Lakewood Left Helpless: No Guidance, No Leadership as LSTA Deadline Looms

Elul 5786

A wave of frustration and panic has spread through the Lakewood community following the announcement of a major increase in transportation costs and an extremely short window for families to figure out what to do.

Families have been left scrambling to come up with money they don't have  or arrange carpools, private transportation and other alternatives, with only days to respond. For many, that simply isn’t realistic. Between multiple children, different school schedules and Lakewood’s already difficult traffic, finding a workable transportation solution on such short notice can feel nearly impossible.

And this isn’t the first time LSTA has given families a last-minute choice: pay more for transportation or opt out. 4 years ago the same shtick was pulled.  On July 31,2022, Yeshivos and private schools got short notice from LSTA to notify parents of courtesy busing increase from $180 to $260. Parents had until  12:00 pm August 1.

But this time feels different. The potential financial impact is enormous, raising a basic question: How can a change this significant be announced with so little notice and so little preparation for the families who will have to deal with it? Did they know this was coming or was this a last minute decision.

Across Lakewood, families are calling each other, posting in WhatsApp groups and online forums, comparing numbers and trying to figure out what their options even are.

Where is the leadership?

Families are especially frustrated by what they see as silence from nearly every corner of the community. School owners  Roshei mosdos have largely stayed quiet. Politicians who are often quick to speak up on community issues have not publicly stepped forward. And broader communal leadership has yet to offer clear answers, advocacy or even a meaningful acknowledgment of  nesius ol in what families are being asked to deal with.

The numbers 

People are struggling to understand how a reported transportation budget reduction of roughly $2.7 million could potentially translate into an $18–$19 million burden on families. The gap is staggering, and families want a straightforward explanation: How were these numbers calculated, and why does a relatively small reduction in the transportation budget result in such a dramatically larger cost being shifted onto families?

 A short deadline.

Families cannot build new transportation arrangements overnight. Carpools have to be coordinated. Private vans have to be found. Work schedules have to be changed. Children with different schools, pickup times and dismissal schedules all have to be accounted for.

For working parents and large families, this isn’t a minor inconvenience. It can affect whether they can get to work, whether their children can get to school and whether the family’s entire daily schedule is even manageable.

Families are being left to figure it out alone.

Lakewood kehilla is used to communal leadership stepping in when an issue affects thousands of families. Parents are not seeing that happen here. Instead, they are calling one another, trying to piece together while the people who could potentially provide answers remain largely silent.

The olam should be kept open about what is going on. They want the financial numbers explained and enough time to make arrangements that are actually workable for their families.

Right now, families are being asked to make major financial and logistical decisions within days.

And for many, the most troubling part is not just the cost it’s the feeling that when they need their community to step up, nobody is stepping forward.

Fridays August 21 News Updates Lakewood

Friday, August 21, 2026 / ח׳ אלול תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת כי תצא

Candle lighting 7:27 pm

Shkiah/Sunset 7:45 pm

Weather Partly cloudy. High 78F.

Tonight overcastLow 67F.

Shabbos day Cloudy skies. High 76F.

This shabbos 9 Elul Yartzeit of R' Tzadok HaKohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (1823-1900). Talmid of the Mei HaShiloach of Izbhitz & R'Leibele Eiger 

This Shabbos simchas Beis Shvilei Dovid/ Zhiditchov in Oak n Vine Aufruf

will be held for the son of Rav Yitzchak Unsdorfer, Av Beit Din of Shvili David in Lakewood, kallah is daughter of the Zhiditchov Rebbe of Baltimore.

- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is publicly urging New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to concentrate on the day-to-day responsibilities of governing the nation’s largest city rather than continuing to focus attention on Israel, as his rhetoric and policies toward the Jewish state remain a source of controversy.

- High school girls: With school starting in 10 days there's up to 40 girls still mot placed in Lakewood high schools.

- Shemiras Shabbos: El Al canceled flight LY8 from New York to Tel Aviv after passengers had already boarded because the delayed departure would have resulted in the aircraft landing in Israel after the Shabbks began. 

- LSTA: State audit in 2022 shows they collected from yeshiva courtesy bus family fees at $260 per student at 10,000 students for a total of $2.5 million, while Lakewood township contributed $1.2 million for public school courtesy students. In FY 2022.

Reports say there are 20,000 non mandated students now, if all are paying $945 that equals $19 million dollars! Perhaps (Parents can pool money together and arrange cheaper transportation without LSTA)

- Schools  sent a message  to parents  they are aware of the LSTA’s latest notice asking parents to either pay up to $950 per child or opt out. However, schools have indicated that there is little they can do and are advising parents to choose whichever option works best for their families

- Shemiras Shabbos: El Al canceled flight LY8 from New York to Tel Aviv after passengers had already boarded because the delayed departure would have resulted in the aircraft landing in Israel after the Shabbks began. 

- New Jersey Governor Sherrill signed boll A2218/S2260, into law a pro Toeiva bill expanding legal protections for abortions. The legislation would make it a fourth-degree crime to interfere with access to clinics or hospitals and would prohibit insurers from denying or limiting coverage for abortion and gender-transition services. The law  could criminalize peaceful prayer and sidewalk counseling outside abortion clinics.

The law targets anyone accused of blocking access or intimidating people entering these facilities, with penalties reaching up to five years in prison if serious bodily harm occurs. Violators could also face civil lawsuits, attorney’s fees, punitive damages, and at least $1,000 per violation.

New Jersey Right to Life warns the law is written so broadly that prayer, signs, or simply offering help could be labeled “intimidation” by someone who claims to feel threatened.

- Jackson: Attorneys for the Jackson 21 homeowners association accused of segregating its community pool by gender say the HOA has the right to separate male and female swimmers because most residents are Orthodox Jews who follow religious laws requiring gender-separated swimming.

The dispute centers on whether the HOA may impose gender-specific pool hours or access based on the religious practices of the community's majority residents.

- LPD ticketing cars parked at BMG along Private way. Today  state troopers are in the area enforcing traffic laws.

- Turkey has requested Interpol to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dozens of other senior Israeli officials. The legal action is being taken as part of a criminal trial being held in absentia at the 11th High Criminal Court in Istanbul. The charges relate to the armed interception of the Global Somud flotilla en route to Gaza in international waters.

- After 44 years, IDF soldier Yehuda Katz HYD has  been brought to kever Yisroel, with his kevurah taking place at Har HaZeisim. Katz went missing during the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon. His remains were returned to Israel following a special intelligence operation.q

50,000 attend selichos last night at the kosel

Tidbit For Maftir This Shabbos

 Kavanah for Zechiras Amalek

This week’s Maftir, Parshas Ki Seitzei, discusses the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek, which we fulfill annually through the reading of Parshas Zachor.

Since this coming year is a leap year, there will be 13 months between last year’s Parshas Zachor and the upcoming Parshas Zachor. The Chasam Sofer explains that the annual reading nevertheless fulfills the mitzvah. The reason is that the natural process of forgetting after a year is not determined solely by the number of days that have passed, but also by the cycle of seasonal events that we experience throughout the year.

Nevertheless, the Maharam Schick (Mitzvos, no. 604) writes that the Chasam Sofer himself instructed his students that in a leap year, they should have specific kavanah to fulfill the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek during the Krias  HaTorah reading of Ki Seitzei. This ensures that a full twelve-month period does not pass without hearing the Torah’s account of Amalek.

Submitted: Anyone davening in a shul where a Bar Mitzvah bachur is receiving Maftir should have specific kavanah during Shvi’i to fulfill the mitzvah of Zechiras Amalek through the Torah reading. (Al pi Rabbi Shmuel Felder shlita.)

בן אדם מה לך נרדם

Selichos Minyanim in Lakewood for Sefardim Elul תשפ"ו. Most minyanim start 45 minutes before the scheduled time for shachris 

If LSTA Assumes The District’s Role, What Responsibilities Does It Have?

NJ law says that when transportation is provided to students who live less than the required distance from school, families cannot be excluded simply because they cannot afford the transportation fee. Financial hardship is based on the same income standards used for free and reduced-price meals. Source 

 

The law also requires districts that provide courtesy busing to have a policy identifying hazardous routes. So the question for LSTA is simple: If it is taking on the district’s transportation responsibilities, why are families who cannot afford the fee being left without transportation and what hazardous-route protections apply to children who live under two miles from school

 Parents of yeshiva and other nonpublic-school students are questioning why they can be charged nearly $950 per child for transportation while Lakewood taxpayers fund courtesy transportation for public-school students. But the role of the Lakewood School Transportation Association (LSTA) raises an even bigger question.

The 2016 New Jersey law creating the Lakewood nonpublic-school transportation consortium states that: “The consortium shall assume the responsibilities of the eligible district under N.J.S. 18A:39-1”

The Legislature went even further in the 2023 consortium law, stating that: “The consortium shall assume all of the responsibilities of the school district under N.J.S. 18A:39-1”

That language raises a serious question for LSTA. If LSTA assumes the district’s transportation responsibilities, which transportation protections and requirements does LSTA believe it has assumed  and which does it claim do not apply?

LSTA has relied on a Lakewood School District age policy to deny transportation to some five-year-old children. If LSTA says it is not the district when parents ask why certain transportation protections apply, why is it relying on district policy when that policy is used to deny transportation?

And if LSTA can use district rules to restrict transportation, why should families be told that district transportation protections do not apply when those protections would help families who cannot afford the fee?

New Jersey transportation rules also recognize financial-hardship protections for certain transportation services, with financial hardship tied to the state's free and reduced lunch  income standards.

What protection does LSTA provide to a family that qualifies under those income standards but cannot afford a transportation fee approaching $950 per child?

What law authorizes LSTA's current transportation program and its fees? Which responsibilities under N.J.S. 18A:39-1 has LSTA assumed? 

Why is LSTA relying on a district age policy to deny transportation while claiming that district transportation requirements do not otherwise apply?

What financial-hardship policy is available to families who cannot afford the transportation fee?

The Legislature specifically gave the consortium the district's transportation responsibilities for eligible nonpublic-school students. If LSTA believes certain district protections do not apply, parents are entitled to know exactly which ones, and the legal basis for that position.

If LSTA can rely on the district's rules when those rules restrict transportation, why can't families rely on the district's transportation protections that would help them?.

(Current NJ transportation regulations HERE  NJ Department of Education  Student Transportation Here)

Oif Simchas Thurs 8 Elul

Chasunas:

Bendkowski - Rotstein  Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Nafoff - Miller Bais Faiga 

Panski - Schwinder Ateres Chaim Elazar

Karmel  - Drucker Fountain Ballroom 

Margeretan - Dreebin  Lake Terrace 

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

Weather: Low 66° Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch. Localized flooding is possible.

- Shiur klali today at Lakewood Yeahiva, BMG R"Y Rav Malkiel delivering the pesicha shiur on Bava Kama credit (M.Weisberg)

With Only Days to Decide, Lakewood Yeshiva Families Face New Busing Costs While Public School Students Ride Free

 

Just days before the school year starts, LSTA dropped a bombshell: non-mandated busing costs are jumping and families have almost no time to prepare or decide.

Here are the facts:

The subsidy that funded this program for the past 10 years has been cut by the Township.

Cost per child is rising from $385 to $945

You must opt in by Monday, August 24 at 11:00 PM or your child is automatically dropped from the route. Opting out gets you a refund of the $385 but then you're on your own for transportation.

For many families, this adds up to $3,000+ in new expenses this year alone.

Meanwhile, the early morning shachris buses run nearly empty, with parents already organizing carpools to cope but many schools don't even allow carpooling, forcing families into thousands of dollars of new expense they can't absorb.

And the Lakewood Township committee fully funds non-mandated busing for public school students while yeshiva and private school families in Lakewood get none of that support. 

Where are our elected officials? Silent. Hiding behind monthly Zoom meetings while millions in tax abatements and years of budget surpluses go unexplained.

Lakewood families deserve transparency and they deserved more than a few days to prepare for a $3,000 hit to their budget.

Per New Jersey law Lakewood or any parents who qualify for the school lunch program do not have to pay if they can't afford it and can not be denied transportation according to NJ law. The schools and LSTA have so far not notified parents of this law and parents are given a form to either sign up or opt out.

 - NJ Law Students who are unable to pay because of financial hardship shall not be excluded from receiving services described under this section. The criteria used to determine financial hardship shall be the same as the Statewide income eligibility standards established for free and reduced-price meals under the State school lunch program.

Full Nootice from LSTA:

August 20th, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO LAKEWOOD NON-MANDATED FAMILIES

Dear Parent of Lakewood Non-Mandated Student,

You are receiving this notice because one or more of your children are considered non-mandated for transportation purposes. A non-mandated child is one of the following: an elementary student who resides 2 miles or less from school or a high school student residing 2.5 miles or less. The information below pertains solely to Lakewood students and does not affect students residing in Howell, Jackson or Toms River.

Overview and Background:

The state of New Jersey has and will continue to provide transportation funding for all Lakewood mandated students. However, the LSTA does not receive any state funding for non-mandated students.

In spite of this, for the past 10 years, LSTA together with Lakewood township has been able to provide busing to thousands of Lakewood non-mandated students at a deeply subsidized rate. This was accomplished through Township financial support and LSTA's transportation system.

For the coming 2026-27 school year, the State has significantly reduced its municipal aid funding for Lakewood Township. As a result, the subsidy that helped fund this program for the past decade has been eliminated. There will no longer be any subsidies for these students to allay the full cost of up to $1177 per seat on the bus.

Understandably, this will impact many Lakewood families. LSTA has been able to reduce the full price of the seat to $945 per child for the 2026-27 school year. The $232 reduction is not a continuation of the township's subsidy. Rather, this was made possible due to the size and density of the Lakewood transportation routing network, together with the efficiencies and marketable purchasing power created by the volume of Lakewood routes.

The $945 rate reflects the adjusted costs available for 2026–27. Future pricing will be determined based on the funding and resources available for each respective school year.

What This Means For You:

If you would like your child to remain on a bus, please log into your family portal at www.lakewoodsta.org and opt in by Monday, August 24 at 11:00 PM.

Because routes are awarded based on both AM and PM seat, consistent with LSTA's standard practice, opt-in transportation is available for round-trip service only.

Families who have already paid $385 will have that amount applied toward the $945 cost, leaving a $560 balance per student, payable in another three installments. (This will be automatically applied upon submission of your opt-in form.)

Families who opt out of transportation will receive a refund for the $385 previously paid.

For families who need assistance accessing the portal or completing the opt-in, kiosks at the LSTA office will be open today, Thursday August 20th until 6 pm, Friday August 21st 9 am until 1 pm and Monday August 24th from 10 am until 10 pm.

If no action is taken by 11:00 pm Monday, your child will be opted out, and the routes will be adjusted and consolidated accordingly.

The Monday deadline is necessary so LSTA can promptly adjust routes, follow State requirements for awarding transportation routes, and provide vendors with the time needed to prepare for service beginning September 1st.

Due to the Township's budgeting schedule, the LSTA was only recently informed of the subsidy cessation. As this notice is coming very close to the start of the school year and will create an unexpected financial hardship for many families, we regret the timing and understand the difficulty this will present.

We are grateful that together with the Township, the LSTA was able to provide this deeply subsidized benefit to thousands of Lakewood families for an entire decade. We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep transportation as accessible as possible under the current funding structure.

 Lakewood Student Transportation Authority

Thursday August 20 News Updates

Weather: 84° Cloudy early then strong thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Chance of rain 70%. Localized flooding is possible.

Flash flood watch issued Issued By  US, National Weather Service from 12pm today until late tonight  flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. Rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible.

7 Elul 3rd Yartzeit of Rav Aharon Shechter ZTL R"Y Chaim Berlin.

Yartzeit of R'Reuven Margulios (1889-1971). Author of over 50 books & sefarim including Margoliyos HaYam on Sanhedrin.

- The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in parts of New Jersey as waves of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move across the region Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening. The tornado watch was issued at 3 p.m. and covers seven counties in southern New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem.

- Frum Knesset member Threatens Consumer Boycott: United Torah Judaism lawmaker Meir Porush warned that the ultra-Orthodox community could leverage its annual spending of more than 52 billion shekels through a consumer boycott. He said religious leaders would issue instructions when necessary.

-  Today at Yeshiva South Fallsburg, the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel shlita, announced that he will be limiting his daily shiur to three times a week. On the other days, his son-in-law, Rav Meir Weinstein shlita, will deliver the shiur. (Israel media)

- LSTA Raises price for non mandated to $945

- Lakewood Town Square has been transformed into a designated parking area, with the township painting individual parking spaces across the plaza. The change comes as Lakewood officials grapple with a growing homelessness problem along Clifton Avenue and in the downtown area. The square, which has historically served as a civic gathering space, has increasingly been used as an encampment by homeless individuals. The newly marked parking spaces appear to represent a significant change in how the township intends to use the property.

- Howell, banned data centers becoming the 33rd municipality in New Jersey to ban AI data centers. The ban was applauded by Howell residents, community leaders, and grassroots climate activists who worked with Howell Mayor John Leggio and township council members. The ordinance passed the all-Republican council by a unanimous vote.A data center proposal was submitted days before the ban was introduced, according to the Asbury Park Press.

- Jackson, officials demanded a second post office after a population boom, according to the APP

- The new charedi  “HaKahal” party  held primary elections for the list pf candidates final results with approximately 14,500 voters: Attorney Shlomo Alboim of Bnei Brak won the top spot.

- Shas leader Arye Deri met with Rav Yitzchak Yosef asking him to continue what his father started as spiritual leader of the party.

- More Than 1,100 Undocumented Immigrants Hold Driver’s Licenses in Lakewood according to the latest report from NJ Assemblyman.

- New Jersey recorded a sharp rise in bias incidents at churches, synagogues, temples and mosques during the first seven months of 2026, even as the state’s overall bias incident total held roughly steady, according to New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting data. The state logged 42 bias incidents at houses of worship from January through July 2026, up from 16 during the same period in 2025, a 163% increase, the statistics show. 

Anti-Jewish bias was the single largest religious motivation statewide, accounting for 387 cases, or roughly 21% of all bias motivations recorded from January through July. Anti-Islamic, or Anti-Muslim, bias accounted for 49 incidents

- Mamdani official reveals NYC may give grants to local grocers struggling to compete with the mayor’s city-run grocery stores.

- 11,000 Non-Resident Voters Confirmed as New Jersey’s Illegal Voting Scandal Grows: New Jersey election officials have removed more than 5,000 additional voter registrations and referred another 1,650 for county review.

- List of top 10 Israeli Yeshivos that received mosst funding through Keren Olam HaTorah from Juky 2024 - December 2025.  There many more yeshivos and kolelim on the list. Data from Israeli journalist 

Surprise Staff Strike at Ben-Gurion Airport Halts Air Travel

Update: Airport workers return to work as flights resume with delays

Prime Mister Benjamin Netanyahu says Ben Gurion Airport will “continue to remain open and operate as usual” after workers at Israel’s main international airport staged a surprise work stoppage on the busiest travel day of the year so far. n a post on X, the premier says “Ben Gurion Airport will continue to remain open and operate as usual. Anyone who stands in the way  will fly home.”

Ben Gurion Airport is experiencing major disruption after workers staged an unexpected stoppage on what is expected to be the busiest travel day of the year, with arrivals halted from 2 p.m. and departures operating on a revised schedule. Around 107,000 passengers and 600 flights were expected, with some flights already disrupted. The Israel Airports Authority blamed the workers’ union, while the Histadrut denied ordering a strike and attributed the chaos to severe staffing shortages and inadequate preparation. Transportation Minister Miri Regev threatened legal action against those responsible

Oif Simchas Wed 7 Elul

Chasunas:

Hayum - Rubin Neemas Hachaim

Weissman - Neuman Bais Faiga

Rosenberg - Moscovics Lake Terrace 

Feigenbaum - greenfield Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Polinsky  - Braun Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Waidenbaum -Manowitz Fountain Ballroom 

Schwartz - Rottenberg Ateres Blima

Bittersfeld - Rothbaum Ateres Esther 

Badousch  - Seruya Ateres Reva 

Iran Israel Updates Aug 19

· Trump: "No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me. TRAGICALLY, for them, they have failed to take it. Therefore, today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY! This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale. Their navy is gone, their air force is destroyed, their military factories are now rubble, their currency is worthless, and their country is hanging by a thread. Today, I am also announcing that ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences. Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies — It all needs to stop NOW. You know who you are. This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY, and we need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat. These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide. IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

- IDF: In a strike in the Al-Shati area: The IDF eliminated a company commander and three Nukhba platoon commanders in the Hamas terrorist organization. Yesterday (Tuesday), the IDF struck in the Al-Shati area and eliminated four Nukhba commanders from the Beit Lahia battalion in the military wing of the Hamas terrorist organization.

- Netanyahu: "We will not tolerate a Turkish military buildup in Syria that threatens Israel"

- Israeli officials directly warned Syrian officials in the days before the attack: "We know the Turks are on their way. This is a violation of the status quo." Israel realized relatively early on that the Turks apparently intended to create a permanent and significant military presence in Syria - and tried to avoid it through diplomatic warnings

- Trump on negotiating with Iran: "Maybe at some point, but right now, I think the situation is so good. But maybe at some point. Look, it's very simple. They have to get rid of them completely; they have to get rid of nuclear weapons. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. You know why? Because they use it. And we're not going to let them use it. So, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And they won't."

- Hamas terror infrastructure and 5 launch pits destroyed by Paratrooper Brigade combat team forces. 

- FT: Iran eyes military targets in Europe if U.S. President Donald Trump escalates the war.

- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee: "Washington is working to establish a mechanism to prevent conflicts between Israel, Turkey and Syria. Hamas has not yet delivered a single weapon; Trump may consider military action against Iran."

- Reports out of Gaza say six senior Hamas police officers were killed in the strike on the Hamas police station. Four held the rank of Akid, equivalent to an Israeli sub-commissioner. One held the rank of Ra'ad, equivalent to a superintendent. One held the rank of Amid, equivalent to a deputy commissioner. - N12.

- Iranian General Mohammad Reza Naqdi:The current president of the United States is extremely short-sighted and childish. He has no long-term vision. When he says something, he doesn't even think about what will happen 24 hours later. His statements have no foundation or consistency. I trust a taxi driver much more than I trust him. Don't take what he says too seriously 

- 

Wednesday August 19 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 88° Sunny to partly cloudy. Ret of week rainy forecast with thunderstorms through shabbos

6 Elul: The yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller  known as the Tosfos Yom Tov.

- Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimshon Chaim Nachmani known as the Zera Shimshon.

- Giyus. Finance Ministry data presented to Attorney General Baharav-Miara reportedly shows charedi families receive government subsidies at much higher rates than other Jewish Israelis from property-tax and rent assistance to childcare, mortgages, and public transportation. The figures were presented amid the dispute over enforcing the military draft on charedim. 

- New study reveals high smartphone screen time among parents is linked to slower vocabulary growth in young children.

- The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in New Jersey including Ocean county because of the threat of rapid flooding from heavy rain that's expected on Thursday, Aug. 20.Twelve counties in New Jersey have been placed under a flood watch issued by the National Weather Service at about 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, and it will be effective from noon on Thursday through 2 a.m. on Friday.

- Aliyah Debate on social media over how Israel can attract more American Orthodox Jews. Jake Turx argues Israel should build large-scale communities with housing, schools, shuls, shopping and professional networks tailored to Yeshivish and Chassidic families. Critics say aliyah necessarily requires adaptation. The broader question: Should American olim adapt to Israel, or should Israel build communities that make it easier for them to come as they are?

- Dr Rich Roberts of Lakewood is sitting Shiva for his mother Mrs. Ruth Gordon A"H, at 120 Arbutus Drive, Lakewood, NJ. Visiting hours are Wednesday through Monday at designated times, with Shacharis at 8:30 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:35/7:30 next week. Visiting is 10 am -12 pm  and 2pm - 5:30 pm and after mincha until 9 pm and on Motzei Shabbos, from 9:30–10:30 pm. All tefilos will be held in the kollel room; please use the front porch, left door.

- Boys elementary schools start today  expect traffic around the chadorim from drop offs and pick ups. The cheder Hachodosh opened today at the new Jackson location.

- Two change.org petitions launched to keep GroupMe SMS. HERE and HERE. Shuls that have the shul space and other platforms are not affected as they have their own text messaging technologies.

- A new report by Assemblyman Paul Kanitra estimates that more than 1,100 undocumented immigrants hold driver's licenses in Lakewood.

- Giyus: Breslov Chasidim traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah are planning to begin enlistment proceedings with the IDF so that they will be permitted to leave the country. This comes after the IDF announced that, following a change in policy at the airport, draft dodgers will not be allowed to leave Israel. CH13

- President Trump shows reporters a rendering of the new White House helipad, touting sweeping renovations to the property and saying people should see the work underway. "The White House was in terrible condition." Trump says the upgraded grounds will be used for major meetings, celebrations and visits from foreign leaders, including an expected visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming weeks

- $26 Million of New Jersey tax dollars go to pay for the legal defense of people that came here illegally. 

- The Ocean County road crew is doing construction on Cedarbridge Avenue in Lakewood, reconfiguring the concrete barrier at the intersection with Avenue of the States

- New Jersey REJECTS Trump Administration’s New MMR Vaccine Policy  State Says It Will Follow Its Own Guidance.

- Lakewood township will vote on the budget September 5 with a massive property tax increase expected.

- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin: Thank you, Gov Sherrill NJ We got news from your Secretary of State that New Jersey will participate with DHS in STOPPING aliens from illegally voting in your state. 
The 35,000 potential registered aliens we identified may only be the beginning look forward to helping NJ identify illegal voters and ensure election integrity

- Former Fauci adviser David Morens pleads guilty to conspiring to hide federal records about COVID-19 & its origins

- President Trump is celebrating Alex Vindman’s stunning Florida primary loss by reopening one of the biggest battles of his first term. “The most gratifying loss last night was that of a real treasonous creep, Alexander Vindman."The Dumocrats Fake Impeachment effort massively failed. Vindman should be prosecuted for what he did!" FOX

- Starting Jan. 1, about 540,000 New Jersey Medicaid recipients will face new federal requirements to maintain their coverage. Most adults ages 19 to 64 who receive Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act expansion will have to complete at least 80 hours per month of approved activities, such as work, school, vocational training, or volunteer work. Some parents, caregivers, and people with certain disabilities or medical conditions may qualify for exemptions. Affected NJ FamilyCare members will also have to renew their eligibility every six months instead of annually.

- On Monday, August 17, Lakewood Township EMS and the Lakewood Volunteer First Aid Squad participated in a joint training session on pediatric emergencies, led by the Medical Director, Dr. Matthew Letizia.

New Elul zman at Chevron Yeshiva 

Oif Simchas Tuesday 6 Elul

Chasunas:

Rubinfeld - Bleier Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Feldhamer - Holtz Ateres  Chaim Elazar 

Wertzberger - Kalish Lake Terrace 

Aahkenassy - Freedman Fountain Ballroom 

Busel -  Schwartz Neemas Hachaim 

Muhlgey Bais Faiga

Stern - Cohen Ateres Esther

Lipman - Lewinstein Ateres Blima

Kiddush Levana opportunity 

- Yartzeit seuda of the Zera Shimshon with the participation of Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser shlita at the Mesameach building off Cedarbridge Avaa⁰e in Lakewood 

Tuesday August 18 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 84° Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 84F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%

- Lakewood Boys elementary yeshivos begin cheder tomorrow. 

- Trump: I have paused the 50% Tariffs against Canada, that were scheduled to kick in tomorrow morning for a three day period, based on the fact that Canada and the U.S.A., subject to the finalization of documents, have a DEAL! The great Keystone XL Pipeline, long ago killed by Sleepy Joe Biden, may be awoken from the grave! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP

- BDE Petirah of Rebbetzin, Sarah Rochel Yisraelzon, a”h, daughter of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, and the almana of  HaRav Yosef Yisrael Yisraelzon, zt”l, she fell Ill this week and was niftar at the age of 93. 

- Trump moves to accelerate development of psychedelic drug ibogaine as a treatment for serious mental illness, particularly among veterans.

- GroupMe is ending its two-way SMS service. Starting August 17, 2026, users will gradually receive a 7-day notice before group messages stop coming by text. After that, users will need the GroupMe app or website to participate in groups. Verification texts and invitations will still work.

- After 44 years, the remains of Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, who went missing during the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon, have been recovered and returned to Israel. Katz was one of three Israeli soldiers who disappeared in the battle. The remains of his fellow soldiers Zachary Baumel and Zvi Feldman were recovered in 2019 and 2025, respectively. The IDF says Katz’s remains were located in an operation led by Military Intelligence with Mossad assistance and were positively identified before being returned for burial.

- Giyus: Israel’s Attorney General’s Office says Charedim still account for about 80% of draft evaders, despite an increase in Charedi enlistment. The office is calling for stronger enforcement, including economic sanctions and arrests, arguing that expanding the army is an urgent security need.

- Scientific study reveals TikTok videos deactivate key cognitive brain regions.

- 24 six Jewish music platform increases monthly premiums starting in September.

- FBI data for 2025 shows that Jews were the victims of 1,528 religion-based hate crimes, representing 63% of all religion-based hate crimes in the U.S. Muslims were next with 205 incidents. Overall hate crimes against Jews decreased from 2024, but Jews remained disproportionately targeted relative to their population size.

- One of the East Coast’s largest artificial intelligence data center projects is moving forward with its second phase after a controversial vote in New Jersey late Monday. The Vineland Planning Board voted 8-1 to approve the next phase of the massive DataOne campus after a meeting that stretched past 11 p.m. following hours of expert testimony and public comment.

- NJ Assemblyman Paul Kanitra: Our new report on the size, scope and cost of illegal immigration in NJ is now out. We’ve found a state so hopelessly compromised that we’ve officially requested federal intervention from the DOJ, DHS and House Judiciary Committee.

A staggering 8.2 Billion is being spent every single year on 737,000 illegal invaders in New Jersey. And it’s costing each of you $1,700 a year! If you rent, you can add another $1,000 annually onto that figure from illegals driving up housing costs. What’s even crazier is this is all despite an overall drop in illegals due to deportations.

- OHI and Wellpoint are hosting a free Back-to-School Community Day on Thursday, August 20, from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at the Wellpoint Storefront, 100 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, NJ. Families can receive free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), plus glucose, blood pressure, and vision screenings and information about OHI services. Fulfill NJ will also distribute food from 10:30–11:30 AM

- LPD Traffic Alert: New Central Ave closed between Gudz Rd & Miller Rd due to a motor vehicle accident with a downed utility pole and wires. Avoid the area.

Iran Israel Updates Tuesday August 18

- The Israeli Prime Minister's Office has confirmed, in a statement in English, the attack by the Israeli Air Force in Syria: "Israel and Syria had agreed to maintain the status quo on security matters, which Syria was about to violate by allowing TURKISH FORCES to operate at an air base near Aleppo. Israel repeatedly warned Syria that such a deployment would pose a threat to Israel's security. Syria chose to ignore these warnings. Israel will not tolerate threats to its security and welcomes a return to the status quo."

- IDF Says Gaza Port Strike Targeted Nukhba Commanders: The IDF said it targeted Nukhba terrorists meeting at a café in Gaza City’s port, including a company commander, three platoon commanders and other militants; Palestinians reported six people killed. According to the IDF, one target participated in the 7 October massacre, and precautions were taken to minimize harm to civilians.

- US Sanctions ICC President  The US Treasury announced new sanctions against International Criminal Court.

- Trump: There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Trump posts an image with the caption : “Strait of Hormuz - New US Territory” (see below) 

- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi Responds to Trump's post: "Soon His Illusion Regarding the Strait of Hormuz Will Be Corrected - Or We Will Correct His Illusions"

- The IDF eliminated an Islamic Jihad commander who infiltrated Kibbutz Be'eri and abducted an Israeli civilian during the October 7th Massacre.

- Reports of IDF warplanes attacking the Abu al-Duhur air base in eastern Idlib, Syria, in four airstrikes last night, targeting the runway. The attack came after footage was released of Su-22s conducting training flights over northern Syria.

- Senior Israeli official to Fox News when asked about the reported Israeli strikes in Syria overnight: “Highly sensitive intelligence was shared with the United States in advance, at the most senior levels of the various agencies and bodies," the official said. “Al-Sharaa understands that he cannot operate like the previous Syrian regime, which maintained proxy forces. It’s possible that he didn’t understand what was going on, or didn’t 

- Hamas not giving up weapons: Despite reports that Hamas has agreed to begin the process of disarmament, Khaled Qadoumi, Hamas' official representative in Tehran, declares that "the weapons will remain as long as there is occupation."

- Ghalibaf, the head of the Iranian negotiating delegation, clarifies: We will not open the Strait of Hormuz until the following conditions are met: Lifting the naval blockade on Iran.  Releasing frozen Iranian assets. Lifting sanctions on oil. Cessation of threats and military operations on all fronts: Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq and Yemen.  Fulfilling the other conditions set out in the memorandum of understanding.

- US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack:

We are deeply concerned that the confirmed Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur Airbase constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability. The United States continues to believe that restraint and engagement offer the more constructive course. We encourage all parties to prioritize logical discourse over further military incidents.

- Trump: “Strait of Hormuz - New US Territory”

Oif Simchas Monday 5 Elul

Chasunas:

Kanarek - Olshin Neemas Hachaim 

Fishman  - Blau cedar Palace

Lichtenstein - Halpern Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Kagan - Lokensky Bais Faiga

Stefansky -Silberberg Ateres  Chaim Elazar 

LPD Traffic Alert: Martin Luther King Drive will be closed from Wynatt St to John St for planned NJNG construction. Plan alternate route if possible.

Monday August 17 News Updates

Weather: 88° Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. 

- Likud Primary Vote Count Begins: Likud has begun counting ballots from 503 polling stations across 107 locations. Tens of thousands of forms are being reviewed by local committees before a general count at the control center, with final results expected in the morning and party officials predicting surprises in the candidate list. 

- AOC is distancing herself from past positions on defunding police, prison abolition, & decriminalizing border crossings ahead of a potential 2028 run. Axios

- Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Solovwitchik delivered shiur today for the new zman as he takes up a new residence closer to the yeshiva.

- The New Jersey Department of Treasury has started the process of sending eligible New Jersey residents their ANCHOR benefit confirmation letters. These letters are for homeowners and renters who meet the eligibility requirements for the tax year 2025

- Moadim LSimcha order deadline today for upcoming Yomim Tovim

- Lakewood residents can register their bicycles for free through the LakewoodPDConnect app. Registration helps police identify and return lost, stolen, or recovered bikes

- Rides today at Hearthstone park in Lakewood for a fee.

- Georgian Court University in Lakewood expects about 2,000 students for the 2026–27 academic year, with increases in both freshman and transfer enrollment. Nursing programs are seeing especially strong demand.

Moishas supermarket in Howell expected to open before the yom tov shopping season. No word yet on when.

- A Middlesex County resident has become New Jersey’s first confirmed case of Zika virus since 2020, according to the state health department

- BDE: A 7-Year-Old Dies After Beit Shemesh Stabbing: A 7-year-old boy critically wounded in a stabbing at his home in Beit Shemesh was pronounced dead at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. His 4-year-old brother was also stabbed and remains in serious condition. The Two children reportedly injured in attack by mentally disturbed neighbor, police on the scene as investigation continues.

- New Jersey - today is due date number 1 !! Voter records are due to House Representatives from New Jersey by 5:00pm. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan and House Administration Chair Bryan Steil gave NJ Secretary of State Dr. Dale Caldwell until 5:00pm today to produce a massive trove of physical and digital records.

- BDE: Reb Hershel Landau Z”L, Rosh Hakuhol of Shenya and Longtime Proprietor of Landau’s Grocery in Boro Park.

- New Jersey’s food insecurity rate jumped 75% in four years

- Municipalities and school districts owed New Jersey’s public worker health programs nearly $50.5 million in arrearages earlier this year, months before experts recommended steep rate increases for health plans that insure hundreds of thousands of school and government workers.

Iran Israel Updates Monday August 17

- Jared Kushner to Fox News: “We could see progress in Gaza within a month, hopefully we'll start removing some of the weapons, and hopefully we'll close some of the tunnels in the next three months"

- Trump: The number one Goal is, and always will be, that Iran cannot have, in any way, shape, or form, a Nuclear Weapon. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Trump on the upcoming elections in Israel: I think it's best for me not to get involved in it, but I might enforse someone.

- Trump said the Israelis should not be striking in Gaza because he says Hamas has agreed to lay down their weapons after that meeting yesterday in Egypt between senior Hamas leadership and Jared Kushner, along with the American mediators on the ground.

- Netanyahu: Gaza reconstruction  will not  begin until Hamas is disarmed. The Prime Minister’s Office says Israel and the Board of Peace agreed to establish a working group focused on the prompt disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza, to be completed before reconstruction begins. A second working group will address sanitation, clean water and other public-health issues affecting both Gaza and Israel.

- US-Iran MoU expires with no breakthroughs between Washington, Tehran. An Iranian official has claimed that no talks of an extension took place, that the United States violated the interim agreement just 48 hours after it was reached, and that it later withdrew from it.

- Trump: “There is a back channel with the IRGC. These are the hard-line officials inside of Iran, and the United States and officials in Washington are speaking directly with IRGC officials in Iran.” He said there is no timeline, so the 60-day window expiring today is largely irrelevant to the president's thinking on Iran. Again, he indicated the United States has a lot of mid-level weapons to use if they're needed in the future."

- Trump to Fox News: "Iran should raise a white flag and surrender. I have no timetable, I'm in no hurry." The president added that the midterm elections do not affect his decisions regarding Iran

- Iran reveals an “understanding” has been reached with Oman on a new Strait of Hormuz transit route.

-Senior Iranian official to Reuters: Tehran has decided to transition from a defensive policy to a full-fledged offensive policy. Iran has set a deadline of a few weeks to fully implement the memorandum of understanding with the United States.

- Israel officials are reporting that Netanyahu criticized Kushner for his meeting with Hamas leaders and emphasized that the security operations in Gaza will continue. After the meeting, Kushner and Mladenov met with President Herzog. According to the political source, the agreements reached stipulate: No reconstruction will be carried out in the Gaza Strip as a whole without the complete disarmament of Hamas; The first step towards disarming the Strip is that Hamas will hand over all its weapons for destruction under supervision; Maintaining the freedom of operation of the IDF and continuing the policy of preventative measures; Sanitation operations will be carried out in Gaza to prevent the spread of epidemics.

- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Ending 60-Day Ceasefire with the United States: “There is no clause in the text of the Memorandum of Understanding titled "60-Day Deadline." The Islamic Republic of Iran never formulates its policy under pressure, ultimatums, or time constraints. What was stipulated in the memorandum was a mere 60-day period for discussions on two issues: "Removal of Sanctions" and "The Nuclear Issue." With the possibility of extending this period. Due to the blatant and widespread violation of the June 18 Memorandum of Understanding by the United States, just a few weeks after its signing, the talks did not even begin. As a result, the issue of the 60-day deadline has completely lost its meaning."

Elul Zman 5786 Begins in The Yeshiva World

The boys are back from camp. The shofar has sounded, and so has the kol Torah, as Elul Zman 5786 begins.

A short chavrusah tumul took place in Bais Medrash Govoha, with the yeshiva learning Maseches Bava Kama, which appears to be a popular limud in other yeshivos as well.

Other yeshivos and mesivtos across Lakewood began last week, before Shabbos, while others began on Monday. Several new mosdos for both mesivta- and bais medrash-age bochurim have opened their doors for the new year, including new out-of-town mesivtos in Keyport, NJ, and Far Rockaway.

At BMG, renovations have been completed in the Forest Beis Medrash, and the new campus in Jackson has been added. Other yeshivos have also upgraded their facilities and expanded in preparation for the new zman.

Many youngeleit have moved out to out-of-town kollelim, joining existing kollelim or starting new ones, including in local and international communities such as Johannesburg, South Africa; Savannah, Georgia; Pittsburgh, PA; Columbus, OH; and more.

In Yeshiva of  Long Beach, the year begins in the Catskills at camp Morris until after labor day

In Eretz Yisroel, Ponovezh Yeshiva now counts over 2,500 talmidim. This year, the yeshiva administration constructed two new dormitory floors.

At the Brisker Kollel  in Yerushalayim the long time magid shiur Rav Simcha Maimon shlita has opened a new yeshiva, in his place 

Rav Yehoshua Soloveitchik Shlita (son of Rav Leibel) will deliver the shiurim on Kodshim.

At Brisk  yeshiva on Rechov Press, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchick shlita is hopeful to resume full time delivering shiurim after recuperating from health issues before the summer. 

Mir Yeshiva  plans to expand around the Bais Yisroel neighborhood  and a massive construction project that will connect the buildings to each other. What was once an open-door policy for American bochurim has now shifted, as the hanhalah has tightened admissions with rigorous farhers, making acceptance more competitive.

Yeshiva Ateres Shlomo headed by Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, Zman Elul opened with approximately 1,350 talmidim. The yeshiva constructed a new, spacious dormitory building with approximately 200 additional beds.

They also built a special dining hall for the kibbutz students, because of the overcrowding in the regular dining hall.

In Baltimore, Yeshiva Ner Yisroel continues to flourish with close to 1000 talmidim from Mechina through Kollel including 230 youngeleit. Some avreichim will be takibg on leadership loaitions and joining kollelim Indianapolis, Atlanta, Columbus and Passaic. The yeshiva upgraded facilities including the construction of a new gym for the talmidim. The annual budget is 14 million. 

Yeshiva mesivta Chaim  Berlin begins the zman in Brooklyn with a packed Bais Medrash 

Yeshiva Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn has an enrollment of over one thousand Talmidim. 

Night seder for baalei batim has resumed as well, with a new programs opening in the greater Lakewood  area. The hustle and bustle of the zman is back, as the quiet days of summer vacation draw to a close. Boys’ elementary schools will begin this Wednesday, while girls’ schools will start after Labor Day, on September 3rd.

Q&A

Questions posed to Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein shlita ahead of the new zman by his Talmid Rabbi Yitzchak Zicherman.

Q: When a child is sick, should the mother or the father stay home? The mother works, while the father studies in kollel.

A: The kollel should be understanding, but the family should first try to find outside help such as grandparents so the father can continue learning. The responsibility should not automatically fall on the father simply because the mother works

Q. Is it appropriate for a rosh kollel to reprimand a yungerman about maintaining  shmiras hasdorim the learning schedule, or about talking? And what about a yungerman who is sometimes late, disrupting the kollel’s schedule and causing a general weakening of standardsis it appropriate to dismiss him after he has been warned?

A: Dismissing him is out of the question. He’s not Achmad; these are Bnei Torah. How could you even think of such a thing? What needs to be done is to find out what lies behind his lateness and try to understand what is troubling him, and then try to solve the problem and help him. Above all, we need to explain to that yungerman that he has the ability to merit reaching status of a King.

Q: Should computers be allowed in kollel study halls for research? They can help find sources and answers, but may reduce the effort of studying Torah independently.

A: True Torah scholarship was developed for generations without computers. While computers can make research easier and may be helpful given the challenges of today, the ideal and authentic path is עמל התורה  the hard work and effort of studying Torah independently.

Q: Phones in Kollel Should an exception be made for an avrech whose wife is close to giving birth to bring a phone inside the B"M and wants reliable access?

A: Generally no. Only in an exceptional, very pressing situation may the rosh kollel allow a phone discreetly, on silent/vibrate.

Q: Should a rosh kollel learn with a weaker avrech Even if it takes time away from his own learning?

A: Absolutely. Sitting and learning with a struggling avrech is a great act of kindness and highly valued.

Q: An avrech who studies until 3 a.m Should lateness to kollel be excused because he was deeply immersed in learning?

A: No. Proper sleep is necessary. Staying up so late and disrupting the morning schedule is not the right approach.

Q: How much should a rosh kollel sacrifice for the kollel. Should he give up some of his own learning progress for the needs of the kollel?

A: Yes. The sacrifice for others is itself a great gain. Torah is acquired through chesed kindness.

Oif Simchas Sunday 4 Elul

Chasunas:

Samuels  Pashkes Neemas Hachaim 

Schreiber  - Benedikt Cedar Palace 

- Hespedim and divrei zikaron  tonight for the 2nd yartzeit of Rav Avrohom Ausband ZTL 8 30 pm  at Yeshiva Ohr HaTorah, 780 Vasser Ave, Lakewood, with the hishtatfus of Harav Malkiel Kotler, Rav Moshe Mayerfeld  shlita and the Rosh HaYeshiva of Riverdale Rav Eliyohu Ausband Shlita.

- 100th Yartzeit of the Ohr Sameach Rav Meir Simcha Hakohen ZTL of Dvinsk. There will be a evening of Torah and Chizuk with crashes by Rav Yankel Drill man shlita, Rav Uren Reich shlita Rav Lipa Geldwirth shlita at the Torah Links B"M 1301 Central Ave Lakewood 7:30 pm

- Selichos Minyanim in Lakewood for Sefardim Elul תשפ"ו. Most minyanim start 45 minutes before the scheduled time for shachris