Saturday, April 18, 2026

Motzei Shabbos Tazria/Metzora News Updates

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

Tonight low 47° Dense Fog Advisory until 1am
Tomorrow 56° Rain showers with steady rain in the afternoon Chance of rain 80%.

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

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

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

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

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

- Cant make it to Kerestir, you can go to his brother's kever at tge Baron Hirsch cemetery in Staten Island exut 7 off the expressway at the 2Rabbi Yeshayah Steiner Memorial. This event will take place Sunday from Shkiah to Sundown on Monday at the society grounds of Hungarian Brotherly Love Yehuda Yorkville, in section F8 (
No Vehicular Traffic will be permitted – Street Parking Only, Car Pools are encouraged due to limited parking availability.
1126 Richmond Ave Staten Island, NY 10314 
 



Iran Israel Updates Motzei Shabbos

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

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

- Iran fired on a tanker trying to cross the strait.
The IDF attacked terrorists in southern Lebanon.

- 2 IDF soldiers killed in South Lebanon 10 others injured from Hezbollah explosives while conducting military operations on Friday.
Barak Khalfon,48 from Adi hyd
Lidor Porat,31,from Ashdod hyd
IDF investigating if explosives were placed after ceasefire went into effect 


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, April 17, 2026

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

Friday, April 17, 2026 / ל׳ ניסן תשפ״ו
ערב שבת פרשת תזריע-מצורע ראש חודש אייר

Candle lighting 7:19 pm
Shkiah/sunset 7:37 pm

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

Shabbos day 63° clouds during the afternoon.

- Maariv/Yaale vayavo Sefiras Haomer 16




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

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

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

Friday Rosh Chodesh Iyar News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, April 17, 2026 / ל׳ ניסן תשפ״ו
ערב שבת פרשת תזריע-מצורע ראש חודש אייר

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

Candle lighting 7:19 pm
Shkiah/sunset 7:37 pm

weather 79° cloudy skies and a few showers this afternoon.Chance of rain 30%.
Friday night 51° Partly cloudy this evening. Fog developing late.
Shabbos day 63° clouds during the afternoon.

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

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

Rav Moshe Hillel HIrsch will be spending shabbos in Chicago

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

Birchas Ilanos 


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

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

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

- Now open in Lakewood  Reb Shayala's kitchen, thanks to askanim of Oak & Vine. Feel free to come join, so that no Yid should ever go hungry.
Open everyday from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM with fleishig menu. 944 East County Line Rd, Lakewood, NJ 08701 under Breslov shul (Feder status)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rav Shaul Alter arrives in Boro Park






Iran Israel Updates Friday April 17

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

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

- Etihad airlines resumes flights to Israel

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

- Trump now prohibits Israel from attacking Lebanon 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For reference only.

This year 5786, Rosh Chodesh Iyar occurs on Friday and Shabbos of, Parshas Tazria-Metzora. In such a case, is one permitted to shave or take a haircut on Friday in honor of Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh?
The Mishnah Berurah (493:5) writes that it is muttar to take a haircut or shave this Friday, lekavod Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh, even if one keeps the first half of sefira from the 2nd night of Pesach until Lag Baomer because it is being done in honor of both Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. 

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

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

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

More:
Taking a Haircut or Shaving on Friday Rosh Chodesh Iyar This Year
By: Rabbi Doniel Neustadt

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

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

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

1 O.C. 493:5.

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

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

4 As quoted by Mishnah Berurah 260:7.

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

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

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

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


From דרשו 
תספורת בערב שבת ראש חודש אייר הבעל"ט
תספורת ביום שישי ראש חודש אייר
)שנת תשפ"ו, תשפ"ז, תש"צ, תשצ"ד )שנת תשפ"ג(( 
כתב המשנה ברורה )סימן תצג ס"ק ה( ואף להנוהגין איסור גם עד ר"ח אייר מ"מ אם חל ר"ח בשבת כיון שיש כאן תוספת שמחה שבת ור"ח יש להתיר להסתפר בע"ש מפני כבוד השבת וגם לישא אשה בו ביום כיון שעיקר הסעודה יהיה בשבת ור"ח עכ"ד. וכתב המשנה ברורה )בהל' שבת ס' רס ס"ק ז( יש מקומות שאין מגלחין ואין נוטלין צפורנים בר"ח אפילו חל ביום עש"ק כי 
כן צוה ר"י חסיד עכ"ל. 
והמקפידים על פי צוואת רבי יהודה החסיד שלא להסתפר בראש חודש, יש לעיין האם ניתן להקל בערב שבת זו.
ודעת הגר"מ פיינשטיין זצ"ל )בין פסח לשבועות פ"י הערה ח( שמ"מ בראש חודש אייר מותרים להסתפר, משום שא"א להם להסתפר קודם לכן.כמו"כ לדעת הגרי"ש אלישיב זצ"ל )ע' ישא יוסף או"ח ח"ג ס' קיח( מותר להסתפר כיון שאין צוואת ר"י החסיד אוסרת מין הדין, ועיי"ש שהביא מספר משנת אברהם על ספר חסידים שביאר הטעם שהחמיר ר"י החסיד אפי' בע"ש משום שהוו כמכוון מלאכתו וטעם זה לא שייך בימי הספירה. 
ודעת הגר"ש ואזנר זצ"ל )קובץ מבית לוי עניני ניסן עמ' עו( שהמקפידים על רבי יהודה החסיד עליהם להקפיד גם בראש חודש אייר שחל ביום שישי, וכן דעת הגרי"י קניבסקי זצ"ל . להסתפר בערב ראש חודש אייר ]ביום ה'[ אחר חצות: ע' בכף החיים שהביא כמה אחרונים שמקילים להסתפר בערב ראש ( וע"ע בקובץ מבית לוי )שם( שלא יסתפרו חודש אחר חצותיא ביום חמישי. ]וכל אחד ישאל רבותיו[.
והטעם שהחמיר רבי יהודה החסיד שלא להסתפר בראש חודש כתב השו"ע הרב )ס' רס סע' א( משום סכנה. וז"ל ונוהגין בקצת מקומות שלא להסתפר בראש חודש אפילו חל בערב שבת מפני חשש סכנה כי כן הזהיר רבינו יהודה החסיד. ]כמו שאר אזהרותיו שהן משום סכנה[.ףשומר מצוה לא ידע דבר רע:  



Thursday, April 16, 2026

Oif Simchas Thurs Rosh Chodesh Iyar

יעלה  ויבוא tonight 
היום חמשה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות ויום אחד בעומר/לעומר
Chasunas:
Censor - Yoffe Bais Faiga 
Kaplan - Gewirtzman Fountain Ballroom 
Klein - Shatzkes Kesser Moshe Yehuda 
Neuwirth - Parnes Ateres Chaim Elazar
Kleinman - Erlanger Ateres Blima 
Feiertag - Gold Ateres Reva 
Scheiner  - Braunfeld Ateres Esther 

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

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

Thursday April 16 News Updates Lakewood

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

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

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


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

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

- Trump: Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is DESTROYING New York! It has no chance! The United States of America should not contribute to its failure. It will only get WORSE. The TAX, TAX, TAX Policies are SO WRONG. People are fleeing. They must change their ways, AND FAST. History has proven, THIS “STUFF” JUST DOESN’T WORK. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT
- Rav Shaul Alter shlita R"Y of Ger will be coming to the US for a short visit to spend time with his chasidim in Boro Park, New York 

Important information about הפסח עליו שעבר חמץ at various establishments and
is the culmination of several months of research by AKO’s Post Pesach Committee. HERE

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

- Post pesach bakeries should have full stock of sourdough this coming shabbos
see here regarding sourdough that was sold last week erev shabbos if it was allowed to be sold.

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

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

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

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

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

- Lakewood township committee meeting today 5:30 pm watch l;ivestream Here 
see agenda Here 
Items on the agenda 
-4 way stop sign coming to Forest ave and 2nd street 
-Sale of vacant parcel (Block 1051.09, Lot 10) through a public auction with a minimum bid of $373,500.Must be used only as a neighborhood clubhouse Ford ave and Providence rt 9 area
-Purchase or condemnation (eminent domain) of Block 452, Lot 3.off Prospect Street for a public park
- Shuttle Busing Liaison project, awarding up to $12,500 per month to help manage transit updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Iran War Updates Thursday April 16

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

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

- Trump: “They've agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that's way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers."
Q
- Trump: “If there's no deal fighting resumes.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

- Hezbollah fired a missile overnight that fell in a open area south of  Chaifa
- IDF Intensified operations in the Bint Jbeil area continue: Soldiers of the Aguz and Yehalom units destroyed approximately 70 Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites in just one minute.*

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Oif Simchas Wednesday 29 Nissan

היום ארבעה עשר יום שהם שני שבועות לעומר/בעומר

Chasunas
Lopian - Katzman Bais Faiga 
Kalatzky - Sherman Ateres Chaim Elazar
Scheinerman - Loewy  Kesser Moshe Yehuda
Forst - Raider Ateres Reva
Rubenstein - Doppelt Ateres Esther 
Fruchthandler - Leshinsky Fountain Ballroom 
Pertegorsky - Gross Cedar Palace 
Kaplan - England Ne'emas Hachaim 

Wednesday April 15 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather. 89° Sunshine Near record high temperatures.
Temperatures will soar into the upper 80s and low 90s across New Jersey on Wednesday and Thursday, with isolated thunderstorms possible tonight in the northern counties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Smash House Burger Soft opening today 2066 Lakewood Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755
Grand Opening on Sunday, April 19! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Lakewood Township approved paying $30,000 annually from Foreign Trade Zone 
 funds toward the LDC Executive Director’s compensation for duties related to managing and administering the FTZ program.

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

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

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

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

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

Iran War Updates Wednesday April 15

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

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

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

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

-WH Press secretary Leavitt: “Bad reporting this morning that we had 'formally requested' an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment, we've remained very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks."
Leavitt said the next round of US-Iran talks would likely be held in Islamabad and praised Pakistan’s role as the sole mediator in the negotiations.

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

- Bloomberg: Iran and the U.S. are considering extending the ceasefire by two weeks.
Report on a Pakistani channel: A second round of negotiations between Iran and the US may take place in Islamabad this weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Oif Simchas Tuesday 28 Nissan

היום שלשה עשר יום שהם שבוע אחד וששה ימים בעומר

Chasunas 
Weinberg - Adler Fountain Ballroom 
Papelow - Anhang Kesser Moshe Yehuda 
Pomeranz  - Leibchuk Ateres Blima 
Szanzer - Rothenberg Ateres Esther 
Cohen Lake Terrace 

Tuesday April 14 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 87° Sunny to partly cloudy.
severe thunderstorms with up to 60 mph wind gusts are possible Tuesday as temperatures rise into the 80s across New Jersey. mainly for areas along and north/west of the I-95 and I-195 corridor

Yartzeit of  Rav Avigdor Miller Zatzal

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

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

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

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

- Smash house Burger opening Toms River location this coming Sunday
- Moishas supermarket in Howell to open in the summer 

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

- Twelve hospitals in New Jersey are among 446 across the US, facing a heightened risk of closing, cutting services or laying off workers due to federal medicaid funding cuts, according to a new report. amonth the ones in New Jersey are: 
Monmouth Medical Center, Lakewood
Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick
Hoboken University Medical Center, Hoboken
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark
Trinitas Hospital, Elizabeth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Iran War Updates Tuesday April 14

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Monday, April 13, 2026

Oif Simchas Monday 27 Nissan

ברוך אתה ה אלוקינו ... אקבו"צ על ספירת העומר
היום שנים עשר יום שהם שבוע אחד וחמשה ימים בעומר

Chasunas:
Friedman - Weiss Fountain Ballroom
Chasunas:
Taylor - Garfinkel Cedar Palace
Pfeiffer - Brenner Bais Faiga
Karfunkel - Frankin Lake Terrace
Neuman - Posner Ateres Blima
Kahn - Tomasis Kesser Moshe Yehuda 
Aisenstark - Friedman Fountain Ballroom
Kagan - Greenspan Ateres Reva

Monday April 13 News Updates

Weather 80 ° Cloudy.

- Back to school today for summer season plaugroups, elementary and girls high schools resume today.

- White House economists estimate the U.S. is short at least 10 million single-family homes.

 - Trump announces the U.S. "may stop by Cuba" when finished with Iran

- Kentucky Passes Law to Contact Chabad Before Cremations Kentucky has passed legislation requiring that, before cremating an unclaimed deceased individual, authorities must make a good-faith effort to notify Chabad or another relevant religious organization.

- Shuvu held a fundraising event in Lakewood today at the Tomohawk restaurant attended by the delegation of gedolim visiting from EY who came briefly to Lakewood before heading back to NY.

- Giyus: The IDF Military Police arrested  7 yeshiva bochurim  today who were spending bein hazmanim in the Eilat area

- U.S. forces killed five alleged narco-terrorists during two kinetic strikes on vessels approaching America's borders in the Pacific Ocean.

Bein Hazmanim shiur today in Lutzk B"M by Rav Michoel Sorotzkin shlita 12:45pm

- Trump was scheduled to visit Israel this coming Week to celebrate Israel's Yom Haatzmaut but as of now he will not be coming according to reports. 

- Lakewood zoning board meeting today 7PM watch livestream Here see agenda Here partial list of applications to be heard:
 – SK Prospect Cross Lakewood, LLC – Major subdivision for 8 duplexes (16 units); use variance.
– 1501 Prospect Street, LLC – Single-family homes in M-1 zone; use variance.
– Duvie Holdings, LLC – Boulder way  Subdivision to create 5 residential lots.
 – 1 E. 13th st Dormitory addition to existing school.
 – Peace Realty Holdings, LLC – Ashley Ave Single-family home; bulk variances requested.
– Rabin & Company, LLC – Residential development (single-family + duplexes); use variance. Nassau Street, Amsterdam, Columbus and Nostrand Avenues.
 – Beth Medrash Govoha – Major subdivision for 74 homes and a school lot; prior use variance.

- The Lakewood Police Department will join New Jersey’s “Goal: Zero” campaign on April 14, increasing enforcement on speeding, distracted driving, DUI, and traffic violations to reduce crashes and promote safer driving.

- Continued tefillos for Habachur Mordechai Zelig ben Blima who was injured in a accident Early Sunday morning  and in need of Rachel Shamayim.

- Shiva for Habachur Eliyohu Schepansky Z"L at 14 Garden of Eden Drive Lakewood.
 At the levaya yesterday in Lakewood, the maspidim all echoed a common theme: his great maalos his chesed and lev tov. He was always looking out to help others, never expecting anything in return or seeking recognition. Full of heart, with no chitzoniyus, he embodied a true Toras Chaim and ahavas chesed. He was a serious ben aliyah, a true ben Torah diligent and strong in his learning, always standing out, proudly carrying himself with the dignity and appearance of a yeshiva bochur.

- A lakewood Hatzolah volunteer was praised on a public facebook forum for stopping to help victims of a multi-car crash on Route 70 in Lakewood, while others drove past. The volunteer immediately provided care, despite the victims not being from the Jewish community, highlighting Hatzolah’s dedication to helping anyone in need.

- One person was killed and another critically injured in a shooting at the Excelcare nursing and rehabilitation facility in Egg Harbor Township on Monday morning. Officials said the individuals involved knew each other and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.

- A Rutgers-Eagleton poll shows President Donald Trump remains broadly unpopular in New Jersey, with 61% viewing him unfavorably, 26% favorably, and 12% with no opinion.

-Ambassador Mike Huckabee: As Yom HaShoah begins this evening, we remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust, the systematic attempt to annihilate the Jewish people from the face of the earth.



Iran War Updates Monday April 13

- CNN: Sources in the Trump administration are discussing the possibility of holding another meeting with the negotiation representatives from Iran before the ceasefire ends. As part of the discussions, possible dates and objectives for the meeting are being considered

- Trump warns: "Iran’s Navy is lying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated - 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, “fast attack ships,” because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea. It is quick and brutal. P.S. 98.2% of Drugs coming into the U.S. by Ocean or Sea have STOPPED! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT"

-US naval blockade of Iran comes into effect; IDF says it’s on high alert
 
- Two soldiers were moderately hurt and six others were lightly injured in a Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon earlier today, the military says.

- A senior US official told Al-Jazeera: We are ready to impose a naval blockade on Iran, and we have enough forces and equipment to carry it out. We will implement this, regardless of the duration set by President Trump. We will not discuss the possibility of the US fleet passing through the Strait of Hormuz to secure our operations, nor will we, at this time, discuss the rules of engagement in the event of a violation of the naval blockade of Iran.

- The IDF confirms: More than 250 terrorists and commanders from the Hezbollah terrorist organization were eliminated in the largest strike in Lebanon on April 8 - including dozens in Beirut.

- The US military said it will enforce a blockade on all traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz from 10 a.m. ET today, after weekend peace talks in Pakistan faltered. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to retaliate.

- Iran has threatened to close Bab el-Mandeb, the gateway to the Red Sea, in response to the U.S. blockade of its ports. This could be carried out through its proxy forces in Yemen, the Houthis

- Netanyahu: The ceasefire between Iran and the US “could turn on a dime.”

-A military source warns the IRGC could respond as early as tonight, including potential strikes on U.S. and Israeli targets tied to Strait of Hormuz developments. The IDF is bracing for escalation and a possible ceasefire collapse, updating its target bank and intensifying monitoring inside Iran.

- Pope Leo XIV said he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak out after criticism from President Donald Trump, who denounced his stance on the Iran war and said he was “terrible for foreign policy.”

-Oil prices have again topped $100 a barrel and stock markets fell as the collapsed weekend talks, and imminent blockade, threatened to further disrupt the global economy.

- The head of the Iranian delegation that met US Vice President JD Vance over the weekend has said Americans will soon be nostalgic for the era of $4 gasoline. “Enjoy the current pump figures,”

- The Israeli military has nearly completed the capture of the Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, killing more than 100 members of the terror group in the area in the process, the Israel Defense Forces said Monday.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Oif Simchas Sunday 25 Nissan

 היום אחד עשר יום שהם שבוע אחד וארבעה ימים לעומר/בעומר


Chasunas:

Feuer - Steinhaerter Fountain Ballroom 
Fischer - Ovitsh Kesser Moshe Yehuda 
Rosenbloom - Meister Ateres Esther
Greenberger - Blumenkrantz Neemas Hachaim 
Mirsky - Rose Ateres Reva 
Gross - Ciner Ateres Blima
Glieberman Knobel Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Lots of Vorts tonight for the pre and pesach engagements

Sunday April 12 News Updates

 Weather: 56° Mostly sunny
Forecast for this week temps will be in the mid 80's through Friday.



 Chap-A-Nosh of Brooklyn, a longtime kosher staple in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn that served the community for over 40 years, has permanently shut its doors, with owner Elie Pollak announcing that April 7th marked the restaurant’s final day of operation.(Matzav)

 - Giyus: A hot mic conversation between the petitioners' lawyers at the Bagatz hearing to enforce the draft
A: "What do you say, Chagai? About what I presented to them, this will end it."
Adv. B: "We will dismantle the Torah world" that's what it's about "To dismantle the world of Torah"

- LPD traffic enforcement in Lakewood today 

- Levaya of Habachur Eli Schepansky Z”L will take place 5:15 pm at the Lakewood chapel followed by Kevurah at the bais Olam.

- BDE: Petirah of Reb Yeruchim Leshinsky ZT”L, longtime Maggid Shiur in the Mirrer Yeshiva for 65 years. He was 89. He was born in Mir Poland
Reb Yeruchim devoted his life to the Mirrer Yeshiva, inspiring generations of talmidim, he escaped the war with the yeshiva and later settled in America. He is survived by his wife, Rebbetzin Libby Leshinsky, daughter of HaRav Avigdor Miller ZT”L. Levaya this afternoon in Flatbush at Mir Yeshiva with kevura in EY.

- NJ inspection sticker extension 
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission announced the permanent closure of its Newark inspection station as of April 11, 2026.
To ease the impact on drivers, the agency is granting a three-month extension for any vehicle inspection stickers set to expire between April and July 2026.

- Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita will lead a delegation this week to the US on behalf of Shuvu. He will be joined by Rav Shimon Galai and Rav Yitzchok Silman, the nasi of Shuvu. The delegation is scheduled to remain in New York for a brief stay.

- NJ Governor Sherrill said that one person was killed and six others were injured during last night’s shooting at a Chick-fil-A in Union Township. According to a preliminary investigation, the shooting was not a random act of violence but  there is no "immediate ongoing threat to the general public."


- NJ: Affluent N.J. town launches affordable housing lottery for homes starting at $192K
The affordable homes include two- and three-bedroom condos priced from $191,950 to $216,934. Colts Neck Township is accepting applications for affordable housing units at The Grande at Colts Neck condominium development. When a unit becomes available, eligible households are selected by lottery from the active pool, according to the Affordable Housing Alliance. The available homes include two- and three-bedroom units priced between $191,950 and $216,934.

- BDE: Bein Hazmaim tragedy at Ein Eikev in the Negev: Habachur Yehoshua Ram, Z"L  of Bnei Brak,  17 years old, was pulled from the water without signs of life after drowning during a trip with his friends.

- The NJ state Motor Vehicle Commission is on target to meet the July 1 deadline to begin a new controversial law that requires registration of all e-bikes and licensing of operators.

- After 26 years, residents and locals are saying goodbye to the Mandarin Oriental, one of Miami Beach’s iconic hotels. 
According to Swire Properties, the demolition will make way for the groundbreaking of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Miami. The ultra luxury hotel and residential development is scheduled for completion in 2030. JV



Iran War Updates Sunday April 12

10pm 

Trump: "At 10a tomorrow, we have a blockade going into effect — that'll be 10a tomorrow. Other nations are working, so that Iran will not be able to sell oil and that will be very effective."

Trump:  "Iran is in very bad shape — and just so you understand, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon... There is no way. They still want it, and they made that clear the other night. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon

WSJ: President Trump is considering limited strikes on Iran together with the US Navy blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.

- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, in accordance with the president's proclamation.- Iran warned that any military vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as a breach of the cease-fire and met with a “strong and forceful response,” following President Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting the strategic waterway.

- The spokesman of the Iranian National Security Council, Rezaei: “Trump's statement that he will begin a naval blockade of Iran is mere bluffing rather than reality, because it would be considered a military operation and we will respond, it complicates the current situation he's already in and further unsettles the market that's furious about it, and we might even reveal other cards we haven't played in this game, If you want the situation to improve, respect the Iranians, accept your defeat, and don't demand at the negotiating table what you failed to achieve in war.”

- ELAL resumes to full service today. "Following the removal of restrictions after a challenging and complex period, as of today, April 12, 2026: We are returning to our regular service profile, including a full menu, on flights departing from 8:55 PM. Advance check-in will be available via the EL AL website or mobile app for flights from Israel starting April 12 and for flights to Israel starting April 14."

- Trump on news reports that China is preparing to ship weapons to Iran: "I doubt they would do that... but if we catch them doing that, they get a 50% tariff, which is a staggering amount

- Trump announces a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz: "So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz. At some point, we will reach an “ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT” basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, “There may be a mine out there somewhere,” that nobody knows about but them. THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted. I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits. Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO .... Iran knows, better than anyone, how to END this situation which has already devastated their Country. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khomeini, and most of their “Leaders,” are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition. The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully “LOCKED AND LOADED,” and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Trump: The Iranians haven’t left the negotiations; I predict they’ll come back and give us everything we want.

- Flights on foreign carriers resume on Bluebird, Tus, Etihad, Smartwings, and Ethiopian this week, this is all dependent on the fragile ceasefire holding…American has canceled flights through 9/8.
El Al will resume flying to dozens of destinations this week, with full service resuming later this month(Dansdeals)

- The IDF Chief of Staff put the IDF on alert: Immediate readiness to return to war with Iran. In light of the collapse of negotiations between the US and Iran, the IDF has entered a structured combat procedure similar to the format used before previous operations on the soil of the Islamic Republic. The Intelligence Directorate is accelerating target development. It is emphasized that no decision on military action has been made yet.

BDE: Tragic Accident

A tragic accident took place early this morning as several bochurin were on the way back from Philadelphia after doing a chesed for a friend driving to the airport. Their car was involved in a accident with a truck resulting in the petirah of Habachur Eli Schepansky Z”L, age 18  the son of Ybl"c R’ Moshe and Mrs. Leah Schepansky. Another bochur, was seriously injured. Name for Tehillim is Mordechai Zelig ben Blima.
Askanim are working with local authorities to ensure proper kavod hameis.
Levaya will take place 5:15 pm at the lakewood Bais Olam followed by kevura.

- Shiva is at 14 Garden of Eden Drive Lakewood 

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Motzei Shabbos News Updates

 Weather tonight 41°
היום עשרה ימים שהם שבוע אחד ושלשה ימים בעומר


Giyus: Israel’s High Court of Justice is hearing a petition from the Movement for Quality Government in Israel accusing the government of ignoring court rulings by failing to enforce mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men.

- While New Jersey fully reopens the child care assistance program, funding limits and eligibility restrictions may still prevent many families from accessing affordable child care, according to reports.

- Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita is expected to come to the US this week for a quick visit on behalf of the Shuvu organization.

-NJ Firefighters have fully contained an approximately 160-acre wildfire that broke out Saturday in Gloucester County, officials said.

- Levaya of Rav Chanoch Friedman ztl of Yerushalayim will take place tomorrow morning 10am in Lakewood at the BMG Yoshon Bais Medrash with kevura in EY.

- Nichun Aveilim: Shiva for Rebbetzin Reva Halperin A"H is at 705 Valley Dr. Lakewood her brothers Rav Dovid and Shlomo Feivel Schustal shlita are sitting at same address

- Authorities are investigating a shooting at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union County Saturday night, a spokeswoman for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed. It’s unclear how many people have been shot or the extent of their injuries.

- A video of United Airlines Boeing 777 was seen performing a low approach over the New Jersey turnpike while landing on Runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport. It was reportedly 50 feet above the highway.

- Continued tefillos in EY where two brothers were caught in the water off the beach in Netanya. One was rescued in critical condition and taken unresponsive to Laniado Hospital in Netanya, while the second remains missing as search and rescue operations continue.

- NASA’s Artemis II Moon Mission Splashed down Fridat night off San Diego. The crew of three Americans and one Canadian are to return to Houston on Saturday after concluding a journey that sent humans around the moon for the first time since 1972.

Iran War Updates Motzei Shabbos Shmini

12:45 am

- Trump: “The Trump card the president holds if Iran won’t bend: a naval blockade.”

- Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar calls on Iran and the United States to keep their commitment to maintain a ceasefire after the countries ended historic, face-to-face talks without an agreement. Pakistan will continue to play a mediating role and try to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the US in coming days, he says.

Negotiation talks collapse between US and Ira.

-Vice President Vance: We were quite flexible, but Iran chose not to accept our terms. We are returning to the US without a deal. 
Vance: “We've been at it for 21 HOURS. We've had substantive discussions...bad news is, we have not reached an agreement."
"The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America. So, we go back to the U.S. having not come to an agreement. They have chosen not to accept our terms."

Vance: The simple fact is that we need to see a positive commitment that they will not try to develop nuclear weapons, and will not try to obtain the tools that would allow them to acquire nuclear weapons quickly.

- Trump: We are now beginning the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz as a benefit to countries all over the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others. Amazingly, they do not have the courage or desire to do this work themselves.

- Turkey: Erdogan says, If The War drags in and US-Iran talks in Pakistan failed to achieve peace, then Türkiye may enter the war against Israel. 

Iran says talks with US to continue Sunday despite ‘serious disagreements’ remaining

IRGC warns that any attempt by military vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz will be met with “a strong response,” saying only non-military vessels would be allowed to pass under specific regulations, the IRGC declares in a statement carried by Iranian media after the US Central Command announced two US Navy warships transited the strategic waterway to clear mines laid by Tehran.


Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the campaign against Iran “is not over,” “We hit them, we still have more to do.

- President Trump on Iran: "We are winning, no matter what happens, we are winning. Let's see what will happen. Maybe they will make a deal, maybe not. It doesn't matter. From America's point of view, we are winning."

LEBANON WAR UPDATE: Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has struck dozens of Hezbollah targets in South Lebanon and tightened the siege on Bint Jbeil ahead of Israel-Lebanon talks set to begin on Tuesday.  

- Israel struck 200 targets in Lebanon