Monday night 4 Iyar

 היום תשעה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות וחמשה ימים 

  בעומר/לעומר

Kiddush Levana opportunity 

Many Vorts Ka"h tonight

Weather: 32° Mostly clear. Scattered frost

Freeze warning from 12:00am - 9am

Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Monday April 20 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 55° Mostly cloudy skies. 

Tonight 32° aScattered frost possible.

Freeze warnings, watches and frost advisories have been issued for New Jersey tonight.000000

- Traffic rt 9 James/ Central area road closures

- The Justice Department is demanding all ballots from the 2024 election in the Detroit area, a highly unusual move that comes shortly after prosecutors seized 2020 ballots in Georgia and obtained 2020 election records in Arizona.

- Satmar chassidim, who follow a daily cycle of reciting kapitlach of Tehillim, were scheduled to say the kapitlach of Hallel tomorrow as part of the regular rotation. However, since it coincides with Yom Ha’atzmaut, the chassidus has announced a change to the schedule, with a different order of Tehillim to be recited instead.

-Florida implemented a new SNAP rule today banning the use of benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable desserts, becoming one of eight states enforcing similar restrictions.

-Trump: “The Iranian leadership has forced hundreds of Ships toward the United States, mostly Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to get their Oil — Thank you very much! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

- Argentine President Javier Milei paid a visit Monday to Chevron Yeshiva in the Givat Mordechai neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where he was greeted by the yeshiva’s leadership and hundreds of talmidim. 

- El Al flight from Newark to Tel Aviv was postponed a few hours after a jetti punctured a whole in the plane 

- At their last inspection, New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs inspectors failed 105 of 384 scales at Newark Airport for giving false readings, with 86 of those leading to overweight luggage fees for passengers. The bulk of problematic scales - 60% - were at Terminal B, the hub for most international flights.

- After more than a decade, EL AL flights are returning to South America and launching a non-stop flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.Flight duration is expected to be approximately 16.5 hours outbound from Israel and 15.5 hours on the return. Ticket sales for this route are expected to open during the month of May.

- FBI Director Kash Patel says Arrests are coming over 2020 Election Fraud. “They tried to rig the entire system. That's something I'm not going to allow. We are going to be making arrests. It's coming. I promise you it's coming soon.”

- An ongoing traffic study is currently taking place along Route 9 South, where eires have been placed across the roadway to count passing vehicles. Meanwhile, the road recently repaved has already been torn up again for additional construction work, with road resurfacing and raised manhole covers 

- Yahrzeit of Reb Shayala kerestir

 free regular coffee at Kava

1 free slice of Pizza at Fialkoffs

Reb Shayalas Kitchen in Lakewood extended hours today 5pm -9 pm with free hot meals 944 E County Line rd 

- A new 299-unit luxury rental building in Long Branch is now accepting applications for 30 affordable apartments, ranging from $489 to $1,705 a month, depending on the unit size and income category. Located at 118 Broadway, Livana Long Branch is a $130‑million residential and retail development from developer Kushner. It’s just a block from the boardwalk and beachfront. 

- With many bochurim still returning to Eretz Yisroel, yeshivos have scheduled the chavrusa tumul for later this week, allowing time for everyone to arrive and settle in.

-During the most recent tests of the baggage scales at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport by state regulators, the devices gave inaccurate results 27% of the time - likely resulting in passengers being overcharged for their luggage, a review of data by NJ Spotlight News shows. One flunked Newark scale, repaired and then reinspected, remained off by as much as 35 pounds.

- Lakewood activist Aaron Hirsch takes lawsuit against lakewood planning board approval of chestnut holdings to the appellate division*

the appeal process is likely to continue for another year.see more Here

- More on the Moroccan Pesach program on talkline Here

-  American dream mall opens a event  center featuring a 2,000 seat performing arts centeraquarium q

and the Event Center  a 60,000 sq ft expo space 

- Naftali Bennett  who is down in the polls says he supports Publicon the Sgabbos in any city that wants it, In addition, he ssupports civil marriage without rabbanut, as he attempts to draw votes from the left.

- Shkia on the moon: NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman shares a video of ‘Earthset’ that was taken with his iPhone,  as planet  Earth slips behind the Moon and disappears from view in space, like a sunset here on Earth.

- Apartments off E County line rd that caught fire a year ago and left 10 people homeless have been demolished to make way for a slate of new homes while the mayor says fines are still due App reports.

Iran Israel updates Monday April 20

8:00pm

- The US aircraft carrier George Bush is making its way from Madagascar to the Middle East and is expected to reach the area within days. It joins the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, which is operating near the Strait of Hormuz and assisting in the US blockade of Iran, and the Gerald Ford, which is stationed in the Red Sea.

- I24NEWS: Difficulties in negotiations: Pakistan asked the US to extend the ceasefire. As of now, there are no reports of an Iranian or US delegation leaving for talks in Pakistan

- Trump: “The Iranian leadership has forced hundreds of Ships toward the United States, mostly Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to get their Oil — Thank you very much! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

- Trump: “I’m winning a War, BY A LOT, things are going very well, our Military has been amazing and, if you read the Fake News, like The Failing New York Times, the absolutely horrendous and disgusting Wall Street Journal, or the now almost defunct, fortunately, Washington Post, you would actually think we are losing the War. The enemy is confused, because they get these same Media “reports,” and yet they realize their Navy has been completely wiped out, their Air Force has gone onto darker runways, they have no Anti Missile or Anti Airplane Equipment, their former leaders are mostly gone (This has been, in addition to everything else, Regime Change!), and perhaps, most important of all, THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a “DEAL,” is absolutely destroying Iran. They are losing $500 Million Dollars a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run. The Anti-America Fake News Media is rooting for Iran to win, but it’s not going to happen, because I’m in charge! Just like these unpatriotic people used every ounce of their limited strength to fight me in the Election, they continue to do so with Iran. The result will be the same — It already is! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

-Trump: “. I read the Fake News saying that I am under “pressure” to make a Deal. THIS IS NOT TRUE! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly! Time is not my adversary, the only thing that matters is that we finally, after 47 years, straighten out the MESS that other Presidents let happen “

-Trump: “The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA, commonly referred to as “The Iran Nuclear Deal,” penned by Barack Hussein Obama and Sleepy Joe Biden, one of the Worst Deals ever made having to do with the Security of our Country. It was a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon, which will not, and cannot, happen with the Deal we’re working on. They actually gave $1.7 Billion Dollars in “GREEN” Cash, loaded into a Boeing 757, and flown to Iran for Iranian leadership to spend anyway they saw fit. He emptied out all of the Cash from Banks in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Those Bankers said they’ve never seen anything like it before. In addition, Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was paid to Iran. If I did not terminate that “Deal,” Nuclear Weapons would have been used on Israel, and all over the Middle East, including our cherished U.S. Military Bases. The Fake News, like Lightweight Washington Post “Journalist” David Ignatius, loves to talk about the JCPOA, knowing that it was DANGEROUS, and a Complete Embarrassment to our Country. If a Deal happens under “TRUMP,” it will guarantee Peace, Security, and Safety, not only for Israel and the Middle East, but for Europe, America, and everywhere else. It will be something that the entire World will be proud of, instead of the years of Embarrassment and Humiliation that we have been forced to suffer due to incompetent and cowardly leadership! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

- Trump to Bloomberg: The ceasefire with Iran will end on Wednesday evening, Washington time. According to him, it is "very unlikely" to be extended if an agreement is not reached before it ends, and he also said that the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked until a final agreement is reached.

- Trump in a phone interview with the New York Post: "Vice President Vance and the US delegation for peace talks with Iran are on their way to Pakistan and are expected to land within hours. Ready to meet with senior Iranian leaders if a breakthrough is achieved."

- Trump: “Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did. I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing - And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future! President DJT”

- Senior Iranian official to Reuters: Tehran is positively considering participating in potential peace talks with the US, but no decision has been made yet on the matter

-Report on the Lebanese MTV channel: Lebanon insists that the meeting of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun with Trump will be without Netanyahu's participation

- Pakistan intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure US-Iran talks go ahead Tuesday

- Trump told Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir that he would consider Munir’s advice on the Strait of Hormuz blockade being a hurdle to peace talks with Iran

- Gaps on nuclear program remain, missile program not up for discussion with US, senior Iranian source says

- Iranian Foreign Ministry: As of now, we have not decided to hold another round of negotiations with the US

- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Mehr News Agency: "We do not trust the enemy, and at any moment he may escalate the war. We are holding negotiations, but we are ready to take the necessary steps if needed

- Facing a immediate threat" The IDF struck tonight a loaded and ready-to-launch launcher in the Qalaa area in southern Lebanon - outside the yellow line where our forces are stationed

- Spokesperson of the Iranian Armed Forces: "Iran is ready for a confrontation with the US, following the aggression against an Iranian vessel. The response was delayed due to the presence of crew members' families on board the vessel; once their safety is guaranteed, Iran will take the necessary steps against the US

- The Iranian cargo ship which was taken into control by the U.S. Navy Marines, was loaded with Ammonium perchlorate, Sodium perchlorate / sodium chlorate, oxidizers & propellant chemicals like dual use materials which can be used in production of ballastic missiles.

- Mossad: A few weeks ago, a terrorist infrastructure was thwarted in Azerbaijan that was advancing attempts to strike a strategic target  the oil pipeline passing through Georgia and Turkey (BTC) as well as against several targets and Jewish institutions in the country, including the Israeli Embassy, the synagogue in Baku, and leaders of the Jewish community

- Concern in Israel: If the issue of Iranian ballistic missiles is not addressed in the agreement, we will find ourselves in another round of fighting with Iran within a short period. Iran will be able to restore its missile system within "very few years." A senior Israeli official to IDF radio: The missile issue is currently not on the negotiation table.

Sunday Night April 19

.. ברוך אתה

היום שמונה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות וארבעה ימים בעומר/לעומר

Weather tonight  low 37° some evening light rain. Chance of rain 80%.

-Seuda for Reb Shayala Kerestir at Yeshiva Ktana hall 120 2nd street 10:00 pm

Neimark shul Toms River 9:45 pm

Sharei Ish Jackson 9:30 pm

- Shiur on the process of giving hechsherim on commercial wines at BM Kol Aryeh downstairs 

Sunday April 19 News Updates Lakewood

Weather 51° Cloudy skies with periods of rain this afternoon Chance of rain 80%.

Freeze watch expands to nearly entire state with temps in 20s in Monday night into Tuesday forecast

- Admor Khal chasidei Yerushalayim will spending the week  in Lakewood at the W. Kennedy area

- Tefillos for the Belzer rebbe shlita who has been in a weakened state in recent days, his son called for tefilos on his behalf of his father asking the chasidim to say kapitlach tehillim and donate to tzedaka. Name is Yissachar Dov ben Miriam.

-Hespedim this evening for Rebbetzin Reva Halpern A"H at Khalid Bais Levi 705 Valley Dr Lakewood 7:45pm. Divrei hesped by Rav Binyomin Zev Halpern shlita, Rav Dovid Schustal shlita Rav Shlomo Feivel Schustal shlit

- Bde: The body of HaBochur Avraham Yeshaya Spiegel z”l has been positively identified after ten days of searches after he and his brother were pulled out to sea at Netanya beach. The levaya will take place tonight in Yerushalayim with kevura next to his brother who passed away following the drowning.

- State police in unmarked cars with traffic enforcement today in Lakewood 

- Tachnun resumes today after chodesh Nissan.

- BMG summer zman begins today as thousands of bnei hayeshiva head back to the bais medrash. The chair usa tumul will take place for the next few days.  The yeshiva will. E learning masochist בבא קמא Perek מרובה. Other yeshivos of bais medrash age bochurim will also begin the zman today.

- Yeshivas Brisk on rechov Press in Yerushalayim is officially closed for new bochurim this zman, though some bochurim were accepted.

- Smash House burger grand opening today in Toms River under tartikov Hashgacha

- Lakewood girls high school entrance exam today at Bais Faigaq

- There  was chaos at the airports last night as people tried to head back to Eretz Yisroel after Pesach, with flights just starting to resume. Many El Al flights were effectively overbooked, and some passengers weren’t able to board despite having tickets.

- A seuda will take place tonight in Lakewood open to the entire community for the yartzeit of Reb Shayala Keristir hosted by the Admor M'Shedlitz Lakewood Khal Yeshuos Dovid. It will take place at yeshiva ktana hall with the attendance of Rabonim with divrei zikaron by Rav Shmuel Yitzchok Fefferkorn shlita Menahel Yeshiva darling Stolin. Maariv 10:00pm with bentchbg 11 15pm 120 second st Lakewood 

A synagogue in northwest London was targeted in an arson attack overnight Sunday, officials said, in the latest in a string of assaults in recent weeks that Britain’s chief rabbi called a “sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community.”

- Six flags Great adventure 2026 seaain SILVER PASS $70  access to 3 Parks, Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor New Jersey & Wild Safari through Labor Day 2026, plus: Free General Parking Discount Bring-A-Friend Tickets More additional benefits

- An article in a local Lakewood publication discussed the challenges young couples are facing when trying to enroll their children in primary school, as many schools have no available space. The cover story drew criticism for its headline, “Too many children,” which some felt framed a blessing as a problem rather than recognizing the bracha of a growing community. The article itself explained that this is expected to be the most difficult year yet: there are 170 more girls applying for primary school than last year. Although four schools have added parallel classes to accommodate 110 additional students, approximately 60 girls still do not have a placement for the coming year.

-A body was discovered Sunday in the waters off the coast near Herzliya, prompting emergency crews to respond to the scene as efforts continue to identify the victim amid an ongoing search for a missing  yeshiva bachur .The parents oRav Shlomo Spiegel and his wife, left their home in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Yerushalayim in the midst of shivah to travel to Tel Aviv and assist in identifying the body, amid fears that it may be their son.

- A missing elderly nursing home resident in  Lakewood, New Jersey was safely found after a coordinated search by police and Shomrim, she was found walking along the train tracks off James st. then taken to the hospital for evaluation

- Can't make it to Kerestir? Preparations are underway for a large crowd who will attend the kever of the brother of Reb Shayala ,Reb Yehuda Tzvi Steiner ZL at the Baaron Hirsch cemetery in Staten Island 1126 Richmond Ave staten Island,NY. It will be opened for 24 hours with food and logistics to accommodate thousands there will be minyanin for shachris mincha maariv. The cemetery is 2 minutes off the SI Expressway It is said over that Reb Shayala appeared in a dream and told someone that you can go daven at my brothers kever in New York and will be helped just as if you came to me in Kerestir. 

- FBI Director Kash Patel confirms investigation into the mysterious deaths and disappearances of nearly a dozen top-secret scientists tied to the Department of Energy. Trump recently held a meeting on the investigation

- A Hakomas Matzeiva for R'  Chaim Horwitz Z”L will take place today Sunday, April 19 at 4:00 iy”H in the Lakewood cemetery near the entrance opposite the school.

Iran Israel Updates Sunday April 19

7pm

-  The emergency command of the armed forces in Iran: The US violated the ceasefire when it attacked an Iranian container ship that was on its way from China to Iran. In response to the ceasefire violation, the Iranian armed forces attacked US military ships using drones

- Iran VP: “The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free. One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others. The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone. Stability in global fuel prices depends on a guaranteed and lasting end to the economic and military pressure against Iran and its allies”

- Trump: “Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them. The U.S. Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS SPRUANCE intercepted the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, and gave them fair warning to stop. The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom. Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel. The TOUSKA is under U.S. Treasury Sanctions because of their prior history of illegal activity. We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

-Israel N12: These are the discussion points between the US and Iran:

A moratorium on uranium enrichment for 15 years. 

 Converting the uranium to fuel.

 Full inspections on all nuclear facilities

 The opening of the Strait of Hormuz

 The ending of the war and withdrawal of US forces

 Removal of all economic sanctions on Iran

- The state media of Iran reports that in Tehran they refuse to participate in the second round of talks with the United States

- In Israel, it is also estimated this evening that Trump wants to reach an agreement, and that if there are no agreements in the negotiations in Pakistan, it is highly likely that the ceasefire will be extended for further talks. On the other hand, the preparation is that the war could renew suddenly(Jewish warrior on x)

- According to the White House, Vice President Vance will once again lead the delegation for negotiations in Pakistan.  

- Trump to Fox News: They tried to go back on the deal but caved. He says the negotiations have been agreed to. He said he is expecting Iran to sign an agreement tomorrow night in Pakistan and that all items have now been negotiated

- Trump says representatives are going to  Islamabad Pakistan  tomorrow, if Iran doesn't take the deal he "is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!."

- Fox News correspondent: I spoke with President Trump about Iran for 20 minutes, and he told me: If they don't sign this deal in Pakistan, the entire country will be blown up

- Trump on Truth social: Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz - A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement! Many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom. That wasn’t nice, was it? My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan - They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations. Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it. They’re helping us without knowing, and they are the ones that lose with the closed passage, $500 Million Dollars a day! The United States loses nothing. In fact, many Ships are headed, right now, to the U.S., Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to load up, compliments of the IRGC, always wanting to be "the tough guy!" We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the DEAL, it will be my Honor to do what has to be done, which should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents, for the last 47 years. IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END

- Trump to ABC: Iran has committed a “serious” ceasefire violation in Hormuz, but there will be a peace deal “One way or another. The nice way or the hard way. It’s going to happen.”

- Iran says it’s replenishing missile, drone launchers at faster rate than before the war

- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khateibzadeh says Tehran will not hand over its enriched uranium to the United States.

- Iranian news agency Tasnim reports that the Iranian armed forces prevented two tankers from Aftican countries from leaving the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to return to the waters of the Persian Gulf.

-At this stage, the IDF estimates that the explosives that killed  2 solddiers Lidor Porat and Barak Kalfon in Lebanon were placed before the ceasefire

- IDF intelligence confirms: Hezbollah fired and killed a UNIFIL personnel in southern Lebanon during the ceasefire. Hezbollah cell opened fire on a UNIFIL group killing one.

- A Senior Hezbollah commander Ali Rida Abbas, commander of the Bint Jbeil sector, was eliminated by the IDF hours before the ceasefire

- Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and head of the Iranian negotiating delegation for talks with the US: “Success for me is to die as a Shahid.”

- WSJ: Trump went into a rage on the morning the F15 jet crashed in Iran, shouting at his advisors for hours, saying, among other things, that "the Europeans are not helping." Trump recalled the Iran hostage crisis during President Jimmy Carter's term and warned that "it cost them the election," adding: "What a mess." Trump demanded immediate action to rescue the two pilots, and his advisors kept him out of the room while receiving real-time updates, fearing his impatience would harm the process, updating him only at significant moments.

Motzei Shabbos Tazria/Metzora News Updates

היום שבעה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות ושלשה ימים בעומר/לעומר

Tonight low 47° Dense Fog Advisory until 1am

Tomorrow 56° Rain showers with steady rain in the afternoon Chance of rain 80%.

A freeze watch has been issued for most of New Jersey starting Monday night after rain and much colder temperatures sweep through the state on Sunday.

- Summer zman begins tomorrow at BMG with hundreds of new talmidim.

- Thousands heading back to EY with El Al flights from JFK and Newark airport.

- Lakewood Girls high school entrance exam will take place tomorrow though schools already began to interview parents.

- Habachur Mordechai Zelig ben Bllima injured last week in a car accident is B"H  alert and talking after a successful surgery Friday. Please continue to daven for a full refuah and yeshuah.

- Cant make it to Kerestir, you can go to his brother's kever at tge Baron Hirsch cemetery in Staten Island exut 7 off the expressway at the 2Rabbi Yeshayah Steiner Memorial. This event will take place Sunday from Shkiah to Sundown on Monday at the society grounds of Hungarian Brotherly Love Yehuda Yorkville, in section F8 (

No Vehicular Traffic will be permitted – Street Parking Only, Car Pools are encouraged due to limited parking availability.

1126 Richmond Ave Staten Island, NY 10314 

 

Iran Israel Updates Motzei Shabbos

- Iran announced the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz in protest against Trump's decision to continue the blockade. 

- Trump on the ceasefire: "I don't know. Maybe I won't extend it but the blockade is going to remain... Unfortunately, we'll have to start dropping bombs again."

- Iran fired on a tanker trying to cross the strait.

The IDF attacked terrorists in southern Lebanon.

- 2 IDF soldiers killed in South Lebanon 10 others injured from Hezbollah explosives while conducting military operations on Friday.

Barak Khalfon,48 from Adi hyd

Lidor Porat,31,from Ashdod hyd

IDF investigating if explosives were placed after ceasefire went into effect 

- IDF Special Forces captured a strategic ridge overlooking southern Lebanon, hours before the ceasefire.

- Trump convened a security consultation; a senior American official said, "The war may resume in the coming days."

- Trump: “Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America. They are Courageous, Bold, Loyal, and Smart, and unlike others who have shown their true colors in a moment of conflict and stress, Israel fights hard and knows how to WIN! President DJT”

-The Wall Street Journal: The US military is preparing to seize ships related to Iran, including oil tankers, in the coming days worldwide—as part of the "Epic Fury" operation on the economic front aimed at further burdening the Iranian economy

- CNN: The aircraft carrier Gerald Ford has left the Mediterranean Sea and is now operating in the Red Sea after crossing the Suez Canal. A senior U.S. official said this move is intended to strengthen the U.S. military's preparedness for the possibility of renewed attacks on Iran if the ceasefire is not renewed.

- Kamala Harris: Trump was dragged into a war by Bibi Netanyahu. A war that the American people do not want, and that puts American soldiers at risk

- The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister said last night to the AP news agency that Iran will not transfer enriched uranium to the U.S. He claimed there will be a "new protocol" regarding the Strait of Hormuz during the negotiation process, under which it will remain open and safe for the passage of all civilian ships

- New York Times: US intelligence estimates that Iran currently holds 40% of the drone capabilities and 60% of the missile launchers it had before the war

-Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf tells state television that there has been “progress” in negotiations with the United States for a permanent end to the US-Israeli war with Iran. He cautions, however, that there is still a “big distance” between the two sides regarding the proposed details of any agreement to end the fighting.

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פר' תזריע-מצורע שבת ר"ח אייר תשפ"ו

Friday, April 17, 2026 / ל׳ ניסן תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת תזריע-מצורע ראש חודש אייר

Candle lighting 7:19 pm

Shkiah/sunset 7:37 pm

weather Friday night 51° Partly cloudy this evening. Fog developing late. 

Shabbos day 63° clouds during the afternoon.

- Maariv/Yaale vayavo Sefiras Haomer 16

-Musaf/אתה יצרת Minhag Hayeshiva not to ay אב הרחמים
-Pirkei Avos Perek 2

                               אייר ר"ת אני יי רופאך

Iyar is also a segula for refuah and healing Reb Pinchos of Koritz says the rains that fall between Pesach and Shevuos is a great refuah for diseases that have no cure, rachmana litzlon. One should let the rain fall on their head and open their mouth to let the rain go straight in (some places say to the right side of the mouth mouth)

ועל עין הרע. אמר ר' יצחק: כיון שעינו של אדם רעה

Friday Rosh Chodesh Iyar News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, April 17, 2026 / ל׳ ניסן תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת תזריע-מצורע ראש חודש אייר

חדש עלינו את החודש הזה לטובה ולברכה לששון ולשמחה לישועה ולנחמה לפרנסה ולכלכלה לחיים ולשלום למחילת חטא ולסליחת עון

Candle lighting 7:19 pm

Shkiah/sunset 7:37 pm

weather 79° cloudy skies and a few showers this afternoon.Chance of rain 30%.

Friday night 51° Partly cloudy this evening. Fog developing late.

Shabbos day 63° clouds during the afternoon.

This shabbos marks the 20th yahrzeit of Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro ZTL R"Y Beer Yaakov

Vizhnitzer Rebbe R' mendele will be spending shabbos in Toms River

Rav Moshe Hillel HIrsch will be spending shabbos in Chicago

Rav Shaul Alter will be spending shabbos in Boro Park with thousands of chasidiim at the Ateres Chaya Hall

Birchas Ilanos 

- Camden County  became the latest New Jersey government entity to declare that ICE cannot conduct operations on its property without a judicial warrant.

- Round trip train tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games at MetLife stadium will cost $150 per ticket, NJ Transit and FIFA officials announced today. Only 40,000 tickets will be sold and they must be purchased in advance.

- Lechem Bakery announced that all sourdough bread and challah currently available today in the store are made from a new starter prepared after Pesach.

- Now open in Lakewood  Reb Shayala's kitchen, thanks to askanim of Oak & Vine. Feel free to come join, so that no Yid should ever go hungry.

Open everyday from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM with fleishig menu. 944 East County Line Rd, Lakewood, NJ 08701 under Breslov shul (Feder status)

- HT busing woes continue as the company has not serviced the routes to Lakewood schools since schools began after Pesach. a notice said it was due to insurance issues. No word from LSTA or township officials, as parents are carpooling and making arrangements.

At the same time the township last night approved emergency salaries for the Lakewood shuttle bus liason citing a emergency affects public health safety and welfare and and immediate action was needed.

- Kollel Chazu continues the bein hazmanim learning program in lakewood area shul today as the zman resumes Sunday evening 

- Giyus this week over 460 Chareidin Bochurim were inducted into the IDF

- State troopers in Lakewood over the past few days with traffic enforcement 

- TAG is now offering a Kyocera E4831 phone at a special reduced price! $199 (regular price $275) Talk only ,Talk & Text, Talk, Text & Waze options

- Trump rips apart Tucker Carlson: “It’s easy! Tucker is a Low IQ person - Always easy to beat, and highly overrated!!! So are Megyn Kelly, “Candace”(Really Dumb and mentally ill!), and Bankrupt Alex Jones, who is completely “fried.” There are others, also! Then we have some that are VERY GOOD, true MAGA all the way, and smart. I should do a list of good, bad, and somewhere in the middle. Wouldn’t that be fascinating??? President DJT”

- NJ Assemblyman Rabbi Avi Schnall has officially taken on the role of COO of Agudath Israel of America.In an email to members, he announced a new Washington office and called for contributions and dedications to help complete the project.

- BDE: Petirah of Rabbi Yitzchok Mitnick zt”l of Brooklyn, NY, a noted mechanech and talmid of Rav Hutner at Yeshiva Chaim Berlin He was 89 years old. Rabbi Mitnick went on to found Mesivta Gur Aryeh, As a mechanech, Rabbi Mitnick was widely regarded as a pioneer. He possessed a rare ability to connect to talmidim Many of his talmidim went on to become bnei Torah, marbitzei Torah, He is survived by his sons: Rav Elimelech Mitnick, rosh chaburah at Bais Medrash Govoah in Lakewood; Rav Yaakov Mitnick, rebbi at The Cheder in Brooklyn; Rav Simcha Mitnick, rebbi at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin; and Rav Mordechai Mitnick,The levayah was held yesterday at JFK International Airport, and kevurah took place today Erev Shabbos on Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim. (Matzav)

- Passengers on trains to and from Yerushalayim must now pre-register and get a barcode voucher under a new rule from Israel Police.The policy caps trains at 1,200 passengers to improve safety on the mostly underground route, including Yitzhak Navon Railway Station.

- Now Offering Optometry at OHI From routine eye exams to vision care, 101 Second Street, Lakewood, NJ

- The Jackson Fire Bureaus are now accepting permit applications for Lag Ba’omer bonfires.

- Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie may have a new home in New York City, according to multiple news reports.Christie reportedly purchased a $1.5 million unit in the Gramercy co-op.

Rav Shaul Alter arrives in Boro Park

Iran Israel Updates Friday April 17

-Trump says the U.S. will extract Iran's enriched uranium, in partnership with Iran, using excavators.

- Iran's enriched uranium is "as sacred to us as the soil of Iran and will not be transferred anywhere under any circumstances," declares Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Tasnim

- Etihad airlines resumes flights to Israel

- U.S. official clarifies Trump's Lebanon comments: “The President’s ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel clearly states that Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets but preserves its right to self-defense against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks"

- Trump now prohibits Israel from attacking Lebanon 

Trump: “The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear “Dust,” created by our great B2 Bombers - No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form. This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah situation in an appropriate manner. Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!! Thank you! President DJT

- The IDF Home Front Command says it is lifting all of its wartime restrictions across Israel as the ceasefire with Lebanon appears to hold, as well as amid the ongoing truce in Iran. All gathering restrictions are lifted nationwide, aside from communities on the Lebanon border, where gatherings will remain restricted to 1,000 people until Motzei Shabbos at 8 p.m when it will be lifted as well

- Iran FM Araghchi: “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.”

- Trump “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”

- Trump: “THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE. THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J.TRUMP

- The U.S. and Iran are negotiating over a plan to end the war, with one element under discussion being that the U.S. would release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Iran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium. Axios

- Israel Defense Minister Katz: "The IDF holds and will continue to hold all the places it has cleared and conquered. The ground maneuver into Lebanon and the attacks on Hezbollah throughout Lebanon have achieved many successes but are not yet complete; the goal we defined: disarming Hezbollah militarily or politically remains the campaign goal to which we are committed - and now a significant political lever has also been created with the direct involvement of the US President and a commitment to this goal - while exerting pressure on the Lebanese government."

- Senator Lindsey Graham: President Trump is conducting the negotiations with the Iranians himself. He was on the phone with the Iranians a few days ago and screamed at them what would happen to them if they continued to play games.

Taking a Haircut or Shaving on Friday Rosh Chodesh Iyar This Year

For reference only.

This year 5786, Rosh Chodesh Iyar occurs on Friday and Shabbos of, Parshas Tazria-Metzora. In such a case, is one permitted to shave or take a haircut on Friday in honor of Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh?

The Mishnah Berurah (493:5) writes that it is muttar to take a haircut or shave this Friday, lekavod Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh, even if one keeps the first half of sefira from the 2nd night of Pesach until Lag Baomer because it is being done in honor of both Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. 

While The Mishna Berura Does not address the ruling of  Rav Yehuda Hachasid not to shave on Friday rosh chodesh, Rav Moshe Feinstein (Bein Pesach L’Shevuos Ch.10: note 5)ruled that it is acceptable. He explained that those who keep the minhag of Sefira until Lag B’omer may not shave or take a haircut earlier, and therefore the mitzvah to honor Rosh Chodesh overrides the restriction of Rav Yehudah Hachasid. It follows that those who only begin Sefira on Rosh Chodesh should not shave or take a haircut on Friday, since they could have done so on Thursday. Rav Belsky, zt’l had a different position and recommended shaving and taking a haircut on Thursday (before Rosh Chodesh) in honor of Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh.

(Dirshu M"B  Brings down from R' Elyashiv who also said it is mutar to take a haircut even as the Yehuda Hachasid reason dosent apply for sefira which may apply even to those keeping second half.)

Rav Aharon Kotler  zatzal was making on the Rav Yehuda Hachasid not to shave on Friday Rosh chodesh.

More:

Taking a Haircut or Shaving on Friday Rosh Chodesh Iyar This Year

By: Rabbi Doniel Neustadt

QUESTION: For those who began observing the sefirah restrictions on the second night of Pesach, is there any special dispensation to take a haircut or a shave on Rosh Chodesh Iyar when it falls on a Friday and Shabbos – as it does this year?

DISCUSSSION: Mishnah Berurah,(1) followed by almost all of the poskim,(2) rules that when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls on a Friday, it is permitted to take a haircut or a shave that Friday, even for those who are already in the midst of the sefirah mourning restrictions. This exception (which is for haircut and shaving only – not for other sefirah restrictions such as listening to music) is permitted in honor of the double occasion of Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh.(3)

Mishnah Berurah, however, does not clearly address whether or not this also applies to those who follow the special restriction recorded in the Will and Testament of Rabbi Yehudah Hachasid never to take a haircut or a shave on any Rosh Chodesh throughout the year, even if Rosh Chodesh falls on Friday.(4) Other poskim, however, do discuss this issue directly: Some hold that Rosh Chodesh Iyar is an exception and permit taking a haircut or a shave on Friday, Rosh Chodesh Iyar;(5) others maintain that Rosh Chodesh Iyar is not an exception and is no different from any other Rosh Chodesh;(6) while a third opinion suggests that one should take a haircut or a shave on Thursday afternoon after chatzos.(7) One should consult his rav as to which opinion to follow.

Torah.org

1 O.C. 493:5.

2 A dissenting view is quoted by Kaf ha-Chayim 493:42.

3 If, for some reason, one will be unable to take a haircut or shave on Friday, it is permitted to do so on Thursday night.

4 As quoted by Mishnah Berurah 260:7.

5 Harav M. Feinstein (quoted in L’Torah V’horahah, vol. 2, pg. 20); Harav Y. Kamenetsky (Emes L’yaakov O.C. 260:1). Note, however, that even according to this opinion, only those who are already observing the sefirah restrictions may be lenient on Rosh Chodesh. Those who customarily begin sefirah restrictions on Rosh Chodesh should do so this year as well and take their haircut and shave on Thursday.

6 Harav Y. Y. Kanievsky (quoted in by Harav C. Kanievsky in Bein Pesach L’shavuos, pg. 246.)

7 Kaf ha-Chayim 493:47, quoting several poskim.

https://torah.org/torah-portion/weekly-halacha-5766-tazria/

From דרשו 

תספורת בערב שבת ראש חודש אייר הבעל"ט

תספורת ביום שישי ראש חודש אייר

)שנת תשפ"ו, תשפ"ז, תש"צ, תשצ"ד )שנת תשפ"ג(( 

כתב המשנה ברורה )סימן תצג ס"ק ה( ואף להנוהגין איסור גם עד ר"ח אייר מ"מ אם חל ר"ח בשבת כיון שיש כאן תוספת שמחה שבת ור"ח יש להתיר להסתפר בע"ש מפני כבוד השבת וגם לישא אשה בו ביום כיון שעיקר הסעודה יהיה בשבת ור"ח עכ"ד. וכתב המשנה ברורה )בהל' שבת ס' רס ס"ק ז( יש מקומות שאין מגלחין ואין נוטלין צפורנים בר"ח אפילו חל ביום עש"ק כי 

כן צוה ר"י חסיד עכ"ל. 

והמקפידים על פי צוואת רבי יהודה החסיד שלא להסתפר בראש חודש, יש לעיין האם ניתן להקל בערב שבת זו.

ודעת הגר"מ פיינשטיין זצ"ל )בין פסח לשבועות פ"י הערה ח( שמ"מ בראש חודש אייר מותרים להסתפר, משום שא"א להם להסתפר קודם לכן.כמו"כ לדעת הגרי"ש אלישיב זצ"ל )ע' ישא יוסף או"ח ח"ג ס' קיח( מותר להסתפר כיון שאין צוואת ר"י החסיד אוסרת מין הדין, ועיי"ש שהביא מספר משנת אברהם על ספר חסידים שביאר הטעם שהחמיר ר"י החסיד אפי' בע"ש משום שהוו כמכוון מלאכתו וטעם זה לא שייך בימי הספירה. 

ודעת הגר"ש ואזנר זצ"ל )קובץ מבית לוי עניני ניסן עמ' עו( שהמקפידים על רבי יהודה החסיד עליהם להקפיד גם בראש חודש אייר שחל ביום שישי, וכן דעת הגרי"י קניבסקי זצ"ל . להסתפר בערב ראש חודש אייר ]ביום ה'[ אחר חצות: ע' בכף החיים שהביא כמה אחרונים שמקילים להסתפר בערב ראש ( וע"ע בקובץ מבית לוי )שם( שלא יסתפרו חודש אחר חצותיא ביום חמישי. ]וכל אחד ישאל רבותיו[.

והטעם שהחמיר רבי יהודה החסיד שלא להסתפר בראש חודש כתב השו"ע הרב )ס' רס סע' א( משום סכנה. וז"ל ונוהגין בקצת מקומות שלא להסתפר בראש חודש אפילו חל בערב שבת מפני חשש סכנה כי כן הזהיר רבינו יהודה החסיד. ]כמו שאר אזהרותיו שהן משום סכנה[.ףשומר מצוה לא ידע דבר רע:  

Oif Simchas Thurs Rosh Chodesh Iyar

יעלה  ויבוא tonight 

היום חמשה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות ויום אחד בעומר/לעומר

Chasunas:

Censor - Yoffe Bais Faiga 

Kaplan - Gewirtzman Fountain Ballroom 

Klein - Shatzkes Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Neuwirth - Parnes Ateres Chaim Elazar

Kleinman - Erlanger Ateres Blima 

Feiertag - Gold Ateres Reva 

Scheiner  - Braunfeld Ateres Esther 

Psicha Shiur for coming Zman with participation of the Skulener rebbe shlita  divrei chizuk by Rav Avrohom Shlomo Katz shlita Rav Anshei Howell 9:15pm

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

Thursday April 16 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 89° Sun and clouds mixed. Another day of record heat is expected for New Jersey on Thursday before a sharp temperature drop brings the risk of frost early next week.

Allergies high pollen count today at 11.7 Top Allergens are Juniper, Maple, Elm

 There's no Yom kippur koton today erev Rosh chodesh Iyar since one does not fast during chodesh Nissan. 

- Concrete island  on Ridge Ave  to be removed. At the Lkwd Township Comitee meeting today a resident raised concerns about a concrete island installed in the middle of Ridge Avenue that was forcing cars onto the shoulder. The mayor and Committee members were asked to indicate whether they were aware of the installation, and they said they were not by a raise of hands. The mayor staed that the island would be removed ASAP explaining it was the result of a misunderstanding between the engineering department and the county road crew.

- During a hearing before the New Jersey Assembly Budget Committee, Education Commissioner Lily Laux described the state's controversial school funding "S2" formula as "outdated" and committed to a comprehensive review.

- Trump: Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is DESTROYING New York! It has no chance! The United States of America should not contribute to its failure. It will only get WORSE. The TAX, TAX, TAX Policies are SO WRONG. People are fleeing. They must change their ways, AND FAST. History has proven, THIS “STUFF” JUST DOESN’T WORK. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT

- Rav Shaul Alter shlita R"Y of Ger will be coming to the US for a short visit to spend time with his chasidim in Boro Park, New York 

Important information about הפסח עליו שעבר חמץ at various establishments and

is the culmination of several months of research by AKO’s Post Pesach Committee. HERE

- Smash h house burger in Toms River soft opening under Tartikov Hashgacha

- Post pesach bakeries should have full stock of sourdough this coming shabbos

see here regarding sourdough that was sold last week erev shabbos if it was allowed to be sold.

- Honda is recalling 440,830 Odyssey minivans in the U.S. due to a software error that could cause the side and curtain airbags to deploy unexpectedly, Dealers will fix the issue by reprogramming the vehicle software. Affected vehicles include model-year 2018-22 Odys

- The U.S. dollar has dropped below 3 shekels for the first time since 1995, signaling a surging Israeli currency and causing major concern among exporters and business leaders in Israel, as businesses and tourism are getting hit hard.

- Today April 16, Wawa is celebrating its 62nd anniversary by offering Wawa Rewards members a free any-size hot coffee at all of its 1,200 stores nationwide. The promotion marks the anniversary of its first store, which opened on April 16, 1964, in Folsom, Pennsylvania.

- News in the world of Chazzanus its now official that R' Yitzchak Meir Helfgot will serve as the official chazzan at Yeshurun Synagogue in Yerushalayim, while Nissim Saal has been appointed as chazzan at the Great Synagogue of Yerushalayim for the upcoming Yomim Noraim and Sukkos, alongside the current chazan Tzvi Weiss.

- Giyus: Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman shlita responds to the Bagatz hearing on drafting yeshiva students: There is a group sitting in Yerushalayim in the court who are saying that they will destroy the Olam HaTorah that is their exact language. They should know, and everyone should know, that it will not help them at all: ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper.’ The Olam HaTorah will continue on and on, and nothing will help them. We will stand strong and not be afraid of them, and you should strengthen yourselves in Torah and Yiras shamayim, and HKBH will save us from them and from anyone who thinks to destroy the Torah world.”

- Lakewood township committee meeting today 5:30 pm watch l;ivestream Here 

see agenda Here 

Items on the agenda 

-4 way stop sign coming to Forest ave and 2nd street 

-Sale of vacant parcel (Block 1051.09, Lot 10) through a public auction with a minimum bid of $373,500.Must be used only as a neighborhood clubhouse Ford ave and Providence rt 9 area

-Purchase or condemnation (eminent domain) of Block 452, Lot 3.off Prospect Street for a public park

- Shuttle Busing Liaison project, awarding up to $12,500 per month to help manage transit updates

The Public can submit comments during the meeting via comments@lakewoodnj.gov

- The Township of Lakewood Township approved raising its 2026 budget cap from the normal 2% up to 3.5%, allowing about $3.76 million in additional spending. This does not automatically mean a 3.5% tax increase, but it creates the possibility of higher property taxes since the town is allowed to spend more. If they don’t use the full increase, the unused amount can be saved and used to raise taxes in the next two years

- The former Wells Fargo building at 317 Main Street in Lakewood  was purchased last year by the Lakewood Township LDC for $2.5 million using taxpayer funds and later transferred to the Lakewood Industrial Commission (LIC) for $1. At the LIC meeting yesterday members stated that the property is now being appraised to determine its current market value and may be considered for future downtown redevelopment use, including potential public parking.

- Billionaire philanthropist Miriam Adelson has poured $40 million into Republican super PACs, giving a boost to GOP warchest as the battle for control of Congress heats up.

- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said claims that high taxes are driving wealthy residents out are overstated, arguing that the real problem is working-class residents leaving because they can’t afford the cost of living. He said past tax increases on millionaires did not reduce the number of wealthy residents, and that the city is instead seeing an “exodus” of those priced out.

- The Ocean County Board of Commissioners adopted a $655.7 million 2026 budget, with $544.6 million funded through taxes and $39.5 million from surplus. Despite the spending increase, officials said the property tax rate will remain steady at 28.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, citing a growing ratable base of $193.1 billion and continued growth management.

- Spirit Airlines could begin liquidating its assets as early as this week amid soaring jet fuel prices

- LPD: Before you go out, talk with your friends about who’s driving and how you’re getting home. Impaired driving crashes are preventable, and planning ahead saves live

- First Priority Group, a diversified manufacturer, upfitter, and dealer of emergency and specialty vehicles, today announced that it will transition its Remount and EMS operations from its Manchester, New Jersey facility to a new purpose built 75,000 square foot, state-of-the-art production facility in Lakewood, New Jersey in June 2026.

Iran War Updates Thursday April 16

- Rockets fired by Hezbollah  eight before the ceasefire went into effect resulting in serious wounds to a 17-year-old girl and a 25-year-old motorcyclist in Karmiel, while a Nahariya man in his 40s was moderately injured by another impact.

- Trump: “It's looking very good that we're going to make a deal with Iran, that it's going to be a good deal, it's going to be a deal with no nuclear weapons!"

- Trump: “They've agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that's way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers."

Q

- Trump: “If there's no deal fighting resumes.”

- Trump: “I can't allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. And here's the story. They won't have. They've already agreed not to have. That's good news, and I think the Pope will be very happy."

 “We have a statement, a very powerful statement, that they will not have  beyond 20 years  that they will NOT have nuclear weapons. There's no 20-year limit."

“The blockade has been incredible it's held, they're not doing any business... everything is gone, including their leaders. Now, they have a new set of leaders, and we find them very reasonable."

- Netanyahu: "I spoke with Trump in the last two days, and he told me that he is incredibly determined to continue the naval blockade and to bring about the dismantling of Iran's nuclear capability, or what remains of it. He is not giving up on this; he is confident he can eliminate this threat once and for all. Of course, this also includes addressing the missile threat and the enrichment capability. There are two very important moves here that can fundamentally change our security and political situation in the coming years."

- Trump: “We have a very good relationship with Iran right now, as hard as it is to believe. And I think it's a combination of about 4 weeks of bombing, and a very powerful blockade."

- Lebanese parliament member from Hezbollah Hassan Fadlallah to the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen channel: "We learned today from the Iranian ambassador in Beirut that Iranian efforts have led to a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon. The US side committed to informing the Prime Minister of Israel about this decision, as well as conveying it to the President of Lebanon."

- Report: PM tells ministers, shocked to learn of Lebanon truce from media, that he agreed to it at Trump’s request, Netanyahu briefly informed his ministers that there will not be a cabinet vote on the ceasefire at this time. PM Netanyahu added that when Israel's greatest friend, President Trump, works alongside us in close coordination, Israel accepts his requests. IDF forces will remain at strategic points during the ceasefire and will not withdraw.

-Trump on Truth Social: “In addition to the statement just issued, I will be inviting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, to the White House for the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983, a very long time ago

- Trump announces Israel-Hezbollah 10-day ceasefire, to take effect at midnight

Trump: "I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel. These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST. On Tuesday, the two Countries met for the first time in 34 years here in Washington, D.C., with our Great Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. I have directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin' Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE. It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let's, GET IT DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

- If you are flying through Europe please note More than 1400 Lufthansa flights have been canceled in Germany due to a pilot strike.

- Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is ready for the Iran war to resume, while US President Donald Trump’s administration indicated that a second round of talks with Tehran is more likely. US officials said Washington is discussing holding another meeting with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal.

- Wall Street Journal: Israel demands a security zone and operational freedom in any possible ceasefire agreement in Lebanon

- Reuters: Iran could withstand two months of a naval blockade without exporting oil before being forced to cut production

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet convened on Wednesday night, reportedly to discuss a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, amid growing expectations in Jerusalem that a truce may be unavoidable in the face of US pressure.

- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that he will not speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

- Hezbollah fired a missile overnight that fell in a open area south of  Chaifa

- IDF Intensified operations in the Bint Jbeil area continue: Soldiers of the Aguz and Yehalom units destroyed approximately 70 Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites in just one minute.*

- Hegseth to the IRGC: “You like to say publicly that you control the Strait of Hormuz, but you don't have a navy or real domain awareness. You can't control anything.”

According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the current assessment on the health of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains the same, alive, wounded and disfigured.

- Pentagon, Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine says US forces “will actively pursue any Iranian flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran” — anywhere in the world.“Turn around or prepare to be boarded. … We will use force.”

- "I met with some of the teams that helped to bring our F-15 airmen home safely from Iran, and heard first person accounts of the stories - absolute heroes." "The four best air forces in the world - the Israeli Air Force, the US Air Force, and the air forces of the US Navy and US Marine Corps together met and exceeded our own military objectives over and over again."– CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper

Oif Simchas Wednesday 29 Nissan

היום ארבעה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות לעומר/בעומר

Chasunas

Lopian - Katzman Bais Faiga 

Kalatzky - Sherman Ateres Chaim Elazar

Scheinerman - Loewy  Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Forst - Raider Ateres Reva

Rubenstein - Doppelt Ateres Esther 

Fruchthandler - Leshinsky Fountain Ballroom 

Pertegorsky - Gross Cedar Palace 

Kaplan - England Ne'emas Hachaim 

Wednesday April 15 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather. 89° Sunshine Near record high temperatures.

Temperatures will soar into the upper 80s and low 90s across New Jersey on Wednesday and Thursday, with isolated thunderstorms possible tonight in the northern counties.

- President Trump on Israel and Lebanon

"Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice! President DJT"

- The R"Y Rav Nechemiah Kaplan shlita got remarried tonight in Brooklyn and delivered  a shiur to talmidim during the chasuna with the attendance of many Roshei Yeshiva partaking in the Simcha.

- The Trump administration is now asking  automakers (GM, Ford) and other American manufacturers to start weapons production, reminiscent of a practice used during World War II per WSJ

- US Military planning for a possible Pentagon-led operation in Cuba is quietly ramping up, in case President Donald Trump gives an order to intervene there, USA today reports 

- Giyus: Degel MK The wording of the law is still not final since it is subject to the approval of gedolei yisroel, but there's no point in advancing a law that won't withstand the High Court test and will be immediately struck down."

- White House's Leavitt announces that plans to begin construction on Trump's 250-foot United States Triumphal Arch will be submitted tomorrow.

- Khal East Veterans of Jackson has appointed Rav Chaim Zev Kirschenbaum shloita as the new Rav of the kehilla a maamad Lchaim was held to mark the occasion 

- Lakewood township to have a Drone Show Display For The Independence Day celebration At Lake Carasaljo on July 5th

- Egg prices have come down after Pesach, with a dozen now selling for 69 cents at Bingo and 98cents at NPGS. 

-Smash House Burger Soft opening today 2066 Lakewood Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755

Grand Opening on Sunday, April 19! 

- Busing woes continue with HT busing not picking up the morning routes 

- Construction crews have completed upgrades along Avenue of the States, introducing a new traffic pattern that includes added turning lanes and the removal of some divider islands.

- Preparations are underway at the kever of Reb Shayala Kerestirer, where thousands are expected to gather for the yartzeit early next week. Kitchen staff are busy preparing food for the many pilgrims, including those who will be spending Shabbos there.

Additionally, the kever of his brother will be open 24 hours at the Baron Hirsch Cemetery in Staten Island, beginning Sunday evening.

- The Lakewood Industrial Commission meeting today resolution approving a market value appraisal of land in the Main Street / Franklin Street redevelopment area, identified as a key gateway to Lakewood’s downtown. 

- Lakewood has approved an emergency month-to-month contract extension for the Shuttle Busing Liaison project, awarding services to Neighborhood Navigators at up to $12,500 per month to help manage transit updates and reduce traffic and safety issues.

- Lakewood Township approved paying $30,000 annually from Foreign Trade Zone 

 funds toward the LDC Executive Director’s compensation for duties related to managing and administering the FTZ program.

- A Lakewood bochur critically injured in a hit-and-run on Hope Chapel Road Friday night before Pesach has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. name is Daniel Shmuel ben Shifra

 - The Lakewood Cheder has joined other schools that have already announced they will begin the 2026–2027 school year on August 19, about a week earlier than usual, resulting in a shorter summer break with the current year ending July 9.  

- A Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds most New Jersey residents are struggling to afford basic needs, though some financial pressures have eased slightly since October. About 68% report difficulty with education costs, 63% with utilities, 62% with housing, and nearly 60% with food, while gas and transportation costs are the only category showing increased strain, rising to 59%.

-New Jersey’s lawsuit against New York over Manhattan’s congestion pricing program is being sent to mediation after the Sherrill administration requested a 30-day stay. The case, filed in 2023, seeks to overturn federal approval of the plan.

- NY Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a luxury second-home tax in NYC, prompting support from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said, “We will be taxing the ultra-wealthy and global elites.” Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized Hochul for breaking tax promises and pointed to the SALT cap increase as a major tax cut for New Yorkers.

Iran War Updates Wednesday April 15

- President Trump on Israel and Lebanon

"Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice! President DJT"

- Senate rejected efforts to block arms sales to Israel, but a significant shift emerged within the Democratic Party. 40 of 47 Democrats backed a resolution led by Bernie Sanders to block a $295M bulldozer sale, while 36 Democrats supported blocking $152M in bomb sales. Both measures ultimately failed, with bipartisan majorities voting against them. The growing number of Democrats supportinlthese measures marks a sharp increase from similar failed efforts in 2024 and 2025, reflecting changing attitudes amid ongoing conflicts inq Gaza, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria.

- Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel is preparing for the possibility that fighting with Iran could resume while continuing operations against Hezbollah and engaging in talks with Lebanon. He said Israel and the US are aligned on preventing Iran from maintaining enrichment capabilities, described ongoing military actions against Hezbollah, and stated that Israel is pursuing negotiations aimed at pushing Hezbollah back and achieving “peace through strength,” while remaining ready for further escalation.

 - 5 IDF Soldiers Wounded in Hezbollah Rocket Attack, One in Critical Condition

-WH Press secretary Leavitt: “Bad reporting this morning that we had 'formally requested' an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment, we've remained very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks."

Leavitt said the next round of US-Iran talks would likely be held in Islamabad and praised Pakistan’s role as the sole mediator in the negotiations.

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet this evening at 8 pm ,to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon.

- Bloomberg: Iran and the U.S. are considering extending the ceasefire by two weeks.

Report on a Pakistani channel: A second round of negotiations between Iran and the US may take place in Islamabad this weekend

- CENTCOM: “During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past U.S. forces. Additionally, 9 vessels have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area.”

- Western Galilee councils tell residents to stay close to shelters amid increased threat of Hezbollah rocket fire

- Trump: “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to - far better than anyone else!!! President DJT”

- A Ceasefire is expected to be announced tonight in  Lebanon for one week. According to Iranian sources l.

- President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he was not considering extending a ceasefire with Iran, predicting “an amazing two days ahead” amid renewed diplomatic efforts with Tehran for an agreement to end the war.

- Iran military warns it will block Red Sea and Gulf of Oman if US naval blockade continues

- AP reports, that the United States and Iran have given “in‑principle” agreement

- Washington Post: The U.S. is sending thousands of additional troops to the Middle East

- Trump to Fox: “The war with Iran is close to ending; we’ll see what happens. I think they really want to make a deal. It will take Iran 20 years to recover.  I think you’re going to witness an amazing couple of days I really believe that.”

Oif Simchas Tuesday 28 Nissan

היום שלשה עשר יום שהם שבוע אחד וששה ימים בעומר

Chasunas 

Weinberg - Adler Fountain Ballroom 

Papelow - Anhang Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Pomeranz  - Leibchuk Ateres Blima 

Szanzer - Rothenberg Ateres Esther 

Cohen Lake Terrace 

Tuesday April 14 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 87° Sunny to partly cloudy.

severe thunderstorms with up to 60 mph wind gusts are possible Tuesday as temperatures rise into the 80s across New Jersey. mainly for areas along and north/west of the I-95 and I-195 corridor

Yartzeit of  Rav Avigdor Miller Zatzal

New Jersey Transit is planing to bump their $12.90 train ticket from NYC to MeLlife stadium up to $100 for World Cup matches. It's an 18-mile trip.

BDE: Habachur Yisachar Dov Spiegel Z"L, the 21 year old Tifrach Yeshivah Bachor passed away this evening after the drowning incident in Netanya beach. His brother, Avraham Yeshayahu ben Shoshana remains missing.

- Satmar Rebbe, Reb Aharon announced developers in Monticello are approved to build hundreds of homes at just $200 per Sq ft. The project is intended for the community at large, not just Satmar (Kol Haolam)

- National average price of gas for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the U.S. is $4.12, according to AAA.

- Smash house Burger opening Toms River location this coming Sunday

- Moishas supermarket in Howell to open in the summer 

- The scheduled Lakewood planning board meeting for today has been cancelled

- Twelve hospitals in New Jersey are among 446 across the US, facing a heightened risk of closing, cutting services or laying off workers due to federal medicaid funding cuts, according to a new report. amonth the ones in New Jersey are: 

Monmouth Medical Center, Lakewood

Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick

Hoboken University Medical Center, Hoboken

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark

Trinitas Hospital, Elizabeth

- Continued tefillos for Habachur Mordechai Zelg ben Blima who was injured in a accident Early Sunday morning 

- Pesach Sheini: New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill hosted a Passover Seder last night at Drumthwacket, the official residence in Princeton, for Jewish administration officials, legislators, and community leaders attended by some Lakewood area residents.

- Citing safety concerns, New Jersey's Princeton University announced that all electric bikes will be banned from its campus, effective June 1. Any bike found on the 500-acre campus will be immediately confiscated. Electric scooters had already been banned two years ago. (Onejersey)

- At last night’s meeting, the Lakewood Zoning Board approved a duplex in the Ridge area with restrictions barring exterior basement access due to traffic concerns.

A proposal to build 41 single-family homes off Prospect Street was denied for the third time. Residents from the Prospect area spoke out strongly against the application, citing ongoing and worsening traffic conditions. Some also criticized engineers who regularly testify on behalf of developments in Lakewood, arguing that past projects were approved with assurances of minimal traffic impact, despite clear evidence that congestion has significantly worsened. Board members noted the application could return if Cross Street is expanded.

The board also approved BMG’s plan for 74 homes and a school site at the Woodlake Golf Course. Due to conflicts of interest, three zoning board members recused themselves and were replaced by planning board members. Testimony indicated the homes would be individual residences, though a member of the public raised concerns about the lack of publicly available information. The board responded that plans are available at township offices.

Another duplex application off Prospect Street was tabled due to improper notice, and several smaller applications were approved.

- The Knesset Finance Committee convenes to approve the allocation of nearly NIS 100 million ($33 million) in funds for Charedi education institutions, part of a larger NIS 1 billion ($331 million) transfer that was halted in December by the High Court of Justice.

- New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer will introduce a bill today that would eliminate the so-called “marriage penalty” for the state and local tax deduction (SALT). The bill would allow married couples to deduct $40,400 each for the 2026 tax year, essentially granting them double the amount for single filers. (One jersey schorr)

- The Bnei Brak municipality has expanded its late-night business restrictions to include vending machines, banning their operation after 10 p.m. Officials said the machines had become gathering spots for youths after restaurants and food stalls were already restricted under the existing bylaw.

Iran War Updates Tuesday April 14

- US State Department: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to start direct negotiations after today's trilateral meeting in Washington

- Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter "We certainly don’t want the French anywhere near these negotiations; we’d like to keep them as far away as possible from pretty much everythingparticularly peace negotiations."

- Israel Hayom: The US has raised two conditions for resuming talks with Iran in Pakistan. One is the full and free opening of the Strait of Hormuz before the talks begin, and the second is that the Iranian delegation will have authority from the IRGC to cut a deal, according to two diplomatic sources involved in the talks

- President Donald Trump says that Iran talks could resume in Pakistan over the next two days, according to an interview with the New York Post.

- American Airlines has extended the suspension of its flights to Israel, it will not resume operations until at least September 8.

- Hezbollah bombards northern Israel as Lebanese and Israeli envoys meet in DC

- The IDF Home Front Command on Monday adjusted its wartime guidelines, conditionally permitting educational activities in parts of northern Israel while limiting gatherings in the Jerusalem area and the south, amid the ongoing fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the shaky ceasefire in Iran.

- An IDF reservist was killed and three were injured when a Humvee overturned in southern Lebanon on Sunday night, name is  Ayal Uriel Bianco Z"L, 30,  from Katzrin.

- More than 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports,” the US Central Command says in a statement.

- Reuters : The US and Iran may return to negotiations as early as the end of the week - but a date has not yet been set

- 10 IDF soldiers wounded, 3 seriously, in Bint Jbeil clash with Hezbollah

- Mossad Director Barnea: "Our commitment will only be fulfilled when the extremist regime in Iran is replaced. We did not think the mission would be completed immediately after the fighting subsided. Still, we planned and planned that our campaign would continue and be manifested even in the period following the attacks on Tehran."

- Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon  will take place today in Washington.

- The MarineTraffic tracking service shows a largely empty Strait of Hormuz as the American military enforces a naval blockade on Iran.

- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Due to the current situation, Italy is suspending the automatic renewal of the security agreement with Israel

- NYT: During the talks in Pakistan, the US demanded that Iran freeze its nuclear program for 20 years, not permanently. The idea was intended to allow Iran to claim it did not completely abandon its nuclear program. Instead, Tehran proposed suspending the nuclear program for five years - similar to the Iranian proposal in the February talks, and Trump also refused then.