Israel At War Thursday Feb 20

 Israel at war day 503

Body not of Shiri Bibas: 

Update:  The additional body received is NOT that of Shiri Bibas, and no match was found for any other abductee. This is an anonymous body without identification.Ariel and Kfir Bibas have been identified. 

- IDF confirms return of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, states Shiri Bibas not returned

The IDF confirmed on Friday morning that the hostage remains released on Thursday belonged to Ariel and Kfir Bibas.

However, the third body "was not that of Shiri Bibs, and no match was found for any other abductee. It is an anonymous body without identification," the military stated.

"This is a very serious violation by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is required by the agreement to return four dead hostages. We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages," the military added.

- Defense minister Yisrael Katz:

"In light of the serious terrorist attacks attempted in the Dan Bloc by Palestinian terrorist organizations against the civilian population in Israel, I have instructed the IDF to increase the intensity of activities to thwart terrorism in the Tulkarm refugee camp and in the refugee camps in Judea and Samaria in general. We will pursue the terrorists to the bitter end and destroy the terrorist infrastructure in the camps that serve as a frontline for the Iranian axis of evil.

Residents who provide shelter and protection to terrorism will pay a heavy price."

- Nissim as bombs go off prematurely on empty buses,was supposed to go off in the morning 

According to preliminary reports, the bombs were supposed to go off tomorrow morning when the buses were filled with people. The police are treating this as a terrorist attack. 

A female passenger reported a suspicious object to the bus driver, who drove to the parking lot and dropped off all the passengers, and then it exploded.

- Tel Aviv Police District Commander: There are five IEDs so far. Three exploded; two are in police custody. These were IEDs that came from Judea and Samaria and had an analog timer that malfunctioned

- The most difficult question: How is a squad organized that places loads on five buses in a coordinated manner - and this is only revealed because the stopwatch was analog and broke?

- Bat Yam explosions: According to the information in the security establishment's possession, the bombs were supposed to explode this morning. The bombs were planted by a terrorist infrastructure from Judea and Samaria. 

- Drivers of all buses across the country are now being asked to stop and conduct a thorough inspection. Two more bombs were discovered on other buses. A mega-attack was planned.

- Three Blasts Rock Bat Yam: Suspected Terror Attack Targets Empty Buses: Several explosions struck Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, targeting two empty buses, B"H with no passengers on board. Israeli authorities are treating the incident as a suspected terror attack, with police and Shin Bet forces conducting searches for suspects.

- Envoy Witkoff: “The second phase will be more difficult, but ultimately, if we work hard, there is a chance of success. The release of the hostages should happen, but the difficulty in the next phase is that it should end the fighting, and from the Israeli perspective, there is a red line that Hamas will not remain in power. It will be difficult to square the circle, but we will continue to move forward in the talks."

- Inside the coffins of the Israeli hostages, propaganda materials from Hamas were found; Hams exploited the event most cynically and shockingly possible.

- Oded Lipshitz was held in Khan Yunis alongside other hostages who testified that his captors beat him and were confused. After feeling unwell, he was taken from the apartment, and there has been no further sign of life from him since. His body was returned to Israel today

- The Head of the Israeli Institute of Forensic Medicine will hold a press conference at 7:00 PM Israel time.

- Argentinian President Javier Milei has declared a national day of mourning in honor of the Bibas brothers, Ariel and Kfir, who tragically were murdered by Hamas. The Bibas brothers held dual Israeli-Argentine citizenship through their father, Yarden Bibas.

- Trump: "WIPE THEM OUT"  After watching the scenes of Hamas returning the bodies of the Bibas family today, Trump told one of his advisers that he wants to see Gaza "wiped out." according to ch 14

- The body of the Israeli hostage Oded Lipshitz has been identified.

- UN Human Rights Commissioner calling out Hams Terrorist Organization's "Ceremony" today:  “Cruel, heinous, and violating International law.”

 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

"My brothers and sisters, dear citizens of Israel. On this day, we are all united. We are all united in unbearable grief. Every home in Israel bows its head today. We bow our heads for the heavy loss of our four hostages. We all ache with pain that is mixed with rage. We are all enraged at the monsters of Hamas. The four coffins of our loved ones oblige us more than ever to promise, to swear, that what happened on October 7 will never happen again.  The voice of the blood of our loved ones cries out to us from the ground. It obliges us to come to terms with the vile murderers - and we will come to terms with them. "To the vengeance of God, to the vengeance of the Lord."

Our hearts are broken, but our spirits are not broken.  And with this spirit: We will return all our hostages, destroy the murderers, eliminate Hamas, and together - with God's help - we will secure our future."

- I’ve noticed a lot of high-profile people who’ve spent the last 16 months endlessly posting about the (appalling) deaths of so many innocent Palestinian women and children, remaining silent about Hamas kidnapping, killing and now humiliating the Bibas family. Shame on them (Piers morgan)

-Israel mourns as bodies of slain hostages enter Israeli territory

-Bodies of four slain hostages brought to Israel, 503 days after they were taken alive.

-Caskets said by Hamas to be holding bodies of Shiri Bibas, her two young sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz handed over to Red Cross in propaganda-filled ceremony in south Gaza

 after Hamas held a flamboyant and cynical ceremony surrounding their return. The coffins were handed over to the IDF and Shin Bet forces and are being transferred to the Forensic Medicine Institute for identification

- There are currently 69 hostages held in Gaza, 36 have been declared dead.

- Hearts of an entire nation lie in tatters’: Politicians mourn slain hostages Israeli politicians mourned in statements on Thursday the slain hostages Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz, whose bodies were returned by Hamas to Israel as part of the ongoing hostage-prisoner swap.

”Agony. Pain. There are no words. Our hearts — the hearts of an entire nation — lie in tatters,” President Isaac Herzog wrote “On behalf of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for not protecting you on that terrible day. Forgiveness for not bringing you home safely. May their memory be a blessing,” Herzog wrote

- Israelis, silent and with national flags, line the roads as vehicles pass en route to Abu Kabir institute for ID process 

- IDF held brief ceremony in Gaza after Red Cross brought coffins from Hamas propaganda handover event

 The Chief Rabbi of the IDF  was present when the bodies were transfered recited kapital 83 in Tehillim, the kaddish and Yizkor will be said layer.

- The four coffins were X-rayed for security purposes. Afterward, they were checked for explosives and that all the locks on the coffins could be opened so there would be no delay at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. Hams didn't provide keys; they had to break the locks

Hashkafa Q&A

Hashkafa with Rav Gershon Ribner Shlita

The cosmic role for every Jew in Hashem’s master plan

The disqualified Cheder Rebbe for what he expressed to a child

Oif Simchas Wed 22 Shevat

Weather tonight 17° cloudy skies. Very cold. 

Chasunas: 

Brecher - Wallerstein  Lake Terrace 

Hasenfeld - Bernfeld Neemas Hachaim

Smith - Willhelm  Fountain Ballroom

Kamenetzky - Golsdtein Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Wile  -  Ateres chaim Elazar

Shiur in Tanya by Amshinov Rebbe shlita 10 pm at B"M Yagdil Torah 910 E Kennedy Blvd

Wednesday February 19 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather Update:

31° and cloudy today. Tomorrow, expect a chance of flurries or snow showers.

- HaRav Eliezer Kahaneman shlit”a, Nasi of Yeshivas Ponevezh will visit the U.S. with a Melava Malka in Lakewood this Motzei Shabbos, 24 Shevat at the Gratter Simcha Hall, 100 Park Ave S.

- Trump will be laying off over 6,000 IRS agents Tomorrow, just one week after DOGE began their audit,

-Approximately $15 million was stolen from the Lakewood Board of Education's operating account sometime over Presidents Day weekend

(Onenjersey)

- Trump: CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!

- NYC congestion pricing axed as Trump pulls approval of hated toll NYP reports: 

New York City’s spectacularly unpopular congestion pricing scheme is on death row as the Trump administration will announce Wednesday it is pulling its approval of the toll — slamming it as “backwards and unfair” — in a major blow to Gov. Kathy Hochul,

- Trump unloads on zelensky  'A Dictator without Elections": T hink of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the U.S. and “TRUMP,” will never be able to settle. .. Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is “MISSING.” He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden “like a fiddle.” A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left. 

-Elon Musk Proposes $5,000 DOGE Dividend for Americans:

Elon Musk has proposed a plan to President Trump for a 'DOGE Dividend,' aiming to distribute $5,000 checks to all American taxpayers. The plan would be funded by potential savings identified by the Department of Government Efficiency. 

DOGE to BOE:

 Users on social media are calling on Musk and DOGE to address Lakewood BOE's financial situation, especially following articles in tbe APP about high salaries and significant debt. The false claims about Lakewood not paying taxes are mentioned too.

-Tonight's BOE Meeting:

The Lakewood Board of Education is set to borrow more money from the state, with Lakewood taxpayers owing $300 million to New Jersey. The district is considering selling some properties to reduce the debt. The district has also mentioned the possible closure of Piner Elementary, which is housed in a leased building from the Archdiocese of Trenton.

-Salary Increases for Township Officials:

Lakewood township officials are set to vote on salary raises tomorrow night. The mayor's salary remains at $108k, while committee members will receive a 3.5k raise after a 20k increase last year. Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller will see a 10k raise after last year's 20k boost. The Chief of Police's salary will increase by 65k, from $265k to $330k. Meanwhile, taxes on residents have been raised by over $1000 per household. See all salary increases HERE

-Teacher Strike at Heimish Girls School:

Teachers at a local Heimish girls school went on strike yesterday due to unpaid wages. Parents had to pick up their children in the middle of the day. Earlier this year, the school re-registered all students in an effort to collect unpaid tuition, but the situation remains unresolved. The school has notified parents that the regular schedule will resume today.

-Tehillim for Rabbi Chaim Abadi:

Please say Tehillim for Rabbi Chaim Abadi, who was rushed to the hospital early this morning. His Hebrew name is Chaim Yisrael Ben Chaya Rizsha.

-Yartzeit of Rav Yehuda Zev Segal ZTL:

Tonight marks the Yartzeit of the Manchester Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Yehuda Zev Segal ZTL. There will be a Siyum and Divrei Hisorerus at Zichron Shneur Ezras Nashim, 282 Oak Knoll, Lakewood, at 10:30 PM. Divrei Zikaron will be delivered by Rav Heshy Basch shlita.

-OU Kosher Certification for Mr. Beast Feastables:

Mr. Beast's Feastables are now certified OU Kosher! They are certified OUD, but not Chalav Yisroel.

-Lakewood Township Traffic Signals Update:

The township will finally accept Ocean County's offer to install battery backups and generator switches in traffic signals after previous hesitations. This agreement will be finalized at the township meeting this Thursday. FAA

-Pedestrian Fatalities in Toms River:

Two pedestrians were struck and killed by a vehicle in Toms River yesterday. They have been identified as 72-year-old Craig Parson and 68-year-old Debra Wright, both of Toms River.

-LPD Reminder:

Due to Presidents Day this past Monday, all trash and recycling pickups for this week have been delayed by one day.

-Trump's Social Security and Medicare Comments:

Former President Trump stated, "Social Security won't be touched, other than in cases of fraud. Medicare and Medicaid will remain unaffected. We will remove illegal migrants from the system."

Preparations for Rav Shaul Alter's Visit:

Preparations are underway for Rav Shaul Alter's upcoming Shabbos visit to Lakewood at his kehila on Lucy Rd off New Hampshire near Belz. A large tent is being set up for the occasion.

Israel At War Wednesday Feb 19

 Israel at war day 502

Israeli Hostages HYD Confirmed Dead, Families Notified

The bodies of our hostages who are expected to be released tomorrow:

- Bibas Ariel. HYD

- Bibas Kfir. HYD

- Bibas-Silverman Shiri. HYD

- Lipshitz Oded. HYD

Prime Netanyahu: “Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for the State of Israel, a shocking day, a day of sorrow. We are bringing home four of our beloved hostages, fallen.

We embrace families, and the heart of an entire nation is torn. My heart is torn. Yours, too. And the heart of the entire world needs to be torn because here we see who we are dealing with, what we are dealing with, and what monsters we are dealing with.

We grieve, we hurt, but we are also determined to ensure that something like this will never happen again."

- The bodies of hostages expected on Thursday will first be handed over to the Red Cross and then to the IDF. Israel still doesn't know if there will be another Hams show of force but is preparing for the possibility. Identifying the bodies may take up to 48 hours. The bodies will be accompanied by Rabbis who will recite yizkor.

-The identification of the slain hostages who have been held in captivity for a long time may not be feasible, Dr. Chen Kugel, director of  L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir, said on Wednesday. 

- Washington Post Report: The Trump Administration has halted all  US Funding for the Palestinian Authority Security Forces

- IDF drone attacked a vehicle in Ba'ita al-Sha'ab in southern Lebanon. One Hezbollah terrorist was killed in the attack.

Senior Israeli source familiar with the negotiation: “The achievement of the agreement to release six of our hostages alive in one fell swoop, alongside the return of four dead hostages tomorrow, is the result of the Prime Minister's decision to change the composition of the negotiating team.

-5 IDF reservists indicted for severe abuse of Hamas terrorist  detainees at Sde Teiman jail

- Lebanese officials tell Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed: Intensive international talks are underway, especially with France and the US, to complete the full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as soon as possible because "any delay will have a negative impact."

- Syria: Last week, a group of American Jews of Syrian origin visited Damascus, the neighborhoods where they lived, the Jewish cemetery, the grave of Rabbi Chaim Vital, and more. The visit was made possible with the assistance of the Syrian Emergency Task force.

Rav Dov Landau Letter: Prohibited to join WZO

 Rav Dov Landau wrote a letter printed in the Israeli Yated Neeman  against participating or joining in zionist institutions There's no permission whatsoever to serve or hold any position in the zionist organizations or vote in their elections as Zionism is a secular movement rooted in kefira and rebellion against מלכות שמים Any involvement in Zionist institutions is a form of support for shmad kefira and Chilul shem shamayim. The voting for knesset members is based on what was decided by our previous leaders ZL and has no connection to the above.

Oif Simchas Tuesday 21 Shevat

Weather tonight 14° Mostly clear. 

Chasunas

Brodt - Kaufman Neemas Hachaim 

Elias - Gruenberger Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Feller  - Grama Lake Terrace 

Sprei  -  Raab Fountain Ballroom 

Berliner  - Moskovitz Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Raitzik. - Kulik Ateres Reva 

Tuesday February 18 News Updates

 Weather: 29° Sunshine and clouds mixed. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

The National Weather Service forecast map for Wednesday into Thursday continues to favor a more southern track of the storm that will leave less than 1 inch of snow across most of New Jersey 

- Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres blasted protesters for targeting Borough Park “simply because it is Jewish.” “It should come as a shock to no one that the pro-Hamas mob targeting Jews and promising to ‘flood’ Boro Park has descended into violence,” posted to X Tuesday night.

“Violence is not a bug but a feature of the so-called ‘Free Palestine’ movement, which has no desire to free Palestinians from Hamas.”

- Hannity interviews Trump & Musk together 

ELON MUSK: We must be over the target - they wouldn't be complaining so much if we weren't doing something useful. We are trying to restore the will of the people through the president. We are finding an elected bureaucracy that is opposed to the president and the cabinet. You look at D.C. voting - 92% Kamala. That's a lot. That's almost everyone. If the will of the president is not implemented - and the president represents the people - that means the will of the people is not being implemented. That means we live in a bureaucracy, not a democracy.

- Boro Park Update: 

A pro Hamas terrorist attempted to ram his car into Jews at the intersection of 14th Avenue and 37th Street in Boro Park. He was stopped by the NYPD and taken into custody.

-Police recovered a knife that a perp attempted to stab a Jew

- Activist Heshy Tishler was viciously attacked by Hamas supporter at the protest  he was treated on scene by Hatzolah bleeding from the face. He vowed to press charges.

-- Hundreds are gathered on 14th Ave in Boro Park tonight at the pro-Palestinian protest as the NYPD is hard at work, ensuring everything stays under control.

Multiple units from various NYPD departments are on the scene of the planned pro-Palestinian protest to ensure maximum safety for all. NYPD units intervened to stop someone from physically assaulting multiple people at the pro-Palestinian protest on 14th Ave.

- Rabbi Moshe Margaretten of Tzedek responds to Trumps EO for IVF "As a pro-life rabbi and father of nine children, I can definitively tell religious conservatives that there is nothing more pro-life than IVF. On behalf of would-be parents who need financial support to build their families, I welcome this announcement but note that the HOPE Act is our best guarantee. Thank you @realDonaldTrump  and @JDVance for your support of this incredibly important issue! @elonmusk

- President Trump has instructed AG Pam Bondi to fire all Biden Era US Attorneys

He is cleaning house  Over the past four years, the Department of Justice has been politicized like never before. Therefore, I have instructed the termination of ALL remaining “Biden Era” U.S. Attorneys. We must “clean house” IMMEDIATELY, and restore confidence. America’s Golden Age must have a fair Justice System - THAT BEGINS TODAY!

- Trump reads out fraud found in Social secur payments: From 200 to 209 years old, 879 people [on Social Security]. 210 to 219 years, 866 people. From 220 years old to 229 years old, 1,039. Then, you have 2 people from 240 to 249 years old. 1 person that is 360 years old.

- President Trump just signed an Executive Order to Expand Access to IVF. The order aimed at expanding access to IVF treatments. The order directs policy recommendations to protect IVF access and reduce out-of-pocket and health plan costs.

- Lakewood BOE to Sell school and campuses amid financial Crisis as lakewood taxpayers will now owe $300 million in loans to the state.

In a bid to alleviate its ongoing financial struggles, the Lakewood School District is putting several properties up for sale, including the Ella G. Clarke Public School on Manetta st, and Campuses One and Three on Linden Avenue. The sales will not make much of a dent in the cash strapped school district. The BOE will have a public meeting tomorrow to discuss the financial crisis.

- Gridlock traffic this afternoon James St Pine St Rt 9 area due to construction. 

- Bring back plastic bags like Trump did for straws, N.J. lawmaker says

Assemblyman John Azzariti Jr. (R-Bergen) announced on Monday legislation to repeal the law that restricts businesses from selling or distributing single-use plastic carryout bags, paper bags, polystyrene foam (similar to Styrofoam) service products and plastic straws.

- The Trump administration is contemplating a policy change under which SNAP benefits would not be used to purchase junk food and sugary drinks. This proposed ban, aims at improving public health by restricting the type of food that can be bought with food stamps. 

- NJ state police with traffic enforcement on the GSP ramp off exit 89 by Cedarbridge 

- Presidents day sale at Shloimys kosher world Clifton Ave and Kennedy 

Salmon family pack $8.99 limit 3 (on wed only)

tevyas ground beef $6,99 resses peanut butter puffs cereal  11oz $2.99, Catering packages.

- Video message in English from Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlita He referred to the new reality in the world with the entry of a new president into thr White House, "Today many people trust a new president in America, and think that he will help us. But you need to know that these people are hindering the coming of משיח. Only when we understand that Hashem is the only power that can help us, from the president of America we will not be saved, only then God will bring salvation. Any thought about a big army, a big air force, or the thought that 'we are very strong', nothing can come out of it.""The only thing we have is  Hashem, and the future redemption will only occur when we recognize that no one can help us except God himself."

- Lakewood planning board meeting tonight  6 pm watch live stream here see agenda here on the agenda application, Preliminary and Final Major Subdivision and Site Plan to create 76 lots off Massachusetts ave and Prospect st. Large crowd expected.

- Lakewood families who had their Food stamps benefits stolen, took out a ad in the paper thanking Gourmet Glatt for stepping up and offering gift cards to make up for their loss.

- Giyus: Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Edelstein: I am announcing - there will be personal and institutional sanctions in the conscription law 

- Elon Musk's DOGE slashes $370 million at the Education Department — in just 48 hours!

- Newly released video shows the exact moment of the impact of Delta Connection flight 4819 in Toronto.80 people were aboard the flight. Miraculously, only 18 suffered injuries. Two are critical but stable. The pilot didn’t flare the aircraft before touchdown meaning the plane slammed into the ground while dropping at a rate so fast the main gear collapsed.  The right wing breaks off and the plane rolls, skidding to a stop

- The Jackson Township Council has initiated plans for a thorough audit aimed at enhancing the efficiency of all municipal departments.  This plan is in line with the broader effort nationwide to cut wasteful spending in government 

- Lakewood Public Schools attorney makes millions in unusual, but lucrative, pay structure app reports Thanks to a generous and unique contract, he has been paid more than $6 million by the school district since 2017, far more than any other New Jersey public school lawyer Jersey City Public Schools, which has five times as many students as Lakewood, has spent $1.2 million on legal fees in the same period. Jersey City does not have an in-house lawyer. The contract arrangement by the board allows him to not only collect a steady $50,000 a month regardless of how many hours he logs on the district's behalf, but also to charge the district $475 per hour for additional litigation services.“There is no salary in any public school or charter school salaries that comes close to what he is earning,” said Richard Bozza, executive director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators.

Howell Township Schools, with almost the same enrollment as Lakewood, at 5,598 students, spent $103,268 on total legal fees in 2023-2024,

- The Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner reportedly resigned over the weekend after a dispute with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over the Elon Musk-led group’s efforts to access sensitive government records. 

- Musk claimed to uncover “the biggest fraud in history” when he stumbled across more than 20 million people listed in the Social Security database as over the age of 100 years old.

“According to the Social Security database, these are the numbers of people in each age bucket with the death field set to FALSE!” Musk posted on X late Sunday, showing a chart of ages ranging from zero to 369 years old.

Rav Shaul Alter kabolas ponim in Lakewood last night at BM Shvilei Dovid Oak & Vine

Israel At War Tuesday Feb 18

Israel at war day 501

- A senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps general warned that Iran would carry out a third wave of missile strikes against Israel at the “appropriate time,” after Tehran previously launched two rounds of direct attacks on Israel in April and October 2024.  “The True Promise 3 will be carried out in appropriate time,” said deputy commander-in-chief of the IRGC

- Two serving IDF soldiers who fought in Gaza had to flee Amsterdam and return to Israel after a pro-Palestinian organization tracked them down and doxxed them on social media, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.

- IDF Spokesperson: In recent hours, unfounded rumors have been circulating regarding the abductees and their families.  The IDF asks the public to listen only to the announcements of official authorities and to refrain from spreading false rumors that harm the families of the abductees and the public.

- Six live hostages will be released on shabbos and four dead bodies of hostages will be releases Thursday in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and heavy equipment sent to Gaza.

.

- Reports say the six hostages to be released are . Omer Shem Tov, Elia Cohen

Omar Wenkert, Tal Shoham,Abra Mengistu

Isham Shaaban

-Prime Minister Netanyahu is currently holding security consultations with several ministers and the top security establishment

-NYP reports Hamas says Kfir Bibas and Ariel, 2 and 5, and their mom are dead, and their bodies will be sent back to Israel this week. This has not been confirmed by israeli sources yet.

The Biebs family statement 

"In recent hours, we have been shaken after the Hamas spokesman's announcement was made about the return of our Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir this coming Thursday as part of the movement to release kidnapped civilians. It is important for us to say that we are aware of the reports but have not yet received an official update on the matter."Until we receive certainty, our journey will not end. "We ask the media and the public to respect our privacy and not contact us on the subject."

- The IDF carried out a large controlled demolition near southern Lebanon's Kfar Shouba a short while, before withdrawing from the area, Lebanese media report.

- For the first time since the UNRWA law, the Jerusalem Municipality has entered the organization's Qalandiya compound beyond the security wall to confiscate it. The area is said to be state land that UNRWA has controlled since 1948. During the confiscation activity, Arab rioters rioted in the area, and IDF Border Guard soldiers dispersed the demonstrations.

BDE: Rav Shimon Hirsch ZT"L

 Matzav-  Petirah of Rav Shimon Hirsch zt”l, who passed away at the age of 91.

Rav Hirsch was a devoted talmid of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l at Bais Medrash Govoah, where he imbibed the teachings and spirit of Torah that would guide him throughout his life.

For over five decades, Rav Hirsch served as a beloved rebbi in Monsey, NY, where his commitment to chinuch, harbotzas haTorah, and nurturing talmidim left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from him. Later, Rav Hirsch and his family moved to Lakewood.

(Rav Hirsch was originally from Chicago and a direct descendent of Rav Shamshon Refoel Hirsch ztl)

The levaya will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Lutzk Bais Medrash Simcha Room on New Egypt Road in Lakewood. The aron will then be taken to Monsey, where he will be laid to rest at the Beth Tefilo Chelka there.

Oif Simchas Monday 20 Shevat

Cbasunas:

Weisner - Wertzberger Ne'emas Hachaim

Hissiger - Hess Ateres Reva

Silverman  - Schwadron Fountain Ballroom 

Nussbaum. -  Shapiro Ateres Chaim Elazar

Gottesman  - Sendler Bais Faiga

Nachlas BY dinner Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Rav Shaul Alter shlita will come to Lakewood tonight at B"M Shvilei Dovid on Oak and Vine Maariv 9:30pm followed by mesibas Lechaim

Monday February 17 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 35° A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph. Advisory untill 6pm today

Presidents’ Day  today is a federal and state holiday, no USPS mail, banks closed, government offices closed.

A snow storm  wed might into Thursday forecast is now calling for up to 6 inches in parts New Jersey. The National Weather Service was forecasting a 60% chance of snow for Monmouth and Ocean counties.

- JCPL spokesman  to APP There has been little information for most people in Monmouth and Ocean counties about when they can expect the lights to come back on. Crews are being assigned as they become available, Hoenig said.But he expects that a “global restoration estimate,” an approximation of when the problem is fixed in its entirety, will come out this afternoon or tonight. Most of North Jersey has already been restored.

- Updated: The Delta plane from Minneapolis that crashed in Toronto was landing in 70 mph winds before flipping upside down. Three survivors of the Delta plane crash in Toronto are in critical condition, one being a child. 76 people were on board the plane that crashed at Toronto's Pearson Airport, with new reports claiming at least 18 people were injured.

- A Delta flight from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Toronto Pearson Airport seems to have experienced a crash landing with the plane landing upside down at the runway. All passengers and crew are accounted for, reports of 10 people injured Toronto International Airport closed until at least tomorrow morning.

- Road closures across the Lakewood Jackson area due to downed wires. Hope chapel Rd near county line closed.

- The previously predicted hefty snowstorm is no longer heading to the Jersey Shore, Ocean and Monmouth counties are in for much less snow this week From Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning, only around an inch of snow, with potential for a bit more in Southern Ocean, will fall.according to NWS

- Boro park: After the protest location was revealed, the planned Israeli real estate expo has been canceled and postponed to a later date amid reports of a planned Palestinian protest to "flood Boro Park" near the event. It remains unclear whether the protest will proceed as scheduled or has been canceled.(Bp24)

-White House economist gives plan to control avian flu, lower egg prices after Biden admin ‘killed chickens’ -  he and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins are "working with all the best people in government, including academics around the country and around the world" to have a plan ready for President Donald Trump next week regarding the disease.

- Thousands across Lakewood Jackson Tim's River still without power due to high winds. JCP&L outage map tracker shows over 50 cluster outages in Lakewood. No restoration time has been published yet.

- LPD: New Hampshire Ave remains closed in both directions between Rt 70 and Locust St for low hanging power lines and a leaning telephone pole.

-The Mir Yerushalayim yeshiva dinner that usually takes place before pesach has been scheduled for May 18 at Bellworks.

-Adirei HaTorah will host a shabbos for donors to spend time with the roshei yeshiva this coming parshas zachor.

- Tomorrow at the Lakewood planning board meeting, application to create 76 lots off 

Massachusetts Avenue.

- The Wawa location off E County line rd a d Squankum has official closed today.

- CHEMED Health has announced plans to open a new hospital in Lakewood, designed to serve the growing community, including a emergency room an OBGYN labor and delivery unit, and other services. The rumors were circulating  ut the official announcement was made at the shabbos retreat in Stamford, CT according to reports. The proposed medical facility will be located near Airport Road and Cedarbridge Avenue. Recent efforts to upgrade healthcare in Lakewood are driven by an influx of seniors moving to the area and the need for more local healthcare services. Currently, many residents travel to Jersey Shore Medical Center or Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch for childbirth, while Brick Hospital has become an alternative for some locals. In Toms River, community leaders, including askanim led by the Vizhnitz Lakewood Yerushalayim Rebbe, have been actively working to improve medical care at community hospital to meet the community's needs.

- Giyus: Israeli Finance Ministry Calls for Personal Sanctions on Chareidim Who Avoid the Army and don't show up to draft notices 

Rather than the institutional sanctions suggested by Minister Katz, the Ministry of Finance is advocating for individual actions like revoking dormitory subsidies, eliminating discounts on property taxes and national insurance, and withdrawing housing subsidy benefits.

- The pro Palestinian demonstration on Boro Park is  scheduled for Tuesday evening at Lumiere Hall on 50th Street, off 13th ave.

- Rav Shaul Alter shlita visited the Los Angeles frum community yesterday traveling to yeshivos, chadorim, meeting kollel youngeleit and balei batim. The visit concluded with a central  communitywide shiur. He heads back to the east coast will spend shabbos in Lakewood 

-Trump says he Could Meet With Putin 'Very Soon' on Ukraine, that Putin “wants to stop fighting” and that both Putin and Zelensky want this war to end.

- Secretary of State Rubio, National Security Advisor Waltz, and Special Envoy Witkoff - will meet with the Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia

-Nine low-income New Jersey school districts bucked national trends and are now performing above pre-pandemic achievement levels in reading, math, or both. The districts include Union City, Woodlynne, Lakewood Township, Ventnor City, Commercial Township, Englewood, Garfield, Hillside, and Beverly City.

-Elon Musk’s DOGE has saved American taxpayers its first $100 billion of the Trump administration.

Israel At War Monday Feb 17

Israel at war day 500

- Ch 13: Senior officials in the Israeli Prime Minister's circle: Almost no one in Israel thinks it is possible to reach Phase B of the deal. The gaps are too wide, so Israel cannot compromise on its demands. We will do our utmost to extend Phase A and include more hostages on the humanitarian list."

- First official response to Egypt's army provocations: Israeli Ambassador to the US, Dr. Yechiel Leiter: “Egypt is committing a grave violation of the peace agreement in Sinai. Egypt is building bases intended only for offensive operations. For a long time, this issue has been silenced. Israel intends to raise the issue very soon and very firmly."

- 4 bodies of Israeli hostages are expected to be delivered to Israel by Thursday 

- Pressure is being put on the mediators to increase the number of live hostages to be released on Shabbos

- Israeli senior official: The IDF will withdraw tomorrow from the places it is present in Lebanon, except for five strategic points where it will remain indefinitely.

- A senior Hamas  terrorist was killed in an IDF drone strike in Lebanon’s coastal city of Sidon, as he has been planning terror attack on Israelis

IDF confirms: The terrorist Muhammad Shaheen, who served as head of Hams’s operations department in Lebanon, was eliminated in Sidon

- Hostages’ families mark 500th day of captivity with fast, rallies across Israel. Activists block roads, march to Knesset, call for 500-minute fast to mark days since hostages’ abduction; ‘They’ve already been fasting for 500 days,’ says relative.

-Hamas informed the mediators in the negotiation process of its unwillingness to participate in the management of Gaza after the end of the war, based on Israeli, American and European demands not to deal with Hamas in the future."

- IDF says Hezbollah flew 4 drones for reconnaissance mission into northern Israel last week

- IDF: Massive ammunition caches are being discovered in southern Lebanon.

- Israel Foreign Minister Saar: "There are troubling developments in the Iranian nuclear project that stems from Iran's desire to "compensate" for its regional weakening.

- Sky News Arabic report: Following maasive Egyptian pressure exerted on the Hams delegation that visited Cairo - Hamas conveyed a message to the PLO regarding its willingness to transfer control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority and the Gaza Management Committee on the condition that Gaza Strip workers are absorbed into the new government or retire with a promise of continued payment of salaries

Oif Simchas Sun 19 Shevat

Chasunas: 

Spates  - Schottenstein  Bais Faiga

Horowitz - Lowinger Cedar Palace

Rosenthal  Bahtia Ateres Reva

Yesodei Hatorah dinner at Fountain Ballroom 

Sunday February 16 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: Periods of rain. Becoming windy in the afternoon. 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

NWS: There is a marginal risk of severe weather today. High winds up to 60 mph

Snow storm forecast for Thursday 6-12 inches.

- Pro Palestinian protest planned for Boro Park this Tuesday @6pm. Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein tweeted: The Hamas sympathizers have decided to “flood” our peaceful neighborhood of Boro Park. I demand that 

NYPD and NYC Mayor take immediate action to prevent this hateful, targeted protest against our local Jewish community. It is YOUR responsibility to protect our neighbors and keep our streets safe! Hate has NO PLACE in our community!

- The biggest clusters of outages were reported in the southern counties, from Camden to Cape May counties.

- 6:20 pm Power outages: Thousands of JCP&L customers in the Lakewood area without power from wind storm knocking down wires and trees. 

Debris in the roadways as garbage cans and other objects blown into the streets.

- Approximately 37,000 customers are without power across New Jersey as heavy winds, with gusts of up to 70mph, are whipping the state, ahead of an expected cold front.

High winds are expected to persist through Monday. (Onejersey)

- 6 pm high wind  gusts  over 35mph  dark skies lights flickering

- Trump: "Our country is doing well again, and we have spirit all over the world. We brought it back, and it's been less than four weeks." –President Donald J. Trump at #Daytona500 

- Power outages  Clifton Ave E County line area. Restoration at 4:30

- Bde: Petirah of Mrs. Marcia Solomon A”H. She was the mother of Avi Solomon. Levaya today Sunday, at the Lakewood chapel  4:30 PM.

- Trump attends the Daytona 500 speedway first with a flyover on airforce one followed by the beast motorcade with a short drive around the track.

- Genazym  Judaic auction today some items in the catalog include Rav Chaim Kaniensky's siddur starting bid at 85k, historical Letter from the baal Hatanya starting bid at 500k watch live here

- Hachnosas Sefer Torah today to at B"M zichron Bintomin procession at 2:45 pm from 112 East 8th Street, to the shul Rabbi Bitton, 701 Princeton Ave Lakewood 

- Local supermarkets roll out the Purim shalach manos section with purim less than a month away falling out on Friday this year.

- LSTA now requiring all parents to sign  B6T forms for next year transportation, online only with no option to fill out a paper form. Schools sent home notes that they will have kiosks set up for those without access.

Several Lakewood parents claim this new rule by the LSTA is not accurate and breaking community standards. They say paper submission still remains a standard in some NJ districts,and the LSTA can't force everyone to submit online.

- Giyus: Former sefardi chief Rabbi Uitzcbak Yosef, says any mother who sends son to IDF even if hes not learning will have to answer in the next world for it.

- Signs in Lakewood shuls over shabbos from several botei din including the Bais Horaah in Lakewood, Bais din Novarshik in Brooklyn Botei din in EY, are calling on those who recently  allowed a kohen to marry a giyores to please come forward to a bais din of their choosing to explain their position and proof as thus far they have not publicized or shown proof behind their psak

- Update: Tehillim for the injured in the Crown Heights fire on erev shabbos,at the dormitory for Israeli bochurin. Names for Tehillim: Shmuel ben Devorah Leah, Shmuel ben Mirav, Hillel ben Hila, Boruch Yehuda ben Yehudis

- Tour of Artscroll headquarters and factory watch behind the scenes tour how seforim and books are printed special tour by Feder media Here

A group of Breslov teens were reportedly trying to reach the kever of the Amora Rav Ashi, which lies on the border dividing Israel and Lebanon. They were apprehended by security forces. The group claimed that the kever was realy on the Israeli side but the fence was pushed back because Hezbollah was a threat for all the years. Now they want to  reopen the site  for those who want to go.

- Less than 24 hours after being freed from 498 days in Hamas captivity, Sasha Tropanov put on tefillin in the hospital with Rabbi Berel Lazar, thanking Hashem for his miraculous release. 

- The U.S. Army Black Hawk crew may not have heard critical air traffic control messages instructing it to fly behind the commercial regional jet it ultimately collided with midair at Reagan National Airport in Washington on Jan. 29, the National Transportation Safety Board said Friday.

- Divorce Data from boys who learned in BMG: From a shalom bayis column in the voice magazine this week:  Running the numbers 3,221 boys got married in the last 3 years. out of those there were 29 divorces, that's a .9 percent divorce rate of couples within first 3 years of marriage. 12 years ago running the numbers it was higher at 1.8 percent. Percentage widlsw that is 12 for every 1200 marriages. We do hear of more divorces today but that's only because the number of marriages has increased tremendously Boruch Hashem

- Following a court-ordered arbitration hearing held today, Lakewood taxpayers are on the hook for $100,000 in damages due to a crash caused by Traffic Safety Officer more

- The U.S. Department of Education just notified the education departments in all 50 states that they have 14 days to remove ALL DEI programming from ALL public schools, warning that institutions that fail to comply face losing federal funding.

Israel At War Sunday Feb 16

Israel at war day 499

-The IDF released intercepted communications among Hams terrorists during a pivotal moment in the war. This information reveals several key points: 

 Hamas was in complete panic due to the IDF's advances.

They were redirecting all aid towards their militants.

There is full collaboration between Hamas and UNRWA.

At one point, the Hamas terrorists were openly threatening their leadership (Sinwar and Deif), even expressing intentions to settle scores with them.

Hamas leadership sent people to beat and threaten the wives of activists who were complaining.(Jewish warrior)

- Pro Palestinian protest planned for Boro Park this Tuesday @6pm. Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein tweeted: The Hamas sympathizers have decided to “flood” our peaceful neighborhood of Boro Park. I demand that 

NYPD and NYC Mayor take immediate action to prevent this hateful, targeted protest against our local Jewish community. It is YOUR responsibility to protect our neighbors and keep our streets safe! Hate has NO PLACE in our community!

- Trump:   I told Bibi, "You do whatever you want."

- Ch 14 is reporting that the Palestinian Authority also pays salaries (Pay to Slay) to the Hams families of Nuhba terrorists who were killed on October 7th.

-When asked if the ceasefire and hostage release deal stands, Secretary of State Marco Rubio says, "We are not in favor of waiting weeks and weeks" to see all hostages released. "That may be the process that's in place because of the deal, but we would like to see them all out as soon as possible, and we continue to coordinate."

- Former President Biden’s senior adviser Brett McGurk states in an article in the Washington Post that the sole culprit in the failure to release the six hostages who were later murdered in Rafah is Hamas. “One of the hostages Hams refused to accept on the list was a young American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who lost his hand while protecting his friends during the October 7 attack. On August 31, Hams brutally murdered Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages in a tunnel under Rafah in southern Gaza. I received news of Goldberg-Polin’s death shortly after returning to Washington from a round of talks between Doha and Cairo. The news was devastating. It showed once again that Hams was not serious about releasing hostages as long as Iran and Hezbollah supported its maximalist demands with continued attacks on Israel.”

Trump envoy Witkoff to Fox News: "Phase B is more complicated than Phase A, but it will definitely begin. I had talks this morning with PM Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Qatar, and the head of Egyptian intelligence. We discussed the timing of Phase B, the positions of the parties so that we can understand where we stand, and we will continue the talks later this week at a location to be determined."

- PM Netanyahu: Trump and I are working in full cooperation; we have a common strategy. We can't always reveal it, but I say that the gates of hell will indeed open if the hostages are not released. We will bring all the hostages home, and we will ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat. American support will help achieve this goal

- US shipment of heavy bombs held up by Biden administration arrives in Israel

1,800 munitions weighing 2,000 lbs apiece unloaded at Ashdod Port, taken by trucks to Israeli airbases, weeks after Trump lifts hold on delivery

-Freed hostage, Sasha Tropanov puts on tefillin a day after his release from captivity, with the Chief Rabbi of Russia at his side

- Palestinian media report an Israeli drone strike on a car in the central Gaza Strip.

- Israel and the United States are working in full cooperation on Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday after a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that also covered Iran and the Lebanon ceasefire.

- Rubio: "Iran is the sole source of instability in the region. It will not have a nuclear capability; President Trump was clear on this matter."

Motzei Shabbos Yisro 5785 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 35° Cloudy with periods of rain. Low near 35F. Winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch

NWS: High wind warning ..West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.

From 10 AM Sunday to 6 PM EST Monday.

Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

- Melava Malka dinner yeshiva Nesivos HaTorah at Ne'emas Hachaim 

- Melava Malka for Mosdos of Rav Dov Kook shlita at B"M Chelek Levi Sarnash Clifton Ave

- Costume closeouts purim store opening soon at the former stop n shop and future home of Moishas supermarket on Rt 9 Howell

- Rav Shaul Alter who is coming this week to the US  was expected to visit with President Trump but for now has  been postponed as of now due to the President’s busy schedule according to Israeli media

- A Utah man who allegedly threatened to shoot up New York City synagogues in a series of social media posts was arrested in New Jersey Friday evening as he tried to cross into Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel Friday.

Luis Ramirez, 23, who wrote the threatening posts in Hebrew, was taken into custody by Port Authority police officers.

-A Bergen County, New Jersey resident with a confirmed case of measles may have spread the highly contagious virus to others while at Englewood Hospital, the state Health Department says.The unidentified patient was at the hospital on February 9th, between 11:30am and 5:30pm (Shlomo Schorr)

- Ther were several Shabbatins this week the CHEMED Medicine+Ethics conference at Armon hotel in Stamford, CT, Artscroll shabbaton in Florida.

- Vivek Ramaswamy has officially filed paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State to enter the 2026 governor’s race.

- Fire district  elections tonight at Jackson, Howell, Brick and Toms River.

 

- In a new twist in the case of two nurses fired for making anti-Israel comments about killing Israeli patients in an Australian hospital, police on Saturday say they are now investigating a vial of morphine found in Ahmed Rashid Nadir’s locker at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.

Israel At War Motzei Shabbos Yisro

 Israel at war day 498

3 Israeli hostages are released from Gaza in exchange for over 350 terrorists

PM Netanyahu and the Cabinet are debating Israel's next steps in relation to the Gaza deal

- Channel 12: Israel's goal is to use Trump's ultimatum to secure the release of the remaining 6 living hostages (from Phase A) in the coming days.

- Trump posted this after the hostages were released

"Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages. Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES. The United States will back the decision they make!"

-The terrorists released by Israel today in the Gaza deal were dressed in shirts with a Star of David on which was written in Arabic: "We will not forget nor forgive."

- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: "Preparations have begun with the Americans for voluntary immigration from Gaza, Estimates are that immigration will begin within weeks."

- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has landed in Israel for his visit

- Former US President Joe Biden hails the release today of American-Israeli hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen from Gaza “after 498 painful days,” saying in a tweet that he and his wife Jill are “relieved.” Biden says he’s “proud that the deal we negotiated has held, paving the way for the release of hostages.

 The IDF carried out a strike a few hours ago in Southern Lebanon that killed Hezbollah commander Abbas Ahmad Hamoud. He was a high-ranking member of Hezbollah's aerial unit responsible for launching drones into Israel.

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת יתרו תשפ"ה

 Friday, February 14, 2025 / ט״ז שבט תשפ״ה

ערב שבת פרשת יתרו

Candle lighting 5:13 PM

Shkiah/Sunset 5:31 PM

Weather:

Friday night: Low 24F cloudy

Shabbos day 39° Cloudy skies early followed by a mixture of light rain and snow in the afternoon.  Chance of precip 90%.

ויחן שם ישראל נגד ההר ההוא - כאיש אחד בלב אחד  (רש"י)

 

Friday Feb 14 News Updates Lakewood

Friday, February 14, 2025 / ט״ז שבט תשפ״ה

ערב שבת פרשת יתרו

Candle lighting 5:13 PM

Shkiah/Sunset 5:31 PM

Weather:

36° Sunny, winds 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Friday night: Low 24F cloudy

Shabbos day: 40° Cloudy with periods of snow during the afternoon. Chance of snow 100%.

- US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would take a hard stance on Saturday on Gaza: “I don’t know what’s going to happen at 12 o’clock. If it was up to me, I’d take a very hard stance. I can’t tell you what Israel is going to do.”

- The Associated Press has been completely BANNED by the Trump Administration from the Oval Office and Air Force One for refusing to accept and use the updated name, the Gulf of America.

- President Trump's mugshot is now displayed outside the Oval Office. It serves as a testament to defiance and resilience for everyone who walks through the door.

- Heavy erev shabbos traffic on Cedarbridge heading to main Street 

- The Chernobyl Rebbe  of boro park will spend next Shabbos in Lakewood  at the Skuken BM

- Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls for the forced removal of New York City Mayor Eric Adams after he cooperates with the Trump administration's deportations.

AOC: "We cannot be governed under coercion. If Adams won’t resign, he must be removed."

Names for Tehillim:

Shmuel ben Mirav

Shmuel ben Devorah Leah

- Crown Heights: Fire Engulfs Eastern Parkway Home, Multiple Injured

Update: Tehillim for the injured will be posted as information becomes available.

FDNY is reporting that seven people were injured in the blaze, one of them critically. Injuries: 1 Red Tag, 3 Yellow Tags, 3 Green Tags including 1 Fire Fighter. (Ch info)

- Rav Shaul Alter shlita will be coming to the US after shabbos. He will give a shiur Khali in Lakewood on Thursday at Yeshiva Tiferes Yerachmiel 911 Somerset 8:30pm on the sugya  אם חובה על היודעים להכחיש עדי שקר

He will spend next shabbos in Lakewood with a shalushudes for the public.

- BDE: Petirah of Rav Dovid Shmuckler z”l. A Lakewood talmid from the early talmidim of Tav Shneur Kotler ZTL Levaya will take place l 10:30 AM Friday morning at the Lakewood Chapel off 7th st.

- Lakewood and Jackson public schools are closed today for presidents weekend

- The Howell zoning board unanimously rejected a plan for a religious Jewish cemetery on Route 524 that would have held 5,400 grave plots.  Neighbors were concerned the natural burials would affect the well water they drink.

An attorney for the applicant John Jackson said there is a growing population of Orthodox, Hassidic and "different stripes" of observant Jews in Howell and the surrounding area. He referred to Lakewood as "kind of like an epicenter which is right around the corner from this site." App

- President Donald Trump will be in attendance at the NASCAR Daytona 500 on Sunday, at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida.

- In a new interview with the WSJ, VP JD Vance has warned that the US could impose sanctions and potentially take military action against Russia if President Putin refuses to agree to a peace deal that guarantees Ukraine's long-term independence.

-Ukraine announced that an Iranian drone launched by Russia hit the protective complex of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. No severe damage was caused, and there is no change in radiation levels at the site

Israel At War Friday Feb 14

 Israel at war day 497

- US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would take a hard stance on Saturday on Gaza

“I don’t know what’s going to happen at 12 o’clock. If it was up to me, I’d take a very hard stance. I can’t tell you what Israel is going to do.”

- Israeli officials: Talks have begun on phase two of the hostage deal - between the prime minister, Trump's envoy Witkoff, and Egypt. At the same time, attempts are being examined to extend phase one - to create more waves and release more hostages alive

- Israeli Political source: We are working in FULL coordination with the US to rescue as many hostages alive as possible, as quickly as possible, and we intend to take full advantage of this opportunity. After that - all options are on the table.

- A group of Jewish celebrities and artists, as well as hundreds of leftist woke "rabbis", took out a full-page ad in The New York Times Thursday to object to what they called ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The ad was a response to US President Donald Trump’s plan to permanently relocate the entire population of Gaza, The brief text of the New York Times ad, on page A7, reads, “Trump has called for the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza. Jewish people say NO to ethnic cleansing!”

- Moments before leaving for the meeting place with her son, due to her being shomer Shabbos, Yelena Tropanov, the mother of Sasha, who is expected to be released from Hamas captivity tomorrow, says to Rabbi Shlomo Raanan - chairman of "Ayelet HaShahar," "I ask the people of Israel to please light Shabbat candles with joy and ask that all the hostages be released soon."

- Former Israeli general Giora Eiland said Israel has failed in almost all of its war objectives against Hamas, except partially in recovering hostages. In contrast, he said, Hamas has achieved its goals, including maintaining its control in Gaza. #Israel

- The list of hostages to be released tomorrow from Hamas captivity includes:

- Alexander (Sasha) Tropanov (29).

- Sagi Dekel-Chen (36).

- Yair Horn (46).

All three were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Sages wife had a baby a month after he was taken hostage.

- 369 terrorists are expected to be released from Israeli prison tomorrow. That includes 

36 prisoners with life sentances, who will be deported to the Gaza Strip or abroad via Egypt.

- Netanyahu will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 10 a.m. on Sunday in his Jerusalem office. Rubio is also scheduled to meet Opposition Leader Yair Lapid at 4:15 p.m. at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem.

- Wapo: Israel is determined to exploit Iran's security weakness shortly, according to Israeli and American sources. Israel expects Iran to agree to dismantle all its nuclear capabilities, similar to the outline of Libya in 2003, and if not - the Iranian nuclear facilities will be bombed, with or without US help

Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed with Trump in their meeting a series of outlines for joint Israeli-American action - starting with a joint attack that would include American assistance in refueling and intelligence and also a more limited outline of increasing the diplomatic ultimatum

Oif Simchas Thurs 16 Shevat

החת"ס נהג בכל שנה להתחיל ללמוד מסכת מגילה בט"ו בשבט ולסיימה בפורים, לקיים מה שנאמר "ליהודים הייתה אורה ושמחה" – אורה זו תורה ושמחה זה יו"ט

28° Clear skies. Gusty winds during the evening.

Chasunas:

Assaf -  Lunczer Ateres Cahim Elazar

Sheir -   Feingold Bais Faiga 

Engelson  -  Sender Fountain Ballroom 

Stern -   Weingarten Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

- Kabolas Panim for Telz Cleveland hanhala at River Terrace hall

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

Thursday Feb 13 TU B'Shevat News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 49° Morning fog, rain  then cloudy this afternoon

- BDE: Petirah of Rav Dovid Shmuckler z”l. A Lakewood talmid from the early talmidim of Tav Shneur Kotler ZTL Levaya will take place l 10:30 AM Friday morning at the Lakewood Chapel off 7th st.

- Trump says a meeting between U.S., Russian and Ukrainian officials will take place in Saudi Arabia next week

- NYPD is making arrests at anti-ICE protests in New York City. This comes just hours after Tom Homan met with NYC Mayor Adams, who agreed to allow ICE to use Rikers Island to house illegals

RFK JR: "A lot of people told me I should not trust President Trump. And that I should get our agreement in writing. But we just had a handshake. And every single thing President Trump has promised me, he has done. He has done more than he said. I believe President Trump is a revolutionary President. We need a hero on a white horse, and President Trump is that hero."

- Central Avenue construction ro begin overnight on Feb 14. Last week erev Shabbos the traffic was backed up for 30 minutes due to construction.  Township officials have not spoken publicly about the constant construction and traffic.

- Bill to bring back plastic bags

 A new bill introduced today by New Jersey Assemblyman John Azzariti would repeal the state law prohibiting the sale or distribution of single-use plastic bags, polystyrene foam food service products, and single-use plastic straws.

- DOGE workers arrived at the IRS today. Do you expect to close the IRS?"

TRUMP: "I think the IRS will be looked at just like everybody else. Everyone will be looked at. They're doing a hell of a job. Elon is building a force of super geniuses. They go talk to the people about their deals and people get tongue tied, they can't even talk, because these people get it. They're very smart people. We need smart people."

- President Trump announces reciprocal tariffs for countries currently charging the United States."I have decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff."

"We will charge them no more, no less. In other words, they charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge them the exact same tax or tariff. Very simple."

- Trump says Taiwan "took our chip business away, and we want that business back."

- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services. Senator McConnell was the only GOP member to oppose his confirmation, his third vote against Trump nominees (RFK Jr, Hegseth, and Gabbard).

- Mexico President, Claudia Sheinbaum, is reportedly considering taking legal action against Google for using the term “Gulf of America.”

- Lakewood girls high school entrance exam will be on Sunday March, 2. Schools will officially send out acceptance letters after Pesach.

 

- LPD Alert: Avoid the area of Pine St from Rt 9 to MLK Dr due to a sink hole. Expect delays.

- New Jersey Monthly electric bills will see increases that range from 17.23% for Atlantic City Electric customers to a 20.2% increase for Jersey Central Power & Light customers, the BPU said Wednesday. Jersey Central Power & Light bills  which services the Lakewood area will go up by $22.67, or 20.2%, to $134.92.

- DOGE: Looks like Radical Left Reuters was paid $9,000,000 by the Department of Defense to study “large scale social deception.” GIVE BACK THE MONEY, NOW!

- Trump: Great talks with Russia and Ukraine  yesterday.  Good possibility of ending that horrible, very bloody war!!

-VP JD Vance  departs Paris en route to Munich.Today he visits Dachau concentration camp

- An 11-year-old Jewish girl in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, was assaulted when an unidentified individual pulled her hair and dragged her to the ground

Mishpacha magazine feature about Lev Tahor cult:  With 160 children extricated from Lev Tahor, will this grisly chapter finally beat its last?...

How did Lev Tahor stay under the radar until now? “They are very good at concealing their actions,” says Rabbi Shea Blum. “As much as we knew, we didn’t know enough. Now, the testimonies of those who came out of there, mostly minors who were compelled to ask for protection from the courts, have horrified the local authorities with their stories. One of the victims still bore the scars several years later of being beaten all over his body.” read here

-Jackson Township Councilman Giussepe Palmeri is calling on Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education to intervene in the school funding crisis that has left the Jackson School District struggling with an $18 million budget deficit. He expressed outrage over the state’s decision to extend a $65 million loan to the Lakewood School District—bringing its total state loan debt to over $230 million—while Jackson faces severe financial shortfalls without similar aid.

Israel At War Thursday Feb 13

 Israel at war day 496

- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Israel cannot allow Hamas to use the ceasefire to rearm, signaling support for a potential resumption of military operations in Gaza. Rubio suggests resumption of Gaza war won’t end Hamas threat to Israel

Arab allies must figure out how to remove Hamas from power or Israel will have to, ‘and then we’re back to where we’ve been, so that doesn’t solve the problem’

- IDF is striking South Of Lebanon.

IDF: Air Force fighter jets attacked Hezbollah military sites containing weapons and launchers, which pose a direct threat to the Israeli home front. Terrorist activity at these sites constitutes a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

-The WSJ reports that the so-called “brokers” are working to get Hamas to release 6 in lieu of 3 hostages.  

- Israel is not negotiating the second phase of ceasefire deal in Gaza, says PM Netanyahu spokesperson

- A rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip a short while ago, the military says.

According to the IDF, the rocket landed inside Gaza. It is not immediately clear if the rocket was aimed at Israel

-Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif Kanua: "We do not want the ceasefire agreement to collapse, but rather we want to implement it. The Hams delegation is in Cairo to address the obstacles posed by Israel. The language of intimidation and threats by Trump and Netanyahu does not serve the implementation of the agreement."

- A spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied a Qatari report that mobile homes and heavy equipment were entering the Strip.

- Netanyahu meets top security officials, as Israel threatens to resume war on Saturday

Hamas says it’ll free hostages as planned, reportedly 3 and not 9 or ‘all of them’; Israel implies gaps remain *

- Washington Post: Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities could occur as early as the first half of 2025. Targets marked: Underground facilities in Fordow and Natanz

-Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to reports of a possible Israeli attack: "The enemy can destroy the nuclear facilities, but he cannot prevent us from building new ones."

- Houthis say they’ll attack if Gaza war resumes, urge Trump to relocate ‘Jews’ to US

Houthi leader Abdelmalek al-Houthi: If the Americans succeed in carrying out their plan and resume Gaza war, we will intervene militarily - with missile fire and naval operations - to prevent it. We will act within the framework of our jihadist duty and will not stand by.

- Analysis: What Happened This Week with the Hostage Deal

Oif Simchas Wed ט"ו בשבט תשפ"ה

Chasunas: 

Friedman - Kovalenko Ateres Chaim Elazar Hall 

Schur  - Markman Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Weingarden - Swiatycki Fountain Ballroom

Tartar - Mayerfeld  Cedar Palace

BMG Freezer opens

Tu Bshvat Tish by Skulen 9pm

Mordys Shtieble Farbrengen 

Bug Free Tu B'Shvat

 According to  Rabbi Moshe Vaye's Sefer Bedikas Hamazon. 

Wednesday February 12 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather Report:

36° - Mainly cloudy with a 50% chance of snow. Tonight, periods of rain are expected with a low near 35°F. The chance of rain is 90%, with rainfall around a quarter of an inch.

Lincoln's Birthday

Municipal offices will be closed. No trash collection 

- Sec. Pam Bondi announces the DOJ has filed charges against the State of New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul, AG Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. "New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today."

- App reports New Jersey promised a $65 million loan to Lakewood School district to avoid a budget shortfall just 10 days before the school district could have suspended classes and cancelled teacher paychecks, according to officials.

The loan, which would bring the district’s state loan debt to more than $230 million, is expected to come in installments of $32.5 million this month and $32.5 million in May, according to Board Member Moshe Raitzik.  But officials say it  Still not enough  to offset all budget needs after May, noting that the district had originally asked for a $104 million loan and still needs the remaining amount.

Electric bill increase:

New Jersey residents will likely see their electric bill skyrocket by at least 17% beginning in June following a surge in the price the state's utility regulator pays for megawatt energy per day, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said today.(onejerseyschorr)

- A Kabolas panim  will take place tomorrow in Lakewood for the Hanhala of Telshe yeshiva Cleveland, for local alumni  at River terrace  hall

- Trump says JD Vance and Marco Rubio will meet Zelenskyy in Munich on Friday to push peace talks forward.

- Trump and Putin will likely meet in Saudi Arabia the 1st time, he tells reporters in Oval Office, as quoted by CBS news senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs. 

- US Military jet crashes into the San Diego Bay, two pilots eject shortly before impact.   A U.S. Navy spokesperson says the aircraft involved was an E/A-18 G Growler.  

- Regarding Jackson not allowing busing today: The law regarding bussing, as required to be paid by the local Boards of education, has no exception for when the local public schools are closed. If the busses are safe to operate, the law obligated bussing everyday Monday through Friday, September 1st until June 30, and has no exceptions. There should have been LSTA/BOE transportation.

-Chuck Schumer says DOGE is to blame for ‘Trumpflation’ despite the Trump administration only being in office for three weeks.

- DHS says it has retrieved the full $59 million FEMA gave to NYC to house illegal migrant in high-end hotels, which led to the firings of several individuals involved.

- The Senate, 52-48, confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). McConnell was the sole Republican to join all Democrats.

- Tu B'Shevat Tish

Tonight at Skulen B"M in Lakewood with the Rebbe Shlita at 9 PM, 547 Park Ave.

- BMG Freezer Opening

The freezer opens tonight, as bochurim who arrived this winter can begin their parsha of Shidduchim and start going out on dates.

- Penny Production Update

Before Trump's order to halt penny production, 3.2 billion pennies were minted in 2024. So far, 242 million pennies have been minted in 2025.

- Interview with Veteran Gabbai

Veteran Gabbai of Shomer Shabbos Shul in Boro Park, in an interview with Kol Mevaser, discussed Trump's plan to eliminate the penny. He pointed out that while pennies aren't often given, some Sephardim give $1.01, and others give 26 cents in honor of Hashem's name. He hopes that now people will give $101 to compensate for the lost penny.

- JCP&L New Fee

JCP&L FirstEnergy has introduced a new 50-cent fee for customers who don't pay their bills via autopay online. A company spokeswoman clarified that this fee is retained by the vendor, not FirstEnergy. On a positive note, the vendor reduced the surcharge for one-time payments via debit or credit card from $4.75 to $2.75 per transaction. These fees are waived if customers sign up for autopay.

The Senate, 52-48, confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). McConnell was the sole Republican to join all Democrats.

Trump. Calls Putin: I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects. We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II, remembering, that Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we, likewise, lost so many! But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine. ..We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now. ...I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon!

- R' Aaron Lang,  has filed an aid of litigants' rights, hoping to get the Court  to answer the question about funding formula, as Lakewood busing may be stopped on February 22. He is willing to forgo oral argument, and no one can argue education funding better than "Mr. Education." Proffessor Paul Trachtenberg. See more here and here

- US Inflation

US inflation rose unexpectedly by 3% in January, making hopes for interest rate cuts less likely in the near future. 

Trump responded, stating: "Interest rates should be lowered, which would align with upcoming tariffs! Let’s rock and roll, America!"

-Frum Yid on ballot,Ocean County Political Update

Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines announced on Tuesday that she will not seek a fourth term this year. George Gillmore, Republican leader, selected Samuel Ellenbogen, 37, of Toms River, as her successor. If he wins the Republican primary in June and the general election in November, Ellenbogen will become the first Orthodox Jew to hold a countywide elected office in Ocean County. No Republican has lost a seat on the county board since the 1980s. Ellenbogen is the treasurer of the Ocean County Utilities Authority.

- Two Australian doctors were caught on video admitting that Israelis were killed in their hospital. Police have them in custody, and Health Minister Ryan Park has stated they will be fired.

- Musk on Education Contracts

Musk commented that the Department of Education terminated 89 contracts worth $881 million. One contractor was paid $1.5 million to "observe mailing and clerical operations" at a mail center.

- Chavivim of Ocean County

Chavivim of Ocean County has welcomed 10 new members to serve the community. For assistance, call their 24-hour hotline at 1 (718)-871-7299.

- Trump on DOGE

Trump commented, "DOGE has found massive amounts of fraud, waste, incompetence, and abuse. But despite this, a highly political, activist judge wants us to immediately make payment anyway. It doesn't make sense!"

- New Jersey Bill on Cannabis Sales

A new bill introduced by New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari would allow medical cannabis dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana without municipal approval. This bill comes after many municipalities in the state, about 70%, chose to ban the sale of weed within their borders.(Sschorr)

- Shloime Zionce's Miracle

Shloime Zionce white house reporter for Ami, shared his experience of a miracle tonight. A car lost control and was speeding toward him, nearly causing a T-bone accident. Thankfully, he swerved out of the way just in time. The car missed them by milliseconds, hitting a lamp post and a tree before spinning 180 degrees. The other driver, who has many broken bones, is alive but facing a long recovery. "Thank G-D for watching over us," said Zionce.

- Ticket Prices to Israel

According to a senior source in the aviation industry, ticket prices to Israel will not decrease despite increasing competition. "Today, a $1,500 ticket to the U.S. is considered reasonable. We no longer see many airlines offering $1,000 fares to the U.S.," said the source.

- Lake Terrace Hall Lawsuit

Some neighbors have filed a lawsuit in Ocean County Superior Court against Lake Terrace Hall and the township for allowing the venue to remain in business. The lawsuit claims that the variance granted to the hall was flawed, and neighbors want it shut down.

- US Defense Secretary's Statement

At a NATO meeting, US Defense Secretary Hegseth stated that the war in Ukraine must end and the bloodshed must stop. He also emphasized that returning to Ukraine's original borders is unrealistic, and that Ukraine's NATO membership is not a practical goal.

- R' Shlomo Werdiger's Reflections

R. Shlomo Werdiger, CEO of Agudath Yisroel, shared his experience of spending Shabbos Shirah in New Orleans for work-related reasons, while keeping in mind Rabbi Sherer’s principle that an Orthodox Jew is an ambassador at all times. He had the opportunity to meet leaders from business, entertainment, and government, including the Speaker of the House, the Governor of Pennsylvania, and a leading candidate for the Ohio governorship. He also reflected on the great work of Chabad in New Orleans and the commitment of Jews far from large communities.