Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Lakewood Nearly Shut Out of State Budget; Tax Hikes Could Be on the Horizon

 Lakewood Largely Left Out of New Jersey's Record $60 Billion Budget.

Governor Mikie Sherrill last week signed New Jersey's largest budget ever, a $60 billion spending plan but Lakewood received just $1 million in municipal aid despite being the state's fourth-largest municipality. By comparison, Jersey City will receive an additional $15 million in state aid plus a $105 million loan. Under former Governor Phil Murphy, Lakewood typically received $7–8 million annually through discretionary aid, which has now been eliminated. Community leaders warn the shortfall could force the township to consider tax increases or service cuts. according to an article in the Lakewood shopper this past week.

Despite the cuts to Lakewood, the local state representatives Bob Singer and Sean Kean were the only 2 Republicans in New Jersey who voted YES for the budget!

Shlomo Schorr, Director of Agudath Israel of New Jersey, told the Shopper, Lakewood continues to be disadvantaged by a municipal aid formula based on population figures from more than 20 years ago, leaving it among the lowest-funded municipalities on a per-capita basis.

The budget did include A $2 million annual security grant for BMG  that was restored after initially being cut, and funding for nonpublic school security increased from $205 to $217 per student. A newly passed law by Assemblyman Avi Schnall will also allow unused nonpublic school aid to be redirected toward transportation reimbursements instead of being returned to the state.

Schorr also said the previously discussed state takeover of the Lakewood School District now appears unlikely in the near future. He suggested the proposal may have been used as leverage during the state's legal response to the school funding lawsuit  by R' Arthur Lang before being quietly set aside.

The budget also expands New Jersey's child tax credit, increasing benefits by 25% for eligible families, with credits ranging from $250 to $1,250 depending on household income.

For Lakewood, the budget is viewed as a significant disappointment, with local advocates pledging to continue pushing for a fairer state aid formula that better reflects the township's rapid growth and current needs.

Another bill included in the state budget could cost local businesses, yeshivos, and schools hundreds of thousands of dollars. Employers with 50 or more workers will now be required to pay a new state fee for each employee and dependent who receives health insurance through NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey's Medicaid program. The new assessment is expected to significantly increase costs for many large employers.

Monday, July 6, 2026

Events Monday 21 Tamuz

Weather: 67° Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly this evening Chance of rain 70%.

- Mir Yerushalayim Yeshiva fundraiser event for the Chasidishe chaburah at the Beru hall in Lakewood 8:00 pm

- Yeshiva Gedolah Tiferes HaTalmud R"Y Rav Zev Schechter shlita, annual Parlor meeting 80 Gudz Rd. Lakewood.

- Lakewood Cheder graduation

- Road closures: LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 7/6 the Township's contractor will be performing intersection improvements at Carey Street and Forest Avenue starting at 10:00 PM. During construction, the intersection will be closed to through traffic. A detour will direct motorists to use Route 9 between 14th Street and 9th Street. Forest Avenue between 14th Street and 9th Street will remain open to local traffic and residents only. Residents shall access their homes from the side of Carey Street on which their residence is located

Monday July 6 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 77° Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times.Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Localized flooding is possible

- President Trump departs Washington for the NATO summit in Turkey, saying he's making the trip for one reason: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

- NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill under fire for refusing to call a state of emergency she tweeted this late today 
"The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management continues to be activated and assisting communities across the state with severe weather conditions, including those impacted by today’s substantial flooding.

I’m grateful to the first responders and public servants who have been working around the clock to keep people safe.

Our communities have been hit hard, and we will continue to help them recover."

- Team USA's World Cup run has come to an end. The United States fell 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seattle.

- The Lakewood Cheder graduation will take place this evening 

- The death toll from the brutal heat wave in New Jersey this past weekend is being blamed for an estimated 29 deaths across the state, the state Department of Health tells nj.com The deaths have been reported across 10 counties, with most in the central to northern part of the state and involving people found in homes without air conditioning. The ages mostly range from the mid-30s into the 80s.

- The National Weather Service received reports of multiple water rescues occurring throughout coastal sections of Monmouth County, including Asbury Park, Deal, Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Wall Township, and West Long Branch. A portion of the roof has collapsed at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office said.
Belmar police said Route 35 is closed between 16th Avenue and Route 71 and asked motorists to avoid all travel in the borough.
In Neptune City, 25 people were rescued from flood waters as the storm brought record rainfall rates of nearly 5 inches per hour, according to statement from the borough.
“At the height of the storm, dozens of people were trapped in vehicles on flooded roadways and parking lots, and dozens of residences were impacted by flooding, including multiple apartments on Steiner Avenue,” borough officials said. “Emergency responders continue to check on residents in affected areas, and our construction department is working to assess properties to determine when it is safe for residents to return home.”(NJ.com)

Will Kosher meat prices also come down?
- Trump: Great news! I have just been informed that one of the biggest, best, and smartest Retailers in America, Walmart, will be lowering prices, by a lot, at my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country's 250th birthday. Walmart will, in particular, be dropping the price for a pound of ground beef by almost 15%, among many other products. This is a huge deal for the many millions of Americans who, smartly, shop at Walmart, which is a truly patriotic Company who loves the U.S.A. My Administration is lowering prices that Joe Biden incompetently raised with the worst inflation crisis in history, a total disaster along with the Southern Border, the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, and many other failures. Just as I promised, Oil Prices are plummeting FAST, and Gas Prices at the pump are dropping too, just like egg and Prescription Drug prices which I am bringing down by historic levels. Walmart is stepping up in a big and bold way, and other Retailers should follow the lead of these absolute Patriots. Together, we will make America stronger and greater than ever before! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- "Worst storm damage since Sandy yet Sherrill hasn't declared a regional state of emergency that can unlock vital resources support for our towns.
Why?
Because a state-level declaration is a prerequisite to Federal help, and Sherrill doesn't want to give the Trump administration any opportunity for a victory in New Jersey. She doesn't care how much our people need help.Sherrill's mind is still stuck on WASHINGTON, DC when it should be on the people of NEW JERSEY. When will her Democrat colleague, and your District 25 Assemblywoman, Marisa Sweeney, will call Sherrill out on this hypocrisy?"
Anthony Somma Candidate for NJ Assembly Randolph, NJ 

- Charlie Kirk's parents and widow, arrived to a court in Provo, Utah Monday for the first day of a preliminary hearing for the man accused of shooting and killing him last year.

- Russia strikes Kyiv with mass missile and drone attack, killing at least 11. The assault marks the second large-scale attack on Kyiv in less than a week, and it comes ahead of Ukrainian President Zelensky's meeting with US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Turkey. 
WSJ: "Ukraine has virtually run out of Patriot interceptors that stop ballistic missiles. Ukraine was unable to intercept any of the 23 Russian ballistic missiles that crashed into the Kyiv area in the early hours of Monday"

- Thousands lose power in Jackson after earlier storms including S Cooks Bridge W County Line and Flair area.

- 4:30  pm update JCP&L  Customers Affected
37,367 in New Jersey
Ocean county 4637
Brick  461 of 36,268 (1%)
Lakewood 189 of 37,021 (< 1%) 
Jackson 3,449 of 23,877 (14%)
Howell  183 of 22,043 (< 1%)
Manchester 47 of 27,536 (< 1%)
Toms River 125 of 49,352 (< 1%)

- Despite the weather anti ICE protesters continued their campaign along Clifton Avenue in Lakewood today.

- 3 pm update JCP&L Customers Affected
35,700 in New Jersey
Ocean county 1150
Brick 476 of 36,268 (1%)
Lakewood 80 of 37,021 (< 1%)
Jackson 43 of 23,877 (< 1%)
Howell 206 of 22,043 (< 1%)
Manchester 37 of 27,536 (< 1%)
Toms River 133 of 49,352 (< 1%

 Assemblyman Alex Sauickie is demanding the NJBPU immediately hold a public reliability hearing. More than 200,000 customers lost power over July 4th weekend during a dangerous heat wave. Some won't have power until Thursday

-Local roads flooded along Rt 9 south Oak st and New Hampshire.  Lightning caused a Structure fire to a home on Arlington Ave. DPW crews came out to clear drains as flood waters  covered roadways.

Flash Flood Warning issued from 10:30 am - 2:45 pm indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen.

Message Sent to local phones

- Heavy rain has caused severe flash flooding across Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, with multiple water rescues, submerged vehicles, evacuations, and road closures. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and never drive through floodwaters. Deal,Naja  area hit by  rising floodwaters 

- Flooded basements across the area  Chaveirim and Chavivim responding

- Heavy flooding in Monmouth county. Jersey shore medical center parking area and ambulance bay a d emergency room hit with floodwaters

- President Trump reveals that on July 4th, $1,000 was deposited into over 500,000 Trump Accounts for Childern! Michael Dell is making a $6 BILLION contribution into the accounts.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced today that she will donate 2,000,000 shares of SpaceX stock to the accounts.

- Giyus: In the Chashmonaim Brigade, discussions were held about establishing dedicated units for different ultra-Orthodox communities in order to make it easier to recruit members of those communities. Shin Bet chief David Zini blocked the move, warning that "the IDF would turn into militias."

- More than 56,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey remain without power early Monday morning following powerful weekend storms that had sparked as many as 240,000 outages

Monday July 6th 12:30 pm 
JCP&L Customers Affected 
Across New Jersey 39,618
Ocean county 1,568
Lakewood 142 of 37,021 (< 1%)
Jackson 85 of 23,877 (< 1%)
Brick 567 of 36,268 (2%)
Manchester 37 of 27,536 (< 1%)
Toms River 155 of 49,352 (< 1%)
Howell 264 of 22,043 (1%)
ETA restoration is Wednesday night July 8 11:30pm

-Mordys Shteible still no power running on generators 

- BDE: Levaya of Rav Yoel Yaakov Sperka zt”l in Lakewood today at the chapel watch livestream on zoom Here

 -President Trump reveals that on July 4th, $1,000 was deposited into over 500,000 Trump Accounts for Childern! Michael Dell is making a $6 BILLION contribution into the accounts.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced today that she will donate 2,000,000 shares of SpaceX stock to the accounts

Trump accounts website HERE
APP HERE

- President Trump is urging parents to enroll their children in the new Trump Accounts program, saying it could provide a significant financial head start. "If parents haven't already done so, they should go right away to TrumpAccounts.gov and sign their child up for a free investment savings account," Trump said, adding that a child with no money today could see the account grow to "hundreds of thousands of dollars" over time through long-term investment growth.

 Trump rings the New York Stock Exchange opening bell from the Oval Office, launching Trump Accounts, for kids.

President Trump says he would be a fan of making Bitcoin eligible for investment in Trump accounts!
https://www.irs.gov/trumpaccounts  
https://trumpaccounts.gov/

 A tructure collapse at the BJ’s Wholesale Club on Route 35 in Oakhurst. There are unconfirmed reports of possible entrapment, and emergency responders are reportedly on scene. The exact circumstances and the extent of any injuries have not been confirmed at this time. 

- NJ Assembly GOP
This morning in New Jersey:
3rd worst power outage state in the nation according to http://PowerOutage.com.
Over 200,000 customers lost power over July 4th weekend. Tens of thousands still without power today Some won't be restored until Thursday - 5 days in dangerous heat.
The NJ Board of Public Utilities oversees grid reliability. Last week it cut your summer electric bill credit from $100 to $25 during a heat wave that knocked out power to over 200,000 customers.It has never held a public reliability hearing.
More on that this afternoon.

-Signs asking to daven for a youngerman Yosef Dan ben Breina Zlata who facing potential legal issues by mesira of אינשי דלא מעלי 

- Tonight the Lakewood Zoning Board meeting 7pm watch live stream Here 
 see agenda here 
9 applications are on tonight's Lakewood Zoning Board agenda, including:
-Rabin & Company –Use variance for a development of single-family homes and duplexes.
-Chestnut Equity  4-story apartment building on Route 70.
-560 Cross Street, LLC 71-lot subdivision with 66 duplex lots, retail/office space, and a house of worship.
-1127 CL, LLC  Use variance for an office building on East County Line Road.
-Ohel Gittel – Use variance for a dormitory on 1070 Cross Street.

- Trump says the White House helipad is being built because the new Marine One choppers are too powerful to land without destroying the South Lawn: "Sikorsky is paying for it... they're paying the full cost."

 -  Vacant for more than two decades, a fitness club is moving into the former Staples store at Town & Country Shopping Center on Route 70.

- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission agencies could have to return to the pre-pandemic practice of doing all license and vehicle transactions and talk walk-if if two bills in the legislature are passed.

- President Trump revealed he pushed back against suggestions to postpone or reschedule his America 250 Independence Day speech: TRUMP: "They had 150,000 THOUSAND people come back!" "They said, we'll do it another time. I said, NO WE WON'T! We're doing it on the 4th of July!" "I think the 150,000 was more impressive than the original 425,000!"

Shuls across Bet Shemesh will hold a special Yom Tefillah today for the gezeiras Giyus


Iran Israel Updates Monday July 6

- Iran Escalates Tensions, Fires Two Missiles at Commercial Ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

- Israeli Ambassador to the US Leiter stated: "The trilateral agreement between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States supersedes the MOU between the US and Iran regarding Lebanon. The framework of the new agreement takes precedence over the previous clauses concerning the Lebanese border and security arrangements."

- A Hamas commander responsible for training the terror group’s elite Nukhba Force ahead of the October 7, 2023, onslaught was killed in an overnight strike in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF says

- Trump on Iran: "I could dismantle all of their infrastructure in a moment, and they know that, but I prefer to reach an agreement with them." Either Iran will make a deal, or we will complete the mission, and that won't be difficult.

- President Donald Trump says Iran has offered concessions in the nuclear talks, before admitting that those proposals aren’t final. “We’ve gotten concessions, now they have to hold [to] those concessions,” Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office.

- A airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip over the weekend targeted five Hamas operatives who were attempting to restore a tunnel system, the military says.

- The Hamas media office announced: The Chairman of the Governmental Emergency Committee announced his resignation - ahead of the transfer of professional management to the National Committee for Gaza Management. It was noted that employees will continue to fulfill their roles and that the current governmental institution heads will be considered temporary during the transition phase

- The Board of Peace says it will assess developments in Gaza “by actions, not promises,” after Hamas announced the dissolution of its governing administration in the Strip in preparation for the transfer of authority to the Board’s technocratic National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

- PM Netanyahu on Fox News about the planned meeting with Trump: We haven't set a date yet. We weakened Iran and I want to expand the Abraham Accords and advance additional agreements

- At Khamenei's funeral in Tehran: Photos of LauraLoomer, Donald Trump, benshapiroMiriam Adelson, Lindsey Grahamand others, with red targets on their faces. The signs read: "In the end, your heads will be splashed."

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Sunday July 5 News Updates Lakewood

Weather 89° Partly cloudy with scattered strong storms developing during the afternoon. Damaging winds with some storms. Chance of rain 40%.
Severe thunderstorms could hit New Jersey with heavy rain on Sunday and Monday. A flood watch has been issued and high winds could cause additional power




- BDE: Petirah of  Rav Yoel Yaakov Sperka ztl
Rov of the Detroit community for 50 years and  lately in lakewood Pine River Village 
He was a goan and mechaber seforim
Levaya Monday morning at 10:15 at the 7th street chapel with kevura in eretz yisroel.
His sons are rav menachem rosh yeshiva ohr sameach monsey , rav Yitzchok rosh kollel choson mishpat passaic, his daughters rebitzin platnic Chicago

- Trump calls for a restraining order against Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

- Trump: I would like to congratulate Freedom 250, a Great White House Commission, and Pyrotecnico, on producing the Most Spectacular Fireworks Show I have ever seen, and I’ve seen them all. Congratulations on a job well done! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- 8:00pm Severe weather:Flood watch issued for entire state with multiple rounds of fierce thunderstorms in forecast

More than 65K without power with more severe thunderstorms ahead today

- Satmar rebbe aRav Aaron heads to Hatlaam
New Hampshire for summer vacation.

- Following the completion of this afternoon's F-IFA World Cup match between Brazil and Norway at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, a bomb threat was phoned into Secaucus Police regarding an explosive device at the stadium

- Trump: GET SMART REPUBLICANS, IF YOU DON'T, YOU WON'T BE IN OFFICE FOR LONG!"
President Trump is renewing his push to end the Senate filibuster, saying Republicans should act before Democrats have the opportunity to do so if they return to power. Trump argued that failing to act could have long-term political consequences for the GOP.

- Lalewood Shomrim distributing generators for those who need  due to the storm

-A seaplane made a hard landing and went down in the East River near FDR Drive in Manhattan, officials said. FDNY crews transported all occupants safely to shore, with no immediate reports of serious injuries.

2pm Lakewood  Affected
331 of 37,021 (< 1%
Estimated Time of Restoration
07/08/2026 11:30 PM

- Expect heavy traffic today in the GSP Jersey shore area.

 - Ocean county park and Shanandoa are closed due to fallen trees & fire.(submitted)

Updated: POSPPONED TO LATER DATE DUE TO WEATHER
 Lakewood fireworks show: Weather permitting rain in forecast this evening.
America 250: Tonight  Lakewood Township to Host Un “Drones and Fireworks” Independence Day Celebration  at Lake Carasaljo viewable from both North and South Lake Drives.Sunday July 5th. Drone Show will begin at 8:45 pm; and lead into the fireworks show at approximately 9:00 pm.

- Giyus: Sharp opinion of the Treasury against a Basic Law for Torah study. "Restoring the allowances will prevent going out to work, which will severely harm growth and the welfare of all citizens, and will force the state to raise direct taxes by 16% in the future"

- The Israeli Outreach Center and Moon Night Org are hosting a lecture in Lakewood by attorney Moshe Cohen-Eliya, a participant on Israel's Channel 14 program The Patriots, on "Media and the Social Struggle in Israel." The event will take place on Sunday, July 5, at 8:45 p.m. at 978 River Ave., Lakewood, with separate seating and a $35 admission fee. Registration is required.

- President Donald Trump used a speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial ahead of Independence Day to warn that communism threatens American freedom and the Constitution. He urged Americans to uphold the ideals of the Founding Fathers, calling communism the opposite of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and stating that communist regimes caused about 100 million deaths in the 20th century."

- Giyus: After years in which the gezeiras giyus and the arrests of yeshiva bochurim received little or no coverage in the U.S. frum newspapers, those publications have begun⁰ reporting on these developments over the past few weeks. This shift comes as the number of arrests has increased significantly, with reports indicating that approximately 50 yeshiva bochurim were in military custody over Shabbos.

- 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.

- A coalition of Roshei Yeshiva has introduced new summer camp standards aimed at strengthening the Torah atmosphere. The guidelines include a ban on cell phones for 9th–11th graders, a zero-tolerance alcohol policy for campers and staff, and stricter standards for camp programming, trips, and entertainment. Participating camps have agreed to follow the guidelines, and yeshivos may discourage attendance at camps that do not comply
Maintain a true Torah atmosphere: Programming, trips, concerts, and kumzitzes should reflect Torah values. Destinations should be carefully vetted, performers and music should meet high standards of ruchniyus, and disco or colored lights are prohibited.

- Crust Co. Pizza in West long  Branch now under JSOR hashgacha 

- Thousands of residents across Lakewood were left without power over Shabbos after a record-breaking heat wave placed heavy demand on the electrical grid and powerful storm winds knocked out electricity just as Shabbos began. Many families spent most of Shabbos without power and were unable to prepare in advance or enjoy hot meals. While some remained in their homes despite the difficult conditions, others were welcomed by neighbors and relatives with electricity for meals and sleeping accommodations. Because the outages occurred with little warning shortly before Shabbos, many families had no opportunity to make alternative arrangements in advance
.

Power Outage update Lakewood July 5

- Monday July 6th 12:30 pm 
JCP&L Customers Affected 
Across New Jersey 39,618
Ocean county 1,568
Lakewood 142 of 37,021 (< 1%)
Jackson 85 of 23,877 (< 1%)
Brick 567 of 36,268 (2%)
Manchester 37 of 27,536 (< 1%)
Toms River 155 of 49,352 (< 1%)
Howell 264 of 22,043 (1%)
ETA restoration is Wednesday night July 8 11:30pm


Updates Monday July 6th 7:30 am 
JCP&L Customers Affected:
Total in New Jersey 41,293
Lakewood  161 of 37,021 (< 1%)
Howell 245 of 22,043 (1%)
Jackson 142 of 23,877 (< 1%)
Manchester 38 of 27,536 (< 1%)
Toms River 94 of 49,352 (< 1%)
Brick 609 of 36,268 (2%)
ETA restoration is Wednesday night July 8 11:30pm


Estimated Time of Restoration
07/08/2026 11:30 PM
Sunday July 5

Weather 89° Partly cloudy with scattered strong storms developing during the afternoon. Damaging winds with some storms. Chance of rain 40%.

- JCP&L Crews continue making progress after severe storms blew through our service area. Approx 67k customers are without service, and the vast majority are expected to have power restored by Tuesday night, with the remaining customers expected to be in service by Wednesday night.

- More than 65K New Jersey homes without power with more severe thunderstorms ahead today

- 8:00 pm Ocean  County,  customers effected 2,562 of 260,714 (< 1%)
Lakewood customers Affected 270 of 37,021 (< 1%)

- 4pm Lakewood Number Customers Affected
309. 1% Customers Served 37,021

2 pm  Lakewood  Customers Affected
331 of 37,021 (< 1%)
Estimated Time of Restoration
07/08/2026 11:30 PM

-12:00pm Lakewood Customers Affected
2,002 of 37,021 (5%)

10:30 Lakewood 2,011 of 37,021 (5%)

9:15 am Customers Affected
Ocean ckunty ,890 of 260,714 (4%)
Lakewood 2,229 of 37,021 (6%)

- 7:15 am JCP&L Customers Affected
Ocean county 11,573 of 260,714 (4%)
Lakewood 1,251 of 37,021 (3%)
Howell 2,150 of 22,043 (10%)
Jackson 468 of 23,877 (2%)
Manchester 82 of 27,536 (< 1%)
Toms River 438 of 49,352 (< 1%)
Brick 1,596 of 36,268 (4%)
No ETA for restoration 


- JCP&L is warning those who remain without power to prepare for the possibility of an extended outage.
We know many of our customers are spending the holiday without power, and we understand how disruptive and frustrating that can be. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our crews work in tough conditions to restore power.

JCP&L is providing free ice and bottled water to affected customers at participating Acme, Food Circus, and ShopRite locations. Customers can request a voucher at the  customer service desk.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Motzei Shabbos Pinchos News Updates Lakewood

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM for southern New Jersey.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Toms River NJ, Lakewood NJ and Long Branch NJ until 10:45 PM EDT


- Update 1:15 am  Lakewood Number Customers Affected
2,232

- Trump : Best fireworks show, EVER! 
President DJT

-The United States just set a WORLD RECORD for the largest fireworks display in history.
850,000 shells lit up the sky over Washington, D.C, shattering last year’s 20,000-shell show.
President Trump and Melania watched from the National Mall alongside thousands of spectators through the entire finale.

12:30am JCP&L
Number Customers Affected
Lakewood 2,228
Jackson 766
Toms River 700
Manchester 446
Howell 5224

- Fireworks illuminate the Washington Monument and the National Mall as America celebrates Independence Day with the nation's largest fireworks display.

-Several bochurim at a yeshiva in Rechasim were reportedly assaulted by a group of violent youths on Motzoei Shabbos. Some injured students said they were afraid to call police or seek medical treatment because they feared arrest as military draft deserters. 

- Trump: We are ONE PEOPLE, ONE FAMILY, with ONE FLAG — and as our Declaration of Independence tells us, we are all made in the image of one Almighty God.

- Trump: The world has seen the great empires, vast kingdoms, mighty nations, and terrible tyrants — they came and they went. But after two-and-a-half centuries, this American Republic still stands tall and strong.
This American Flag still waves proud and free and beautiful.
We have thrived and flourished because our founders were great, our cause was just, our people are brave, our culture is exceptional, and our destiny is written by God.
After 250 years, the Spirit of 1776 still lives within us all.

- Trump mentions Emunah: We are made in the courage, fire, flesh, and blood of the best and the bravest people this world has ever produced. Tonight, we pledge allegiance to the flag they gave us — and we say, 'God bless the immortal patriots of 1776, and LONG LIVE THE CAUSE OF INDEPENDENCE!'

- 12:00 am Howel JCPL Customers Affected
4,968 of 22,043 (23%)

- President Trump celebrates America's 250th anniversary by honoring the Declaration of Independence and hailing the United States as the single greatest nation in human history.
"For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light and the glory among all of the nations of the world."
"All over the world, they try and be like us. Nobody can be like us. And with God's help, we will always be this or even better." | 

- 11:45 pm JCP&L update for Lakewood 
Number Customers Affected
2,191 6% of Customers Served 37,021
Number of Damaged Circuits 22
Estimated Restoration Time
No Information Available

- Power outages continue in and off tonight as the thunderstorms roll through the area.
Westgate a d prospect street lost power briefly

- During the Friday evening severe storms on July 3, Lakewood, NJ, experienced violent straight-line wind gusts estimated between 60 and 70 mph. These hurricane-force gusts hit Central and South Jersey between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, downing trees and power lines across the area. 

- Update still many areas with No power restored

- JCP&L: Severe storms moved through our service area overnight, bringing damaging winds that caused widespread tree and equipment damage across many communities. Since the storms passed, crews have been working around the clock to assess damage, make repairs and restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
Additional personnel were positioned early this week ahead of the heat wave, and more than 1,700 workers are currently engaged in restoration efforts. Additional line, transmission, and forestry crews are continuing to arrive to help accelerate restoration work.

Our crews will continue working 24/7 throughout the holiday weekend until all customers have power restored. At the same time, we are closely monitoring the potential for additional severe weather this weekend. While our focus remains restoring service to affected customers, we are also prepared to respond should new outages occur.

We recognize the impact these outages have on families and holiday plans. Please know that restoring service safely and as quickly as possible remains our top priority. We are committed to keeping you informed as restoration progresses and appreciate your continued patience and support.

- Watch Live Trump to deliver remarks at the salute to America 250 celebration in Washington DC Here

-Attendees are returning as the National Mall reopens ahead of President Trump's delayed 11 p.m. remarks.

- Weather Pouring rain and winds began motzei Shabbos. Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 72F. Chance of rain 100%.

- Due to the holiday weekend, there was no visibility of utility, emergency, or township vehicles throughout Shabbos. Residents were unable to fully report power outages or receive updates while remaining in their homes. As the heat wave continued, many were left without information or assistance during a particularly difficult and potentially dangerous situation.

- Thousands of residents across Lakewood were left without power over Shabbos after a record-breaking heat wave placed heavy demand on the electrical grid and powerful storm winds knocked out electricity just as Shabbos began. Many families spent most of Shabbos without power and were unable to prepare in advance or enjoy hot meals. While some remained in their homes despite the difficult conditions, others were welcomed by neighbors and relatives with electricity for meals and sleeping accommodations. Because the outages occurred with little warning shortly before Shabbos, many families had no opportunity to make alternative arrangements in advance. Power was restored shabbos afternoon at 3pm.
Areas affected by power outages included locations along Central Avenue and the Cedarbridge corridor.

- An estimated 140,000 customers of Jersey Central Power & Light were without electricity throughout the state on Saturday evening, following the powerful, fast-moving storm that tore through the region Friday night amid the ongoing brutal summer heat wave.

- New Jersey officials reported 19 suspected heat-related deaths since Thursday as an extreme heat wave continues across the state. The announcement was made Saturday by Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington during a news conference with Gov. Mikie Sherrill in Woodbridge. The deaths are still under investigation and have not yet been officially confirmed as heat-related.

- Trump tonight: Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting! We will wait it out, I don’t care if it’s 2:00 O’Clock in the morning, or in one hour from now. Looks like it is going to pass, they always do. I will be there no matter what, but the “what” usually turns out to be a good thing. It’s Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight. They say 11:00 O’Clock for the speech. Who cares??? Remember two weeks ago when the big UFC Event was at 100% chance of heavy rain, all week long, and just minutes before the card started. Well, there wasn’t a single drop, and the fights turned out to be among the greatest in history, an event for the ages. Our great veterans, especially the old timers, many of whom are there, went through hellfire, and it didn’t stop them. It’s not going to stop us either! I’m not going to let some rain stop our 250th. I’m leaving the White House soon. God Bless America! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- The National Mall has quickly become a ghost town. Salute to America guests were evacuated from the site as severe thunderstorms rolled into the area, with loudspeakers ordering everyone to leave, assisted by National Guards and Secret Service. Fox news says attendees were visibly frustrated as they were leaving, and there is currently no update on a reopening or when the event will resume.

-  Ted Cruz: The fireworks are great, but God’s fireworks show—celebrating America’s 250–puts to shame anything done by man.



JCPL OUTAGE MAP


Friday, July 3, 2026

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת פינחס תשפ"ו

Friday, July 3, 2026 / י"ח תמוז תשפ"ו
ערב שבת פרשת פינחס
- Candle lighting 8:11 pm
- Shkia/sunset 8:29 pm

-Weather: Friday night 78° scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Chance of rain 40%.

Shabbos day:101° Mostly sunny skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible

מפטירין דברי ירמיהו לפרשת מטות שלשה דפרענותא

הָלֹךְ וְקָרָאתָ בְאָזְנֵי יְרוּשָׁלַ‍ִם לֵאמֹר: כֹּה אָמַר ה׳ זָכַרְתִּי לָךְ חֶסֶד נְעוּרַיִךְ אַהֲבַת כְּלוּלֹתָיִךְ, לֶכְתֵּךְ אַחֲרַי בַּמִּדְבָּר בְּאֶרֶץ לֹא זְרוּעָה
           הפטרה פרשת פינחס

  As the Medina shel chesed celebrates 250 birthday of independence  on July 4th, some shuls recite the tefilah of הנותן תשועה למלכים

The following prayer has been said by Jewish communities for millennia for the protection and blessing of leaders and Kings who's countries they lived in. 

הנותן תשועה למלכים" וממשלה לנסיכים. מלכותו מלכות כל עולמים. הפוצה את דוד עבדו מחרב רעה הנותן בים דרך ובמים עזים נתיבה 
הוא יברך וישמור וינצור ויעזור וירומם ויגדל וינשא למעלה את הפרעזידענט ואת הווייס־פרעזידענט
of the united states of america
מלך מלכי המלכים ברחמיו יחיים וישמרם, ומכל צרה ויגון ונזק יצילם. וידבר עמים תחת רגליהם. ויפיל שונאיהם לפניהם. ובכל אשר יפנו יצליחו: מלך מלכי המלכים, ברחמיו יתן בלבם ובלב כל יועציהם ושריהם רחמנות לעשות טובות עם כל העמים ועם כל ישראל. בימיהם ובימינו תוושע יהודה וישראל ישכון לבטח. ובא לציון גואל. וכן יהי רצון. ונאמר אמן:

Friday July 3 News Updates Lakewood

Friday, July 3, 2026 / י״ח תמוז תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת פינחס
Candle lighting 8:11 pm
Shkiah/Sunset 8:29 pm

Weather: Today 103° sunshine followed by isolated thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Chance of rain 30%.
Friday night 78° scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Chance of rain 40%.
Shabbos day:101° Mostly sunny skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible
Motzei Shabbos 73° Potential for severe thunderstorms.  Chance of rain 50%
Sunday hi 86

- America celebrates 250th birthday on the fourth of July independence day. Millions of spectators expected to descend on Washington D.C. to celebrate "Salute to America 250” events and fireworks  taking place in the nation's capital.



- Power outages in Westgate and other areas of Lakewood 

- Chavivim Ocean county has run out of distributing Portable Air conditioners

- Catskill NWS issues severe thunderstorm warning for southwestern  Sullivan County until 6:45 pm

-Prepare  for power ouutages on Shabbos:
Power grid operator PJM, the organization responsible for the electricity in New Jersey and 13 other states, says it is under a "federal alert" to cut electricity consumption across its territory as it deals with generator outages, massive overloading on its transmission lines ⁠and a surge in air conditioning use from prolonged sweltering heat.

- PSA: During extreme heat, some residential central AC systems can't keep indoor temperatures below the upper 70s. Many homeowners are adding window AC units to help keep their homes cooler.

 - A pilot paid tribute to America's 250th anniversary with a patriotic flight over Ohio ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

- Footage shows a Cessna tracing "USA 250th" inside the outline of the contiguous United States, creating a striking aerial salute to the nation's milestone birthday.

- Trump: It is my Great Honor to have just signed Pardons for six people who were persecuted by the Biden Administration, and were in, or being sent to, prison, for “fixing their car.” While I know this sounds ridiculous, it is nevertheless a fact, and part of the Weaponization and Stupidity that our Country had to endure during four long years of Sleepy Joe Biden. I AM SETTING THEM ALL FREE, RIGHT NOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP

-  Inaugural issue of Hamavdil periodical has been distributed to Lakewood area residents  a seasonal magazine bringing awareness to the nisyonos and distractions of technology 

- Media Personality Benny Johnson: 
Communist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who just came to this country, chose to become an American, is deciding he is the foremost authority to tell Americans what it means to be American. He has the AUDACITY, on America's 250th birthday, to call our great nation "an arena of supremacy" — a nation that "persecutes," ruled by "oligarchs."He sneers that his fellow Americans are "small, weak, unoriginal."He says “ICE is invading our streets” while he endorses and welcomes an invasion of third-world savages. Millions dream of the gift he was given. A man who spends his time burning the most American city to the ground does not deserve to be America, let alone dictate to others what it means to be an America.

- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani used America’s 250th anniversary to sharply criticize the country, accusing the U.S. of allowing children to go hungry while billionaires and “oligarchs” gain more power. He said America’s wealth was built by working people with “calloused, dirt-streaked hands" while accusing the country of allowing the wealth built by workers to be concentrated in “the soft hands of a precious few.”

- Update: Mir Yeshiva yerushalayim has denied reports that the 21-year-old American bochur indicted on espionage charges was one of its students, stating he was never enrolled, never studied there, and has no connection to the yeshiva. The yeshiva also criticized media outlets for linking it to the case, calling the reports false and misleading. The suspect is accused of carrying out assignments for Iranian operatives, including photographing locations, conducting dead-drop missions, and allegedly attempting to recruit other yeshiva bochurim in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.

- Giyus: The first-ever cadets in the IDF’s Hasmonean Brigade for ultra-Orthodox soldiers completed the first part of their officers’ course this week.

- Knesset Member Yuli Edelstein, a senior lawmaker who has served in several leadership roles during his decades in office, announces he is leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. “I do not intend to run in the Likud primaries, I am setting off on a new political path,” Edelstein says, in an interview with Channel 12’s “Meet the Press,” that will air in full tomorrow evening.


- U.S. security agencies are preparing for possible terror threats ahead of America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations tomorrow.

- Giyus: 43 yeshiva students spensding shabbos in jail for Draft dodging 

- B"H condition of Brisk Rosh Yeshiva Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik has improved and he was released back home according to reports.

- Lakewood township 4th of July fireworks and drone show scheduled for Sunday night 8:45pm at the  lake 

- Many  Admorim will be spending shabbos in the Catskills 

- The US has issued warnings to Warsaw that Russia is preparing to launch an armed attack on its territory as a provocation intended to test NATO's determination and cohesion. According to the warnings, critical infrastructure in Poland could be targeted by missile or drone attacks, or Russian soldiers could cross the border into the territory of a NATO member state

-With millions expected to travel to the Jersey Shore over the holiday weekend, motorists should plan for extra travel time if heading to the coast. nj 12

- Kashrus PSA The CRC Kashrus Division is reminding the public to remain vigilant about kashrus while shopping during the summer. Consumers should verify the country of origin of fruits due to terumos and maasros concerns with produce from Eretz Yisroel, avoid cut-up fruit from non-Jewish stores, ensure fish is identified by its kosher סימני טהרה rather than its name alone, and maintain the same kashrus standards when traveling as they do throughout the year.

- The rotunda of New Jersey State House bedecked in red, white and blue in honor of the country's 250th anniversary celebration.
The Trenton building, just off the Delaware River, is the third-oldest state house in use in the country.  Onejersey

- A message to Americans... 250 years from now.
A 900-pound time capsule packed with items from all 50 states has officially been sealed ahead of America's 250th birthday. The capsule, created by the nonpartisan America250 commission, will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, and isn't scheduled to be opened until the year 2276. After years of planning, engineers say the moment the lid was finally sealed was both surreal and emotional, as part of many celebrations for a special independence day.

- Howell, NJ: A 24-year-old woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly leaving four children, including a 6-month-old infant, in a running car for more than 20 minutes while shopping at Walmart on Sunday. The car was left running Police found the children sweating in the vehicle on an approximately 80-degree afternoon. EMS evaluated them at the scene, and they were not injured. The investigation is ongoing.

- Governor Sherrill signed landmark voting rights legislation on Thursday, making New Jersey the first state in the nation to enact new state-level voting rights protections following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais.

- A 21-year-old American bochur  living in Yerushalayim and attending a mainstream yeshiva ( Update: The reported yeshiva denies the bochur  was registered there) and  has been indicted on charges of carrying out espionage missions for Iranian intelligence in exchange for cryptocurrency payments totaling approximately $1,379 (about NIS 4,225). He was responded to an ad on the Telegram App and through that made contact with Iranian agents who asked him to take pictures of buildings around Yerushalayim.

- Tucker Carlson says he is committed to helping launch a new political party in the United States, declaring that the Republican and Democratic parties have become indistinguishable on the issues he believes matter most and promising to work toward breaking what he called a one-party political system.
He argued that “because of this war…America’s relationship with Israel, while it may be based on good intentions, is hurting the United States very badly” and urged Washington to end all assistance to Israel, saying, “I don’t think the United States owes Israel anything. I don’t think the United States should give Israel anything. I think we should stop all aid to Israel, all special deals for Israel.”










At the Woodbourne shul in the Catskills the Nilolsburger rebbe prepares the food for Oisfasten after the fast last night.



Iran Israel Updates Friday July 3

-  PM Netanyahu just spoke with President Trump and congratulated him on the 250th anniversary of US Independence Day. During their call, the PM stated that the US is a guarantor of global freedom and that Israel highly values the close ties between the two nations. PM Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the US.

- Netanyahu informed the military echelon - the terror tunnel in the Ali Taher ridge will not be destroyed without Trump's approval  i24 news 
 
- The military says the Israeli Air Force struck some 10 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon yesterday, in response to an attack on troops earlier, and separately hit a cell of operatives identified near Israel’s buffer zone.

- A Hamas terrorist who abducted IDF officer Cpt. Daniel Perez during the October 7, 2023, onslaught and later held hostages Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka, and Alon Shamriz in captivity was killed in a strike in the northern Gaza Strip this week, the military and Shin Bet announced.

- A IDF reservist soldier was severely wounded in a clash with a Hezbollah gunman in southern Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil yesterday afternoon, the military announces. He was taken to a hospital, and his family was notified, the IDF adds.

- The body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lay in state in a vast hall in Tehran on Friday as clerics, officials, foreign dignitaries and other mourners paid their respects to Iran’s late Supreme Leader, who was killed in the opening Israeli-American airstrikes of the war against Iran on February 28. Iran is staging a week of mass funeral processions for Khamenei, who held power for 37 years, in a show of public devotion to the Islamic Republic’s theocratic state and revolutionary zeal.

-  US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he thinks Iran has “agreed to just about everything we need” in negotiations over a final accord between the two countries.

- Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels threaten Saudi Arabia’s airports and vital assets should Riyadh violate its airspace or attempt to attack it, as the rebels accuse the kingdom of an earlier airspace intrusion.


Thursday, July 2, 2026

Hashkafa Q & A

Hashkafa with Rav Gershon Ribner Shlita
Analyzing Roshai Yeshivos varying style of dress and its impact Reversing an incompatible marriage Unfaithful relationship with G-d mirrors unfaithfulness in marriage Source of connection all sense with Rashbi Traversing from the bitterness of Torah to its sweetness

Thursday fast of 17 Tamuz News Updates Lakewood

 ושבעה עשר בתמוז הפך לנו ליום ישועה ונחמה

Fast is over at 9:20pm (50 minute zman) According to R' Moshe Feinstein One who finds fasting difficult may eat at -9:10 PM

Weather 102° Sunny. Hot and humid. Tomorrow 104° Mainly sunny. Hot and humid. L

- NWS Update today July 1: High temperatures through Shabbos will be 95-105°F for most areas (hottest days expected to be today and Friday), then some cooling Sunday through Tuesday. Overnight low temperatures only dropping into the mid 70s to low 80s will offer little to no relief.Daytime heat index values are forecast to be between 100-110°F through Saturday, including area beaches and mountainous areas. Heat index values locally up to 115°F possible.
A isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon and evening hours of Friday through Sunday. Any storms may offer some local, temporary relief from the heat.

- Stores will have regular schedules for shabbos shopping 

-Yartzeit shiva Assar B’Tamuz: 28th Yahrtzeit of Rav Yaakov Weinberg zt”l R'Y Ner Yisroel Baltimore

- 25th yartzeit of Rav Yaakov Yitzchak Spiegel Admor of Ostrov-Kalushin, Brownsville. Rav of the Roumanishe Shul - Khal Shaarei Shomayim on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

- First yartzeit of Rav Eliezer Kupperman ZTL long time administrator at Lakewood yeshiva BMG 



- Trump in an interview with CNBC: "How a Jewish person can vote for a Democrat is beyond me. I've been the best president in the history of Israel, and they acknowledge it."

- Howell Township has postponed its Independence Day celebration, originally set for Thursday, July 2, until a date to be determined

- Today Seder Limud אגרא דתעניתא for bochurim under the leadership and guidance of the Skulen Rebbe shlita at B"M Bais Moshe Minyan Avreichim/BMG corner 10th st and Clifton Ave from 3:00pm.
-8:10 pm Mincha, busses will go to the Gratter bilding for Maariv and oisfasten followed by distributors of prizes for those who learned several hours
-9pm Divrei chizuk by Rav Nachum Binder shlita. 
Maariv 9:26 with the Participation of the Skulener rebbe shlita

- Tonight: Asifas Chizuk and Hisoirerus with the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yaakov Yankelewitz shlita who will also be relocating his yeshiva from Monsey to Lakewood. Tiferes Bais Yaakov hall 613 Oak st. Drasha at 8:40 pm followed by Maariv 9:10pm with refreshments.

- Due to a publication that was mistakenly circulated in America implying a personal havtachah from the Mashgiach, Rav Dan Segal shlita clarified that he does not give personal guarantees for yeshuos. Any yeshuos come solely in the zechus of the great mitzvah of supporting the hachzakas hamikvaos. Accordingly, anyone who donated based on the understanding that there was a personal havtachah from the Mashgiach is invited to contact Merkaz HaTaharah and receive a full refund.

- PSA Kashrus alert: B'gan Foods and Bodek have announced a kashrus concern involving certain lots of frozen strawberries sourced from Peru. As a precaution, the affected products have been removed from store shelves while rabbinic authorities investigate the issue. The companies emphasized that only strawberries from Peru are affected. Strawberries sourced from all other countries remain unaffected and may be used as usual.

-As New Jersey's heat wave drives up electricity demand, energy officials are urging residents to raise their thermostat by 1–2 degrees, especially between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., when power usage peaks. Experts say the small adjustment can help reduce strain on the electric grid, lower energy bills, and decrease the risk of power outages. Utility companies also recommend using ceiling fans, closing blinds, and running major appliances during cooler hours.

- U.S. Senator Andy Kim visited Reform Temple Beth Am Shalom in Lakewood and met with the Jewish Federation of Ocean County to discuss the impact of antisemitism on local Jewish communities. Kim said the meetings reinforced the need to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help protect houses of worship. During his visit to Lakewood, Kim also met with Agudath Israel of New Jersey to learn about its Zahav program for people with Alzheimer's and dementia and the Yahalom program, which supports children with special needs and their families. He praised the organization's work in providing essential support and building community.

- President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting himself as 'Dr. Trump' treating celebrities for Trump Derangement Syndrome. The video features AI-generated testimonials from the celebrities describing their symptoms and improvement after following Trump's advice to turn off fake news, pray, and drink Diet Coke.

-The New Jersey State Police are urging residents to celebrate the Independence Day weekend responsibly as they launch a statewide enforcement campaign targeting impaired and reckless drivers. From 6:00 p.m. Thursday through 6:00 a.m. Monday, more than 140 additional troopers will be deployed across New Jersey, focusing on speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, seatbelt violations, and DWI enforcement.

- MTA work zone speed cameras are now live at bridges and tunnels across NYC. Drivers caught going more than 10 mph over the limit will receive a warning for a first offense, followed by fines of $50, $75, and $100 for repeat violations within 18 months.

- Giyus: The Rosh Yeshiva of Mir Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, issued a letter today instructing bochurim not to report to military enlistment offices on their own without first consulting the committee established to assist with draft-related matters. In the letter, he warned, "Do not thrust yourselves into the lions' den of the enlistment danger," urging students to seek guidance before taking any action regarding the army draft.

- Jackson Police have launched a summer traffic enforcement crackdown after the township experienced a record increase in motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and traffic fatalities. The initiative will target speeding, seat belt violations, and other traffic offenses as officials cite population growth as one factor contributing to the rise in accidents. app

- Companies that collect, sell, or trade personal information on New Jersey residents will soon be required to pay an annual state registration fee under a new law. Depending on the size of the business, the fee can reach up to $1.5 million per year and is expected to generate at least $50 million annually for the state.

- The couple who scaled the Empire State Building on Wednesday afternoon during an apparent marriage proposal have been identified as New Jersey couple from East Orange, they were arrested following the incident and charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, violation of local law, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. A Manhattan judge granted the alleged Empire State Building climbers supervised release

Iran Israel Updates Thurs July 2 Shiva Asar B'Tamuz

- NYT: The US suspected during the April negotiations that Israel was trying to eliminate the two heads of the negotiating team, Ghalbsf and Araghchi. As a result, the US asked various countries to warn Iran of this possibility. In April, Ghalibaf was scheduled to fly to Islamabad to meet with Vance. Still, Iranian security officials feared that Israel would seize the opportunity to eliminate Ghalibaf or Araghchi, thereby torpedoing the talks

 - Wall Street Journal: The United States and Oman have offered Iran the release of a portion of the frozen funds in exchange for Iran not imposing fees on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

- The IDF says sirens that sounded a short while ago in the Lebanon border communities of Yiron and Avivim were false alarms.

- Defense Minister Israel Katz says he was updated in an assessment today that the military has demolished 83% of the Hamas tunnels in the IDF-held portion of the Gaza Strip. The assessment with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other top officers was held to mark 1,000 days since the October 7 onslaught.

- An Iranian military commander warned the United States and Israel on Thursday against any attack as the country prepares for the state funeral of supreme leader ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes on February 28, in the opening attack of the war. “We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the US and the Zionist regime, to avoid any miscalculation and to think about the harsh retaliation our armed forces would make to any threat and aggression against our country,” Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said in a statement carried by state media.

- A terrorist attacked a Jewish civilian and attempted to run him over near Carmei Tzur in Gush Etzion on Thursday afternoon no one was injured in the incident.BH

- The IDF eliminated a Hezbollah terrorist who emerged from one of the tunnels of the underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge.

- Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Positive progress has been made in the talks in Doha between Iran and the US. The talks will continue after the funeral ceremonies of Ali Khamenei (the ceremonies will begin on July 4th - the upcoming Saturday, and will continue until July 9th).

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Oif Simchas Wednesday 16 Tamuz

Shkiah today 8:29pm
Fast begins at 3:45 AM dawn degrees
or at 4:20 AM dawn fixed minutes per myzmanim

Chasunas:
Hirschman - Klang Ateres Reva
Fisgus - Wenick  Fountain Ballroom
Semah - Ohounah Kesser Moshe Yehuda
Jacobovitch - Finkel Lake Terrace 
Steinfeld - Neuman Neemas Hachaim 
Scheiner - Pruzansky Ateres Esther 
Cohen - Naim Ateres Blima
Serebrowsky Ateres Chaim Elazar 

- Dinner Yeshiva Nachlas Hatorah R"Y Rav Yitzchok Moshe Grossman at Estreia

Wednesday July 1 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 97° Sunshine A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible.
Tomorrow fast of שבעה עשר בתמוז Hi of 103° Hot and humid.

- NWS: Issues extreme heat warning starting today 12:00 pm through shabbos day 8:00 pm 

Fast of 17 Tamuz starts tomorrow morning at 3:45 AM dawn degrees or at 4:20 AM dawn fixed minutes

Tips on how to prepare for a fast according to Rabbi Yechezkel Aschayek author of the sefer חיים בריאים כהלכה One should start preparation from the morning 2 days before by drinking 50 % more water of your daily intake. Drink 20 minutes before eating and after meals, don't drink until the food is digested in order not to dilute the acids that digest the food. 




- Update: Some schools have notified parents if their bud routes have no AC and offering an option to pick up their child with early dismissal tomorrow.

- PSA Please note: Many school buses do not have air conditioning. With the current heat wave, it's something to keep in mind if your children have a long bus ride. Make sure they're well hydrated before leaving and consider sending them with extra water on hot days.

- BDE: Petirah of R’ Moshe Nechemya Lipshitz Z”L of Lakewood, following an illness at the age of 75.Levaya today in Lakewood at the chapel off 7th street, with kevurah at the adjacent bais olam 

- Giyus: The Basic Law on Torah Study passed first reading in Knesset plenum. The law is intended to allow the continuation of funding for the yeshivos and the exemption from draft conscription. to the IDF

- Death toll in Venezuela earthquake climbs to : - 2,295  

- Nearly 20 campers from  a junior air force academy were taken to local hospitals near  Goshen, Ny after a Coach USA charter bus traveling from an upstate New York camp to New Jersey lost air conditioning during the trip. Officials said the campers suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration, and emergency responders evaluated and treated those affected

- Giyus: Vizhnitz chasidim from Bnei Brak set up an outdoor bais medrash outside the Attorney General's office to protest the arrests of yeshiva students. 

-  NJGOP blasts Gov. Sherrill, Democrats plus Bob Singer and Sean Kean over $60.7 billion budget
“Families across New Jersey are struggling with skyrocketing property taxes, utility bills, tolls, insurance costs, and the highest cost of living in the region,” Hanlon said. “Instead of exercising fiscal discipline, the Governor and Trenton Democrats responded by passing the largest budget in New Jersey history.” 

Two Republicans who represent parts of Ocean and Monmouth Counties including Lakewood, State Sen. Robert Singer and Assemblyman Sean Kean, voted with the Democrats to approve the budget.

- NJ Assemblyman Alex Sauickie Nothing in this budget will make NJ more affordable this year.
Not property taxes.
Not utility bills.
Not tolls.
Not insurance. Trenton keeps spending. You keep paying.

- NJ Legislature OKs bill to fine some employers (with over 50 employees) for workers on Medicaid. This will cost businesses in Lakewood and across New Jersey including yeshivos and school who have rebbein on NJ family care  
Assemblyman Avi Schnall defended the employer Medicaid assessment, saying:
“This is called tax fairness. This is called getting the record straight.” Schnall (D-Ocean) said under the current system, taxpayers are left to foot the full bill for Medicaid, which is expected to cost some $26 billion over the next year, with more than $7 million from New Jersey coffers.  
Schnall argued that under the current system, taxpayers bear the full cost of Medicaid, while the new law requires certain large employers with workers enrolled in Medicaid to contribute toward the program's cost. Nj monitor 

- New Jersey's ongoing drought, combined with an expected heatwave, is increasing the risk of wildfires and putting additional strain on water supplies and farms. Monmouth and Ocean counties remain in severe drought, while parts of southern New Jersey's coastal region are experiencing extreme drought conditions.

- Kamala Harris has reportedly reached out to Zohran Mamdani & pro-Palestinian activists as she lays groundwork for a possible 2028 run.

- BDE: Thousands participate in the Levaya Mekubal Rabbi Amos Guetta zt"l in Netanya after he was murdered last night by an individual who is in police custody. According to initial reports, the suspect was known to police and was believed to have been connected to the rabbi’s circle. He allegedly arrived seeking to daven with Rabbi Guetta, an argument broke out, and he then stabbed the rabbi four times before fleeing. MDA teams fought to save the rabbi’s life, performing prolonged resuscitation efforts before evacuating him in critical condition to Laniado, where doctors were forced to pronounce him dead.

- President Trump says Micron will invest $250 million in Trump Accounts, calling it the largest corporate investment of its kind.

- Today A couple who scale tall buildings have climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City, holding a banner from the skyscraper's antenna reading, at 1,454 feet above the ground.

- NJ Transit fares increased by 3% on July 1, marking the second consecutive year of automatic annual fare hikes. The increase follows a 15% hike in 2024 and brings the total fare increase since then to 21%. Under current policy, NJ Transit fares are scheduled to rise by 3% each July 1.

- President Trump took the inaugural presidential flight on a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar and upgraded for use as Air Force One, departing from Joint Base Andrews to Medora, North Dakota. The flight was to attend the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and a Freedom 250 event.

- Teachers in the Montclair Public Schools district walked out of a mandatory staff training session that included the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The training was required under a federal settlement following a complaint alleging discrimination against Jewish students. Critics, including CAIR-NJ, argued the IHRA definition could suppress legitimate criticism of Israel, while supporters say it helps identify and address antisemitism in schools.

- NJ Assembly GOP NJ Assembly GOP Last night at Gov Sherrill’s "Affordability Agenda" press conference:Nobody smiled. She signed the budget privately at 11:22 PM. 38 minutes before the deadline. After promising no new taxes. After promising to end pork giveaways. $800M in new taxes. $360M in pork. Schools underfunded $400M.

- Daily anti ICE protests continue in downtown Lakewood following a recent ICE operation that resulted in the arrest of 10 people. Supporters of those arrested have been holding daily demonstrations, with some comparing the arrests to kidnappings. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that 10 individuals it described as being in the country illegally were arrested during the June 24 enforcement action. APP

- The FBI has reportedly determined the original ransom notes tied to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance were fake, according to a new Reuters report citing two FBI sources.
The report says investigators concluded the initial notes sent to media outlets were not authentic

- More than 70,000 had visited the kever of the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh, as of Wednesday morning to mark the 283rd yartzeit, Israeli officials said.

- Starting today A new Medicare pilot program launching July 1 will allow some eligible beneficiaries to receive certain Ozempic GLP-1 weight-loss medications, including Wegovy and Zepbound, for a $50 monthly copay through the end of 2027. The program is limited to qualifying participants

letter calling for strengthening tefillos during the 3 weeks of bein hamstring in light of the gezeiras giyus

Vishnitz chasidim Giyus protest in front of AG office  building 

Iran Israel Updates Wednesday July 1

 - Trump: “Iran is moving along well. They've had very good meetings, and we'll see. We hit them very hard for three nights, as you know. But we're getting along very well, so I call it denuclearization. And it's all taking place. It's all going well."

- Reuters: Indirect and technical negotiations between the US and Iran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, have begun in Doha. Yesterday, Witkoff and Kushner met with the Prime Minister of Qatar, but they are NOT currently participating in the talks.

 - Saudi report from negotiations: Initial agreement reached between the US and Iran to release $3 billion to Iran from frozen funds

- Araghchi is upset that Israel Defense Minister Kats threatened Mojtaba’s life: “The terms of the Islamabad MoU are crystal clear and public for all to see. POTUS has committed the U.S. to muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv. If they ignore their master, Iran will school them. Any threat against our People and Leadership will receive Immediate Powerful Response.”

- Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary in a direct threat on Trump and Bibi: “The file of revenge for the pure blood of Khamenei and the innocent martyrs of Iran remains open. The instigators and perpetrators of these crimes will be punished in due time - and the day will not be far off.”

- Trump’s Board of Peace in response to the UN trying to get UNRAW funds:”UNRWA has no place in the new Gaza. We are turning the page on the complex of perpetual aid dependency & conflict. The people of Gaza deserve better.”

- Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, at the Herzliya Conference: “Without the Jewish people, the United States would never have come into existence. Our founding fathers in America understood this”

- US-Saudi relations have significantly deteriorated in recent months amid anger in Riyadh over Washington’s decision to launch a war against Iran that has caused massive blowback for the rest of the region, Wall Street Journal reports. Saudi Arabia refused to allow the US to use its bases in order to conduct Project Freedom, which was aimed at breaking Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz by escorting stuck ships out of the channel.