Tuesday August 25 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 80° Generally cloudy. High around 80F. 

12 Elul the 7th Yartzeit of Rabbi Shlomo Gissinger ZTL

- Bingo/Menachem Lev Elul /Yom Tov sale going on now through September 5 side of salmon $8.99 see list below

- Tomchei Shabbos of Lakewood Chanukas Habayis and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new warehouse 503 Summer Ave. 5:30pm

- LSTA opt in deadline extended to tonight while parents decide their options.

- A massive fire broke out Tuesday morning at - Mordy’s Shtiebel, in Delaware Trail Rd at the Lakewood/Jackson border, heavily damaging the shul. Firefighters brought the blaze under control around 7:00 a.m. B’H all the Sifrei Torah were safely removed and found to be in good condition. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

-NYT reports on the ICE immigration raid on Clifton Ave in Lakewood 2 months ago. Federal immigration agents raided El Oaxaqueño, a Mexican supermarket in New Jersey, on June 24. Workers and day laborers tried hiding in bathrooms, upstairs areas and a walk-in refrigerator, but agents found and detained several people. One worker said she was traumatized after pleading with officers, explaining that she had a 2-year-old daughter.

- Trump: I would never interfere with Canadians speaking French! In fact, I have never even thought of doing such a stupid thing. This lie was made up by a weak and ineffective Prime Minister in an attempt to gain political support, which he has totally lost, from the people of Quebec. I love French Canadians! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- More U.S. employers are reportedly cutting coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs as healthcare costs soar.

- At last night’s Lakewood Zoning Board meeting, several applications were heard and approved. The Planning Board chairman sat in for several applications because of conflicts of interest involving other board members. The board approved a subdivision for BMG, which recently purchased a property on 5th Street and N. Lake Drive that includes a cemetery. The cemetery will be subdivided from the original lot and remain as is. Another application near Prospect Square, submitted jointly by nine property owners for a mix of duplexes and single-family homes, was approved with some future restrictions. The board also approved an application on Pine Drive, adjacent to the Hearthstone neighborhood, that includes a new 40-foot road connecting Route 9 to New Hampshire Avenue and will allow for 16 homes.

- Despite setting up parking spaces the Lakewood town square has homeless camping there.

APP reports Lakewood temporarily turned its town square into a 35-space parking lot because construction reduced downtown parking. Officials say they were not aware that the construction company painted it already it’s temporary and reversible, but residents, churches, and nonprofits oppose it because the square is a longtime public gathering space and fear the parking could become permanent.

- Trump: Canada has been “Ripping Off” the U.S.A. for decades. They have been charging our Farmers 400% Tariffs, and more. They have driven many wonderful U.S. companies out of business. For 10 years they wouldn’t certify Gulfstream Jets, until I got involved. They wanted 100% of the market for Gulfstream’s Canadian competitor. I deal with many countries, and Canada is easily the most difficult and unreasonable. They feel entitled, but they are not a State, and will be entitled no longer! President DJT

- LSTA report: From the NJ state report on the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority Funding. 

Funding for the LSTA comes from three major sources, The first is an agreement with Lakewood Public School District to provide transportation or aid in lieu for approximately 25,000 nonpublic school students at the maximum AIL rate per student. For FY 2022, this amount was $24,740,600. The next largest is fees paid by families for courtesy transportation designed to fill the buses. LSTA charged $260 per student for the approximately 10,000 students receiving this service. For FY 2022, the total revenue to the LSTA from families paying for in-district and out-of-district transportation was $2,513,364. The third and final revenue stream is a payment from the town to help ensure that nonpublic school students get seats on a bus. For FY 2022, this amount was $1,203,100. Total revenue for the LSTA (FY 2022) was $27,253,964. The LSTA’s expenses totaled $30,813,857 for FY 2022. Program expenses included $28,817,333 for contracted bus services and $869,994 for aid in lieu payments. The LSTA reported administrative expenses of $1,126,530, about 3.8% of program expenses, which is in line with what CTSAs charge (although the LSTA does not explicitly charge an administrative fee in the same way that CTSAs do). One concern is that the LSTA appears to be running at a loss each year and has a growing amount of receivables at the end. 

- President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States is seriously considering renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America,” escalating his war of words with Canada as a bitter trade dispute intensifies and Ontario’s premier threatens to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the United States. “The United States is giving serious consideration to changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America in that we don’t expect to [be] doing much business with Ontario any longer,” Trump declared on Truth Social Tuesday.

- Ivanka Trump/Kushner opens up about her conversion to Orthodox Judaism in a conversation with Miriam Adelson. “I actually converted before Jared and I became engaged.”She speaks about what a blessing Judaism has been in her life, how its values have strengthened her connection with her children, and how Shabbat and the Jewish holidays have added so much meaning to their family life

- Bingo Mesamchei Lev price list

Iran Israel Updates Tues August 25

- Trump: I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed. Through Space Force, we are watching every square inch of the Strait, as we are, also, with Pickaxe Mountain and the already destroyed three other Nuclear sites. There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Trump: The failing Islamic Republic of Iran is not paying large segments of their military, while at the same time killing protesters, even when they are not protesting, at levels not seen before. It is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, and must be stopped, NOW. President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Netanyahu: Following my instructions and in continuation of the law we passed, the eviction of the UNRWA compound in Kfar Akab, near Jerusalem, began today. The State of Israel will not allow an organization whose employees were involved in terrorism and the massacre of October 7th to operate within its territory, and it will take action against it using all available means.

- The Trump administration issued a $10 million reward for information on the whereabouts of the Commander of the Revolutionary Guard, the Commander of the Iranian Armed Forces, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Organization, the Commander of the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guard, and the Commander of the Cyber Unit of the Revolutionary Guard.

 Iran attacked an oil tanker in Hormuz. After six days without reports of attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, it was reported tonight that a missile or a drone hit the engine room of an oil tanker moving in the waters off Oman - an event that caused the tanker to be disabled

NYT: The Trump administration is preparing to return diplomats to the US embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, a move that may indicate that the US is not preparing to return to combat in the near future

IDF and Shin Bet: Yesterday we attacked and destroyed five weapons depots and a launch site of the Hamas terrorist organization in several strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. The attacked depots stored rockets, weapons, explosives, grenades, and other combat equipment that Hamas terrorists used to promote terrorist plots against our forces in the Gaza Strip. The attacked depots were set up inside mosques and next to humanitarian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. This is another example of Hamas' cynical use of civilian infrastructure, including mosques and humanitarian infrastructure, in violation of international law and cynical exploitation of the civilian population.

- WSJ: Days before ordering an attack on Iran, Trump received explicit warnings from intelligence officials who cautioned that eliminating Khamenei would not topple the regime - but would instead lead to the rise of a more extreme and hardline leadership that would work to accelerate the development of nuclear weapons.

- The United Nations on Tuesday slammed Israel’s threat to evacuate people from areas where kites, drones and balloons are launched in Gaza, lamenting “unacceptable rhetoric” coming from Israeli leaders. “On the threat of expulsion due to children’s kite flying, I hope we can all agree that this is outrageous,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

Oif Simchas Monday 12 Elul

Kiddush Levana

Chasunas:

Ungarischer - Rivlin Bais Faiga

Frieman - Miller Ateres Reva

Friedman - Neuhaus Ateres Chaim Elazar

Lefkowitz - Sicherman  Lake Terrace 

Horowitz - Schwartz  Ne'emas Hachaim 

Shorr - Bender Fountain Ballroom 

Lopian - Godfrey Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Kalatzky - Estreicher Cedar Palace 

Ehrman  - Yankelove Ateres Esther 

Rottenberg - Benyowitz Ateres  Bluma

From $150 to $700: Parents Demand Transparency on Where Tax Dollars Are Going

Opt out its not manageable, no Opt in it's cheap!

What is most insulting is not even the increase itself  it's the lack of explanation. People feel they were played.

The initial number families were already paying was $385. It was raised to $945. That price has now been reduced by $290, bringing the new total to $675 per child. But the statement never acknowledged that this $290 is on top of the $385 base parents were already paying it was presented as if the added cost was only $290, when in reality the total cost per child is now closer to $700. That omission is what many people find especially misleading.

The financials also make no sense. If the shortfall was $2.7 million, why was the increase set at a level well above that to begin with  and then what suddenly changed that allowed additional funding to be found? Regardless, this is still a steep increase for parents to absorb, and it raises real questions about transparency. There is no guarantee this new baseline won't rise again  especially considering that the cost was just $150 not long ago, and is now effectively $700.

People deserve answers. Was the original increase deliberately set high to create panic and make the final number seem more manageable? When was this actually known? Why were people told that those in charge had only recently learned about it? Was this planned in advance? How long before was this known?

This is not a game. These decisions affect families' emotions and finances. Those responsible owe the public more than an apology they owe a full public explanation of what happened and what is still happening.

There are also major unanswered questions about the justification for using municipal tax dollars to fully fund courtesy busing for public school students while not doing the same for non-public-school students. The public has repeatedly asked for a legal explanation and still has not received one.

And taxpayers are being told that budget cuts are responsible, with blame placed on Trump, FEMA, and the state. But Lakewood's municipal tax levy increased for 5 years in a row from about $72.2 million in 2021 to $97.2 million in 2025  an increase of roughly 35%. The Township is now proposing another $14 million increase for 2026, bringing the municipal levy to approximately $111.2 million.

So the question remains: Where is all the tax money going  and why is the public still not getting straight answers?

Non-Public Yeshiva Students Should Qualify for Hazardous Busing

Would you let your child walk to school down Cedarbridge Avenue, Cross Street, County Line Road, Route 88, or any other hazardous road with no sidewalks and heavy traffic?

For many parents, the answer is obvious: No.

Most of Lakewood is not safe to walk to school with no sidewalks safe shoulders and crossing busy intersections.

And that is precisely the problem. There are roads in Lakewood that are recognized as hazardous for children traveling to and from school. New Jersey itself recognizes hazardous walking routes and allows districts to provide transportation for students who would otherwise have to walk along those routes.

Yet under current New Jersey law, a student who lives within the mileage threshold is not automatically entitled to transportation simply because the route is dangerous. Districts may provide courtesy or subscription busing and may charge parents for that service.

In Lakewood, the Township pays the Board of Education for courtesy and hazardous transportation for public-school students. Private-school families, however, are required to pay out of pocket when they opt into courtesy transportation through the LSTA. With the annual fee increasing to $675, families are being asked to pay for transportation because the alternative is for children to travel along roads that have been designated hazardous.

This should not be a question of whether a family can afford the bus. A child's safety should not depend on whether his or her parents can afford the transportation fee.

A distance measured on a map does not tell us whether a child can safely walk that route. Two miles on a sidewalk is not the same thing as two miles along a road with no sidewalk, heavy traffic, high speeds, blind curves, dangerous crossings, or other hazards.

This is why the fight should not stop with the Lakewood Board of Education or the Township. This needs to be fought in Trenton.

New Jersey legislators need to hear directly from parents, school districts, municipalities, and communities dealing with these dangerous routes. The Legislature has already recognized that this is a problem. Legislation introduced in 2026, S4327, would establish statewide criteria for hazardous school routes for purposes of courtesy busing for students who are not remote.

The State should establish clear, objective criteria for hazardous school routes and provide funding so that children who are required to travel along those routes can be transported safely, regardless of whether they attend public or nonpublic school and regardless of their family's ability to pay a courtesy-busing fee.

This is not simply a Lakewood issue. It affects communities throughout New Jersey where children live within walking distance on paper but face roads that no responsible parent would consider a safe walking route.

We should be asking our state senators and assembly members: Will you support eliminating the financial burden on families whose children cannot safely walk to school? Will you meet with Lakewood parents and community leaders to hear firsthand about the roads our children are expected to navigate?

This fight belongs in Trenton.

Lakewood families should not have to choose between paying thousands of dollars a year and putting their children in a situation that the school district recognizes as unsafe.

We should not be asking parents, “Can you afford the bus?”

We should be asking the State of New Jersey, “If a route is hazardous for a child to walk, why isn't safe transportation guaranteed?”

Our children deserve better. 

At a meeting January 6, 2021 to add amendments to the student transportation rules, the issue of bus safety under 2 miles was brought up but the state responded "traffic safety is not within the scope of the readoption with amendments".

In New Jersey if you are a private school student and don't qualify for mandated busing because you live less than 2 miles away you but it is not safe to walk you still have to pay for busing. NJ Law Whenever a district board of education agrees to provide nonmandated transportation to and from school for reasons of hazard, the district board of education shall adopt a

hazardous busing policy in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:39-1.5. regarding the transportation of students who must walk to and from school along hazardous routes.  The policy shall include a list of hazardous routes in the district requiring the courtesy busing of students and the criteria used in designating the hazardous routes. On the NJ.gov website it states that "Boards of education are not required by law to provide busing for students who live less than remote from school "even for safety reasons".

"Q. Is it a district's responsibility to provide transportation for students who live less than remote from school when hazardous road conditions exist?

A. Boards of education are not required by law to provide busing for students who live less than remote from school even for safety reasons. However, boards are permitted, at their own discretion and expense, to provide transportation for students who reside less than remote from school and may charge the student's parents or legal guardians for this service. Municipalities may also contract with boards of education for this service and charge the parents. This transportation service is called Subscription Busing.

Bill S2975. Transportation for Hazardous Walking Routes Act; requires school districts to provide busing for students required to walk to school along hazardous routes

List of streets designated hazardous by Lakewood township and BOE

 1. Fourteenth Street (Across Madison)

2. Pine Street

3. Forest Avenue

4. Route 70

5. New Hampshire Avenue

6. Central Avenue

7. Cedarbridge Avenue

8. Kennedy Boulevard (East & West to Teaberry)

9. Route #9 (Madison Avenue & River Avenue)

10. Ridge Avenue (Brook Road over Lanes Mills)

11. County Line Road (West to East including Lanes Mills)

12. Park Avenue (From 2nd Street to County Line Road) – Elementary School Students Only

13. Ocean Avenue/Route #88 (From Lane Mills Road to Route 9)

14. Miller Road

15. Joe Parker Road

16. Cross Street

17. Hope Chapel Road

18. Chestnut Street

19. Squankum Road

20. James Street

21. New Hampshire Avenue

22. Locust Street

23. Washington Avenue

24. Kennedy Boulevard (Between Twin Oaks)

25. Vine Street

26. Clifton Avenue

27. Oak Street

28. Hillside Street

29. Williams Street

30. Prospect Street

Monday August 24 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 82° Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon 

    

- BDE: Petira of Sanzer Rebbe of Boro Park, Harav Hatzaddik Reb Boruch Halberstam, zt”l. He was 70 years old. The Rebbe, a descendant of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, zt”l, was widely known for his extraordinary dedication to chesed and hachnosas orchim and for his open door to Yidden from across the community.

- LPD Traffic Alert: E 4th Street will be closed from Cottage Place to Negba Street for planned NJAW construction. Plan alternate route if possible.

- Amazon plans to begin using drones to carry out deliveries around South Jersey starting in mid-October, according to a notice the tech giant sent to Mantua Township officals. According to the notice, the proposed operating area for its "Prime Air" service will cover a radius of around 15 miles from its facility at 240 Mantua Grove Road in West Deptford Township. NJ

- Trump:  The Radical Left Democrats are going CRAZY with Fake Polls. They’re putting them out at levels never seen before. They’re called, “Demoralization Operations,” where they try to demoralize Republicans so that they don’t go out and vote — But the actual Polls are tremendous, and the Spirit in our Country has never been higher. We’re winning against EVERYONE, including Iran, whose Country is in Economic and Military Death Spiral. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- LSTA update: Parents will have to "only" pay an additionl $290 instead. Total of $675 per child for courtesy busing. (While Lakewood township fully sponsors  public school courtesy busing.)

This is what schools are asked to send out

Important Update Regarding Non-Mandated Bussing

Dear Parents,

We are pleased to share an important update regarding non-mandated bussing for the upcoming school year.

Over the past several days, we have been working closely with representatives of the LSTA, together with our local and state government officials and dedicated askanim, in an effort to ensure that transportation for the children of our Kehila can begin on time and without interruption.

Baruch Hashem, through these discussions, the additional fee for non-mandated bussing has been reduced to $290 per student.

In light of this development, we are now recommending that parents opt in for transportation. Please note that the $290 fee is due at this time in order to secure transportation.

We fully recognize that this is still an additional expense for families. This arrangement is intended to allow bussing to begin on time while we continue our efforts to explore possible solutions.

We will continue to keep parents informed of any developments as they arise. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout this process.With best wishes for a successful school year,{Your Mosed}

- Rav Shlomo Eisenberger shlita R"Y Telz will be giving a Elul shmooze  at B"M Kol Aryeh today at 1:15pm

- Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the US if the trade war with Canada worsens.

- LSTA: With the Monday night deadline looming, there have still been no updates from LSTA, the schools, or elected officials, leaving parents wondering what to do about bus transportation for the upcoming school year. There is still hope that some source of funding will come through, but for now, families are being left with a wait-and-see approach as the deadline rapidly approaches.

- LSTA from the state report: Recent LegislationIn 2024, new legislation expanded the LSTA model and allowed additional transportation consortia to form. Unlike the 2016 pilot, the new law allows districts from multiple counties to participate, removes district-size requirements, requires savings  from mandated  funds to be returned to districts, and permits up to a 6% administrative fee for  busing.

Lakewood Student Transportation Authority functions similar to a coordinated transportation services authority (CTSA). However, a CTSA is a governmental entity and the LSTA is a non-profit limited-liability company.

More from the report: One of the LSTA’s advantages over Lakewood for operating nonpublic routes is its flexibility in charging for courtesy busing, which Lakewood cannot do because of the district’s free and reduced lunch percentages. A study performed by Lakewood, NJ CPA firm HFA Certified Public Accountants and Advisors in 2020 found that the LSTA saves the district over $11 million versus the district bidding and managing all routes.

- Man with the truck will be in Lakewood today  at BM Ohr Tuvia East End Ave hall 4:30 pm

- Tuition in Lakewood  survey from TVOL interview with Lakewood families: Tuition remains a significant financial burden for many families. Sixteen percent spend at least half their income on tuition, while 29% spend more than 25%. Despite this, 61% believe tuition is reasonable, and paying tuition ranks 4.6 out of 5 in importance. Still, 29% owe tuition from the previous school year, showing that families can consider tuition important and reasonable while still struggling to pay it.

- Giyus: IDF police ramps up activity as they arrested 2 yeshiva bochurim today. Major protests expected as the rt 4 Highway will be shut down

- Giyus: “I have a feeling that the state will give up on us. They’ll understand that this isn’t possible and back off from us.” Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, leader of Degel HaTorah, speaking to several activists about the issue of drafting charesim into the military.

Tonight Lakewood zoning board meeting 7pm watch livestream Here see Agenda Here

On the agenda

Rabin & Company: Nassau Street, Amsterdam, Columbus, and Nostrand Avenue  residential units.

1127 CL, LLC: 1127 East County Line Road  office building.

Arcadia Avenue side-yard setback variances.

1503 Sean Court  side-yard setback for an addition.

Beth Medrash Govoha: 678 5th Street  subdivision for cemetery, house of worship, and house.

Debroz Real Estate: 485 River Avenue  addition to service the facility.

Pine Blvd. —multiple setback variances.

Westmount Group, LLC: 270 Albert Avenue  used-car lot and sales office.

Congregation Tiferes Ish: 131–135 East 7th Street, triplex.

- Did you know approximately 37% of all pregnancies in New Jersey end in abortion, which is one of the highest proportions in the country? There have been about 2,204,400 abortions in NJ since it was allowed in the 70s.

- Keren Olam HaTorah delegation Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva Rav Malkiel Kotler shlita joins the gedolim arriving this morning in Mexico.

Iran Israel News Updates Monday August 23

- Iran tried to assassinate one of Netanyahu's sons, prime minister tells Israeli TV outlet Channel 14

- Trump: IRAN IS COMPLETELY COLLAPSING!!! President DJT

- Trump posted a Newsmax headline quoting a statement by Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament: “We are starving, we cannot survive.."

- The United States is preparing a sweeping new round of economic sanctions against Iran as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Tehran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the effort an “economic D-Day.” The move comes as Iran’s currency hits a historic low and Iranian officials threaten to halt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. officials say commercial traffic through the region has increased despite the tensions.

- At the Cairo negotiations, the United States and the Peace Council were presented with intelligence indicating that there are elements within Hamas planning to deceive and not fulfill the commitment to full disarmament

- The U.S. naval blockade remains in place as the USS Abraham Lincoln heads home after a record-setting deployment and the USS George Washington moves in to replace it.

-  October Council Warns of Renewed Security Failures: A comprehensive report based on testimony from observers, soldiers and security personnel warns that Hamas is testing the IDF, operational approvals are sometimes delayed and people are afraid to report threats. Families bereaved in the 7 October massacre demanded a state commission of inquiry, warning that without investigation and corrective action, another disaster could occur.

- Israeli Strikes Reported in Southern Lebanon: Lebanese media reported Israeli airstrikes in the southern towns of Houla and Al-Mansouri.

- IDF Strikes Hamas Operatives in Deir al-Balah: The IDF said it struck 2 Hamas operatives overnight in central Gaza who infiltrated Israel during the 7 October massacre, killing Nukhba operative Abd al-Nasser Jabr Abu Assad. According to the military, they had recently planned attacks, tried to rebuild Hamas capabilities and systematically violated the ceasefire

- After 78 years, the Irgon boat, the Altalena, has been found. Tonight, August 24, 2026, at 00:30, during a complex maritime search operation, the ship was located intact at a depth of 503 meters, west of the Israeli coast.

 In June 1948, shortly after the establishment of the state, the Irgun ship "Altalena" arrived at the shores of Israel carrying weapons and fighters. Ben-Gurion demanded that all the weapons be handed over to the IDF, but the Irgun demanded that a portion of them be transferred to their members. The dispute escalated into a violent confrontation, and the IDF fired at the ship off the coast of Tel Aviv. 16 Irgun members and three IDF soldiers were killed.

The incident is considered one of the traumatic events in the history of the state and a symbol of the struggle for the principle of "one army for one state

Oif Simchas Sunday 10 Elul

Kiddush Levana 🌙 opportunity  latest time to say is Wed night 

Chasunas:

Landau - Nelkin Ateres Esther 

Blumberg  - Sommerfeld Ateres Blima 

Ginsberg  - Birnbaum Cedar Palace 

Miller  - Suthon Fountain Ballroom 

Basch  - Kaminsky Bais Faiga

Elenbogen - Krupnik Ateres Reva

Ashkenasy  - Rosenblum Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Kaufman (Detroit) - Cohen Ateres Chaim Elazar

Mandelbaun - Dombrov Neemas Hachaim 

Sunday August 23 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 84° Sunshine and clouds mixed. 

- Ironic:  The gaboim of 770 have issued a public warning following reports of increased missionary activity in and around 770.

Reports say missionary literature has recently been found inserted into siddurim ans seforim.

- Lakewood police conducted traffic  enforcement in front of Satmar shul on Forest Ave.

- Jewish Summer Camp Locked Down After Neighbor Fires 20 Rifle Rounds; 23 Guns Seized, Suspect Now Out on Bail. More than 400 campers and staff at a Jewish summer camp in Maine were forced into lockdown after a neighboring man allegedly fired roughly 20 rifle rounds, with shell casings suggesting some shots may have been fired toward the camp’s basketball court. Deputies seized 23 firearms from the suspect, while court documents cite suspected antisemitic bias. He was arrested and initially held on $50,000 bail, but has since been released under strict conditions.

-Jackson  carnival at Johnson Park

- A Point Pleasant man was arrested in connection with a series of swastika graffiti incidents in Asbury Park, according to police.

- New era at BMG : Rav Shneur Kotler shlita son of the Lakewood R"Y Rav Malkiel Kotler shlita will deliver a shiur today for the first time  at 12:45 pm in the Yosshon BM on the sugya of תולדותיהם כיוצא בהן in Case he's בבא קמא.

The shiur is part of the phasing in process for the next generation of the chavrei hanhala of BMG. Last zman Rav Aaron Olshin gave shiur klali. N Rav Aaron Shustal and Rav Yehoshua Abba Busel delivered shiurim over the last year.

- Admor of Chernobyl shlita from Brooklyn will be in Lakewood this week Wednesday for kabolas kahal ahead of the Yomim Noraim.

- LSTA Update: Parents still lack clear guidance on the LSTA non-mandated busing changes. While some local articles warn that opting out could worsen mandated routes through longer rides or shortages, those claims need to be backed by facts. The bigger concern is transparency and timing: It appears Township officials knew about the funding increase and its impact earlier, why were parents only notified days before the deadline, leaving little time to understand the situation and make an informed decision?

- Keren Olam Hatorah delegation of gedolei yisroel from E"Y have arrived today in Mexico for a South American fundraiser trip.

- LSTA Audit in 2002 Raises Financial Oversight Concerns

A 2022 state audit of the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA) reported approximately $27.3 million in revenue and $30.8 million in expenses, a roughly $3.5 million shortfall. The audit reported about $1.13 million in administrative expenses, with salaries approaching $500,000.

LSTA transported roughly 25,000 nonpublic-school students, funded largely through aid-in-lieu payments, family transportation fees, and township contributions. 

$24.7 million in maximum aid-in-lieu payments for roughly 25,000 nonpublic-school students;

$2.5 million collected from courtesy-bus family fees ($260 per student); and

$1.2 million in Lakewood township contributions for public-school courtesy transportation.

While the state recognized LSTA’s innovative approach, it also raised concerns about oversight, potential conflicts of interest, data issues, federal ESSER funds, and unused resources that should have been returned to the district.

- A article with Lakewood Mayor Coles in TVOL says The New Jersey Local Finance Board officially denied Lakewood’s request to exceed the state’s maximum tax levy cap. This cap override was intended to cover a severe municipal budget shortfall. The Township Committee had voted to raise property taxes by 14.4 cents per $100 of assessed value. For a home assessed at $750,000, this would have meant an annual tax increase of $1,080.

In the above article Local officials suggest political retaliation may be at play. Over 90% of Lakewood voted for Governor Mikie Sherrill's opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, in the gubernatorial election. Mayor Coles noted that while former Governor Murphy provided millions in state grants to help bridge the funding gap, Governor Sherrill "ripped off the Band-Aid" and slashed that support down to $1 million.Consequences: Because the tax hike was rejected, town officials must review the budget to find alternative balances. Mayor Coles warned this will likely result in service cuts and employment layoffs across the township.

Mayor Ray Coles attributes the structural deficit to an outdated 1970s state aid formula. While Lakewood has grown to 141,000 residents, it receives only $5 million in state aid. By comparison, similarly sized or slightly larger NJ cities receive drastically more (e.g., Newark receives $110 million; Paterson receives $33 million).Collateral Financial Hits: The township's budget was further strained by FEMA's refusal to grant disaster aid for a historic winter snowstorm, alongside the state denying a separate $5 million Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) project for public safety.Political Tensions: 

- President Trump lashes out at Canada after trade negotiations between the two countries collapse, accusing America's northern neighbor of wanting the "benefits of being a State, without being one. “Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!! President DJT”

- Jonathan Pollard will be joining MK Sharren Haskel's Israel First party and will support it in the upcoming elections. 0Pollard said he chose the party because he believes it represents Zionist and nationalist leadership that puts Israel’s security first.

- Today Lakewood-area residents can get help applying for New Jersey’s ANCHOR prperty-tax relief program this Sunday, Aug. 23, from 1–5 p.m. at 1001 Route 70 in Toms River, near the Lakewood border. Representatives from the state Treasury will provide application assistance and answer eligibility questions in English and Yiddish.

- Agudah CEO currently in E"Y met with PM Netanyahu Defense Minister Katz and the Gerer rebbe.

 

Sign of Shiur at BMG (photo m weisberg)

Video: Lakewood Roshei  Yeshiva  walk Rav Yosef  Chaim  Shneur Kotler shlita into the Bais Medrash as he delivers shiur klali for the first time

.

Iran Israel Updates Sunday August 23

- Joint Statement from the Israeli Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israel Katz held a situation assessment tonight (Sunday) regarding the threat of launching drones, balloons, and kites from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. Israel warns Hamas that if the launches towards Israel do not stop immediately, the IDF will act to intensify operations against those responsible for the launches and will evacuate populations from areas from which kites, drones, and balloons are launched. The Prime Minister clarified that we will not return to the reality of before October 7. Israel will not allow the terrorist organization Hamas or any other entity in the Gaza Strip to return to threatening our settlements and undermining the sense of security of our citizens.

- Netanyahu on drones: This is an F-35 aircraft. Do you have a drone at home? It can be just as dangerous. If they are in large numbers, equipped with weapons, very accurate, and difficult to detect, they will be problematic. We have been trying to find a solution to this problem for years. We are the most advanced country in the world in this field, but this is a global problem. We have seen this in Ukraine Lebanon and Iran, and now they are trying to revive this technology and bring it into Gaza.

My directive to the security organizations and the Israel Defense Forces is to do everything possible to counter this dangerous tool: targeting the drones themselves, targeting their operators, and targeting the location from which they are launched.

- Trump on Iran: “They'd love to make a deal, but they're not ready to make the right deal”

- Terrorist stabs a frum young father in the Jordan valley. Elchanan Chanania was moderately wounded in a stabbing attack near the village of al-Auja in the Jordan Valley on Sunday morning, after stopping on the way to a family vacation in Tevaria for his wedding anniversary. Chanania’s pregnant wife, two daughters and father-in-law were waiting in the car when the terrorist attacked him from behind and stabbed him in the upper body. His oldest daughter witnessed the attack. He was taken conscious to Shaare Zedek Medical Center with a shoulder fracture and internal bleeding, while Israeli security forces continued searching al-Auja, Yericho and the surrounding area for the attacker.

- Defense Minister Israel Katz says he has instructed the IDF to “act forcefully” against the launching of kites from the Gaza Strip in recent days. Over the weekend, at least four kites flown from Gaza landed in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The army said nothing suspicious was found on the kites and there was no danger to the public, but many have associated the objects with Gazan kites and balloons carrying incendiary devices that plagued southern Israel in previous years.

- Saudi Al-Hadath channel reports: The Pakistani army chief will deliver US messages to Iran during his visit and will attempt to break the current deadlock and resume the talks.

- NYP: Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz is weakening: The New York Post reports a 400% increase in traffic volume in the strait. According to the newspaper, traffic on the strategic maritime route surged by nearly 400% in the last two weeks, amid increased use of vessels in the US-supported corridor to cross the strait.

- According to sources within the Israeli security establishment, Hamas has been exerting significant pressure on the mediating countries in recent days to blame Israel for violating the ceasefire agreement. This move has two main motivations: first, to halt any future process of the organization disarming; and second, to gain legitimacy to escalate operations against IDF forces operating in Gaza. (Channel 12)

- The reason for the IDF attack in Syria this week: Turkey was about to deploy air defense systems at the airport, which would have restricted Israeli operational freedom

- US Secretary  of Energy Chris Right: Iran is losing the effectiveness of its leverage in the Strait of Hormuz: The US Navy helped transport more than 15 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. 

As a reminder, before the war approximately 23 million barrels of oil (including Iranian oil) passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day

Motzei Shabbos Ki Setzei News Updates

Weather Tonight low 68 kiddush Levana but cloudy

Tomorrow A shower is possible early. Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High 84F.

- More confusion from local mosdos to parents regarding  LSTA

Over Shabbos, the latest LSTA increase was a major topic of conversation among parents, who had first received the news on Thursday. While the latest school email/Text before Shabbos instructed parents to opt out, confusing messages sent Motzei Shabbos told parents not to opt in or out, warning that doing so would delete and remove their information from the system.

Meanwhile, the original LSTA email stated that if no action was taken by Monday at 11 p.m., parents would be automatically opted out.

"If no action is taken by 11:00 pm Monday, your child will be opted out, and the routes will be adjusted and consolidated accordingly."

This was sent out by some schools on Motzei shabbos "Important clarification regarding the non mandated bussing. Our recommendation is to NOT opt in but also to NOT opt out. (Actively opting out will remove your data from the system and cause a big problem). “Shev V’al 

- At Yeshivas Brisk,  the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik, spent Shabbos in his new apartment adjacent to the yeshiva and participated in all the tefillos. During Krias HaTorah,  he eceived the aliyah of Levi and then recited Hagomel, breaking down in tears as he thanked Hashem following his severe illness and medical ordeal, which had left him critically ill and bedridden. (Bhol)

- Lakewood officials have turned the town square into a “temporary” parking lot and while the move pleases some local merchants, others are less than happy to see the historic town square gone. Over the years, charities have held food and clothing giveaways at the square for years and have held many protest rallies there as well. APP.

- Part of Morris County experienced a very small earthquake on Saturday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The 1.1 magnitude quake was recorded more than three miles southwest of Chester and at a depth of seven miles, the agency posted to its website.

- Tomorrow Lakewood-area residents can get help applying for New Jersey’s ANCHOR prperty-tax relief program this Sunday, Aug. 23, from 1–5 p.m. at 1001 Route 70 in Toms River, near the Lakewood border. Representatives from the state Treasury will provide application assistance and answer eligibility questions in English and Yiddish.

- 40  Lakewood area girls still not placed in High schools with a week left for the new year 

- RFK Jr. says Tylenol isn’t just linked to autismbut also ADHD and liver toxicity in kids.So why is Tylenol still on store shelves while Ivermectin isn’t? “Because Big Pharma owns our politicians,” RFK Jr. says. “And I’m telling them to get lost.

- Canada Announces New Tariffs After Trade Talks Collapse: Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will impose new tariffs on US products from 8 September after rejecting Washington’s demands, as new 50% US tariffs on Canadian goods take effect. Canadian measures will focus on sectors including steel and dairy, with further details expected in the coming days.

- Trump calls Tucker Carlson a loser and a low-IQ individual: 

"Tucker Carlson just met with Lightweight “Former” Congressman, Thomas Massie, and Marjorie “Traitor” Greene, LOSERS ALL! Tucker’s “Views” have fallen through the floor, and will only get worse. Nobody cares about him any longer in that he has become totally irrelevant, and happens to be, surprisingly, a very Low I.Q. individual. He could barely get out of College, and maybe he didn’t, but only really dumb people can’t make it through that wonderful four year time in life! Tucker wants to run for political office, but he should be required to take a cognitive test. He’s got no chance, but could probably take a couple of points away from whatever the Republican ticket happens to be! Tucker is a loser, and always has been! Marjorie Taylor Brown (Green turns to Brown under stress!), a highly neurotic young woman, went from Ultra Conservative to a Liberal “Fool,” all in a matter of weeks, because I refused to return her phone calls — Not because I didn’t like her, just because I had no time. She was way down in the Polls in Georgia (because I took away my Endorsement), and would have had no chance at winning, so she, just like everyone else, “QUIT!” Thomas Massie has turned out to be a failed politician, and a real JERK. He thought it was really wonderful to vote, “NO,” on everything, no matter how good, strong, or proper the Legislation would be. What a team this would be, THREE LOSERS, and a pocketful of change! The only chance they have is to join the Radical Left Dumocrats, and try breaking into the Primary System. To all of them I say, PRAISE BE TO ALLAH! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת כי תצא חמישי דנחמתא תשפ"ו

Friday, August 21, 2026 / ח' אלול תשפ''ו

ערב שבת פרשת כי תצא חמישי דנחמתא

Candle lighting 7:27 pm

Shkiah/Sunset 7:45 pm

Weather: Tonight overcast Low 67F.

Shabbos day Cloudy skies. High 76F.

5787 is a leap year (for those makpid to have kavana by parshas Zachor this week) .

ברגע קטן עזבתיך וברחמים גדלים אקבצך

כי ההרים ימושו והגבעות תמוטנה וחסדי מאתך לא ימוש וברית שלומי לא תמוט אמר מרחמך ה׳

 Video: Kan tzipor by pirchei Yerushalayim

Lakewood Left Helpless: No Guidance, No Leadership as LSTA Deadline Looms

Elul 5786

A wave of frustration and panic has spread through the Lakewood community following the announcement of a major increase in transportation costs and an extremely short window for families to figure out what to do.

Families have been left scrambling to come up with money they don't have  or arrange carpools, private transportation and other alternatives, with only days to respond. For many, that simply isn’t realistic. Between multiple children, different school schedules and Lakewood’s already difficult traffic, finding a workable transportation solution on such short notice can feel nearly impossible.

And this isn’t the first time LSTA has given families a last-minute choice: pay more for transportation or opt out. 4 years ago the same shtick was pulled.  On July 31,2022, Yeshivos and private schools got short notice from LSTA to notify parents of courtesy busing increase from $180 to $260. Parents had until  12:00 pm August 1.

But this time feels different. The potential financial impact is enormous, raising a basic question: How can a change this significant be announced with so little notice and so little preparation for the families who will have to deal with it? Did they know this was coming or was this a last minute decision.

Across Lakewood, families are calling each other, posting in WhatsApp groups and online forums, comparing numbers and trying to figure out what their options even are.

Where is the leadership?

Families are especially frustrated by what they see as silence from nearly every corner of the community. School owners  Roshei mosdos have largely stayed quiet. Politicians who are often quick to speak up on community issues have not publicly stepped forward. And broader communal leadership has yet to offer clear answers, advocacy or even a meaningful acknowledgment of  nesius ol in what families are being asked to deal with.

The numbers 

People are struggling to understand how a reported transportation budget reduction of roughly $2.7 million could potentially translate into an $18–$19 million burden on families. The gap is staggering, and families want a straightforward explanation: How were these numbers calculated, and why does a relatively small reduction in the transportation budget result in such a dramatically larger cost being shifted onto families?

 A short deadline.

Families cannot build new transportation arrangements overnight. Carpools have to be coordinated. Private vans have to be found. Work schedules have to be changed. Children with different schools, pickup times and dismissal schedules all have to be accounted for.

For working parents and large families, this isn’t a minor inconvenience. It can affect whether they can get to work, whether their children can get to school and whether the family’s entire daily schedule is even manageable.

Families are being left to figure it out alone.

Lakewood kehilla is used to communal leadership stepping in when an issue affects thousands of families. Parents are not seeing that happen here. Instead, they are calling one another, trying to piece together while the people who could potentially provide answers remain largely silent.

The olam should be kept open about what is going on. They want the financial numbers explained and enough time to make arrangements that are actually workable for their families.

Right now, families are being asked to make major financial and logistical decisions within days.

And for many, the most troubling part is not just the cost it’s the feeling that when they need their community to step up, nobody is stepping forward.

Fridays August 21 News Updates Lakewood

Friday, August 21, 2026 / ח׳ אלול תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת כי תצא

Candle lighting 7:27 pm

Shkiah/Sunset 7:45 pm

Weather Partly cloudy. High 78F.

Tonight overcastLow 67F.

Shabbos day Cloudy skies. High 76F.

This shabbos 9 Elul Yartzeit of R' Tzadok HaKohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (1823-1900). Talmid of the Mei HaShiloach of Izbhitz & R'Leibele Eiger.

- LPD Traffic Alert: Joe Parker Rd will be closed from Long Beach Ave to Brookfield Dr for emergency Verizon construction. Plan alternate route if possible.

- This message was sent late erev shabbos by Lakewood mosdos:

“Regarding the new LSTA fee for non-mandated students, the Mosed feels that this is a cost that should be covered through government funding and should not be placed on the parents,” Therefore, at this time, our recommendation is that parents NOT opt in to the Non-Mandated Busing program at the new rate. We will keep parents updated should there be any developments.”

- Update several schools instructed by the Igud Hamosdos have notified Lakewood parents not to opt in to LSTA busing. They feel the government should pay not the parents.

- This Shabbos simchas Beis Shvilei Dovid/ Zhiditchov in Oak n Vine Aufruf

will be held for the son of Rav Yitzchak Unsdorfer, Av Beit Din of Shvili David in Lakewood, kallah is daughter of the Zhiditchov Rebbe of Baltimore.

- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is publicly urging New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to concentrate on the day-to-day responsibilities of governing the nation’s largest city rather than continuing to focus attention on Israel, as his rhetoric and policies toward the Jewish state remain a source of controversy.

- High school girls: With school starting in 10 days there's up to 40 girls still mot placed in Lakewood high schools.

- Shemiras Shabbos: El Al canceled flight LY8 from New York to Tel Aviv after passengers had already boarded because the delayed departure would have resulted in the aircraft landing in Israel after the Shabbks began. 

- LSTA: State audit in 2022 shows they collected from yeshiva courtesy bus family fees at $260 per student at 10,000 students for a total of $2.5 million, while Lakewood township contributed $1.2 million for public school courtesy students. In FY 2022.

Reports say there are 20,000 non mandated students now, if all are paying $945 that equals $19 million dollars! Perhaps (Parents can pool money together and arrange cheaper transportation without LSTA)

- Schools  sent a message  to parents  they are aware of the LSTA’s latest notice asking parents to either pay up to $950 per child or opt out. However, schools have indicated that there is little they can do and are advising parents to choose whichever option works best for their families

- Shemiras Shabbos: El Al canceled flight LY8 from New York to Tel Aviv after passengers had already boarded because the delayed departure would have resulted in the aircraft landing in Israel after the Shabbks began. 

- New Jersey Governor Sherrill signed boll A2218/S2260, into law a pro Toeiva bill expanding legal protections for abortions. The legislation would make it a fourth-degree crime to interfere with access to clinics or hospitals and would prohibit insurers from denying or limiting coverage for abortion and gender-transition services. The law  could criminalize peaceful prayer and sidewalk counseling outside abortion clinics.

The law targets anyone accused of blocking access or intimidating people entering these facilities, with penalties reaching up to five years in prison if serious bodily harm occurs. Violators could also face civil lawsuits, attorney’s fees, punitive damages, and at least $1,000 per violation.

New Jersey Right to Life warns the law is written so broadly that prayer, signs, or simply offering help could be labeled “intimidation” by someone who claims to feel threatened.

- Jackson: Attorneys for the Jackson 21 homeowners association accused of segregating its community pool by gender say the HOA has the right to separate male and female swimmers because most residents are Orthodox Jews who follow religious laws requiring gender-separated swimming.

The dispute centers on whether the HOA may impose gender-specific pool hours or access based on the religious practices of the community's majority residents.

- LPD ticketing cars parked at BMG along Private way. Today  state troopers are in the area enforcing traffic laws.

- Turkey has requested Interpol to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dozens of other senior Israeli officials. The legal action is being taken as part of a criminal trial being held in absentia at the 11th High Criminal Court in Istanbul. The charges relate to the armed interception of the Global Somud flotilla en route to Gaza in international waters.

- After 44 years, IDF soldier Yehuda Katz HYD has  been brought to kever Yisroel, with his kevurah taking place at Har HaZeisim. Katz went missing during the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon. His remains were returned to Israel following a special intelligence operation.q

50,000 attend selichos last night at the kosel

Tidbit For Maftir This Shabbos

 Kavanah for Zechiras Amalek

This week’s Maftir, Parshas Ki Seitzei, discusses the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek, which we fulfill annually through the reading of Parshas Zachor.

Since this coming year is a leap year, there will be 13 months between last year’s Parshas Zachor and the upcoming Parshas Zachor. The Chasam Sofer explains that the annual reading nevertheless fulfills the mitzvah. The reason is that the natural process of forgetting after a year is not determined solely by the number of days that have passed, but also by the cycle of seasonal events that we experience throughout the year.

Nevertheless, the Maharam Schick (Mitzvos, no. 604) writes that the Chasam Sofer himself instructed his students that in a leap year, they should have specific kavanah to fulfill the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek during the Krias  HaTorah reading of Ki Seitzei. This ensures that a full twelve-month period does not pass without hearing the Torah’s account of Amalek.

Submitted: Anyone davening in a shul where a Bar Mitzvah bachur is receiving Maftir should have specific kavanah during Shvi’i to fulfill the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek through the Torah reading. (Al pi Rabbi Shmuel Felder shlita.)

בן אדם מה לך נרדם

Selichos Minyanim in Lakewood for Sefardim Elul תשפ"ו. Most minyanim start 45 minutes before the scheduled time for shachris 

If LSTA Assumes The District’s Role, What Responsibilities Does It Have?

NJ law says that when transportation is provided to students who live less than the required distance from school, families cannot be excluded simply because they cannot afford the transportation fee. Financial hardship is based on the same income standards used for free and reduced-price meals. Source 

 

The law also requires districts that provide courtesy busing to have a policy identifying hazardous routes. So the question for LSTA is simple: If it is taking on the district’s transportation responsibilities, why are families who cannot afford the fee being left without transportation and what hazardous-route protections apply to children who live under two miles from school

 Parents of yeshiva and other nonpublic-school students are questioning why they can be charged nearly $950 per child for transportation while Lakewood taxpayers fund courtesy transportation for public-school students. But the role of the Lakewood School Transportation Association (LSTA) raises an even bigger question.

The 2016 New Jersey law creating the Lakewood nonpublic-school transportation consortium states that: “The consortium shall assume the responsibilities of the eligible district under N.J.S. 18A:39-1”

The Legislature went even further in the 2023 consortium law, stating that: “The consortium shall assume all of the responsibilities of the school district under N.J.S. 18A:39-1”

That language raises a serious question for LSTA. If LSTA assumes the district’s transportation responsibilities, which transportation protections and requirements does LSTA believe it has assumed  and which does it claim do not apply?

LSTA has relied on a Lakewood School District age policy to deny transportation to some five-year-old children. If LSTA says it is not the district when parents ask why certain transportation protections apply, why is it relying on district policy when that policy is used to deny transportation?

And if LSTA can use district rules to restrict transportation, why should families be told that district transportation protections do not apply when those protections would help families who cannot afford the fee?

New Jersey transportation rules also recognize financial-hardship protections for certain transportation services, with financial hardship tied to the state's free and reduced lunch  income standards.

What protection does LSTA provide to a family that qualifies under those income standards but cannot afford a transportation fee approaching $950 per child?

What law authorizes LSTA's current transportation program and its fees? Which responsibilities under N.J.S. 18A:39-1 has LSTA assumed? 

Why is LSTA relying on a district age policy to deny transportation while claiming that district transportation requirements do not otherwise apply?

What financial-hardship policy is available to families who cannot afford the transportation fee?

The Legislature specifically gave the consortium the district's transportation responsibilities for eligible nonpublic-school students. If LSTA believes certain district protections do not apply, parents are entitled to know exactly which ones, and the legal basis for that position.

If LSTA can rely on the district's rules when those rules restrict transportation, why can't families rely on the district's transportation protections that would help them?.

(Current NJ transportation regulations HERE  NJ Department of Education  Student Transportation Here)

Oif Simchas Thurs 8 Elul

Chasunas:

Bendkowski - Rotstein  Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Nafoff - Miller Bais Faiga 

Panski - Schwinder Ateres Chaim Elazar

Karmel  - Drucker Fountain Ballroom 

Margeretan - Dreebin  Lake Terrace 

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

Weather: Low 66° Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch. Localized flooding is possible.

- Shiur klali today at Lakewood Yeahiva, BMG R"Y Rav Malkiel delivering the pesicha shiur on Bava Kama credit (M.Weisberg)

With Only Days to Decide, Lakewood Yeshiva Families Face New Busing Costs While Public School Students Ride Free

 

Just days before the school year starts, LSTA dropped a bombshell: non-mandated busing costs are jumping and families have almost no time to prepare or decide.

Here are the facts:

The subsidy that funded this program for the past 10 years has been cut by the Township.

Cost per child is rising from $385 to $945

You must opt in by Monday, August 24 at 11:00 PM or your child is automatically dropped from the route. Opting out gets you a refund of the $385 but then you're on your own for transportation.

For many families, this adds up to $3,000+ in new expenses this year alone.

Meanwhile, the early morning shachris buses run nearly empty, with parents already organizing carpools to cope but many schools don't even allow carpooling, forcing families into thousands of dollars of new expense they can't absorb.

And the Lakewood Township committee fully funds non-mandated busing for public school students while yeshiva and private school families in Lakewood get none of that support. 

Where are our elected officials? Silent. Hiding behind monthly Zoom meetings while millions in tax abatements and years of budget surpluses go unexplained.

Lakewood families deserve transparency and they deserved more than a few days to prepare for a $3,000 hit to their budget.

Per New Jersey law Lakewood or any parents who qualify for the school lunch program do not have to pay if they can't afford it and can not be denied transportation according to NJ law. The schools and LSTA have so far not notified parents of this law and parents are given a form to either sign up or opt out.

 - NJ Law Students who are unable to pay because of financial hardship shall not be excluded from receiving services described under this section. The criteria used to determine financial hardship shall be the same as the Statewide income eligibility standards established for free and reduced-price meals under the State school lunch program.

Full Nootice from LSTA:

August 20th, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO LAKEWOOD NON-MANDATED FAMILIES

Dear Parent of Lakewood Non-Mandated Student,

You are receiving this notice because one or more of your children are considered non-mandated for transportation purposes. A non-mandated child is one of the following: an elementary student who resides 2 miles or less from school or a high school student residing 2.5 miles or less. The information below pertains solely to Lakewood students and does not affect students residing in Howell, Jackson or Toms River.

Overview and Background:

The state of New Jersey has and will continue to provide transportation funding for all Lakewood mandated students. However, the LSTA does not receive any state funding for non-mandated students.

In spite of this, for the past 10 years, LSTA together with Lakewood township has been able to provide busing to thousands of Lakewood non-mandated students at a deeply subsidized rate. This was accomplished through Township financial support and LSTA's transportation system.

For the coming 2026-27 school year, the State has significantly reduced its municipal aid funding for Lakewood Township. As a result, the subsidy that helped fund this program for the past decade has been eliminated. There will no longer be any subsidies for these students to allay the full cost of up to $1177 per seat on the bus.

Understandably, this will impact many Lakewood families. LSTA has been able to reduce the full price of the seat to $945 per child for the 2026-27 school year. The $232 reduction is not a continuation of the township's subsidy. Rather, this was made possible due to the size and density of the Lakewood transportation routing network, together with the efficiencies and marketable purchasing power created by the volume of Lakewood routes.

The $945 rate reflects the adjusted costs available for 2026–27. Future pricing will be determined based on the funding and resources available for each respective school year.

What This Means For You:

If you would like your child to remain on a bus, please log into your family portal at www.lakewoodsta.org and opt in by Monday, August 24 at 11:00 PM.

Because routes are awarded based on both AM and PM seat, consistent with LSTA's standard practice, opt-in transportation is available for round-trip service only.

Families who have already paid $385 will have that amount applied toward the $945 cost, leaving a $560 balance per student, payable in another three installments. (This will be automatically applied upon submission of your opt-in form.)

Families who opt out of transportation will receive a refund for the $385 previously paid.

For families who need assistance accessing the portal or completing the opt-in, kiosks at the LSTA office will be open today, Thursday August 20th until 6 pm, Friday August 21st 9 am until 1 pm and Monday August 24th from 10 am until 10 pm.

If no action is taken by 11:00 pm Monday, your child will be opted out, and the routes will be adjusted and consolidated accordingly.

The Monday deadline is necessary so LSTA can promptly adjust routes, follow State requirements for awarding transportation routes, and provide vendors with the time needed to prepare for service beginning September 1st.

Due to the Township's budgeting schedule, the LSTA was only recently informed of the subsidy cessation. As this notice is coming very close to the start of the school year and will create an unexpected financial hardship for many families, we regret the timing and understand the difficulty this will present.

We are grateful that together with the Township, the LSTA was able to provide this deeply subsidized benefit to thousands of Lakewood families for an entire decade. We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep transportation as accessible as possible under the current funding structure.

 Lakewood Student Transportation Authority

Thursday August 20 News Updates

Weather: 84° Cloudy early then strong thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Chance of rain 70%. Localized flooding is possible.

Flash flood watch issued Issued By  US, National Weather Service from 12pm today until late tonight  flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. Rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible.

7 Elul 3rd Yartzeit of Rav Aharon Shechter ZTL R"Y Chaim Berlin.

Yartzeit of R'Reuven Margulios (1889-1971). Author of over 50 books & sefarim including Margoliyos HaYam on Sanhedrin.

- The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in parts of New Jersey as waves of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move across the region Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening. The tornado watch was issued at 3 p.m. and covers seven counties in southern New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem.

- Frum Knesset member Threatens Consumer Boycott: United Torah Judaism lawmaker Meir Porush warned that the ultra-Orthodox community could leverage its annual spending of more than 52 billion shekels through a consumer boycott. He said religious leaders would issue instructions when necessary.

-  Today at Yeshiva South Fallsburg, the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel shlita, announced that he will be limiting his daily shiur to three times a week. On the other days, his son-in-law, Rav Meir Weinstein shlita, will deliver the shiur. (Israel media)

- LSTA Raises price for non mandated to $945

- Lakewood Town Square has been transformed into a designated parking area, with the township painting individual parking spaces across the plaza. The change comes as Lakewood officials grapple with a growing homelessness problem along Clifton Avenue and in the downtown area. The square, which has historically served as a civic gathering space, has increasingly been used as an encampment by homeless individuals. The newly marked parking spaces appear to represent a significant change in how the township intends to use the property.

- Howell, banned data centers becoming the 33rd municipality in New Jersey to ban AI data centers. The ban was applauded by Howell residents, community leaders, and grassroots climate activists who worked with Howell Mayor John Leggio and township council members. The ordinance passed the all-Republican council by a unanimous vote.A data center proposal was submitted days before the ban was introduced, according to the Asbury Park Press.

- Jackson, officials demanded a second post office after a population boom, according to the APP

- The new charedi  “HaKahal” party  held primary elections for the list pf candidates final results with approximately 14,500 voters: Attorney Shlomo Alboim of Bnei Brak won the top spot.

- Shas leader Arye Deri met with Rav Yitzchak Yosef asking him to continue what his father started as spiritual leader of the party.

- More Than 1,100 Undocumented Immigrants Hold Driver’s Licenses in Lakewood according to the latest report from NJ Assemblyman.

- New Jersey recorded a sharp rise in bias incidents at churches, synagogues, temples and mosques during the first seven months of 2026, even as the state’s overall bias incident total held roughly steady, according to New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting data. The state logged 42 bias incidents at houses of worship from January through July 2026, up from 16 during the same period in 2025, a 163% increase, the statistics show. 

Anti-Jewish bias was the single largest religious motivation statewide, accounting for 387 cases, or roughly 21% of all bias motivations recorded from January through July. Anti-Islamic, or Anti-Muslim, bias accounted for 49 incidents

- Mamdani official reveals NYC may give grants to local grocers struggling to compete with the mayor’s city-run grocery stores.

- 11,000 Non-Resident Voters Confirmed as New Jersey’s Illegal Voting Scandal Grows: New Jersey election officials have removed more than 5,000 additional voter registrations and referred another 1,650 for county review.

- List of top 10 Israeli Yeshivos that received mosst funding through Keren Olam HaTorah from Juky 2024 - December 2025.  There many more yeshivos and kolelim on the list. Data from Israeli journalist 

Surprise Staff Strike at Ben-Gurion Airport Halts Air Travel

Update: Airport workers return to work as flights resume with delays

Prime Mister Benjamin Netanyahu says Ben Gurion Airport will “continue to remain open and operate as usual” after workers at Israel’s main international airport staged a surprise work stoppage on the busiest travel day of the year so far. n a post on X, the premier says “Ben Gurion Airport will continue to remain open and operate as usual. Anyone who stands in the way  will fly home.”

Ben Gurion Airport is experiencing major disruption after workers staged an unexpected stoppage on what is expected to be the busiest travel day of the year, with arrivals halted from 2 p.m. and departures operating on a revised schedule. Around 107,000 passengers and 600 flights were expected, with some flights already disrupted. The Israel Airports Authority blamed the workers’ union, while the Histadrut denied ordering a strike and attributed the chaos to severe staffing shortages and inadequate preparation. Transportation Minister Miri Regev threatened legal action against those responsible

Oif Simchas Wed 7 Elul

Chasunas:

Hayum - Rubin Neemas Hachaim

Weissman - Neuman Bais Faiga

Rosenberg - Moscovics Lake Terrace 

Feigenbaum - greenfield Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Polinsky  - Braun Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Waidenbaum -Manowitz Fountain Ballroom 

Schwartz - Rottenberg Ateres Blima

Bittersfeld - Rothbaum Ateres Esther 

Badousch  - Seruya Ateres Reva 

Iran Israel Updates Aug 19

· Trump: "No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me. TRAGICALLY, for them, they have failed to take it. Therefore, today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY! This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale. Their navy is gone, their air force is destroyed, their military factories are now rubble, their currency is worthless, and their country is hanging by a thread. Today, I am also announcing that ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences. Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies — It all needs to stop NOW. You know who you are. This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY, and we need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat. These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide. IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

- IDF: In a strike in the Al-Shati area: The IDF eliminated a company commander and three Nukhba platoon commanders in the Hamas terrorist organization. Yesterday (Tuesday), the IDF struck in the Al-Shati area and eliminated four Nukhba commanders from the Beit Lahia battalion in the military wing of the Hamas terrorist organization.

- Netanyahu: "We will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup in Syria that threatens Israel"

- Israeli officials directly warned Syrian officials in the days before the attack: "We know the Turks are on their way. This is a violation of the status quo." Israel realized relatively early on that the Turks apparently intended to create a permanent and significant military presence in Syria - and tried to avoid it through diplomatic warnings

- Trump on negotiating with Iran: "Maybe at some point, but right now, I think the situation is so good. But maybe at some point. Look, it's very simple. They have to get rid of them completely; they have to get rid of nuclear weapons. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. You know why? Because they use it. And we're not going to let them use it. So, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And they won't."

- Hamas terror infrastructure and 5 launch pits destroyed by Paratrooper Brigade combat team forces. 

- FT: Iran eyes military targets in Europe if U.S. President Donald Trump escalates the war.

- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee: "Washington is working to establish a mechanism to prevent conflicts between Israel, Turkey and Syria. Hamas has not yet delivered a single weapon; Trump may consider military action against Iran."

- Reports out of Gaza say six senior Hamas police officers were killed in the strike on the Hamas police station. Four held the rank of Akid, equivalent to an Israeli sub-commissioner. One held the rank of Ra'ad, equivalent to a superintendent. One held the rank of Amid, equivalent to a deputy commissioner. - N12.

- Iranian General Mohammad Reza Naqdi:The current president of the United States is extremely short-sighted and childish. He has no long-term vision. When he says something, he doesn't even think about what will happen 24 hours later. His statements have no foundation or consistency. I trust a taxi driver much more than I trust him. Don't take what he says too seriously 

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Wednesday August 19 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 88° Sunny to partly cloudy. Ret of week rainy forecast with thunderstorms through shabbos

6 Elul: The yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller  known as the Tosfos Yom Tov.

- Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimshon Chaim Nachmani known as the Zera Shimshon.

- Giyus. Finance Ministry data presented to Attorney General Baharav-Miara reportedly shows charedi families receive government subsidies at much higher rates than other Jewish Israelis from property-tax and rent assistance to childcare, mortgages, and public transportation. The figures were presented amid the dispute over enforcing the military draft on charedim. 

- New study reveals high smartphone screen time among parents is linked to slower vocabulary growth in young children.

- The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in New Jersey including Ocean county because of the threat of rapid flooding from heavy rain that's expected on Thursday, Aug. 20.Twelve counties in New Jersey have been placed under a flood watch issued by the National Weather Service at about 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, and it will be effective from noon on Thursday through 2 a.m. on Friday.

- Aliyah Debate on social media over how Israel can attract more American Orthodox Jews. Jake Turx argues Israel should build large-scale communities with housing, schools, shuls, shopping and professional networks tailored to Yeshivish and Chassidic families. Critics say aliyah necessarily requires adaptation. The broader question: Should American olim adapt to Israel, or should Israel build communities that make it easier for them to come as they are?

- Dr Rich Roberts of Lakewood is sitting Shiva for his mother Mrs. Ruth Gordon A"H, at 120 Arbutus Drive, Lakewood, NJ. Visiting hours are Wednesday through Monday at designated times, with Shacharis at 8:30 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:35/7:30 next week. Visiting is 10 am -12 pm  and 2pm - 5:30 pm and after mincha until 9 pm and on Motzei Shabbos, from 9:30–10:30 pm. All tefilos will be held in the kollel room; please use the front porch, left door.

- Boys elementary schools start today  expect traffic around the chadorim from drop offs and pick ups. The cheder Hachodosh opened today at the new Jackson location.

- Two change.org petitions launched to keep GroupMe SMS. HERE and HERE. Shuls that have the shul space and other platforms are not affected as they have their own text messaging technologies.

- A new report by Assemblyman Paul Kanitra estimates that more than 1,100 undocumented immigrants hold driver's licenses in Lakewood.

- Giyus: Breslov Chasidim traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah are planning to begin enlistment proceedings with the IDF so that they will be permitted to leave the country. This comes after the IDF announced that, following a change in policy at the airport, draft dodgers will not be allowed to leave Israel. CH13

- President Trump shows reporters a rendering of the new White House helipad, touting sweeping renovations to the property and saying people should see the work underway. "The White House was in terrible condition." Trump says the upgraded grounds will be used for major meetings, celebrations and visits from foreign leaders, including an expected visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming weeks

- $26 Million of New Jersey tax dollars go to pay for the legal defense of people that came here illegally. 

- The Ocean County road crew is doing construction on Cedarbridge Avenue in Lakewood, reconfiguring the concrete barrier at the intersection with Avenue of the States

- New Jersey REJECTS Trump Administration’s New MMR Vaccine Policy  State Says It Will Follow Its Own Guidance.

- Lakewood township will vote on the budget September 5 with a massive property tax increase expected.

- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin: Thank you, Gov Sherrill NJ We got news from your Secretary of State that New Jersey will participate with DHS in STOPPING aliens from illegally voting in your state. 
The 35,000 potential registered aliens we identified may only be the beginning look forward to helping NJ identify illegal voters and ensure election integrity

- Former Fauci adviser David Morens pleads guilty to conspiring to hide federal records about COVID-19 & its origins

- President Trump is celebrating Alex Vindman’s stunning Florida primary loss by reopening one of the biggest battles of his first term. “The most gratifying loss last night was that of a real treasonous creep, Alexander Vindman."The Dumocrats Fake Impeachment effort massively failed. Vindman should be prosecuted for what he did!" FOX

- Starting Jan. 1, about 540,000 New Jersey Medicaid recipients will face new federal requirements to maintain their coverage. Most adults ages 19 to 64 who receive Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act expansion will have to complete at least 80 hours per month of approved activities, such as work, school, vocational training, or volunteer work. Some parents, caregivers, and people with certain disabilities or medical conditions may qualify for exemptions. Affected NJ FamilyCare members will also have to renew their eligibility every six months instead of annually.

- On Monday, August 17, Lakewood Township EMS and the Lakewood Volunteer First Aid Squad participated in a joint training session on pediatric emergencies, led by the Medical Director, Dr. Matthew Letizia.

New Elul zman at Chevron Yeshiva 

Oif Simchas Tuesday 6 Elul

Chasunas:

Rubinfeld - Bleier Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Feldhamer - Holtz Ateres  Chaim Elazar 

Wertzberger - Kalish Lake Terrace 

Aahkenassy - Freedman Fountain Ballroom 

Busel -  Schwartz Neemas Hachaim 

Muhlgey Bais Faiga

Stern - Cohen Ateres Esther

Lipman - Lewinstein Ateres Blima

Kiddush Levana opportunity 

- Yartzeit seuda of the Zera Shimshon with the participation of Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser shlita at the Mesameach building off Cedarbridge Avaa⁰e in Lakewood 

Tuesday August 18 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 84° Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 84F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%

- Lakewood Boys elementary yeshivos begin cheder tomorrow. 

- Trump: I have paused the 50% Tariffs against Canada, that were scheduled to kick in tomorrow morning for a three day period, based on the fact that Canada and the U.S.A., subject to the finalization of documents, have a DEAL! The great Keystone XL Pipeline, long ago killed by Sleepy Joe Biden, may be awoken from the grave! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP

- BDE Petirah of Rebbetzin, Sarah Rochel Yisraelzon, a”h, daughter of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, and the almana of  HaRav Yosef Yisrael Yisraelzon, zt”l, she fell Ill this week and was niftar at the age of 93. 

- Trump moves to accelerate development of psychedelic drug ibogaine as a treatment for serious mental illness, particularly among veterans.

- GroupMe is ending its two-way SMS service. Starting August 17, 2026, users will gradually receive a 7-day notice before group messages stop coming by text. After that, users will need the GroupMe app or website to participate in groups. Verification texts and invitations will still work.

- After 44 years, the remains of Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, who went missing during the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon, have been recovered and returned to Israel. Katz was one of three Israeli soldiers who disappeared in the battle. The remains of his fellow soldiers Zachary Baumel and Zvi Feldman were recovered in 2019 and 2025, respectively. The IDF says Katz’s remains were located in an operation led by Military Intelligence with Mossad assistance and were positively identified before being returned for burial.

- Giyus: Israel’s Attorney General’s Office says Charedim still account for about 80% of draft evaders, despite an increase in Charedi enlistment. The office is calling for stronger enforcement, including economic sanctions and arrests, arguing that expanding the army is an urgent security need.

- Scientific study reveals TikTok videos deactivate key cognitive brain regions.

- 24 six Jewish music platform increases monthly premiums starting in September.

- FBI data for 2025 shows that Jews were the victims of 1,528 religion-based hate crimes, representing 63% of all religion-based hate crimes in the U.S. Muslims were next with 205 incidents. Overall hate crimes against Jews decreased from 2024, but Jews remained disproportionately targeted relative to their population size.

- One of the East Coast’s largest artificial intelligence data center projects is moving forward with its second phase after a controversial vote in New Jersey late Monday. The Vineland Planning Board voted 8-1 to approve the next phase of the massive DataOne campus after a meeting that stretched past 11 p.m. following hours of expert testimony and public comment.

- NJ Assemblyman Paul Kanitra: Our new report on the size, scope and cost of illegal immigration in NJ is now out. We’ve found a state so hopelessly compromised that we’ve officially requested federal intervention from the DOJ, DHS and House Judiciary Committee.

A staggering 8.2 Billion is being spent every single year on 737,000 illegal invaders in New Jersey. And it’s costing each of you $1,700 a year! If you rent, you can add another $1,000 annually onto that figure from illegals driving up housing costs. What’s even crazier is this is all despite an overall drop in illegals due to deportations.

- OHI and Wellpoint are hosting a free Back-to-School Community Day on Thursday, August 20, from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at the Wellpoint Storefront, 100 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, NJ. Families can receive free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), plus glucose, blood pressure, and vision screenings and information about OHI services. Fulfill NJ will also distribute food from 10:30–11:30 AM

- LPD Traffic Alert: New Central Ave closed between Gudz Rd & Miller Rd due to a motor vehicle accident with a downed utility pole and wires. Avoid the area.