Oif Simchas Sunday 11 Kislev

Chasunas:

Franken - Chapler Bais Faiga

Feigenbaum - Wolbe Ateres Reva

Cortell - Horowitz Fountain Ballroom 

Mittleman  - Efargan Ateres Blima

Cohen - Jurkowitz Ateres Chaim Elazar 

The Best Seven Weeks of the Year, Chizuk From Within

 The time between Sukkos and Chanukah is one of the best stretches of the year for learning. It’s seven straight weeks with no interruptions, no snow days, and a full return to routine after the Yomim Tovim. This is when kids and yeshivos settle back into the daily grind and really pack in the learning. And it’s not only the children  adults also get back into their regular sedorim, with no Yom Tov or vacation days breaking the momentum. For working families too, this is the period where the steady 9-to-5 rhythm shines.

Yet even during these precious weeks, we get mixed messages. High-end Yarchei Kallah programs and luxury vacations are constantly promoted and highlighted, adding pressure to a time that should remain simple, focused, and free from the push toward extravagant getaways. It creates the feeling that maybe now is the season to spend money and travel  when in reality, this stretch is perfectly designed for stability, consistency, and growth.

There’s another point that blurs the real picture: we’re told that true chizuk requires flying off to another country, being wined and dined, hearing exotic shiurim from star maggidei shiur, and getting VIP access to gedolim as if that’s what gives a person the spiritual charge to carry them through the winter after the Yamim Noraim.

But the truth is far simpler. You can walk into BMG or any yeshiva or local beis medrash and see real people learning, day in and day out, with no fanfare and draw the exact same chizuk, if not more. These programs unintentionally send the message that what the average person is doing at home isn’t enough, that real growth requires a high-end getaway costing thousands of dollars. In reality, the opposite is true.

If we would only realize that everything we’re searching for inspiration, consistency, and renewal  is right in our own backyard.

Sunday November 20 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 45° Periods of rain. Chance of rain 90%.

Parts of New York and New Jersey could be blanketed with up to five inches of snow on Tuesday as a potential Nor’Easter is set to hit the East Coast. Ocean county will see flurries.

Yartzeit today 10 kislev of Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer zatzal

Rav Moshe Mordechai Epstein Zatzal

 -Monday rt 9 Northbound all lanes closed North of CR 547/8th St in Lakewood Twp due to downed pole and wires. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour

- Trump: We’ve got to get BAD PEOPLE out of our Country, and FAST. What the Biden Administration, and a Rigged Election, did to the United States of America must never be forgotten. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN

- Giyus: Rav Dov Landau at Yeshiva Meor HaTorah:  With deep pain we say: there are provocateurs who spread slander and speak falsely about the roshei yeshiva, shlita  as if, chas v’shalom, there were some forbidden agreement that bnei Torah from the sefardi communities should abandon a wellspring of living waters and turn instead to broken cisterns. Chas v’shalom, chas v’shalom!

May the mouths of the liars be silenced; may HaShem forgive them. Woe to them for the disgrace to Torah that they force us to even address such wicked lies and fabrications. Woe, woe to them!”

- Lakewood zoning board meeting tomorrow large crowd expected as the application for a prospect street shopping center and 48 homes will be heard. 

- Trump: The Presidential Ballroom, which I am building at the White House, with all private donations and funding (ZERO cost to the American Taxpayer!), will be, at its completion, the most beautiful and spectacular Ballroom anywhere in the World! It is something that has been needed and desired at the White House for over 150 years, but something which no other President was equipped to do — But I am, and as long as we are going to do it, we are going to do it RIGHT. It will be a magnificent addition to the White House, the most important since the building of the West Wing!

- Chanukah displays are out in full as local stores prepare for the season with chanuka in 2 weeks.

- Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel shlita in Lakewood for S Fallsburg Melava Malka davend this morning at the sefardi shul zichrin Binyomin to hear Birchas Kohanim

-Last night Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita came to visit Rav Meir Stern at the Passaic Yeshiva Melave Malka and spoke briefly divrei bracha

Earlier today Rav Moshe Hillel paid a visit to the home of the Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva Rav Malkiel Kotler.

- Satmar rebbe Rav Zalman Leib Teitelbaum is in Lakewood today for several private fundraiser visits the rebbe spoke to a crowd at the enclave senior development.

- Water rate increase for Lakewood MUA customers on Tuesday Dec the MUA will vote to increase sewer rates Beginning January 1, 2026 residential, commercial, and industrial sewer 

rates will be increased by an additional 2% from the previously approved increase. 

- Giyus: HaModia newspaper, which is associated with the Gur Chassidus and Agudah, devoted an extensive article this morning to the draft-law proposal and presented it under the headline: “A law aimed at drafting 23,000 Charedim within three and a half years,” a wording that reflects deep concern.

The article presents the recruitment targets as a jarring message to the Charedi public: an increase of 3,000 charedi soldiers per year  triple the average of recent years. Alongside this, the package of sanctions is detailed: revocation of driver’s licenses, a ban on leaving the country, blocking access to academic studies, and cuts to yeshiva funding. The Hamevaser newspaper too had an editorial against the current version of the bill.

- The Jackson School District has lowered the minimum bid for the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School property from $54.4 million to $44.4 million. The property is iff South Hope Chapel Road  at the Lakewood border and includes a 126,305-square-foot school building, five modular classrooms, athletic facilities, administrative offices, and a cafetorium with a full kitchen.

- Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu submitted a formal request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog, the head of state said Sunday. “The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications,” Herzog’s office stated.“After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request.”

- Say Cheese Jackson Pizza last day sale today sadly closing.

- Lakewood man is facing multiple arson charges following a series of fires that broke out Saturday night, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced. On Sunday, Israel Salgado-Miron, 39, of Lakewood, was charged with Aggravated Arson and two counts of Arson in connection with three separate incidents that occurred the night before around Lakewood.

- Catching on, Parents in Monmouth County are trying to raise their kids like it’s 1995 fewer screens, more real-life interaction, and even old-school house phones making a comeback. Nj.com

- The Satmar Rebbe, Rav Aaron Teitelbaum, spoke last night at a dinner in Williamsburg, where he addressed concerns about what he witnessed during his recent visit to Eretz Yisroel. In comments captured on video, the Rebbe said he saw American bochurim in Israel “falling instead of shteiging,” wandering the streets without proper supervision, structure, or guidance. He did not specify whether he was referring to chassidish bochurim or others. The Rebbe also did not visit any of the major Litvish yeshivos during his trip.

- Giyus: last night Motzoei Shabbos at the gathering celebrating the completion of Seder Moed by the Oraysa learning program, Rav Yitzchak Yosef delivered an emotional and forceful speech addressing the draft crisis and the recent arrests of yeshiva students by military police. He stated that “almost all” of those being detained are Sephardi bochurim, and he urged the community to strengthen its commitment to Torah learning as a way to overturn the harsh decrees.

- Lakewood bikur cholim representatives head to the kever of the Bas Ayin who's yartzeit is this Tuesday to daven for supporters of the organization 

Rav Moahe Hillel Hirsch With Rav Malkiel Kotler today in Lakewood 

Chinuch Q&A At TU Convention

Shailos Uteshuvos sessions at the recent Torah Umesorah convention last week regarding  various topics on chinuch pertaining to general and more specific. See several videos below.

Chinuch Habanos: With Rav Nechemia Gramma and Rav Uri Deutsch

Motzei Shabbos Vayetzei News Updates Lakewood

Weather: Tonight low 27° Cloudy.

Tomorrow 49° Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. Chance of rain 60%.

Tuesday Dec 2, Inland Monmouth and Ocean counties could see snow flurries. 1 to 3 inches expected in northwestern New Jersey.

- Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch came to visit Rav Meir Stern at the Passaic Yeshiva Melave Malka and spoke briefly divrei bracha.(TY)

-Powerball lottery jackpot 719 million drawing tonight

- Pirchei lakewood boys melava malka at Bais Faiga hall $20 per child 

-Yeshiva S. Fallsburg alumni event at Bnos Devorah with the Rosh Yeshiva shlita 

- Trump: To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

- Following the ruling in Ponovezh yeshiva Rav Shmuel Markowitz launches והקמותי  findraiser campaign for the 

- Global airlines scrambled to fix a software glitch on Airbus A320 jets on Saturday as a partial recall by the European planemaker halted hundreds of flights in Asia and Europe and threatened US travel over the busiest weekend of the year. Airlines worked through the night after global regulators told them to remedy the problem before resuming flights. Several carriers on Saturday said they had finished or nearly completed the fix to their fleets, including American Airlines, Air India, Delta Air Lines, and Hungary’s Wizz Air. Many reported no impact on operations.

- FBI Director Kash Patel says the files found in "Burn Bags” related to the Trump-Russia probe will all be made public: "You're going to see everything found in that room. Through investigation, public trial, or disclosure to the Congress.”

- American shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion online on Black Friday, up 9.1% from last year, final data from Adobe Analytics showed.

- An Afghan national was arrested this week after posting a video of himself on TikTok indicating he was building a bomb with an intended target of the Fort Worth area, according to DHS

 

 

Melava Malka aheadbof the yartzeit of the Bas Ayin W Reb Meilich Biderman

At the Oraysa Siyum on seder Moed in Yerushalayim tonight at D City arena

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת ויצא תשפ"ו

 וְהָיָה זַרְעֲךָ כַּעֲפַר הָאָרֶץ וּפָרַצְתָּ יָמָּה וָקֵדְמָה וְצָפֹנָה וָנֶגְבָּה וְנִבְרֲכוּ בְךָ כָּל מִשְׁפְּחֹת הָאֲדָמָה וּבְזַרְעֶך

Friday, November 28, 2025 / ח׳ כסלו תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת ויצא

Candle lighting 4:14 pm

Shkiah/sunset  4:32 pm

weather Friday night low 29° Clear skies, Shabbos day 44° Mainly sunny. 

Friday November 28 News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, November 28, 2025 / ח׳ כסלו תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת ויצא

Candle lighting 4:14 pm

Shkiah/sunset  4:32 pm

weather today 42° sunshine Higher wind gusts possible. 

Friday night low 29° Clear skies, Shabbos day 44° Mainly sunny. 

Tuesday could bring the first widespread bout of winter weather to New Jersey.

-Trump Declares Biden's Autopen Documents Terminated and Without Force

Trump announced that roughly 92% of Biden's documents used an autopen without his specific approval, making them illegal in his view. He canceled all such executive orders and actions not personally hand-signed by Biden, threatening perjury charges if claimed otherwise

- " The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him. 

I am hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally." - President Donald J. Trump

Black friday today see deal on Dansdeals 

Best buy website was down briefly

- Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch will be spending this Shabbos in Lakewood. There will be a shiur and an Oneg tonight in the 14th Street area. Tefillos will take place at Beis Medrash Khal Chasidim.

- Rav Gershon Ribner shlita, currently in Eretz Yisroel, held his Leil Shishi Hashkafa Q&A at the Beis Medrash of Rav Don Segal shlita, with hundreds of American bochurim in attendance.

- Moadim L’Simcha will be coordinating a food distribution to provide basic items as food prices continue to soar and the remaining Yomim Tovim stock runs low.

- Rav Meilech Biderman will lead a Melaveh Malka this Motzei Shabbos in advance of the yahrtzeit of the Bas Ayin. The event will take place in the Boyan shul, with thousands expected to attend.

- BDE: Petirah of Mr. Bobby Gruenebaum z”l, Monsey formerly the owner of  Gelbstein’s Bakery in Lakewood and Gruenbaums bakerybin Washington Heights. He was 78 years old.The levaya is scheduled to take place at 10 am on Friday morning at KAJ, 2 Dover Terrace. Kevurah will be held at the King Solomon Cemetery in Clifton, NJ.

- Satmar rebbe recited Kiddush Levana upon his return to Newark airport

- President Trump said last night that his administration will permanently stop immigration from all Third World countries following the death of a National Guard member during an attack near the White House.

- Degel HaTorah and Shas are facing heavy criticism from other factions after filing criminal complaints accusing certain speakers of incitement to murder.

Opponents say the parties are trying to distract the public from the ongoing controversy surrounding the mass-draft of yeshiva bochurim, claiming Degel and Shas have quietly agreed to major compromises.

Critics argue that the statements labeled as “incitement” were clearly not incitement, and that Degel and Shas themselves have used harsh rhetoric for years. They call this a case of “the one with the flaw accusing others of his own flaw.”

There were earlier episodes in which severe verbal attacks were made against the Torah community  calling them criminals and “deserving of punishment”  as well as past incidents of intimidation and even attempted violence against Peleg-aligned individuals. Rabbonim and community leaders stress that legitimate public protest is not incitement, and the Bnei Torah community will not accept moral lectures from political actors who have themselves contributed to escalating tensions.

- A fire broke out in the historic Sadigura Kloiz Kedisha in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, after a mentally disturbed individual entered the building while the guard briefly stepped away. The blaze caused significant damage before being brought under control, and police arrested the suspect at the scene. The nearly 180-year-old shul, built by Rav Yisroel of Ruzhin, is a major landmark in the Chassidic world and served as the center of the Sadigura dynasty for generations.

-A majority of likely voters under 40 say they want to see a “Democratic Socialist” win the next presidential election. Support is strongest among young Democrats, while young Republicans mostly oppose it. The trend highlights growing interest in socialist-leaning policies among younger Americans.

Satmar rebbe kiddush Levana at Newark Airport upon his return from EY

Oif Simchas Thurs 8 Kislev

Chasunas:

Pinter - Weiss Bais Faiga

Somer - klagsburn  Ateres Esther 

Botnick - Bauman Ateres Blima

Newhouse - Hoffman Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

- Rav Shraga Samuels shlita will deliver a shiur tonight in Lakewood at B"M Ohr Moshe Serdehelli at 26 Deena ct Ridge area

Last night At the Slabodka reception in Lakewood  

Israel News Thurs November 27

 Day 783

-The US has reportedly given Lebanon until Dec. 31 to disarm Hezbollah, or accept responsibility for what follows.

- The U.S. has given Israel a green light for operations inside Lebanon if required.

 Israeli officials discuss “security sovereignty” — possible buffer zone south of the Litani River. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack: “If Israel feels threatened, it will respond anytime and anywhere.”

- Unconfirmed reports that an IDF airstrike tonight successfully targeted the remaining Hamas terrorists holed up in tunnels on the Israeli side of the yellow line in Rafah killing many.

- Israeli forces kill two wanted Palestinian terrorists after apparent surrender in West Bank The IDF and Israeli Police announced that the incident, which occured during ongoing counterterrorism operations in the West Bank, is under investigation.

- Wall Street Journal: Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to Hezbollah over the past year through various businesses in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which allows bypassing sanctions on Iran. The report describes a simple way to transfer huge sums to the terrorist organization: "Funds are deposited with a dealer in Dubai and immediately withdrawn by a dealer in Lebanon."

Thursday November 27 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 46° overcast during the afternoon Winds15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Tonight cold low of 30°

- President Trump announces 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom has passed away from her injuries after allegedly being shot by an Afghan illegal alien in Washington, D.C. 

- A two-car crash at Clifton Avenue and Main Street in Lakewood sent both vehicles onto the sidewalk, with one skidding on its side into the storefront of Town Appliance. Emergency crews responded quickly, and no serious injuries were reported. The driver who caused the crash was identified as a  27 year old suspect wanted in the state of  Maine for a bank robbery yesterday and was arrested at the scene by Lakewood police.

- The new version of the giyus  legislation is likely to face a significant challenge before the High Court, which struck down the previous law in 2017 and last year ordered the government to begin drafting charedi men into the IDF

- The ultra-Orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas announce they will resume voting with the coalition, after boycotting government votes over the issue of drafting  Charedim to the IDF

- Rav Mottel Dick shlita R"Y Heichal Eliyohu in Monsey will deliver a shiur pesicha on maseches Yevamos at Kollel Mechanchim in Khal Brookwood 21 Louisiana Prkwy Jackson  5:45 pm

- Expect heavy gridlock traffic in Lakewood this afternoon, as many schools will be dismissing early beginning at 2:30 PM, leading to increased pickup congestion.

- Several girls’ schools are closed today due to a lack of available busing. Instead of a regular school day, the schools have designated it as an in-service day for staff. Schools affected include Bais Faiga, Bnos Rivka Rochel, and others.

- Thanksgiving Day Store Hours:

Closed: Aldi, BJ’s, Costco, Lidl, Sam’s Club, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart.

Open (hours vary): Starbucks, ShopRite.

-Kashrus PSA: Burman’s Ketchup (Aldi brand) now once again carries OU certification at some locations after it was briefly removed for a few weeks. (It may be new or perhaps leftover from old run)

As always, it’s important to check each product’s label, since hashgacha status can change without notice. 

- Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales have begun in many Lakewood-area clothing and specialty stores, with discounts of up to 50% off and various BOGO offers now available

- School placement vaad: Attention Lakewood parents applying for primary for Sep 2026 if you were not accepted yet into school call the school placement Vaad. For Boys call 732-440-8234 732-945-4992 or email lkwdschools@gmail.com for Girls call 732-945-4992 or email byplacement@gmail.com due to to anticipated shortfall for this coming year it is advised to reach out asap. 

- A special Thanksgiving Day learning program will be held at Bais Medrash Kol Chaim, 618 Carranette. The program will feature shiurim delivered by Rav Yehoshua Abba Busel and Rav Uri Deutsch.

- The Satmar Rebbe, Rav Aaron, departed Eretz Yisrael today after a 10-day trip. The Rebbe flew to Athens, and following a brief stopover, is now on his way back to Newark Airport via Emirates Airlines.

- Giyus: Chacham Tzion Buaron Shlita spoke out strongly against the developing draft bill, criticizing Shas and Degel Knesset members for “selling out” weaker Sephardi bochurim. He warned that several Sephardi yeshivos may close, while others could see enrollment drop by 50%. He noted that Ashkenazi yeshivos are stronger and unlikely to face drafting issues, whereas many weaker Sephardi boys lack strong family support, coming from more traditional backgrounds.

- Giyus: Prime Minister’s Office personnel  claim

The draft conscription law presented today  something that has not been done since the founding of the state  will lead to the enlistment of about 23,000 Haredim within three and a half years; four times the average until now and four times the targets set in the original Liberman-Gantz law. The law combines sanctions and strict restrictions for failing to meet the targets. This is an excellent law, and this law will pass.(Amit Segal)

- DC National Guard Shooting Update:

The shooter drove from Washington State to Washington, D.C., to intentionally carry out this heinous act.

National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Andrew Wolfe (24) remain in critical condition after being shot near the White House. Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who served 10 years in the Afghan Army alongside U.S. Special Forces, was admitted to the U.S. under Biden (2021) and approved under Trump (2025). A relative says he has a wife and five sons but is unsure of his motives. 500 more National Guard members will be deployed. FBI and CIA confirm Lakanwal had prior ties with U.S. partner forces.

- On Wednesday, Shas and United Torah Judaism submitted a formal complaint to the Israel Police against a senior member of the Peleg Yerushalmi, accusing him of incitement to murder and calls for violence following extreme remarks broadcast on the faction’s telephone information lines.

The recordings, heard by thousands of callers, compared chareidi public representatives to Nazis and appeared to encourage harm. Among the statements cited was:"If we had today the Sanhedrin of old, they wouldn’t just be protesting outside the homes of those so-called shluchei derabbanan. They would simply burn them with fire."

In response, the Peleg Yerushalmi individual  told Kan Moreshes: "I do not apologize  I did not threaten. If the ultra-Orthodox Knesset members advance a law that allows forcibly drafting someone into the army and turning him secular, then yes, the Sanhedrin would likely have judged them to be burned."

- Last night the Vizhnitz rebbe of Bnei Brak celebrated the wedding of a grandchild in New Square.

Satmar rebbe heads back to the US from EY

Giyus Draft Law Publicized Ahead of Deliberations

More on the bill.

The bill cancels all draft orders issued to haredim since 2023, effectively resetting the system and granting a kind of retroactive “amnesty” to those who received call-up notices under the previous legal vacuum.

The bill also introduces a limited recognition of “civil-security service.” Up to 10% of the annual draft target could be fulfilled through service in bodies such as the police, the Prison Service, or other security-related frameworks.

In addition, men who grew up in the Charedi school system but have since become less observant would still be counted toward the charedi quota if they enlist.

Summary of Key Differences Between Bismuth’s Draft and Edelstein’s Earlier Proposal

Sanctions on Individuals:

Bismuth’s bill keeps personal sanctions on draft evaders but significantly softens them. Sanctions apply only until roughly age 26 (sometimes 23 for certain measures), after which a non-enlisted man can regularize his civil status. Possible sanctions include: suspension of a driver’s license, travel restrictions, and work limits outside designated study hours.

Earlier drafts considered much harsher financial penalties, such as cutting tax benefits and scholarships  measures not included in Bismuth’s version.

Sanctions on Yeshivos:

Yeshiva funding would be tied to meeting 75% of their recruitment targets; institutions falling short would face partial budget cuts, not full defunding.

There are no intrusive enforcement mechanisms such as biometric time clocks that were discussed in tougher proposals. Critics argue this leaves the law largely symbolic.

- PM office optimistic the law will pass.

Prime Minister’s Office personnel claim

The draft conscription law presented today something that has not been done since the founding of the state will lead to the enlistment of about 23,000 Charedim within three and a half years; four times the average until now and four times the targets set in the original Liberman-Gantz law. The law combines sanctions and strict restrictions for failing to meet the targets. This is an excellent law, and this law will pass.(Amit Segal)

The giyus draft law that will exempt bochurin from serving in the IDF has formally been publices by the house and foreign relations committee chair Boaz Bismut. The committee will have a marathon of hearings in it next week.

The law includes quotas and sanctions if the numbers are not met.

It already faces backslash from knesset members vowing to oppose it

Yuli Edelstein “This is not a draft law.” 

 Naftali Bennett: “We will fight the exemption law.”

Lapid: “An anti-Zionist disgrace.”

Eisenkot: “A national disgrace.”

In the published draft, it is written that national civilian service in auxiliary units of the Prime Minister’s Office is considered “service,” and that a Charedi individual is defined as someone who studied in religious institutions from age 14 to 18. In other words, the law sets recruitment targets not from among current yeshiva students  but from among “graduates of the  Charedi education system.”

According to the draft, the targets have increased compared to the leaked version  8,160 bochurim  will be recruited in the first year to military and civilian service. After that, a decrease: 6,840 in the second year, 7,920 in the third, and in the fourth year no fewer than 8,500. From the fifth year onward, according to the draft, 50% of each annual cohort of Charedi-education graduates will be recruited. However, this includes those drafted into civilian service as well, not only military service.

In the draft prepared by the previous committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, only those who enlist in combat or combat-support roles are counted toward the quotas while all other forms of civilian service are not counted toward the recruitment quota.

Senior officials in Agudat Yisrael stated: “The matter is currently under review, and in the coming hours we will bring it before the leading Torah authorities for a decision.”

Reporter Amit Segal says at first glance, the draft-exemption law appears to set a dramatically higher initial recruitment target of 8,160. However, the first recruitment year actually spans a year and a half, because the first recruitment period is defined as ending on June 30, 2027. Only then will we begin to know whether the targets are being met at all, and the sanctions mechanism will begin.

Thanksgiving: Harmless Holiday or חוקת הגויים

By Rabbi Yehuda Spitz Ohr Somayach

 One of the interesting aspects of being American and living in the ‘Medina shel Chessed’ is dealing with secular holidays. A day off from work, more time to learn, and suspended Alternate Side parking rules are always appreciated. Of these holidays, Thanksgiving is by far the most popular among Yidden, with many keeping some semblance of observance, generally as a way of saying ‘Thank You’ and showing a form of Hakaras HaTov to our host country. Although all agree that showing Hakaras HaTov is prudent, on the other hand, it is well known that many contemporary poskim were very wary of any form of actual Thanksgiving observance. This article sets out to explore the history and halachic issues of this very American holiday.

Why Thanksgiving?

Oif Simchas Wed 7 Kislev

Chasunas:

Simon - Mordowitz Fountain Ballroom 

Lichtshein  - Hershkowitz Ateres Blima 

Friedman - Fried Ateres Esther

Wechsler - Levovits Cedar Palace

- A community-wide kabolas panim will take place tonight to welcome Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita to Lakewood as he visits to raise funds for Yeshivas Slabodka. The event will be held at the Eagle Ridge Ballroom, and will feature a livestream Q&A with Rav Dov Landau shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, at 8:30 PM

Wednesday November 26 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 62° Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon.

- Trump blasts ‘disastrous’ Biden over refugee program that allowed alleged Afghan DC guardsmen shooter into US. “His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden, a disastrous president, the worst in the history of our country.”

- Washington DC terror attack: The  gunman who shot two National Guard troops in a possible terror attack near the White House Wednesday has been identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the US during the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, law enforcement sources told The NY Post.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal was allegedly lying in wait before he rounded the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 p.m., then opened fire, striking a female guard in the chest before shooting her in the head, according to law enforcement sources.

BDE: Petirah of Mrs. Chana Brodsky A"H almana of Reb Gedalya Z"L zfrom Lakewood/Highland park Lwvaya tomorrow 10:00am at the Lakewood chapel off 7th street. Sons are Reb Shmuel Meir, R' Avrohom R' Yehoshua R' Dovid. Shiva at 49 maple wood westgate.

-Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday, with at least one critically wounded. Gov. Patrick Morrisey first announced both had died but later retracted the statement, saying he was receiving conflicting information. President Trump commented that "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, will pay a very steep price.  He praised the National Guard, military, and law enforcement, offering support.

- Investigators search burned Lakewood home for possible victims 

As firefighters contained the blaze to the one house at 224 5th street, Lakewood Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr said. There were no known victims the next morning and no injuries reported. But squatters were believed to have been living there and may have started a fire for heat or cooking that got out of control. Investigators will be sifting through the wreckage to determine whether there are any victims. Firefighters were unable to enter the structure because it had been deemed dillapidated and unstable prior to the blaze, he said.

- Rabbi Moshe Indig, Satmar Ahronim leader who endorsed Mamdani, defends move in Mishpacha magazine interview “Getting guarantees from him before the election gives me critical leverage afterward if he fails to be a friend, I can call him on his promise to be there for us.

MM:How can you support someone who openly condemns Israel and threatens to arrest its prime minister? Did Satmar’s position on Zionism play a role in your decision?

RMI: I don't involve myself in foreign affairs and international politics. I’m only interested locally, here in New York, in what is in the best interest of our community now. I didn’t take Israeli politics into account at all.

MM: Do you believe he is not an anti-Semite?

Not any more than any other politician in New York, no more than Cuomo or anyone else. The truth is that it is irrelevant. I only need to be able to work with people, I don’t have to trust them. I’ve been able to work with many officials who were much more anti-Semitic than the worst accusations against Mamdani, and I am secure in the decision that I can work with him. Getting guarantees from him before the election gives me critical leverage afterward if he fails to be a friend, I can call him on his promise to be there for us. His voting record in the Assembly also benefited our community.

- From the Aguda chairman's take.. "By us, thank you is not just a polite expression, but an acknowledgement of a relationship. In secular America, the holiday of Thanksgiving is celebrated. (Rav Moshe Feinstein has several teshuvos regarding the propriety of celebrating the day, analyzing whether it is a religious holiday or not. See Igros Moshe Even Ha’ezer 2:13). Tonight is known as Thanksgiving Eve, and in many cities, it is the worst drunk-driving night of the year. The celebrations begin early, and they are intense, gratitude expressed not by remembering, but by forgetting, not with humility, but with self-indulgence. As Yehudim, we know differently. We live with gratitude, but inspired by the parashah, we take the opportunity to say "Baruch Hashem we are here, healthy and well…and the Ribbono shel Olam should help us veiter, continuing to shower us with His love."

-  Donald Trump celebrated the dismissal of the Georgia case brought by DA Fani Willis, calling it proof that the prosecution was corrupt and politically motivated. He accused Willis and Nathan Wade of unethical behavior, misuse of taxpayer funds, and targeting him at the direction of President Biden.

- A record 82 million Americans are expected to travel 50+ miles for Thanksgiving (Nov. 25–Dec. 1), according to AAA 1.6 million more than last year and the highest ever. About 73.2 million will drive, up 1.8% from 2024. The worst traffic is expected Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

- Bingo side of slamon $6.99 a lb whole turkey $2.99 a lb 

-Admor M'Pittsburg shlita will be in Lakewood today with a kabolas panim at 269 Ridge ave 7 pm 

 - A community-wide kabolas panim will take place tonight to welcome Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita to Lakewood as he visits to raise funds for Yeshivas Slabodka. The event will be held at the Eagle Ridge Ballroom, and will feature a livestream Q&A with Rav Dov Landau shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, at 8:30 PM.

- New Jersey will reopen Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) applications in January for the first time since August, offering a limited number of slots for about 75,000 children. CCAP helps income-eligible families with child-care costs. Applications and alerts are available at ChildCareNJ.gov.

- Lakewood planning board  meering last night:

At the Planning Board meeting, members repeatedly emphasized Lakewood’s need for more housing, (even as duplex prices have climbed to around $1.3 million, leaving most young couples priced out).

The board heard several applications:

N. Monterey Circle / Central Ave (7 lots):

A resident warned of major safety issues and the loss of all parking near his home. Several board members dismissed his concerns, saying they cannot consider traffic and must follow township ordinances, while another member argued the board does have discretion such as denying lot-width variances to protect residents. The board attorney again stressed the need for housing.

the board Approved with changes one lot removed and the street widened, with a request to the County to ban parking on Central Ave. 

- 11th Street & Lexington (2 lots):

Multiple neighbors cited frequent accidents and serious safety issues.

The application was denied, with the board suggesting the applicant return with a duplex proposal.

- Edgewood & Route 9 (duplexes):

A resident argued the Planning Board lacked jurisdiction because the project does not match the zoning and should be heard by the Zoning Board. Despite the objection, the board approved the application.

- At a large Bnei HaTorah event in Ashdod, Rav i Azriel Auerbach sharply condemned the recent court ruling involving Ponovezh. He said that more than 700 Torah learners were effectively “struck with an axe” by a secular judge who forced them to leave the yeshiva with nothing, causing a major disgrace to Torah and to the late Posek HaDor. He expressed mourning over the situation and prayed that the Torah itself should demand justice for its humiliation.

- Giyus: A failed attempt by IDF military police to arrest a chareidi yeshiva bochur for alleged draft evasion at the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan border sparked a major overnight riot. Police arrived at the bochur’s home, but he was in yeshiva, and word quickly spread as Hundreds of protesters of avreichim and yeshiva bochurim rushed to the scene, leading to large clashes, damage to military police vehicles, and multiple arrests. 2 of the boys from the protest were released later by a judge 

- Authorities are investigating a Monday night fire on 5th Street in Lakewood. The blaze was reported just before 9 p.m., with responders finding the second floor of the building actively burning. Firefighters extinguished the fire, but no details yet on injuries or occupancy. The cause is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Arson Squad, Sheriff’s CSI Unit, Lakewood Police Detectives, and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

- Rising Health insurance premiums for lakewood families Most Americans spend more on healthcare than on groceries or housing. In Lakewood, one family’s annual costs reached $61,000 just to stay insured. In this week’s Kosher Money episode, Rabbi Moishe Katz of United Refuah Healthshare explains Jewish healthshare programs can help families access real medical care without the high insurance costs. While not for everyone, it could save many families and potentially the community millions annually.

- Agudah adds The Emerging Communities Track for the upcoming action summit 

The Emerging Community Builders track is an exclusive forum, bringing together askanim and lay leaders for high-level discussions on collaboration, strategy, and solutions to strengthen and safeguard thriving Torah communities nationwide.

- Toms River HOA finally alows construction of a Eruv FAA news reports After a year and a half of litigation, the Greenbriar Woodlands Condominium Association is finally agreeing to permit Orthodox Jewish residents to construct an eruv, more faanews.com 

- A man traveling from Fort Lauderdale FLL to JFK realized his Tallis and Tefillin were missing just before boarding. After searching with Chaveirim and fearing they’d been discarded, the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed via airport footage that a cleaning crew had accidentally thrown them away. Rabbi Eli Eckstein, airport chaplain, quickly intervened, coordinating with airport officials and the waste management company to halt the garbage truck. Chaveirim volunteers then carefully searched the dumpster and successfully recovered the Tallis and Tefillin before the trash was fully processed.

- President Donald Trump blasted The New York Times on Truth Social, accusing the paper of publishing a “hit piece” that suggested he is losing energy and "showing signs of fatigue." * Trump said he “won the 2024 election in a landslide,” brought his economic and foreign achievements, and said he recently passed a “perfect physical exam and cognitive test,” and is “working harder than ever.”

Israel News Wed Nov 26

Day 782

- According to diplomatic sources, Israel has received a green light from the U.S. to operate in Lebanon. Israel is now using a new term"security sovereignty"which refers to a buffer zone or ground entry south of the Litani.

- A grave alert was issued to Israel’s political leadership as defense officials warned that the current ceasefire is enabling Hamas to reestablish its rule in Gaza, despite Israel’s stated intention of removing the terror organization from power. According to a report aired this evening, the defense establishment informed ministers during last Thursday’s cabinet meeting that Hamas is strengthening, rebuilding its capabilities, and returning to near-complete control of the Gaza Strip.

- Tom Barrack, the U. S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Lebanon and Syria, told the NYT that if Israel senses any threat, “They’re going to respond anytime, anywhere. When the Israelis find these guys, they just take them out,

- About a week ago, Israel sent a proposal to Hamas through intermediaries, according to which all the living terrorists hiding in the underground terror pockets in East Rafah would surrender and be imprisoned in Israel. Afterwards, according to the proposal, the terrorists could be released from Israeli prisons and return to the Gaza Strip on the condition that they declare they are disarming and will not continue to engage in terrorism. The intermediaries conveyed the message to Hamas, and to this day, the terrorists have not agreed to surrender.

- IDF representatives informed the family of the fallen captive, Dror Or, of ZL, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and his identification has been completed. Or, 48, was murdered by Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken captive from Kibbutz Be’eri. His wife, Yonat Or, was also murdered during the onslaught in Be’eri, and their younger children, Noam and Alma, were abducted alive and then returned in a ceasefire deal on November 25, 2023, exactly two years to the day before their father’s body was returned.

- The bodies of two slain hostages now remain held in the Strip those of police officer Master Sgt. Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak.

- At the end of a manhunt for six terrorists in the Rafah area, four were eliminated, two surrendered, and were captured. The terrorists were armed. One of them may be a senior terrorist.

- IDF troops kill Palestinian terrorist who murdered Israeli guard in West Bank last year

Army says Sultan al-Ghani, who fled after killing Gidon Peri in August 2024, was slain in exchange of fire with commando unit south of Jenin

- Israeli forces launched a wide-scale counterterror operation in the northern West Bank overnight, the military and Shin Bet security agency announced on Wednesday morning. The raid was taking place in several Palestinian towns and villages in the northeast of the West Bank, including Tubas, Tammun, and al-Aqaba.

- Turkey, Egypt, Qatar discuss second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal

Turkish officials agreed to continue strengthening coordination and cooperation to eliminate all obstacles, ensure the ceasefire's continuity, and prevent further violations.

Oif Simchas Tuesday 6 Kislev

Chasunas: 

Daniel - Lopian Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Gottdiener - Gabioff Cedar Palace 

Feigenbaum - Klugman Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Weider - Fuchs Ateres Esther

Slomowitz  - Broide Ne'emas Hachaim 

Lazerson  -Feiler Bais Faiga 

Herskovitz - Silberstein Fountain Ballroom 

Weather: 54° Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.

Tuesday November 25 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 57° Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. Chance of rain 50%.

Yartzeit of Rav Baruch Ber Lebowitz ZTL

- Structure fire in Lakewood tonoght at  vacant home on 225  5th street  bet Clifton  ave and Lexington  (where kaparos take place) Multiple agencies batteling the fully engulfed structure up in flames and has spread to a second vacant house. No injuries reported.

- The Stop & Shop on Route 9 at the Lakewood/Toms River  border will be closing next year, according to company officials.

  “Stop & Shop has made the difficult decision not to renew the lease for our store located at 2360 Lakewood Road, in Toms River, New Jersey, as the store was not meeting financial expectations,” in an email responding to questions from The Toms River Times. “Stop & Shop intends to operate the store through the late spring of 2026. All associates will be given the opportunity to transfer to other Stop & Shop locations.”(Jerseyshoreonline)

Trump said his administration is close to finalizing a Russia-Ukraine peace plan, with only a few issues still unresolved. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting with Putin, while another official meets with Ukrainian leaders. Trump said he will meet Putin and Zelenskyy only when the deal is nearly finished and expressed hope the war will end soon.

The Biden admin secretly pressured at least 11 major U.S. airports to convert terminals, hangars, and secure facilities into migrant housing and processing centers. 

- Lakewood parents face additional costs for school busing on Thanksgiving, despite having companies already paid for the service. The LSTA notified schools that there will be no transportation, forcing families to carpool amid early dismissals that disrupt work schedules. Schools are scrambling to find drivers and covering costs out of pocket, asking parents to contribute. The busing contract requires the BOE to provide transportation every school day from September 1 to June 30. Many parents feel the responsibility should remain with the BOE, rather than being shifted onto families, even though drivers deserve a break

- Giyus: The Government Legal Advisor, Gali Baharav-Miara, told Prime Minister Netanyahu that he must take action against Charedi draft evasion following a recent Supreme Court ruling. The Court found the government is not ensuring equitable military enlistment and instructed it to implement effective enforcement measures, including civil actions, even without new legislation.

- Most major box stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day this Thursday, while ShopRite will close early in the afternoon.

- The traffic signal at Route 9 and Oak Street in Lakewood was activated this morning helping motorists make left turns out of Oak street 

- Lakewood planning board meeting today watch live stream Here see agenda here 

- The New Jersey Turnpike Authority approved its 2026 budget, which includes an automatic 3% toll increase for Turnpike and Parkway drivers, effective Jan. 1. This marks the fifth toll hike since 2020. A driver’s group is urging Governor Phil Murphy or Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill to intervene and spare motorists from the increase.

- A community-wide kabolas panim will take place tomorrow night to welcome Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita to Lakewood as he visits to raise funds for Yeshivas Slabodka.

The event will be held at the Eagle Ridge Ballroom, and will feature a livestream Q&A with Rav Dov Landau shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, at 8:30 PM.

- At the Mir Yarchai Kallah in Yerushalayim, participants heard a shiur from Rav Asher Arielli shlita. A siyum was held at the Mercazi B"M with all participants graced by the hanhalas hayeshiva 

- Ukraine agrees to a deal to end the war with Russia, a U.S. official tells Fox News. Russia is likely to reject the peace deal Ukraine agreed to this morning, the Washington Post reported.

- Travel agents report that visiting the kever of the Chofetz Chaim has become difficult, as the Lithuania-Belarus border crossing is closed due to Russian drone activity, creating safety concerns. Some travelers are currently allowed short-term passage, and there is hope that the border will fully reopen under the current peace agreement.

 - The IDF received a casket containing the body of a hostage from the Red Cross, who collected it from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. The IDF will inspect the casket, hold a ceremony, and send the remains to Tel Aviv's Abu Kabir institute for identification.

  

-The Generations OBGYN in Lakewood , Dr Tal practice no longer accepting NJ Family Care

- The Stoliner rebbe shlita from EY is currently in the US with a visit to his chasidim in BorobPark

- NJ Assembly Bill A3992 would sharply strengthen regulations to keep nicotine and vaping products away from anyone under 21. The bill expands the definition of “tobacco product” to include nearly all nicotine-related items  especially disposable and flavored vapes that have avoided regulation. It bans sales or giveaways to people under 21 and significantly raises penalties on retailers ($750 first offense, $1,500 second, $3,000 after), with the possibility of license suspension or revocation for repeat violations. Stores must also post warning signs about the fines.

- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton recently opened a new helistop, expanding its capacity to rapidly transport critically ill and injured patients across New Jersey.

- Tolls on all eight bridges operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will increase in 2026. Passenger vehicle rates will rise to $2 for E-ZPass users and $5 for drivers without E-ZPass. The increase covers major crossings including the Route 1 Trenton–Morrisville Bridge, the I-295 Scudder Falls Bridge, and others.

- Senate report exposes that the Biden administration forced at least 11 airports to house illegal aliens and migrants - despite warnings it might place American travelers at risk

- Giyus: A senior chareidi leader involved in giyus discussions stated that the proposed law is unlikely to pass, and even if it does, it may not withstand Supreme Court review. He suggested the bill, drafted by Shas MK Attias, was mainly to demonstrate effort to the rabbanim and possibly help the community rejoin the government, even without full legislation.

- JCP&L is investing $108 million through 2028 to strengthen the electric grid in fast-growing Ocean County. The county has gained nearly 30,000 residents since 2020, and businesses have requested over 50 MW of new power connections. JCP&L says the rapid growth requires a new approach to reliability and long-term capacity.

In 2025, $21 million in initial upgrades will be completed, including adding and upgrading transformers at a local substation to increase available power and speed up restoration during outages.

Key local projects include:

Lakewood: Replacing over three miles of overhead lines with larger wire and adding underground lines in Leisure Village to strengthen reliability.

Jackson: Installing larger wire on major roads, adding a new line near Six Flags, and placing automated devices to reroute power and reduce outage impacts.

Toms River: Relocating equipment north of Route 37 to safer areas, plus new automatic switching devices to improve service for Leisure Village, southwest Toms River, Manchester, and Lakehurst.

- An Ocean County resident won the $1 million top prize in the $1,000,000 Spectacular scratch-off game. The winning $10 ticket was purchased at Lucky 7 Deli, 408 Route 70 in Lakehurst, from a ticket sold on Monday, Nov. 17.

- AG Pam Bondi CONFIRMS an appeal is underway to ensure James Comey and Letitia James are held accountable for their CRIMES. “We’ll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate APPEAL, to hold Letitia James and James Comey ACCOUNTABLE for their unlawful conduct.”

Hashkafa Q&A

Hashkafa With Rav Gershon Ribner shlita

 Infatuation with President Trump When and where does a bachelor cry out for help Desire and temptation: Do our greats also struggle Importance of self definition before entering a marriage

Oif Simchas Monday 5 Kislev

Chasunas:

Rozenzweig - Rosemnam Ateres Esther

Hochberg - Gorelick Ateres Blima

Pines - Leitman Cedar Palace

Davidowitz - Bressel Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Fogel - Goleventzitz Fountain Ballroom

Lemmer - Delman Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Monday November 24 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 51° Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds

- President Trump has signed an Executive Order formally directing Secretary Rubio to begin the process of designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization

- WH press secretary Karoline Leavitt responds to James Comey taking a victory lap that his indictment was dismissed over "procedural issues" "The DOJ will be appealing this in very short order." "Maybe James Comey should pump the brakes on his victory lap.

- Ponovezh Yeshiva has submitted a formal request to the Tel Aviv District Court seeking judicial approval of the recent arbitration ruling issued by retired judge Dovid Cheshin. The move sets in motion a 15-day window for Rav Shmuel Markowitz to respond, either consenting to the ruling or filing an objection. The lawyer representing said he plans to appeal.

- Rush hour traffic:

Cedarbridge New Hampshire and Ave of the states Traffic lights out police directing traffic.

 Cross Street and Faraday Avenue closed after truck  ripped down electrical wires and a utility pole.

- The Powerball jackpot has jumped to an estimated $654 million next drawing is tonight Monday 11pm

- A federal judge dismissed the indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the appointment of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan in Virginia invalid. The cases were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors could potentially refile the charges based on the same allegations.

- Shatnez update from Vaad L'Mishmeres Shatnez Lakewood, NJ.: Many T.O. coats are being found with shatnez!

Dear Friends, Last month, we sent out a warning about a T.O. woolen coat that was found to contain shatnez. We have now confirmed with many shatnez experts that various T.O. coats have been found this season to contain shatnez. The shatnez was linen-blend scraps found in the woolen coats.

- NJ Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill has appointed a panel of energy experts, including a former U.S. Energy Secretary, to help her move forward on a promise to tackle skyrocketing electric bills.

- Giyus: A senior Haredi official admits the new draft law is intentionally designed to preserve the current situation, drafting only about 3,000 Haredim per year—essentially the same as today. Although the law sets higher targets, it is widely understood that it won’t meet legal standards and is expected to be struck down. According to the official, Attias crafted the bill mainly to show rabbinic leaders that genuine efforts were made, in hopes of paving the way for Haredi parties to rejoin the government even if the law ultimately fails.(Yishai Cohen)

- Lakewood neighbors score second major victory as developer withdraws application from zoning board after strong opposition more 

Local Resident continues fight in the appellate division to overturn lakewood zoning board approval faanews 

- Living expenses continue to climb for Lakewood-area residents as insurance premiums have skyrocketed ahead of the new year. Car insurance rates are up, and tuition costs have increased as schools more aggressively pursue payments, leaving many families struggling to keep up. 

A recent thread on a public forum reflected growing frustration, with several commenters claiming that for an average family to live comfortably in Lakewood, an income of around $400,000 is now essentially required.

- LSTA has notified schools that there will be no public transportation on Thanksgiving Day in order to give their drivers the day off. Schools may arrange their own private busing if needed.However, according to the Board of Education (BOE) contract, bus companies are required to provide transportation on every day that school is in session, regardless of holidays

- Trump claims the U.S. is already generating "hundreds of billions of dollars" from tariffs imposed on other countries. However, he argues the full benefits haven't been realized yet because importers have temporarily avoided payments by "stocking up" on excess inventory. As these stockpiles deplete, he predicts tariff collections will "skyrocket" to record levels, exceeding historic highs and ushering in unprecedented wealth and security for America.

- Fox News reports on the U.S. advancing operations in Venezuela as they look to overthrow Nicolas Maduro. 

Fox News is reporting that the sweeping U.S. buildup in our own hemisphere shows this is about far more than Maduro. “It’s about getting Russia, China and Iran OUT of the western hemisphere.” “Should President Trump order strikes against the Maduro regime… about 30% of all deployed American warships, including Gerald R. Ford, now on station.” “There are over 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles in theater, aboard destroyers, and U.S. Marines aboard the USS Iwo Jima.”

- Trump Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Don’t believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

- Colts Neck School board in Monmouth County unanimously approved a new “Parental Bill of Rights” policy in Colts Neck, allowing parents to be notified and receive information if their child changes pronouns or gender identity at school. Supporters argue it increases transparency, while LGBTQ+ advocates criticize it, saying it could put vulnerable students at risk.

- Colombian authorities detained members of a remnant Lev Tahor group and removed 17 minors from their custody this week, according to local reports. Officials say the families were attempting to re-establish the cult after its recent collapse, but law enforcement discovered the effort and intervened.  

- A letter from Rav Yisroel Yitzchock Kalmanowitz shlita addresses the current gezeiras giyus and the threatened quotas and sanctions. He sharply criticizes certain baalei batim and communal figures who, in his view, have diluted the holy mission of Klal Yisroel through compromises made in the name of “saving the yeshivos” and maintaining financial aid. Instead, he writes, these concessions only invite greater danger and spiritual destruction. Rav Kalmanowitz urges Klal Yisroel to respond with strengthened emunah, renewed dedication to Torah, and a firm stance against outside interference. He calls for distancing the Torah world both in Eretz Yisroel and the United States from financial frameworks that enable governments to impose gezeiros chinuch and threaten the future of the next generation.

­ ­ ­

Israeli News Monday November 24

Day 780

- Body of hostage held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad recovered in central Gazace Nuseirat area

There has been no announcement yet from Islamic Jihad or Hamas on the planned transfer of the body to Israel. The bodies of three slain hostages remain held in the Strip two Israelis and one Thai national: Dror Or, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak.

-  The Israeli Air Force bolstered air defenses in the north for possible rocket fire by Hezbollah from Lebanon, and has also raised its level of alert, military sources said Monday.

- Israeli officials said  that despite the killing of Hezbollah’s chief of staff Ali Tabtabai, thousands of rockets remain in Lebanon, and a possible response may come from another terror group operating there rather than Hezbollah itself, or possibly through Iran or or the Houthis. 

- IDF kills multiple Hamas terrorists attempting to cross Yellow Line. In two separate instances, the IDF killed terrorists attempting to cross into the Israeli-controlled area behind the Yellow Line

The IDF launched a surprise drill near the Lebanon border in Israel's North on Monday, a day after the IDF assassinated Hezbollah's chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, the military announced.

- IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Sunday evening announced that he was dismissing several senior officers and censuring others over their roles in the failures of October 7, 2023.

Zamir summoned the top officers for meetings earlier in the day, after vowing this month to make “personal decisions” regarding the commanders based on the findings of a probe conducted by an external panel of experts. Lower-ranking officers were summoned by Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai.

Most of the commanders who were being dismissed had already resigned from the IDF, making Zamir’s moves largely symbolic. The censured officers will continue to serve in their roles until the end of their tenures, in some cases expected to last several more years.

Oif Simchas Sunday 4 Kislev

Kiddush Levana

Chasunas:

Cohen - Fireworker Ateres Reva

Cohen - Reiss Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Rothstein - Hirsch Fountain Ballroom 

Zimmerman- Sperka Bais Faiga 

Riss- Steier Ateres Blima

Live: Oraysa Global Siyum

oraysa Siyum on Seder Moed at Cure Arena,Trenton New Jersey  

Sunday November 23 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: Tonight 37° Clear skies.

- Reuters reports that DOGE has been disbanded as a standalone entity, with most functions absorbed by the Office of Personnel Management. This occurred with eight months left in its mandate, following leadership departures including Elon Musk in May.

- The United States and Ukraine, in a joint statement, updated and improved Trump's peace plan

- President Trump is expected to announce the "HEALTHCARE PRICE CUTS ACT" as soon as TOMORROW to fix the broken Obamacare subsidy system that gives billions to Big Insurance. The bill would halt Obamacare premium spikes. The plan reportedly includes a DEPOSIT mechanism, putting money into a Health Savings Account, incentivizing lower-premium options. It would also end the premium hikes, end zero-premium subsidies, and STOP massive fraud known as "ghost beneficiaries."

- Trump The Republican Party has never been so UNITED AS IT iS RIGHT NOW! Other than Rand Paul, Rand Paul Jr.(Massie!), Marjorie “Traitor” Brown, and a couple of other “lowlifes,” and other than the fact that many want the Election threatening Filibuster TERMINATED (the Dems will do it in the first minute of their first chance!), and some don’t, there is great spirit and cohesion - Plus, the Republican Party is MUCH BIGGER than it was when I announced in 2015 or, ever was before - Many Millions More Members! We now have the Strongest Border EVER, Biggest Tax Cuts, the Best Economy, Highest Stock Market in USA History, and sooo much more. BUT, THE BEST IS YET TO COME! VOTE REPUBLICAN!!!

 - Tonight Oraysa global siyum at Cure arena in Trenton,NJ attended by thousands with gedolei Roshei Yeshiva and rabbonim 

- Chanukah Habayis Rav Nosson Stein Yeshiva

- Hachnosas Sefer Torah to Yeshiva Mayan Hatalmud procession leaving 1:30 pm from 1401 Brookfield Dr Lakewood to Joe Parker

- Hachnosas Sefer Torah at special children's center 1400 prospect st Lakewood 

- Black Friday deals many local stores offering sales

- LSTA has notified schools that there will be no public transportation on Thanksgiving Day in order to give their drivers the day off. Schools may arrange their own private busing if needed.However, according to the Board of Education (BOE) contract, bus companies are required to provide transportation on every day that school is in session, regardless of holidays.

- Mir Yerushalayim Yeshiva Yarchei kallah gets underway today in Eretz Yisroel

- A number of yeshivos in the tri-state area are adjusting their academic calendars, ending the current school year earlier and starting the next one in mid-August rather than the traditional later date. This trend, seen across various types of mosdos, stems from logistical factors, curriculum considerations, and input from parents and administrators. Yeshiva Orchos Chaim in Lakewood is one example, announcing that this year’s term will end on July 9th (כ״ד תמוז) and the new school year will begin on August 19th (י׳ אלול), a notably earlier start than in past years. Families were asked to note the updated dates and plan their summers accordingly.(Matzav)

- Audio: Divrei zikaron from Rav Baruch Ber Yoffee shlita said last night in BMG on the Yartzeit melava Malka for Rav Aharon Kotler and Rav Nosson Wachtfogel  zatzal

- The Satmar Rebbe’s visit to Eretz Yisroel concludes tonight with a Chanukas HaBayis celebration in Bnei Brak, including the affixing of a mezuzah at a girls’ school and the inauguration of a new Beis Medrash. Following the final events, the chassidim accompanying the Rebbe are scheduled to return home later this evening

- Zohran Mamdani said today Sunday he still believes President Donald Trump is a "fascist," following their high-profile meeting at the White House on Friday.

- Trump tells "Just the News" he will designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. Sources confirmed to the site that the move is expected to come through an executive order, with another law in development as an alternative plan.

- Trump:  The War between Russia and Ukraine is a violent and terrible one that, with strong and proper U.S. and Ukrainian LEADERSHIP, would have NEVER HAPPENED. It began long before I took office for a Second Term, during the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, and has only gotten worse. If the 2020 Presidential Election was not RIGGED & STOLEN, the only thing the Radical Left Democrats are good at doing, there would be no Ukraine/Russia War, as there wasn’t, not even a mention, during my first Term in Office. Putin would never have attacked! It was only when he saw Sleepy Joe in action that he said, “Now is my chance!” The rest is history, and so it continues. I INHERITED A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED, A WAR THAT IS A LOSER FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE SO NEEDLESSLY DIED. UKRAINE “LEADERSHIP” HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA. THE USA CONTINUES TO SELL MASSIVE $AMOUNTS OF WEAPONS TO NATO, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UKRAINE (CROOKED JOE GAVE EVERYTHING, FREE, FREE, FREE, INCLUDING “BIG” MONEY!). GOD BLESS ALL THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN LOST IN THE HUMAN CATASTROPHE! President DJT

- Video: Rav Uri Deutch Rav of Forest Park shul in Lakewood speaking at the Torah Umesorah convention  explains how AI is meant to free us up to be more creative and do the Ratzon Hashem as there's no need to do the research that the computers can do now.

Israel News Sunday November 23

 Day  779

Escalation in Northern front

-Netanyahu: Tabatabai is a mass murderer whose hands are stained with the blood of many

- An addirional four Hezbollah terrorists  were killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut today, in addition to its de facto military leader, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. They are named as Ibrahim Ali Hussein, Rifaat Ahmed Hussein, Mustafa Asaad Barrou and Qassem Hussein Barjawi.

- Israeli officials confirm the elimination of Hezbollah chief of staff was successful 

- IDF targets Hezbollah chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai in Beirut strike 3 killed 25 injured

First Israeli strike on Beirut since July  Israel reportedly did not tell US ahead of hit 

Israeli Security official: Increasing assessment that the elimination attempt in Dahieh succeeded

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirms that the strike in Beirut targeted Hezbollah’s de facto chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai. “A short while ago, the IDF struck, in the heart of Beirut, the Hezbollah chief of staff who led the organization’s military buildup and armament efforts,” Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the strike on the recommendation of the defense minister and the IDF chief of staff,” continues the statement.

- Hostage update: Sources in Hamas told the Asharq Al-Awsat paper that the operation to locate the remaining three murdered Israeli hostages has encountered "major complications". The mediators were told that the the renewed search is accompanied by difficulties.

According to Hamas, there is doubt about the ability to find the three remaining bodies, although it is possible that one of them will be found in northern Nuseirat.

- PM: "We eliminated and captured terrorists from the tunnels in Rafah. “All the talk that 'we must get approvals for this' from this or that party - is simply an absolute lie. We operate independently of anyone. Immediate actions to thwart attacks are carried out by the IDF automatically. Regarding the responses, they go through the Defense Minister and ultimately reach me; we decide independently of any party, and that's how it should be. Israel is responsible for its security."

- latest assessment at the top political level in Israel over the last weekend is dramatic. According to it, the "International Stabilization Force for Gaza (ISF)" will not be established. This is because no country is willing to risk its soldiers.

- Gaza  Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has conducted numerous strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza after repeated ceasefire violations by the terrorist group. 

At least 29 terrorists were eliminated in the following incidents: 

5 eliminated in a strike on a vehicle in the Rimal neighborhood

3 eliminated in a strike near Deir al-Balah

10 eliminated in two separate strikes in Nuseirat

4 eliminated in a strike in Gaza City 

5 eliminated from the Rafah "Tunnel Pocket" group 

2 eliminated after crossing the Yellow Line and attacking IDF forces

- Hamas’s military intelligence unit, numbering about 2,500 terrorists, spent five years systematically collecting information in preparation for the October 7 attack, Army Radio reported. According to IDF assessments, Hamas began this effort in 2018, monitoring nearly 100,000 soldiers and officers on social media.

Motzei shabbos Toldos News Updates Lakewood

 Gut vuch: weather low of 30° Partly cloudy skies. Low around 30F. Winds light and variable.

- Powerball lottery drawing tonight jackpot $629 Million Cash Value$291.6 Million

- Yartzeits of Rav Aharon Kotler zatzal and Rav Nosson Wachtfogel zatzal There will be a Melava Malka and siyum Hashas featuring divrei zikaron from Rav Malkiel Kotler shlita and Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel shlita.at the Yeshiva dining hall 9:00 pm listen live call in # on the conference 857-347-0100 pin 125005

Update: Rav Boruch Ber Yoffee shlita will speak as Rav Elya Ber shlita couldn't make it.

- Ohel Pessel Meet the Shadchan event at Ateres Reva hall participants are encouraged to bring resumes meleva malka will be served 8:30pm

- Parlor meeting for Almana a d 3 Yesomin at 23 Olive court

- The Oraysa global siyum on seder Moed tomorrow evening at the Cure arena in Trenton,NJ there's  $20 tickets available for bochurim.

- Vizhnitz rebbe Rav Srultche of Bnei Brak headed out to the US tonight to attend a Sincha

- Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita will be coming to the US this week to raise funds for Slabodka yeshiva. There will be a event in Lakewood Wednesday evening 

- Israeli Police briefly stopped the music at the Satmar Hadlakas in Meron and threatened to shut down the event after dangerously packed crowds created safety concerns. Organizers called on the crowd to move back and spread out. The Rebbe briefly left the area and returned after police gave the okay to continue.

- Mikie Sherrill suggests N.J. could stop paying federal taxes in swipe at Trump "I think people here in New Jersey agree," she said. Sherrill didn’t elaborate on what that would entail or how New Jersey could withhold federal funds. Still, the comments suggest she’s prepared to use her governorship to challenge Trump directly.

- Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns from congress following Trump critiques 

- Report: Trump and Mamdani Share Unexpectedly Warm White House Meeting, 

Despite past barbs Mamdani once labeled Trump a 'despot,' and Trump called him a 'Communist Lunatic' their Oval Office sit-down on Friday flowed with surprising cordiality. Mamdani pushed for better housing and safety in New York, even teaching Trump to say 'inshallah' amid laughs, while Trump praised him as rational and capable of doing a great job

After meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Mamdani reiterated his accusation that Israel is committing “genocide in Gaza” and argued that U.S. taxpayers are helping fund it. He told reporters that many New Yorkers want their tax dollars spent on local needs rather than supporting actions abroad that violate human rights. Trump did not directly respond to Mamdani’s remarks.

After meeting Mamdani, Trump said: 

"I can say that some of my opinions have changed. We discussed many issues. I won't make public what was discussed, but I am fully confident that he can do a very good job."

- Reporter to Mamdani : "Are you affirming you think President Trump is a FASCIST?"

Mamdani: "I've-"

Trump: "-that's OK. You can just say YES. It's easier than explaining it, I don't mind." *Pats Mamdani on the back.

- Trump: Marjorie “Traitor” Brown, because of PLUMMETING Poll Numbers, and not wanting to face a Primary Challenger with a strong Trump Endorsement (where she would have no chance of winning!), has decided to call it “quits.” Her relationship with the WORST Republican Congressman in decades, Tom Massie of Kentucky, also known as Rand Paul Jr. because he votes against the Republican Party (and really good legislation!), did not help her. For some reason, primarily that I refused to return her never ending barrage of phone calls, Marjorie went BAD. Nevertheless, I will always appreciate Marjorie, and thank her for her service to our Country! President DJT

At the Satmar Shabbos in Meron