Weather: 36° Sunny to partly cloudy.
New Jersey is facing several days of brutally cold weather, with Arctic air bringing wind chills in the single digits and near zero through Wednesday, according to forecasters.
חדש עלינו את החודש הזה לטובה ולברכה לששון ולשמחה לישועה ונחמה לפרנסה ולכלכלה לחיים טובים ולשלום
Rabbi Chaim Palagi zt״l gave all his personal money to a poor man in need, and later that night on Rosh Chodesh Shvat received an anonymous donation worth twice that amount,Rabbi Chaim Palagi said: "Here is the power of Rosh Chodesh Shvat - a month in which abundance comes to those who open their hearts to others"
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, honors the civil rights leader. It is a U.S. federal holiday, with government offices, banks, USPS mail delivery, and stock markets closed, while most stores remain open.
- A new state law signed Monday mandates cursive script instruction in grades 3 to 5 beginning this fall. Public schools must teach students how to write cursive legibly and become fluent in reading it.
- After the Badatz Eidah Hacharedis called for protests due to a order for an autopsy there's a
possibility is being considered that Rav Moshe Sternbuch and members of the Badatz will join tomorrow in a protest at the gates of the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir.
- Snowstorm in forecast for this weekend Motzei shabbos into Sunday some predicting 10 inches
- New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said she plans to position the state on the “front lines of resistance” against President Trump when she takes office and criticized Trump’s tariff policies for raising costs for residents. Despite the president periodically visiting New Jersey to swing by his Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, he has made no attempt to contact her since her November victory, though she has talked to some people in his administration, she said.
- Denmark deploys more troops to #Greenland after President #Trump imposes new tariffs and demands “complete and total control” of Greenland.
- Israel told the U.S. it could absorb even a worst-case Iranian barrage (~700 ballistic missiles) if it led to regime collapse in Tehran - Ynet
- Howell Township officials are considering an ordinance that would require permits for overnight street parking between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Supporters say it would reduce congestion and improve safety, while critics worry it could allow selective enforcement and lacks clear data to justify a township-wide rule. The proposal includes free household permits, guest parking with advance notice, and $50 per-night fines, with residents urged to weigh in before it advances. Faanews
- Badatz Eidah Hacharedis and Rav Moshe Shternbuch called for protests following a court order to perform autopsies and the babies who were niftar at a daycare in Yerushalayim. The family has petitioned the high court to stop it.
- Trump, in an interview with NBC, said, " No comment " when asked if he would use force to take over Greenland." He also said about the Nobel Peace Prize: "Norway completely controls it, despite what they say."
- Attorney Paul Tractenberg criticized New Jersey for waiting so long to pursue a state takeover of Lakewood schools, questioned whether it will help students, and argued that a one-size-fits-all funding formula cannot work for a unique district saying any continued underfunding under state control would be the state’s responsibility. Nj1015
- Trump: Rigged Elections are common in the U.S., with the Presidential Election of 2020 being the Granddaddy of them all. WE DEMAND VOTER I.D.
- Update: Reports indicate the likely cause of death is dehydration from high heat caused by an air conditioning unit, with initial concerns of poisoning ruled out. Tests of the daycare and all children hospitalized showed no dangerous or toxic substances, and authorities are awaiting legal approval for an autopsy to confirm the cause.
Several hafganos broke out in Yerushalayim and Bet Shemesh against the demand for autopsies.
- Tragedy in Yerushalayim Two toddlers age 3 and 4 months old passed away R"L and about 55 others were injured at a Jerusalem daycare on rechov Hamem Gimmel in the Romema neighborhood, with officials suspecting food-related poisoning amid reports of substandard conditions; gas and hazardous substances were ruled out, while carbon monoxide exposure was also investigated.
The toddlers were identified as Leah Tzipora Golvencitz A'H and Aharon Katz A"H
Following the incident several Knesset members spoke up that charedi families are being persecuted by state policies that exclude their children from supervised daycares, forcing them into unsafe alternatives, and argued that this targeting of the Charedi community endangers children and must be stopped.
Politicians condemned harsh reactions online about the Charedi community regarding the deaths of very young infants, saying that the death of children is tragic and heartbreaking and must not be used in political debates. 3 caregivers were detained for questioning
- Enrollment in Obamacare marketplaces has fallen by about 833,000 nationwide, as rising premiums after subsidy cancellations lead more people to drop coverage or switch to cheaper plans with higher deductibles.
- Mesivtas sending out applications, farheres won't begin before February 4
- Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law tightening New Jersey’s e-bike rules, requiring riders to be at least 17 with a driver’s license or 15 with a motorized bicycle license, and owners to register their bikes and maintain insurance, aiming to improve safety and accountability after a surge in crashes.
- NJ Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill expanding paid family leave to workers at companies with as few as 15 employees, down from 30 workers in the prior family leave law, calling it historic as he prepares to leave office.
- A new FIG Kosher phone store has opened in Lakewood at 361 Cedarbridge Avenue near Kova hats.
- A CBS News/YouGov poll shows 74% of Americans believe President Trump isn’t focused enough on lowering prices, and 76% say their income isn’t keeping up with inflation, despite his promises to address the economy.
- WalletHub ranks New Jersey 14th among the best U.S. states to raise a family in 2026, citing a balance of affordability, safety, jobs, quality schools, healthcare, and entertainment.
- Based on a 2022 Orthodox Union report adjusted for recent data, if NJ's ~60,000 Orthodox Jewish private school students switched to public schools, it could add about $1.2 billion annually in variable education costs to the state. This excludes fixed costs and current aids like transportation (~$100M+ statewide). Actual figures vary by district and funding formulas. Grok
- Iran reason Trump called off the strike was not the lack of interceptions or fear of the air defense collapsing: According to American sources, the argument conveyed from Israel was that the attack plan on the table last week would not lead to the regime's downfall. Now the US is stepping up again, and alongside military capabilities, a search is being conducted for internal breaking points within the Iranian system.
- The U.S. is building a nuclear power plant in Israel as part of a broader investment in AI and data centers.
- Congress is pushing bipartisan legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in the U.S., keeping clocks on spring/summer time year-round. Supporters cite more evening daylight and fewer disruptions, while critics warn of darker winter mornings affecting sleep and circadian rhythms. It would have an effect on vasikin and shachris minyanim
- Lakewood BOE takeover: During the 2019 trial, state officials, including then-Assistant Commissioner Dehmer and Deputy Forney, testified about oversight of Lakewood’s school funding and budgets. They noted state monitors review budgets year by year, but the funding formula is flawed and requires changes. Despite ongoing borrowing of $100 million annually to cover gaps, mismanagement alone didn’t explain the shortfall. Advocates warned that delays and state legal maneuvers could leave Lakewood millions in debt for funds the state should have provided, with legislative attention and litigation needed to address the systemic funding issues. (A Lang)
TY R' Aaron Time to FIX THE FORMULA! GO ABE S>
ReplyDeleteWhat's the cheshbon of Feb 4 for farhers?
ReplyDeleteIt would have been Tu Bishvat but they wanted to give a few days between midwinter and farhers.
Deleteyes, they want to encourage going to Florida or Mexico for winter vacation.
Deleteyou mean they want to encourage going to Florida or Mexico for winter vacation.
DeleteNow every kid in Lakewood has to insure his E bike thanks liberals
ReplyDeleteWhy is that a bad thing? You know how many kids I see on scooters driving into the middle of roads to cross unsafe or are on the curb? RL anything should happen.
DeleteKids in Lakewood should do more walking.
Deletee-bike insurance has been available for years. At $100-300 year honestly it is the irresponsible to not have insurance.
DeleteIt's communist and government overreaching they will just make you pay more
DeleteAlso kids can drive ATV's and other motorized vehicles so it's not across the board
This bill is for politicians to show their power while they keep making life difficult.
Oh and they claim they are here to save lives but they voted to allow dangerous criminals roaming our streets protected from ICE
#Hypocrites
How sad it is that people in our community can believe stupidities like 'to show their power'.
DeleteAgain, if you know of a dangerous criminal roaming, call the local police.
Calling police won't help because the law they want to pass will not allow ICE to deport them this is how 2 people in Lakewood were killed
DeleteYou are מרחם על אכזרים
So the local police allow dangerous criminals to roam around, and your only problem is the fact that they are undocumented.
DeleteIf they were citizens, you would have no recourse?
Are you listening to yourself? Do you realize how unhinged you sound? There's a conspiracy of the party you didn't vote for to have criminals roaming around? Get yourself checked in, there's something wrong here.
You are twisting the narrative in order to justify the assemblyman vote to have criminals roam the streets.
DeleteThe illegals have prior criminal activity and come to NJ because it's a sanctuary city. Liberal judges let them out of jail again and again but ICE will deport them
The hasc concert, once a dignified event at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, has now become more like a live WhatsApp or TikTok experience reduced to trendy social-media-style performances, reflecting the state in the Jewish music scene
ReplyDeleteThey proudly ditched their bekitches but why are the singers wearing scarves
DeleteCuz a scarf is not a religious garb so they have no issue with it. The Bekitche is the problem and next is the yarmulka..
DeleteThis is the shallow Judaism showcased on the iconic stage
It's a mixed concert chazer treif not for yirei shomayim
DeleteConcert was a joke more like a bochurim event with TYH
DeleteNot the typical HASC concerts of yesteryear
They are catering to the crowd the Jewish music fans today are younger they listen to 24/six and watch video clips that's who they want to see. Also the donors to Hasc are young people with little children who like this music
DeleteIt's not a classy event where you can't sneeze
Great article in the Voice last week by Rabbi Kaufman of Yeshiva Ohr Yissochor (R' Hackerman's) about what to look for when placing weaker boys.
ReplyDeleteOCR'd it from scan. Hopefully same as printed:
DeleteYeshiva: A Place to Learn, a Time to Grow
I read the letter by Shmuel Rotenberg and relate to its undercurrent and feeling. So many boys would thrive in an environment that allows them to tap into their strengths. So many would feel good about themselves if our expectations were realistic. So many of our bachurim would succeed if only we provided the proper environment — one that’s truly conducive to growth. An environment that builds on strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses. An environment that cultivates true bnei Torah and bnei aliyah. An environment that’s positive, guided by caring rebbeim who believe in each bachur and encourage him to grow.
I’ve seen bachurim who never made a siyum in their lives go on to complete a mesechta. Boys who had never tasted success begin to understand what genuine accomplishment feels like. It’s this feeling and these realizations that will propel them forward and upward. This kind of success isn’t fleeting. It’s something a bachur carries with him for life, shaping his identity as a ben Torah for life and deepening his connection to Hashem and His Torah.
Indeed, yeshiva is a time to learn and a time to grow. Our focus should be to help a bachur recognize the kochos he has. To understand that his talents go far beyond drawing or singing. He has ma’alos. He has a place to shine, at his level and at his pace, not by comparing himself to others and not by putting down metzuyanim, but by raising himself up, striving higher and achieving what only he can achieve. Unlike camp, yeshiva is meant to be a place of learning and growth.
I relate to this deeply because I’m zocheh to be part of “the system,” a system that, baruch Hashem, produces thousands of bnei Torah and bnei aliyah each year. And baruch Hashem, that same system has continued to broaden and adapt. Today, it includes beautiful mosdos that cultivate bachurim according to their ma’alos and unique strengths, bringing out their colors and allowing them to shine.
Over the years, I’ve been involved in different capacities and have seen, from different vantage points, how these mosdos are attentive to guiding each bachur toward his growth. Lakewood already has mosdos that are doing this, places where bachurim are given room to grow, to succeed and to build confidence through real accomplishment, by focusing on themselves rather than comparing themselves to others.
If you have a boy going to mesivta, make sure, as a parent, that you’re choosing a yeshiva based on what’s best for your child, not on brand recognition. There’s a place for every boy. Parents need to make that choice wisely.
A yeshiva where bachurim don’t disappear — they grow.
A yeshiva where they don’t wither — they shine.
Rabbi Yisroel E. Kaufman,
Menahel
Yeshivas Ohr Yissochor
How about reputable English;organized sports;challenge with hard career questions
Deleteplease clarify 3 and 4 month toddlers.
ReplyDeletetoddler means 2-5 years old, not months.
and 4 month old is only eating mother's milk or formula (begining to be weaned off it.), perhaps some Bamba.
MRI can explain a lot without an autopsy, though blood samples are preferred. no need for full-blown autopsy.
if the children died in hospital, there should have been blood taken in admitting.
(this should be done all the time, everywhere, but hospitals are too smart for that, would be too efficient. anyway, other children should have similar symptoms and similar blood CBC results.)
note Noda beYehuda that permits autopsy in this exact situation.
Where is this Noda B’Yehuda? I’m not from those who see any rishus in the Israeli government insisting on an autopsy. The US government would do the exact same thing. And the US courts have repeatedly ruled that in such cases autopsies must be done even over parents religious objections but when did the Noda BeYehuda ever say that if infants die in daycare, an autopsy may be done? The Noda BeYehuda is almost universally understood to have held that an autopsy may only be done if there is another known sick person who may be saved as a result. The Shoel U’Masiv is more meikal but never discussed this exact case
DeleteNo Chareidi was forced to use unsafe daycare. Even if the government is wrong for removing the subsidies, what should a Ben Torah do if he can no longer afford licensed, supervised and safe daycare?
ReplyDeleteHe should look for a job.
Where?Without credentials?
DeleteHe should not listen to his leaders and should get credentials.
DeleteOr he can drop his kids if by the ones who denied him the ability to earn a living
Can't disagree with that
DeleteThe Badatz is not gorris R Shternbach
ReplyDeleteNew Jersey is the most moved out of state and Mikie Sherril thinks that she will fight Trump as that is the biggest issue It's the democrats who raised taxes for the last 8 years and now they blame Trump.
ReplyDelete