Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת בא תשפ"ו

           ולְכָל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הָיָה אוֹר בְּמוֹשְׁבֹתָם

Friday, January 23, 2026 / ה׳ שבט תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת בא

candle lighting 4:47 PM

Shkiah/sunset 5:05 PM 

weather: Friday night cold low of 9°

Shabbos day 21° Partly cloudy skies. Record low temperatures expected.

early sunday morning 30° Periods of snow during the morning will transition to a wintry mix in the afternoon.

וְאַתָּה אַל תִּירָא עַבְדִּי יַעֲקֹב וְאַל תֵּחַת יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי הִנְנִי מוֹשִׁיעֲךָ מֵרָחוֹק וְאֶת זַרְעֲךָ מֵאֶרֶץ שִׁבְיָם וְשָׁב יַעֲקֹב וְשָׁקַט וְשַׁאֲנַן וְאֵין מַחֲרִיד

          אין בהם טבע ומנהגו של עולם, הכל בגזרת עליון עד שנאמין בכל דברינו ומקרינו שכולם ניסים (רמב''ן סוף 

(פר' בא

Sung by Dedi Graucher zL

Friday January 23 News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, January 23, 2026 / ה׳ שבט תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת בא

candle lighting 4:47 PM

Shkiah/sunset 5:05 PM 

weather: 40° Sunny to partly cloudy.

Friday night cold low of 9°

Shabbos day 21° Partly cloudy skies. Record low temperatures expected.

early sunday morning 30° Periods of snow during the morning will transition to a wintry mix in the afternoon. Chance of precip 100%. 8 to 12 inches of snow and ice expected. Higher wind gusts possible.

- Major airlines are suspending flights across the Middle East citing the “security situation.” Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM have begun cancelling flights tonight and through the weekend to and from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, with additional international carriers expected to follow as regional tensions escalate.

This Motzei shabbos Sunday on the Yartzeit of Rabbi Avroham Yitzchok Klugman known as the Tzadik of Freehold. Freehold Hebrew Cemetery in Freehold, New Jersey is located along NJ-33 Business (which is a split-off of Rt-33) right before Cardigan Bay Lane behind the Freehold Raceway Mall. (Kevarim)

This Shabbos is the 100th Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Chaim Zvi Teitelbaum the Sigeter Rav and author of “Atzei Chaim” (1880-1926) 

Today is the Yahrzeit of the Sfas Emes 

- Rav Nissan Kaplan will be spending shabbos in Lakewood at the Miller rd area

- The Admor מבישטנא will be spending shabbos in Lakewood 

- The annual Bnei Torah Yarchei Kallah to take place in Princeton New jersey had been canceled due to the weather and will take place after Pesach

- This motzei shabbos a melava malka Chanukas habayis will take place for Yeshiva Mishkan Hatalmud R"Y Rav Yisroel Ehrlich shlita 8:45 pm at Joe Parker rd  

- KLM airlines cancels all flights to Israel for next few days

- Youtuber who visited Lakewood area earlier this week releases  20 minute video on social media showing footage around the yeshiva until security kicked him out. He attempted to engage with locals but has nothing to show. While harrowing residents if they are on government programs. He attempted to obtain Food stamps while making up information admiringly.

- MDY Daf Yomi shiur took place in Monroe,NY today

- Due to the weather, Walmart Plus and other deliveries are arriving later than usual, and stores have run out of salt and other essential items.

- Lakewood officials: Residents are urged to keep vehicles off roadways during the storm to allow plows and emergency crews full access. Cars can be parked in garages, driveways, or on grassy areas without risk of summonses. If off-street parking isn’t possible, vehicles should be parked on only one side of the street to help snow-clearing operations.

- Trump: Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain — WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???

- Reports that YouTubers who harassed residents in KJ last week are now in Lakewood around yeshiva area. Earlier today they were in Jackson attempting to film and interview people. In response, several establishments have posted signs prohibiting filming or photography on their private property. A group of YouTubers was also seen yesterday in Lakewood along Clifton Avenue, filming and trying to enter buildings.

- Ahead of Shabbos , IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Efi Defrin said the IDF is fully prepared defensively and offensively, stressing that there is no change to Home Front Command instructions. He urged the public to rely only on official sources and ignore rumors, and noted that the IDF continues its efforts while remembering Staff Sgt. Ran Goyeli.

- BDE: Petirah of the Kosoner Rebbe of 9th Avenue, in Boro Park Harav Yaakov Yehosef Rottenberg zt”l, He was 77 years old. - Levaya will be at 11:30, at the Rebbe's shul, located at 906 50th Street.

- RWJBarnabas Health is expanding in Monmouth County with a new 67,000-square-foot multispecialty medical facility on Route 9. The project is a joint venture with New Jersey Imaging Network, Seaview Orthopedics, and Family First Urgent Care, aiming to bring a wide range of services from imaging and ultrasounds to orthopedic surgery closer to local residents.

- In an article by Amit Segal, senior regional officials assess that despite renewed tensions and growing threats of war involving Iran, the chances of the Iranian regime’s survival remain very high.

- Federal immigration authorities have launched new enforcement sweeps in Lakewood and across Ocean County targeting criminal illegal aliens. ICE officials say the operation is part of an ongoing federal crackdown and stressed that those being arrested have already gone through the legal process and are subject to existing removal orders.

- Three Democratic legislators from Monmouth County have publicly condemned former Gov. Phil Murphy’s decision to commute the 100-year sentence of a mom who was convicted of killing her two toddlers in a 1994 arson. In a joint statement, Sen. Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul said they were “outraged and disgusted,” echoing Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago’s criticism that the move was “the polar opposite of justice.”

- Israel has reportedly put its Air Force and intelligence units on heightened alert as preparations advance for a possible U.S. strike on Iran. According to Israeli sources cited by military journalist Amos Harel, officials in Jerusalem believe Washington may be weighing a large-scale attack aimed at triggering a chain reaction that could destabilize Iran’s leadership.

Snow Storm Update Friday Jan 23

 Widespread 12 to 18 inches of snow, dangerous ice to slam state this weekend.

 Latest forecast.

The Monmouth County-based NY NJ PA Weather forecasting company is calling for four zones of snowfall totals in New Jersey.

12 to 20 inches of snow across far northern sections of New Jersey

8 to 16 inches of snow and sleet in much of central New Jersey

6 to 12 inches of snow and sleet in southwestern New Jersey

4 to 8 inches of snow changing to sleet and rain in coastal Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties.(NJ.com)

A major winter storm is still expected from late Motzei shabbos through Monday morning. Forecast updates show slightly lower snow totals for southeastern New Jersey due to a higher chance of sleet and freezing rain. Small shifts in the storm track by as little as 10 miles could significantly affect snow totals, especially in coastal areas.

Meteorologist forecast for Jersey Shore including Lakewood Snow begins mid-morning Sunday; changing sleet/freezing rain by midnight; changing to snow Monday mid-morning and ending by mid-afternoon.Ice Totals: .25-.5"; Snow Totals: 7-11"

The threat of a dangerous layer of ice has increased from the massive winter storm expected to slam New Jersey this weekend, burying most of the state under 12 to 18 inches of snow. “Confidence continues to increase in major impacts from a significant winter storm Saturday night through early Monday afternoon,” the National Weather Service said early Friday. “Sleet and freezing rain chances have increased for the I-95 corridor southward.” The expected changeover to a wintry mix in the southern half of the state has lowered some snowfall forecasts to around a foot, but adds dangerous ice and potential power outages.

List of 60 tasks to prepare ahead of the storm by Capt Kyle for  the OCD

❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.

❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.

❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.

❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.

Oif Simchas Thursday 5 Shevat

Chasunas:

Lubowsky - Kastan Cedar Palace

Whitman - Kreitenberg Fountain Ballroom 

Engel - Kalos Ne'emas Hachaim 

Adirei HaTorah Parlor meeting  for Westgate Lublin area

Parlor meeting Kimcha DPischa Vizhnitz 1002 W. Kennedy blvd 8pm - 12am

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

Thursday January 22 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: High 51° Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds.

NWS has issued a winter storm watch for the entire  region for late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for heavy snow potential of 8 to 18 inches.

AccuWeather's forecasts and NOAA's winter storm briefing snow update on Jan. 22 shows "major confidence" in a huge snow event, with 12 inches of snow and upwards of 16 inches expected expected Sunday in NYC, Philly and NJ, per the NWS

- Paroh in pajamas in the middle of the night Lakewood kindergarten in playgroups  wearing pajamas today to relive yetzias mitzrayim.

- Israel has moved to heightened alert as signs point to an imminent strike on Iran. The Home Front Command is activating the Quiet Wave wartime emergency channel this Shabbos, while U.S. F-15E fighters and C-17 supply aircraft are positioning at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, a potential launch hub.

- President Trump says, “We have a big force going toward Iran… we have a massive fleet heading in that direction.”

- More youtubers in Lakewood this  evening at Clifton  Ave and 10th st.

- Conservative  Bill  O'Reilly announced on January 22, 2026, via his blog that he's temporarily stepping back from media appearances due to an undisclosed "malady." He stated he has great doctors, will "fight the good fight," and expects to return soon while providing updates

-Two 15-year-old boys were arrested for antisemitic vandalism at a Boro Park playground at 18th Ave & 56th st used by Jewish families. The site was defaced twice in 36 hours with dozens of swastikas and pro-Hitler graffiti. The teens face hate crime charges for aggravated harassment and criminal mischief

- New Jersey American Water is seeking regulatory approval for a rate hike that could raise water bills about 12%, adding roughly $18 more per month for the average customer to fund $1.4 billion in infrastructure upgrades.

- Evergreen cancels deliveries for Sunday due to the forecast

- NJ towns face a salt shortage ahead of a major snowstorm, with some municipalities saying supplies are barely enough to treat intersections due to delivery delays from Port Newark.

- Trump: Iran does want to talk, and we'll talk'

US President Donald Trump said that Iran wants to engage in talks, signaling a potential diplomatic opening after heightened tensions

- Rav Nissan Kaplan will be spending shabbos in Lakewood at the Miller road area 

- President Trump says the U.S. is negotiating "total access" to Greenland, saying a "piece" of the Golden Dome will be on the island. "We're getting everything we want at no cost."

- The Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA) has raised its courtesy busing fee to $385 per child, up from $150 five years ago. In 2022, about 10,000 students paid the fee, generating $2.5 million in revenue. At the same time, LSTA salaries approach $500,000, and reported administrative expenses totaled $1,126,530, about 3.8% of program expenses in 2022. 

Meanwhile, the Township of Lakewood pays about $1.2 million to LSTA to cover courtesy busing for public school students who do not pay a fee, a disparity critics call discriminatory against private school yeshiva students and say township officials have not adequately explained. Although a class-action lawsuit has been discussed, no legal action has been taken.

Mayor Ray Coles has said at a township meeting the arrangement stems from the original approval of LSTA, when the state required the township to cover public school students’ busing, citing safety and public order concerns, including fears that many students would not attend school without transportation.

- Psak Halacha regarding Sick leave: Rav Yitzchak Mordechai Rubin shlita of Khal Bnei Torah in Har Nof ruled that a kollel wife may not take paid sick leave to care for a sick child if her husband, who learns in kollel, is able to stay home instead—unless the employer explicitly allows it beyond the strict law. The husband should care for the children, and the wife should go to work. The reasoning is that employers pay for actual labor, while kollel stipends are not payment for active work. 

- BDE: Petirah of Rav Noach Heisler ZTL who was the Rav of the Sanhedria Hamurchevet neighborhood in Yerushalayim for over 50 years, he was 89. He had a close relationship with Rav Shach and rav Elyashiv Zatzal. 

- Giyus: Israel’s draft law is at a critical point, awaiting approval from Degel HaTorah’s senior rabbis. If they consent, the bill could move through the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee as soon as Tuesday and advance directly to a full Knesset vote.

- A bipartisan New Jersey Senate proposal would let drivers deduct up to $1,000 in E-ZPass toll payments from their state gross income taxes. Any individual taxpayer would qualify if annual toll costs exceed $1,000, regardless of filing status. The deduction would cover tolls paid by the taxpayer or any household member for vehicle use, providing targeted tax relief to frequent toll-road commuters.

- The court in Yerushalayim ordered house arrest with restrictive conditions to the kindergarten teachers in the daycare where two infants died this week Meanwhile, a bereaved mother who lost her baby came during the shiva to testify in favor of the daycare director and the caregivers, claiming they were wronged and are innocent.

- Nearly 100 New Jersey rabbis are urging the New Jersey Governor and the state legislature to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism to fight discrimination against Jews. The state recently rejected a bill to implement the definition. Opponents argue it conflates some anti-Israel speech with antisemitism while still permitting legitimate criticism of Israel. There are no rabbis from the Lakewood area on the list 

- Elon Musk: "My prediction is there'll be more robots than people... everyone on Earth is going to have one and going to want one... who wouldn't want a robot to... watch over your kids, take care of your pets... we are in the most interesting time in history."

- Ami Magazine interviews Specialty Hospital of Central Jersey in Lakewood, A small, integrated “hospital-within-a-hospital” located at Monmouth Medical Center (formerly Kimball Medical Center), its sole focus is caring for chronically ill patients whom most facilities consider incurable.

-Press release:

Eisenbach Campaign: Chapter 192/193 Reform Proves Why Lakewood Needs Strong, Informed Leadership on the School Board

Lakewood, NJ — The recent signing of legislation reforming New Jersey’s Chapter 192/193 nonpublic school auxiliary services program highlights exactly what’s at stake for Lakewood families—and why now is a critical moment to elect leaders who understand the system, the numbers, and the consequences of inaction.

Israel News Thurs Jan 22

Day 839 

- US President Donald Trump on Thursday inaugurated his Board of Peace to lead efforts at maintaining a ceasefire in Israel’s war with the Hamas terror group, Hamas will probably meet its commitments, said Trump, but if it doesn’t  because “they were born with rifles in their hands” it will be destroyed.“They have to give up their weapons, and if they don’t, it’s going to be the end of them,” he said, claiming that “many countries have told me we want to go in and do it.” 

- Jared Kushner unveiled a Gaza plan calling for Hamas demilitarization, phased reconstruction with a seaport and airport, and economic development, offering amnesty or police integration to vetted Hamas members.

- Jared Kushner, says to Israelis criticizing Hamas terror sponsors like Qatar and Turkey and tells them to "calm down for 30 days" I believe the war is over. Let’s give this a chance and do our best to move forward."

- BDE: IDF reservist wounded in a Hamas attack in the southern Gaza Strip in October 2025 succumbed to his wounds overnight,  Asael Babad, 38,  from the  settlement of Bnei Adam he leaves behind a wife and 5 children, His death brings the total of 477 soldiers killed in the gaza ground war 

- Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced Wednesday that Israeli airlines are preparing to evacuate their entire fleet from Ben-Gurion Airport to prevent Iranian missile strikes. The five carriers - El Al, Arkia, Israir, Air Haifa, and Challenge - successfully executed a similar evacuation in June, relocating planes to Cyprus, Athens, Thailand, the US, and Europe.⁠

Storm Watch Issued

 3:00pm Update

NWS updates snow totals for Lakewood area

To 14+

Winter storm watches have been issued for most of New Jersey for a major snowstorm this weekend with increasing chances of snow totals topping 10 inches, forecasters say.

NWS has issued a winter storm watch for the entire forecast region for late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for heavy snow potential of 6 to 12 inches with some snow accumulations over 12 inches possible. 

Confidence continues to increase in a major winter storm impacting the region Saturday night through early Monday afternoon. Major impacts from accumulating snow are likely areawide. Snow may mix with or change to sleet or freezing rain across portions of SE PA, S NJ, Sunday. This may hinder snow totals some, but significant impacts are expected nonetheless Snow is still the favored outcome, especially inland, but coastal areas need monitoring in case warmer air sneaks in later and changes precipitation type.

Preliminary forecasts show 8-16 inches of snow can be expected for much of the region, including New York City, the Hudson Valley, nearly all of New Jersey and into Connecticut. Areas along the coast may see slightly lower totals, as could eastern parts of Long Island and much of the Jersey Shore. per NBC

While the weather service has not issued a snowfall forecast map with specific amounts, the watches were issued because there’s now a more than 90% chance at least 5 to 6 inches of snow.

Here are predicted inch counts for towns in Ocean County as of 8am this morning

Jackson: 2 to 4 inches

Lakewood: 3 to 6 inches

Manchester: 3 to 6 inches

Toms River: 3 to 6 inches

Howell: 3 to 6 inches

Updated snow totals for NJ as of 10:30 am

Trump Launches Board Of Peace

 Trump Launches Board of Peace in Davos with 30+ Nations

The board targets Gaza's reconstruction and ceasefire first, with plans to address Ukraine and Nigeria, requiring $1 billion from permanent members as a show of commitment. Around 30-35 nations joined, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, and Hungary, while Western allies like Germany, France, and the UK declined over concerns about Russia's potential role and UN conflicts. Trump positioned it as a stronger alternative to the United Nations, amid mixed reactions from praise for bold leadership to criticism as undermining international law.

 

Hashkafa Q&A

Hashkafa With Rav Gershon Ribner shlita 

My father-in-law’s tendency to intoxication is shaming us all Exhausting retirement savings to sustain sons in Kollel The influence of the affluent mechanchim on our children The relevance to date of the hisnagdus to original Chassidic movement Original Chassidus was blindingly attractive to many great scholars

Oif Simchas Wed 4 Shevat

Chasunas:

Lowenthal - Klein Ateres Chaim Elazar

Waldman - Herzberg Bais Faiga

Deutsch - Frankel Lake Terrace 

Hochman - Gubitz Neemas Hachaim

Pearl - Stein Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Oelbaum - Mitnick Fountain Ballroom 

Dean - Rabinowitz Ateres Esther 

Zigelheim - Twersky The Grove NJ

Weather tonight low 34°

Rain and snow this evening. The rain and snow will change to all rain overnight. Chance of precip 80%.

Kiddush Levana cloudy skies

Wednesday January 21 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather Weather: 36° Sun and clouds mixed.

some supermarkets ran out of salt for ice

Latest storm update shows heavy snow starting late Sunday night into Monday for South Jersey area with +12 inches.

- Secretary Kristi Noem warns of a major winter storm this weekend, especially in the Midwest and East Coast. DHS and FEMA are preparing, and the public should stay informed, expect disruptions, and have at least three days of food.

- The New York Times reports the US Greenland deal will be similar to that of the UK-Cyprus agreement

1. The US will have "small pockets of land" inside Greenland 

2. US will be involved in Greenland's mineral rights

3. Russia and China must not step in at any cost

4. US "Golden Dome" system will be instalated 

5. Opens door to US-backed infrastructure investment

The New Jersey Department of Education granted Lakewood School District an extension until March 5 to respond APP reports. The district is challenging the potential state takeover, triggering a hearing before an administrative law judge, who will make a recommendation. The final decision rests with the education commissioner, subject to state Board approval, and the district can still appeal or sue in court.

-  Giyus: Journalist for  channel 12 reveals recordings of  reveal the objective of senior roshei yeshiva that the objecrive is to stall for time until the High Court of Justice strikes down the law and the Knesset is forced to legislate again while in the meantime not drafting anyone and receiving the benefits that had been frozen. Recording of Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Harav Dov Landau Rav Yehuda Cohen of Shas opposing mandatory IDF service for Haredi men. They reject the state’s enlistment “targets,” say no one will comply, and express confidence the law won’t be enforced and will eventually fail.

- The LSTA has opened the portal for the 26-27 school year. Anyone who has a son entering primary, will not yet be on the portal. Families will need to upload 2 proofs of address from now on.

- President Trump says a "framework of a future deal" has been reached on Greenland after a meeting with NATO's secretary general and the planned tariffs on a group of European nations will no longer take effect. He said “I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st. Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland.”

- The Eidah called for a protest in Yerushalayim demanding the release of two morahs still detained after a toddler tragedy, while a bus driver who killed a teenager in Komemiyut was released by the court. One protester was arrested during demonstrations on Yehezkel Street.

- Cheder kids rejoice as "Red milk" is now allowed in schools not just Blue Milk after Trump signs The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 signed into law by President Trump on January 14, 2026, allowing public schools to offer whole and 2% milk again it restores access to whole milk in schools by allowing its exclusion from weekly saturated fat limits in the National School Lunch Program, reversing Obama-era restrictions that limited options to low-fat or fat-free. The law, passed unanimously in Congress, let's schools serve flavored or unflavored milk of any fat level, aligning with updated federal dietary guidelines. Implementation in schools is ongoing

- At last night’s Lakewood Planning Board meeting, there were technical issues with the livestream, and the video is currently unavailable for replay on the township website.

-Trump signs executive order to limit Wall Street buying single-family homes

- YouTubers and social media activists are targeting Lakewood for clicks, often editing residents’ words to spread false narratives. Community members are advised to ignore any attempts to provoke a response.

- Giyus: The IDF says about 30,000 Israelis are designated as draft evaders, roughly half of them ultra-Orthodox. The figure is expected to rise soon, as an estimated 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men of draft age have not enlisted, even as the military urgently needs 12,000 new recruits due to ongoing war demands.

- President Donald J. Trump has arrived at the 56th Annual Summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland

Trump to Carney: "Canada lives because of us. Mark, remember that before you make those speeches."

Donald Trump: “NATO is nothing without America.”

Trump: I told Bibi to stop taking credit for the dome. That’s our technology.

Trump: "Greenland is a vast, almost entirely uninhabited and undeveloped territory. It is sitting undefended in a key strategic location between the U.S., Russia, and China."

"This enormous unsecured island is actually part of North America, on the northern frontier of the Western Hemisphere." "It is a core national security interest of the U.S. and in fact, has been our policy for hundreds of years to prevent outside threats from entering our hemisphere."

- Large crowds attended the late-night levayah of the Habochur Naftali Tzvi Kramer z”l of Yeshivas Satmar in Komemiyus, who was killed after being run over while returning from a protest against autopsies. The hespedim called for chizuk amid recent tragedies, as his father accepted the tragedy with emunah.

- More ICE raids in Lakewood today onebtook place near the Quick check at Cedarbridge Ave

- A anti Trump protest was held yesterday in Lakewood off Rt 70 near Leisure village 

- Pescada talian dairy restaurant is expected to open within the next two to three weeks, located at 109 N County Line Road, Jackson Township, NJ

- Howell: A cab driver was slashed across the face and carjacked Friday night, Jan. 16, after dropping off two men in Howell, police said. The attack happened around 11:15 p.m. in a parking lot near Oak Glen Park after a fare that began in Neptune. The injured driver fled and was found by a patrol officer, then taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in stable condition. The stolen cab was later recovered abandoned on Maxim Road. The suspects two Spanish-speaking men aged 18 to 24 wearing dark clothing remain at large, and police are asking the public for help.

- Phil Murphy signed legislation reforming New Jersey’s Chapter 192/193 nonpublic school auxiliary services funding program. Sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall New Jersey reformed its Chapter 192/193 funding for nonpublic schools, updating allocations based on current student data and services delivered. The law ensures full use of existing funds, improves instruction and class sizes, and prevents large amounts of unused money, like Lakewood’s $6.6 million returned in FY2024.

Weekend Storm Update

The threat for a major snowstorm for New Jersey this weekend continues to increase, with a 60% to 90% chance of at least 6 inches of snow across the state, according to the National Weather Service while models show 12 or more inches of snow coming for the weekend for most according top several meteorologists  “Confidence continues to ramp up that the area will be affected by a significant storm system beginning Saturday night and potentially continuing all the way into the day Monday,” the weather service said early Wednesday.

- NJ1015 meteorologists says  Confidence is increasing that a significant snowstorm could impact New Jersey this weekend, centered on Sunday. While it’s too early to predict exact totals or timing, there’s a real chance some areas could see over a foot of snow. Uncertainty remains about when the heaviest snow falls and how long the storm lasts.

-News 12 NJ : New Jersey should prepare for a moderate-impact snowstorm on Sunday, with at least 4 inches expected and travel disruptions likely. Two storm tracks remain possible: a less-likely southern track bringing all snow and heavier totals in South Jersey, or a more-likely northern track that would bring very heavy snow to North Jersey but a mix of sleet/rain reducing totals in central and southern areas. Timing is still uncertain but could last into Sunday night, and intense snow banding may produce very high snowfall rates in parts of the state.

“It is now probable at least several inches of snowfall will occur across a large portion of the area,”   NWS

Israel News Wed Jan 21

 Day 838

- Trump: "There are some little situations like Hamas... we're going to know over the next 2 or 3 days, certainly over the next 3 weeks, whether or not they're going to [disarm]. If they don't do it, they'll be blown away very quickly."

- Trump says ‘we think we know’ location of Ran Gvili, the last hostage in Gaza

Gvili’s parents, Itzik and Talik, responded that in light of Trump’s remarks, the US and Israel must apply all possible pressure to ensure that Hamas returns their son: US president’s remarks show Hamas ‘deliberately violated’ ceasefire by not returning all captives

 - Palestinian media reports three dead and several wounded in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in the al-Zahra area of the central Gaza Strip.

- US President Donald Trump said that if Iran attempts to assassinate him, he would make the "order to wipe it off the face of this Earth

-Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot said Israel should resume fighting in Gaza and dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of failing to turn military gains into a diplomatic outcome or achieve the goal of destroying Hamas’s governing and military power.

- The IDF says it carried out two airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah operatives near Sidon and Tyre, with no immediate reports of casualties.

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, the premier’s office announced Wednesday, as Sweden and Norway became the latest nations to say they would not be joining, and Spain said European leaders were working to consolidate a common position.

- US President Donald Trump is continuing to push his aides to devise what he calls “decisive” military options against Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Oif Simchas Tuesday 3 Shevat

Weather tonight low of 9° clear

Chasunas:

Weiss - Danziger Ne'emas Hachaim 

Gordon - Klahr Bais Faiga

Wallerstein - Prag Lake Terrace 

Klein - Kletzkin Fountain Ballroom 

Spinrad - Segal Ateres Esther 

Stanger - Levin Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Tuesday January 20 News Updates

Weather: 23° Abundant sunshine. High 23F. Winds 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

- Air Force One was forced to return to the United States after electrical issue mod- flight

“After takeoff, the Air Force One crew identified a minor electrical issue. Out of an abundance of caution, AF1 is returning to Joint Base Andrews.”

“The President and team will board a different aircraft and continue on to Switzerland.” 

-Update some models showing  weekend snkw storm starting later on Sunday night into Monday anywhere between 4 -12 inches

- President Trump said he is showing a “lot of heart” toward undocumented immigrants with clean records, emphasizing that enforcement efforts are focused on violent offenders. “We have good people working on farms, hotels, and all,” Trump said. “We’re not looking at them right now. We’re looking to get the criminals out  the criminals. That’s very important. Every once in a while, someone who shouldn’t be here illegally is removed, but our focus is on the murderers, drug dealers, and killers.

- Greenland's Prime Minister called on residents and authorities to prepare for a potential military invasion amid ongoing U.S. pressure led by Trump, though he stressed it's unlikely.

- Jake Turx at WH press conference asks president Trump: "Last year, you told me that you believe that the reason you won the election is because God put you in this place so that you could save the world. "Looking back one year, do you feel like God is proud of the effort...?"

PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I do, actually, I think God is very proud of the job I've done, and that includes for religion." "We're protecting a lot of people that are being killed. Christians and Jewish people and lots of people are being protected by me that wouldn't be protected by another type of president." "We've had an amazing year... Even some people that wouldn't necessarily love me instinctively — they're saying this was an incredible year."

- President Trump jokes that a binder clip nearly caught his finger, adding that he “wouldn’t have shown the pain.”

- The MDY Daf Yomi shiur for todays daf took place in Lakewood in a private home, held as a gesture of hakaras hatov to the baal habayis, who over Shabbos bid on an aliyah, bringing the total amount raised for Shishi to $180,000.

- Trump: No single person, or President, has done more for NATO than President Donald J. Trump. If I didn’t come along, there would be no NATO right now!!! It would have been in the ash heap of History. Sad, but TRUE!!! President DJT

- Trump hints that the location of the hostage Ran Gvili is known: "We brought back the last 20 hostages. There's one hostage who didn't come back, it seems we know where he is"

- A Youtuber in Lakewood today went into BMG this afternoon, security on scene.

 - Gov. Mikie Sherrill will be sworn in today as New Jersey’s 57th governor. Sherrill and new Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell will be sworn in by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. The inauguration at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees. There will be a inaugural ball at the American Dream mall.

-  For the eighth consecutive year, more residents moved out of New Jersey than any other state, revealing a 62% outbound migration rate due to retirement, changes in lifestyle and living costs. 

- In her inauguration speech, Governor Mikie Sherrill sharply criticized former President Donald Trump, saying his actions “illegally usurped power” and implemented a tariff regime that enriched himself and his family while raising costs for everyone else. She called for public servants to prioritize serving the public rather than enriching themselves and their allies.

- Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a series of executive orders declared a State of Emergency on Utility Costs, freezing rate hikes and directing new solar, storage, and modernization projects to lower energy bills.

- Lakewood planning board meeting today 6Pm watch livestream Here see agenda 

there will be a closed session about the Yeshiva Chemdas haTorah campus application for 125 duplexes on Cross and James st  that can add 500 cars to the area

On the agenda

Minor subdivision , 8 lots, 15, 17, 23, 25 Edgewood Court. 

Parking lot addition, 745 Airport Road.

Major subdivision, 8 lots, 320 8th Street

Minor subdivision, 4 lots, 489 Manetta Avenue

-BDE: Naftali Tzvi Kramer, a 17 year old yeshiva bochur from Satmar, was tragically killed in a bus accident near Komemiyus while returning from a protest against autopsies. He passed away just weeks before his 18th birthday, sending shockwaves through the Satmar community. Israeli Police said the bus accident was not involved at all with the prior hafganos that took place there but eyewitnesses say the driver stepped on the gas to scare the bochurim away who were walking on the side of the road

- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Tuesday issued the final clemency actions of his administration, approving 148 pardons and commutations on his last day in office. The grants included 97 pardons and 51 commutations, bringing the total issued during his tenure to 455. Among those pardoned was Moshe Glick, a frum dentist arrested in 2024 on aggravated assault and weapons charges after allegedly intervening to stop a pro-Palestinian protester from assaulting a Jewish individual at an incident outside Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange. Also commuted the term of a resident who will remain incarcerated until 2028 Belaaz 

- Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday signed a bill making hospitals and schools “safe zones” from ICE agents without a warrant, while vetoing two other bills from a three-bill package. One unsigned measure would have codified the attorney general’s 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which restricts when local, county, and state police can assist federal immigration agents. The other would have strengthened safeguards for sensitive personal data collected by hospitals, schools, and libraries. Murphy expressed hope the Legislature will reintroduce the data privacy bill in amended form for passage soon.

- Six Flags Great Adventure just announced that it will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, March 28 a few days before Pesach. The Jackson theme park's Wild Safari also will open the same day.

- The Lakewood Board of Education released a public letter that it opposes a proposed Full State Takeover, citing sustained progress, stable operations, and improved student outcomes under long-term State oversight. The Board says the district’s challenges stem from funding shortfalls, not mismanagement, and plans to submit detailed evidence showing a takeover is unnecessary and not in the community’s best interest.

- The New Jersey Legislature approved a bill to let SCHI in Lakewood expand by moving its conservation easement to a larger nearby property, but Governor Murphy pocket vetoed it on his final day in office. see more at FAA 

- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that discussions on Greenland would take place at the Davos forum, calling the territory vital for global security. He shared messages from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who praised Trump’s actions in Syria and expressed willingness to help find a way forward on Greenland, and from French President Emmanuel Macron, who said they agree on Syria and Iran but questioned Trump’s stance on Greenland.

- Iranian senior official Mohsen Rezaee warned: “Like Hitler in Russia, the farther Trump advances towards Iran, the worse his situation will become; Iran’s military is ready and there will be no ceasefire this time; Trump must abandon any dreams of Iran’s oil and gas.”

- With Obamacare subsidies expired, many New Jersey residents are choosing cheaper health insurance plans with lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs. As a result, far fewer people now pay under $10 a month for coverage, exposing more families to higher medical bills.

- Trump: The Department of Homeland Security and ICE must start talking about the murderers and other criminals that they are capturing and taking out of the system. They are saving many innocent lives! There are thousands of vicious animals in Minnesota alone, which is why the crime stats are, Nationwide, the BEST EVER RECORDED! Show the Numbers, Names, and Faces of the violent criminals, and show them NOW. The people will start supporting the Patriots of ICE, instead of the highly paid troublemakers, anarchists, and agitators! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN 

- President Trump criticized the UK for planning to give the Diego Garcia military base to Mauritius, calling it a major national security mistake, and argued it highlights the need for the U.S. to assert strength, including acquiring Greenland.

- Trump: Just watched footage of the Church Raid in Minnesota by the agitators and insurrectionists. These people are professionals! No person acts the way they act. They are highly trained to scream, rant, and rave, like lunatics, in a certain manner, just like they are doing. They are troublemakers who should be thrown in jail, or thrown out of the Country. The first to go should be Walz, and Fake Sleazebag, Ilhan Omar, who is supposedly worth over $30 Million Dollars, even though she’s never had anything but a Government job. Investigate these Corrupt Politicians, and do it now!

Substantial Snow Threat for NJ This weekend

N.J. Weather: Increasing Snowstorm Threat This Weekend 

Update some models showing storm starting later on Sunday night into Monday anywhere between 4-12 inches

Forecasters say the risk of a significant snowstorm in New Jersey this weekend is increasing, though exact snowfall totals remain uncertain as some models show 10 - 15 inches or more.

The National Weather Service is monitoring a potential winter storm expected to develop near Texas on Friday and track up the East Coast.

If the storm moves close enough, substantial snow is possible, especially from Motzei Shabbos through Sunday, with impacts potentially lingering into Monday.

Southern New Jersey currently has a 40–60% chance of 6 inches or more of snow.

Areas south and west of the I-95 corridor have a 60–70% chance of at least 2 inches. Snow chances decrease farther north in the state.

Forecast uncertainty remains high because key atmospheric factors are still far away and evolving.

Bagatz Blocks Autopsies of Infants

 The Bagatz High Court of Justice on Tuesday put a stop to the plan to conduct autopsies on the two infants who were niftar in Monday’s terrible daycare tragedy in Yerushalayim, according to Israeli media reports. The authorities had pushed for autopsies, saying the exact cause of death has not yet been clearly established.

However, the famalies of the two infants filed a petition with the High Court to block the move, after a Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court judge ruled that under certain circumstances, there is room within Jewish law  to permit an autopsy in order to uncover a criminal or to clear a criminal suspicion

Ahead of the court’s decision, rabbonim from the Eidah HaChareidis called for mass hafganos in several cities against nituchei masim. Supporters answered the call, blocking major thoroughfares. During one of the demonstrations in Yerushalayim a 15-year-old protester was struck by a vehicle minutes before a High Court hearing. The teen remained conscious but suffered head and limb injuries and was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Hospital in moderate condition.

Makom Torah

A track from the upcoming album Makom Torah - by Yidi Bialostozky featuring Shloime Daksal. Dedicated to all of the Yidden who make Lakewood be such a special Makom Torah. showcasing the Town built around Torah

Oif Simchas Monday 2 Shevat

Chasunas:

Friedman - Klein Ne'emas Hachaim

Gorelick - Brus Ateres Esther 

Strasser - Unsdorfer Kesser Moshe Yehuda  

Amsel - Galster Ateres Blima 

Grosnas - Leshinsky Lake Terrace

Katz - Bloch Ateres Chaim Elazar 

Ausch - Bineth Fountain Ballroom 

Weather tonight low of 15° clear

Israel News Monday Jan 19

 Day 836

- Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Phase B says one simple thing: Hamas will be disarmed, and Gaza will be demilitarized, either the easy way or the hard way."

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Monday that no Turkish or Qatari soldiers would be present in the Gaza Strip, stating that Israel has a “certain dispute” with the United States over the issue following US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of the formation of the Gaza Board of Peace (BoP), which includes Turkish and Qatari representation.

- Netanyahu called Rubio to express dismay at inclusion of Qatar, Turkey on Executive Board 

- The first meeting of the Peace Council on Thursday morning in Davos, Switzerland President Trump wants a signing ceremony for his Gaza “Board of Peace” in Davos on Thursday, but it remains unclear which countries will sign after a demand to pay $1 billion for permanent membership.

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran against any attack against Israel, stating, “If Iran makes a mistake and attacks us, we will respond with a force that Iran has never experienced before. No one can predict what will happen in Iran, but one thing is clear: Iran will never return to what it once was.”

Monday Jan 19 Rosh Chodesh Shevat News Updates

 Weather:  36° Sunny to partly cloudy.

New Jersey is facing several days of brutally cold weather, with Arctic air bringing wind chills in the single digits and near zero through Wednesday, according to forecasters.

חדש עלינו את החודש הזה לטובה ולברכה לששון ולשמחה לישועה ונחמה לפרנסה ולכלכלה לחיים טובים ולשלום

Rabbi Chaim Palagi zt״l gave all his personal money to a poor man in need, and  later that night on Rosh Chodesh Shvat received an anonymous donation worth twice that amount,Rabbi Chaim Palagi  said: "Here is the power of Rosh Chodesh Shvat - a month in which abundance comes to those who open their hearts to others"

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, honors the civil rights leader. It is a U.S. federal holiday, with government offices, banks, USPS mail delivery, and stock markets closed, while most stores remain open.

- A new state law signed Monday mandates cursive script instruction in grades 3 to 5 beginning this fall. Public schools must teach students how to write cursive legibly and become fluent in reading it.

- After the Badatz Eidah Hacharedis called for protests due to a order for an autopsy there's a 

possibility is being considered that Rav Moshe Sternbuch and members of the Badatz will join tomorrow in a protest at the gates of the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir.

- Snowstorm in forecast for this weekend Motzei shabbos into Sunday some predicting 10 inches

- New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said she plans to position the state on the “front lines of resistance” against President Trump when she takes office and criticized Trump’s tariff policies for raising costs for residents. Despite the president periodically visiting New Jersey to swing by his Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, he has made no attempt to contact her since her November victory, though she has talked to some people in his administration, she said.

- Denmark deploys more troops to #Greenland after President #Trump imposes new tariffs and demands “complete and total control” of Greenland.

- Israel told the U.S. it could absorb even a worst-case Iranian barrage (~700 ballistic missiles) if it led to regime collapse in Tehran - Ynet

- Howell Township officials are considering an ordinance that would require permits for overnight street parking between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Supporters say it would reduce congestion and improve safety, while critics worry it could allow selective enforcement and lacks clear data to justify a township-wide rule. The proposal includes free household permits, guest parking with advance notice, and $50 per-night fines, with residents urged to weigh in before it advances. Faanews 

- Badatz Eidah Hacharedis and Rav Moshe Shternbuch called for protests following a court order to perform autopsies and the babies who were niftar at a daycare in Yerushalayim. The family has petitioned the high court to  stop it.

- Trump, in an interview with NBC, said, " No comment " when asked if he would use force to take over Greenland." He also said about the Nobel Peace Prize: "Norway completely controls it, despite what they say."

- Attorney Paul Tractenberg criticized New Jersey for waiting so long to pursue a state takeover of Lakewood schools, questioned whether it will help students, and argued that a one-size-fits-all funding formula cannot work for a unique district saying any continued underfunding under state control would be the state’s responsibility. Nj1015

- Trump: Rigged Elections are common in the U.S., with the Presidential Election of 2020 being the Granddaddy of them all. WE DEMAND VOTER I.D.

- Update: Reports indicate the likely cause of death is dehydration from high heat caused by an air conditioning unit, with initial concerns of poisoning ruled out. Tests of the daycare and all children hospitalized showed no dangerous or toxic substances, and authorities are awaiting legal approval for an autopsy to confirm the cause.

Several hafganos broke out in Yerushalayim and Bet Shemesh against the demand for autopsies.

- Tragedy in Yerushalayim Two toddlers age 3 and 4 months old passed away  R"L and about 55 others were injured at a Jerusalem daycare on rechov Hamem Gimmel in the Romema neighborhood, with officials suspecting food-related poisoning amid reports of substandard conditions; gas and hazardous substances were ruled out, while carbon monoxide exposure was also investigated.

The toddlers were identified as Leah Tzipora Golvencitz A'H and Aharon Katz A"H

Following the incident several Knesset members spoke up that charedi families are being persecuted by state policies that exclude their children from supervised daycares, forcing them into unsafe alternatives, and argued that this targeting of the Charedi community endangers children and must be stopped. 

Politicians condemned harsh reactions online about the Charedi community regarding the deaths of very young infants, saying that the death of children is tragic and heartbreaking and must not be used in political debates.  3 caregivers were detained for questioning 

- Enrollment in Obamacare marketplaces has fallen by about 833,000 nationwide, as rising premiums after subsidy cancellations lead more people to drop coverage or switch to cheaper plans with higher deductibles.

- Mesivtas sending out applications, farheres won't begin before  February 4 

- Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law tightening New Jersey’s e-bike rules, requiring riders to be at least 17 with a driver’s license or 15 with a motorized bicycle license, and owners to register their bikes and maintain insurance, aiming to improve safety and accountability after a surge in crashes.

- NJ Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill expanding paid family leave to workers at companies with as few as 15 employees, down from 30 workers in the prior family leave law, calling it historic as he prepares to leave office.

- A new FIG Kosher phone store has opened in Lakewood at 361 Cedarbridge Avenue near Kova hats.

- A CBS News/YouGov poll shows 74% of Americans believe President Trump isn’t focused enough on lowering prices, and 76% say their income isn’t keeping up with inflation, despite his promises to address the economy.

- WalletHub ranks New Jersey 14th among the best U.S. states to raise a family in 2026, citing a balance of affordability, safety, jobs, quality schools, healthcare, and entertainment.

- Based on a 2022 Orthodox Union report adjusted for recent data, if NJ's ~60,000 Orthodox Jewish private school students switched to public schools, it could add about $1.2 billion annually in variable education costs to the state. This excludes fixed costs and current aids like transportation (~$100M+ statewide). Actual figures vary by district and funding formulas. Grok

- Iran  reason Trump called off the strike was not the lack of interceptions or fear of the air defense collapsing: According to American sources, the argument conveyed from Israel was that the attack plan on the table last week would not lead to the regime's downfall. Now the US is stepping up again, and alongside military capabilities, a search is being conducted for internal breaking points within the Iranian system.

- The U.S. is building a nuclear power plant in Israel as part of a broader investment in AI and data centers.

- Congress is pushing bipartisan legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in the U.S., keeping clocks on spring/summer time year-round. Supporters cite more evening daylight and fewer disruptions, while critics warn of darker winter mornings affecting sleep and circadian rhythms. It would have an effect on  vasikin and shachris minyanim 

- Lakewood BOE takeover: During the 2019 trial, state officials, including then-Assistant Commissioner Dehmer and Deputy Forney, testified about oversight of Lakewood’s school funding and budgets. They noted state monitors review budgets year by year, but the funding formula is flawed and requires changes. Despite ongoing borrowing of $100 million annually to cover gaps, mismanagement alone didn’t explain the shortfall. Advocates warned that delays and state legal maneuvers could leave Lakewood millions in debt for funds the state should have provided, with legislative attention and litigation needed to address the systemic funding issues. (A Lang)

Oif Simchas Sunday Rosh Chodesh Shevat

 ר"ח שבט יעלה ויבוא 

שבט, ראשי תיבות שנתבשר בשורות טובות  

Chasunas:

Sternheim - Stefansky Lake Terrace 

Lerman - Kilberg Ateres Blima

Fogel - Steinberg Ateres Esther 

Donn - Anteby Bais Faiga 

Waldman - Tannenbaum Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Nossonchuck -  Ezra Fountain Ballroom 

Unofficial opening of the "Freezer" which officially opens on Tu Bshvat

Sunday January 18 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 37° Mix of rain and snow in the afternoon. Chance of precip 100%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.

Tonight: 19° Light snow this evening Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. 

- Trump posted a quote on Truth Social from American political analyst Marc Thiessen’s interview on Fox News, saying: “I predict that Trump will travel to a free Iran, a free Havana, and a free Caracas before he leaves office.”

- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro Alleges Kamala Harris Staff Questioned If He Was an Israeli Agent as he was vetted for VP. Shapiro writes that [Harris] asked him whether he would apologize for statements he made condemning the campus protests at the University of Pennsylvania condemning Israel on Gaza war.

-Trump: There is 19 Billion Dollars in Minnesota Somalia Fraud. Fake “Congresswoman” Illhan Omar, a constant complainer who hates the USA, knows everything there is to know. She should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia, considered one of the absolutely worst countries in the World. She could help to MAKE SOMALIA GREAT AGAIN!

- Trump: Building a “New York Stock Exchange” in Dallas is an UNBELIEVABLY BAD THING FOR NEW YORK. I can’t believe they would let this happen. A big test for the new Mayor!

- The Trump administration is discussing asylum for British Jews due to rising antisemitism in the UK. Trump's lawyer Robert Garson raised the idea, citing safety concerns, but it's not yet implemented

-Roads are icy and slippery due to earlier rains they were not pre treaded by DPW and cars have been skidding.

- LSTA will hold a conference call with officials tomorrow 4:45am to assess the road conditions for tomorrow morning.

- More hate on Twitter against the community

The claim that Hasidic communities in Llakewood and elsewhere  “drain” public-school budgets through busing and special education has been debunked as false. Orthodox Jewish families pay full taxes while educating most of their children privately about 300,000 nationwide saving governments roughly $9–10 billion a year in public education costs. Legally required transportation and special-education services cost far less than educating those students in public schools

-New Jersey Gov-elect Mikie Sherrill: "I think the President's trying to incite the protesters so that he can take America's eyes off the fact that his militia that he's building around this country is actually attacking American citizens.

-5:30 pm Smow coming down steady and sticking to surfaces Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches

- Models are shkwing a Winter Storm is showing signs of developing late next week, with the potential to bring Snow, Ice, and Strong Winds to millions across the U.S. 

The exact track of the storm and who sees the heaviest snow versus ice is still very much up in the air, and significant shifts are expected in the days ahead.

-Trump: “It’s important to know how we got here. The reckless Open Borders Policy of Joe Biden led to the violent criminals that have gone into places like Minneapolis, which has forced ICE to go in and clean them up.” 

-Mesivtas begin sending applications today January 18 based on agreed upon takanos farhers will begin February 4th.

- Sunday off shabbos today for some yeshivos

- Sanzer rebbe in Lakewood today visited the Roshei Yeshiva at the  home of Rav Malkiel Kotler there will be  a Hachnosas Sefer Torah at his shul off Chestnut street  with a community wide kabolas panim at 7pm 363 Chestnut.

- Hachnosas Sefer  Torah at Pitney shul Jackson procession leaving at 3pm from 45 Pitney

- Vizhnitz rebbe from Kiamisha,NY will be spending a few days in Lakewood this week with a kabolas panim tonight at 1002 W. Kennedy blvd 9:30 pm

 - Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any attack on the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would amount to “an all-out war against the Iranian nation.

- Hespedim tonight for Rav Shmuel Bernbaum ZTL at Chevra Lomdei Torah (Yukes) 10:35 There will also be hespedim tonight at Mir Yeshiva in Brooklyn 8:20pm

- The 39th Hasc concert will take place tonight in Newark, NJ at NJPAC.

- Iran’s protest crackdown has reportedly killed at least 16,500 people and injured about 330,000, many with gunshot wounds and permanent eye damage, according to doctors cited by The Sunday Times.

- Lakewood based Aisle 9 grocery will be opening a new location in Hollywood Florida located at N. 46th street.

-Giyus: Knesset members Yitzhak Goldknopf and Meir Porush paid a visit to prison 10 where several yeshiva bochurim are serving time for Draft dodging 

-  The Lakewood community is currently facing a coordinated and vicious libel campaign on social media. To date, no elected officials have publicly addressed these attacks. Nevertheless, responsible and committed citizens have stepped forward to challenge the misinformation and confront the antisemitic narratives fueling it.

- Satmar spcial media response:  Kiryas Joel is a powerful example of true inclusion. The community is widely known for adopting and lovingly raising children with Down syndrome, fully integrating them into family and community life with dignity and patience not pity. Mocking these children for clicks is cruel and reflects a deep misunderstanding of their worth. While many talk about inclusion, Kiryas Joel lives it through action, proving that love and acceptance can truly change lives.

- New York Times reported that Zohran Mamdani delayed condemning pro-Hamas chants at a protest outside a synagogue, later issuing a statement that went through multiple drafts with input from Jewish community leaders before being released.

- Iranian state media reports that the Iranian government believes Donald Trump is attempting to mislead Tehran and ultimately plans to launch an attack on Iran in the near future.

- Israel The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approves a draft bill to advance regulation that would allow rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft to operate in Israel, and lower taxi costs.

Sanzer Rebbe with Lakewood Roshei yeshiva 

Rav Dov Landau at Yom Kippur Koton today

Minyanim Mincha Yom Kippur Koton Erev Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5786 Lakewood

Minyanim for Mincha and Yom Kippur Koton ערב ראש חודש שבט  תשפ"ו

 Rosh Chodesh Shevat is on Monday

 Please post additional minyanim or corrections in the comments section. For more zmanim see Lakewood Luach Here 

- Satmar Forest ave 12:40 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30

Motzei Shabbos Vaeira News Updates

Weather: Tonight  28° Cloudy with rain or freezing rain developing overnight. Low 28F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 70%.

Tomorrow 37° Rain and freezing rain early will give way to a mixture of snow and rain in the afternoon. Chance of precip 90%. About one inch of snow and ice expected.

- The Jersey Shore could see light snow accumulation on Jan. 18 as a coastal system makes its way across New Jersey.

Areas of Monmouth and Ocean counties near the coast could see about 2 inches to 3 inches of snow, while more inland parts of the Shore area could see between 4 inches and 4 1/2 inches, National Weather Service meteorologists said.

- Erev Rosh chodesh Shevat tomorrow gedoleu Eretz Yisrael call for yom Tefilah with Yom Kippur Koton due to recent tragedies and gezeiras giyus.

- The Sanzer Rebbe from EY will be visiting the United States this week to spend time with and give chizuk to his chasidim and their communities. This will be the Rebbe’s first trip in six years. The Rebbe will be coming to Lakewood and is scheduled to deliver a shiur klali at BMG.

- Media outlets in Israel reported over the weekend that Israel asked the US to postpone the targeted strike in Iran in order to prepare for a broader attack later. Israel assesses that President Trump still plans on carrying out a military attack against Iran, but that if his goal is to overthrow the entire Iranian regime, then the current US force deployment in the region is not sufficient for a mission of such scale.

- President Trump says he will impose 10% tariffs on countries beginning February 1, including Denmark, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom over their opposition to the United States seizing Greenland. Those Tariffs will then increase to 25% in June until a deal is reached for the U.S. to acquire Greenland.

- Georgian Court University in Lakewood is relocating 104 students after closing a 59-year-old dorm due to mold issues, with $1.5 million set aside for remediation and renovations.

- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei used a religious gathering to directly blame US President Donald Trump for the turmoil inside Iran, accusing Washington of fueling violence and attempting to undermine the country.

- OpenAI says that it will start rolling out ads in ChatGPT to some U.S. users, as the company aims to generate more revenue ahead of a highly anticipated initial public offering

- Beware of clickbait YouTubers targeting frum communities, including Lakewood, by harassing residents and provoking on-camera interactions to push false and antisemitic narratives for views and engagement. This comes amid widespread online misinformation falsely accusing these communities of illegal marriages, tax abuse, and causing public school failures claims that are untrue, as marriages are legal, tax exemptions are regulated and public, and school funding issues stem from New Jersey’s flawed funding formula, not community wrongdoing.

 Letters on yiddish telling the community to ignore these influencers have been posted online across social media.

- Israel will posthumously honor Charlie Kirk at an antisemitism conference in Yerushalayim, citing his support for Israel and opposition to antisemitism, months after his assassination in the U.S

Lakewood Zmanim עש"ק פרשת וארא מברכים חודש שבט

Friday, January 16, 2026 /כו' טבת תשפ"ו

ערב שבת פרשת וארא

Candle lighting 4:39 pm

shkia/sunset 4:57 pm

Weather: 

Shabbos day: 41° cloudy with occasional rain showers. Chance of rain 60%

Sunday chance of snow less than an inch

Rosh chodesh Shevat is Monday 

Molad js Sunday evening, 6 minutes and 11 chalakim after 3:00 pm

כֹּה אָמַר ה׳ אלוקים: בְּקַבְּצִי אֶת בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל מִן הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר נָפֹצוּ בָם, וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בָם לְעֵינֵי הַגּוֹיִם, וְיָשְׁבוּ עַל

אַדְמָתָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַתִּי לְעַבְדִּי לְיַעֲקֹב

(הפטרת וארא)

כשמברכים חודש שבט נכון לומר  שְׁבָט בקמץ ככתוב בספר בספר זכריה זו פעם היחידה שנזכר שם החודש בתנ׳׳ך" בְּיוֹם עֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבָּעָה לְעַשְׁתֵּי־עָשָׂר חֹדֶשׁ, הוּא־חֹדֶשׁ שְׁבָט, בִּשְׁנַת שְׁתַּיִם לְדָרְיָוֶשׁ, הָיָה דְבַר־ה'אֶל־זְכַרְיָה בֶּן־בֶּרֶכְיָהוּ בֶּן־עִדּוֹא הַנָּבִיא לֵאמֹר,  

Friday January 16 News Updates Lakewood

 Friday, January 16, 2026 / כ״ז טבת תשפ״ו

ערב שבת פרשת וארא מברכים חודש שבט

Candle lighting 4:39 pm

Shkiah/Sunset 4:57 pm

Rosh chodesh Shevat is on Monday

Molad js Sunday evening, 6 minutes and 11 chalakim after 3:00 pm 

Weather: 34° Sunny. Tonight low 27°

Shabbos day: 41° cloudy with occasional rain showers. Chance of rain 60%

Sunday chance of snow less than an inch

This shabbos marks the 18th yartzeit of Rav Shmuel Berenbaum zatzal also the Yartzeit of Rav Elya Meir Bloch zatza and Rav Yankel Cohen zatzal of Telz.

- Off shabbos this week welcome home yeshiva bochurim

Eggs at bingo .79  cents, gas at  $2.65 average 

- REPORTER: "Did Arab and Israeli officials convince you to not strike Iran?"

PRESIDENT TRUMP: "Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself. You had yesterday scheduled over 800 hangings. They didn't hang anyone. They canceled the hangings. That had a big impact"

-Trump: Great Meeting on Healthcare this morning! The Federal Government money must be paid, not to the Insurance Companies, but directly to THE PEOPLE! GREAT HEALTHCARE will be provided at a substantially reduced cost

- Unfortunately there's a lot of chatter on social media spreading hate and false information about the frum communities in NY and NJ targeted by false misconceptions, including claims that residents avoid legal marriage, abuse tax exemptions, or caused the collapse of public schools. As is pointed out  In reality, marriages are legal, tax-exempt religious properties are limited and publicly documented, and school funding problems stem from New Jersey’s flawed funding formula, not community wrongdoing. following the fraud in MInnesota theres those using it to go after other communities. Some self appointmed journalists agitators are canvassing the  frum towns and harassing residents videoing them with questions to post online. This was already done in K with a video that was online with over 5 million views since yesterday  and they are going to other towns including Lakewood.

- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills today which seek to modernize the Charter School Program Act of 1995, establishing new transparency requirements and creating greater state oversight of charter schools and their management organizations.

- Trump: I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you! DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

- Trump: In Minnesota, the Troublemakers, Agitators, and Insurrectionists are, in many cases, highly paid professionals. The Governor and Mayor don’t know what to do, they have totally lost control, and our currently being rendered, USELESS! If, and when, I am forced to act, it will be solved, QUICKLY and EFFECTIVELY! President DJT

- Badatz calls for yom tefilla: This Sunday Erev Rosh chodesh Yom Kippur koton, the Badatz Yerushalayim is calling for a yom tefilah due to the many people who are sick with illnesses  including parents of young children who tragically passed away R"L and other tragedies including the gezeiras Hagiyus on the bnei hayeshivos.

- Admor Toldos Tzvi of Spinka will spend Shabbos in Lakewood at the B"M 424 15th st

- Admor M'Nadvorna will spend shabbos in Jackson.

- Rav Reuven Leuchter will spend shabbos in Lakewood 

- Gourmet Glatt Jackson now accepting EBT.

- Yeshiva week mid winter break begins for the modern Orthodox  and day schools. The r

Term is a substitute for the American holiday week from December 25 to New Years.

- Last night President Trump has granted full clemency parson to a 58  yr old yid from Williamsburg. After nearly 22 months served of a 62-month sentence, he returned home. The decision was conveyed directly from the White House to Rabbi Moshe Margaretten of the Tzedek Organization, following years of dedicated advocacy. The Prosecutor's originally asked for 18 months a d the judge sentenced for 62.

- BDE: After days of searching, the body of 17-year-old  bochur Moshe Ludmir, Z"L from Beitar Illit, was found. He was swept away in a flash flood in a stream near Modi’in Illit. Rescue forces conducted extensive search efforts for 4 days. The Levaya was held erev shabbos in Yerushalayim.

- US special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested on Thursday that the Trump administration prefers a diplomatic resolution, rather than a military one, to the ongoing tensions with Iran, sparked by the regime’s deadly violence against protesters.

- Last night, the Lakewood Township Committee held its monthly meeting, which lasted approximately five minutes and was conducted virtually. There were no ordinances to vote on and no public comments. Officials made no mention of the state takeover of the Lakewood Board of Education or anything else.

The deputy mayor defended the online-only format, noting that Committeeman Isaac Ackerman was able to participate while in Israel, where it was midnight. Critics, however, argue that the lack of an in-person meeting is disrespectful to township residents and denies the public in New Jersey’s fourth-largest municipality the opportunity to engage directly with their elected officials. By contrast, neighboring towns such as Jackson, Howell, and Toms River continue to hold in-person meetings that are open to and attended by the public.

- PSA: All township residents can apply for the Lakewood shuttle bus liason project offering up to $300k. Faanews reports Once the RFP was issued by the Lakewood Development Corporation as a fair-and-open competitive process, eligibility became public by law. Internal expectations do not control the outcome; the written RFP does. Any Lakewood resident who believes they are capable of serving as a liaison may apply. See the proposal for application HERE must be in by Feb 2.

-  APP reports The New Jersey Department of Education’s plan to take control of the township's debt-ridden school district appears to include the hiring of a new superintendent, half a dozen new administrators and the potential appointment of three more school board members, officials revealed.And if a state takeover occurs, the troubled district could be in for a long haul based on history with no guarantee of success, experts agree.

-At  the Toms River Township Council meeting, Mayor Daniel Rodrick criticized council-backed proposals, accusing the council majority of promoting political patronage over public need. He singled out a plan to create a new municipal position for a political operative tied to the council majority, arguing the role was unnecessary, undefined, and would cost taxpayers about $126,000 annually.

- 11 Federal Law Enforcement Vehicles Vandalized Overnight at  Minnesota Hotel!

 amid anti-ICE protests 

 The Moetzes  of Agudas Yisroel decision against the current Giyus draft law that includes sanctions and quotas