lakewood families: Tuition remains a significant financial burden for many families. Sixteen percent spend at least half their income on tuition, while 29% spend more than 25%. Despite this, 61% believe tuition is reasonable, and paying tuition ranks 4.6 out of 5 in importance. Still, 29% owe tuition from the previous school year, showing that families can consider tuition important and reasonable while still struggling to pay it.
- Giyus: “I have a feeling that the state will give up on us. They’ll understand that this isn’t possible and back off from us.” Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, leader of Degel HaTorah, speaking to several activists about the issue of drafting charesim into the military.
- Iran tried to assassinate one of Netanyahu's sons, prime minister tells Israeli TV outlet Channel 14
- Trump: IRAN IS COMPLETELY COLLAPSING!!! President DJT
- Trump posted a Newsmax headline quoting a statement by Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament: “We are starving, we cannot survive.."
- The United States is preparing a sweeping new round of economic sanctions against Iran as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Tehran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the effort an “economic D-Day.” The move comes as Iran’s currency hits a historic low and Iranian officials threaten to halt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. officials say commercial traffic through the region has increased despite the tensions.
- At the Cairo negotiations, the United States and the Peace Council were presented with intelligence indicating that there are elements within Hamas planning to deceive and not fulfill the commitment to full disarmament
- The U.S. naval blockade remains in place as the USS Abraham Lincoln heads home after a record-setting deployment and the USS George Washington moves in to replace it.
- October Council Warns of Renewed Security Failures: A comprehensive report based on testimony from observers, soldiers and security personnel warns that Hamas is testing the IDF, operational approvals are sometimes delayed and people are afraid to report threats. Families bereaved in the 7 October massacre demanded a state commission of inquiry, warning that without investigation and corrective action, another disaster could occur.
- Israeli Strikes Reported in Southern Lebanon: Lebanese media reported Israeli airstrikes in the southern towns of Houla and Al-Mansouri.
- IDF Strikes Hamas Operatives in Deir al-Balah: The IDF said it struck 2 Hamas operatives overnight in central Gaza who infiltrated Israel during the 7 October massacre, killing Nukhba operative Abd al-Nasser Jabr Abu Assad. According to the military, they had recently planned attacks, tried to rebuild Hamas capabilities and systematically violated the ceasefire
- After 78 years, the Irgon boat, the Altalena, has been found. Tonight, August 24, 2026, at 00:30, during a complex maritime search operation, the ship was located intact at a depth of 503 meters, west of the Israeli coast.
In June 1948, shortly after the establishment of the state, the Irgun ship "Altalena" arrived at the shores of Israel carrying weapons and fighters. Ben-Gurion demanded that all the weapons be handed over to the IDF, but the Irgun demanded that a portion of them be transferred to their members. The dispute escalated into a violent confrontation, and the IDF fired at the ship off the coast of Tel Aviv. 16 Irgun members and three IDF soldiers were killed.
The incident is considered one of the traumatic events in the history of the state and a symbol of the struggle for the principle of "one army for one state
- Joint Statement from the Israeli Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israel Katz held a situation assessment tonight (Sunday) regarding the threat of launching drones, balloons, and kites from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. Israel warns Hamas that if the launches towards Israel do not stop immediately, the IDF will act to intensify operations against those responsible for the launches and will evacuate populations from areas from which kites, drones, and balloons are launched. The Prime Minister clarified that we will not return to the reality of before October 7. Israel will not allow the terrorist organization Hamas or any other entity in the Gaza Strip to return to threatening our settlements and undermining the sense of security of our citizens.
- Netanyahu on drones: This is an F-35 aircraft. Do you have a drone at home? It can be just as dangerous. If they are in large numbers, equipped with weapons, very accurate, and difficult to detect, they will be problematic. We have been trying to find a solution to this problem for years. We are the most advanced country in the world in this field, but this is a global problem. We have seen this in Ukraine Lebanon and Iran, and now they are trying to revive this technology and bring it into Gaza.
My directive to the security organizations and the Israel Defense Forces is to do everything possible to counter this dangerous tool: targeting the drones themselves, targeting their operators, and targeting the location from which they are launched.
- Trump on Iran: “They'd love to make a deal, but they're not ready to make the right deal”
- Terrorist stabs a frum young father in the Jordan valley. Elchanan Chanania was moderately wounded in a stabbing attack near the village of al-Auja in the Jordan Valley on Sunday morning, after stopping on the way to a family vacation in Tevaria for his wedding anniversary. Chanania’s pregnant wife, two daughters and father-in-law were waiting in the car when the terrorist attacked him from behind and stabbed him in the upper body. His oldest daughter witnessed the attack. He was taken conscious to Shaare Zedek Medical Center with a shoulder fracture and internal bleeding, while Israeli security forces continued searching al-Auja, Yericho and the surrounding area for the attacker.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz says he has instructed the IDF to “act forcefully” against the launching of kites from the Gaza Strip in recent days. Over the weekend, at least four kites flown from Gaza landed in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The army said nothing suspicious was found on the kites and there was no danger to the public, but many have associated the objects with Gazan kites and balloons carrying incendiary devices that plagued southern Israel in previous years.
- Saudi Al-Hadath channel reports: The Pakistani army chief will deliver US messages to Iran during his visit and will attempt to break the current deadlock and resume the talks.
- NYP: Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz is weakening: The New York Post reports a 400% increase in traffic volume in the strait. According to the newspaper, traffic on the strategic maritime route surged by nearly 400% in the last two weeks, amid increased use of vessels in the US-supported corridor to cross the strait.
- According to sources within the Israeli security establishment, Hamas has been exerting significant pressure on the mediating countries in recent days to blame Israel for violating the ceasefire agreement. This move has two main motivations: first, to halt any future process of the organization disarming; and second, to gain legitimacy to escalate operations against IDF forces operating in Gaza. (Channel 12)
- The reason for the IDF attack in Syria this week: Turkey was about to deploy air defense systems at the airport, which would have restricted Israeli operational freedom
- US Secretary of Energy Chris Right: Iran is losing the effectiveness of its leverage in the Strait of Hormuz: The US Navy helped transport more than 15 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
As a reminder, before the war approximately 23 million barrels of oil (including Iranian oil) passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day
- More confusion from local mosdos to parents regarding LSTA
Over Shabbos, the latest LSTA increase was a major topic of conversation among parents, who had first received the news on Thursday. While the latest school email/Text before Shabbos instructed parents to opt out, confusing messages sent Motzei Shabbos told parents not to opt in or out, warning that doing so would delete and remove their information from the system.
Meanwhile, the original LSTA email stated that if no action was taken by Monday at 11 p.m., parents would be automatically opted out.
"If no action is taken by 11:00 pm Monday, your child will be opted out, and the routes will be adjusted and consolidated accordingly."
This was sent out by some schools on Motzei shabbos "Important clarification regarding the non mandated bussing. Our recommendation is to NOT opt in but also to NOT opt out. (Actively opting out will remove your data from the system and cause a big problem). “Shev V’al
- At Yeshivas Brisk, the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik, spent Shabbos in his new apartment adjacent to the yeshiva and participated in all the tefillos. During Krias HaTorah, he eceived the aliyah of Levi and then recited Hagomel, breaking down in tears as he thanked Hashem following his severe illness and medical ordeal, which had left him critically ill and bedridden. (Bhol)
- Lakewood officials have turned the town square into a “temporary” parking lot and while the move pleases some local merchants, others are less than happy to see the historic town square gone. Over the years, charities have held food and clothing giveaways at the square for years and have held many protest rallies there as well. APP.
- Part of Morris County experienced a very small earthquake on Saturday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The 1.1 magnitude quake was recorded more than three miles southwest of Chester and at a depth of seven miles, the agency posted to its website.
- Tomorrow Lakewood-area residents can get help applying for New Jersey’s ANCHOR prperty-tax relief program this Sunday, Aug. 23, from 1–5 p.m. at 1001 Route 70 in Toms River, near the Lakewood border. Representatives from the state Treasury will provide application assistance and answer eligibility questions in English and Yiddish.
- 40 Lakewood area girls still not placed in High schools with a week left for the new year
- RFK Jr. says Tylenol isn’t just linked to autismbut also ADHD and liver toxicity in kids.So why is Tylenol still on store shelves while Ivermectin isn’t? “Because Big Pharma owns our politicians,” RFK Jr. says. “And I’m telling them to get lost.
- Canada Announces New Tariffs After Trade Talks Collapse: Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will impose new tariffs on US products from 8 September after rejecting Washington’s demands, as new 50% US tariffs on Canadian goods take effect. Canadian measures will focus on sectors including steel and dairy, with further details expected in the coming days.
- Trump calls Tucker Carlson a loser and a low-IQ individual:
"Tucker Carlson just met with Lightweight “Former” Congressman, Thomas Massie, and Marjorie “Traitor” Greene, LOSERS ALL! Tucker’s “Views” have fallen through the floor, and will only get worse. Nobody cares about him any longer in that he has become totally irrelevant, and happens to be, surprisingly, a very Low I.Q. individual. He could barely get out of College, and maybe he didn’t, but only really dumb people can’t make it through that wonderful four year time in life! Tucker wants to run for political office, but he should be required to take a cognitive test. He’s got no chance, but could probably take a couple of points away from whatever the Republican ticket happens to be! Tucker is a loser, and always has been! Marjorie Taylor Brown (Green turns to Brown under stress!), a highly neurotic young woman, went from Ultra Conservative to a Liberal “Fool,” all in a matter of weeks, because I refused to return her phone calls — Not because I didn’t like her, just because I had no time. She was way down in the Polls in Georgia (because I took away my Endorsement), and would have had no chance at winning, so she, just like everyone else, “QUIT!” Thomas Massie has turned out to be a failed politician, and a real JERK. He thought it was really wonderful to vote, “NO,” on everything, no matter how good, strong, or proper the Legislation would be. What a team this would be, THREE LOSERS, and a pocketful of change! The only chance they have is to join the Radical Left Dumocrats, and try breaking into the Primary System. To all of them I say, PRAISE BE TO ALLAH! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Kavanah for Zechiras Amalek
This week’s Maftir, Parshas Ki Seitzei, discusses the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek, which we fulfill annually through the reading of Parshas Zachor.
Since this coming year is a leap year, there will be 13 months between last year’s Parshas Zachor and the upcoming Parshas Zachor. The Chasam Sofer explains that the annual reading nevertheless fulfills the mitzvah. The reason is that the natural process of forgetting after a year is not determined solely by the number of days that have passed, but also by the cycle of seasonal events that we experience throughout the year.
Nevertheless, the Maharam Schick (Mitzvos, no. 604) writes that the Chasam Sofer himself instructed his students that in a leap year, they should have specific kavanah to fulfill the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek during the Krias HaTorah reading of Ki Seitzei. This ensures that a full twelve-month period does not pass without hearing the Torah’s account of Amalek.
Submitted: Anyone davening in a shul where a Bar Mitzvah bachur is receiving Maftir should have specific kavanah during Shvi’i to fulfill the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek through the Torah reading. (Al pi Rabbi Shmuel Felder shlita.)
Parents of yeshiva and other nonpublic-school students are questioning why they can be charged nearly $950 per child for transportation while Lakewood taxpayers fund courtesy transportation for public-school students. But the role of the Lakewood School Transportation Association (LSTA) raises an even bigger question.
That language raises a serious question for LSTA. If LSTA assumes the district’s transportation responsibilities, which transportation protections and requirements does LSTA believe it has assumed and which does it claim do not apply?
LSTA has relied on a Lakewood School District age policy to deny transportation to some five-year-old children. If LSTA says it is not the district when parents ask why certain transportation protections apply, why is it relying on district policy when that policy is used to deny transportation?
And if LSTA can use district rules to restrict transportation, why should families be told that district transportation protections do not apply when those protections would help families who cannot afford the fee?
New Jersey transportation rules also recognize financial-hardship protections for certain transportation services, with financial hardship tied to the state's free and reduced lunch income standards.
What protection does LSTA provide to a family that qualifies under those income standards but cannot afford a transportation fee approaching $950 per child?
What law authorizes LSTA's current transportation program and its fees? Which responsibilities under N.J.S. 18A:39-1 has LSTA assumed?
Why is LSTA relying on a district age policy to deny transportation while claiming that district transportation requirements do not otherwise apply?
What financial-hardship policy is available to families who cannot afford the transportation fee?
The Legislature specifically gave the consortium the district's transportation responsibilities for eligible nonpublic-school students. If LSTA believes certain district protections do not apply, parents are entitled to know exactly which ones, and the legal basis for that position.
If LSTA can rely on the district's rules when those rules restrict transportation, why can't families rely on the district's transportation protections that would help them?.
(Current NJ transportation regulations HERE NJ Department of Education Student Transportation Here)
Just days before the school year starts, LSTA dropped a bombshell: non-mandated busing costs are jumping and families have almost no time to prepare or decide.
Here are the facts:
The subsidy that funded this program for the past 10 years has been cut by the Township.
Cost per child is rising from $385 to $945
You must opt in by Monday, August 24 at 11:00 PM or your child is automatically dropped from the route. Opting out gets you a refund of the $385 but then you're on your own for transportation.
For many families, this adds up to $3,000+ in new expenses this year alone.
Meanwhile, the early morning shachris buses run nearly empty, with parents already organizing carpools to cope but many schools don't even allow carpooling, forcing families into thousands of dollars of new expense they can't absorb.
And the Lakewood Township committee fully funds non-mandated busing for public school students while yeshiva and private school families in Lakewood get none of that support.
Where are our elected officials? Silent. Hiding behind monthly Zoom meetings while millions in tax abatements and years of budget surpluses go unexplained.
Lakewood families deserve transparency and they deserved more than a few days to prepare for a $3,000 hit to their budget.
Per New Jersey law Lakewood or any parents who qualify for the school lunch program do not have to pay if they can't afford it and can not be denied transportation according to NJ law. The schools and LSTA have so far not notified parents of this law and parents are given a form to either sign up or opt out.
- NJ Law Students who are unable to pay because of financial hardship shall not be excluded from receiving services described under this section. The criteria used to determine financial hardship shall be the same as the Statewide income eligibility standards established for free and reduced-price meals under the State school lunch program.
Full Nootice from LSTA:
August 20th, 2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO LAKEWOOD NON-MANDATED FAMILIES
Dear Parent of Lakewood Non-Mandated Student,
You are receiving this notice because one or more of your children are considered non-mandated for transportation purposes. A non-mandated child is one of the following: an elementary student who resides 2 miles or less from school or a high school student residing 2.5 miles or less. The information below pertains solely to Lakewood students and does not affect students residing in Howell, Jackson or Toms River.
Overview and Background:
The state of New Jersey has and will continue to provide transportation funding for all Lakewood mandated students. However, the LSTA does not receive any state funding for non-mandated students.
In spite of this, for the past 10 years, LSTA together with Lakewood township has been able to provide busing to thousands of Lakewood non-mandated students at a deeply subsidized rate. This was accomplished through Township financial support and LSTA's transportation system.
For the coming 2026-27 school year, the State has significantly reduced its municipal aid funding for Lakewood Township. As a result, the subsidy that helped fund this program for the past decade has been eliminated. There will no longer be any subsidies for these students to allay the full cost of up to $1177 per seat on the bus.
Understandably, this will impact many Lakewood families. LSTA has been able to reduce the full price of the seat to $945 per child for the 2026-27 school year. The $232 reduction is not a continuation of the township's subsidy. Rather, this was made possible due to the size and density of the Lakewood transportation routing network, together with the efficiencies and marketable purchasing power created by the volume of Lakewood routes.
The $945 rate reflects the adjusted costs available for 2026–27. Future pricing will be determined based on the funding and resources available for each respective school year.
What This Means For You:
If you would like your child to remain on a bus, please log into your family portal at www.lakewoodsta.org and opt in by Monday, August 24 at 11:00 PM.
Because routes are awarded based on both AM and PM seat, consistent with LSTA's standard practice, opt-in transportation is available for round-trip service only.
Families who have already paid $385 will have that amount applied toward the $945 cost, leaving a $560 balance per student, payable in another three installments. (This will be automatically applied upon submission of your opt-in form.)
Families who opt out of transportation will receive a refund for the $385 previously paid.
For families who need assistance accessing the portal or completing the opt-in, kiosks at the LSTA office will be open today, Thursday August 20th until 6 pm, Friday August 21st 9 am until 1 pm and Monday August 24th from 10 am until 10 pm.
If no action is taken by 11:00 pm Monday, your child will be opted out, and the routes will be adjusted and consolidated accordingly.
The Monday deadline is necessary so LSTA can promptly adjust routes, follow State requirements for awarding transportation routes, and provide vendors with the time needed to prepare for service beginning September 1st.
Due to the Township's budgeting schedule, the LSTA was only recently informed of the subsidy cessation. As this notice is coming very close to the start of the school year and will create an unexpected financial hardship for many families, we regret the timing and understand the difficulty this will present.
We are grateful that together with the Township, the LSTA was able to provide this deeply subsidized benefit to thousands of Lakewood families for an entire decade. We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep transportation as accessible as possible under the current funding structure.
Weather: 84° Cloudy early then strong thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Chance of rain 70%. Localized flooding is possible.
Flash flood watch issued Issued By US, National Weather Service from 12pm today until late tonight flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. Rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible.
7 Elul 3rd Yartzeit of Rav Aharon Shechter ZTL R"Y Chaim Berlin.
Yartzeit of R'Reuven Margulios (1889-1971). Author of over 50 books & sefarim including Margoliyos HaYam on Sanhedrin.
- The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in parts of New Jersey as waves of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move across the region Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening. The tornado watch was issued at 3 p.m. and covers seven counties in southern New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem.
- Frum Knesset member Threatens Consumer Boycott: United Torah Judaism lawmaker Meir Porush warned that the ultra-Orthodox community could leverage its annual spending of more than 52 billion shekels through a consumer boycott. He said religious leaders would issue instructions when necessary.
- Today at Yeshiva South Fallsburg, the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel shlita, announced that he will be limiting his daily shiur to three times a week. On the other days, his son-in-law, Rav Meir Weinstein shlita, will deliver the shiur. (Israel media)
- LSTA Raises price for non mandated to $945
- Lakewood Town Square has been transformed into a designated parking area, with the township painting individual parking spaces across the plaza. The change comes as Lakewood officials grapple with a growing homelessness problem along Clifton Avenue and in the downtown area. The square, which has historically served as a civic gathering space, has increasingly been used as an encampment by homeless individuals. The newly marked parking spaces appear to represent a significant change in how the township intends to use the property.
- Howell, banned data centers becoming the 33rd municipality in New Jersey to ban AI data centers. The ban was applauded by Howell residents, community leaders, and grassroots climate activists who worked with Howell Mayor John Leggio and township council members. The ordinance passed the all-Republican council by a unanimous vote.A data center proposal was submitted days before the ban was introduced, according to the Asbury Park Press.
- Jackson, officials demanded a second post office after a population boom, according to the APP
- The new charedi “HaKahal” party held primary elections for the list pf candidates final results with approximately 14,500 voters: Attorney Shlomo Alboim of Bnei Brak won the top spot.
- Shas leader Arye Deri met with Rav Yitzchak Yosef asking him to continue what his father started as spiritual leader of the party.
- More Than 1,100 Undocumented Immigrants Hold Driver’s Licenses in Lakewood according to the latest report from NJ Assemblyman.
- Mamdani official reveals NYC may give grants to local grocers struggling to compete with the mayor’s city-run grocery stores.
- 11,000 Non-Resident Voters Confirmed as New Jersey’s Illegal Voting Scandal Grows: New Jersey election officials have removed more than 5,000 additional voter registrations and referred another 1,650 for county review.
- List of top 10 Israeli Yeshivos that received mosst funding through Keren Olam HaTorah from Juky 2024 - December 2025. There many more yeshivos and kolelim on the list. Data from Israeli journalist
Update: Airport workers return to work as flights resume with delays
Prime Mister Benjamin Netanyahu says Ben Gurion Airport will “continue to remain open and operate as usual” after workers at Israel’s main international airport staged a surprise work stoppage on the busiest travel day of the year so far. n a post on X, the premier says “Ben Gurion Airport will continue to remain open and operate as usual. Anyone who stands in the way will fly home.”
Ben Gurion Airport is experiencing major disruption after workers staged an unexpected stoppage on what is expected to be the busiest travel day of the year, with arrivals halted from 2 p.m. and departures operating on a revised schedule. Around 107,000 passengers and 600 flights were expected, with some flights already disrupted. The Israel Airports Authority blamed the workers’ union, while the Histadrut denied ordering a strike and attributed the chaos to severe staffing shortages and inadequate preparation. Transportation Minister Miri Regev threatened legal action against those responsible
· Trump: "No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me. TRAGICALLY, for them, they have failed to take it. Therefore, today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY! This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale. Their navy is gone, their air force is destroyed, their military factories are now rubble, their currency is worthless, and their country is hanging by a thread. Today, I am also announcing that ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences. Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies — It all needs to stop NOW. You know who you are. This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY, and we need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat. These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide. IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. President DONALD J. TRUMP"
- IDF: In a strike in the Al-Shati area: The IDF eliminated a company commander and three Nukhba platoon commanders in the Hamas terrorist organization. Yesterday (Tuesday), the IDF struck in the Al-Shati area and eliminated four Nukhba commanders from the Beit Lahia battalion in the military wing of the Hamas terrorist organization.
- Netanyahu: "We will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup in Syria that threatens Israel"
- Israeli officials directly warned Syrian officials in the days before the attack: "We know the Turks are on their way. This is a violation of the status quo." Israel realized relatively early on that the Turks apparently intended to create a permanent and significant military presence in Syria - and tried to avoid it through diplomatic warnings
- Trump on negotiating with Iran: "Maybe at some point, but right now, I think the situation is so good. But maybe at some point. Look, it's very simple. They have to get rid of them completely; they have to get rid of nuclear weapons. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. You know why? Because they use it. And we're not going to let them use it. So, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And they won't."
- Hamas terror infrastructure and 5 launch pits destroyed by Paratrooper Brigade combat team forces.
- FT: Iran eyes military targets in Europe if U.S. President Donald Trump escalates the war.
- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee: "Washington is working to establish a mechanism to prevent conflicts between Israel, Turkey and Syria. Hamas has not yet delivered a single weapon; Trump may consider military action against Iran."
- Reports out of Gaza say six senior Hamas police officers were killed in the strike on the Hamas police station. Four held the rank of Akid, equivalent to an Israeli sub-commissioner. One held the rank of Ra'ad, equivalent to a superintendent. One held the rank of Amid, equivalent to a deputy commissioner. - N12.
- Iranian General Mohammad Reza Naqdi:The current president of the United States is extremely short-sighted and childish. He has no long-term vision. When he says something, he doesn't even think about what will happen 24 hours later. His statements have no foundation or consistency. I trust a taxi driver much more than I trust him. Don't take what he says too seriously
-
