Motzei Shabbos Vayigash 5786 News Updates

Weather:  low of 18° Cloudy early partly cloudy after midnight. Tomorrow rain showers in the afternoon

- Caution black ice on hard surfaces and sidewalks 

- What happened to the snowstorm?

The storm that was expected to bring significant snowfall fell short after dry air lingered longer than forecast and warmer temperatures developed in the middle levels of the atmosphere. As a result, much of New Jersey—particularly central areas saw little snow, with precipitation instead falling as sleet and freezing rain, creating more hazardous conditions. Around 0.5 inches fell in the  Lakewood area.

- Melava Malka with Admor Toldos Yehuda Stutchin 9:30 pm at Yeshiva Ktana hall

- Melava Malka in support of Bais Mesrash Breslov Lakewood at  Bnos Devorah hall

-  YTT melava Malka kumzitz in Fountain Ballroom 

- The meeting of the Chassidishe Moetzes in EY that was to take place tomorrow has been canceled due to the Gerrer rebbe not feeling well and would not be able to attend. It was expected to announce a unified stance about the Giyus law currently up for a vote.

- Tefilos for Rav Meir Greineman shlita of Bnei Brak who was hospitalized on shabbos after suffering a medical episode he's from  the last remaining nephews of the Chazon Ish name is Meir ben Tzivia

-New York last week most flu cases ever recorded in a single week (subclade K)

Nationally 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths from flu so far this season. 

New Jersey, Ohio and Maryland have all reached moderate levels of illness, per the CDC data, while New York is the only state in the U.S. with a high level as of Friday.

-Shiva for Rav Nachman Sonenzon Zt"L is at 678 Park Avenue Lakewood shachris 8:30am Mincha 1:30pm Maariv 8:30 pm please do not cone bet 3-5pm or after 10pm

- PM Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Florida on Monday, December 29. This meeting will focus on Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza. 

- Major cities across the West are canceling New Year’s events over credible terror threats.

- A major move for affordability may be coming: President Trump is reportedly convening his economic team at Mar-a-Lago this  week to craft what could be the most aggressive housing plan in U.S. history, with top advisers saying a carefully vetted list of housing ideas will be reviewed for possible action next year.

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת ויגש תשפ"ו

Friday, December 26, 2025 / ו׳ טבת תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת ויגש

candle lighting: 4:19 pm

Shkiah/sunset 4:37 pm

 

Weather:

Tonight: 29° Snow this evening will transition to light rain late. Chance of precip 100%. Snow accumulating 3 to 5 inches.

Shabbos day 35° Snow during the morning will taper off and give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Chance of snow 70%.

הִנֵּ֨ה אֲנִ֚י לֹקֵ֙חַ֙ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מִבֵּ֥ין הַגּוֹיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָֽלְכוּ־שָׁ֑ם וְקִבַּצְתִּ֚י אֹתָם֙ מִסָּבִ֔יב וְהֵֽבֵאתִ֥י אוֹתָ֖ם  אֶל־אַדְמָתָֽם - הפטרה ויגש  

Friday December 26 News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, December 26, 2025 / ו׳ טבת תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת ויגש

candle lighting: 4:19 pm

Shkiah/sunset 4:37 pm

 

Weather:

 Tooday 31° cloudy with periods of snow this afternoon Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.

Tonight: 29° Snow this evening will transition to light rain late. Chance of precip 100%. Snow accumulating 3 to 5 inches.

Shabbos day 35° Snow during the morning will taper off and give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Chance of snow 70%.

widespread snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches in northern half of the state. Up to a foot of snow is possible in some higher elevations in northern New Jersey where intense snow bands could form, the National Weather Service said. For counties south of I-195, expect 1 to 5 inches of mixed snow and sleet, with a glaze of ice possible along and west of the Delaware River.

Halachos for  removing snow and ice on שבת

 Here

- NJ declares state of emergency with up to 9 inches of snow, wintry mix looming in winter storm

-There is USPS mail service today while some Federal offices are closed 

- Fast of Asara B'Teves is this Tuesday 

- The Admor M'Toldos Yehuda Stutchin Rav Mottel Zilber shlita will be spending shabbos in Lakewood all Tefilos and tish will take place at Yeshiva Ktana 120 2nd street

- Admor of Sanz-Zhvill shlita will spend shabbos at the Sanz Klausenberg shul in Oak n Vine the Friday night Peiros tish will be in CHateau Park sefard shul

- Jackson New Mikva in Royal Grove opening today at Chatzos

- BDE: Petirah of Rav Nachman Sonenzon Z"L this morning at the age of 56.

Approximately twenty years ago, on Purim morning, R’ Nachman suffered a heart attack while learning in Beth Medrash Govoha. The episode left him significantly weakened, and he never fully recovered. Since that time, he had been undergoing rehabilitation at home. He was niftar suddenly on Friday morning.The levaya will take place at 1:00 pm in BMG  Yoshon Bais Nedrash on 7th street with Kevurah to follow in the Lakewood bais olam.

Hook up number BMG conference

 (857) 347-0100

 ID: 125005

- Gourmet Glatt Jackson location will open IYH this coming week

- Giyus: Two bochurim from prominent Ashkenazi yeshivos were arrested by the Military Police one from Ateres Shlomo (Sorotzkin) and the other from Chevron Yeshiva (Givat Mordechai).

-  Giyus: The Rosh Yeshiva of yeshivas Kisse Rahamim, Rav Tzemach Mazuz, protested yesterday near Prison 10 together with his talmidim, where a talmid of his is being detained, and sharply criticized the Charedi members of Knesset. Regarding the draft law: “I think it’s a bad law.” Regarding the frum nesset members he siad “None of them called me.” Regarding the arrest of his student: “There are tens of thousands of secular draft dodgers.”

- Today  Friday, December 26, 2025, following President Trump’s declaration of a federal holiday, federal government offices, some federal services like Social Security and passport agencies, and certain U.S. embassies were closed. Most other services including USPS mail delivery, banks, stock markets, and retail stores remained open and operated normally. The holiday affects federal agencies only, while private businesses generally continue regular operations.

- Lakewood Tomchei shabbos adopt a family monthly campaign donate Here 

- Point Pleasant draw bridge to close for two months for maintenance

The Lovelandtown Bridge connecting the borough to Bay Head is scheduled to close for two months beginning Jan. 5 for key repairs, the state Department of Transportation said. Crews plan to re-tension the support cables on the Route13/Bridge Street bridge that passes over the Point Pleasant Canal, officials said.(APP)

- Twelve men were arrested across New Jersey during a six-day undercover operation, targeting attempts to lure minors as undercover agents posted as minors The operation was led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office with multiple law enforcement agencies, and most of those arrested are non-U.S. citizens. including a jackson man who is a nono citizen and was released after his arrest. 

-Amid growing concern over a recent phenomenon in which yeshiva students from abroad coming to Israel are expressing interest in enlisting in the IDF, Rav Yehoshua Eichenstein, rosh yeshiva of Yad Aharon, addressed hundreds of overseas yeshiva bochurim. He contrasted American and Israeli culture and warned against what he described as the ideological agenda behind military conscription. He characterized American culture as “innocent” and rooted in religious freedom, while describing Israel as a Zionist state using the army to shape a “new nation.” He cautioned that conscription, including of women, is designed to weaken religious observance, noting that even many religious-Zionist youth abandon their faith after service.

- Tump will meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The existence of the meeting indicates significant progress in negotiations on Trump's peace plan

- President Donald Trump announced that under his orders, an American strike was carried out last night against ISIS targets in Nigeria. According to him, the Department of Defense executed a series of precise strikes

- Dan Elkayam HYD, a French national who was one of 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering last week in Sydney, Australia, was laid to rest Thursday in Ashdod.Israel

Israel News Friday Dec 26

 Day 812

- Two Killed in Terror Attacks in Northern Israel

A Palestinian terrorist from the West Bank carried out a combined car-ramming and stabbing attack in northern Israel on Friday, killing two people and wounding two others. The attack began shortly after noon on Route 71 near Beit She’an, where the assailant rammed his vehicle into a 16-year-old boy, lightly injuring him, and then struck and killed 68-year-old Mordechai Shimshon HYD. While fleeing toward Afula, the attacker stopped near Kibbutz Ein Harod and fatally stabbed 19-year-old Aviv Maor HYD. Near the entrance to Afula, he attempted another attack, lightly injuring a man, before fleeing on foot. The terrorist was shot and wounded by a civilian, captured by authorities, and taken to a hospital in moderate condition.

Oif Simchas Thursday 5 Teves

Kiddush Levana opportunity 

Chasunas:

Silberman - Werblowsky Ateres Esther 

Juni - Kaufman  Ateres Blima

Storch - Gross Lake Terrace 

- Parlor meeting for Tomchei Shabbos in the Prospect Square neighborhood at Trudy ln.

-At Breslov Shteeble in Jackson Rav Asher Zelig Margulios will speak on Likutei Maharan at 340 Leesville Jackson 9:00 pm

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

Thursday December 25 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 48° partly cloudy this afternoon

No transportation today. Box stores  closed

Updated weather:  Burlington, Camden and Ocean counties - Winter weather advisory from 3 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday. Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze

- A delegation of Chemed personnel met with the Sanzer Rebbe in EY to discuss the possibility of opening a hospital in Lakewood, inspired by the Rebbe’s founding of Laniado Hospital in Netanya.

-A messy winter storm remains on track to hit New Jersey starting Friday afternoon with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected across much of the state and an increased chance of sleet.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for 16 counties expected to see the highest snowfall totals. The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday night, with rates potentially exceeding 1 inch per hour. South of I-195, including Ocean, Burlington and Camden counties, the forecast becomes more uncertain.

These areas remain under a winter storm watch but may see more mixing with sleet and possibly freezing rain, which would reduce total snow accumulations from the current 4 to 6 inches in the forecast.

- Update: The new proposed Belzer community is in Walden, NY off rt 52 in Orange county 20 minutes from Bloominburg and 25 minutes from Ellinville.

- Giyus: Demonstrations of solidarity are taking place outside Prison 10 for a Sephardi bochur who was arrested last night after his parents took him home to Be’er Sheva when he was not feeling well in yeshiva. Additional protests are being held in Jerusalem in front of light rail stations.

- TAG has approved a new Tesla internet-blocking solution developed by CSO Radio, which disables LTE and Wi-Fi while keeping the vehicle fully functional and allowing system updates. The reversible modification costs $275,

- Someone has won the 1.8 billion dollar Powerball jackpot with the winning ticket sold in Arkansas. The winning numbers were 4-25-31-52-59 and 19  New Jersey had nine third-prize Powerball winners, eight worth $50,000 and one worth $100,000. The locations where those tickets were sold has not yet been revealed.

- While  Lakewood area boys elementary schools have already announced their opening dates for the upcoming school year, girls’ schools have yet to make any announcements. Due to the unusual calendar this year with Labor Day falling a week before Rosh Hashanah girls could end up with nearly three weeks off starting from Rosh Chodesh Elul. This situation is creating a nightmare for parents, who are facing added childcare challenges and the extra expense of arranging interim day camps after summer camp ends.

- Rachmastrivka Lakewood has announced the purchase of the property at 613 Prospect Street for the construction of their new school building.

- New Belz yishuv in the tri state area there is already hope that within two to three years it will be possible to establish the new “Kiryat Belz USA,” when the first hundreds of apartments will be ready to accommodate Belz Chasidim and many others as well. It encompasses a gigantic area of more than twelve hundred acres of land, with another fifteen hundred acres under contract. in order to ensure maximum success, the location is being kept hidden from public view for now

- Tonight The Breslov Shteeble in Jackson will host Rav Asher Zelig Margulios who will speak on Likutei Maharan at 340 Leesville Jackson  9:00 pm

- Extending PATH train service to Newark Airport will be delayed for at least 10 years after it was left out of the new capital plan to cover higher costs to replace the aging airport monorail system.

- Giyus: The Chasidishe Moetzes of Agudas Yisroel in EY is expected to convene this  Sunday  afternoon at Moshav Ora with the Admor of Vizhnitz

- The Stoliner Rebbe addressed smartphone use, acknowledging that technology is now unavoidable but insisting on strict safeguards and filtering. He rejected total bans as unrealistic, comparing devices to other necessary but potentially dangerous tools, while stressing that technology is not a religious necessity and must be used with responsibility and restraint.

- Toms River MUA commissioners voted to continue receiving full taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits despite working about one hour per month. The benefits, included in the 2026 budget, have drawn criticism from Mayor Dan Rodrick, who called the arrangement political patronage and vowed to end it. In nearby Lakewood, MUA commissioners who are politically appointed and connected receive about $15,000 in annual compensation plus full health benefits for roughly the same one hour of work per month.

- Zohran Mamdani disclosed that his transition team raised $3.7 million ahead of his Jan. 1 inauguration, far more than recent New York City mayors raised before taking office.

- Thousands of people are expected to gather today on the banks of the Delaware River in Titusville, New Jersey and Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania for the 73rd annual reenactment of General George Washington’s daring crossing of the river on the night of December 25, 1776.

- Russian strategic bombers approached Britain, prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets in response, The Mirror reports. The Russian Ministry of Defense called it a “routine flight” over neutral waters in the Barents and Norwegian Seas.

- Last week, the Boro Park Matzah Bakery on 14th Avenue in Brooklyn was destroyed by a fire that took firefighters seven hours to extinguish. The bakery’s owner, R’ Chaim Brown, a Vizhnitz chassid, stood across the street, distributing flyers and declaring “Ein Od Milvado” emphasizing that everything Hashem does is for the good. Despite the financial loss, he explained that the fire was an act of Hashem and promised to hang a large sign proclaiming the same message to the community. Which he did this week.

JHS: The History and Observance of Nittel Nacht in Modern Times

JHS: The History and Observance of Nittel Nacht in Modern Times

Wednesday December 24 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 47° Sunny and windy. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Watching a potential winter storm Friday night with Snow accumulating 3 to 5 inches.

A mix of snow, ice and rain is forecast to hit the Jersey Shore starting Friday afternoon and bringing up to six inches of snow in some areas.

Here are the current projected snowfall totals for Monmouth and Ocean counties:

Jackson: 1 to 3 inches

Lakewood: 2 to 4 inches

Manchester: some ice

Toms River: 2 to 4 inches

Freehold 3 to 6 Inches

- Mikie Sherrill: On Day One, I’m declaring a State of Emergency on utility costs by freezing rate hikes and cutting through red tape to drive more energy into our state.

This week, I brought together the heads of New Jersey’s energy companies to discuss my plan to get it done.

- Bingo now has a special bulk value sale until January 6 on paper goods and other  food products 

- Powerball Jackpot $1.7 Billion drawing tonight 

- Early dismissal today for many schools as there won't be transportation available later on due to the holiday.

- Nittel nacht tonight for those who observe Minhag Nitte others do so on january 6th

- Due to the holiday, there will be limited transportation tomorrow, with some schools having early dismissals and increased carpooling.

- Belz Chassidus announced that they are in the process of purchasing a parcel of land for the future Kiryas Belz in the U.S., which will provide housing for the chasidim. The property is located in the NY/NJ area, though the exact location has not yet been disclosed

- At last night’s Planning Board meeting, the board approved all applications presented, including the new building expansion for Bais Kailah. There was discussion about the lack of an extension connecting the two Vine Streets; planning officials said they have been attempting to open it for over 40 years, but the DEP has denied approval due to concerns about insects and endangered bats in a nearby stream. The new Bais Kailah building will include a simcha hall in the basement, which will be restricted to Shabbos use only.

-  Giyus: Next week, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee will hold another blitz of discussions on the draft law: on Sunday, a continuous session from morning until evening, and on Tuesday, two sessions one in the morning and one in the afternoon, after the plenum adjourns.

- The township has not yet announced its annual reorganization meeting, which typically takes place on January 1. Assuming no changes, Mayor Coles is expected to be reappointed as Mayor of Lakewood by the Democratic minority on the township committee.

- Rachmastrivka Chasidus in Lakewood has gone under contract for a 3.5-acre property for the future construction of their school under the mosdos in Lakewood.

-  The U.S. Syrian Jewish community has purchased two residential towers in Yerushalayim for over one billion shekels, housing roughly 200 families. The unprecedented communal deal aims to preserve community continuity, support developers amid a slow housing market, and address rising antisemitism abroad. Some families already have children in Israel, while others may relocate in the future.

- Tehillim an elderly man was hit by a car accident in Boro Park at 13th and 46th name is Chaim Tzvi ben Leah rachel

- A hakomas matzeiva was held at the kever of Rabbi Eli Schlanger HYD, the Chabad shliach in Bondi, Sydney, Australia, who was tragically murdered in the Bondi terror attack on Chanukah.

-A day after multiple explosions at a Pennsylvania nursing home killed two and injured 20, authorities surveyed the damage and began identifying victims. One of the deceased was identified as a 52-year-old nursing aide. The blasts partially collapsed the Silver Lake Nursing Home (Bristol Health & Rehab Center) on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

           Satmar rebbe in Snowy KJ

Israel News December 24

 Day 810

- The Prime Minister’s Office said this evening that, under the direction of Netanyahu, Hostages and Missing Coordinator Gal Hirsch traveled to Cairo this morning for talks with senior officials on efforts to recover the body of fallen hostage Ran Gvili HYD. The delegation included representatives from the IDF, ISA, and Mossad

- Talik Gvili, mother of the sole remaining deceased hostage Ran Gvili, says in a public statement that she is joining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his flight to the US for his December 28 meeting with US President Donald Trump.

-  PM Netanyahu in a message to Iran: “New threats are born, we are not seeking conflicts but our eyes are wide open’

- Hamas says that an explosive device that lightly wounded an IDF officer earlier today in Rafah was caused by undetonated ordnance left over by the Israeli military itself. The IDF officer was wounded when an explosive device hit a Namer armored personnel carrier in Rafah’s Jenina neighborhood, located on the Israeli side of the Gaza ceasefire line, according to the IDF.

Netanyahu: "Today we experienced an attack by Hamas, they have no intention of disarming, we will respond."

- Israeli Deputy Minister Almog Cohen reveals on the Knesset floor that already on the evening of 10/7, the Shin Bet, with the help of an informant in the Hamas terrorist organization code name 'Green Sardine,' knew about a gathering of Nukhba terrorists in mosques around 03:30 AM - information that, if it had reached the right places, could have prevented the death of many Israelis.

- PM Netanyahu's office: Hamas continues to violate the ceasefire and the Trump plan. Their ongoing public refusal to disarm is a blatant ongoing violation, and today their violent intentions and violations were again confirmed by the detonation of an explosive device that injured an IDF officer. Hamas must be held to the agreement they signed, which includes removal from power, disarmament, and de-radicalization. Israel will respond accordingly.

Hashkafa Q & A

Hashkafa with Reb Gershon Ribner shlita.

Identifying the forces propelling our youth to reject our cherished religion. 

Oif Simchas Tuesday 3 Teves

Chasunas:

Olshin - Kalmanowitz Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Teitelbaum - Fleischer Fountain Ballroom

Greenwald - keilson Ateres Reva

Perlman - Kotler Bais Faiga

Gordon - Silber Ateres Bluma

Goldman - Lieberman Ateres Esther

Silberman Ne'emas Hachaim 

Tuesday December 23 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 40° Cloudy with occasional rain showers.Chance of rain 60%.

 winter weather advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday for Morris, Sussex, Warren, eastern Passaic and western Bergen counties.

Motzei shabbos Watching a potential winter storm  Snow accumulating 3 to 5 inches.

Powerball jackpot $1.7 Billion drawing Wednesday night

- With many health insurance plans seeing premium increases through the Marketplace, residents should be aware that several medical providers in the Lakewood area and across New Jersey are changing which insurers they accept. Some hospitals and medical groups have announced they will no longer accept Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 2025–2026, prompting patients to check their coverage options and consider alternatives such as Oscar, AmeriHealth, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, or other insurers

- At the levaya of Rav Shlomo Weisberg zt”l, it was noted that the day coincided with the yartzeit of his rebbe, Rav Chaim Shmulevitz zt”l. Divrei hesped were delivered by Rav Yaakov Lazer Schwartzman shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Lakewood East, where Rav Shlomo zt”l was among the founding talmidim.

- A mass casualty incident was declared after a suspected gas main leak caused an explosion and fire at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, leading to partial building collapse. Multiple people were injured and trapped, and search and rescue operations remain ongoing as emergency crews from across the region continue to respond.

- Shiva info: The Mitnick–Kanarek families will be sitting shiva for Mrs. Malkie Mitnick a”h in Lakewood from tomorrow through Friday at 1511 Cindy Court, Raintree.

- The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump from deploying the National Guard to Chicago to protect federal immigration enforcement agents. The decision was 6–3, with Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch dissenting.

- Gas prices have dropped to a record low of $2.74 per gallon this year, but are expected to rise by 4 cents after January 1 following a gas tax increase approved by New Jersey lawmakers.

-Cuts to Medicaid are expected to cause an estimated 350,000 New Jersey residents to lose coverage. Health insurance premiums are rising dramatically, with some Affordable Care Act plans in New Jersey increasing by as much as 175%.

Hospitals say they will be hit two ways financially. Fewer Medicaid patients means less guaranteed income. And hospitals will likely provide more free treatment under the state’s charity care law to those who have no insurance.

-President Trump said tariffs are driving strong U.S. economic results, claiming no inflation and improved national security.

- BDE: Petirah of Harav Shlomo Weisberg zt”l of Lakewood, son of R’ Yaakov Weisberg zt”l who was from the early talmidim of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”. Rav Shlomo a  known Talmid chochom and talmid muvhak of Rav Nochum Parzovitz ztl and Rav Shneur Kotler zatzal. He was a  magid shiur in Peekskill yeshiva years ago.  He is survived by his family, including his son, Rav Yosef Weisberg shlita, the Rav of Bais Medrash of Pine Lake Park in Manchester. and brothers R' Momshe Zev of Lakewood and R' Isser Zalman of Monsey. 

The levaya is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at 2:00 PM at BMG’s Yoshon Bais Medrash on 7th street.

A follow up levaya at JFK cargo  aeea with Kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

- A serious fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Korn’s Bakery factory  in Boro Park on 15th Avenue, halting production and causing significant damage throughout the facility.

- Jewish students feel unwelcome  and under attack  at N.J. colleges. The FBI is paying attention. (Nj.com) 

-The FCC has banned DJI drones, affecting first responders nationwide, including the Lakewood Police. Police in Lakewood say drones are helping them respond in a smarter and safer way.(NBC Philadelphia)

-Lakewood planning board meeting today 6:00 pm  watch livesrream on the agenda

Minor subdivision on Forest Ave to create 2 lots

Minor subdivision on June St & Farry St to create 8 lots

Minor subdivision on Spruce/Washington/Lincoln Aves to create 2 lots

Major site plan for a warehouse on Ocean Ave

Major site plan for Bais Kaila school addition on Spruce Street

Yeshiva Yaaros Devash,  1420 Oak Street  request to install a chain link fence trash enclosure instead of concrete block wall

- Satmar Rebbe Rav Aaron Teitelbaum was ranked No. 34 on the list of the Top 100 Most Powerful New Yorkers, making him the most influential rabbi in Rockland County. He leads the Ahronim Satmar community and recently urged followers to consider relocating from Williamsburg to Rockland and Orange counties due to rising housing costs. During the recent election, they endorsed Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and said that he did not consider Mamdani to be antisemitic.  Source 

- Registration has reopened for New Jersey’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible Ocean County families, with limited spots available. The program helps cover child care costs for working parents or those in approved education or training. Registration is currently limited to priority groups, including families experiencing homelessness, children with special needs, and households earning under 100% of the federal poverty level.

- A Lakewood man was arrested after police linked two overnight incidents involving a firearm and reported gunfire. Officers recovered shell casings and later stopped and arrested 39-year-old Julio Cordongiron without incident. He was also found in possession of suspected controlled dangerous substances.

- The New Jersey Legislature approved a bill yesterday that would establish a new automatic voter registration system in the state, by switching the Motor Vehicle Commission voter registration process to an opt-out standard.

Any eligible citizen applying for a license or REAL ID will now automatically be registered to vote, with an option to later opt out. The bill now awaits Governor Murphy's signature. (One jersey schorr)

- Transportation Secretary Duffy says he’ll pull roads and bridges funding from blue states that are giving driver’s licenses to illegals.

- New Epstein files say Trump flew on Epstein’s jet at least 8 times in the 1990s—more than previously reported

-DOJ official twitter post: The Department of Justice has officially released nearly 30,000 more pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Some of these documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already. Nevertheless, out of our commitment to the law and transparency, the DOJ is releasing these documents with the legally required protections for Epstein’s victims.

-Giyus: Israel Hayom': Head-to-head between Agudat Yisrael and 'Degel' - Outrage in Degel HaTorah over Agudat Yisrael's campaign against the draft law. A senior party official: "This involves misleading and inaccurate information, to put it mildly. Agudat Israel is trying to mislead the public that doesn't know the law. Meanwhile, we are the only ones truly caring for the Torah scholars."

- Trump admin to begin garnishing wages of defaulted student loan borrowers in January 

- An article published on a local website regarding ICE enforcement in Lakewood has placed the community in the spotlight and triggered a wave of antisemitic comments targeting the community.  Some remarks accuse the community of hypocrisy, alleging gentrification while claiming concern for undocumented immigrants.

It is important to note that these online news platforms and comment sections do not reflect or represent the Lakewood community in any way, nor do they speak for the community at large.

Oif Simchas Monday 2 Teves

Chasunas

Hiller - Davis Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Dubovick - kletnick Fountain Ballroom 

Twersky - Gordon Ateres Reva

Weinstock - Shwartz Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Borchardt - Burzstyn Ateres Esther

Sonnenberg - Goldring Lake Terrace 

Schwartzman - Yoffe Bais Faiga 

Lachman  - Goldschmidt Neemas Hachaim 

Tonight  Rubashkin Seudas Hodaah celebrating 8 years since the Nes on Zos Chanukah a evening of Bitachon. An uplifting night of bitachon, chizuk, joy, live music & dancing, including a special personal Yeshuos video presentation. Monday night, Dec. 22, 2025 (ב’ טבת תשפ״ה) at 8:45 PM, at Bnos Melech, 550 James Street , Lakewood.

Monday Zos Chanuka Dec 22 News Updates

כָּךְ אָמְרוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל לִפְנֵי הַקָדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא עָשִׂינוּ לְךָ מְנוֹרָה בִּימֵי מֹשֶה – וְכָבְתָה, בִּימֵי שְׁלֹמֹה – וְכָבְתָה מִכָּאן וְאֵילָךְ אֵין אָנוּ מַמְתִּינִים אֶלָּא לְאוֹרְךָ. שֶׁנֶאֱמַר: "כִּי עִמְךָ מְקוֹר חַיִים, בְּאוֹרְךָ נִרְאֶה אוֹר". ילקוט שמעוני

Weather: 39° Sunshine  then a few afternoon clouds. 

Most of New Jersey could see a dusting to up to 2 inches of snow overnight into Tuesday morning. There's also a chance of ice north of I-78 The snow is expected to change to rain along the Jersey Shore by late Tuesday morning as temperatures warm above freezing.

- President Donald Trump claimed he plans to build two “Trump-class battleships,” calling them the largest and most powerful ever made and “100 times” stronger than any previous battleship. He said they would be part of a future “Golden Fleet,” with the first ship named USS Defiant, though no official Navy confirmation has been issued.

- A bill expanding New Jersey’s family leave protections to employees at businesses with as few as 15 workers has passed the state Senate and is headed to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk. Currently, family leave benefits apply only to employers with 30 or more employees. The legislation would allow more workers to take paid time off to care for a sick relative or a new child while receiving 85% of their earnings, pending the governor’s signature.

- Powerball jackpot rises to $1.6B, Estimated cash value stands at $735.3M  drawing tonight

- Tonight Rubashkin Seudas Hodaah celebrating 8 years since the Nes a evening of Bitachon. An uplifting night of bitachon, chizuk, joy, live music & dancing, including a special personal Yeshuos video presentation.Monday night, Dec. 22, 2025 (ב’ טבת תשפ״ה) at 8:45 PM, at Bnos Melech, 550 James Street , Lakewood. Featuring Harav Pinchos Lipschutz, Harav Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin, and Harav Hagaon Yerucham Olshin (Divrei Bracha).

- Tefilos for Harav Reuven Feinstein Shlita  who is undergoing a medical procedure today name is Sholom Reuvein ben Shima (Chasdei Lev)

- Girls school off today

- LPD: Squakum Rd just north of the Lakewood border/Howell border is closed in both directions due to downed wires. Rd to reopen 5pm

- An estimated 600,000 Jews in New Jersey are living in fear as unthinkable hate becomes the “new normal,” with rampant harassment and violent assaults increasingly targeting Jewish communities across the state. More 

- A new personal injury lawsuit filed in Ocean County Superior Court alleges that Lakewood Township and Ocean County created a dangerously defective pedestrian crossing that led to a child suffering severe and permanent injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The complaint states the child was lawfully walking in a marked crosswalk when the collision occurred and argues it was the foreseeable result of long-standing government neglect, unsafe roadway design, and a pedestrian-hostile intersection not a freak accident. Faanews.com 

 - US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee at the INSS conference: “I don't know if Iran ever took Trump seriously until the night the B-2 bombers flew to Fordo. I hope they got the message, but apparently, they didn't get the full message, because it seems they are trying to rebuild and find a new way to dig the hole deeper to secure it further. If the Europeans don't understand that this poses a real threat to all of Europe as well, then they are even dumber than I sometimes think they are."

- Governor Phil Murphy signed a new law sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall that reforms New Jersey’s construction inspection system by requiring inspectors to provide a four-hour arrival window instead of an all-day wait. The change aims to cut wasted time, reduce delays, and give contractors and small businesses more predictable construction schedules.

- Giyus: Protests took place Monday on Route 4 near Bnei Brak, closing down highways in the area in response to the arrest of yeshiva bochurim. During the disturbances, police were seen forcefully pushing and removing a Chareidi women and daughter near Bnei Brak as they attempted to cross the street bochurim from yeshiva Rav Chaim Ozer in Bnei Brak joined the protest. 

- A festive atmosphere marked the final New Jersey Assembly legislative voting session of 2025, with baked goods and chocolate coins shared, as dozens of bills received final votes during the hours-long session.(Onejersey)

-Nichum Aveilim:

Rebbetzin Miriam Landynski-Perlow A"H – 215 Hudson Ave, Lkwd Thursday morning

R' Zelig Goldman Z"L – 708 Park Ave, Lkwd Wednesday morning

Mrs. Agi Braun A"H – 78 Enclave Blvd,  Lakewood Thursday morning

Rabbi Elimelech Monoker Z"L – 91 Lublin Ter, Westgate, Friday morning

Reb Shia Chaim Fischman Z"L – 4A Dogwood Ct, Country Pl, Lakewood, Friday morning

- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued an apology to the Jewish community following the Bondi Beach massacre, but critics say he stopped short of taking real personal responsibility or outlining concrete actions to confront the growing threat of Islamic extremism. Albanese dismissed criticism of his response as “partisanship,” further drawing backlash from those who argue stronger measures are urgently needed.

- The Trump administration is recalling 48 U.S. ambassadors from diplomatic posts in multiple countries, according to U.S. officials.A senior State Department official said the move is a routine step taken by administrations, with ambassadors expected to support and carry out the administration’s policies.

-US Senator Lindsey Graham in Israel: 'We cannot allow Iran to produce ballistic missiles because they could overwhelm the Iron Dome' The US appears to be planning to join Israel directly in the next war against Iran

זאת חנוכה segula for Parnassa

 The last day of Chanukah known as Zos chanukah there are special tefillos to recite and segulos for parnasah on זאת חנוכה. The sefer נטעי גבריאל brings down a מנהג ספרדים to recite 308 times the פסוק of "שובו שברו לנו מעט אוכל" as a Segulah for Parnasah on Zos Chanukah the word שוב is B'gematria 308.

 A old minhag in Yerushalayim to daven for rain-

זאת חנוכה" - היום האחרון של החג היו מביאים קערות גדולות אל תלמוד תורה, ליד בית הכנסת יוחנן בן-זכאי". שם היה מתאסף כל הציבור, לתפילת הגשם. הראשון" לציון היה עומד על הבמה, קוראים את שיר השירים ומתפללים על הגשמים 

ה'בני יששכר' מביא בשם המקובלים, שהחל מראש חודש אלול ועד 'זאת חנוכה', מאירה ברקיע תבנית יד פשוטה, המקבלת שבים, ויד זו עוברת לאחר 'זאת חנוכה'. רמז לזה נרמז בפסוק "בזאת יכופר עוון יעקב", שב'זאת חנוכה', שאז קוראים את פרשת "זאת חנוכת המזבח", אז הוא גמר כפרת עוון יעקב 

מכיון שב'זאת חנוכה' קוראים בקריאת התורה על חנוכת המזבח, לכן, כך מסופר בספר "מנהגי ארץ ישראל" שתלמידי התלמודי תורה ומלמדיהם בראשיהם סבבו בימי החנוכה על בתי הגבירים והנכבדים, שם נתנו להם מאכלים טעימים וכסף. מכל המאכלים והכסף ערכו סעודה גדולה וטעימה ב"זאת חנוכה" בתלמודי התורה, וסעודה זו נקראת בשם "חנוכת המזבח". לפני הסעודה אמרו 308 פעמים (!), כמנין המילה "שבו", את הפסוק "שובו שברו לנו מעט אוכל" וגם 'שיר השירים' בניגון מיוחד. לאמירה זו ישנו טעם על פי הסוד. ומעניין שבשו"ת שיח יצחק (להגר"י וויס זצ"ל אב"ד ווערבוי שבהונגריה) מספר שמנהג הספרדים לומר בתתי"ם את הפסוק "שובו שברו לנו", כאמור. אך הוא כותב שאומרים אותו רק- 8 

פעמים ולא- 308 פעמים

בלקוטי מהרי"ח כתב, שהיו גדולים במהלך הדורות שנהגו לערוך סעודה גדולה ב'זאת חנוכה', "ובוודאי יש בזה כוונה גדולה". והליקוטי מהרי"ח בעצמו מסביר שיתכן שנהגו כן מפני שהוא היום בו נגמר מצוות הדלקת נרות החנוכה,  ועושים סעודה ל"גמרה של מצווה  

נר ח' זאת חנוכה והדליקו נרות בחצרות קדשך

                                זאת חנוכה תשפ"ו

אמר רבי ישראל מרוז'ין: מה שהצדיקים יכולים לפעול מהשם יתברך בראש השנה ויום הכיפורים - יכול יהודי פשוט לפעול מהשם יתברך בזאת חנוכה   

- Admor M'Kosov Hadlokas Ner Chamuka at at 22 Isabella Dr. Lakewood 8:30pm

- Admor M'Skulen Lakewood hadlakas ner Chanukah 8:30 pm every night 547 Park ave

- Admor M'Rachmastrivka Oak n Vine hadlokas Ner Chanukah 9:00pm

-Niemark shul Toms River  Zos Chanuka mesiba 7:00 m

Chasunas:

Kastan  - Gindi Fountain Ballroom 

Zos Chanukah: the Gra (O.C. 670) brings Chazal that the mishkan was finished on 25 kislev but the dedication was pushed off till Nissan because that was the month Yitzchuk avinu was born, but kislev was paid back with the chanuka of the chashmonuim.

Yitzchuk avinu was moser nefesh by the Akeida and the Rambam says that the makom akeida is the makom mizbayach! The dedication of the mishkan and Bais hamikdush needed total mesiras nefesh! When the chashmonuim were moser nefesh for the avodas hamikdush then kislev was zoche to have its own Chanukah! (Rav Eliyuhu Levin shlita) May we all be zoche be mamshich and internalize the oros of Chanukah!

At Belz Hadlokas Ner Chanuka tonight in EY 

Sunday Rosh Chodesh Teves Chanuka News Updates

Sunday, December 21, 2025 / א׳ טבת תשפ״ו

ראש חודש טבת

Weather: 49° A good deal of sunshine. temps falling to near 35. Winds up to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Tonight low of 22°

Shkiah 4:35 pm

Zman Hadlaka al pi minhag Hayeshiva in Lakewood  tonight Zos chanuka is 4:58 pm candles should burn until 6:17 pm

- Minhag Hayeshiva today to recite חזרת הש"ץ in full during Mincha

- Powerball jackpot now at $1.6 billion drawing Momday night 

Free Chanukah Event today Sunday at American Dream mall with live music, interactive shows, Chanukah crafts. Giveaways Family fun Sunday, Dec 21 | 1:15–3:45 PM shows located at court A stage

- Up to 2 inches of snow is possible late Monday into early Tuesday for New Jersey from a clipper system. Roads could be slick Tuesday morning south jersey will get less than 1 inch.

- Gourmet Glatt Jackson location construction completed. Grand opening soon date  TBA.

- Smash house burger soft opening today at American dream mall. Kosher  food court

- Chuck E Cheeze Chanuka special available through Chai Lifeline ask at  Brick location today and Monday.

-  Over  2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the country since President Trump took office, with 1.9 million of them self-deporting.

DHS says that illegal border crossings have plunged 93% year-over-year.“I toured the border by air, by boat, and by four wheel drive, three days on the southern border. I didn't see a single illegal alien,” Tom Homan said.

- BDE: Petirah of Mr. Barry Ray Z"L of Chicago a philanthropist and supporter of Torah institutions and Jewish causes. Levaya today in Chicago 11am.

- Thousands will gather tonight for the last night of Chanukah in Kiryas Joel, NY as the Satmar Grand Rebbe Aron lights the 8th #Chanukah #menorah candle at the main Satmar shul in Town of Palm Tree. 

- An Israeli man, Gefen Bitton, remains in a coma after being shot multiple times during the Chanukah terror attack at Bondi Beach. New video footage shows he repeatedly moved toward the attackers, seemingly to draw their fire and help others escape. His actions are now being widely praised as heroic.

- The proposal to relocate many of Monmouth Medical Center’s acute care services  including labor and delivery  from Long Branch to a new facility in Tinton Falls cleared a major regulatory hurdle after the State Health Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the state Department of Health’s recommendation. The new location is 20 minutes closer to Lakewood.

-Giyus: MK Dan Iluz, "Dreaming of voting for a good enlistment law" Demands the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry committee on the Military Advocate General affair, unafraid of threats to eliminate him in the primaries, and regrets that the draft enlistment bill won't bring ultra-Orthodox soldiers to the IDF

- Thousands in Bnei Brak welcome home  yeshiva bochurim after spending time in military prison  for the crime of learning Torah

- Last night at the lighting in Vizhnitz. The freed captive Yosef Chaim Ochana and his father arrived for the hadlaka ceremony with the Rebbe of Vizhnitz, after the Chassidim davened for him day by day until his release.

Israel News Sunday Dec 21

Day 807

- IDF chief, hinting at potential Iran war, says military will strike ‘wherever required'.

Parents of last remaining hostage say they are hoping for a Chanukah miracle to return his body. The return of Ran "Rani" Gvili's body is the final hurdle before phase two of the peace plan between Hamas and Israel can get under way. But Hamas says it does not know where his remains are. His mother vows to finish off Hamas if he is not returned.

- Israel has released six Gaza prisoners through the Kerem Shalom crossing, as Hamas continues to hold the body of the last Israeli hostage.

- The Israel Defense Forces said Saturday evening that troops had killed two Palestinians who attacked forces in separate incidents in the northern West Bank.

- Lebanese sources report casualties in an Israeli UAV attack on a vehicle in the village of Yater in southern Lebanon a short time ago.

- Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are drafting a proposal to transform Gaza into a futuristic “smart city” known as Project sunrise. A $112‑billion proposal to rebuild the Gaza Strip into a futuristic, high‑tech coastal metropolis after the war contingent on Hamas disarming.

-Senator Lindsey Graham in Israel: "I came here with a goal - we had many achievements in 2025. I want to make sure that 2026 will be a year of peace and of striking the bad guy. My impression is that Hamas is not disarming, it is rearming. My impression is that they are trying to consolidate their control over Gaza, not give it up. And my impression is that Hezbollah is trying to produce more weapons. This is an unacceptable outcome"

Yigal Calek Kumzitz 2, Lakewood

Yigal Calek Kumzitz 2, Lakewood, Motzaei Shabbos parshas Vayeishev 12/13/25, with Kumzitz Yitz

Motzei Shabbos Chanukah News Updates Lakewood

7th night of חנוכה Rosh Chodesh Teves 5786

December 20, 2025

Weather: 27° Mostly clear.

Tomorrow 46° Sun and a few passing clouds. Winds 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

First official day of winter tomorrow 

- Melava Malka Family Chanukah Party

- Powerball jackpot 1.5 Billion drawing tonight 

Open tonight

Sesame

4 corners bagels County Line 

Evergreen Bagels donuts

Nutmeg Bagels donuts 

Bingo

Aisle 9

NPGS 

Hot Bagels 2nd st 

Judaica Plaza

Judaica center Jackson

Torah treasures

Amazing Savings 

Kosher Village 

-Bagel Nosh closed tonight will open tomorrow bagels and Donuts are first come first serve.

Tomorrow Sunday greater adventure learning at Bais Faiga hall for boys grade 3 -8 @10:30-11:30. South side locations at local neighborhood shuls also participating 

- Free Chanukah Event tomorrow Sunday at American Dream mall with live music, interactive shows, Chanukah crafts. Giveaways  Family fun Sunday, Dec 21 | 1:15–3:45 PM shows located at court A stage

- The Rubashkin seudas Hodaah will take place Monday night at Bnos Melech hall in Lakewood

- BDE: petirah of Mrs. Malky Mitnick a”h of Flatbush. Mrs. Mitnick was the wife of Rav Mordechai Mitnick shlita and the daughter of Rav Elya Kanarek shlita, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Ohr Hameir of Peekskill. Mrs. Mitnick served as the principal of Lev Bais Yaakov of Flatbush, where she was a true mechaneches, deeply invested in the spiritual and emotional growth of every talmidah entrusted to her care. Levaya will take place tomorrow 10:30am at Shomrei Hadaas in Boro Park with Kevura in Eretz Yisroel (Matzav)

-  Central Command announced that it struck 70 ISIS targets in Syrian territory last night using 100 precision munitions. 

US Secretary of War Hegseth stated that the operation is a direct response to the murder of American soldiers last week in Syria. 

Hegseth declared: "This is not the start of a war - this is a declaration of revenge! If you harm Americans anywhere in the world - we will hunt you down. Today we sided and killed many enemies. We will continue doing so."

American media estimate that the operation may last several weeks.

- NBC reported that PM Netanyahu will present possible attack plans for Iran to President Trump at their December 29 meeting in Florida.  Israeli officials believe Iran is expanding and strengthening their ballistic missile program - which will necessitate a broad Israeli attack. 

- Tefillos for Rav Dovid Shmidle of Asra Kadisha who is hospitalized name is Dovid Michoel ben Miriam

-  GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik unexpectedly dropped her bid to become New York’s next governor Friday  and also said she would not be seeking re-election for Congress. She  wanted to spend more time with her family as a reason  for leaving politics. Others say she didn't get the full endorsement from Trump as there are other candidates who are in Trumps circle. Today Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for NY Gov.

- Israeli Justice department The Department for Internal Police Investigations has launched an investigation following the release of disturbing footage showing a Yasam riot police officer violently striking Chareidi youths during disturbances in Jerusalem last week.

- Shaimos Alert: This weeks voice pf Lakewood has a full perek of tehillim with shem hashem. Page 326. pls dispose of properly And spread the word.(submitted)

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת מקץ שבת חנוכה ר"ח טבת תשפ"ו

Friday, December 19, 2025 / כ״ט כסלו תשפ״ו
ערב שבת פרשת מקץ חנוכה שבת ראש חודש טבת

candle lighting 4:15 pm

shkiah sunset 4:33 pm

Weather Friday night: 24° Mostly clear and windy. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. 

Shabbos day 39° Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 39F. 

Longest Bentching of the year על הניסים רצה יעלה ויבוא

The בן איש חי says that one should eat extra this shabbos Chanukah and light a oil candle in honor or Rav Meir Baal Hanes.

ירבה בסעודת שבת של חנוכה יותר משאר שבתות, וכ”ש אם חל בו ר”ח ג”כ, וכן ירבה בר”ח בשביל פרסום הנס

3 Sifrei Torah this shabbos- The Gerer Rebbe the Pnei Menachem zt"l  would tell people in need of a yeshuah to daven during this specific time when the aron kodesh is open. He brings from the zohar that its an eis ratzon in general during pesicha but he adds specifically during shabbos chanuka and rosh chodesh when there are 3 parshiyos.  

א גּוּט שבת, א גּוּטן חודש, און אַ פריילעכן, ליכטיגן חנוכה

Friday December 19 Erev Shabbos Chanuka News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, December 19, 2025 / כ״ט כסלו תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת מקץ חנוכה שבת ראש חודש טבת

candle lighting 4:15 pm

shkiah sunset 4:33 pm

Weather: 59° Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers and windy conditions for the afternoon. Thunder possible, temps falling sharply to near 40. Winds 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%.

Weather Friday night: 24° Mostly clear and windy. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. 

Shabbos day 39° Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 39F

- There is  noticeably less traffic, with emptier roadways as schools were closed, buses were not running, and many families left town for Shabbos Chanukah.

- Minyanim for Mincha all afternoon at Kol Shimshon, Lutzk, and  early  minyanim in all shuls.

- Chanukah gelt Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.5 billion drawing Motzei shabbos 

- Good idea to leave a fire on with a Blech as power outages are expected.

- Due to the earlier snowstorm this week and the high winds today, it’s a good idea to check that the eruv strings are up before Shabbos.

- Bagel Nosh open today until 2;00 pm will be closed Motzei Shabbos. Open Sunday, Bagles and Donuts will be first come first serve

-Many cases of  flu and other viruses going  around 

- The greater adventure chanukah vacation learning program will take place today at Bais Faiga and  participating neighborhood shuls from 10:00 am - 11:00 am ans Sunday morning 10:15 - 11:15 am each boy will receive a prize.

- Kollel Chazu will have sedorim for chanukah. With complimentary  breakfast at the locations 

- Lakewood Roshei Yeshiva call on the bnei hayeshiva to be mechazek in the sidrei hayeshiva of Erev Shabbos chanuka and on Sunday

- The Admor M'Vizhnulitz Lakewood  Rav Lazer Hager shlita will be spending shabbos in Yerushalayim with his chasidim in the Bucharim neighborhood 

- Howell Township officials support a proposal to build 360 apartments along Route 9, including 108 units designated as affordable housing, but they are refusing to grant the developer a tax break. Township leaders argue that the project is financially viable without tax incentives and that granting abatements would unfairly shift the tax burden to existing residents. 

-  Make your own donuts buy package of frozen dinner rolls from Walmart/Target the Rodes brand 36 for $4. Let it rise for half hour then fry in oil sprinkle confectionery sugar on top or fill with Jelly or caramel etc.. bracha is Mezonos only if fried. If it's baked bracha is Hamoitze

-The Leisure Village Association, representing more than 2,400 senior households, has just filed a sweeping lawsuit to overturn the Lakewood Planning Board’s approval of a controversial residential development - and is now racing to court to stop construction before it begins, FAA News has learned. Faanews.com 

- Secretary Kristi Noem claims that the Brown University shooter entered the U.S. in 2017 through the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program and later received a green card. She argues that the program is dangerous and says the individual should not have been allowed into the country. She links this incident to a past terrorist attack in New York City involving a DV lottery recipient and notes that President Trump previously sought to end the program. Acting on President Trump’s direction, she states that USCIS is pausing the DV program to prevent further harm to Americans.

- Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun was officially confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS) on Thursday.

- An arrest has been made in connection with the antisemitic attack on Chasidic Jews aboard a New York City subway train earlier this week, the NYPD confirmed Thursday

- Hundreds gathered in Sydney to mourn 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of a terrorist attack on a Chanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people. 

Erev sshabbos Chanukah in Geula waiting in line for Sufganiyot at Brooklyn bakery

Hadlokas Ner Chanuka in BMG Dinning room

A Song for Shabbos Chanuka אכלו משמנים

Ichlu Mashmanim is an ancient Shabbos Chanukah song praising festive food and drink. Some authorities dismissed it as frivolous and unworthy of Torah scholars, while others embraced it, and a few even attributed it to Rabbi Avraham Ibn Ezra.

אִכְלוּ מַשְׁמַנִּים וְסוֹלֶת רְבוּכָה תּוֹרִים וּבְנֵי יוֹנָה שַׁבָּת וַחֲנוּכָּה הַאי הַאי בֵּית כּוֹר תִּמְכּוֹר תַּחְכּוֹרתִּשְׂכּוֹר בֵּית כּוֹר לְצוֹרֶךְ שַׁבָּת חֲנֻכָּה בַּרְבּוּרִים אֲבוּסִים בְּשַׁפּוּדִים צְלוּיִם וְכָלִיל לָאִישִׁים אֶחָד מִן הַמְנוּיִם הַאי הַאי בֵּית כּוֹר תִּמְכּוֹר תַּחְכּוֹרתִּשְׂכּוֹר בֵּית כּוֹר לְצוֹרֶךְ שַׁבָּת חֲנֻכָּה רַךְ וָטוֹב וְשָׁמֵן צְלִי אֵשׁ וּמַצּוֹתעֲנוּ וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן וְאִכְלוּ בְּדִיצוֹת הַאי הַאי בֵּית כּוֹר תִּמְכּוֹר תַּחְכּוֹרתִּשְׂכּוֹר בֵּית כּוֹר לְצוֹרֶךְ שַׁבָּת חֲנֻכָּה הַקּוֹלוֹת יֶחֱדָלוּן מִנִּסּוּךְ הַמָּיִם בְּבֵית הַיַּיִן נָלוּן בְּכֹל יוֹם פַּעֲמָיִם הַאי הַאי בֵּית כּוֹר תִּמְכּוֹר תַּחְכּוֹרתִּשְׂכּוֹר בֵּית כּוֹר לְצוֹרֶךְ שַׁבָּת חֲנֻכָּה מִקּוֹלוֹת מַיִם רַבִּים תְּצִּלֶנָה אָזְנֵיכֶם וְכָל מִשְׁרַת דַּם עֲנָבִים לֹא יָמוּשׁ מִפִּיכֶם הַאי הַאי בֵּית כּוֹר תִּמְכּוֹר תַּחְכּוֹרתִּשְׂכּוֹר בֵּית כּוֹר6    לְצוֹרֶךְ שַׁבָּת חֲנֻכָּה 
                   Click HERE to listen to the Ashkenaz or Bobov version
                   Click HERE to listen to Chazzan Chaim Adler

   An interesting article, about An ancient, anonymous song for Shabbos Chanukah, Ichlu Mashmanim, appears in siddurim and is chanted in some communities. The whole composition sings the praises of food, meals, meat dishes, wine and miscellaneous culinary delights to be consumed on that Shabbos and the line ending each stanza goes: “A beis kur sell or lease; rent a beis kur for Shabbos Chanukah!” In his Responsa (137), Mahari of Bruna, a pupil of the Terumas HaDeshen, remarks that no Torah scholar could have written the song as a Chanukah meal is not defined as a se’udas mitzvah. 

Segula: This shabbos Krias Hatorah from 3 Parshiyos

 

This shabbos  is parshas Miketz, 

Chanukah and Rosh chodesh Teves  a rare occurrence when we  read from 3 different Parshiyos, those that have will take out 3 sifrei torah. A Special Segulah for Yeshuos has been publicized recently from the פרקי היכלות  written by the tannah Rav Yishmael Kohen Gadol, that during Pesichah of  a kriah from 3 seforim there is a special shaar in shamayim that opens up. The Gerer Rebbe the Pnei Menachem zt"l  would tell people in need of a yeshuah to daven during this specific time when the aron kodesh is open. He brings from the zohar that it's an eis ratzon in general during pesicha but he adds specificly during shabbos chanuka and rosh chodesh when there are 3 seforim.

Gerrer Rebbe 

Others say there is no mekor for the segula mentioned in the pirkei Heichalos but rather there is an Eis Ratzon when you  open the Aron Kodesh.

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh And Chanukah The mysterious segulah of 3 Parshiyos

Yated Ne'eman: Shabbos Rosh Chanukah: The Mysterious Segulah of Three Parshiyos
By Rav Yaakov Feitman - 
This Shabbos, an abundance of kedusha is coming our way. As with all such gifts, we must prepare properly for this present from above or we may miss the opportunity to seize the riches that can be ours.  Klal Yisroel will be celebrating the confluence of Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh and  Chanukah with the bonus of removing three Sifrei Torah from the Aron Kodesh for three independent readings. Not only should we be glowing with joy over this rare occurrence, but we should realize that this moment in every shul in the world represents an incredible eis ratzon – a time of Divine grace and acceptance – for all of us.

Halachos Erev Shabbos Chanukah

Erev Shabbos Chanukah Halachos Uminhagim

Halachos for this year erev shabbos chanukah based in part on Rabbi Felder's sefer Shiurei Halacha.

One who is traveling should give themselves extra time for arrival, in order to daven mincha and light chanuka candles

One should light the Ner  Chanuka before the Ner shabbos  but it should be done not less then within a half hour to shkia or 5 to 10 minutes prior to licht benching.

The Mishna Berura writes it is preferable to daven Mincha before one lights ner Chanukah on Erev Shabbos since it would be a תרתי דסתרי, (meaning if one considers it to be night after the plag how can you go and daven mincha afterwards).  However if one can not do so, he may daven after lighting the menorah  especially if it means davening with a minyan as opposed to davening before b'yechidos without a minyan.

The lights must be capable of burning until 30  minutes after nightfall they should be lit for an hour and forty five minutes. Therefore, one must be  careful on erev Shabbos to use sufficient oil or long candles that can burn until this time.

Children should also use long shabbos candles so their menorah will burn longer.

A wife can light shabbos candles after her husband lit the menorah and does not have to wait for everyone else to finish lighting

This year shabbos is also Rosh Chodesh we insert in benching על הניסים ,רצה ,יעלה ויבא

According to the mishna Berura we do not give or receive  chanuka gifts on shabbos unless its needed for shabbos

On Motzei shabbos there are various minhagim if one lights the menorah before or after

Chanukah 5786 Malchus Choir

לאטקעס נאכט Malchus

נר ה' חנוכה והדליקו נרות בחצרות קדשך

Thursday the  5th Night Chamukah 5786

- Admor Bluzhov - Ribatitch Hadlokah at bais Mishpachas R Meir Rosenbaum ZL 606 9th st 8:30 pm 

-Adomor M'Skulen Lakewood hadlakas ner Chanukah 8:30 pm every night 547 Park ave

- Admor M'Rachmastrivka Oak n Vine hadlokas Ner Chanukah 9:00pm

Minhag to Give Gelt on the 5th Night of Chanukah

There is a minhag to give Chanukah gelt to your children and to the poor on the fifth night of Chanukah. The simple reason since the 5th night never falls out on shabbos. Another reason that the nasie of the 5th day is from shevet Shimon who will produce the Rebbeim to teach the children.

יש  המקפידים לתת את דמי החנוכה דוקא ביום חמישי של חנוכה הגר"ח קניבסקי  מסביר שנהגו לתת ביום זה, היות  והוא  לא  אף פעם בשבת  אורחות רבנו שם; דרך שיחה ח"א עמ' קפז; פסקי תשובות סי' עת"ר הע' 24, עמ' תסג). ויש אומרים שטעם הדבר הוא משום שימי החנוכה הם כנגד קורבנות הנשיאים כל יום כנגד נשיא אחר. ויום חמישי הוא כנגד נשיא שמעון, ושבט שמעון נעשה מלמדי תנוקות (רש"י בראשית מט, ז). לכן נהגו לתת את המעות מזרזות את הילדים ללימוד תורה ביום זה

Thursday December 18 News Updates Lakewood

4th day Chanuka חנוכה תשפ"ו

Weather: 52° Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds.

Tonight: Cloudy with occasional rain late. winds increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.

Tomorrow erev Shabbos Chanukah 58° Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Downed trees, branches and power outages could result from the storm

- The Ocean County Prosecutor has dropped criminal charges against a frum, law-abiding gun owner, with attorney Yosef Boruch Jacobovitch citing inadequate training on New Jersey’s post-Bruen firearms laws as the root cause. Jacobovitch said the case never should have occurred and criticized both the Lakewood Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office, noting the dismissal comes amid growing community outrage over the continued prosecution of another Lakewood resident under similar circumstances Faanews.com 

- A 48-year-old Portuguese national Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified by law enforcement as the Brown University shooting suspect.

He was found dead in a storage unit from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in New Hampshire.

FBI Boston special agent confirms a link between the Brown University shooter and the MIT professor shot dead in his home:

"It is believed that in Lisbon that those two individuals attended the same university in Portugal."

- Trump has signed an executive order closing most federal offices on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26.

-  A judge has ruled that Yeshiva Chemdas HaTorah may move forward with its project to add 500 parking spaces near James and Cross Streets in Lakewood. Judge Hodgson stated that since the Lakewood Township Committee determined the project is permitted, the Planning Board has no authority to block or overturn that decisions more Faanews.com 

-  Authorities are investigating a connection between last weekend's mass shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor two days later. Police have identified the suspect and issued a warrant.

- Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that The Kennedy Center board of directors has renamed the center to the “Trump Kennedy Center”

- Trump Downgrades Marijuana Drug Classification!

- Chanukah gelt Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.5 billion drawing Motzei shabbos 

-There will be early school dismissal today in advance of Shabbos Chanukah vacation, as many families will be heading out or traveling away for Shabbos.

- Clashes erupted Thursday afternoon near Bar Ilan Street in Yerushalayim as hundreds of local residents confronted police, following rumors of attempted arrests of yeshiva students for draft dodging. The riot reportedly broke out after municipal inspectors issued parking tickets to several yeshiva students, and quickly realized that they were draft dodgers. When police tried to hand over the students to the Military Police, they were met with resistance from bystanders, which mushroomed into a protest. Police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd; about 10 officers were lightly injured. The protest spread from Rechov Chana to the Yirmiyahu–Eli HaKohen intersection. A spokesman for United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf declines to comment when asked about this afternoon’s riot in Jerusalem in which ultra-Orthodox demonstrators injured 10 police officers, threw stones and overturned a police vehicle.When asked for a comment, the spokesman says, “We saw this” and shares a clip of an armored officer hitting young Charedi men with a baton.

- Sesame chanuka pop up now open in Long Branch at Salt market through Monday

- New  Gourmet Glatt location in Jackson copmpleting construction expected to open within a few weeks

- A New Jersey review found that 16 school bus companies across eight counties, including two in Lakewood, repeatedly failed to submit required safety documentation before the school year began. While this does not necessarily mean drivers were unqualified, the state lacked proof of their training and credentials at the time.

- ICE agents in Lakewood today detaining individuals 

- 8 schools in Paterson and Passaic lose $7.9M in federal grants

- Boris Tetleroyd, H’YD, was identified on Thursday as a victim of the massacre at Bondi Beach.

- Giyus: Shas party knesset members paid a  visit to yeshiva students held in military prison for draft dodging.

- Giyus: Rav Dov Landau, delivered a strong address of chizuk at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Ozer after a talmid was arrested by the Israeli Military Police. Condemning the arrest as a “horrific crime,” saying the bochuhr was jailed solely for learning in yeshiva and not enlisting, calling the act deeply shocking and terrifying.

- Israeli aviation authorities announced stricter passenger screening at Ben Gurion Airport after recent security breaches, including tighter boarding-pass checks at additional checkpoints. The changes will be rolled out gradually, and officials warned of possible longer waits and congestion during the initial phase.

- Five Islamic men suspected of carrying weapons were arrested by Australian police near Bondi Beach in the city, where the deadly attack took place on Sunday. According to a report  a suspicious vehicle with five men inside collided with a police car, and then they were arrested

- Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz is expected to retire in the near future following the Township Council’s approval of a settlement related to a lawsuit he filed against the township.

- APP: The Jackson Board of Education has accepted a $40 million bid from Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) to purchase the Christa McAuliffe Middle School, Lakewood Alerts reported Wednesday.The Lakewood-based BMG is the second-largest yeshiva in the world. It has about 9,000 students on its four Lakewood campuses.

McAuliffe School, located at 34 South Hope Chapel Road, has a 37.5-acre campus.

BMG has not publicly stated what it plans to do with the campus, and no formal proposal regarding future use of the property has been announced

- A new federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Lakewood Township and several Lakewood police officers in U.S. District Court. The case names the township, the police department, and individual officers as defendants.

נר ד' חנוכה והדליקו נרות בחצרות קדשך

Wednesday night 4th night of Chanukah

Chasunas:

Lipschutz - Eidelman Ateres Reva

- The Stutchin Rebbe, Rav Mottel Silber, shlita, will host a Chanukah celebration tonight at the Yeshiva Ketana hall in second street Lakewood 9:45 pm

- Chanukah mesiba tonight to benefit Kollel Choshen Mishpat at B"M Kol Aryeh Hope chapel rd B'hishtatfus HaGaon Rosh HaKollel Rav Eliyahu Levin shlita and HaRav Uren Reich shlita 9:30 pm

- Mordys Shtiebel Chanukah mesiba with Simply Tzfat band 8:00 pm

- Admor M'Rachmastrivka Oak n Vine hadlokas Ner Chanukah 9:00pm 

- The Lakewood Skulen rebbe will  e lighting tonight in Staten Island

A Dark Day: New York to Legalize Assisted Suicide

 Agudath Israel Statement:

A Dark Day: New York to Legalize Assisted Suicide

Agudath Israel expresses its profound disappointment at Governor Hochul’s announcement today of her intention to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would legalize physician assisted suicide in New York.

For over a decade, Agudath Israel has been a leader in opposing physician assisted suicide. That opposition remains today. We have had dozens of meeting with legislators, presented public testimony, made personal pleas to the governor, and circulated many action alerts which generated thousands of emails and phone calls. Our longtime opposition, and that of our coalition partners, has surely deferred this day. This law reflects, sadly, societal shifts on the value of life.

The Chazon Ish’s Shidduch-Botel or Kayam

The Chazon Ish’s Shidduch-Botel or Kayam?A Chanukah Shiur by Horav Michoel Sorotzkin-הרב מיכאל סורוצקין 

 This shiur, delivered at Yeshivas Beis Meir in Lakewood on Chanukah 5786, recounts a historic episode from nearly a century ago. As a young man, the Steipler Gaon shared a Torah insight with his brother-in-law, the Chazon Ish, during Chanukah. That Torah thought so impressed the Chazon Ish that he chose him as a shidduch for his sister, and the Shidduch was finalized. Years later, a great talmid chacham challenged that very Torah insight and remarked, with irony, that “the din of the shidduch should therefore be botel.” This unique shiur serves as a halachic analysis and response to that claim, clarifying the issue through careful halachic reasoning. The Shidduch is on!  

Wednesday December 17 News Updates Lakewood

3rd day חנוכה תשפ"ו

Weather: 48° Sunshine and clouds mixed.

A storm is expected to blast New Jersey with 50 mph winds, up to 1.5 inches of rain Thursday into Friday

- Trump Delivers Primetime Speech on Economic and Border Gains

Trump highlighted secure borders with encounters dropping from 2.1 million to 444,000, falling gas prices around $2.90-$3.00 per gallon, and native-born workers gaining all net new jobs. He touted tariffs protecting jobs and funding a $1,776 dividend for service members, while blaming prior policies for inflation, high prices, and millions of migrants including criminals. Fact-checkers noted exaggerations on inflation levels and migrant numbers, as his approval dipped amid affordability concerns despite some data-backed improvements.

- BMG to buy School campus in Jackson:

The Jackson Township Board of Education approved a $40 million bid from Beth Medrash Govoha to purchase the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School. The buyer has not announced plans for the property. The sale followed a reduction in the asking price from $54.4 million to $44.4 million to attract interest. The campus includes a large main building, modular classrooms, athletic fields, offices, and a cafetorium. The school was closed due to declining enrollment, reduced state aid, and budget shortfalls, and the district is selling surplus properties to cut costs and stabilize finances.

The school is located off S. Hope Chapel behind the Wawa and White street area. 5 minutes from Westgate.

-  The U.S. House tonight has passed the Republican healthcare plan that lets people buy insurance in groups to save money on premiums, wothout Democrats' ACA subsidies extension. The vote was 216-111

- NY Post: It’s been open season on Jews in the Big Apple.Vilification of Jews has emboldened NYC bigots and sparked a rash of ugly antisemitic attacks

Bigots have been emboldened to unleash ugly antisemitic attacks in the five boroughs, from hateful protests and vandalism to outright assaults  leaving the New York Jewish community rattled and worried about their safety.

Shkiah 4:33 pm

Zman Hadlaka al pi minhag Hayeshiva in Lakewood first night chanuka is 4:56 pm candles should burn until 6:15 pm

- Trump  on Dan Bongino  Planning To Leave FBI "Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show."

- Dan Bongino: I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January.

I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her. 

- NJ Gov elect Mikie Sherill will take her oath of office as the 57th Governor of New Jersey in Newark, not Trenton.  This is a break in a tradition that began in 1790.(NJGlobe)

- Former prime minister Naftali Bennett acknowledges that while his cellphone itself was not hacked, unauthorized access was gained to his Telegram account, following claims by an Iran-linked hacker group that it had breached his device.

- Netanyahu announces record natural gas deal with Egypt  worth 35 billion dollars 

The biggest deal in the history of Israel. The deal cements Israel's status as a regional energy power.

- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today she will sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act, making New York one of the states allowing terminally ill patients to seek doctor-assisted suicide after years of legislative debate.

- NJ Gov Murphy announced he is pardoning another 15 individuals, and commuting the sentences of 9 more. 

- President Donald Trump will deliver a live address to the nation from the White House at 9:00 pm

- Wednesday night's Powerball lottery drawing jackpot is worth $1.25 billion, with a cash option of $572.1 million.

-A Planned Chanuka concert by MBC has been canceled after Roshei Yeshiva Letter 

Lakewood roshei yeshiva signed a letter opposing a planned Chanukah concert in Jackson, calling it a new breach. They note that the Gedolei Yisroel have previously spoken out against such venues, and especially against holding such events in Lakewood and the surrounding towns. They emphasize that even with separate seating or family seating, it is prohibited for anyone to attend this event.”

- The levaya of Rav Yitzchak Abadi, zt”l, in Eretz Yisrael will take place tonight at 7:30 pm in Beit Shemesh, with kevurah at the local Beis Hachaim.

At yesterday’s levaya in Lakewood, the Roshei Yeshiva of BMG were in attendance. Shiva will be observed at 119 Carasaljo Dr., Lakewood.

- The Stutchin Rebbe, Rav Mottel Silber, shlita, will host a Chanukah celebration tonight at the Yeshiva Ketana hall in Lakewood.

- Chanukah mesiba tonight to benefit Kollel Choshen Mishpat at B"M Kol Aryeh. B'hishtatfus HaGaon Rosh HaKollel Rav Eliyahu Levin shlita and HaRav Uren Reich shlita 9:30 pm

- Rabbi Tovia Schulzinger Rav in Kiryat Ata issues a letter opposing davening in shul accompanied by musical instruments and music.

- Lakewood industrial commission meeting today on the agenda Strand Theater / Apartments: Rental income of $167,832.36, expenses of $103,353.58, plus $26,189.24 in NJNG reimbursement, resulting in net income of $90,369.74. after spending hundreds of thousands in capital improvements 

- Chavivim of Ocean County delivered donuts to local police departments as a gesture of appreciation for the dedicated officers who serve the community.

-President Donald Trump said during a White House Chanukkah reception that his proposed ballroom could cost up to $400 million, about double the original estimate, adding that the project has faced legal challenges despite long-standing demand for such a venue.

- Mark Levin puts his arm around President Trump during the Chanukkah reception, gives him a glowing praise "6 years ago, I was up here, I said, this was our first Jewish president. Now he's the first Jewish president to serve 2 non-consecutive presidencies. We thank you for everything. You are the greatest president. God Bless you. I miss you."

- Giyus: A yeshiva bochur from Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Ozer in Bnei Brak was arrested yesterday at his home in Ramat Gan, near the Bnei Brak border, after military police lay in ambush for him, following a failed arrest attempt three weeks ago. He was sentenced to 17 days in military prison.

The newspaper HaPeles criticized the total silence of those who had vowed to “move and shake the world” if any bochur were arrested. Although the bochur is not affiliated with the Bnei Torah faction, they announced plans to demonstrate in response to the arrest.

- Families in Waterbury, CT woke up Wednesday morning with running water for the first time in days as the city continues to recover from a major water main break that occurred a week ago.

- Hundreds gathered at Chabad of Bondi Sidney Australia on Wednesday morning for the Levaya of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the 41-year-old assistant rabbi murdered Sunday evening while hosting a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach. His father-in-law, Rabbi Ulman, said Schlanger accomplished in 41 years what many do not achieve in a lifetime, and announced that on the final night of Chanukah, Sydney’s rabbis will gather at Bondi Beach to light the menorah together.

- Boro Park: A child and two adults were injured, and a firefighter was burned when he became trapped in the flames at a fire that broke out at the Boro Park Matzoh Bakery on 36th Street in Brooklyn. They are all in stable condition.

- Crown Heights: Video shows a visibly Jewish man stabbed multiple times in an unprovoked attack on Kingston Ave, Crown Heights. Police say the victim was stabbed multiple times, the suspect fled, and the victim is in stable condition.

-BDE: Petirah of Mr. Murray Koval Z"L from Cleveland levaya 2 pm in Cong.J LX Cleveland zoom link Here 

- Attention travelers flying on Chanukah who will miss menorah lighting: FAA regulations require any flashlight on board to be less than 7 inches.(Yudelstake)

- Developers of Adventure Crossing USA in Jackson, the partially-built sports and entertainment complex, are accused of defaulting on a $14.4 million loan from a Delaware-based bank, according to a new lawsuit.

- New Jersey workers are getting a pay bump. The state’s minimum wage will rise by 43 cents to $15.92 per hour on Jan. 1, continuing a steady climb that began under Gov. Phil Murphy. Seasonal and small employers will be required to raise their minimum pay at the start of 2026, though their rates will remain lower. Their minimum wage will move from $14.53 to $15.23.

- Trump: "If you go back 10, 12, 15 years ago at the most, the strongest lobby in Washington was the Jewish lobby. It was Israel. That's no longer true. You have to be very careful. You have a Congress in particular which is becoming antisemitic. You have AOC plus three, you have those people."