Sunday October 18 News Updates Lakewood

Weather  High 58° Sunny

NWS: Freeze warnings are in effect throug Sunday morning for portions of northwest New Jersey, where temperatures have dropped below freezing, while forecasters monitor a developing nor’easter off the coast that could bring gusty winds, showers and potential coastal flooding concerns to shore communities starting early this week.

- Reality hits as lakewood homes are hit with huge property taxes. Tax bills arrive in the mail as Lakewood residents are notified as significant property tax increase now due for the 4th quarter. Elections begin in week for township committee which have increased taxes the last 5 years.

- Hachnosas sefer Torah today in memory of Rav Shimon Frank ZTL by the Frank/Klein families to the coventry shul.  The procession will leave from 228 Stratford at 2:45 pm to the coventry shul. Knives Oisiyos starts at 12:15pm.

- First Monday of בה"ב tomorrow Behab minyan mincha with krias Hatorah of Vayechal at Rabbi Forcheimers shul 418 5th st 2:10 pm

- New girls elementary school to open in Lakewood next year Ateres Bais Yaakov under the guidance of Rav Uri Deutsch shlita.

Limited shiva hours for the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel shlita on the Petirah of his son.

- A shul in France has been desecrated today by Muslim rioters, with Sifrei Torah, seforim, tefillin and other religious articles found scattered across the floor.

- Trump: France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country. Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Giyus: Dozens of demonstrators blocked traffic on the Route 4 highway Sunday in protest of the arrest of yeshiva bochurim for draft evasion, with police using force to remove them.

- New Jersey residents who purchase health insurance through the individual market will face an average premium increase of 19.8% in 2027, according to data released by the state Department of Banking and Insurance. UnitedHealthcare will have the largest average rate increase, at 35.7%, followed by Oscar at 29.3%, Ambetter from WellCare of New Jersey at 20.8%, AmeriHealth at 17% and Horizon at 15.3%. Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage begins on November 1, 2026, and ends January 31, 2027.(Onejerseyyscjorr)

- Tuition relief Watch Interview on Taline with Zev Brenner and Agudah COO Rabbi Avi Schnall. HERE. Hopefully by January 1 New Jersey will opt in. Parents can choose which school their donation  go to but can't choose which child. There's set limit in the scholarship given by a SGO per child. A couple filing jointly can donate and receive up to $3400 tax credit.

- The town of Fairfield, NJ gave approval for a Muslim school, with a cap of 90 students. 5 weeks in and they already got busted for flooding the town with hundreds more. Now the school seeks to increase to 400 at the planning board with local opposition.

- Lakewood zoning board meeting tomorrow on the agenda. 

Westmount Group, LLC 270 Albert Avenue, Block 855.01, Lot 1.01, R-20 Zone. Use variance for a used car lot and sales office.

2. Lakewood Township MUA 8 Four Seasons Drive, Block 1449, Lot 22.61, R-40 Zone. Height variance for a 100-foot lattice tower.

3. River James, LLC River Avenue and James Street, Block 415, Lots 14 & 15, HD-6 Zone. Construction of two duplexes.

4. Candlite USA, LLC 1763 Lanes Mill Road, Block 187.15, Lots 16 & 104, OT Zone. Minor subdivision into four lots for two duplex structures.

5. Kennedy Boulevard, Block 140, Lots 5 & 6, OT Zone. Use variance for a duplex.

6. 16 Adams LLC 16 Adams Street, Block 9, Lot 8, R-15 Zone. Use variance to construct a mikvah.

7. 1127 CL, LLC 1127 East County Line Road, Block 183, Lot 101, R-15 Zone. Use variance for an office building.

- President Trump posted that our country was SCAMMED and we now have the proof! “Wow. Our Country was scammed, and we now have the proof. You have not heard the last of this! President DJT”Newly declassified State Department records and whistleblower files are calling into serious question the accuracy of key testimony used against him in the 2019 Ukraine impeachment proceedings. The six largest boomerangs from that narrative are now coming into focus, and the lies that drove the process are starting to unravel.

Donald J. Trump endorses Netanyahu 

To the Great People of Israel:

Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its 51 year old chant, “Death to Israel, Death to America! We will destroy the Little Satan and the Big Satan.” What Country can survive when things such as this are allowed to be said, because eventually, they always end up being true? It would have been only a question of time until Iran would have put that ominous phrase into effect, but they have been systematically destroyed, both Militarily and Financially, and unless they change their ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job. If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so. Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself. Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived! I have watched Bibi under the most trying of times. Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — But Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger, and maintains that same Strength today. This is the kind of Partner that the United States of America is demanding of Israel, a Country for which it has done so much. Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Thank you for your attention to this matter.

DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Iran Israel News Updates Sunday Oct 18

- Trump gives full endorsement of Bibi  Netanyahu in upcoming elections

To the Great People of Israel:

Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its 51 year old chant, “Death to Israel, Death to America! We will destroy the Little Satan and the Big Satan.” What Country can survive when things such as this are allowed to be said, because eventually, they always end up being true? It would have been only a question of time until Iran would have put that ominous phrase into effect, but they have been systematically destroyed, both Militarily and Financially, and unless they change their ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job. If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so. Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself. Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived! I have watched Bibi under the most trying of times. Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — But Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger, and maintains that same Strength today. This is the kind of Partner that the United States of America is demanding of Israel, a Country for which it has done so much. Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

- Iran Calls for Nationwide armed readiness ahead of possible U.S. attack.

Iran Defense Minister Ketabchi declaring: “Our finger is on the trigger; we are ready for war with the Zionists.”

- Iran is pressuring Hezbollah to carry out an attack that would shift public opinion in Israel ahead of the Israeli elections.

- Mohsen Rezaei says Iran’s armed forces have prepared a plan “more destructive” than those used in the 12-day and 40-day wars if a new conflict erupts. “Iran’s new operational plan will not be conducted according to the rules they know,” he warned, dismissing threats from U.S. and Israeli officials”

- IDF says it killed 4 Hamas terrorists including a Oct. 7 Nukba terrorist, in latest Gaza strikes.

- Iran urges US to accept proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz within six days. Iran's offer to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days is still on the table, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Iranian media outlets on Sunday

- Egypt is ready to provide Saudi Arabia with the support it needs to defend its security and stability, the presidency says, as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis intensify their attacks on the world’s largest oil exporter.

- Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. has changed how and where troops are positioned after deadly Iranian attacks exposed serious vulnerabilities. “There were issues with where troops were located that we realized was a huge mistake and that we could do better on, and we have changed that.”

- 'You are the real target': Netanyahu warns Iran may attempt to develop missiles able to reach US.

Motzei Shabbos Parshas Noach News Updates

Weather: Tonight  low 38° Clear skies, tomorrow hi 59°

- BDE: Petira of Mrs. Goldy Kenigsberg A”H, wife of Ybl"c Rav Mordechai,  and daughter of Rav Efraim Greenblat ztl of Memphis. she was a beloved Lakewood Lakewood Morah for 3 decades.

.The Levaya will take place Sunday at 2:30 PM at the Chapel, off 7th st in Lakewood, followed by Kevurah in Lakewood.

- Tax bills arrive in the mail as Lakewood  residents are notified as significant property  tax increase now due for the 4th quarter. Elections begin in week for township committee 

- Yartzeit of Rav Meir Shapiro hundreds to attend Daf Yomi shiurum in tents set up on Hat Hamenuchos

- This Motzei Shabbos the Dirshu Amud Yomi siyum on maseches  Yoma will take place in Lakewood at Ateres Esther hall. The siyum will be made by Rav Reuvein Feinstein Shlita and guest speaker Rav Asher Dovid May Shlita.

- Joseph dream burgers open motzei shabbos until 1am

- Special Asifas Hoda’ah for the Flydubai Miracle.

This Motzoei Shabbos, October 17, from 9:00–10:15 PM, Agudath Israel of America, together with Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin and Hakhel, will host an evening of hoda’ah and hisorerus thanking Hashem for the miraculous Flydubai rescue. Speakers include Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff and Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn, with music by Sruly Williger and Shloime Dachs. Men and women are invited.

- A Jay's school bus is was involved in a collision with a Brick Township ambulance along Lanes Mill Road in Lakewood shortly before noon Friday, October 16, 2026. The bus was carrying Orthodox school girls. (APP)

- Katie Zacharia: President Trump is a kind, wonderful, gracious, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and hardworking man. I wish more Americans appreciated him. No one will ever make America great the way he has and continues to.

It was an honor to work for him.

- Rav Shaul Altet instructed his chasidim to vote for UTJ in the  upcoming elections.

- Gerer rebbe officially instructed his chasidim to vote for UTJ on the front page of Hamodia

בעהי"ת, מוצש"ק ז' מרחשון תשפ"ז בשם כ"ק מרן אדמו"ר מגור שליט"א כאשר הבחירות מתקרבות, הנני לבקש מכל אנשי שלומנו שיחי', להצביע עבור רשימת יהדות התורה והשבת שסימנה ג' אגודת ישראל. יעזור השי"ת שעי"ז יתרבה כבוד שמים

- This Sunday October 18th! At the John F. Patrick Sports Center at 111 Vine street in Lakewood, NJ This free, family-friendly community event will feature a petting zoo, pony rides, craft activities, garden tours, demonstrations, games, and lots of exciting vendors. It is open to all members of the public at no cost, though refreshments will be available for purchase.

- The new Charedi party tzibbur hacharedi held a campaign event tonight in Yerushalayim drawing a large crowd as polls show they have 2 mandates of frum voters.

- France erupts into chaos as up to 800,000 people take to the streets, with protesters setting fires, storming government buildings, & clashing with riot police.

- The US asked Iran for permission to strike Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site without retaliation, and Iran rejected the request, per IRIB state media correspondent Morteza Ghoroghi.He said "Trump's statements today point to war within the next 24 hours," and that Iran's military forces are "in a state of complete readiness.

Lakewood Zmanim עש'ק פרשת נח תשפ"ז

 יום שַׁבָּתוֹן אֵין לִשְׁכֹּחַ זִכְרוֹ כְּרֵיחַ הַנִיחוֹחַ יוֹנָה מָצְאָה בוֹ מָנוֹחַ וְשָׁם יָנוּחוּ יְגִיעֵי כֹחַ הָעָם אֲשֶׁר נָע וְכַצֹּאן תָּעָה יִזְכּוֹר לְפָקְדוֹ בְּרִית וּשְׁבוּעָה לְבַל יַעֲבֹר בָּם מִקְרֵה רָעָה כַּאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתָּ עַל מֵי נֹחַ.

   Friday, October 16, 2026 / ה׳ חשון תשפ״ז

ערב שבת פרשת נח

Candle lighting 5:57 pm

Shkiah/Sunset 6:15 pm

- מברכים בה׳׳ב

Weather Tonight low 48° Showers and thundershowers early, then overcast overnight with occasional rain. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Chance of rain 90%.

Shabbos day Cloudy skies. High 53F. Winds 10 to 20 mph.

- Who was the mother of נח? It is not mentioned in the Torah by there are 3 different names brought in a sefer from Harav Chaim Kanievsky

הגר"ח קניבסקי שליט"א בספרו טעמא דקרא (בקונטרס למכסה עתיק, פרשת בראשית עמוד ה) הביא, ששם אמו של נח היה אשמוע בת אלישוע בן חנוך. ויש אומרים, שמה בת אנוש (מדרש כתב יד). ויש אומרים, ברונוש בת ברכאל

(בריש ספר תולדות אדם להר"ש אלגזי. וכנראה העתיקו מאיזה מדרש)

Video: Noach was a big Tzadik

Friday October 16 News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, October 16, 2026 / ה׳ חשון תשפ״ז

ערב שבת פרשת נח

Candle lighting 5:57 pm

Shkiah/Sunset 6:15 pm

- מברכים בה׳׳ב

weather 78 Chance of a shower or two during the morning, followed by partly cloudy skies this afternoon.Chance of rain 30%.

NWS: Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are possible,” the weather service said. “The timing looks to be late this afternoon and evening, approximately 4-9 p.m.”

Tonight low 48° Showers and thundershowers early, then overcast overnight with occasional rain. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 48F. Chance of rain 90%.

Shabbos day Cloudy skies. High 53F. Winds 10 to 20 mph.

- A Special Asifas Hoda’ah for the Flydubai Miracle

This Motzoei Shabbos, October 17, from 9:00–10:15 PM, Agudath Israel of America, together with Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin and Hakhel, will host an evening of hoda’ah and hisorerus thanking Hashem for the miraculous Flydubai rescue. Speakers include Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff and Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn, with music by Sruly Williger and Shloime Dachs. Men and women are invited.

- Trump  said he told newly appointed White House Press Sec. Katie Zacharia to reconsider her role, suggesting the job “may not be for her.”

-President Trump posts that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is considering RETIREMENT “A great man!!!”

- Admor of  דעעש  will be sitting shiva in Lakewood on the petirah of his mother from Motzei shabbos through Sunday afternoon 3:00pm at 27 Lenox Drive after that he will join the aveilim in Boro Park 

- BDE: Petirah of Alter Yitzchok Isaac Wachtfogel A"h, son of yblch Rosh Yeshiva  Rav Elya Ber Shlita.The Levaya took place Friday morning at Shamgar in Yerushalayim.There will be limited Shiva hours.

- This Motzei Shabbos  the Dirshu Amud Yomi siyum will take place in Lakewood at Ateres Esther hall. The siyum will be made by Rav Reuvein Feinstein Shlita and guest speaker Rav Asher Dovid May Shlita.

- Frum Newspapers and magazines raise their prices

Ami magazine now $10

Yated Neeman $6.50

Hamodia $7

Mishpacha $8

- Over 1,191 flights delayed, 79 canceled amid widespread U.S. travel disruptions due to weather.

- Anti Trump protestors will gather for the annual no Kings  protest Shabbos morning in Lakewood at Route 70 just east of Airport Road.

- Degel HaTorah says it wants to protect those genuinely devoted to Torah study, but its representatives  MK Pindrus acknowledged that they were prepared to accept a system that would push some other Charedim toward military service and out of yeshiva.

- Giyus: 47 Bochurim/Avreichim are sitting in Jail this week for draft evasion. Today 2 more bochurim from Ohr Hachaim yeshiva were arrested in Yerushalayim. Protests likely to resume again next week.

- Kosher  meat prices are just too high Kiddusg club podcast exclusive   Do kosher meat prices really need to be that high? Or is Big Kosher Meat taking advantage of us? Watch Here 

- Faanews: A Three-judge panel of the New Jersey Appellate Division heard oral argument Thursday in the closely watched appeal challenging the Lakewood Planning Board’s approval of Sunset Road Sefardic Congregation  and the judges appeared highly engaged with virtually every major issue raised in the appeal.

- Whistleblower lawsuit rocking Jackson Township is moving forward more at faa

- White House press secretary Katie Zacharia responds to questions about whether she still has President Trump's confidence after her first week on the job. "I'm standing here, and I was able to travel with him... and I hope to be able to build the trust and confidence of everyone around me

- APP: Jackson Township DWI arrests have increased by 50% this year compared to all of 2025, according to new data from Jackson Police, which also shows arrests have more than doubled since 2023. But before you start thinking local drivers have gone on some kind of drunk driving binge, police credit much of the increase to stepped-up enforcement of all motor vehicle laws, from speeding and cel phone use to vehicle registration and insurance requirements..

- Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is reportedly considering retirement, potentially BEFORE the midterm elections. The timing could be critical. If Alito steps down, Trump and Senate Republicans could rush to confirm his replacement before January 2027, when Democrats could potentially take control of the Senate. (Report)

Hashkafa Q&A

Hashkafa with Rav Gershon Ribner shlita.

Are the great Hasidic bloodlines purer than ours The gabbai who obsesses over the clock in shul Maintaining amicable conduct while settling a monetary dispute in court Strategy unique for a Talmudic scholar regarding slanderous speech The woman destined for you rejected your proposal A scholar’s bias to his own novella

Oif Simchas Thurs 5 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Michelson - Siegal Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Magid - Alter Neemas Hachaim 

Levin - Kitovits Fountain Ballroom 

Ely - Abrahamson Ateres Esther

Levy - Mandelbaum Lake  Terrace

Cohen - Raikhman Ateres Blima 

Better Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Roseman - Pollack  Ateres Reva

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

Kiddush Levana opportunity 

Thursday October 15 News Updates

Weather:  today Sunny in the 60's , tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 57F. Chance of rain 50%.

Severe thunderstorms with winds up to 40 mph are possible Friday as a cold front sweeps across New Jersey, bringing the chance for widespread frost this weekend.

- Frum Newspapers and magazines raise their prices

Ami magazine now $10

Yated Neeman $6.50

Hamodia $7

Mishpacha $8

- Secret Service on high alert at Trump's Alaska rally. One agent put his hand on his gun but doesn't draw it. 

- Noribar sushi store opening location in  Lakewood at former Dips location Chestnut and Rt 9 (Feder status)

- Donald Trump’s grandson Joseph Kushner had his 13th birthday dinner (Bar Mitzva) in the Red Room of the White House. 

- BMG adds temporary parking for talmodim at a construction area off 9th st and Private way.

- End of an Era. After nearly 60 years of serving breakfast and lunch  in Boro Park on the corner of 16th Avenue and 48th Street, Lieberman’s Luncheonette is heading toward its final chapter, with plans to close once its building is sold. BP24

- Joseph's Dream Burger will be open motzei shabbos starting this week Saturday night this week! One hour after Shabbos ends until 1 AM!

- LSTA Bus Stop Changes: Parents Must Attend In-Person Appointments.

LSTA’s new bus stop change process will inconvenience parents, requiring them to book an in-person appointment just to request a change. For working parents and families with young children, this means taking time off or arranging babysitters just to attend an appointment, rather than being able to submit a request by phone, email, or text. LSTA says routes are especially tight this year and changes will be very limited. Convenience requests will not be accommodated. All requests will be reviewed based on route timing, geography, and bus capacity, and approval is not guaranteed. Requests with missing or invalid documents will not be reviewed. Appointments are available October 26–28, from 6:30–8:30 PM, and must be booked online Here or by calling 732-655-6333.

- The Kibitz Room, a 'Jewish" deli in Cherry Hill,NJ  known for massive pastrami sandwiches and an extensive pickle bar, has been fined $1,000 by the state for failing to properly display that it isn’t a kosher establishment. Per NJ.

- The Lakewood Township Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) recently closed on a $4.9 million loan with the New Jersey Water Bank to construct a public sanitary sewer conveyance system in the Old Pine Acres neighborhood of Lakewood Township.The project will allow existing homeowners in the neighborhood to connect to the public sanitary sewer system and eliminate reliance on individual septic systems and septic fields.

- This Sunday October 18th! At the John F. Patrick Sports Center at 111 Vine street in Lakewood, NJ This free, family-friendly community event will feature a petting zoo, pony rides, craft activities, garden tours, demonstrations, games, and lots of exciting vendors. It is open to all members of the public at no cost, though refreshments will be available for purchase.  

- The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police have launched a multi-agency investigation after several letters containing an unknown white powder were sent to state election officials, including several Secretaries of State, and to offices on Capitol Hill.

- WhatsApp now lets people join voice and video calls without having a WhatsApp account. Hosts can share a call link, approve guests before they join, and hold free, end-to-end encrypted calls with up to 32 participants and no time limits.

- Elon Musk has publicly called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to leave office. 

- Elon Musk Weighs Amazon Rival After Grok Bot Blocks Amazon has restricted third party AI shopping agents from accessing its platform, including bots powered by Grok. Users attempting to place orders through these agents report blocks citing violations of the site’s conditions of use. The policy aims to protect customer data, limit fraud risks, and preserve revenue from sponsored product placements that depend on human browsing.

- Jackson: Brewer's Bridge Road will be repaved in its entirety, aftwr NJ Gas installs  new pipes in the road. 

 - Lakewood, New Jersey had the highest childbearing rate in the country, with 155.6 women per 1,000 women ages 15-44 in Lakewood giving birth in the previous 12 months, ranking first among geographic areas studied nationwide. The data was compiled by the People’s Policy Project using the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey five-year Public Use Microdata Sample.(OneJerseyschorr)

- President Trump canceled the planned livestream of Nidal Hasan’s firing squad but said the immediate families of the victims can attend in person if they choose. He wrote that streaming the execution might have served as a deterrent but that many people preferred not to watch. Trump said Hasan will still be executed by firing squad on the scheduled date and that the families deserve to witness it. Hasan killed more than a dozen people at Fort Hood in 2009 while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” 

- President Donald Trump has reportedly been privately discussing replacing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, one of his closest and longest-serving advisers. According to Politico, citing four sources familiar with the conversations, Trump has asked allies whether it is time for a leadership change and has floated several potential replacements.

- A Likud and Gadi Eisenkot unity government is what the Trump administration is reportedly pushing for in Israel, with Netanyahu remaining prime minister for up to two years before retiring from politics. The coalition's stated goals: ending the regional wars and securing peace agreements, Saudi Arabia above all.Eisenkot's bloc would demand Netanyahu's retirement be guaranteed, the judicial reforms reversed, and an inquiry opened into October 7. Israel Hayom. Ambassador Mike Huckabee denies this.

- Satmar spokesman Rabbi Moishe Indig: Hasidic Jews, like every other American, do NOT need permission from antisemites like Jake Lang or YouTuber Tyler Oliveira to build communities in Okeechobee, Florida, New York, or anywhere in America. Jewish growth is NOT up for debate. We will build, we will grow, and we will thrive. And those who are mad about it? Stay mad.

- Jackson  Police Chief Mary Nelson, who rose through the ranks to become the township’s first female chief, is stepping down after only eight months. 

- Coming Soon from Artscroll "At the Heart of Lakewood - Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewski"The Quiet Force Behind America's Torah Capital

- Ami Magazine will not be sold in Crown Heights stores this week following the magazine’s front-cover feature of Rav Lazer Shach zatzal on his 25th yartzeit. Crown Heights stores have reportedly united in a decision not to carry this week’s issue. (Shechuna news)

- Jackson councilman Chris Pollack called out a Lakewood based news site as fake news in reporting on what went on in the council meeting. He said those who spoke out were not protesters but residents who  spoke regarding the case of a missing person  since last year.

- Israeli elections there's reports of certain  charedi factions and chasidus that are currently not endorsing or instructing their followers to vote for UTJ in the elections as many may just sit it out or vote for other parties. Negotiations continue.

Iran Israel Updates Thurs Oct 15

- Israel is now reportedly repositioning its air defenses as Western intelligence detects “extreme” new military moves by Iran, with Netanyahu briefing Trump on developments in Tehran as the U.S. president considers when to strike, per Israel’s Channel 12.

- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Tehran, emphasizing that Israel retains the ability to act independently. “We also have the option to act independently, and I do not suggest that anyone from among our enemies try us. In no way.”

- According to Lebanese security and military sources cited by Erem News, Iran has instructed Hezbollah to raise its military readiness to advanced levels as Tehran believes a major regional confrontation is imminent. 

Hezbollah is reportedly implementing a new decentralized combat system designed to allow field units to operate independently, even if Israeli strikes eliminate senior Hezbollah commanders or disrupt its central command structure.

- Iran is now reportedly preparing its missile launchers for a large-scale retaliation against the U.S. if Washington launches another major attack, conducting large-scale missile exercises as the Pentagon reportedly develops new strike plans involving the 21,600-pound “Mother of All Bombs” (MOAB).Reuters 

- Two Ships Sink near Hormuz after Being Hit by Projectiles Amid Surge in Attacks.

- More US airforce refueling planes have landed in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport as war drums loom again.

- Mother of all bombs': US potential Iran strike plans include largest non-nuclear weapon - report. According to CNN, multiple US officials said that the plans called for the MOAB to be used against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, including Pickaxe Mountain.

- President Trump at an election rally in Arizona: “Iran’s first-level leaders are gone. They chose a second level, and they’re gone too. They chose a third level, and half of them are gone.” Trump revealed that he was asked to stop eliminating Iranian leaders and agreed. “They made me promise not to take out any more, and I did. I promised them.”He added: “I probably went a little too far. I’m sorry, because I don’t know who the hell we’re dealing with anymore.”

- Ministers in the government are in the process of approving an extension for the state of emergency on the home front until November 3, a week after the Israeli elections and on the day of the US

- Israel has introduced sweeping new aviation security restrictions following the September 30 attempted hijacking of a FlyDubai passenger aircraft bound for Tel Aviv.According to French investigative outlet Mediapart, flight crew members holding citizenship or dual citizenship from 31 countries without formal diplomatic relations with Israel are now prohibited from entering Israeli airspace aboard commercial aircraft.

- Former President Barack Obama declared during a visit to Northern Ireland that Israel has lost its moral standing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, criticizing the country’s response to the October 7 Hamas massacre

- IDF: An Underground Terror Tunnel That Crossed the Yellow Line Area Was Dismantled: Southern Brigade and Yahalom Activity in the Gaza Strip Troops of the Southern Brigade, led by the Engineering Unit of the Gaza Division (143rd Division) and the Southern Command, continue to operate to clear the area of the Yellow Line of terrorist infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip

The Lakewood VAAD’s Election Endorsements: A Slap in the Face to the Community

There is hardly a greater slap in the face to the Lakewood community than the VAAD issuing endorsements for the upcoming elections after remaining largely silent on the major issues affecting the very residents it claims to represent.

First, the busing fiasco that threw an entire town into chaos. Families were left scrambling for solutions, with no clear guidance or leadership. Where was the VAAD? Not a peep from the anonymous leadership that suddenly reappears when election season arrives.

Then, just this week, Lakewood residents were hit with a massive municipal tax increase by the very politicians the VAAD is now endorsing. Did the VAAD publicly acknowledge the burden on homeowners? Did it demand accountability from politicians who have held power for years? Instead, the focus was on state aid cuts, while years of rising taxes and spending, tax abatements went largely unchallenged.

The deafening silence is especially troubling when you consider the VAAD’s election-season messaging. Every election, residents are flooded with mailers and robocalls boasting about how the VAAD keeps taxes low and urging the community to vote for its chosen candidates. But when residents are actually hit with another major tax increase, that same organization is nowhere to be found.

This is not a new concern. In a November 2013 Hamodia article, a VAAD spokesman, Weisberg, reportedly dismissed the idea that there was genuine frustration in the kehilla over rising property taxes, stating that “there is no real frustration in the kehilla regarding rising property taxes.” More than a decade and change later, residents are still dealing with the consequences of rising costs and are entitled to ask: Who is really standing up for the taxpayers?

Even worse is the continued use of the block vote. Anonymous individuals tell a taxpaying kehilla whom to vote for, yet the very residents being told to fall in line have no meaningful say in the VAAD’s decisions, no transparent process, and no accountability from those making these endorsements.

For more than 20 years, promises of change have come and gone. Yet, when election season arrives, the VAAD wakes up like a bear emerging from hibernation, expecting a gullible tzibbur to follow its endorsements and keep the same people and their political allies in power.

Meanwhile, what has the average Lakewood resident received in return? Higher taxes, an increasingly unaffordable cost of living, worsening traffic, and serious unresolved community problems.

The question is simple: Who is the VAAD really representing?

The community deserves more than election-season mailers, robocalls, and political endorsements. It deserves transparency, accountability, and leadership that stands up to elected officials when residents are struggling  not just when votes are needed.

If the VAAD expects the community’s trust and support, it must demonstrate that it is willing to represent the community throughout the year, including when doing so means challenging the very politicians it endorses.

Leadership is not about telling people how to vote. It is about standing up for the people you claim to represent. When the community needed a voice, the VAAD was silent. When election season arrived, suddenly it had plenty to say.

And What About the Fallout in Trenton?

There is another question the community deserves to ask: could the political campaign in Lakewood to challenge the sitting governor by backing Josh Gottheimer in the Democratic primary have contributed to the strained relationship between Lakewood and Trenton? Gottheimer ultimately finished behind the leading candidates, and since then, residents have seen state aid cuts and a lack of the cooperative relationship with Trenton that the township needs. That does not prove the campaign caused those decisions, but it raises a fair question: were the potential consequences for Lakewood considered before local political leaders chose to take that position?

If these political decisions may affect state funding, municipal taxes, and the financial burden on every homeowner, shouldn't the community be consulted before a small group makes those choices on its behalf? Residents are the ones who ultimately pay the price, and they deserve transparency about the risks, the strategy, and the consequences not explanations after the damage is done.

The Vaad’s Own Legitimacy Is at Issue

There is also a fundamental question of how the Vaad itself is constituted. The Shulchan Aruch discusses the appointment of  7 Tovei Ha'ir community leaders entrusted with managing communal affairs. Rather than decisions being controlled by a small, anonymous group, the community deserves a fair and transparent process that allows its members to be represented and have a meaningful voice in choosing its leadership.

How can the Vaad expect the entire kehilla to accept its political endorsements when so many residents have no say in who makes those decisions? A system that asks the community to follow its voting instructions, without giving that same community a meaningful voice in its own leadership, raises serious questions of accountability and representation.

The Condescension Toward Lakewood Residents

Beyond the taxes, the busing crisis, and the lack of accountability, there is another fundamental problem with the VAAD’s approach: the condescending assumption that grown adults need to be told whom to vote for.

Lakewood residents are taxpayers, business owners, and working families who are perfectly capable of thinking for themselves, evaluating candidates, and deciding what is best for their community. Yet every election season, the VAAD launches its campaign of mailers and robocalls as though the public cannot make informed decisions without being instructed how to vote.

This approach is not only patronizing; it is insulting to the intelligence of Lakewood residents. A community deserves information, transparency, and an honest discussion of the issues  not directives from an anonymous group that expects its endorsements to be accepted without question.

The residents of Lakewood are not children, and the VAAD does not own their votes.** If the VAAD wants to earn the community’s respect, it should start by respecting the intelligence, independence, and right of every resident to make their own decisions.

Oif Simchas Wed 4 Cheshvan

Chasunas: 

Steinmetz - Mosseson Fountain Ballroom 

Perlstein - Samet Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Kessner  - Fligman Lake Terrace 

Fish - Malik Ateres  Blima 

Dresdner  - Ferster Ateres Esther 

Neiman  - Ashkenazi Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Scharf - Waxler Neemas Hachaim 

- LPD Alert (Note Time Change): NJ DOT Contractor advises that they will be performing repaving work Wednesday evening (10/14) on Route 9 between Central/Hurley Ave and 3rd Street. Partial closure of the Southbound lanes will begin at 9:00 pm. All lanes - in both directions - will be closed from 11:00 pm until 7:00 am. Detours will be in place. Plan alternate route.

Wednesday October 14 News Updates

Weather: 81°  Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Chance of rain 70%

- Video of chavrusa Tumul at BMG Here

- Bingo crazy deals sale going on now Gefen instant soup $9.99 8pk Tissues $5.49

- Coming Soon from Artscroll "At the Heart of Lakewood - Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewski"The Quiet Force Behind America's Torah Capital

- Ami Magazine will not be sold in Crown Heights stores this week following the magazine’s front-cover feature of  Rav  Lazer Shach zatzal on his 25th yartzeit. Crown Heights stores have reportedly united in a decision not to carry this week’s issue. (Shechuna news)

- Giyus: 143 charedi "draft evaders" were arrested by the police between July and October, but were released on the spot because the army did not arrive within half an hour.According to Ch13, the IDF arrested only 15 charedi draft evaders (excluding those arrested at border crossings) out of a pool of 70,000 draft evaders, compared with 14 non-Charedi draft evaders out of a pool of 10,000.

- Lakewood Residents Facing Sticker Shock as New Tax Hikes Kick In for November Lakewood residents are feeling the pain as new tax increases take effect following approval by Mayor Coles and the Township Committee. Homeowners paying monthly mortgages are receiving notices showing increases of over $200 per month due to escrow shortages. The reported 2026 municipal tax increase of 14.4 cents per $100 of assessed value means an additional $48 per month for a $400,000 home and $60 per month for a $500,000 home in municipal taxes alone. School and county taxes are separate and could add to the burden.With official tax bills expected after Election Day, residents should be prepared for the financial impact.

- Last night at the Lakewood Planning Board meeting, the three applications for warehouses on Cedarbridge Avenue and 60 homes off New Hampshire Avenue were postponed until the next meeting. The board heard several smaller applications and approved them, including a proposal to allow the basement area of the new shopping center off Avenue of the States to be used as additional retail space for certain stores. A board member opposed the proposal, arguing that the space would not be adequately regulated and that, within a few years, the entire basement could become retail space, leading to insufficient parking. Despite the objection, the board voted to approve the application.

- Jackson council meeting last night voted on approval of affordable housing overlay ordinances despite opposition from residents

- President Trump has recently demanded that Senate Majority Leader Thune bring the U.S. Senate back into session for a vote on the Sunshine Protection Act, which seeks to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, Thune told Trump senators, who are on recess until mid November, would never come back to Capitol Hill for this and shot the idea down.(Onejersey)

- A 10-year-old boy was killed R"L after a burning object was propelled from an exploding recycling bin  that was lit aand struck him as he left a school on Nadvorna Street. Firefighters suspect children may have ignited the bin while playing and thrown in a container that exploded from the heat, but the cause remains under investigation

-Trump: Massive Oil, Gas, and Mineral Exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland! There are Experts that are saying that the amount of easily available Oil is far greater than that of almost any land, anywhere in the World and, even more importantly, from a Security Purpose in the Defense and Offense of both the United States of America, and Europe, is second to none. Any future attack on the United States will have to come across Greenland, where our Defense will routinely knock down drones, missiles, or any other form of weapon not yet even conceived. It gives us time, location, and sightline, like nowhere else in the World! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Brian Flanagan, the 47-year-old chief of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company in Manchester, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while working in a New Jersey Turnpike construction zone early Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of grief from regional fire services.

- At a time when Lakewood residents are facing major issues a significant and potentially unaffordable tax increase, a school busing disaster, public school students receiving free courtesy hazardous busing while regular frum children have to pay, some kids are still not in school, new parents navigating registration for primary, traffic accidents, and November elections for local and federal, you would think these matters would be front and center in Frum media coverage and community leadership discussions. Instead, the media seems consumed with nonstop coverage of a FedEx delivery driver singing Yiddish songs, with repeated stories, follow-ups, and videos. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a feel-good story, but where is the same level of attention to the issues directly affecting Lakewood families? Families are facing rising living costs, and other. Challenges Shouldn't the issues affecting our children's education, our family's finances, and our community's safety deserve just as much attention?

- A proposed development on Spruce Street at Washington Avenue in Lakewood is now heading to the New Jersey Appellate Division, FAA News has learned.Attorney Jan Meyer, Esq., representing neighboring property owners who have fought development proposals at the site for years, has now filed a Notice of Appeal seeking to overturn the Lakewood Zoning Board's approval permitting four single-family homes on the property. Faanews.com

- U.S. consumer inflation accelerated in September, with prices rising 0.6% from August and 3.7% from a year earlier, above expectations for a 3.6% annual increase. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose 0.3% for the month and 2.6% year-over-year, also hotter than expected, as elevated energy prices helped drive the increase.

- Zelensky says he has been betrayed by Trump, that Elon Musk and Trump deliberately blocked Starlink in Ukraine overnight and that people have been killed as a result. "I am sure they knew what they did, absolutely. Because it was 1am at night, Starlink was blocked by SpaceX and the United States," he tells Piers Morgan. "This decision will bring a lot of human losses. Of course, people will die." He said interceptors that rely on Starlink did not work, and that "this is not the right side of history."

- Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman delivered an emotional message to United Torah Judaism lawmakers on Tuesday, declaring that protecting yeshiva bochurim must remain their overriding priority in the upcoming Israeli elections. During the meeting, MK Yaakov Asher pledged that the party would refuse to join any government that fails to reach an acceptable arrangement safeguarding the status of yeshiva students. Rav Bergman told the lawmakers that the continued existence and protection of the yeshiva world must guide their political decisions.“We must understand that everything that concerns us revolves around the yeshiva bochurim,”.

Iran Israel Updates Wed Oct 14

- Journalist Ben Caspit reveals: A renewed military confrontation between Israel and Iran or the Houthis will begin before Israel’s elections on October 27. This was reported by Al-Monitor, citing the Maariv commentator.

Israeli officials believe no strike on Iran will take place before the elections. Israel is on alert for Iranian attempts to disrupt elections; an official warned that another strike without US ground forces could spell disaster for Trump ahead of US elections; Netanyahu said an attack before the vote would be inconvenient for Israel. Ynet

- Iran announces a large UAE-owned container ship carrying more than 2,500 containers hit a naval mine, exploded and sank this morning in the US-backed southern Omani corridor of the Strait of Hormuz.

- IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said multiple warnings across all arenas and the sensitivity of the period had increased the potential for escalation. He said forces had been reinforced, including the deployment of Division 98, and that the IDF was highly prepared for broad offensive action against anyone threatening Israeli civilians

- A container ship sank in waters south of the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a naval mine and catching fire, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said in a statement shared by state media on Wednesda

- IDF: Over 100 Terrorists Eliminated and Approximately Eight Kilometers of Underground Terror Tunnels Neutralized: The 99th Division Completes Its Mission in the Northern Gaza Strip over the last four months 

Researchers Now Claim: Noach’s Teivah Has Been Found

Parshas Noach 5787 פרשת נח

A group of U.S. scientists in Turkey believe they found Noah's Ark תיבת נח . Andrew Jones, Founder of Noahs Ark Scans,  believes they will have confirmation of the findings by this winter, and the evidence so far is overwhelming. Formation dimensions shaped like a boat that match the תיבה Biblical length of the Ark EXACTLY as written in חומש בראשית Genesis. Radar results suggesting organized patterns below the surface that could be parts of Ark halls or a deck. Unexplained seashells in the region despite no sea nearby that suggest this was an area covered in water at one point per Fox news.

Article from Aish.com The New Noah’s Ark Claim: Should We be Cautious 

by Rabbi Daniel Rowe

October 14, 2026

New  scans claim Noah’s Ark is buried in the mountains of Turkey. A closer look at the evidence, and at the lesson Noah left behind.

There’s been a lot of excitement lately over claims that Noah’s Ark has finally been found. Is this proof that the biblical story is true? Or should we be a little cautious?

Photo: The Durupınar formation in Turkey

A team of researchers says it has proven that a mound in the mountains of eastern Turkey, near Mount Ararat, is Noah’s Ark. The group, Noah’s Ark Scans, was founded by an American researcher named Andrew Jones. They recently announced that a radar survey confirms the site is “not geological” and that “an extraordinary man-made structure lies beneath the surface.” According to the team, the radar shows corridors, compartments, and even several decks. They have drilled up to 18 meters deep and sent a robot camera down the hole. One press release reported that a drill bit shattered on what might be a layer of petrified wood. The headlines wrote themselves: “Noah’s Ark Found.”

Oif Simchas Tuesday 3 Cheshvan

Chasunas:

Wilner -Kahn Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Ehrsnfeld - Zamel Fountain Ballroom Rosenblum - Bloom Ateres Blima

Eckstein - Canant Ateres Esther

Bernath - Schwartz Ateres Chaim Elazar

Atlas - Wenger Bais Faiga 

Levy - Feitman Neemas Hachaim 

Amsel - Respler Lake Terrace 

- LPD Traffic Alert: NJ DOT Contractor advises they will be performing repaving on RT 9 btwn Central/Hurley Ave & 3rd Street. This section of RT 9 will be fully closed - in both directions - overnight on Monday (10/12), Tuesday (10/13), & Wednesday (10/14) evenings, between 11:00pm & 7:00am. Detours will be in place. Plan alternate routes.

Iran Israel Updates Tuesday Oct 13

- Trump: "Wait till you see what we do to Iran. We're gonna—we're gonna do a number. Wait till you see... We've had it."

- Netanyahu is seriously considering resuming strikes on Iran before Israel’s October 27 elections after discussing a renewed war with Trump, with U.S. officials believing the Israeli PM wants attacks to resume before the vote, per Israeli N12. The discussions included a potential large-scale joint U.S.-Israeli operation targeting Iran’s military and nuclear sites. A senior U.S. official said Trump told Netanyahu to “go ahead and prepare” but made no commitment on timing — meaning strikes could happen “now, later, or never.”

- President Donald Trump said a decision on Iran would be made “very soon” amid heightened security tensions.

- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warns that Iran and its proxies are attempting to orchestrate attacks aimed at influencing the outcome of Israel’s upcoming elections. Katz issued a direct warning: “Let our enemies know: anyone who attacks us, before or after the elections, will have their hand cut off and will pay the heaviest price.”

- Saudi Arabia says Aramco administrative building attacked in Dhahran, no casualties reported. An administrative building belonging to oil giant Saudi Aramco in the eastern city of Dhahran was targeted on Tuesday, causing a limited fire.

- Tanker and Cargo Ship Hit in Strait of Hormuz: The UK Maritime Trade Operations said a tanker and a cargo ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz, south of Iran, were hit by “unidentified munitions

Tuesday October 13 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather:  78° Mostly sunny.

Yartzeit of Rav Ovadia Yosef Ztl tonight with over 100k expected to visit his kever at the Sanhedria cemetery off Bar Ilan and Shmuel Hanavi intersection on Yerushalayim.

- New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced today he will be introducing legislation that would establish universal free school breakfast in New Jersey, requiring every public school to provide breakfast to all enrolled students at no cost, regardless of household income or eligibility for federal meal assistance

- Youtuber Tyler Oliveira posts "Calling all non-Jews(Litvaks) to apply to this neighborhood and see if they’ll sell you a house" reposting a video of the new lakefront community in Okochobee,FL.

- Giyus: An attempt was made to hand over four bochurim from Yeshivas Chevron to the IDF military police, who were already on the scene along Route 1 near Sha’ar HaGai. After a call went out urging people to arrive and prevent the arrests, the bochurim were released.

-Trump: Why did Ilhan Omar report a Net Worth of up to 30 Million Dollars just a short time ago, and then immediately say, “Oh, I made a mistake! It’s really $100,000.” Could it be that her highly paid accountant actually reported the money that was stolen from her fraudulent activities in Minnesota? Would something like that be possible? Do you think the accountant actually gave the right number the first time, 30 Million Dollars, and then she was forced to disavow because she never would have been able to report where that much money came from? She must have freaked out when she saw that money! Where did her house come from, where did her cars come from, and what about her lovely place in Washington, D.C.? I didn’t know that Congressmen and women made that kind of money, but I do know her husband, according to information and belief, makes almost nothing, so it couldn’t have come from him. How many people did she illegally bring into our Country from Somalia? America wants answers, and we want them, NOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Online conspiracy Following Ukrainian strikes on Russian data centers: Tucker Carlson's views dropped 71%

- Last day to register is today.  Election Day is 21 days away, and federal and local races are on the ballot. Today  Tuesday Oct 13 is the last day in New Jersey to register to vote in the midterm election. Eligible residents can register online or in person at their local election office until 9 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the state.

- Giyus: 80 Chareidi avreichim joined the IDF this morning as part of the “Ma’alot Tzur” program and will serve in the IDF’s operational activity units.

- No Agudah convention again this year Agudah announces the 2nd Action summit to take place in Newark, Nj from 11-30-12/02 in lieu of the convention.

- Three Lakewood electric power units have been included in six federal emergency orders this year allowing them to operate beyond normal air-permit limits when needed to support the electricity grid. The latest order, issued October 12 and effective October 13–16, also includes two Woodbridge units, bringing the total to five New Jersey units with approximately 1,006 MW of generating capacity.

The U.S. Department of Energy says the order is intended to reduce blackout risks amid elevated electricity demand, generator maintenance and transmission-line outages. It also allows PJM to call on backup generators at large facilities as a last resort during severe grid emergencies.

- Lakewood Residents: An Important Tax Update to Keep in Mind Before the Elections:

Lakewood’s reported 2026 municipal tax increase will affect homeowners’ property-tax costs, with the impact reflected in upcoming tax bills and potentially in monthly mortgage payments through escrow adjustments. The reported increase of 14.4 cents per $100 of assessed value would mean an additional $576 per year, or $48 per month, for a home assessed at $400,000. A home assessed at $500,000 would mean an additional $720 annually, or $60 per month, in municipal taxes alone. Residents should keep these figures in mind before Election Day, as the official tax bills reflecting the new rates are expected to arrive afterward. The estimates cover municipal taxes only and do not include separate changes in school or county taxes.

- Six Flags Great Adventure has temporarily closed its Nitro roller coaster in Jackson Township after a man died Monday after falling from a similar ride at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Nitro will remain closed until further notice while the company reviews the incident, a Six Flags spokesperson said

- Major 60 family development proposed at busy route 70-New Hampshire Ave intersection in Lakewood. Lakewood's Planning Board is set to hear an application Tuesday night for a major residential development proposing 60 dwelling units at the busy intersection of Route 70 and New Hampshire Avenue with the plans seeking numerous design waivers and apparently providing no on-site recreational facilities or shul more at FAAnews

Lakewood planning board meeting tonight 6:00 pm watch livestream Here see agenda Here

 Upcoming Applications

- Cedar Bridge Avenue: Applications for a three-lot subdivision, a warehouse for Tomchei Shabbos D’Lakewood, and two additional warehouse/office buildings.

- New Hampshire Ave. & Route 70 Kettle Creek Holdings seeks approval to subdivide the property into 30 lots.

- 1555 Avenue of the States:Spire Shoppes Equity seeks amended site-plan approval for a retail center.

- 1200 14th Street: Congregation Torah Veyirah D’Satmar seeks to subdivide the property into three lots.

- Turin Avenue: JMPM Equity seeks an extension for a previously approved four-lot subdivision.

- President Donald Trump was asked whether he plans to endorse a candidate in Israel's upcoming elections:“We haven't thought about it. I might be doing something about it.”

Trump left the door open to a potential endorsement but stopped short of committing to any candidate.

- New Eagleton Poll 82% of New Jerseyans support voter ID and 71% back proof of citizenship(NJ Globe)

- President Trump fired back at the fake news attacks on Press Sec. Katie Zacharia"I thought she was very good!" Now the fake news is pestering her about "where did she pass the bar exam?"Their obsession just proves they are worried she'll be too good.

- NJ Republican Senate challenger Justin Murphy drew loud applause at a New Jersey debate when asked what he'd tell Trump about the Iran war delivering a two-word answer as Sen. Cory Booker shook his head on the split screen.

Murphy, a former deputy mayor from the Pine Barrens, urged Trump to "put your cowboy hat on and get out there..." calling Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a "radical terrorist organization" that has deprived the Persian people of a decent life for decades. Booker fired back, blasting Murphy's stance as "yahoo cowboy foreign policy" that has "mired us in Middle East war after Middle East war" and drained the U.S. treasury.

- New Charedi Public Party Responds to Controversy Over Million-Shekel Surety. After reports that billionaire Daniel Hasidman, who has criticized Charedi subsidies and praised Avigdor Lieberman, provided one million shekels in surety for Moti Leitner of the Charedi Public Party, the party fired back at UTJ and Shas. The party accused the established  frum parties of having no answers for years of failure and resorting to bullying and intimidation. It also highlighted chasidman’s charitable support for programs helping charedim enter the workforce with dignity.

- Authorities are investigating a crash on Route 9 that killed two people and shut the southbound lanes of the highway down early Tuesday, Oct. 13.

- Trump: The Houthis are behaving very badly. I thought they learned their lesson a year ago when we bombed the HE.. out of them and, at their request, stopped. They’ve been silent for a long time, but now they’ve emerged again, probably at the behest of Iran, which is a Failing Nation, with No Navy, No Airforce, the World’s Worst Economy, and 301% Inflation, in a very nasty way, hitting Saudi Arabia, and purposefully trying to drive up Oil Prices, probably prior to the U.S. Elections — NOT NICE. Somebody should explain to them that I’m not running in the Elections, I’ve already won, IN A MASSIVE LANDSLIDE, but I’ll be there after the Elections, and I will never forget! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Getty Images is poised to file for bankruptcy.

Getty that mostly provides stock photo for news media outle intends to go private after a $3.7 billion merger with rival Shutterstock fell through over the summer.

- "President Trump is the most family friendly president we've ever had."

New Press  secretary Katie Zacharia says President Trump knew she was raising four children when he entrusted her with a demanding White House role, and she believes that decision speaks volumes.

At the BMG Chavrusa Tumul photo Credit E. Cohen

At the Nikolsburg rebbe grandson wedding last night in Lakewood 

Oif Simchas Monday Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan

Night seder begins 

Chasunas: 

Rappaport  - Kahn Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Kaster -  Weingarten Bais Faiga

Pruzansky - Yenowitz Lake Terrace 

Klein - Halpert Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Petrekovsky - Grossmass Cedar Palace 

Jungreis - Moskowitz Ne'emas Hachaim 

- LPD Traffic Alert: James St westbound will be closed from Ridgeway Ave to Cross St for planned JCP&L construction. Plan alternate route if possible.

- LPD Traffic Alert: NJ DOT Contractor advises they will be performing repaving on RT 9 btwn Central/Hurley Ave & 3rd Street. This section of RT 9 will be fully closed - in both directions - overnight on Monday (10/12), Tuesday (10/13), & Wednesday (10/14) evenings, between 11:00pm & 7:00am. Detours will be in place. Plan alternate routes.

Monday October 12 News Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Updates

Weather: 73° Mostly cloudy early, then sunshine for the afternoon.

Columbus day: Federal, state, and city government offices, public schools, post offices, and most major bank branches are closed, while the stock market, retail stores, and grocery stores remain open. Costco is open with limited hours.

- Trump:"I see so many comments from the Radical Left Morons and Lunatics that China and Russia are helping the “wonderful” Islamic Republic of Iran. If they are, it’s at a very low level, but I don’t believe they are at all. They have too much to lose, and we would know about it, and know about it very fast! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP".

- The Nikolsburg rebbe from klal Yisroel shul in woodbourne making a chasuna for a einikel in Lakewood 

- Lakefront community in Okeechobee, FL celebrates the first day of  children  going to Cheder as the community is launched.

- A small girls high school in Lakewood announced they were forced to close due to financial reasons with low enrollment.

- A American Bochur Accused Of Spying For Iran Released To House Arrest q after about four months in custody. Israeli Supreme Court President Justice Yitzchak Amit approved the release. Askan Rabbi Shimon Shisha, chairman of Merkaz Ezra Vayoetz, offered his apartment for the house arrest and Tzedek Association says it deposited 1 million shekel to the court as a guarantee.(Belaaz)

- BMG Chavrusa tumul going on today ahead of the new winter zman.

-ומוריד הגשם  Lakewood, New Jersey, had the second highest rainfall total, with 3.45 inches yesterday.The highest rainfall total was reported in the Loveladies section of Long Beach Township in Ocean County, with 3.48 inches as of Monday morning, according to updated numbers from the National Weather Service.

- A wedding that was scheduled ro take place tonight in Lakewood has been relocated to Montreal after family members could not get entry to the US due to updated immigration policies.(Kremel)

- Trump HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY TO ALL, in particular our great Italian American Community which was forced to suffer as the Radical Left Dumocrats, Socialists, and Communists rampaged through our cities and towns ripping down almost all of the beautiful statues of Christopher Columbus. Well, those days of plunder are over, and the statues are back, more magnificent than ever. This is a big day for our great Italian American Community, and the Country of Italy itself, maybe the biggest. Congratulations! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- New York City's teachers union, which supports Hochul ahead of the upcoming election, has vowed to fight to reverse her decision to opt in to the federal educational tax credit program. The civil rights organization NAACP has also warned that support for private education could encourage wealthier families to leave public schools, deepening segregation among students. 

-The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office is seeing a 10% decline in the willingness to vote among the chareidi sector.

- Tehillim: Tefillos for Rav Mordechai  Wolmark shlita Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Shaarei Torah in Monsey, who has been hospitalized name is Mordechai Gimple ben Chaya Avigail.

- A non-Jewish FedEx driver in Lakewood is going viral after a clip of him playing Hasidic music was posted on social media.  He learned Hershy Weinberger and other Hasidic songs just to make the Jewish kids on his route smile. "The music is so positive. How can you not like it? Singer Hershy Weinberger put out a social post seeking to meet the driver and thank him for spreading positivity (Tiktok on x)

- Lakewood Road closures on Rt 9 as night seder and wedding season resumes: A NJDOT contractor will be performing repaving operations along Route 9 between Central/Hurley Avenue and 3rd Street. Route 9 will be completely closed in both directions on Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM. Detours willedirect traffic around the work zone.

- Israeli election polls suggest that United Torah Judaism (UTJ) could lose up to two seats as a result of defections to the new Tzibbur Hacharedi party led by Moti Leitner. The emergence of the new party has prompted UTJ MKs to sharpen their attacks against Leitner and his movement, as they seek to protect their traditional Charedi voter base

- Trump: The European Union paid Russia 250 Billion Dollars for Energy, and the Fake News Media doesn’t want to get near that story. I made the right choice for the American People — ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Giyus:  Hundreds of Breslov children gathered outside Prison 10 today, joined by senior rabbonim led by Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter, to protest the arrests of approximately 250 Breslov avreichim over the past month on charges of draft evasion. The demonstrators called for the release of the arrested yeshiva students, many of whom have been imprisoned for refusing to comply with military conscription orders

- Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a court-authorized search warrant at Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C., home early Monday morning. According to Fox News, the investigation centers on possible immigration fraud involving paperwork completed by Omar’s late father when she was a child.

Bochurim in EY  return to yeshiva for the Zman

Why We Add ולכפרת פשע on ר"ח of A Leap Year

On Rosh Chodesh  of a leap year we added in the Shemona Esreh of Mussaf  the words  ולכפרת פשע
In a Leap Year, in addition to praying for good and for bracha, for ששון and for שמחה, for salvation and comfort, for פרנסה and כלכלה, for life and peace, for pardon of sin and forgiveness of iniquity”, we add a 13th request in respect of the additional month: “ולכפרת פשע-and for atonement of transgression”.

A possible reason suggested is that in case the Leap Year was mistakenly designated, and in consequence Chametz was eaten on Pesach, we pray for forgiveness. (טעמי המנהגים)
The 13 pleas are corresponding to the 12 expressions of praise “הללוי’ה-הללו-הללוהו”, and the last sentence “כל הנשמה” is said twice, in respect of the Leap Year. (תהלים קנ – תניא רבתי)

- (Mi Yodea) There are three different minhagim (according to Kaf HaChayim) for the timing of this addition: only during Adar 2, all year long (Cheshvan to Elul), and from Cheshvan to Adar 2.

Rabbi Shelomo Min-HaHar z"l (former rabbi of the Bayit VaGan community in Jerusalem) explains that this last minhag (which you're asking about) is due to the fact that from Nissan onward one cannot declare that year as a leap year, so that's when the addition of "ולכפרת פשע" stops.

Given that there are 3 possibilities as brought down in the Mishna Brurah 423 or the Kaf Hachaim. However, the prevalent minhag among Ashkenazim is from חשון to אדר שני.

Iran Israel Updates Monday Oct 12

- Israel is expected to carry out strikes in Lebanon in response to the explosion of an unexploded Hezbollah cluster munition in northern Israel, which killed one person and injured 24 people. Jpost

- Update: BDE 1 Teen killed, 24 injured during school hike near Lebanon border, as unexploded Hezbollah munition blows up in student’s hands as he picked it up.

A Blast near Lebanon border wounds 20 schoolkids and teachers on hike; likely cause is unexploded ordnance Medics say 20 people injured  one critical and 2 seriously and 15 lightly hurt following an explosion in the Ramim ridge area in northern Israel, close to the border with Lebanon, the Magen David Adom ambulance service says. The injured are schoolchildren and teachers who were on a hike near the Pe’er observation point in the area. The cause of the blast is believed to be the result of unexploded ordnance, although this is still under investigation by authorities.

Lebanese newspaper Al-Moudon reports that Hezbollah has exploited the ceasefire period to rebuild its military capabilities both north and south of the Litani River, preparing for the possibility of renewed war with Israel

- Iran says it is “deeply concerned” by escalating attacks between Yemen’s Tehran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia, after 14 people died in strikes on Riyadh’s airport over the weekend.

- Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei warns that if war resumes, Iran will expand its target list to include communications hubs, data centers, AI infrastructure, and valuable American assets in the UAE and near the Strait of Hormuz.

I- ran says the US has now accepted some of its seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran considers the response insufficient.

Oif Simchas Sunday Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan

יעלה ויבוא 

Cbasunas:

Yoffe -Eisenberg Bais Faiga

Goldstein - Goldstein Ateres Reva 

Benedek - Kushner Lake Terrace 

Goldenberg - Reiss Cedar Palace

Berman - Chekanow Ateres  Esther 

Markowitz - Huberman Ateres  Blima 

Gross - Feldbrand Fountain Ballroom 

Sunday October 11 Rosh Chodesh מרחשון News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 65° Rain. Winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Tonight low 56° Showers with a possible thunderstorm early, then variable clouds overnight with Potential for heavy rainfall.  Chance of rain 90%.

Wednesday will be a high of 84

Tomorrow is Columbus day a federal holiday No garbage pick up, no USPS mail.

- United Airlines has reportedly told crew members that anyone holding citizenship or dual nationality in 29 listed countries cannot work flights entering Israeli airspace, even if they also hold a valid U.S. passport, according to an internal memo shared with Live and Let's Fly. 

- Trump: "I am pleased to announce that Katie Zacharia will be beginning her term as Press Secretary tomorrow, Columbus Day, and will be doing an introductory News Conference on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M. from the Press Briefing Room in the White House.""Katie has been with me, in spirit, from the very beginning, and will do a fantastic job! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

- Heavy flooding at local roads and parking lots

-Millions of Americans will  turn their clocks back an hour next month after a congressional effort to permanently eliminate the twice-yearly time changes stalled in the Senate, despite overwhelming approval in the House of Representatives and strong backing from President Donald Trump. Daylight saving time is scheduled to end on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 a.m., when clocks will move backward one hour to 1 a.m., giving Americans an additional hour of sleep while bringing earlier sunsets and darker evenings for the months ahead.

- Miami boys choir now coming to Lakewood they will take auditions for Lakewood boys looking to join the choir.

- Hachnosas sefer torah at Beis Medrash Torah Utefilah in Harmony Farms, Jackson. Procession at 5 pm. 81 Hickory Hill..

- Naftali Bennett launches an all-out attack on the Charedi establishment, speaking more forcefully than ever before: ‘We will abolish stipends for yeshiva students, shut down the Charedi education system, eliminate all exemptions, and dismantle the Charedi state within a state.’” There will be an influx of 1.5 million Charedim into the State of Israel. Think about how many doctors and engineers will come from among them.”

- Winter zman Begins tonight as yeshiva bochurim head back to the bais medrash for the long 6 months zman.

- Post Yom Tov restock sales at local supermarkets, Bingo sale on 'Lifetime" plastic products. Moishas in Howell store open ing within next few months.

- Mortgage rates just hit 7.4 percent, the highest since November 2023.

- Lakewood may spend $500,000 to defend against special education lawsuits. Last year, the Board of Education dismissed its former attorney Michael Inzelbuch in part because of high fees. This year, it has approved spending more than $500,000 to defend the district against a “substantial volume” of special education-related lawsuits, including a handful from that same former board attorney. (APP)

- Joseph Dream Burger will have an official grand opening celebration today from 1pm to 6pm at their new Lakewood location 1700 Madison Ave including raffles and giveaways.

- Trump: "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!"

- Is this really what we want to promote in the Lakewood community? Luxury apartment developments in Yerushalayim are bombarding Lakewood  residents via social media with images and videos of extravagant living, targeting families whose reality is often kollel, hard work, and tight budgets. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a home in Eretz Yisrael. But when did luxury and materialism become the dream we’re selling to Bnei Torah? Yerushalayim should be about kedushah, Torah, and Avodah not marketing an unaffordable lifestyle that so many families can’t  even relate to.

- A resident who lives near a Orthodox shul on Old Freehold Road is asking a court to review a zoning board decision that allows the building to be significantly expanded.

-ICE agents arrested several individuals on Shabbos in Lakewood while they were working at a kiddush at a local shul simcha hall.

- The McDonald's location at Eeast Veterans and Hope near Kalamata is expected to close by November with reports of a kosher venue taking over the location according to news reports.

- Viral Facebook post from Toms River resident Booky Kaluszyner: I get dispatched as a Hatzolah volunteer to a motor vehicle accident in Toms River. Neither vehicle belongs to an Orthodox Jew. I approach one of the patients, and he tells me, “Get me the real 911. I don’t want your kind touching me.” No problem. We contact dispatch and request Toms River EMS. A few minutes later, two Orthodox volunteers responding with Toms River 911 EMS show up, they tell the patient that they are 911, yet the patient refuses to let them assist, The patient says the same thing: “I don’t want your kind touching me, I want real 911” So we wait for Toms River CSOs to arrive. They assess the patient and request paramedics. And guess who shows up? Two Hasidic paramedics with beards and payos sticking out! The patient finally gets to the hospital, only to discover that the nurse assigned to care for him is another Orthodox Jew. You have to wonder whether the patient is more concerned about his injuries or the religion of the people trying to save his life! And that’s the sad reality of what hatred can do to a person. Imagine being so consumed by hatred toward your Orthodox neighbors that you’re willing to delay your own medical care rather than allow one of them to help you. These are people who dropped whatever they were doing, left their families, their jobs, and their dinner tables to come help a complete stranger, without asking what religion that person practices. When hatred becomes more important than your own health and safety, perhaps it’s time to ask yourself who that hatred is really hurting.

- Lakewood Road closures on Rt 9 as night seder and wedding season resumes: A NJDOT contractor will be performing repaving operations along Route 9 between Central/Hurley Avenue and 3rd Street. Route 9 will be completely closed in both directions on Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM. Detours willedirect traffic around the work zone.

- Lakewood Police Department has charged Ericson Pring, 35, of Houston, Texas, in connection with a June burglary at a local business. On June 14, 2026, officers responded to the business following the activation of a burglar alarm. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the front glass doors had been shattered. The owner reported that approximately $250,000 worth of equipment had been stolen. Detectives determined that multiple individuals forced entry into the business during the early morning hours, damaged display cases, and fled with the stolen equipment. During the four-month investigation, detectives gathered evidence that led to the identification of Ericson Pring as one of the suspects. 

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Iran Israel Updates Sunday Oct 11

- A Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei warns that if war resumes, Iran will expand its target list to include communications hubs, data centers, AI infrastructure, and valuable American assets in the UAE and near the Strait of Hormuz.

- A senior Israeli security official told Channel 14 News:

“In recent weeks, there has been a significant increase in Hamas’s preparations to resume fighting. Intelligence assessments indicate that Hamas is preparing for an offensive of its own, although no exact date has been determined yet.“The senior official added that Hamas is recruiting new, young operatives, including terrorists as young as 17 or even younger, and training them within a week in preparation for an attack.”

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a security discussion at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv to discuss Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior security officials are also in attendance. The meeting follows the Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia today and comes amid growing concerns of escalation in the US-Iran war.

- Two developments amid escalating tensions with Iran:

The USS George H.W. Bush has departed Phuket, Thailand, following a rest and replenishment stop. Tracking reports suggest the carrier is heading back toward the U.S. Central Command region.

Approximately 20 U.S. aerial refueling aircraft have reportedly crossed the Atlantic from the United States to Europe in recent days.

The combination of carrier movements and a reported surge in aerial refueling assets warrants close attention. Tankers are essential for sustaining long-range combat operations.

These movements do not establish that a new strike on Iran is imminent, but they could provide Washington with additional operational options. (Jewishwarrior)

- Putin sends Iran's proposal for ending war to Trump directly, he says Russia will have custody of highly enriched uranium of Iran. While Trump says needs a guarantee that Iran will not build nuclear weapon in future.

Russia may end war between the Washington and Tehran very soon.

-Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that, as President Trump indicated, any agreement with Iran will likely come after the November elections. Bessent declared that the Iranianaa regime is the biggest loser, arguing that Tehran attempted to weaponize the Strait of Hormuz and diesel prices to pressure Washington and failed.

- Senior Israeli security officials say Trump and Netanyahu have been holding intensive discussions in recent weeks over possible renewed military operations against Iran.

According to Channel 13, the IDF is preparing for three scenarios:

An independent Israeli strike.

A joint U.S.-Israeli military operation.

An Iranian attack requiring an Israeli response.

No final decision has been made. Netanyahu has reportedly expressed reluctance to act before the Israeli elections on October 27.

The military options remain on the table, and Israel is preparing for the possibility of another confrontation with Iran.

- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the terrorist attack on King Khalid International Airport, which killed 12 innocent people and injured hundreds. Netanyahu offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a full recovery.

- An outbound tanker was struck on its port side in the strait of Hormuz by an unidentified projectile today on October 11. The vessel sustained damage, but all crew members are safe.

- The IDF and Shin Bet announce the elimination of a Hamas Nukhba commander who led the October 7 assault on the Kissufim military outpost. According to Israeli security officials, the terrorist also participated in the abduction of Israelis during the massacre.

- Reports of explosions in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as the Iran-backed Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of striking Sana’a International Airport in Yemen.

- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warns that Khalil al-Hayya and other senior Hamas leaders remain targets for elimination. Katz accuses Turkish President Erdoğan of continuing to shelter Hamas terrorists and support their activities alongside the Muslim Brotherhood.

His warning: Hamas leaders will not enjoy immunity, regardless of where they operate