Israel At War Thur May 22

 Israel at war day 594

- The maneuver of Operation Gideon Chariots is underway: The IDF is pouring large forces into the Gaza Strip in preparation for a significant escalation in the intensity of the fighting.

- Bloomberg Report: Saudi Arabia and France are developing a proposal to disarm Hamas.

- US Ambassador Huckabee, in an interview on IDF radio, came against European pressure on Israel: "Britain and France are forgetting their history - after all, they fought against the Nazis until complete victory. This is outrageous."

- The deadlock in the talks for a hostage deal: Israel brings back the entire delegation from Doha 

- The IDF issues an evacuation warning for a building and the surrounding area in the southern Lebanese village of Toul, near Nabatieh, ahead of an airstrike on a Hezbollah asset.

- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi: We have achieved progress and understanding in the nuclear talks on several issues, but deep gaps remain on the enrichment issue. We cannot reach an agreement without resolving this

Shooting At Jewish Museum in DC

 Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed in front of the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The victims of the antisemitic attack in DC,  Yaron Lischinsky and his girlfriend Sarah Milgram HYD ZL 

Israeli Embassy Spokesperson in Washington, Tal Naim Cohen:

Two staff members at the Israeli Embassy were shot at close range this evening while attending a Jewish event at the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

- Suspect was detained on scene while yelling free Palestine 

According to D.C. police, the shooting suspect who killed two Israeli embassy staff in DC tonight is in custody.

"The suspect chanted free free Palestine while in custody."

The suspect is 30-year-year Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.

Ambassador Leiter: The couple murdered tonight were about to get engaged. He bought her a ring to give it to her next week in Jerusalem. We are strong people. Israelis are strong, and Americans are strong. Together, we will stand, and together, we will overcome. I spoke with the US President, who told me that the administration will do everything to fight anti-Semitism.

-Trump: These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!

US Homeland Secretary of State Kristi Noem identifies both of those killed in the shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington as staffers at the Israeli Embassy.

“We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims,” she writes on X. “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”

Eyewitness Yoni Kalin tells FOX5 about the capture of the shooter in Washington: "I saw someone running, the security guard let him in, apparently he thought he was a victim. He was covered in rain and was in shock. Some people gave him water. He asked them to call the police. 10 minutes later the police arrived and he said 'I did it', said he was unarmed, took a red keffiyeh out of his pocket and started shouting 'Free Palestine, Intifada revolution'"

Hashkafa Q&A

Hashkafa with Rwb Gershon Ribner

An extended stay in BMG Kollel may pave the way to reach great affluence Husband's refusal to help with women chores Interacting with a mechutan who is a convicted mosser

Oif Simchas Wed 24 Iyar

ברוך אתה .... היום תשעה ושלשים יום שהם חמשה שבועות וארבעה ימים  בעומר/לעומר

51° Rain.  Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around

Chasunas:

Kohn -Shulman Ateres Chaim Elazar

Levi - Rubelow Bais Faiga

Miller - Weiss Cedar Palace

Rosenfeld - Razak Ateres Reva 

Cohen - Anzaroot Fountain Ballroom 

Torah Temima Annual reception 1434  14th street

Amshinonv  rebbe  Shiur in Tanya at B"M Yagdil Torah 910 E Kennedy Blvd 10:00 pm

Vaad Makes Primary Endorsements

Just yesterday Josh Gottheimer said he strongly opposes tuition vouchers for private schools. 

His campaign pledge is to Stop Trump to fight against Donald Trump and his policies, as he will  safeguard abortion.

Today he gets the endorsement of the Lakewood vaad in a town that voted for Donald Trump more than any other in New Jersey earning the name as the Trumpiest town.

NJ Globe reports

ThLakewood Vaad backs Gottheimer, tells unaffiliated voters to vote in Dem primary

Ciattarelli wins Vaad support in GOP race

By David Wildstein,

The Vaad, a hugely influential coalition of Orthodox Jewish Rabbis in Lakewood and the surrounding communities in Ocean and Monmouth counties, has endorsed Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) for the Democratic nomination for governor, specifically calling on unaffiliated voters to vote for him in the June 10 primary election.

The endorsement marks a rare involvement in primaries for the Roshei Yeshiva with a push to expand Gottheimer’s vote tally beyond registered Democrats.

In the Republican primary, The Vaad is backing former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerville).

“The outcome of the primary for the governor’s election is crucial. The Governor is the most powerful office in New Jersey and the governor enacts regulations and policies which have a direct effect on the whole Kehilla,” the Vaad said in a statement released to members of its community today.  “As New Jersey statewide politics is volatile, it is urgent that we get the most favorable candidates on both party lines to put the Kehilla in the most favorable position for the general election in November.”

Lakewood itself has nearly 25,000 unaffiliated voters – not all part of the Orthodox community – along with rapidly expanding Jewish populations in Brick, Howell, Jackson, Toms River.  An organized effort to move unaffiliated voters toward a particular candidate in a primary is unusual.

The Vaad’s endorsement is also unusually early; there have been times when it came on Election Day.  But the decision to back Gottheimer and Ciattarelli reflects a change to the voting schedule with vote-by-mail and early voting.

Wednesday May 21 News Updates Lakewood

Weather:Hi of  56° Cloudy with periods of rain. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch

-Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. Authorities ate actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. 

- CDC and FDA officials were well aware of the risk of myocarditis following mRNA injections  and took steps to downplay them, scathing Senate report says.

- Tonight: Hineni Nischazek event by TAG will take place at Cure arena in Trenton,NJ.

- N.J. congresswoman U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver‘ faces 16 years in prison for assault charges in ICE detention center clash  assaulting two federal officers during a confrontation at a federal immigration detention facility in Newark had her first court appearance on Wednesday where she was released with conditions on restricting her international travel.

- The U.S. Department of Defense has formally accepted a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar’s Royal Family to the United States, with the Air Force having been instructed to find a way to rapidly upgrade it so it can be put into use as Air Force One for President Donald J. Trump.

 

- BDE: veteran sefardi mohel, Rabbi Emanuel Meshulam, z"l, from Rechovot a mohel for over forty years, who circumcised thousands of babies over the years, suddenly passed away. Today (Wednesday) at noon, as usual, he arrived  to perform a bris. He suddenly collapsed and passed away he 89.

- Giyus: Of the first 24,000 orders sent to young charedi men, approximately 1,212 charedi men reported to the recruitment office.

Out of the first wave of 3,000 Charedim to receive call-up orders, 964 have already been declared draft evaders while an additional 1,366 have received immediate call-up orders and have subsequently had arrest warrants issued for them.

- The DOJ launches a criminal investigation into Andrew Cuomo, who is currently running for NYC mayor, over his lying to Congress about his handling of COVID-19 (NYT)

- B"H: Linden NJ town council has removed from the agenda ordinances discriminating against Orthodox Jews by restricting housing options for large families.

-Mishpacha magazine gives Andrew Cuomo interview . "Comeback Cuomo?" Quoting unamed askanim about his history. Regarding the covid red Ones targeting the frum community Cuomo claims, he had nothing to do with the mapping of the red zones. The rates of spread of the virus were reported by local governments to the state department of health, he says, which compiled the data and plugged it into mapping software. The zones were all automatically generated based on data, with no demographic criteria of any kind input into the system. Cuomo insists he never saw them. More

- Bais Medrash Emunas yisroel of Lakewood fundraiser Here  Help Us Keep The Mashgiach’s Legacy Alive by Completing What He Had Started.

- Donald Trump Jr. hinted that he may run for political office and try to succeed his father as US president. “I don’t know, maybe one day,” Donald Trump’s eldest son said on Wednesday at the Qatar Economic Forum when asked if he would consider running for office.

- Traffic signal installed at Hope chapel and Miller rd in Lakewood 

- More than half of New Jerseyans say housing costs aren't affordable, mainly because home prices and rent are rising faster than their incomes, a Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released May 20 found.

- Last night was the final debate of the Republican gubernatorial primary Jack Ciattarelli Bill Spadea, and State Sen. Jon Bramnick. On education, the candidates pushed for school choice vouchers and increased parental involvement in the schools.

About 30 minutes into the debate, a woman carrying a pair of signs stood and yelled, interrupting the debate. She called for a ceasefire in Gaza, for action on climate change, and for protection of SNAP benefits, among other issues. She was escorted from the building in handcuffs.(NJ Globe)

- Lakewood township will sell A Ford E350 Box Truck To Chaverim For Nominal Consideration of $1

- The UK has pledged to recognize a Palestinian state at a UN conference scheduled for next month.

- Adirei HaTorah update There are fewer than 1,000 shul seats remaining.and organizers  expect the group seating for shuls to sell out within the next few hours. additionally  outside groups from Mexico and other areas have increased. 

Israel At War Wed May 21

 Israel at war day 593

AXIOS: Israel preparing to strike Iran fast if Trump's nuclear talks break down. The Israeli intelligence community has shifted just in the past few days from believing a nuclear deal was close to thinking talks could soon break down, the sources say. A U.S. official told Axios the Trump administration is concerned PM Netanyahu might make his move even without a green light from President Trump.

One source said the Israeli military thinks its operational window to conduct a successful strike could close soon, so Israel will have to move fast if talks fail.

- The IDF detected a ballistic missile launch from Yemen toward central Israel tonight it was intercepted.

- IDF: Air Force intercepts one launch from northern Gaza. No casualties

- PM Netanyahu on reports of a rift with the Trump administration: “About ten days ago, I spoke with President Trump and he told me: 'I have an absolute commitment to you and an absolute commitment to the State of Israel. I spoke a few days ago with Vice President J.D. Vance, and he told me: "Don't pay attention to all the false reports about the rift between us - it's all spin. It's not the truth. I'm telling you from our side. It's not the truth." 

- US Secretary of State asked about the possibility of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, and Rubio replied: "I think there is still a desire to do it. Even though there are obstacles along the way, like October 7, the Saudis have continued to express interest, and so have the Israelis."

- Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told BBC yesterday that what Israel “is doing now in Gaza, is very close to a war crime.”

- Two Palestinian sources confirmed to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that Muhammad Sinwar was killed in an IDF attack last week in Khan Yunis, along with other commanders. It was reported that Hams informed his family of this two days ago.

- Another IDF soldier killed in Gaza when a booby-trapped building collapsed on him in Khan Yunis,  Danilo Mocanu, 20, from Cholon

- A Hezbollah terrorist was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Ain Baal, near Lebanon’s coastal city of Tyre, today, the military announces.

- A Hamas terrorist who invaded Israel during the October 7, 2023, onslaught was killed in a recent airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF says.

- Over the past day,  115 targets  were hit across Gaza. 45 terrorists killed in the attacks.

-Gazan channels have been reporting in the last hour that Israeli tanks are advancing from the direction of the Morag axis, north towards the European Hospital in eastern Khan Yunis, where an underground compound where Muhammad Sinwar is believed to have been staying was attacked more than a week ago

Oif Simchas Tuesday 23 Iyar

...ברוך אתה

  היום שמונה ושלשים יום שהם חמשה שבועות ושלשה ימים   בעומר/לעומר

Chaaunas: 

Abisror - Barkin Ateres Chaim Elazar

Schrohn - Frankel Lake Terrace 

Prupas - Thomas Eagle Ridge 

Becky-  Drilman

Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Schwinder  - Garber Fountain Ballroom 

- Bais Tova dinner at Neemas Hachaim hall

- BMG :Mussar shmues today from Tav - Binyomin Hatzadik Finkel shlita mashgiach Mir Yeshiva Yerushalayim 7:15 at Beren hall

- Kollel Mishkan Hatalmud Parlor meeting, Rav Yisroel Meir Gluestein Rosh Kollel  at Ohr Meir 60 Williams st Lakewood 

Tuesday May 20 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 68° Sunshine and a few clouds.

N.J. weather: Rain, cooler temps, coastal flooding to start Wednesday thru Friday

Hudson Valley and Upstate New York residents are warned that a nor’easter is coming that's going to make it feel like winter again across the region.

The tree pollen season in Lakewood has concluded for now, there will be no new pollen generation until the early spring trees begin to release pollen next year. Grass pollen and other allergens begin until fall 

-- Hope chapel rd  closed at 14th street in Lakewood tonight 

- Sam Sutton wins South Brooklyn senate seat vacated by Simcha Felder defeating Nachman Caller.

- Starting TODAY, the FAA is limiting Newark Airport to just 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour due to runway construction and ongoing staffing/equipment challenges. After June 15, the cap increases to 34 flights/hour — but only on non-Saturdays. The move aims to cut down cascading delays across the U.S. airspace. Limits could adjust based on system performance.

- Josh Gottheimer said at the Democrat debate  Hebis totally against school  ruition vouchers for private schools. In response to a article in politico claiming his position on vouchers is not clear. He said that NJ gave transportation and security to parochial schools.

BMG :Mussar shmues today from Tav - Binyomin Hatzadik Finkel shlita mashgiach Mir Yeshiva Yerushalayim 7:15 at Beren hall

- Trump:  

Joe Biden was not for Open Borders, he never talked about Open Borders, where criminals of all kinds, shapes, and sizes, can flow into our Country at will. It wasn't his idea to Open the Border, and almost destroy our Country, and cost us Hundreds of Billions of Dollars to get criminals out of our Country, and go through the process we are going through now. It was the people that knew he was cognitively impaired, and that took over the Autopen. They stole the Presidency of the United States, and put us in Great Danger. This is TREASON at the Highest Level! They did it to destroy our Country. The Joe Biden that everybody knew would never allow drug dealers, gang members, and the mentally insane to come into our Country totally unchecked and unvetted. All anyone has to do is look up his record. Something very severe should happen to these Treasonous Thugs that wanted to destroy our Country, but couldn't, because I came along. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

- President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have announced the "Golden Dome" missile defense system for the U.S: "Golden Dome will be capable of catching missiles from across the world or even space"

- BMG: The Safra campus building dedication continues with the Irvington dormitory building on 10th and Clifton Lakewood renamed as Campus Bet Yoseph  Safra

- Giyus: Senior Charedi officials report: Significant progress in negotiations on the enactment of the conscription draft law. (Reporter Ishay Cohen)

-  Letter: The roshei yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), are urging the Lakewood  community to register to vote ahead of the upcoming state primary elections.

 As we approach the upcoming primary elections in our region, we take this opportunity to express our heartfelt message to you:

As Torah-observant Jews, we are obligated to show appreciation for the kindness of a country that allows us to live peacefully and securely, and which grants us the right to vote  a right that has helped safeguard our values and support our institutions. We believe this is a responsibility that should not be neglected.

As is well known, participating in elections in a respectful manner is an important and valuable opportunity to bring significant benefit to communal needs by helping to elect worthy candidates.

We therefore call upon everyone to register in the voter rolls (voting registration), so you will be able to participate in the elections — thereby strengthening our communal civic influence and benefiting the broader public.

With great respect and blessing,

On behalf of the administration of Beth Medrash Govoha

Signed on the 22nd of Iyar, 5784

Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin

Rabbi Dovid Schustal

Rabbi Yisroel Neuman

Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler

- In a rare about-face, President Trump has reversed his opposition to an offshore wind farm being built off the coasts of New York and New Jersey, allowing it to proceed after New York Governor Kathy Hochul promised to work with his administration on "new energy projects."(onejerseyschorr)

-Gas prices shoot up 20 cents in Lakewood ahead of memorial day weekend 

- Marco Rubio says Syria is "maybe weeks" away from "full-scale civil war of epic proportions."

-Trump: The cut [to food stamps] is going to give everybody much more food because prices are coming down.

-FDA to limit covid shot approval to Americans over the age of 65, those with medical conditions — WaPo

-Adirei Hatorah: The bnei hayeshiva will be making a siyum hashas at the event Liluy nishmos Rav Boruch Ber  Ziemba Ztl and Rav Chaim Lipschutz Ztl  2 youngeleit who were tragically nifter this past year 

- Lilac and cream shavuos cheesecake order deadline today

- Trump and the Secretary of Defense will make an announcement from the Oval Office at 3:00 pm.

- Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, Trump's SIL, was confirmed by the Senate to serve as US Ambassador to France.

-Laleches  charter flights to EY for shavuos prices starting at $1995 leavin on Wednesday before Yom tov returning on the following wednesday 

-Lakewood planning board meeting tonight at 6 pm  watch livestream here see agenda Here no items for public hearing on the agenda only a correspondence SP 2566 Bnos Devorah, B) Lambert, Willard, Caldwell Avenues –

request for building height variance and parking setback variance

- School Choice advances in Washington for all 50 states is moving forward in the US House. Late last night the House Budget Committee passed the multi-trillion dollar budget reconciliation bill! The “One Big Beautiful Bill” bill now moves forward to the Rules Committee before a full House vote expected by the end of the week.(Agudah)

- The  NJ voter registration deadline for the June primaries is  today Tuesday, May 20.

Early voting will begin a week before Election Day, from Tuesday June 3 through Sunday, June 8. Election Day is Tuesday, June 10.  register HERE 

- Due to unforeseen circumstances, the reopening of the WIC location at 1771 Madison Avenue in Lakewood has been delayed after  a flood closed down the office. In the meantime, all current and prospective WIC participants are asked to contact the WIC office to reschedule appointments at the Toms River location:

See how New Jersey's candidates for governor approach LGBTQ rights and abortion? see here for their responses  

- New kosher  pizza shop Now open in Toms River La Mossa Pizzeria Roman-style pizza with artisan square pies, full line of unique topping options, and 72-hour fermented dough that's airy, fluffy, and full of flavor  watch video here 

- Update on bill A5460 (Schnall/Abdelaziz/McCoy) - Revises value of solar alternative compliance payment.

Over a dozen representatives from various companies and organizations commented on Thursdays meeting.  The major points brought up in opposition to A-5460 were:

The New Jersey state legislature has for decades encouraged residents and businesses to invest in solar. There were clear incentives laid out that supported long-term investment in solar. A-5460 changes these incentives after people have invested.

A-5460 will financially harm over 50,000 residents who installed solar on their homes between 2012 and 2020. Since this was “for discussion only” the result of this hearing is that there is significant opposition to this bill.  The authors and the backers of the bill did not testify. It is rumored that the Governor's office and BPU are not supportive of this Assembly bill and are supportive of the Senate bill S-4300 

(Flet exchange)

- The Lakewood Memorial Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. with the raising of the flag at Town Square located at Clifton Avenue and Third Street. The parade continues south on Clifton Avenue towards the “All Wars Memorial” at North Lake Park.

- Jackson Township's Memorial Day parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Holman Elementary School. It ends at Johnson Park with food, vendors, live music and kids activities.

Israel At War Tues May 20

Israel at war day 592

- U.S. has obtained new intelligence suggesting that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities: CNN

- Israel Prime Minister's Office:

Israel agrees to the American proposal for the return of the abductees, based on the Witkoff outline. This proposal was recently conveyed to Hams through the mediators, but it has continued to adhere to its refusal. After about a week of hectic contacts in Doha, the senior negotiating team will return to Israel for consultations, and working levels will remain in Doha at this stage.

- Barak Ravid: President Trump is frustrated by the war in Gaza, upset by images of suffering of Palestinian children and has sent messages to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he wants him to wrap it up, White House officials told me.

- The US expressed satisfaction with the resumption of food deliveries to the Gaza Strip

- Rubio says Syria is "maybe weeks" away from "full-scale civil war of epic proportions."

- Britain is intensifying its measures against Israel, halting talks on a trade agreement between the two countries and summoning Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely for a reprimand.

-Britain has imposed sanctions on several Israelis, including Nachala director Daniella Weiss, on the grounds that she supported violence against Palestinians.(Amit Segal)

- Lufthansa and air France extended their flight cancelations to Israel thru May 24 and June 8.

- France's Foreign Minister has called for a reconsideration of the agreement regulating EU-Israel relations. The European Union will discuss today a proposal to review the cooperation agreement with Israel in a number of areas.

- An initial IDF investigation has found that Sgt. Yosef Yehuda Chirak, 22, who was killed in the northern Gaza Strip yesterday, was hit by so-called friendly fire.

- Qatar's Prime Minister confirms: Talks in Doha at a dead end, gaps between the parties too large.

- Israel is considering returning the negotiating delegation from Qatar

- Iran's Supreme Leader: The Americans' statement that we cannot enrich uranium is a brazen border crossing. We are not waiting for anyone's permission. Iran has its own policy that it operates according to.

- The IDF calls residents of Khan Yunis, asks them to evacuate

-Leader of The Democrats party, Yair Golan, in an unusual statement even by his standards, says that a sane country does not kill babies as a hobby.

- The Gez family has named the baby born to Tzeela Gez (ז״ל) after last week's terror attack Ravid Chaim.

- Hamas in an official statement: We welcome the joint statement of the leaders of France, England and Canada in which they threatened Israel with measures and sanctions if it does not cease the operation in Gaza, Hamas called ut

"An important step in the right direction"

Oif Simchas Monday 22 Iyar

......ברוך אתה

  היום שבעה ושלשים יום שהם חמשה שבועות ושני ימים   בעומר/לעומר

Chasunas:

Chasunas:

Fried - Schwartz  Fountain Ballroom 

Waldman - Lichtenstein Ne'emas HaChaim.

Piltz - Wilhelm  Bais Faiga

Ansel-  Amshalem Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Klein - Fisher Cedar Palace

Monday May 19 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: Weather: 75° Winds at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

- Coming soon to NJ? No more buying soft drinks with SNAP. 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has signed the first-ever waiver to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for a state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Effective January 1, 2026, SNAP recipients will no longer be allowed to use their benefits to purchase soda or energy drinks in the State of Nebraska.

A similar bi partisan  bill was introduced for New Jersey in March(One jersey schorr)

- Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba has announced the Justice Department is charging New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver with "assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement."  following last week's scuffle with federal immigration agents at an ICE detention facility in Newark, three sources confirmed(Sschorr)

- The FAA on Monday confirmed a fourth radio outage at Newark Liberty International Airport. This time the outage lasted about 2 seconds forcing a ground delay until midnight.

- Today, 21 Iyar, is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moshe Sherer Z'L, Moshe ben Chaim Yehuda, longtime leader of Agudas Yisroel until his petirah in 1998.

- A prolonged rainy period is set to drench New Jersey from Wednesday through Thursday, with widespread precipitation and potential minor flooding expected across the state.

- France, Britain and Canada have threatened to take steps against Israel if it doesn’t stop the operation in Gaza and the construction of settlements.

- Lakewood planning board meeting tomorrow agenda shows no applications for public hearing only one item in correspondence for Bnos Devorah school 

- At the Mir Dinner Mr. Alberto Safra was given a sefer Torah.

- Giyus: The IDF is planning to launch another enforcement operation in the coming days, this time targeting the Charedi community. IDF representatives attempted to formulate an enforcement plan against charedim who do not sit and study in yeshiva, and not against yeshiva bochurim however the Attorney General's opinion was that this would be selective enforcement that is prohibited by law, and demanded that enforcement be directed at everyone.

- Trump: Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War. The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn’t, I would say so now, rather than later. Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic “bloodbath” is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately.

-Wall Street Journal Report: Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Zelensky before his call with Russian President Putin. Trump asked Zelensky what he should talk to Putin about, and Zelensky replied that a 30-day ceasefire and a future meeting between Putin and Zelensky should be discussed

- According to Niche.com, towns in Ocean County overall standing grade is a B+. In a list of the best 10 towns to live in Ocean county  are Toms River point pleasant  surf city and others, Lakewood, Jackson did not make the list.

- Jones Rd Fire Following a brief court appearance on May 19, the Waretown man accused of sparking the massive Jones Road wildfire  told reporters there were 19 other people present at that bonfire, and 16 of them remained there when he left to help a friend who was in a dirt bike accident

-New Jersey's plastic bag ban is a total failure.

 resulted in tripled plastic bag production due to the switch to thicker polypropylene bags.

Retailers are profiting significantly from bag fees, while consumers face higher costs and heavier bags. While consumers now face higher costs and heavier bags, retailers are cashing in, with some profiting up to $200,000 annually from bag fees. (North Jersey)

-Last night was the final debate of the Democratic gubernatorial primary, five candidates positioned themselves for the final stretch of the election in a mostly calm affair. The marathon two-and-a-half-hour debate focused on affordability and taxes, education, and transportation and development. Five Democratic candidates — Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney — qualified for the debate. The sixth Democratic candidate, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, did not raise enough money to qualify for debates. (Nj globe)

- President Joe Biden shared a cheerful selfie on Monday morning, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of kindness following his disclosure that he is battling an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. “Cancer touches us all “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,“Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

- FBI Director Kash Patel Truth About Russia Hoax Coming ‘Biggest D.C. Deception Game Ever Seen’ He said.

- The Levaya for Ytzhak Igor Eliyashiv of the upper west side , who was s murdered in Turkey a month ago, took place today, Monday morning at 9am at 63-36 99th St, Rego Park NY 11374, and  kevura was at at the Wellwood cemetery, 1400 Wellwood av West

Babylon NY.

- In an 8-1 decision with only Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting, SCOTUS has reversed a lower court’s injunction and will allow, for now, the revocation of legal status for more than half a million migrants who were mass paroled into the country under Biden's CHNV mass parole program. The CHNV program included Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

- Kol Mevaser reports about a dream that a Yid from Williamsburg had as  a older holocaust survivor appeared to him  this past shvii shel pesach as he knew him from 46 years ago in the komemiyus  farm in EY, the older yid Reb Ozer Z"L  asked him to  daven for him and say kaddish as it was the first time that his name was not mentioned in Yizkor since the person who took care of it fell il erev shvii shel pesach this year. Rav Ozer reminded him that as kids they started up with him and he will be mochel if they say jkaddish and daven for him  

Israel At War Monday May 19

 Israel at war day 591

- Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied in a conversation with ynet the Washington Post report claiming that figures close to Trump warned Israel that Washington would abandon Jerusalem if it doesn't end the war. 'Consider the source - Washington Post,' Huckabee said

- Netanyahu responds to, France, and Canada: 

By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hams terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities. 

The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more innocents to the dungeons of Gaza.

Israel accepts President Trump's vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly won't.

This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.

- Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarie: We decided to impose a naval blockade on the port of Haifa and put it in the target bank - in response to the Israeli escalation in Gaza

- Another IDF soldier killed in Gaza from a friendly fire incident.Yosef Yehuda Chirak HYD, 22, from Charsha,just git married 7 months ago. He is the 9th death since renewed fighting.

-France, Britain and Canada have threatened to take steps against Israel if it doesn’t stop the operation in Gaza and the construction of settlements.

- White House: Trump made it clear to Hamas that he wants all hostages released. The president wants the conflict in the region to end.

-Washington Post report: Trump's people threatened Netanyahu with 'abandoning Israel' if he did not end the war.

A person involved in discussions surrounding the renewal of aid said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the idea to the cabinet as a technicality, but stressed that pressure from the Trump administration has increased in recent days. “Trump’s people told Israel: ‘We will abandon you if you don’t end the war,’” the source told the newspaper.

As part of the understanding between the United States and Hams regarding the release of captive survivor Idan Alexander, senior American officials pledged to apply pressure on Israel to allow food and medicine to enter the Gaza Strip. Although no amounts of aid were determined between the parties, seeing that humanitarian aid did not enter the Gaza Strip immediately after Alexander's release, the United States and Qatar increased the pressure on Israel, sources involved in the negotiations process regarding a ceasefire in Gaza told the newspaper.

-At least 9 trucks with humanitarian aid are expected to enter Gaza today.

- Israeli special forces eliminated a senior Gazan terrorist this morning, Ahmad Sarhan, a senior figure in the Popular Resistance Committees’ military wing, the third-largest terror group in Gaza behind Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

- IDF Spokesperson in response to the reports about Khan Yunis: "The IDF is in the midst of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ and is operating throughout the Gaza Strip. Following the publications [in the press], there is no change in the situation."

-Update: Amit Segal reports: "There was *not* a hostage rescue operation conducted this morning."

-Al Arabiya  reports about a IDF hostage rescue operation in Gaza from Khan Younis area

 - Barak Ravid from Axios just posted, "A senior Israeli official [just] told me that the IDF carried out a special operation in Khan Yunis. There were no injuries.

 There are numerous reports of heavy IDF airstrikes in Khan Yunis (much more intense and rapid than usual) and that the phone and internet has been cut in the area.

Sunday night כ"א אייר

 היום ששה ושלשים יום שהם חמשה שבועות ויום אחד בעומר/לעומר

Sunday May 18 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 76° Cloudy Winds at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

- At Mir Dinner  tonight the yeshiva campus in Bais Yisroel will be named as  thr "Yosef Safra Mir Campus" in Yerushalayim.

- Giyus: Despite prior optimism, sources now say that the draft law is unlikely to be passed during the upcoming summer Knesset session. The distance between parties is simply too wide, and the atmosphere too volatile, for meaningful progress to be made in the near term

- NJ Transit, union reach deal to end historic strike regular service to resume in Tuesday.

- Joe Biden was diagnosed last week with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. President Trump said Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.

- Bde: Petirah of Rav Yitzchak Kalman, Z”L, a resident of the Bait Vegan neighborhood in Yerushalayim and the director of the Har Nof Beis Ulpana Kiruv school for Russians, who drowned today in the Chamei Tevrya hot springs in northern Israel at the age of 85.

- Adirei Hatorah tickets go on sale Here

- Mir Yerushalayim dinner at Bellworks today

-NJ Transit, union to meet with mediator as strike enters 3rd day NJ Transit's CEO acknowledged the impact on commuters but said the agency wants an outcome that is “fair and fiscally responsible.”

- Bill boards coming to Rt 9 in Howell  as the Township has partnered with Premier Media to install three digital billboards along Routes 9 and 33..The billboards will generate an estimated $100,000 in annual ad revenue for the township through a 25-year lease agreement. One sign is located in front of the township's municipal building on Route 9 North across from the ShopRite, only a couple of miles north of the Lakewood boundary. Another sign is located on Route 9 North near the border with Freehold Township, and the third sign is located on Route 33 heading toward Wall (App)

In contrast Lakewood receives 5000 from the billboards.

- Seasons Toms River Lag Baomer celebration event today from 1pm - 5pm free hotdogs and giveaways with entertainment 

- The Township of Lakewood has just settled a civil complaint alleging that Lakewood EMS is responsible for injuries sustained by a patient during an ambulance transport, FAA News has learned. More

-BDE: Petirah of Reb Yehoshua Heshil Frankel, Z"L age 79 from Lakewood/Brooklyn.  Levaya today at Aveichim shul/BMG Tenth st corner Clifton 2:15 pm Lakewood.

-- Israel Day Parade today  in New York City down  Fifth Avenue. With extra NYPD protection for this year.

-Jewish heritage day the Brooklyn cyclones will be playing against the Lakewood blueclaws next month at the ballpark on Coney Island.

- A WZO spokesperson told eJP that  the mesorati conservative intention by putting up signs against voting for wzo in Yerushalayim during the elections  was not to impact the vote in the U.S. but as part of an internal dispute between Israeli factions within the WZO and KKL. The posters also could not have a direct impact on the elections as they were put up in Charedi neighborhoods in Israel, whose residents could not vote in the American World Zionist Congress elections, which ended earlier this month.

Israel At War Sunday May 18

-Israel at war day 590

- Netanyahu has approved the resumption of humanitarian aid going into Gaza. Many in Likud criticized Netanyahu  saying he caved to Trump and threw another lifeline to Hamas.

Prime Minister  office released a statemwnt:At the recommendation of the IDF, and out of the operational need to enable the expansion of intense fighting to defeat Hamas, Israel will allow the entry of a basic quantity of food for the population in order to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip."

"such a crisis would endanger the continuation of Operation Gideon's Chariots to defeat Hamas," and that "Israel will act to deny Hamas the ability to take control of the distribution of humanitarian aid to ensure that the aid does not reach Hamas terrorists."

- IDF confirms: We have begun a ground operation in several areas in the Gaza Strip as part of Operation "Gideon's Chariots." 

The latest assault is aimed at destroying Hamas’ weapons deports, terror cells, tunnel network and anti-tank launch sites, the IDF said.

So far, the IDF claims to have killed “dozens of terrorists” and dismantled many of Hamas’ bases above and below ground.

- Israel offer to Hams revealed:

10 live hostages, and half of the dead hostages (all released in one day)

60-day ceasefire

Immediate opening of humanitarian aid from the moment the agreement is signed 

Israel will agree to withdraw from the territories captured in Operation "Strength and Sword" 

Israel will NOT agree to withdraw from the Philadelphi and Netzarim Corridors

Israel is ready to discuss ending the war during the days of the ceasefire

Hamas' demands:

Trump will declare the ceasefire 

Trump will personally guarantee that Israel does not renew the fire after the hostages are released 

Witkoff will personally sign the deal, and shake Khalil al-Hayya's hand  (Channel 13)

- From Eli Cohen's letter to his wife Nadia:

To my dear wife Nadia and my family, I am writing you my last words and asking you to always maintain contact between you. I ask you, Nadia, to forgive me and to take care of yourself and the children. Take care of their education. Do not deny yourself or them anything, and maintain contact with my family.

You can marry someone else so that the children do not grow up without a father. You have complete freedom to do so, and please, do not waste your time crying about what was, but always think about the future. 

Do not forget to pray for the repose of my father's soul and my soul.

- In a secret Mossad operation, approximately 2,500 documents, photos, and personal belongings of Eli Cohen were brought to Israel.

-Israeli official confirms: Zakaria Sinwar, brother of Muhammad and Yahya, did not die in the attack in Gaza last night - he was critically injured and his condition is described as critical

- Saudi report that the body of Muhammad Sinwar, the de facto commander of Hamas’s military wing in Gaza, was found in a tunnel in Khan Younis where the terror leader was targeted by the Israel Defense Forces last week.

According to the report, the bodies of 10 of Sinwar’s aides were found with him.It is also reported that there is evidence that the commander of the Rafah Brigade in Hamas’s military wing, Mohammad Shabana, was also killed in the strike.

-Prime Minister's Office: Even at this time, the negotiating team in Doha is working to exhaust every chance of a deal - whether according to the Witkoff outline or within the framework of ending the fighting, which would include the release of all hostages, the expulsion of Hams terrorists, and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip.

-Report in the Wall Street Journal: Documents found by the IDF in a tunnel in Gaza reveal: Hams planned the October 7 massacre to torpedo the normalization process between Israel and Saudi Arabia

- Massive IDF strikes in Gaza, Gazans are evacuating the north of Gaza.

Motzei Shabbos Parshas Emor

היום חמשה ושלשים יום שהם חמשה שבועות בעומר

- 2 dead, 17 hurt after Mexican navy tall ship smashes into Brooklyn Bridge in horrifying scene

A massive Mexican navy tall ship on a goodwill visit to New York slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday — toppling its huge masts into the deck in a horrifying scene that left 19 injured, including four critically, according to fire officials and sources.

The majestic Cuauhtémoc — which has a crew of 277, mostly cadets — apparently lost power as it was sailing out of New York on its way to Iceland and the current carried it into the road deck of the bridge around 8:30 p.m., according to Mayor Eric Adams and footage of the crash.

The collision sheared off the ship’s 147-foot masts. Adams said two sailors were on top of the mast when it hit the bridge — which has a max clearance of 135 feet.(NYP)

- A Mexican navy tall ship, the Cuauhtémoc, carrying 200 people, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC this evening just before 9 p.m., toppling one of its masts and injuring multiple crew members. A search and rescue operation is underway, with victims being taken to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and a nearby hospital.

- Mir dinner tomorrow at Bellworks

- The US Embassy in Libya responds to NBC's report about Trump's plan to relocate a million Gazans to the country and says it is "untrue.

- The NJ Transit strike won’t be settled on Saturday, state officials said. A meeting between state officials and union negotiators with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ended without a deal Saturday afternoon.

- Gezeiras Giyus: Former Sefardi chief Rabbi Rishon LeZion Rav Yitzchak Yosef: "What did they find in the right? It would have been better with the left"but going with the right, I don't know what they found in the right."

- Trump: Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS  last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, “EAT THE TARIFFS,” and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!

V

-Power in the Pines Air Show tomorrow, Sunday, May 18, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for its second and final day. Gates open 9 am show starts close to  noon free admission.

- Adirei Hatorah tickets go on sale tomorrow for general public.

-Trump says he will speak to Russian President Putin on Monday about "stopping the bloodbath." "Hopefully it will be a productive day, a cease-fire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end”.

-Seasons in Toms River will have a Lag Baomer celebration tomorrow with free entertainment and giveaways.

Israel At War Motzei Shabbos Emor

Israel at war day 589

- US Vice President J.D. Vance is set to visit Israel on Tuesday, with the White House currently coordinating meetings with the country’s top leaders.(Amit Segal)

-Israel, Hamas say hostage-ceasefire talks renewed after IDF initiates major new offensive in Gaza.

Hamas rushed a delegation to Doha to urgently resume negotiations in the wake of the IDF's new ground offensive. Israel has reportedly given a deadline until tommorow.

-Hamas offers to release half of remaining hostages for two month ceasefire - report

Hamas doubted whether the US was able to compel Netanyahu to abide by the terms of any agreement, following the release of Edan Alexander last week.

Israeli source: "PM Netanyahu was in continuous contact throughout the day with the negotiating team in Doha, with Minister Dermer and with the American envoy Witkoff, in order to dissuade Hams from its refusal, and to promote a deal to release our hostages.

This activity continues even at these hours. In order to exhaust the efforts to release our hostages, the Prime Minister instructed the negotiating team to remain in Doha at this stage.".

- Israeli and Syrian officials meet in Azerbaijan to begin talks about normalizing relations

- Intense IDF strikes in Gaza ahead of start of new op

-Missile launched from Yemen into Israeli territory on Sunday morning. Air defense systems were activated to intercept the missile.

-Defense Minister Israel Katz: "With the opening of Operation "Gideon's Chariots" in Gaza, which is being led with great force by the IDF command, the Hamas delegation in Doha announced a return to negotiations on a hostage deal - in contrast to the recalcitrant position they had taken up until that moment.

Without an unnecessary humanitarian opening and without a ceasefire. The heroism of IDF soldiers, the unity of the people and the determination of the political echelon increase the chance of the return of the hostages - as it was then and as it is now."

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פר' אמור ל"ג בעומר תשפ"ה

תורתו מגן לנו היא מאירת עינינו הוא ימליץ טוב בעדינו

 

Friday, May 16, 2025 / י״ח אייר תשפ"ה ערב שבת פרשת אמור  ל״ג בעומר

- Candle lighting 7:48 pm

- Shkia sunset 8:06 pm

Sof zman Krias shema Gra  9:16 am

Weather: shabbos day: High 86° Cloudy skies stray shower or thunderstorm is possible.

- Reminder to count Sefira tonight

'פרקי אבות  פרק ד

וּסְפַרְתֶּ֤ם לָכֶם֙ מִמָּֽחֳרַ֣ת הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת מִיּוֹם֙ הֲבִ֣יאֲכֶ֔ם אֶת־עֹ֖מֶר הַתְּנוּפָ֑ה שֶׁ֥בַע שַׁבָּת֖וֹת תְּמִימֹ֥ת תִּֽהְיֶֽינָה  'עַ֣ד מִמָּֽחֳרַ֤ת הַשַּׁבָּת֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת תִּסְפְּר֖וּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים י֑וֹם וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֛ם מִנְחָ֥ה חֲדָשָׁ֖ה לַֽהֹ

Reb Meilich Biderman erev shabbos in Teveria 

Friday May 16 Lag Baomer News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, May 16, 2025 / י״ח אייר תשפ״ה

ערב שבת פרשת אמור  ל״ג בעומר

Candle lighting 7:48pm

Shkiah/Sunset 8:06

There is a marginal risk of severe weather today.

Weather: 77°Mostly cloudy fog. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 77F. Winds S at 5 

- Shabbos day hi  87° Cloudy skies. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible.

Lag Baomer events today

- Rachmastrivka County Line 11:30am

-Mesivta of Eatontown 1300 N Hampshire 2 15pm

-Shedlitz 1151 Somerset Ave 2:45pm

- Babad Tons River 12:00pm for kids

- Arlington sh

-Erech Shai 1st and Madison 2pm

-Zititchoiv 1385 Vincenzo Dr,Toms River  1:30pm

- Chabad at Vine Park w Lipa Shmelczer 2pm

- Chai Rottel mashke I'm front of Satmar BM om Forest Ave Lakewood 

- President Trump just released a statement on antisemitism in honor of Jewish heritage month: America is home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, and we will defend our people. That's why we have taken unprecedented action to end the scourge of antisemitism in our streets.

- Trump admin is working on a plan to permanently "relocate" up to 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya — NBC

- Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Rejected By House Budget Committee. The House Budget Committee rejected President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) on Friday after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his leadership team were unsuccessful in securing the support of several key Republican dissenters.

- 12:30 pm:  A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect. Prepare to take shelter if necessary. Today's outlook: There is a marginal risk of severe weather.

- Miron in numbers as  of Friday afternoon 2pm Israel time 122,000 came to Rashbi, hatzolah treated 139 people for various emergencies.

- Mir Yerushalayim shabbos in Jackson with Rav Yosef Elefent shlita ahead of the dinner Sunday at Bell Works.

- Mishpacha of Reb Arye Zak ztl get up from Shiva today. The Torah treasures store will reopen in Sunday.

- Update: All clear given as the threat was to a company that has several locations and the threat was not specific to Lakewood at all but general to one of the offices.

Bomb threat at a building at 411 Boulevard  of the America's Tower 3 in Lakewood The building is being evacuated after a caller  claimed it was “going to blow up. local and county emergency agencies are now at the scene, .Area is closed off

-Trump on former FBI Director James Comey's "86 47" Instagram post: "He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant. That meant 'assassination.'"

- A fire in Yerushalayim in the Wadi near Kvish 9 was thretening homes in the Ramat Eshkol neighborhood has BH been brought under control.

- NJ Transit is on strike, crippling mass transit

All NJ Transit rail service statewide is currently suspended until further notice.

The agency’s bus lines and light rail systems, however, will continue to run and train lines in the state run by other agencies  including Amtrak, PATH, PATCO and SEPTA — are not affected.

As part of the strike, NJ Transit is also cancelling any non-essential road work and construction.

- The Jones Road Wildfire reached 100 percent containment Tuesday afternoon after spreading over 15,350 acres, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said and.confirmed as second worst in last 20 years Smoke is expected to remain in the area until significant rain falls as interior pockets of fuel continue to smolder and burn, Crews will remain on scene to continue to improve containment lines and address areas of concern to ensure public safety

- Polls suggest a tight race, with U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, holding a slight lead but all six Democrats in the race have a shot to come out on top June 10,

The Eagleton poll was taken in early April by surveying 1,058 adults.

Sherill led the field at 17%, with Fulop at 12% — a difference within the poll's margin of error. Spiller followed at 10%, with Gottheimer and Baraka both at 9% and Sweeney at 7%.

Lehovin Editorial on the Chutzpah of Eretz Hakodesh campaign for WZO elecrions

..Then Came Eretz Hakodesh The Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah issued a unifed statement that no one should vote for them or in the WZO elections. In the name of kedusha they didn’t listen. But, there is no kedusha when we don’t listen. We say “asher kidishonu b’mitzvoysov v’tzivonu..” The only way to achieve kedusha is by following what Hashem wants. Not what you think Hashem wants, not what you want, not what sounds noble and holy, but following asher yorucho, bayomim ho’heim. But all this was irrelevant to Eretz Hakodesh. They had the chutzpah to make the Sar HaTorah, Rav Chaim Kanievski zt”l their poster boy to promote their ambitions. To our dismay, Rav Chaim is in the Olam HoEmes since Shushan Purim 5782. Since that time, with Eretz Hakodesh in the WZO, another paragraph was added in to the Jerusalem Program which everyone pledges allegiance to when they vote in the

WZO elections. By voting for Eretz Hakodesh a person is signing that they pledge allegiance to the kefira’dik Jerusalem program – same as by voting for the Reform, Conservative, or any other Zionists. The new paragraph, added since Eretz Hakodesh joined, states that, by voting, you are committed to “Encouraging recruitment and service in the Israel Defense Forces and the security forces and strengthening them as the protective force of the Jewish people living in Zion, as well as encouraging full National Service for anyone exempted in law from service in the IDF.”

Is there anyone of sound mind who would think that Rav Chaim would want Klal Yisroel to vote Yes to the destruction   of the Olam HaTorah?

We are being moche for the kovod of Maran Sar Hatorah Harav Chaim Kanievski zt”l. 

For 120 years, we stayed apart. Back in Europe, before the war, when the poverty was unimaginable to us and there was opportunity to save the yeshivas by joining the WZO, the gedolim paskened no! Whatever the consequence. But,  that was irrelevant to Eretz Hakodesh. 

Israel At War May 16 לג בעומר

Israel at war day 588

- Heavy IDF bombings in Gaza hitting underground targets near Jabalya

- Trump admin is working on a plan to permanently "relocate" up to 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya — NBC

- Terrorist attack on the old City of Yerushalayim near Shalsheles gate of the Armenian quarter a Arab stabbed a police officer. The terrorist was neutralized and officer was alert and taken to hospital in mild condition.

- IDF strikes on the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Salif in Yemen  Israel aims to impose a naval blockade on the Houthis through a series of attacks aimed at destroying ports under their control.

- IDF forces' activities throughout the Gaza Strip. More than 150 targets attacked in the past 24 hours over 140 terrorist killed in last 24 hours 

- President Trump: "We're watching Gaza and we're going to take care of it, a lot of people are starving there."

- President Trump tours the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue in Abu Dhabi: called it  "Amazing."

- Trump: Iran received an offer from the US in nuclear talks They need to act fast or something bad will happen

- Report: Israel holding talks with Syria on Sharaa regime joining Abraham Accords

Meeting said held recently in Azerbaijan between IDF Operations Directorate chief, Syrian and Turkish officials; Jerusalem reportedly open to border deal, normalized relations

- Ynet: Israeli officials: "Witkoff has given up and is letting Israel make the decisions." Witkoff's side did not respond to requests for comment. One source claimed that "there is no progress in the talks, no optimism. Hams is not ready for the big deal, and from the way it looks now, Israel is going to make a huge military maneuver within days. There may be a last-minute change." 

- The Israeli delegation in Doha will continue in talks with the mediators today to advance a hostage deal. Depending on developments during the day, a decision will be made later on whether to return the delegation to Israel at the end of the day, or to give the chance for another day of talks. In Israel, the prevailing assessment continues to be that there is no chance of a breakthrough.

Trump visits the Rambam shul in Abu Dhabi

יבטל כל הגזרות

Lag Baomer 5785

Reb Meilich Biderman in Miron crying out יבטל

Screams of יבטל at Satmar Kiryas Yoel

Oif Simchas Thursday ל"ג בעומר ח'י אייר תשפ"ה

היום שלשה ושלשים יום שהם ארבעה שבועות וחמשה ימים בעומר/לעומר (הוד שבהוד)

Chasunas:

Ochs - Caller Neemas Hachaim 

Gruskin - Newmark Ateres Reva 

Ginsberger  - Freimark Cedar Palace 

Epstein - Ruck Bais Faiga

Markin - Cooper  Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Gershonzohn  Fountain Ballroom 

- Rabbi Yisroel  Glustein shlita of Mir Yerushalayim will be giving  a Chumash shiur

9pm at 1428 bellinger Street Lakewood

- Tonight shloshim and divrei zikaron for Rebbetzin Rochel Gross a”h 9:00pm, at Bnos Bais  Yaakov 155 North Oberlin Avenue, Lakewood, NJ. for Men and women are invited

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

Video: Kiryas Yoel Monroe tonight

Thursday May 15 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 71° Cloudy with occasional showers this afternoon. Chance of rain 40%.

Tonight  59°Rain showers early, then fog developing overnight. Chance of rain 50%.

- Historic NJ Transit strike begins tonight, halting all trains across N.J.

NJ Transit has about 350,000 daily riders, including 100,000 that depend on the trains.

The agency’s contingency plan is to move rail commuters to buses, but only about 20,000 of the daily rail commuters could be accommodated through bus routes. The plan won’t go into effect until Monday, leaving commuters to fend for themselves on Friday.

- FBI director Kash Patel: We are aware of the recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, directed at President Trump. We are in communication with the Secret Service and Director Curran. Primary jurisdiction is with SS on these matters and we, the FBI, will provide all necessary support.

- Secretary Kristi Noem: Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS  Trump. 

DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.

- Former FBI Director James Comey 

 posted this on his Instagram 2 hours ago, with the caption “cool shell formation on my beach walk”. It’s a pic of shells in the form of “86 47”.

anyone who knows anything 86 is commonly used as slang to “end” or “kiII”

Obviously 47 is representative of the 47th President This is a call for the assassination of President Trump by the former FBI Director!

- Over 76,000 have already gone up Mt Miron as of 3:00am tonight according to authorities.

- New Jersey’s Interim US Attorney Alina Habba shows up to court to prosecute Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. In court, Ras Baraka, the Democratic mayor of Newark, New Jersey defense team contested his arrest and declined to take a plea deal while arguing that the government has not provided enough evidence to prove that he was lawfully arrested. 

- Minhag Hayeshiva is not to say tachnun today erev Lag Baomer

- Potential NJ transit strike tonight NJ Transit and a locomotive engineer’s union are still negotiating with less than a day until a strike deadline. Due to a potential strike, NJ TRANSIT strongly advises all train customers to complete their travels and arrive at their final destination by 11:59 PM on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Evergreen Shabbos party hunt today from 4pm - 8pm   

- Tonight shloshim and divrei zikaron for Rebbetzin Rochel Gross a”h 9:00pm, at Bnos Bais  Yaakov 155 North Oberlin Avenue, Lakewood, NJ. for Men and women are invited. 

- Lakewood Cheder ads ŕabbonim to the vaad Hachinuch, Harav Uren Reich Shlita, Harav Henoch Shachar Shlita, and Harav Nosson Stein Shlita. This comes after the board has let go of older long time menahlim and brought in outside mechanchim.

- An Iranian official tells Reuters: We have not received a written proposal from the US to resolve the nuclear dispute. Iran will only transfer highly enriched uranium from its territory if the US lifts sanctions in a verified and effective manner.

- Petition to Stop Bill A5460 – Protect NJ Solar Customers and Clean Energy Incentives that will cause a financial loss of thousands of dollars annually to local families for the next 5 years sign HERE

- Trump in Qatar on Iran: It doesn't take 30 pages for this, just one sentence "They can't have nuclear weapons." I really hope they do it in a nice way and that we don't have to reach violence the world has never seen before..

- Khal Machzikei Hadaas in Antwerp notifies the community they are working in the best of their ability on all fronts following the confiscation of milah knives from mohallim and ask everyone do daven as we only have Hashem to count on 

- Agudah chairman's take: Former Governor Andrew Cuomo visited my office this week, part of his campaign for New York City mayor. The conversation was candid and raw. Our community has not forgotten the way we were singled out during the dark days of Covid, and we didn’t mince words in telling him how betrayed we had felt during his tenure. Sometimes, the role of shtadlanus involves swallowing old hurts for the good of the klal, as unsatisfying as it might feel. Rabbi Shimon was forced into hiding because of his fierce criticism of the Roman government (Shabbos 33b), yet after coming out of the me’arah, the same Rabbi Shimon was sent to Rome to petition on behalf of his people (Meilah 17b). In galus, he learned, there is a process of how we do battle.

- Rain totals • Jackson - 1.34 inches, Brick - 1.32 inches, Toms River - 1.30 inches, Lakewood  - 1.22 inches

- Regarding shaving and haircuts Thursday night when Lag Baomer falls on on Friday as this year. The Rema (Orach Chaim 493:2) states that the minhag Ashkenaz one must wait until Lag B’Omer itself and should not take a haircut on the preceding evening. The Mishnah Berurah (493:11)  brings Elya Rabba and others, who permit haircuts beginning the night of Lag B’Omer, but the minhag haolam is to wait until the morning like the rema unless there's a wedding contact your LOR 

  ויש מאחרונים שמקילין להסתפר מבערב [מי"ט וא"ר] וסיים א"ר דמ"מ לענין נשואין לא ראיתי מקילין כ"א ביום ל"ג בעומר בעצמו ולא בלילה שלפניו אכן כשחל ל"ג בעומר בע"ש והוא לו שעת הדחק לעשות ביום אפשר שיש להקל לו לעשות בלילה שלפניו:

Live stream Lag Baomer Hadlaka in Meron

שידור חי: הדלקה המרכזית במירון - בויאן - ל"ג בעומר פ"ה | Live: Lag Ba’omer Hadlukah in Meron - 2025 (Be mindful of sefira re Music) watch Rav Meilech Biderman Hadlaka live 7:30pm

ל"ג בעומר Lakewood 5785

 List of Lag Baomer bon fires Thursday night:

Please add or correct in comments section

Weather Tonight  59°Rain showers early, then fog developing Chance of rain 50%.

-Minhag Hayeshiva is not to say tachnun today by Mincha erev Lag Baomer

Livestream central Hadlaka in Miron HERE

R' Meilech Biderman hadlaka in Miron live stream HERE  Begins 5pm EST

-Skulen 120 2nd street  behind yeshiva Ktana 9:45 pm

- Minyan Shelanu Blue Claws 7:00pm

-Satmar Forest Ave 9:50 pm

-Stolin e 7th cor Cornelius 9:15

-Breslov 423 6th st 9:30 pm

-Mordy’s Shtiebel  divrei hisorerus at 8:15 p.m. from HaRav Dovid Schustal, shlita, Hadlaka 9:00pm

- Sharei Tefila Oak N Vine Maariv 8:57 pm

- Hallovitz 614 Ocean Ave rt 88

- Krishevsky 677 87th street 9:30 pm

-Kosson Oak and Vine 57 Havens 9:45 pm

-Rachmastrivka Oak n Vine Tish 10:00

- Zichron Yechezkel 1871 Old Freehold Toms River 8:15 pm

Royal Grove Jackson 9:15pm

-Sadigura 55 Holy st 9:00pm

-Babad Toms River 9:00pm  

Bais Efraim- Rav Shimano at New Central & Leigh  

- Bais Nochum 31 Arosa hill Brookhill 9:15

- Belz Harmony dr 9:30 pm

- B"M Tiferes Pinchos/ Ostrov Kalishee187 East 4th St  9:15 pm

Boston Oak N Vine 90 Havens 10:15pm

Friday Lag Baomer day day:

Israel At War Thursday May 15

Israel at war day 587

- Sirens sounded in middle of lag Baomer celebrations in Yerushalayim and Central Israel triggered by a Yemen missile fired by the Houthis  it was intercepted  while some fragments fell in Alon Shvut.

-Senior Israeli source: Hams is entrenched in refusing the Witkoff outline. If there is no change, we will return to fighting.

-The Qatari Al-Arabi channel reports that no progress has been made in the negotiations: "The Israeli delegation that arrived in Doha did not offer anything new. The mediators conveyed to Hams a previous Israeli proposal that Hams refused."

- Hamas: The release of Idan Alexander was carried out in preparation for Trump's visit. We expect humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip immediately, in accordance with the understandings reached with the US, and that comprehensive negotiations will take place

-Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told Sky News: We told the mediators that we are ready to immediately release all the hostages if we receive guarantees that this will lead to an end to the war, and first and foremost to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

- Witkoff offered in Qatar the release of less than 10 hostages, without declaring an end to the war and only committing to negotiations, in a process with clear parameters. The parties are not convinced. The Prime Minister is currently in a security discussion, which will ultimately decide whether to keep or return the delegation from Doha

- Message from Chananel Gez whose wide was murdered by Arab terrorists:

"Hello friends, today is a sad day. Tonight my wife was murdered.  We were on our way to the hospital to happily give birth to our fourth son. Of course I am broken, that is natural, but I also thank Hashem that I am alive and will be strong to continue to be a light to the whole world. Because we will never let them break us.

I am very, very sad, but I will continue to fight for the welfare of our people.

I love you all.

We will survive, succeed and prosper.

Hashem is one.

In good times and bad –

it doesn't matter.

If it is from my one and only "

-Trump: I have good ideas about Gaza. Let the US get involved and make it a free zone. I would be proud to have the US have it.

-BDE: Mrs.  Tsala Gaz, HYD ZL, was murdered in a shooting attack on her way to the delivery room. Efforts to save the baby continue. She has 3 other children  Husband's condition is mild was released from hospital.

-Trump: I think we are very close to a deal with Iran

-The U.S. presented Iran with the nuclear deal proposal. The Iranians are expected to give their response in the coming days. - Axios

-Trump on Iran: They're not going to make, I call it in a friendly way, 'nuclear dust'... I want them to succeed. I want them to end up being a great country, frankly, but they can't have a nuclear weapon."

- Trump says in Qatar: "We are trying to give Yemen a chance" this after the Houthis launched 3 ballistic missles at israel yesterday 

- Joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet spokespersons: The hunt for the terrorist from the attack near Baruchin continues. Duvdevan SF fighters, under Shin Bet direction, eliminated five armed terrorists in Tamun in the Menashe Brigade. The forces continue to search, block, and surround villages in the area.