photos: Avrumi Berger

Community Unites to Establish a Keren Yesomim for the Widow and Orphans

Boro Park has lost a legend, a person who was there for so many.

Rabbi Tzvi Zev Berger z”l was a respected Dayan, a role model, and someone whose door and heart were always open. He listened to everyone, carried the pain of so many, gave chizuk, and helped countless individuals and families throughout the community.

His sudden passing while on vacation just two weeks ago left his family, friends, and the entire Boro Park community shocked and heartbroken.

Today, Boro Park is coming together to show its support for Rabbi Berger’s widow and orphans through a special campaign to establish a Keren Yesomim that will help provide financial security for his family.

Rabbi Berger’s brother-in-law, Yossi Sicherman, is making a personal plea to the community:

Please help us establish the Keren Yesomim for the family and give Reb Tzvi Zev z”l’s neshama an aliyah, knowing that the family he left behind is being financially taken care of.

Please open your heart and donate generously today.

Donate now:

https://dryveup.com/berger/21433

Yisroel R.

Boro Park will see a warm and mostly sunny start to the week, with temperatures in the low 80s bringing a mix of late-summer warmth and early-fall comfort. The quiet weather will continue through Wednesday before thunderstorms bring a wetter and more unsettled change on Thursday.

Monday will be mainly sunny, with a high around 81 degrees and a low of 64 degrees. The sunshine and comfortable temperatures will make for a pleasant start to the week.

Tuesday will bring another mostly sunny day, with a high near 81 degrees and a low of 65 degrees.

Wednesday will remain mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds. The high will climb to around 83 degrees, with a low of 71 degrees, making it the warmest day of the weekly forecast.

Thursday will bring a noticeable change, with thunderstorms expected and a high near 80 degrees. The low will be around 70 degrees, with a 70% chance of rain, bringing a humid and unsettled end to the weekly forecast.

Drivers using the Williamsburg Bridge should prepare for lane closures this coming Wednesday and Friday as the NYC Department of Transportation continues maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge.

According to an NYCDOT notice, rolling single-lane closures will take place on both the inner and outer roadways of the Williamsburg Bridge, with only one lane being closed at a time. 

The first closures are scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. The second round will take place during daytime hours on Friday, August 28, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. 

The work is part of NYCDOT's ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation of the Williamsburg Bridge. Motorists traveling between Williamsburg and Manhattan during the scheduled work periods should allow additional travel time and be prepared for possible delays.

NYCDOT says questions or concerns regarding the work can be directed to the project's community liaison, while general inquiries regarding city construction projects can also be made through 311.

YS GOLD 

We regret to inform you of the passing of Reb Yaakov Yitzchok (Yankel) Cohen, a grandson of the famous and legendary Reb Mottel (Kastelanitz) Slonim. He was in his 70’s. 

The niftar was born in Yerushalayim of yore, and was raised among its exalted Yidden, including many elevated Slonimer chassidim. 

He eventually moved to America, and was a part of the Slonimer chassidus here. 

He always had a smile on his face, always filled with happiness, and he loved to feed Yidden. He was an excellent cook, and was especially well-known for his kugels. 

“Everyone felt like his best friend, and everyone felt good around him,” recalls a grandchild. “And he had a good word to say about everyone. He was a real Zeidy to everyone…” 

A twinkle would come into his eyes whenever he met people, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

His meticulously kept up his shiurim, even when he became weaker and his eyesight failed. He would trek to the Slonimer Beis Medrash and to the Mikolayever Beis Medrash in Kensington to learn every night even when it was difficult for him.  

Reb Yankel was diagnosed with an illness a few months ago, and passed away Thursday afternoon. 

The levaya took place in front of the Slonimer shul on 46th street, and he will be flown to Eretz Yisroel for Kevurah.

Yehi zichro baruch.

photos: Dovid Jaroslawicz

On 9th Avenue and 51st Street in Boro Park, there stands a humble shul, known as the Bucharester Shul. It was headed for decades by Rav Benzion Deutch, a tremendous meyuchas who hailed from great tzaddikim, and who already served as a dayan in Bucharest, Romania, as a bochur of eighteen.  

Bucharest 

The Rebbe was born in the Romanian capitol of Bucharest in the year 1935 to his father, Rav Shmuel Deutch, the Bucharester Rebbe. His paternal grandfather was Rav Moshe Deutch of Sighet, who traced his lineage generation by generation to great tzaddikim from throughout the generations, including the Ba’al Hamo’or, the Maharshal, the Maharsho, the Megale Amukos, the Bach, and many, many others. Rav Moshe Deutch was the son-in-law of Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Hellir, the rov of Tzfas, the son of Rav Shmuel Hellir, the son of Tzfas. On this side of the family, they are likewise descended from many gedolim. 

The Rebbe survived the was years as a young boy in Bucharest. The situation of the Yidden there, while much easier than for the Yidden of other countries, was still very difficult, and they suffered mightily from the local resha’im. Rav Benzion witnessed how his father was taken away a number of times, but, b’chasdei Hashem, he managed to return home every time. It was with great miracles that the entire family survived the war. 

Following the war, the family remained in Bucharest which became a major center for refugees and survivors—many Rabbonim and Admorim among them. One of these was the Imrei Chaim, Rav Chaim Meir Hager of Viznitz, who married off his son, Rav Mordechai (later the Viznitzer Rebbe of Monsey) in Bucharest. Rav Benzion was present at the wedding, and later recalled the many Rabbonim and dignitaries who attended. 

Boro Park 

In 1961, the family finally managed to get out of Romania, and they settled at first in Williamsburg, and Boro Park soon thereafter, where they would remain for the rest of their lives. In those early years, the Satmar Rov—recognizing the caliber of this young talmid chochom—sent him to inspect the kashrus of the meat in slaughterhouses. 

In Boro Park, his father Rav Shmuel established Khal Beis Moshe d’Bucharest, and thereafter, Rav Benzion opened Khal Beis Shmuel Tzfas on 48th Street in the name of his illustrious ancestor, Rav Shmuel Hellir of Tzfas. 

The Rebbe’s avodah centered around learning with great diligence, away from the public eye. This is how he spent his days and years. His tefillos were likewise with great warmth and fire in the nusach and melodies that were handed down in the family from their holy forbears. He would daven before the omud on Yomim nora’im with tremendous feeling which in turn awakened the hearts of the mispalelim. 

With the passing of his father in 1985, he assumed the leadership of his Beis Medrash Khal Beis Moshe d’Bucharest, and there continued with his avodas hakodesh.  

Although the Rebbe wished only to live his spiritual life away from the limelight, many would come to the Rebbe for brochos and for advice, and they would always leave uplifted and inspired. His heart was exceptionally warm to every Yid. He would listen to their concerns with extraordinary patience and attentiveness. The Rebbe had a close relationship with a number of Admorim, especially with his close cousins, the Admorim of Toldos Aharon and Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok. 

Towards the end of his life, the Rebbe was unwell, and suffered from a number of ailments. He returned his neshomoh to its Creator in Elul of the year 2020. His Levaya took place in Boro Park and Yerushalayim, and the Rebbe was laid to rest on Har Hazeisim following decades of Torah and avodas Hashem in Boro Park of yore. 

Yisroel R.

Frustration over the repeatedly disappearing G train spilled onto the streets of Greenpoint on Thursday morning, as local residents, business owners, and community leaders rallied against the ongoing string of service shutdowns that have disrupted travel through the neighborhood.

The rally came after months of repeated closures along the G line, leaving riders to rely on shuttle buses and other alternatives whenever service is suspended. For Greenpoint, where the G is the neighborhood’s only subway line, the shutdowns have become an especially sore point for both commuters and local businesses.

Business owners have argued that the closures do more than complicate a weekend trip. With fewer people easily able to reach Greenpoint, stores and restaurants say they have seen noticeable drops in foot traffic and sales during shutdown weekends. A recent survey of 36 Greenpoint businesses found that 91% reported lower sales during the shutdown periods surveyed, with an average decline of roughly 22%.

The G train’s troubles are not entirely new. As previously reported by BoroPark24, the line has been among the subway routes affected by service disruptions in recent months, adding to frustrations for riders who depend on it to travel through Brooklyn and into Queens.

Thursday’s rally brought those frustrations together in one place, with community members pushing for the MTA to find a way to complete necessary work without repeatedly cutting off weekend train service. Local advocates have previously called for more work to be shifted to overnight hours and for stronger alternatives when shutdowns cannot be avoided.

 The MTA, meanwhile, says the repeated shutdowns are tied to major long-term upgrades along the G line. The work includes replacing the line’s more than 90-year-old signal system with modern technology, upgrading aging switches and tracks, and making accessibility improvements at several stations, including new or planned elevator access. The agency says the work is ultimately aimed at making G train service faster, more reliable, and easier to use once the upgrades are completed.

For riders and businesses in Greenpoint, the message was simple: they understand that the G train needs work, but after one shutdown after another, they want a better way to get that work done without repeatedly leaving the neighborhood without its subway lifeline.

Thousands of Belzer chasidim around the world will be heeding the special request from the Belzer Rebbe Shlita to add an additional candle each Shabbos and Yom Tov, with the intention that Yidden who have become distant from Yiddishkeit should merit returning and drawing closer to their Father in Heaven.

The request was conveyed following a special meeting held Wednesday in the presence of the Rebbe together with several of the rabbanim and dayanim of the Belzer kehillah. 

The gathering focused on additional initiatives that could be undertaken to reach and inspire Jewish souls to become closer to Yiddishkeit.

The Belzer Rebbe has long placed a strong emphasis on kiruv, with numerous initiatives and organizations established over the years aimed at bringing fellow Yidden closer to Torah and Yiddishkeit.

During Wednesday's gathering, noted maggid Harav Menashe Yisroel Reisman shlita addressed those present, as did Harav Pinchas Friedman shlita, Rosh Hakollelim of Belz.

Harav Friedman conveyed the Rebbe's personal request that each Erev Shabbos, an additional candle be lit for those Jewish souls who have drifted away from Yiddishkeit, with the hope and tefillah that they return and reconnect, reflecting the words, "Ner mitzvah v'Torah ohr."

The Rebbe added that there is in general a special significance to adding a candle, and encouraged those for whom doing so is practical and not difficult to undertake the practice.

The notice issued with the initiative also includes the wording to be said when undertaking the practice for the first time:

“הריני מוסיף בזאת נר אחד בלי נדר, ורק באופן שאוכל לקיים בנקל קבלה זו.”

When lighting the additional candle each week, the following tefillah is to be said:

“הריני מדליקה נר זה לכבוד שבת קודש לזכות אחינו בני ישראל התועים מדרך התורה, שיזכו לשוב בתשובה שלמה במהרה.”

The Rebbe further emphasized that doing for others ultimately brings bracha to one’s own home as well, explaining that when one acts on behalf of another Yid, he is also doing for himself. In the zechus of adding the candle and davening for other Jewish neshamos, families should merit to see Yiddishe nachas from their own children.

photos: Anshel Beck

With summer now in full swing, Boro Park has settled into a quieter pace as many families settled in the Catskills and summer destinations. As the neighborhood adjusts to its seasonal rhythm, many residents are wondering which Rebbes will be in Boro Park this Shabbos to attend the tefillos and their tishen.

• Amshinov - Eretz Yisroel
• Beis Chaim Shia - Boro Park 
• Bobov - White Lake
• Bobov-45 - Yeshiva Ketane Camp, Catskills
• Burshtin - Boro Park
• Chernoble - Boro Park 
• Emunas Yisroel - Boro Park
• Kosov - Eretz Yisroel  
• Liska - Boro Park
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Minkatch - Boro Park 
• Rachmastrivka - Boro Park
• Sanz Klausenburg -  Eretz Yisroel
• Sanz Zmigrad - Bloombinburg
• Serdaheli - Boro Park 
• Skolya - Machne Skolya, South Fallsburg
• Skulen - Catskills
• Skver of BP - Machne Skver, Woodridge
• Ungvar - Boro Park 
• Viznitz BP - Viznitz Camp, South Fallsburg 
• Viznitz Y-M - Boro Park 

Be sure to check back every Friday as we'll update the list weekly to reflect each Rebbe's Shabbos plans.

Yisroel R.

Chaverim of Williamsburg officially celebrated the grand opening of its newly completed state-of-the-art headquarters Wednesday afternoon, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by elected officials, community leaders, askanim, law enforcement officials, and representatives of numerous local organizations and city agencies.

The new headquarters, located at 98 Lorimer Street, has already been serving as Chaverim’s base on a limited scale in recent months. With several newly completed sections now opened, the facility is set to function as the organization’s full-time headquarters going forward.

The center includes a central equipment warehouse stocked with machinery and tools used by Chaverim members when assisting the public, as well as a dedicated training room where members can take part in ongoing trainings.

The new facility also features a dispatch command room equipped with advanced communications equipment, along with a number of executive offices to support the organization’s day-to-day essential operations.

Among those in attendance were New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell and Assistant Commissioner Ira Tannenbaum; FDNY Chief Joseph Duggan, Brooklyn Borough Commander; NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Alden Foster; the commanding officers of the NYPD 79th, 90th, and 94th Precincts; and NYPD Detective Kenny Melendez, representing Brooklyn North Commander Chief Velasquez. Representatives of the New York City DEP, DSNY, NYC DOT, and the Mayor’s Office were also present, along with NYC DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione.

Also attending were Jake Adler, representing the New York State Governor’s Office; Sara Marcus, Jewish liaison to New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli; Pinny Hikind, Jewish community liaison for New York City Comptroller Mark Levine; Yoel Lefkowitz, Director of Jewish Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James; Jacob Eisdorfer, Senior Advisor and Jewish Community Liaison in Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s office; Reverend Kim Council, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President; Miranda Augustine, Chief of Staff to New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher; First Vice Chair of Community Board 1 Simon Weiser; and Rabbi Aaron Yitzchok Kohn, founder of Brooklyn Chaverim.

Community askanim and organizational representatives in attendance included Rabbi David Neirdrman of UJO, Rabbi Moishe Indig of WJCC, Rabbi Moshe Weiser, Rabbi Abe Liechtenstein, Rabbi Manila Weiser, Pinny Ringol, along with representatives of Hatzolah of Williamsburg and Shomrim. Prominent law enforcement liaison Rabbi Joel Friedman served as the master of ceremonies for the Williamsburg Chaveirim grand-opening event.

The grand opening marks a major milestone for Chaverim of Williamsburg, giving the organization a fully equipped home base designed to support its volunteers, training, dispatching, and emergency-response work across the entire community.

photos: Shuki Lerer

photos: Yossi Goldberger, Shot the Dot

YS GOLD 

The Williamsburg community lost a precious gem with the passing of Reb Meir Dovid Winkler, z"l. He was 75 years of age, and had been close to the tzaddikim of Williamsburg and warmed by their glow. 

Reb Meir Dovid was known for his warm smile, gracious manner, and genuine concern for others which left an impression on all who knew him. He was a Yid with a perpetual smile, a kind word always ready, and a sincere interest in those around him. His warmth was not something he put on for others; it was simply who he was.

One of the many causes to which Reb Meir Dovid devoted himself was R' Meir Baal Hanes, for which he worked with tremendous dedication and mesirus nefesh. He did not merely support a cause; when something mattered to him, he gave himself to it. His efforts on behalf of others were performed quietly and sincerely, without seeking recognition.

His davening was likewise a thing of legend. He was known to daven with great warmth and fervor, especially in the Batei Midrshim of Spinka and in the shul of Rav Chaim Mertz. 

He would also expend great effort in bringing joy to Yidden at their weddings and simchos, and his children continue in this mission through their song and badchanus. 

His passing leaves behind a void that is difficult to fill. The people who knew him will remember not only what he did, but how he made them feel. They will remember the smile, the warmth, the kind words, the simchos, the causes to which he gave himself, and the quiet goodness that characterized his life.

The levaya took place in front of the Klausenberger Shul in Williamsburg on Thursday morning. 

Yehi zichro baruch.

Yisroel R.

Keep the umbrella close Thursday afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the region later in the day, bringing the potential for heavy downpours and flash flooding in some areas.

The National Weather Service says the greatest threat for flash flooding will come during the late afternoon and early evening, mainly between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Rainfall totals are generally expected to reach between half an inch and one inch, although isolated locations could see close to three inches. Rain could fall particularly hard at times, with rates of one to locally two inches per hour possible.

The heavy rainfall could lead to isolated or scattered flash flooding, particularly in urban areas, locations with poor drainage, low-lying areas, and along streams that respond quickly to heavy rain. The highest risk is expected across New York City, parts of New Jersey, and the lower Hudson Valley. The National Weather Service says damaging wind gusts cannot be ruled out.

A Flood Watch could be needed for portions of the area as conditions develop. Residents should keep an eye on the weather through the afternoon and evening as the storms move through.

Yisroel R.

What may have been intended as a fun game came to a quick end in after six individuals were arrested for driving around Boro Park at night, harassing residents and throwing eggs at people.

Shomrim received multiple calls reporting a vehicle traveling through the area with six individuals inside who were allegedly targeting people with eggs and harassment.

In one incident, an egg was thrown directly into a person’s face, prompting Hatzolah to respond and treat the victim.

After receiving information identifying the vehicle, Shomrim members located it and kept eyes on the vehicle while waiting for NYPD officers to arrive.

Police subsequently arrived and arrested all six individuals in connection with the incidents, bringing the so called ‘game’ to a quick end.

Yisroel R.

Hundreds of New Yorkers have been unable to reach emergency operators Tuesday morning after a major failure at one of New York City’s two 911 call centers.

The problem affected one of the city's emergency call center for roughly seven hours, from around 3:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. During that time, approximately 1,700 calls failed to properly connect, accounting for about one-third of the calls routed to the call center.

City officials estimated that as many as 400 people may actually have been unable to connect with 911, with the larger number of failed calls also including automated alarms and repeat attempts from callers who tried again after not getting through.

In many of the affected calls, the caller and 911 operator were unable to hear each other, creating a serious problem for anyone trying to report a medical emergency, fire, crime, or other urgent situation.

New York City operates two emergency call centers, one in the Bronx and its primary center in Downtown Brooklyn. The Bronx facility is intended in part to serve as a backup, though it was not immediately clear whether affected calls were successfully redirected to the Brooklyn center.

Officials have not yet determined what caused the failure. The incident has raised concerns over the reliability of the city’s emergency communications system, where even a short delay in reaching 911 can become critical. The incident remains under further  investigation.

Yisroel R.

This week’s Dee Voch brings readers another packed issue filled with major events from across the heimishe world, fascinating personalities, history, business, inspiration, and plenty for the entire family.

In Dee Voch, readers will find extensive coverage and photos from the massive “Mekadshei Shimecha” gathering for thousands of Viznitz Chassidim, along with the Hachnosas Sefer Torah to the Satmar Yeshiva Gedolah in Kiryas Joel.

The issue also features the Satmar Rebbe’s visit to Machanos Rav Tov, including the special Hanachas Even Hapinah ceremony, as well as coverage marking the yahrtzeits of the Spinka Rebbe zt”l, the Noam Eliezer of Skulen zt”l, the Tosh Rebbe zt”l, and the Rachmastrivka Rebbe zt”l.

Also featured are the bris for a grandson of the Bobov Rebbe at Camp Kerem Shlomo, the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe davening at the tziyun of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, the Bobov-45 Rebbe visiting the Satmar Rebbe in Kiryas Yoel, the Viener Rav visiting Camp Adas Yereim Vien, the Kossover Rebbe davening at Mishkan Shiloh, and the Skulen-Lakewood Rebbe’s visit to Eretz Yisrael.

This week’s Shrift, “Al Har Woodridge,” takes readers for a Shabbos inside Woodridge, the oldest Jewish Catskills community, exploring its rich history and colorful year-round residents. The feature includes a special conversation with Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi Yitzchok Lebowitz shlita, Gaavad Woodridge, and a look at the village’s heimshe mayor’s approach to solving the local housing crisis.

In Business Shrift, “Daas Baal Habayis,” readers meet askan R’ Boruch Yitzchok Weiss and discover the story behind how he built his well-known businesses, Mr. Clean cleaning company and Fast Act restoration company.

This week’s Fink, “Shuvu Bonim,” tells the remarkable story of Mrs. Pinter, who leads a program helping young Russian Jewish girls growing up in assimilated surroundings reconnect with their Jewish roots. Through the seminary experience and the warmth of Shabbos spent with frum families, the girls discover a new world of Yiddishkeit, with the program’s success today reflected in the beautiful Torah homes built by many of its former students.

And in this week’s Kinder Shrift  young readers will learn something they encounter almost every day: Why does every area have a different telephone code? Why do callers use 845 for Monsey, while Williamsburg uses 718? The feature explains how area codes work and why different places received different numbers.

Get your copy at grocery stores and local retailers, or subscribe via WhatsApp or the website!

Several local residents have recently shared encounters with a particularly sophisticated form of online scam, in which fraudulent messages appear to come from the real email accounts of clients, customers, or business contacts they regularly deal with, making them extremely difficult to recognize as scams.

Unlike traditional scam emails from unknown senders or suspicious-looking addresses, these messages can arrive from an email account the recipient already knows and trusts. The sender may be a client or business associate with whom the recipient has communicated many times before, leaving little reason to suspect that anything is wrong.

The fraudulent email may include a document or link that appears entirely consistent with the type of correspondence normally exchanged between the two parties. Because both the email address and the person behind it are familiar, recipients can easily assume the message is legitimate and open the attachment without a second thought.

Opening a harmful document or following its instructions can expose passwords, business information, financial accounts, or other sensitive data. In some cases, victims may not immediately realize that anything has gone wrong.

People and businesses are urged to be especially cautious with documents they did not request, even when they appear to come from a legitimate email address belonging to someone they know and regularly communicate with. If something seems unusual, recipients should contact the other party through a trusted method, such as a known phone number, to confirm that the document is legitimate, or consult with a business cybersecurity expert.

With scammers increasingly able to make fraudulent messages appear as though they are coming from trusted contacts, the old rule of simply watching for poorly written emails, unfamiliar senders, or obviously suspicious addresses may no longer be enough. Taking an extra moment to verify an unexpected document, or checking with a cybersecurity professional when in doubt, can prevent a seemingly routine business email from turning into a costly scam.

photos: Issac Y.

photos: Issac G.

MONTEBELLO, NY - Following a strong turnout in Pomona last month, candidate for State Senate Joe Rand will continue his community outreach in Montebello tomorrow night, August 19th, with a Meet & Greet for local residents.

The event will be held at the Stern Residence, 12 Zeck Ct, Montebello, at 9:00 PM. Residents will have the opportunity to meet Rand, ask questions, and discuss issues facing their families and community. Light refreshments will be served.

The gathering is part of a series of neighborhood events, with additional outreach scheduled next week in Grandview. The events follow last month's well-attended meet-and-greet in Pomona, where residents engaged on affordability, public safety, education, and child care.

Yisroel R.

New Yorkers who receive SNAP benefits can take advantage of a city program that gives shoppers matching money toward fruits, vegetables, and beans at participating supermarkets across New York City.

The program, called Get the Good Stuff, is run by the New York City Health Department. For every $1 spent using SNAP/EBT on eligible fruits, vegetables, and beans, shoppers receive another $1, up to $10 per day, to use toward a future purchase of eligible foods.

The matching money is placed on a special pink Get the Good Stuff card, which is scanned at the register before payment. Eligible items include fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, certain frozen fruits and vegetables, canned or jarred produce, beans, lentils, and dried fruits and vegetables without added sugar, salt, or fat.

Many locations across the city are participating in the program, including several in Brooklyn. Two locations are situated right near the heimishe community, including 3 Guys From Brooklyn at 6502 Fort Hamilton Parkway, located in Boro Park, and Green Corner Fish and Farmers Market at 801 Flushing Avenue, right near Williamsburg.

Other Brooklyn locations include Pure Farmers Market at 1242 Liberty Avenue and Sea Town Fish and Meat Market at 328 Linden Street. Participating stores are also located throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, with stores joining or rejoining the program on a rolling basis.

To sign up, SNAP users can visit the customer service desk at a participating supermarket or tell a cashier that they would like to receive a Get the Good Stuff pink card.

The program gives SNAP users an additional way to stretch their grocery budget while purchasing fresh and healthy foods, with several participating locations within easy reach of the heimishe neighborhoods.

YS GOLD 

This week, we give our readers an easy one… a landmark shul in Boro Park which has been at the same place for more than a century ,and continues to serve the community in bigger and better ways with each passing year. 

Can our readers chime in with the location of this landmark? 

___

Answer to last week’s captured moment: 

Boro Park’s first mikvah taharah is still in existence on 52nd Street near New Utrecht Avenue

photos: Avrumi Berger

New York City’s congestion pricing program has not led to increased air pollution across the city, including in neighborhoods where concerns had been raised that drivers avoiding Manhattan tolls could create additional traffic, according to a new city study.

The New York City Health Department released what it described as its first comprehensive evaluation of the Congestion Relief Zone tolling program’s effect on neighborhood air quality, finding that pollution levels either remained stable or improved slightly during the program’s first year.

Researchers examined air quality both inside Manhattan’s congestion pricing zone and in environmental justice communities near major highway corridors where officials had been concerned about potential increases in traffic.

Those areas included neighborhoods along the Major Deegan Expressway, Cross Bronx Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Staten Island Expressway, FDR Drive and Trans-Manhattan Expressway.

According to the study, none of those communities experienced an increase in air pollution attributable to congestion pricing.

The analysis focused on four traffic-related pollutants — fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide and black carbon. Researchers used air-quality data beginning a full year before congestion pricing took effect and continuing through its first year of operation.

The study also accounted for other factors that can affect pollution readings, including weather, seasonal changes and regional wildfire smoke.

The findings come amid a longer-term improvement in New York City air quality. The city’s Community Air Survey has tracked neighborhood-level pollution for nearly two decades and has recorded significant improvements across all neighborhoods during that period.

Officials have nevertheless said traffic-related pollution remains a concern because of its connection to asthma, heart disease, stroke and other health problems.

Congestion pricing revenue is also being directed toward environmental and public-health programs. More than **$120 million** is being invested in related initiatives, including cleaner-truck programs and measures targeting communities that have historically faced higher pollution levels.

The study comes as congestion pricing remains one of New York’s most closely watched transportation policies. While the report did not find major changes in overall air pollution attributable to the program, its findings indicate that fears of increased pollution in communities outside the tolling zone have not materialized during the program’s first year.

City officials said air-quality monitoring will continue as they track the program’s longer-term effects.

photos: Avrumi Berger

Yisroel R.

Yidden around the world are being asked to daven for the Sanz Rebbe from Boro Park, who remains in serious condition and is in need of rachmei Shomayim.

The Rebbe is a son of the previous Sanz-Gribov Rebbe, zt”l, and took over his father’s leadership approximately six years ago following his petirah.

The Rebbe has been battling cancer l”a for the past several years, and has been receiving close medical care.

His condition has recently worsened after additional medical complications developed, and the Rebbe remains in serious condition.

The public is asked to continue davening for the speedy recovery of the Rebbe, Baruch ben Malka l’refuah sheleimah, b’such shaar cholei Yisrael.

Yisroel R.

A major kosher technology convention will bring together a wide range of companies and organizations from across the fast-growing kosher technology world for a large showcase of devices, software and new developments.

The upcoming event, called ‘K-Tech', will feature numerous companies involved in both hardware and software, including kosher phone and device providers, digital platforms, filtering companies and other technology services serving the frum kosher market.

Among the companies expected to participate are names such as Fig, Wonder, Palm, Zing, 24Six and GreenTouch, along with TAG, Geder, Meshimer and many additional companies and organizations from across the industry.

The convention will include booths, presentations and lectures, giving attendees the opportunity to see current products up close, hear directly from the companies behind them and get a broader look at where kosher technology is heading next.

Kosher technology has grown significantly in recent years and is now a substantial industry of its own, with multiple companies developing phones, software, entertainment platforms, filtering systems and other products specifically designed for the needs of the frum community.

One of the biggest highlights of K-Tech is expected to be the announcement of between 10 and 15 new products and services, many of which are expected to become available over approximately the following six months.

The new products are expected to span different areas of kosher technology, reflecting the continued growth of a market that now includes both everyday devices and increasingly advanced software services.

Organizers say the convention will give participants a clearer look at what is currently available, while also offering a preview of what is coming next in the rapidly expanding kosher technology world.

photos: Achim Lanchevsky

Yisroel R.

The New York City Health Department will conduct mosquito spraying across parts of Boro Park and a large section of southern Brooklyn on Wednesday, August 19, following increased West Nile virus activity detected in mosquitoes in the area.

Health Department trucks will spray a low concentration of pesticide as part of the city’s mosquito-control efforts. The treatment is aimed at reducing the adult mosquito population in the designated area.

The planned spray area stretches across several sections of southern Brooklyn, including parts of Boro Park, Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, Gravesend and surrounding areas. According to the city map, the treatment zone includes areas near 65th Street, Fort Hamilton Parkway, Bay Ridge Parkway, 86th Street, Ocean Parkway and Avenue U, extending south toward the Belt Parkway and west toward New York Harbor.

The spraying is part of the Health Department’s ongoing mosquito-control program, which is used to reduce mosquito populations and limit the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus.

The Health Department says the pesticide used for mosquito control poses a low risk to people and pets, though residents are advised to remain indoors when possible during spraying, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Residents should note that the boundaries shown on the city’s map are approximate and are not intended to represent the exact streets or properties that will be treated.

Subway riders faced major disruptions Monday morning after a signal problem near Carroll Street in Brooklyn caused severe delays and significant service changes on the F and G lines. 

The trouble forced the MTA to reroute a number of F trains and turn others around before completing their usual routes.

Some Manhattan-bound F trains were operating express between Church Avenue and Jay Street-MetroTech, while others were being sent over the D line between Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue and West 4th Street-Washington Square. Downtown F trains were terminating at 2nd Avenue before returning uptown. 

G train riders were also affected, with some Church Avenue-bound trains terminating at Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and turning back toward Court Square. 

The MTA advised riders traveling between Brooklyn and Manhattan to consider the A, B, C, D, N, Q, R, J, L and M lines as alternatives. Riders can also transfer between the F and the B, D and M trains at West 4th Street. 

The disruptions were also expected to cause delays on uptown D trains as they shared tracks with rerouted F trains.

photos: Avrumi Blum 

The Shenya community and residents across Boro Park are mourning the petirah of Reb Tzvi Aryeh “Hershel” Landa Z”L, the longtime and well-known proprietor of Landau’s Grocery, whose familiar presence and warm personality made him known to generations of local families.

Reb Hershel Z”L, son of Harav Asher Lemel Landa Z”L, was a prominent and beloved member and Rosh Hakuhol of the Shenya kehillah, where he was known as an ehrliche chassidishe Yid devoted to Torah, his kehillah and those around him.

For many in Boro Park, however, Reb Hershel was perhaps best known from Landau’s Grocery, the neighborhood store he operated for years. His work brought him into daily contact with countless residents, turning him into a familiar face far beyond his immediate circle of family and friends.

His passing leaves behind a void among his family, fellow mispallelim, longtime customers and the many people throughout Boro Park who simply knew him as Hershel from Landau’s Grocery.

The levayah is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. today from the Shenya Bais Medrash at 1156 58th Street, followed by kevurah in Kiryas Joel.

Yehi zichro baruch.

Yisroel R.

New York State cannot reliably determine how much waste is actually being recycled because of widespread gaps and inaccuracies in the information collected from recycling facilities, according to a new audit released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. 

The audit examined the Department of Environmental Conservation’s oversight of recycling facilities between 2021 and 2023. During that period, 406 recycling facilities operating across the state were required to submit annual reports detailing how much recyclable material they received, processed and ultimately recovered. 

Auditors found that 341 of the 1,065 required annual reports, or nearly one-third, were not properly submitted to the DEC. Even among the reports that were received, nearly two-thirds were missing information needed to determine how much material was actually recycled and how much ended up being discarded. 

The problems went beyond missing paperwork. Auditors said many facilities could not provide records backing up the recycling numbers they submitted. In the facilities reviewed, documentation could support only about 21% of recyclable material reported as received, 9% of material reported as recovered and 6% of residue headed for disposal. 

The audit also found significant gaps in inspections and enforcement. Of 389 registered or permitted recycling facilities listed in the state’s system, 138, or 35%, were not inspected at all during the three-year period. Meanwhile, 33 facilities failed to submit any annual report during the period, but violations were issued to only three of them. 

The findings could make it difficult for New York to measure progress toward its waste and environmental goals. The DEC estimates that the solid waste sector accounts for approximately 12% of statewide greenhouse gas emissions, while the state has set a goal of reducing the amount of waste sent for disposal by 85% by 2050. DiNapoli said reliable information is necessary for the state to know whether its recycling efforts are actually working. 

In response to the audit, the Department of Environmental Conservation said it generally accepted the findings and would take appropriate action to improve data collection, reliability, inspections and oversight, while also arguing that the comptroller’s report overstated some of the reporting problems and disputing parts of how the deficiencies were characterized.

Tina Kim, deputy comptroller of the division of state government accountability Said, “ You want to maximize the level of recycling and ensure the people who are doing this work are doing what they're actually supposed to be doing, you can't successfully manage a program without basically having complete and accurate data.”

The MTA is calling on photographers, content creators and everyday riders to submit their best transit photos ahead of World Photo Day on August 19.

The agency announced that it is looking for creative photos taken throughout the New York transit system, ranging from trains and buses to station scenes, scenic platform views and photos of riders with friends.

Submissions can also include outfit photos taken inside stations and other creative shots highlighting New York’s transit system from a rider’s perspective.

Those interested in participating can email their photos to [email protected] and include their social media handles so the MTA can provide credit.

The MTA plans to select its favorite submissions and feature them across the agency’s social media channels on August 19 in celebration of World Photo Day.

photos: Shmuel Deri

Yisroel R.

Following the sudden petirah of the Beis Shmuel Tzvi Spinka Rebbe, zt”l, his sons and brothers, the Admorim shlita, are sitting shiva this week, as chassidim and mispalelim continue mourning the untimely loss of the Rebbe zt”l.

Nichum aveilim is taking place at Kahal Beis Shmuel Tzvi Spinka, located at 77 Walworth Street in Williamsburg. The aveilim will receive visitors each day from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and again from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Shacharis will take place at 9:30 a.m., Mincha and Maariv will be held at 8:30 p.m. The women are sitting shiva nearby at Yeshivas Viznitz, located at 88 Walworth Street in Williamsburg.

This Shabbos, the Admorim shlita were at the Spinka Beis Medrash in Woodridge, located at 13 Mark Street. Following Shabbos, nichum aveilim is taking place there until 12:00 midnight.

The aveilim will remain in Woodridge on Sunday as well, with nichum aveilim taking place during the regular hours of 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., as the Rebbe’s family, chassidim, and mispalelim continue mourning over the tremendous loss.

Among the great Rabbonim, poskim, and marbitzei Torah in postwar Williamsburg was Rav Shimon Zev Miller, the Rov of Arad, Romania, not far from the Hungarian border. 

Rav Miller was a ga’on who was well-versed in all areas of Torah, and spent his life learning with superhuman hasmodoh. He impacted thousands of talmidim as a marbitz Torah in the Satmar Yeshiva and summer camp. Here is his story. 

Nagysomkút

Rav Miller was born in the year 1918 in the Romanian town of Shamkut (known as Şomcuta Mare, 70 km southeast of Satu Mare). His father was Rav Tzvi Moshe Miller, a Dayan in the town. He was raised by his father in the ways of Torah and yiras Shomayim, and was sent a small distance from home to learn in the yeshiva in a town called Érmihályfalva (Mihalifolva), under the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Chaim Shmuel. He later entered the yeshiva of the Satmar Rov—and became known for his incredible hasmodoh, learning eighteen hours a day. 

He married Rochel Breif who hailed from an illustrious family, and continued learning with great diligence after his wedding, being supported by his father, who also trained him in the ways of hora’ah, and he eventually became a dayan in his own right in Shamkut. 

Then came the great Churban, and he lost his wife and children, his parents and friends, and millions of Hungary’s Yidden in the flames of the Holocaust, remaining virtually alone in the world. 

But Rav Miller was determined to rebuild. He returned to Shamkut where he married Rebbetzin Rochel, the daughter of Reb Moshe Klein of Bania, Romania. They remained in Shamkut, where he served as a Rosh Yeshiva for dozens of bachurim who had likewise survived the war. 

Arad

Rav Aharon Tzvi Brisk was a ga’on from prewar Romania who served as the rov of the towns of Tcheka and later Arad, Romania. Following the war, he returned to Arad, where he continued to lead his Yeshiva Beis Moshe. In 1951, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of alighting to Eretz Yisroel, settling in Netantya, where he reestablished his yeshiva with many of his talmidim from Romania. He was niftar suddenly in the year 1959.

Taking his place as Rov and Rosh Yeshiva in Arad was Rav Shimon Zev Miller of Shamkut.

Volumes could be filled with the efforts that the Arader Rov invested into his community, and on behalf of so many broken Yidden in the postwar era. He was a loving marbitz Torah to the bachurim, broken survivors who were left alone in the world, and he infused them with Torah and yiras Shomayim. Many of them went on to become Rabbonim in their own right, including Rav Chaim Sholom ABD Grosswardein Staten Island, Rav Benzion Deutch ABD Bucharest, and others who went on to rebuilt beautiful Torah homes thanks to his influence. 

The droshos that he would deliver to his community were filled with warmth and fervor for the Ribbono shel Olam and His Torah—exhorting his listeners to remain faithful to the ways of their parents. Simultaneously, he suffered greatly from the local government on account of his activities, and was even arrested under harsh circumstances for spreading Torah and Yiddishkeit.   

Countless people from the surrounding region streamed into Arad, recognizing the caliber of this great Torah leader who cared for each and every one of them. 

Williamsburg

In 1963, he finally made it out of Romania, arriving in America, and settling in Williamsburg. Here, he was reunited with his rebbi, the Divrei Yoel of Satmar who had arrived here a few years previously. Upon the instruction of the Rebbe, Rav Miller was appointed as a marbitz Torah in the Satmar Yeshiva, where he would go on to shape and mold hundreds of bachurim in the ways of Torah and yiras Shomayim.

The Arader Rov was a giant in all three pillars upon which the world stands; Torah, avodah, and gemilus chassodim. 

He toiled greatly in Torah with herculean effort—dedicating himself to his talmidim who drank thirstily from his Torah. He had mastered all four sections of Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries by heart, and his hasmodoh was unique. It is said that he knew entire masechtos by heart, and could repeat the lashon of many a Shach and Taz verbatim, with a phenomenal recall!

In gratitude to the Ribbono shel Olam for the gift of Torah, the Arader Rov took upon himself to learn with others—and this was a promise that he fulfilled throughout the years, including the times that he learned aleph bais with newly-arrived Sephardic boys. He also had a special place in his heart for the weaker bochurim…seeking to infuse in them too a cheishek for learning, and he derived tremendous nachas seeing his talmidim grow and develop. His talmidim, in turn, loved him as much as he loved them. 

His tefillah and his avodas Hashem was always with great deveikus and fervor. He was always known for his incredible humility, making nothing of himself. He would stand in the back of the beis Medrash, like one of the simple folk. His patience with others was likewise sterling, and he had a sense of hachna’ah and bittul for everyone, and in his veins flowed yiras Shomayim….kol ma’asav l’sheim Shomayim, all his actions were solely for the sake of Heaven. He would spend his summers in the Satmar Camp in Dairyland, and this is where his talmidim could witness his true mesirus nefesh for hasmodoh b’Torah and his avodah. 

His dedication to his Torah and his talmidim went on until his last day on this earth. It was in Elul of 1986, and Rav Miller was preparing for the upcoming zeman, inquiring with his bochurim whether they had a summer of growth…He felt unwell, and was taken into the hospital where he was niftar a few days later, leaving behind and incredible legacy of Torah and yiras Shomayim in Williamsburg of yore. 

Motorists should expect overnight road closures near Broadway and South 8th Street later this month as crews carry out work related to an MTA contract.

North Shore Neon Sign LLC is scheduled to fully close portions of Broadway and South 8th Street from August 24 through September 4, with work taking place nightly between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

On Broadway, the closure will affect the roadway between Roebling Street and Havemeyer Street. South 8th Street will also be closed between Roebling Street and Broadway.

Crews will use a crane, man-lift and knuckle boom to remove and install concessions and billboards as part of MTA Contract R50804.

The closures will be limited to the overnight work hours, with drivers advised to plan for alternate routes while work is underway.

photo: Google Maps

Yisroel R.

Askanim involved with immigration are warning travelers with uncertain or unclear immigration status not to assume that flying within the United States will automatically be without a problem.

The warning comes amid increased immigration enforcement across the country in recent months, with federal authorities stepping up enforcement efforts and bringing greater attention to the risks facing those whose immigration status may not be fully in order.

The warning is especially relevant for people who entered the country legally but have since overstayed, as well as those waiting on extensions, status changes, adjustment applications, or other immigration filings. Askanim say anyone in these situations should have their specific case reviewed before heading to the airport.

One of the biggest points of confusion, is the belief that once paperwork has been filed with immigration authorities, everything is automatically in order until a decision is made. That is not always the case. A pending application, receipt notice, or other paperwork can mean different things depending on the individual situation.

At the same time, askanim stress that having a pending immigration matter does not automatically mean someone is unlawfully present or facing arrest. Many people remain in valid status while applications are being processed. The point of the warning, is that people should know exactly where they stand instead of relying on assumptions.

The issue is especially relevant for those traveling for simchos, Yom Tov, vacations, medical appointments and family visits. Because a flight from one U.S. state to another may feel routine, some travelers may not think about immigration questions the same way they would before an international trip.

Askanim are therefore urging anyone with an expired visa or ESTA, a pending immigration process, or any uncertainty about their current status to speak with a qualified immigration attorney or trusted askan before booking or taking a flight. Even if someone has traveled previously without any issues, that should not be taken as a guarantee that the next trip will go the same way, as circumstances and enforcement can change from case to case.

The bottom line, askanim say, is simple: if there is any question about your immigration status, find out the answer before you travel, not when you are already standing in the airport.

New York City has secured funding for a major cleanup initiative aimed at removing approximately one million pounds of derelict boats and other debris from waterways across the five boroughs.

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation announced the funding, describing the effort as a step toward creating a healthier marine environment and cleaner city waterways.

The initiative will target abandoned and deteriorating vessels along with other accumulated debris that can pose environmental concerns, interfere with waterways and detract from the city’s shoreline.

Removing derelict boats can be a particularly challenging undertaking because vessels may need to be recovered, transported and properly dismantled or disposed of while minimizing impacts on the surrounding environment.

NYC Parks did not specify in its announcement which waterways will be prioritized or provide a timeline for when the removal work will begin.

photos: Avrumi Berger

A new practical travel handbook designed to help visitors navigate a trip to Israel is being distributed free with this week’s Dee Voch package for Parshas Shoftim.

The special Dee Voch-Shrift project, titled “Vegvaizer,” brings together practical information and resources for travelers in one convenient guide, covering many of the details visitors may need before and during a stay in Israel.

The handbook includes detailed listings with addresses and phone numbers for a wide range of services and destinations, including minyanim, mekomos hakedoshim, rabbanim and admorim, drivers, apartments, mikvaos, grocery stores, restaurants, attractions and museums.

In addition to its directories, the guide features practical instructions and informative articles intended to help travelers prepare in advance and better understand what to expect during their visit.

Detailed maps of major heimishe neighborhoods are also included, giving visitors a convenient way to familiarize themselves with local areas and find important destinations.

Readers can also take advantage of special discounts offered by participating local businesses featured in the handbook.

photos: A. Eisenbach

Yisroel R.

A major new battery energy storage facility is set to be built in Bushwick, just outside Williamsburg, as part of an effort to strengthen the electrical grid across North Brooklyn and help prevent blackouts during periods of high electricity use.

Battery company NineDot is expected to break ground later this year on the 4.9-megawatt facility at 421 Bushwick Avenue, across from the Bushwick Houses. The facility is expected to begin operating in 2027 and will be capable of storing enough electricity to power approximately 5,000 nearby homes when demand on the electrical grid is at its highest.

The facility will store electricity during overnight hours, when demand is lower, and send that electricity back into the grid when it is needed most. During the summer, the Bushwick facility is expected to operate for several hours each afternoon, when air conditioners and other electrical equipment place significant pressure on the city’s power system.

North Brooklyn has experienced blackouts and reductions in electrical voltage during periods of extreme summer heat, when the grid struggles to keep up with demand. Supporters of the project say adding stored electricity during those critical hours could help prevent outages, which can create particular difficulties in large residential buildings where elevators and other essential equipment depend on electricity.

The project is also part of New York’s broader push toward battery storage as the state moves toward cleaner sources of energy. New York is aiming to have 6,000 megawatts of energy storage operating statewide by 2030, including approximately 1,000 megawatts in New York City. The storage facilities are also intended to reduce the need for high-polluting power plants that are switched on when electricity demand reaches its highest levels.

Battery storage facilities have faced opposition over concerns about fire safety. However, supporters of the Bushwick project said there has been broad support locally following outreach to nearby residents, including those living at Bushwick Houses. Battery facilities built in the city are required to meet safety requirements overseen by the Department of Buildings and FDNY.

photo: NineDot

After months of frustration for residents of 46th Street between 14th and 15th Avenues, the city is finally taking action to remove green infrastructure construction materials that have been stored along the block.

The materials, which have occupied valuable parking spaces, contributed to traffic delays, and left portions of the residential block looking like a construction storage area, will now be moved to a new storage location along 21st Avenue near the cemetery, where they are expected to cause significantly fewer disruptions.

Multiple residents have reached out to BoroPark24 in recent months expressing frustration over the situation and its impact on their daily lives.

One resident told BoroPark24 that the situation had become overwhelming for families living on the block.

“At one point, it was literally affecting our mental health. It felt like we were living in a construction material storage yard,” the resident said. “This is what we saw when we woke up, when we opened the window for fresh air, when we came home after a day at work, and when our children played outside. It became part of every aspect of our daily lives.”

Residents are now expressing relief and gratitude as the materials are being relocated.

“We are extremely thankful to everyone who stepped in over the past few weeks and took action,” the resident added, "this includes representatives from the Department of Transportation, Community Board 12, Councilman Simcha Felder, and others who worked to find a solution."

For residents who have spent months navigating reduced parking, congestion, and construction materials outside their homes, the move brings a long-awaited end to an ongoing neighborhood headache.

Yisroel R.

New Yorkers will have the rare opportunity to witness a partial Likui Chamah/solar eclipse, this afternoon, as the moon passes in front of the sun and covers nearly 10% of it during an approximately 90-minute event visible across the city.

The eclipse will begin at approximately 1:07 p.m., as the moon begins moving across a small portion of the sun. It will reach its maximum at around 1:54 p.m., when approximately 9% to 10% of the sun will be covered, before gradually moving away and ending at approximately 2:38 p.m. Because only a relatively small portion of the sun will be covered, the eclipse is not expected to noticeably darken the sky, although those looking up at the sun with proper eclipse protection will still be able to enjoy this amazing nifloas haborei.

While only a partial eclipse will be visible here, today’s event is a much larger phenomenon across other parts of the world. A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small section of Portugal, where the moon will completely cover the sun for a brief period. Much of Canada, Europe and parts of the United States and Africa will also see varying levels of a partial eclipse. 

The last major solar eclipse seen from our area was on April 8, 2024, when residents across New York gathered outdoors with eclipse glasses as approximately 90% of the sun was covered. Areas farther north and west were inside the path of totality, where the sun was completely covered. That eclipse was the last total solar eclipse visible anywhere in the contiguous United States until 2044. 

The next major solar eclipse visible from the United States will not arrive for another 18 years, on August 23, 2044. That eclipse will bring totality to portions of the United States, although the path of totality will be limited to areas including Montana and North Dakota. 

New York City Emergency Management said in a message ahead of today’s eclipse that those planning to watch it should only do so using certified eclipse glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer, stressing that ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Eclipse glasses should also be checked for damages before being used.

Officials also warned against viewing the sun through cameras, binoculars, telescopes or other optical devices unless they are equipped with a proper solar filter. Those without eclipse glasses can use an indirect method such as a pinhole projector, while motorists are being urged to keep their eyes on the road and not stop or attempt to photograph the eclipse while driving.

Multiple people were injured in a crash involving two NYPD cruisers and a third vehicle at 15th Avenue and 51st Street.

The accident reportedly occurred while the NYPD officers were rushing to a call.

Hatzolah and other emergency personnel responded to the scene following the collision.

Five NYPD officers, one sergeant, and one civilian were injured in the crash.

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and additional details on the conditions of those injured were not immediately available.

Residents in the area of Flushing and Washington avenues should not be alarmed by emergency activity on Wednesday, as a simulated water rescue is scheduled to take place as part of a media production.

According to Notify NYC, the simulation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, from 1:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. near Flushing Avenue and Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.

The NYPD will be on site during the production.

Residents and motorists in the area may notice police activity and what appears to be an emergency water rescue during the eight-hour production window. The activity is planned and is part of a simulation, according to the city notification.

Notify NYC issued the advisory in advance to make the public aware of the planned activity and police presence.

Major improvements along Ocean Avenue beside Prospect Park are continuing to take shape, with the first phase of the project nearing completion and a new protected bike lane expected to open soon.

Phase 1 of the project, focused on the northern end of the Ocean Avenue perimeter, is wrapping up as crews continue work aimed at making access to Prospect Park safer and improving the surrounding streetscape.

The project is being funded with support from the NYC Mayor’s Office, NYC Department of Transportation, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Rita Joseph.

In addition to the protected bike lane, the improvements will include new trees, benches and other street furniture, which are expected to be installed by late fall.

As construction progresses southward, work will move into Phase 2, which includes the restoration of the Lincoln Road entrance to Prospect Park.

During that portion of the project, the Lincoln Road entrance will be temporarily closed, with park visitors redirected to another entrance located a few minutes farther south.

Officials say the overall project is designed to improve safety and accessibility along the Ocean Avenue side of Prospect Park while upgrading the park's perimeter for pedestrians, cyclists and other visitors.

photos: Dovid Jaroslawicz

photos: Avrumi Berger

YS GOLD 

The Sanz-Klausenberger chassidus was plunged into shock and mourning as they learned of the sudden, shocking, and untimely petirah of Hagaon Rav Tzvi Zev Berger, zt"l, the dayan of the Sanz-Klausenberger kehillah in New York. He was 43 years of age, and did not awake in the morning while on vacation in Switzerland. 

Sanz-Klausenberger chassidim related that Rav Berger was a gaon in Torah and yiras Shomayim, a refined person with sterling middos.

The dayan would deliver shiurim both within the chassidus as well as in other shuls around the community. "It was always a pleasure to listen to his shiurim which were delivered with crystal clarity and with a mastery of so much Torah," recalled one of his Shiur listeners. 

Rav Berger had a unique program for the study of practical halachah in which learners could go through the entire shulchan aruch, deriving the practical implications, in a relatively short time. He was also part of the leadership of a number of kollelim in New York, assisting in the development of the learning material and schedules. In this capacity, he taught many younger dayanim how to pasken halachah. 

One person observed that based on his trajectory, he would surely have become among the great names of hora'ah in our generation. Alas, he was snatched from our midst in the midst of his avodas hakodesh, a bright future snuffed out in its prime. 

His passing brought great anguish to his family, the Sanz-Klausenberger chassidus, and to the dayan's many acquaintances and admirers. 

Yehi zichro baruch.

YS GOLD

With great excitement, the chassidim of Sanz-Klausenburger throughout the world have been notified of the joyous news that the Rebbe will undertake a exalted journey to Eretz Yisrael, where he will visit the holy communities of Sanz-Klausenburger chassidim throughout the country.

This will give the chassidim a great opportunity to bask in the radiance of the Rebbe's presence and spend time in his presence. Accordingly, they will have the opportunity to meet with the Rebbe privately, and to receive his berachos for the upcoming new year. 

The Rebbe, shlit”a, will set out for Eretz Yisrael from Boro Park this Thursday morning, and during the following weeks in Eretz Yisrael he will participate in a series of special events, which will serve to further expand the flourishing communities and institutions of Sanz-Klausenburg throughout the country.

Among these events will be a Kvi'as Mezuzah ceremony for a magnificent new Talmud Torah building in Bnei Brak, as well as the completion of a major project involving a large tract of land in the heart of Yerushalayim, which will serve as a Shul for the chassidus. The Rebbe, shlit”a, has personally carried a significant portion of the fundraising burden and has worked extensively to raise the substantial sums required for these major projects.

The highlight of the journey will undoubtedly be the special privilege of spending a Shabbos in the presence of the Rebbe, shlit”a, a Shabbos that will take place on Parshas Shoftim in Eretz Yisrael. 

The Rebbe will also travel to Netanya, where he will visit the resting place of his illustrious father, the Shefa Chaim of Sanz-Klausenburg, zy”a. He will be accompanied by a large group of chassidim.

photos: Avrumi Berger