Hashkafa With Rav Gershon Ribner Shlita

The longevity of the Zionist movement Secular perspective of Torah doctrines as rigid and unyielding Dropping a bomb on the sixth date Maintaining the unity upon change of ideals and values by spouse Prestigious position in the Rabbinate isn’t synonymous with erudition

Weather: 70° Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Chance of rain 80%.

- Yeshiva Heichal Eliyohu R"Y Rav Motttel Dick shlita annual; reception at Bais faiga hall Lakewood doors open 8:45 pm Program 10 pm

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

Vizhnitz chasidim at the Kosel tonight  davening that their rebbe have a refuah sheleima

The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Hi Mr. Mayor. Thank you for all that you do for our town. I was wondering if there is any way to fix the following issue.

Sometimes when our garbage is picked up, the full cans will be knocked over by the mechanism from the truck meant to be picking them up. When that happens, the operator of the truck will leave them as is, and they’ll stay there, necessitating someone else to pick up the fallen can, with anything else that has fallen out of it and a phone call to the department of public works that the can wasn’t picked up. Then a truck has to be sent out again to pick up the garbage. Would it be possible that if that happens, the operator should be responsible to right the can and pick it up on the spot?

Thank you

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon

I spoke with Director Roux. He indicated he will have a meeting with the drivers and let them know to pick up any cans that fall over

Thanks,

Ray

Question:

Dear Mayor,

Thank you for this forum, for giving a space for the community to bring up concerns.

There is work at the intersection of Hillside blvd and New Central ave, and a traffic light and digital crosswalks were put in place. However there were 2 sets of crosswalk lights put in front of a driveway. Is this a necessary expense?

In addition, when the roadwork started at that intersection the lines were faintly painted with no signage to alert drivers to the changes in the layout and lane placement. Some of the lines were painted over, but some remain faint and it is still a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.

Can feedback be passed to whoever is behind the construction that signage alerting drivers to changing road layout and lane placement is key to avoiding accidents and near misses and maintaining public safety?

Thank you.

A Lakewood resident

Response from Mayor Coles:

Thanks. I have forwarded your email to our engineers and asked them to look into each of these concerns.

Take care,

Ray

Question:

Dear Mayor Coles,

I am writing to inquire if there are plans to improve the publicity and clarity of the L bus routes to help residents better utilize the service.

Additionally, it would be very beneficial to implement a mobile app or a dedicated phone line to track the shuttle in real time. We often wait at stops only to realize the bus has already passed, and a tracking system would help prevent these delays.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Gidon

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good morning

We are cutlery investigating partnering with a company that will implement many of the changes you suggest as well as increase the service area.

Thanks

Ray

—————–

Have a question for the Mayor? Send it to [email protected]

Have a question for the Chief? Send it to [email protected]

A bill that would ban the use of customers’ personal data to set individualized grocery prices is now awaiting Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s signature after passing the New Jersey Legislature with bipartisan support.

The proposed Fair Price Protection Act would make it illegal for grocery stores to use shoppers’ personal information and purchasing habits to charge different prices for the same items. Lawmakers say the practice, known as “surveillance pricing,” relies on algorithms that analyze consumer behavior to determine what each shopper may be willing to pay.

The legislation would not affect traditional loyalty or rewards programs that offer discounts to customers who voluntarily sign up.

The bill also includes a temporary pause on the installation of electronic shelf labels in grocery stores while state officials study whether the technology could be used to facilitate dynamic pricing.

Supporters say the measure is intended to protect consumers from unfair pricing practices and increase transparency at the checkout. Gov. Sherrill has previously expressed concerns about surveillance pricing, although her office has not yet announced whether she will sign the bill into law.

Accident happened approximately 6:15 PM.

No serious injuries are being reported.

Expect extensive delays for the cleanup and repair repairs.

There is heavy flooding once again in Monmouth County this afternoon.

Heavy flooding is being reported between mile marker 120 northbound and Keyport.

Several roadways are shut due to the flooding. Expect heavy delays.

As earlier reported, Lakewood could get significant rainfall this afternoon into this evening as well.

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New Jersey Blood Services has declared a second blood emergency this summer, warning that blood supplies serving hospitals throughout New Jersey have dropped to their lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unprecedented declaration comes just weeks after the organization issued a blood emergency ahead of Memorial Day, marking the first time it has announced two blood emergencies during the same summer.

Officials said a combination of extreme heat, severe thunderstorms, widespread power outages, and ongoing storm recovery efforts has sharply reduced the number of people donating blood at a time when hospitals continue to rely on a steady supply for lifesaving procedures.

Overall blood inventory has fallen to roughly a two-day supply, significantly below the level considered necessary to meet the needs of hospitals across the region. The shortage is especially severe for Type O-negative blood, the universal blood type used in emergencies, with less than a half-day supply currently available.

The New York Blood Center supplies blood to hospitals throughout New Jersey and New York, making donations from New Jersey residents critical to maintaining the regional blood supply.

“We prepare for seasonal challenges every year, but the combination of extreme weather, disrupted routines, and low national inventories has created an unprecedented situation,” said Andrea Cefarelli, chief operating officer for Blood & Laboratory Operations at New York Blood Center Enterprises, said in a statement.

Cefarelli said blood centers often rely on one another during shortages, but inventories are currently low across the country, limiting the ability to bring in additional blood from other regions.

As hospitals contend with dwindling blood inventories, they are also entering what medical professionals often refer to as “trauma season”—the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, sometimes called the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” During these months, emergency departments typically see a sharp increase in patients due to motor vehicle crashes, outdoor recreation accidents, and other traumatic injuries, driving up the demand for lifesaving blood transfusions at the very time donations tend to decline.

Health officials are urging healthy, eligible donors—particularly those with Type O blood—to schedule appointments as soon as possible. Donated blood is used to treat trauma victims, cancer patients, people living with sickle cell disease and thalassemia, transplant recipients, and patients undergoing surgeries and other emergency medical treatments.

The organization is also encouraging employers, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, elected officials and local leaders across New Jersey to help spread awareness of the urgent need for blood donations.

Locally, Bikur Cholim of Lakewood partners with RWJBarnabas Health to host regular blood and platelet drives at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, to help replenish supplies for hospitals across New Jersey.

Whole blood donors are eligible to donate every 56 days, while platelet donors may donate up to twice each month. Officials also noted that recent updates to federal eligibility guidelines have expanded the number of people who may qualify to donate.

Appointments are encouraged, although walk-in donors are also accepted at donation centers throughout the region.

Weather:  86° Cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Chance of rain 100%. 

Tonight 70° Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, may contain strong gusty winds Chance of rain 70%

The National Weather Service has expanded the flood watch that had been issued earlier today, to cover 12 New Jersey counties that could get lashed with strong thunderstorms and heavy downpours Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening., Monmouth, and Ocean counties included

- Thousands of Vizhnitzer Chasidim gathered tonight at the Kosel for an Atzeres Tefillah on behalf of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther shlit"a. The crowd sang emotional niggunei hisorerus associated with the Yomim Noraim and recited chapters of Tehillim, davening for the Rebbe's complete refuah shleimah.

- Flooded roads, cars stuck in water in N.J. today as thunderstorms drop heavy rain or the second time this week, slow-moving thunderstorms have been dumping massive amounts of rain over parts of central and southern New Jersey Thursday afternoon, triggering flash flood warnings and emergency mobile alerts because of rapidly rising water on roads. The National Weather Service has received reports of several roads and highways that have been closed because of rapid flooding, and several reports of cars stuck in high water. Route 1 south in Edison, New Jersey completely flooded from heavy thunderstorms this afternoon.

- Garden state Parkway local lanes flooded by exit 120

- Governor Mikie Sherrill: This week, I signed legislation that makes permanent certain telehealth prescription flexibilities by eliminating the need for in-person visits every three months. From college students who need prescriptions while they are away at school to patients with mobility issues or those who live far from a specialist, we are ensuring New Jerseyans can continue to receive safe, high-quality care and reducing barriers to entry to treatment.

- Hecht Trailers, a longtime family-owned business off Rt 9  in Toms River, has closed after more than a century in operation. The property has been sold  for potential residential homes and its remaining inventory will be auctioned off via Auction.

- JCPL total Customers Out in New Jersey 1,527

- Boys elementary schools finish yeshiva camp today

- The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is increasing the price of First-Class Mail Forever stamps from 78 cents to 82 cents, effective July 12.

- Lakewood Township's Independence Day Fireworks & Light Show will take place on Thursday, July 16, over Lake Carasaljo! The show can be viewed from both North Lake Drive and South Lake Drive. The 9 days begin on Wednesday 

- Giyus: Israel's Torah Study Basic Law has been revised after pressure from legal officials and public opposition. The updated bill no longer explicitly equates Torah study with IDF military service, removing a clause that critics said could have guaranteed yeshiva students benefits comparable to soldiers. However, the bill still declares Torah study a "foundational value" of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and opponents argue it could still be used to justify draft exemptions and continued government funding for yeshiva students.

- At a special meeting Wednesday, the Lakewood Township Committee approved the renewal of the liquor license for Lake Terrace Hall despite ongoing litigation involving the banquet hall and a neighboring property owner.

- Palm Beach International Airport switched to President Donald J. Trump International Airport at midnight, following a Florida law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March that renamed the facility near Mar-a-Lago. The airport's code shifts from PBI to DJT

- Pepsi reveals GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (Ozempic) are squeezing consumer appetites, pushing the company to adapt with smaller portions.

- Jackson Township has tightened security at Town Hall by ordering all rear entrances to remain locked during the day and requiring a police officer to be present at every council meeting, even if overtime is needed. Township officials say the changes are intended to improve safety, security, and access control for employees and residentS. App reports 

- The Lakewood Industrial Commission approved a property swap aimed at creating more downtown parking. The owner of 18 South Clifton Avenue, purchased for $52,000 in 2011, will receive part of the former Wachovia bank property at 317 Main Street, which the township purchased for $2.5 million, for office space. In return, the LIC will acquire the Clifton Avenue parcel, demolish the building, and convert it into public parking. The existing municipal parking lot at the former bank property will remain public, and the agreement includes a $15,000 payment to the LIC to equalize the appraised values.

- Hafganos continue on Bar Ilan Street in Yerushalayim at the construction site of the light rail.

- NYP editorial Rahm Emanuel’s anti-Israel speech won’t win over the Jew-hating Dems he’s trying to appease Rahm Emanuel wants to run for president as a Democrat in 2028, but bowing to the antisemitic wing of his party is a beyond-despicable way to do it. The editorial argues the strategy is morally wrong and politically unlikely to succeed.

- A federal judge has ordered Nadine Menendez, the wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, to report to prison by 2 p.m. Friday, denying her request to delay her 54-month sentence for additional cancer treatment. Prosecutors argued the Bureau of Prisons can provide the necessary medical care despite her pending surgery.

- Brick Township police are investigating the apparent vandalism of a  license plate reader after someone cut down the 15-foot metal pole supporting the camera near the Exxon station at Drum Point Road and Hooper Avenue. The camera, which helps police identify stolen vehicles and wanted suspects, remained intact despite the damage.

- Princeton, New Jersey  police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of placing anti-Semitic propaganda stickers at multiple locations throughout the community

- Mikie Sherrill signed three energy bills aimed at addressing long-term electricity costs in New Jersey, including new rules for data centers, utility profits, and transmission projects.

However, the measures are not expected to provide immediate relief on residents’ electric bills, with some changes taking up to a year to implement. NJ Republicans 

- Italian-Americans are blasting Mayor Zohran Mamdani after a NYC immigrant enclaves map highlighted neighborhoods like Little Palestine, Little Yemen and Little Pakistan, but left out historic Little Italy. Critics say Italian-Americans helped build New York City and deserve to be recognized, not erased.

- BDE: Reb Yidel Toib z"l, 77, veteran baal koreh of the Gerrer chassidus, was niftar this evening after collapsing during a shiur at the Beis Medrash HaGadol of Gur on Yirmiyahu Street in Yerushalayim.(Belaaz)

- Six flags flash sale today 3 Parks, 2 Days, 1 Great Adventure multi-park ticket! Visit Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, Wild Safari or all three! This ticket is valid for admission for a total of two public operating days through July 31, 2026. for $45 inquire about possibility to upgrade to seasons pass

Rare video of Rav Amrom Blau leading a rally in Meah Shearim, Yerushalayim over 50 years ago

In response to the recent service issues in Lakewood.

 Large crowds are expected to visit the Kever of the Rav Hakolel and chief rabbi of New York city, Rabbi Yaakov Joseph Zt'l on his 124th Yartzheit - 24 Tamuz 

He is buried in the Union Field cemetery in Ridgewood, NY at the Brooklyn/Queens Border close to crown heights and Williamsburg. He was niftar in 1902 (5662).

Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, the pervious Satmar Rebbe, would encourage his chassidim to daven at the tzion of the Rav Yaakov Yosef. It is reported that many people have found a yeshuah after visiting the tzion.

For the story of thr rabbanus in NYC Here

Driving Directions to the kever:

Union Field Cemetery

82-11 Cypress Avenue

Ridgewood, NY 11385

 (Path 42, at the corner of Main and Maple Road) It will be open until 7:30 pm

Driving directions to kever of Rabbi Yakov Yosef Joseph:

From Lakewood, Staten Island and NJ:

Verrazano bridge to the Belt Parkway to Pennsylvania Avenue exit North on Pennsylvania to the Jackie Robinson parkway  to exit 3 make  a left at 1st traffic light another left at 2nd traffic light onto Cypress Avenue to the Second Cemetery on the right

other Gedolim who are buried nearby in Mt Judah cemetery;

Rav Shlomo Heiman

Rav Reuven Grazovsky

Rav yaakov kamenetzky

The Yampolo Rebbe

The Chofetz Chaim's Rebetzin

Rav Yeruchim  Levovitz Rebetzin

Rav pam

Rav Brus

Rav Henoch leibowitz

New Jersey slipped to 31st in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business rankings, as the state’s strengths in education and quality of life continued to be overshadowed by concerns over its business climate and the high cost of operating in the Garden State.

The 2026 rankings, released today, evaluated all 50 states using 138 metrics across 10 broad categories that influence business competitiveness, including workforce, infrastructure, economy, cost of doing business, business friendliness, quality of life, technology and innovation, education, access to capital and cost of living.

New Jersey received high marks in several foundational categories, ranking second nationally in education and third in quality of life. The state also continued to benefit from its highly educated workforce, strategic location between New York City and Philadelphia, and strong presence in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, logistics and financial services.

But those advantages were offset by continued struggles in categories tied directly to the business climate. New Jersey ranked dead last in the nation for business friendliness and continued to score poorly on the cost of doing business, contributing to its overall decline from 30th to 31st in the national rankings.

In a statement, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association said the report underscores longstanding concerns about the state’s economic competitiveness.

“While it’s a positive to see New Jersey maintain good foundational metrics like quality of life and education, the continuation of our bottom-of-the-pack ranking for business friendliness and high cost of doing business continue to be of great concern,” the organization said in a statement.

NJBIA argued that decades of policies have created a reputation that discourages business investment and pointed to what it described as troubling trends, including companies choosing to expand outside New Jersey and more than 9,000 jobs affected by WARN Act notices so far this year.

The business group also criticized a series of recent state policies that it says have increased costs and regulatory burdens on employers. Among the measures cited were the Corporate Transit Fee, changes to the state’s independent contractor standards, the Climate Superfund law, and a new assessment on certain employers whose workers receive Medicaid benefits.

CNBC’s annual rankings are based on publicly available data from federal agencies, private-sector organizations and independent research groups. The network adjusts the weight of each category annually based on the priorities states emphasize in their economic development efforts.

The rankings have become a widely watched benchmark for comparing state economies and business climates, offering policymakers and business leaders a snapshot of where states are succeeding—and where challenges remain.

For New Jersey, the latest report reinforces a familiar theme: the state continues to excel in producing a highly educated workforce and offering a strong quality of life, while facing persistent criticism over taxes, regulation and the overall cost of doing business.

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.)

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE

Shas, Rashi & Tosfos

IN JUST ONE YEAR!

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact.

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own.

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden.

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

Beyond the Grave

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory.

ShasYiden.com

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Join tens of thousands who receive Vayemaen daily here.

- WSJ: Israel shared intelligence with the US that Iran was again planning to assassinate President Donald Trump

- Israeli Prime Minister's Office: "As part of the ongoing relationship between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, another conversation took place between the two leaders this evening, during which they discussed the continued coordination between the countries in various areas. President Trump updated Prime Minister Netanyahu on US initiatives in the Gulf region. For his part, the prime minister raised the severity of the statements made by Erdogan and his associates against the existence of the State of Israel and the need to establish security zones along Israel's borders."

- The White House is preparing for the possibility of a prolonged escalation in its conflict with Iran, and US President Donald Trump is convening senior advisers and national security officials to discuss Washington’s next steps, Channel 12 reports, citing US officials.

A US official tells Channel 12 that the ongoing fighting could last anywhere between a couple of days and a month, depending on whether Iran continues attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

- Explosions are heard in southern parts of Iran including Bushehr, An American official tells CNN that the US military is not currently striking the country. reports say it came from other gulf countries 

- CNN: Pakistan and Qatar, the mediating countries, are working to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table

- The withdrawal of Israeli troops from the first of two pilot zones in southern Lebanon is slated to move ahead in the coming days, as Washington aims to advance negotiations between Israel and Lebanon the area will be replaced by members of the Lebanese Armed Forces 

- Andy Burnham, the UK’s next prime minister, says Britain must do more to pressure Israel over its treatment of the Gaza Palestinians, and that it must bar the sale of weapons that Israel will use in the West Bank and Gaza.

- The Chief of Staff: "We are closely monitoring what is happening in Iran and Lebanon and are ready for immediate action. Against anyone who tries to harm us we will respond with force."

- Defense Minister Katz: "Prepared to strike Iran for the third time – and with greater force than before."

- Two Israeli sources for i24NEWS: The current assessment is that Iran has NO interest in involving Israel in the conflict, and therefore, will not fire at Israel. 

- Prime Minister Netanyahu hints to Turkey: “The war is not yet over. Alongside the old challenges, new ones are emerging. We are taking this into account and are prepared for any scenario. Preserving Israel’s air superiority is a cornerstone of national security.”

- Iran is launching ballistic missiles at the Gulf states and Jordan. US Embassy in Jordan urges employees to remain in safe spaces

- A US missile hit the nuclear power plant complex in Bushehr, Iran.

- WSJ: Before Trump's departure for a visit to Turkey, Trump held a discussion at the White House with the Secretary of War Hegseth and Secretary of State Rubio, and his senior advisors after Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The President concluded that Iran is not serious about reaching a final agreement and decided to end the ceasefire.

- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ Navy says US attacks on Iran and intervention in redirecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting the strategic waterway’s gradual reopening and jeopardizing the interests of countries benefiting from it. They warn that any further US intervention would draw a “crushing response.”

- Banners calling for the assassination of US President Donald Trump continue to be widely displayed during the funeral of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

- Jordan has inteercepted eight missiles launched from Tehran, after alarms sounded. No casualties or damages have been caused.

- Today, IDF eliminated the terrorist Khaled Abu Salam, who infiltrated Israel on October 7th, participated in the kidnapping and holding of Israeli civilians.

ICYMI: Reader-submitted TeslaCam footage shows why drivers should never become complacent when using Tesla Full Self-Driving.

While stopped at a red light on Lanes Mill Road in Lakewood on Wednesday afternoon, the vehicle – still on FSD mode – unexpectedly made a left turn on red.

(The footage was initially published last night on TLS Communities)

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Thousands of JCP&L customers are without power across large swaths of Jackson Township tonight.

The outage, which is currently affecting nearly 4,000 customers, comes just hours after some had their power restored following last weekend’s storms.

No cause was provided and early estimates from the power company indicate power will be restored by 2am.

A Yid living with ALS could no longer communicate the way he once had. Speaking became impossible, and even the simplest interactions required tremendous effort. But the Torah inside him was still alive, and his chavrusa, his family, and his community still needed to hear what he had to share.

That is where CSB CARE stepped in. With eye-tracking communication technology, customized computer access, accessible Torah materials, and ongoing support, he could once again express what was inside. Using only his eyes, he could communicate with his family, continue learning with his chavrusa, and share divrei Torah.

What looked like technology was really something much deeper: dignity preserved, connection restored, and a life of Torah that could continue.

When we come together as a community, blindness cannot prevent learning. ALS cannot silence Torah. And disability cannot separate a Yid from tefillah, family, or connection. This A World of Light campaign, you have the opportunity to make that possible for thousands of individuals and families who depend on CSB CARE every day. Please give generously and help bring the light of Torah, communication, and hope to those who need it most.

Donate Here

For months, Lakewood residents have voiced the same complaint: Verizon Wireless service throughout our community has become increasingly unreliable. Calls fail to connect, data speeds slow to a crawl, and in many areas, customers struggle to maintain even a basic connection.

Residents have reported these issues directly to Verizon and have raised concerns with township officials, yet there has been little meaningful communication from the company and no clear indication of when, or even if, the problems will be resolved. Even the Mayor called them out about the horrible service, to no avail.

Verizon markets itself as a premium wireless provider, and its customers pay premium prices with the expectation of receiving dependable service. When that service consistently falls below a reasonable standard for an extended period of time, customers deserve more than apologies. They deserve answers, accountability, and appropriate compensation.

If the underlying issue is that Verizon has more subscribers in the area than its network infrastructure can adequately support, then that is a business decision for which customers should not bear the financial burden. If additional towers, network upgrades, or other infrastructure improvements were needed to maintain reliable service, those investments should have kept pace with customer growth. Continuing to collect full monthly payments while many customers experience persistent service issues is difficult to justify.

Lakewood residents should begin requesting credits or refunds for the months during which they have been paying for service that has failed to meet reasonable expectations. Customers are paying for reliable wireless coverage, not repeated dropped calls, poor reception, and inconsistent data connectivity.

Verizon should also provide the community with a transparent update explaining the cause of these ongoing issues, what steps are being taken to resolve them, and a realistic timeline for restoring the level of service customers have every right to expect.

Until meaningful improvements are made, customers should not simply accept substandard service while continuing to pay full price. They deserve both reliable wireless service and fair treatment when that service falls short.

TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via  Whatsapp  or via email  [email protected]

 Weather 67° Mainly clear. Tomorrow noon Thunderstorms strong gusty winds.

- Yeshiva Ohr Olam Dinner R”Y Rav Heshy Berkowitz Shlita Building tribute Dinner at Kesser Moshe Yehuda hall

- Yeshiva Ohr Zecharia R”Y Rav Uren Reich shlita 22nd Annual Dinner at Ateres Reva hall

- Yeshiva Torah Temima R”Y Rav Tzvi Margulies Rav Betzalel Busel shluita annual reception at 30 Sims Ave Lakewood 8:00 pm 

- Yeshiva Nefesh Hachaim R"Y Rav Shmuel Hirth shlita Vehaamidu charidy campaign donate HERE 

- Yeshiva Noam HaTalmud R”Y Rav Uri Meir Kanarek Shlita annual parlor meeting 36 Airport rd 2nd floor 7:00 pm

- Yeshiva Pe'er HaTalmud R”Y Rav Refoel Stefansky Shlita Inaugural parlor meeting 100 Reagan Court Lakewood 8:00 pm

- Yeshiva Gedolah of Monmouth County R”Y Rav Yaakov Dovid Wasserman shlita Building campaign fundraiser Here

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is urging federal regulators to adopt tougher rules aimed at cutting off scammers’ access to legitimate telephone numbers, saying stronger safeguards are needed to stem billions of illegal robocalls and protect consumers from fraud.

Davenport on Tuesday co-led a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general in submitting recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), calling for stricter oversight of companies that purchase and distribute telephone numbers. The proposal is intended to make it more difficult for scammers to obtain legitimate phone numbers that can be used to disguise fraudulent calls and text messages.

“Robocalls aren’t just annoying and illegal. They expose New Jerseyans to rampant scams and fraud that threaten their life’s savings,” Davenport said in a statement. “While states like New Jersey will continue to enforce the law to hold scammers accountable, preventing unwanted robocalls in the first place requires meaningful action from the FCC.”

According to the coalition, Americans received an estimated 29.6 billion scam robocalls and text messages last year, resulting in nearly $2 billion in financial losses. While previous enforcement efforts have significantly reduced the practice of illegally “spoofing” caller IDs, scammers have increasingly shifted to purchasing legitimate phone numbers, making fraudulent calls appear more credible.

The attorneys general are asking the FCC to require stronger certification standards for companies authorized to buy and resell telephone numbers, mandate regular reporting that allows law enforcement to trace suspicious activity, require applicants to certify they will not use numbers for illegal robocalls, prohibit the sale of numbers to entities without legitimate calling or texting services, ban the practice of rapidly cycling through large numbers of phone numbers to evade spam filters, and restrict free trial phone numbers that are frequently exploited by scammers.

The latest initiative builds on several years of New Jersey’s efforts to combat illegal robocalls.

In 2022, then-Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced a formal partnership with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to coordinate investigations into illegal robocall operations. The agreement gave New Jersey investigators greater access to federal investigative resources, including subpoena assistance, consumer complaint data, and collaboration with other federal agencies and robocall-blocking companies.

That partnership followed other enforcement actions by the Attorney General’s Office, including New Jersey’s participation in a multistate lawsuit that permanently shut down a charitable fundraising operation accused of placing approximately 1.3 billion deceptive fundraising calls while collecting more than $110 million from donors.

State officials have also joined multistate litigation against telecommunications companies accused of facilitating billions of illegal robocalls by transmitting scam calls involving fake Social Security benefits, Medicare, auto warranties, Amazon purchases, credit card offers and other fraudulent schemes.

The coalition argues that additional federal action is necessary because scammers have adapted to earlier anti-spoofing measures by exploiting legitimate telephone numbers instead. In one investigation cited by the attorneys general, scammers placed more than 17 million robocalls in a single day through one telephone company while rarely using the same phone number more than twice, making it difficult for spam-filtering technology to identify and block the calls.

The attorneys general urged the FCC to adopt the proposed rules, saying limiting scammers’ access to telephone numbers would significantly reduce their ability to target consumers across the country.

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Rabbi Joey Haber toured the new Misameach Family Center as it nears completion, offering divrei beracha and words of encouragement for the organization’s expanding mission to support children and families.

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Lakewood Township has announced that its special Independence Day celebration honoring America’s 250th Birthday has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 16, after the original July 5 event was canceled due to severe weather.

The celebration will take place at Lake Carasaljo, with viewing available from both North Lake Drive and South Lake Drive. The drone show is scheduled to begin at 8:45 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Mayor Ray Coles said the Township was disappointed to cancel the original event but is pleased to be able to present the full program much sooner than expected. He added that officials look forward to celebrating this historic national milestone with residents and visitors under better weather conditions.

Weather: 83° Partly cloudy skies.

Be prepared  Severe thunderstorms could sweep through New Jersey on Thursday and Friday, with the potential for flash flooding and damaging wind gusts.

Today 23 Tamuz Yartzeit of : R'Moshe Cordovero, the Ramak (1522-1570). Talmid of R'Shlomo Alkabetz & R'Yosef Karo. Founded a Yeshiva in Tzfas where the Arizal & R'Chaim Vital were among his Talmidim. Author - Tomer Devora, Pardes Rimonim, Ohr Yakar, etc..

- Reporter "Were you aware of any credible threat by Iran against Air Force One?"

POTUS "I have a threat all the time. I'm number one on their list, before you — but if I go, you go, right? So perhaps some of you want to change professions

- A mass casualty incident was declared after a bus crashed into a building and several vehicles in Pikesville, Maryland earlier. Baltimore County FD says 30+ people were injured, at least 1 in critical condition.

- Power restored: Lakewood  0 of 37,021 (0%)

- Giyus: Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin gave out his personal phone number to the bochurim to call him in the event they get arrested by IDF military police 

- Lakewood Township has rescheduled that its special Independence Day celebration with Deine show and fireworks for Thursday, July 16 at the Lake 8:45pm.

- Trump warns: Signs and Billboards are being put up all over our Southern Border, and Mexico, advertising BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP, with “Deliveries starting at $4000.” Likewise, similar signs going up all over our Country. Billions of Dollars will be illegally made by this SCAM, with Citizenship going to anyone willing to pay. It will be, by far, the number one way of becoming a citizen, and then the entire family will be allowed to follow. Not sustainable. NOBODY SAW THIS COMING!!! AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP IS NOT FOR SALE! In fact, that is a crime, and therefore, the Supreme Court’s ruling is wrong. I will be asking for a Rehearing by the United States Supreme Court, IMMEDIATELY. This miscarriage of justice will destroy America if they don’t change their absolutely insane decision. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Boys elementary school 8th grade are off for the year, Day camps begin on Monday while some sleepaway camps start in a week and half 

- The Kaliver rebbe shlita is in Lakewood at his son in law  and will spend shabbos at Khal Shemen L'Mincha in Brook hill.

- On sale Jonny Pop ices in Shoprite $4.99. please note the sugar free ices does not have a hechsher 

-Brick of American cheese $12.99 at GG

- Shloimy's Kosher World in Lakewood is under new management. The new owners say the longtime supermarket is undergoing renovations to become a modern, full-service grocery while remaining open throughout the process. Customers can expect expanded hours, fully stocked departments, and continued service from the deli, bakery, meat, and produce sections as the store enters its next chapter after more than 35 years. (Feder Status)

- New restaurant in Deal: "Fortune Cookie" Kosher Chinese Restaurant located at 48 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755. under JSOR hashgacha 

- JCP&L total customers still out in New Jersey 8,262 as of this afternoon 

Lakewood Township 3 of 37,021 (< 1%)

Brick Township 54 of 36,268 (< 1%)

Howell Township 4 of 22,043 (< 1%)

Jackson Township 4 of 23,877 (< 1%)

Manchester Township 3 of 27,536 (< 1%)

Toms River Township 2 of 49,352 (< 1%)

- Millions of Shekels to Charedi Institutions Approved in Finance Committee before the knesset dissolves in a few weeks 

- New Jersey residents could see electric bills rise by another 20%, according to a new report that cites growing electricity demand from AI data centers, higher natural gas prices, and limited power generation. Consumer advocates warn rising costs could make it difficult for some families to afford basic necessities as energy demand continues to climb.

- Tzedek Association announced several major advocacy victories for federal inmates, including the rollout of Bureau of Prisons tablets that will allow unlimited video calls with family during designated hours. The tablets will also provide access to educational materials, First Step Act programming, and digital books, giving inmates new opportunities to stay connected with loved ones and prepare for reentry into society.

- A NJ state audit found that the Lakewood School District overpaid two outside educational service providers by more than $1.1 million and directed the district nearly two years ago to recover the funds. The district has yet to take action, adding to ongoing financial challenges, including its $231 million state loan debt and continued state scrutiny. APP

- The Lakewood Industrial commission meeting today approved a property swap to create additional downtown public parking. In exchange for part of its property at 317 Main Street the former Wells Fargo bank on rt 88 the LIC will receive 18 South Clifton Avenue, which will be demolished and converted into a public parking lot. The other party will also pay the LIC $15,000. The township purchased the former bank property for $2.5 million tax dollars through the LDC which transferred it to the LIC for $1

-A 12-month extension of its contract with Aggressive Property Management and Maintenance, to manage the Strand theater building 

- Lakewood Planning Board Approves Kamenitz School Expansion

The Lakewood Planning Board approved Kamenitz School's application to construct a two-story addition with a basement, allowing the school to accommodate approximately 245 additional students. Neighbors voiced concerns about existing parking and bus traffic, saying pickups and drop-offs already back up local streets. They urged the school to create a circular driveway on adjacent properties it owns to improve traffic flow. As part of the approval, the board stipulated that the basement may only be used as the school's gym and cannot be rented out for outside events. The board also encouraged the school to work with neighbors to reduce traffic impacts, including exploring the possibility of adding another entrance from Brook Road

- BDE: tragedy in Monsey, when 7-year-old Baila Weber A"H was killed after being struck by a school bus on Blauvelt Road.

- President Trump walked out directly in front of Spain's socialist PM Pedro Sanchez at NATO after cutting off trade with Spain  

- The high rise on the East Side of Manhattan which has now been deemed stable.A structurally damaged 37-story Midtown Manhattan high-rise that partially buckled Tuesday will likely require a partial demolition, according to structural engineering experts. They warn the building remains at risk of a localized collapse unless it is stabilized quickly, with several buckled columns now carrying only a fraction of the load they were designed to support.

- Giyus: The Ministry of Housing and Construction announced today to all those deemed as draft evaders who registered for the Price for Homeowner lottery that their eligibility to participate in the lottery has been disqualified due to their desertion.

- 12 Jersey Shore beaches under swimming advisories for high fecal bacteria levels including 4 in Deal ar Deal Casino, Hathaway Avenue Beach, Roosevelt Avenue, Philips Avenue, 

- Assemblyman Schnall “I am proud to sponsor legislation that will improve critical infrastructure across the state without burdening ratepayers. By updating existing infrastructure, we increase reliability. But when we strategically deploy advanced technologies, we can reduce costs for ratepayers at the same time,” said Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Monmouth, Ocean). “Meeting the energy demands of tomorrow can only be achieved by making forward-thinking investments today.” 

-Tomorrrow Large crowds are expected to visit the Kever of the Rav Hakollel and chief rabbi of New York city, Rabbi Yaakov Joseph Zt'l on his 124tj Yartzheit - 24 Tamuz

The Lakewood fire service community is mourning the loss of former Chief Richard Chance “Dick” Wallace, who passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the age of 85.

Chief Wallace devoted nearly five decades to protecting the Lakewood community. He joined Engine Company No. 1 of the Lakewood Fire Department in 1963, became one of the department’s original career firefighters in 1964, and served until his retirement in 1994 as badge #101. He later served as Chief of the Department from 1988 to 1990 and remained an active member of the Lakewood Fire Department until his passing.

In addition to his service with the fire department, Wallace proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1962 and dedicated 48 years to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, serving from 1963 to 2011. Rising through the ranks to become District Forest Fire Warden, he spent decades protecting New Jersey’s forests and communities from wildfires.

The Lakewood FMBA Local 380 and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service both paid tribute to Chief Wallace, remembering his unwavering dedication, leadership, and lifelong commitment to public service. Colleagues described his legacy as one of selfless service to his country, community, and the fire service that will never be forgotten.

Chief Wallace is survived by his nephews, Barry Collert, Brian Collert, and Michael Olson.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Sunday, July 12, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the George S. Hassler Funeral Home in Jackson. A Fireman’s Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 13, with a gathering beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., followed by a procession to Woodlawn Cemetery in Lakewood. A repast will follow at Engine Company No. 1 on First Street in Lakewood.

A portion of the roof of the Economy Inn in Wall Township partially collapsed Wednesday morning after sustaining damage during last week’s severe storms, authorities said.

At approximately 7:27 a.m., officers from the Wall Township Police Department, along with the South Wall Fire Department, EMS, and the Wall Township Building Department, responded to the Economy Inn at 2035 State Highway 35 after receiving reports that part of the building’s exterior façade had fallen and that additional sections appeared unstable.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered an active partial roof collapse caused by damage from the severe weather over the past week. While crews were assessing the structure, a second section of the roof also collapsed.

Crews from New Jersey Natural Gas and Jersey Central Power & Light responded to safely disconnect utility services to the building.

Authorities said the motel was vacant at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.

Police established a safety perimeter around the building and surrounding parking lot using tape, cones, and barricades to keep the public away from the unstable structure.

Township officials have notified the property owner and will continue monitoring the site to ensure the damaged building is properly secured and any hazards are addressed.

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The Lakewood Township Committee congratulates Municipal Manager Patrick “Pat” Donnelly upon being recognized as “2026 Municipal Manager of the Year” in the July 15 issue of Gov Business Review Magazine. The magazine reaches a national audience of more than 85,000 subscribers, primarily government and public policy officials, in addition to countless online readers.

Pat began his career with Lakewood Township as a rank-and-file Department of Public Works (DPW) employee before being appointed DPW Director, and later Municipal Manager in 2018. Today, he oversees more than 570 employees and a $167 million annual budget while managing one of the fastest-growing and most diverse municipalities in the nation.

Gov Business Review highlighted Pat’s leadership style, noting his ability to manage Township operations in a fiscally responsible manner, embrace technological innovation, and foster positive relationships with Township officials and employees.

“I was not surprised to learn that Pat was given this tremendous honor,” said Mayor Ray Coles. “Over the ten years that he has been with Lakewood, Pat has consistently been at the forefront of the programs and technology that have allowed us to flourish. I’m glad to see that the rest of the country now knows what an amazing manager he is.”

“Pat invested much time and effort to understanding the unique needs of Lakewood’s diverse communities,” said Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller. “Snow removal and pre-Passover garbage pickup are just some minor examples of the unique challenges that affect Lakewood communities, and Pat has risen to the challenge.”

“As one who rose through the ranks from performing manual labor to his current supervisory role, Pat has a unique understanding of the inner workings of government at every level,” said Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. “These experiences, along with his professionalism and character, have enabled Pat to see great success in his work and earn national recognition.”

“Pat was an asset to Lakewood from the day he joined our staff, and he constantly develops his skills and uses his talents to improve our town,” said Committeeman Isaac Akerman. “His innovation and willingness to adopt new methods, as they become available, continue to help us make Lakewood more service-oriented and efficient. Pat works behind the scenes without fanfare, so I’m grateful that he’s finally receiving some well-deserved public recognition.”

“Congratulations to our Municipal Manager of the Year, Patrick Donnelly,” said Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes. “Well deserved! It’s a pleasure to work with such an incredible professional on issues of importance to Lakewood residents.”

Please see the link to the Gov Business Review article.

Governor Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday signed a package of major energy bills aimed at lowering electricity costs for New Jersey residents while announcing immediate utility bill credits for millions of households.

According to the governor’s office, the legislation, along with additional energy initiatives implemented over the past six months, is expected to save New Jersey ratepayers more than $1 billion annually, based on an analysis by Synapse Energy Economics.

As part of the announcement, every one of the state’s approximately 3.6 million electric ratepayers will receive a $25 utility bill credit through the Residential Universal Bill Credit (RUBC) program. Lower- and moderate-income households will also receive an additional $150 credit through the Residential Energy Assistance Payment (REAP) program.

The newly signed legislation includes measures to eliminate what state officials described as unnecessary utility incentives that increase electricity costs, strengthen state oversight of utility infrastructure projects to reduce wasteful spending, and require large data centers to pay a greater share of the costs associated with the electricity they consume rather than shifting those expenses onto residential and small-business customers.

One of the bills requires utility companies to obtain additional state approval before moving forward with certain transmission infrastructure projects, while another creates a separate rate structure for large data centers to ensure they cover the costs of the energy and grid infrastructure they require.

Governor Sherrill said the measures are intended to make energy more affordable while improving the reliability of New Jersey’s electric grid.

The administration also announced that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is renewing the Summer Termination Program, which protects eligible households from utility shutoffs during periods of extreme heat, and approved 12 new solar projects expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 45,000 homes.

The legislation received bipartisan attention, including support from Assemblyman Avi Schnall, who sponsored one of the bills. Schnall said the measure modernizes critical infrastructure while requiring greater oversight of utility projects to help improve reliability and reduce costs for ratepayers.

The City-Wide Learning Program is returning for its 12th year, once again giving boys across Lakewood the opportunity to continue their Torah learning during the weeks between the end of school and the start of camp, as well as after camp concludes.

Organizers say more than 3,000 boys are expected to participate this summer, making it one of the community’s largest seasonal learning initiatives.

The program will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at dozens of participating shuls throughout Lakewood.

Before Camp Schedule

• Friday, July 10
• Sunday, July 12
• Monday, July 13
• Tuesday, July 14

After Camp Schedule

• Wednesday, August 12
• Thursday, August 13
• Friday, August 14
• Sunday, August 16
• Monday, August 17
• Tuesday, August 18

Participating locations include Albert Shul, Arlington Shul, Ateres Yeshaya, Bais Dovid, Bais Medrash D’Manchester, Bais Medrash Kol Yaakov, Bais Medrash of Kelmwoods, Bais Medrash of Woodlane, Bais Shabsi, Bais Medrash Pine Lake Park, Brookwood 3, Bunker Hill, Cedarwood Hills, Chanichei Hayeshivos, Chesterfield Commons, Eitz Chaim Brookwood 4, Elmwood Village, Harmony Farms, Hearthstone Shul, Heichal Yehuda Tzvi, Khal D’Brookwood, Khal Glen Arden, Lakewood Commons, Lutzk, Ohel Shulamit, Ohr Yaakov, Ohr Yoel Meir – Williams Street, Old Shul, Prospect Park, Prospect Vines Shul, Sterling Forest Shul, Tiferes Pinchos, Westgate Shul, Zichron Meir and Zichron Pinchas.

The program is open to boys entering 2nd through 9th grade. Boys entering 2nd through 4th grade are welcome to attend with a parent or other adult, while boys entering 5th through 9th grade should bring their chavrusa and seforim. Each location is supervised by a rebbe.

Participants will also have the chance to earn a variety of incentives throughout the program, including City-Wide basketballs, daily raffles and treats, Sky Zone tickets, and pizza vouchers for boys entering 5th through 9th grade.

For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, call or text 732-814-2591.

A Story About Wine We Were All Told

For decades, we’ve been told a reassuring story. A glass of red wine a day is good for your heart. Most people would still say this is accurate.

I remember when I first opened my practice in the United States after returning from China. Around that time, I came across an entire book devoted to the health benefits of wine. Yes, a whole book.

Armed with this information, I felt better prepared to answer a question many patients asked me: how much alcohol, or how many cups of wine, is reasonable to drink in a week?

The idea sounded comforting. Wine comes from grapes, contains antioxidants, and has been woven into cultural and religious life for thousands of years. Many physicians, and many alternative health practitioners like myself, repeated this message sincerely. People were happy to believe it.

But as nutrition science matured, and as researchers began to look more carefully at how this belief became so widespread, the story began to change.

The “Healthy Drinker” Illusion

Much of the original evidence suggesting that moderate wine drinkers live longer came from observational studies. These studies follow people’s habits and outcomes over time, but they cannot establish cause and effect.

A major flaw later identified in many of these studies is what researchers now call the sick-quitter bias.

In older research, people who used to drink but stopped because of health problems were often grouped together with lifelong abstainers. As a result, the non-drinker group appeared less healthy, not because abstaining caused illness, but because illness had caused people to stop drinking.

This is known as reverse causation. Once researchers accounted for it, much of wine’s supposed heart-protective effect weakened significantly or disappeared altogether.

When Better Science Entered the Picture

To bypass these limitations, scientists turned to a method called Mendelian randomization.

Instead of asking people how much they drink, researchers studied individuals born with genetic variants that make alcohol unpleasant to consume. These people experience flushing, nausea, and discomfort due to acetaldehyde buildup, and as a result, they tend to drink very little or not at all.

The findings were striking. People who drank less because of their genetics had lower rates of heart disease, even compared to light or moderate drinkers. Because genes are assigned at birth and are not influenced by lifestyle or health later in life, this method avoids many of the biases that plague observational studies.

The implication is simple and uncomfortable. Less alcohol appears to be better for cardiovascular health, even at low levels of consumption.

This is one of those moments when careful science quietly overturns a popular belief.

Why the Message Spread So Widely

At this point, a reasonable question arises. If the evidence was always shaky, why did the message that moderate drinking is good for you become so dominant?

The answer is familiar to anyone who follows medical research. Industry funding.

There is now substantial documentation showing that the alcohol and wine industries played a major role in shaping research priorities, study design, and public messaging around moderate drinking.

A Turning Point

In 2018, the National Institutes of Health abruptly shut down a one-hundred-million-dollar clinical trial called the Moderate Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health study.

An internal investigation revealed that roughly two-thirds of the funding came from some of the world’s largest alcohol producers. More troubling was the finding that researchers and government officials had actively courted industry funding and reassured sponsors that the study was likely to show cardiovascular benefits, while downplaying known risks such as cancer.

The trial was terminated.

A Pattern, Not an Exception

This episode did not stand alone.

A 2021 analysis of systematic reviews examining alcohol and heart disease found a clear pattern. Reviews authored by researchers with financial ties to the alcohol industry consistently concluded that moderate drinking was cardioprotective. Reviews without industry ties produced mixed results, with many finding no benefit at all.

When funding sources and conclusions align this neatly, it raises difficult but necessary questions.

Marketing Health Through Science

The wine industry, in particular, invested heavily in promoting a cardio-protective narrative. Industry-funded organizations helped frame wine as part of a healthy lifestyle, often linking it to the Mediterranean diet.

A central pillar of this messaging was the so-called J-curve theory, the idea that people who drink a little are healthier than those who drink none at all. This curve collapses once the sick-quitter bias is removed.

Where the Science Is Now

Because of these revelations, global health authorities have begun to distance themselves from the one-glass-a-day narrative.

In 2023, the World Health Organization stated clearly that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health.

Red wine does contain antioxidants such as resveratrol, but the amounts used in laboratory studies would require drinking hundreds of glasses a day. Any theoretical benefit is overwhelmed by alcohol’s well-documented risks, including cancer, liver disease, and dependency.

What Actually Protects the Heart

What replaces the wine myth is not depriving yourself of wine, but simply clarity.

The most consistent evidence supports familiar, unglamorous strategies for supporting heart health and your health in general: eating whole, minimally processed foods, moving the body regularly but moderately, managing stress, sleeping well, and maintaining a healthy weight. These approaches reduce cardiovascular risk without creating new problems in the process.

A Clear-Eyed Conclusion

Wine has cultural, social, and religious meaning and many people enjoy a good glass now and then.

But from a health perspective, it’s important to be honest with yourself.

Wine is not medicine. It is not required for heart health. And the belief that it was protective was, to a significant degree, subsidized by industry influence rather than solid science.

So enjoy a glass occasionally if you choose. In moderation, the body can handle it. But drink with wisdom, knowing that the story we were told about healthy wine has quietly outlived the evidence.

- Air sirens sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait

- Trump on Air Force One about Iran: "They want to make a deal so badly. They called a little while ago. They want to make a deal so badly. I just don't know if they're worthy. I don't know if they're going to honor the deal...they're sort of crazy, to be honest with you"

- The U.S. military attacked two railway bridges in northern Iran using cruise missiles, according to a senior American official. This is the first time the U.S. military has attacked infrastructure in Iran since the ceasefire on April 8th.

- Trump on Iran attacks: "This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!"

- The ceasefire with Iran "has at least temporarily ceased," a U.S. official told CNN.

- The Supreme Leader's advisor threatens Israel: "The aggressor enemy and his partners will be severely punished

- CENTCOM: US forces have started major strikes in Iran Tonight's attacks were more extensive than yesterday's attacks. The strikes are aimed at targets to degrade Iran's ability to threaten the ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

- Reports of explosions in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran.

- Trump: “The U.S. Space Force has cameras in orbit capable of reading the badges of Iranian officials as they enter nuclear sites.”

- JD Vance on Iran: "The basic deal that we cut was 'we'll lift our blockade if you stop shooting at ships. But if you shoot at ships, we are going to punch back, and we're going to punch back harder than ever before.'"

- Trump: To honor our brave men and women of the Military, we are sending the brand new, and truly spectacular, Air Force One to Mildenhall Air Force Base, in the United Kingdom, to give them a chance to tour the Aircraft — Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first. For old time’s sake, we’ll be taking the former Air Force One, from Turkey to Mildenhall, a short trip that is totally worth doing in order to give our Great Military Heroes a chance to appreciate our beautiful new addition to the Air Force Fleet! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- President Trump has boarded the former Air Force One in Turkey, reportedly to Mildenhall Air Force Base in the UK

- Israel braces for possible renewal of fighting as US-Iran tensions mount

Israeli officials are reportedly on high alert as U.S. aerial refueling aircraft that had been repositioned to Europe in recent weeks return to the region. According to reports, Israel has warned that any new Iranian attack would trigger a strong military response. Assessments also suggest the U.S. could carry out several days of strikes against Iran if hostilities escalate.

- Trump: "We're not attacking at the highest level. The highest level are the bridges...their electric plants, where they make their electricity. If we have to, we'll take them out. I don't want to do that, but if we have to, we'll take them out...We attacked Kharg Island last night—we knocked out a piece. I said, 'don't touch the oil' because maybe we'll take over Kharg Island. We may take over Kharg Island. There's not a thing they can do about it...normally, I'm not that way, but they really deserve it."

- President Trump just said he wouldn't be shocked if Iran tries to assassinate him while over in Turkey

- Iranian military spokesman: 8 air and naval soldiers killed in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr as a result of US strikes

- Trump on Netanyahu: "We have an excellent relationship, he's great. If there had been another prime minister in Israel during the war period, Israel would have been destroyed by Iran"

- Trump: "We've already got the nuclear material because it's so far underground. Nobody's going to be able to get it except us because we have the equipment that can get it. The nuclear material is so far down underneath the mountain, and now it's been determined that it would take massive machinery that we have that no other country has."

- Report from the Iranian PressTV network: Developments in the last 48 hours indicate that Iran will not back down from controlling the Strait of Hormuz. "We are ready to fight for control of Hormuz. Iran's new strategy is that after any attack, the Strait will be completely closed. Iran will attack enemy targets on a scale of at least twice the number of targets attacked against it."

- Trump issues a sharp threat to Iran: "We will strike them again with force - perhaps even tonight."

- Trump on Iran: "They're evil people. They're sick people. They're really mentally disturbed people. And it should have been done 47 years ago. Thank you, everybody."

- Trump: on the ceasefire with Iran: "To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum... They're led by sick people... I'll speak to our negotiators. They want to negotiate—they're good people... but they have to come back to me. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them."

- Trump: They're a bunch of SCUM." "These are evil, sick people, and we have to rid their cancer. They're CANCER! And you know what you do? You got to cut out cancer EARLY, man."

"I told them, every time you hit, we hit. And of course, they're dirty players. "They've kiIIed thousands and thousands of our soldiers. They've kiIIed hundreds of thousands of innocent people."

- Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim: We attacked 85 US military targets in Bahrain and Kuwait, and we also managed to shoot down a US military drone

- Kuwait’s state news agency says two ballistic missiles and 13 drones have been intercepted today amid fresh Iranian attacks on the Gulf state.

- World oil prices soar more than five percent after US President Donald Trump says the memorandum of understanding with Iran is over, following fresh strikes in the Middle East.

- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf: "The US violated the Memorandum of Understanding by carrying out attacks in southern Iran and continuing Zionist aggression against Lebanon"

- Trump: I like President Erdogan. He rolled out the red carpet for me. He is a great man. I love Bibi; he is a great Prime Minister. But Bibi said some harsh things yesterday about Turkey and about Erdogan. And I told him: "You know, I spoke with him. I said he could have joined the war, because he doesn't really like Israel. And he doesn't really like Bibi either. But he didn't do it because of me." And this is a military power. Millions of soldiers. Turkey is very strong. They have a lot of our best equipment. They are also trying to get the F-35 jets. But he didn't enter the war. He wanted to. He would have entered. If not for me, he would have entered — and he would have been on the other side.

- Secretary of War Hegseth is canceling his visit to Israel today

- Trump: We are no longer interested in any business trade with Spain. Spain is a bad member of the NATO alliance.

- A Hamas terrorist who invaded Kibbutz Nirim during the October 7, 2023, onslaught was killed in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday, the military announces.

 Weather: 64° Overcast.

- Yeshiva Sharei Orah annual evening of chizuk Roshei Yeshiva Rav Daniel Cohen shlita, Rav Yoel Dessler shlita , Rav Yosed Rothschild shlita, at 11 Glen Avenue North 7:45 pm

- Yeshiva Nefesh Hachaim R"Y Rav Shmuel Hirth shlita Vehaamidu charidy campaign donate HERE 

- Yeshiva Gedolah Sharei Shmuel R"Y Rav Moshe Fishoff shlilta annual parlor meeting 80 Adams st Lakewood 7:30 pm   

- Mesivta Ner Moshe Fundraiser event R”Y Rav Yehoshua Sukenik shlita, an exhibition of rare antique Judaica sefarim and Kisvei Yad curated by Legacy Judaica at Cedar palace Chupah room 7:30 pm 

- Yeshiva Knesses Bais Aaron R"Y Rav Isser Zalman Olshin Shlita at the Ateres Esther Chupa Room Divrei Bracha by Rav Yeruchom Olshin shlita 

- Yeshiva Nachlas Yisroel R"Y Rav Yerachmiel Ungarischer shlita Parlor meeting at 1459 E. Spruce st Lakewood 

- Yahalom NJ Fathers night out event guest speaker Rabbi Joey Haber  shlita at the Alexandria hall in Howell 

- Kollel Mishkan HaTalmud Rosh Kollel Rav Yisroel Meir Gluesatein shlita, parlor meeting at Eagle Ridge with siyum seder moed 9:15 pm

- Mesivta Central Jersey Rav Shmuel pepfer Shlita R"Y Parlor meeting 1476 Towers st Lakewood     

LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 7/7 the Township's contractor will be performing intersection improvements at Carey Street and Forest Avenue starting at 10:00 PM. During construction, the intersection will be closed to through traffic. A detour will direct motorists to use Route 9 between 14th Street and 9th Street. Forest Avenue between 14th Street and 9th Street will remain open to local traffic and residents only. Residents shall access their homes from the side of Carey Street on which their residence is located

The show was given by K9 Officers Nick Meyer and Alex Lopez.

A Toms River man has pleaded guilty to multiple narcotics distribution, eluding, and financial facilitation charges stemming from two separate investigations.

Phillip Tarver, 41, entered guilty pleas on July 6 before Judge Guy P. Ryan in connection with incidents that occurred in Toms River on January 21, 2025, and August 12, 2025. Prosecutors will seek a total sentence of 15 years in New Jersey State Prison when Tarver is sentenced on September 11.

The first investigation began in January 2025 when detectives conducting an undercover cocaine investigation observed Tarver meeting with another suspect. Following a traffic stop on Route 37, authorities recovered pills, a knife, approximately $5,300 in cash, and later discovered about 110 grams of crack cocaine on Tarver during processing at the Ocean County Jail. He was initially released under New Jersey’s bail reform law.

In a separate investigation in August 2025, detectives attempted to stop Tarver on the Garden State Parkway. Authorities said he fled while throwing items from his vehicle before leading officers on a reckless pursuit through South Toms River. Investigators recovered approximately 21 grams of cocaine that had been discarded, and Tarver was later arrested without incident in Barnegat Township. He was also found carrying approximately $10,000 in cash and has remained jailed since that arrest.

Tarver’s co-defendant, Keith Morse, pleaded guilty in June to cocaine distribution charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21.

The investigation involved the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Asset Forfeiture Unit, along with the Toms River Township Police Department and multiple local and county law enforcement agencies.

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- US strikes Iran

- Pentagon confirms the US military struck OVER 80 targets in Iran via precision strikes tonight after the regime attacked multiple civilian vessels in the Strait.

“U.S. forces struck Iranian air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats in and near the strait to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking international commerce flowing through the international trade corridor,” CENTCOM says

- Iran: The U.S. has made a serious mistake. The response will be sharp and disproportionate.

- U.S. official's message as the strikes pound Iran's coast: "We're turning up the volume."

-Shahid Haqqani Port in Bandar Abbas has reportedly been struck by U.S. airstrikes, adding a port facility to the target list of radar and launch sites

 - U.S. warships remain on alert to reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports if President Trump makes the decision to do so, according to WSJ, citing U.S. officials.

 “U.S. Central Command: forces have begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.” “The U.S. strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”

 - Two tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz right as President Trump arrived in Turkey no casualties reported so far. In the past 24 hours, 5 tankers passing through the Omani shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked.

- US renews sanctions on Iranian oil U.S. Treasury is revoking the general license that allowed Iranian oil sales, a U.S. official says.

- The IDF located weapons in a bedroom in a civilian home in the village of Talusa in southern Lebanon. During the searches of the area, the forces located explosive devices, anti-tank missile launchers, RPG rockets, vests, helmets, and Hezbollah flags.

- PM Netanyahu said he spoke with President Trump several times and conveyed the message that Turkey is not a friendly state to the State of Israel 

- Netanyahu to CNN: Selling F-35 jets to Turkey would upset the balance in the Middle East; I would not do that.

- Iranian media cites official sources: The passage in the Strait of Hormuz is proceeding in accordance with Iranian arrangements. Any "provocative action" by the US will be met with an immediate response

The roof collapse story was first reported by TLS. 

Drone footage provided to TLS by North Jersey Drone Shots.

https://thelakewoodscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/wa-1783451998733-14saj6.mp4

Weather: 76° Overcast. 

22 Tamuz 5786

- The EDN conference for school executive directors gets underway today July 7-8, 2026

The Armon Hotel and Conference Center in

Stamford, CT

- Gas prices went up today in Lakewood by 28 cents from $3.72 to now $3.99 a gallon 

- LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 7/7 the Township's contractor will be performing intersection improvements at Carey Street and Forest Avenue starting at 10:00 PM. During construction, the intersection will be closed to through traffic. A detour will direct motorists to use Route 9 between 14th Street and 9th Street. Forest Avenue between 14th Street and 9th Street will remain open to local traffic and residents only. Residents shall access their homes from the side of Carey Street on which their residence is located

- Americans will soon be able to take passport photos at home with a phone or laptop camera instead of visiting CVS, Walgreens, or another photo service, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced. The photos would be verified in real time using facial recognition, per the State Department.

- NJ Assembly GOP Get this! GovSherrill NJ held a press conference today and took credit for a $25 electric bill credit. She didn't mention it was $100 last year. That's one way to define "affordability."

- Stats from the National Weather Service the heaviest rain fell in Neptune City in Monmouth County, where 5.74 inches were measured. The Allentown area of Monmouth County was blasted with 4.53 inches of rain.

Lakewood - 2.85 inches

Jackson - 2.59 inches

Brick - 2.31 inches

Toms River - 1.99 inches

Howell - 2.22 inches

- JCP&L total customers still affected in NJ 20,690

Lakewood Township 28 of 37,021 (< 1%)

Jackson Township 10 of 23,877 (< 1%)

Toms River Township 10 of 49,352 (< 1%)

Manchester Township 5 of 27,536 (< 1%)

Brick Township 234 of 36,268 (< 1%)

Howell Township 43 of 22,043 (< 1%)

- A 38-story building in New York City a Midtown Manhattan high rise evacuated after construction workers discover buckled columns sagging floors and falling bricks. 42nd & 43rd streets near 2nd avenue closed as DOB assesses the danger.

- ICE arrested approximately 10,000 people over a five-day period at the end of June, marking one of the agency's largest recent enforcement operations as it ramps up President Trump's mass deportation agenda. Agents were seen today in Howell area.

- Giyus: The new proposal in Israel would give both IDF soldiers and full-time yeshiva and kollel students special recognition in a Basic Law, saying that both contribute to the State of Israel in different ways It will give stronger legal protection to government funding for yeshivos and kollelim.

- As JCP&L power outages stretched into a fourth day following the holiday weekend, Jersey Shore officials sharply criticized the utility over slow restoration efforts and poor communication. Several local leaders are now calling for a state investigation after residents endured days without electricity during extreme heat (APP)

- AOC soars to an all-time high in the odds to be the 2028 Democratic nominee.She’s now within 2 points of Gavin Newsom.

- NJ Gov. Sherrill, facing criticism for lack of public appearances after severe thunder storms that knocked out power for thousands and caused damage and flooding, just updated her public schedule with site visits to Camden and Oakhurst, where a BJ's store's roof collapsed. App

- Lakewood township committee will hold a special online meeting tomorrow to approve the renewal of the liquor license for Lake Terrace hall , allowing the business to continue serving alcoholic beverages under License

- Lakewood planning board meeting tonight 6pm  watch live stream Here  see agenda Here

on the agenda approve the ordnance for the CHEMED medical village in the Airport Business Commercial Zone

-Bais Reuven Kamenitz 831 Ridge Avenue Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan for a school addition

- Lakewood board meeting recap: 

The Lakewood Zoning Board heard several major applications Monday night, highlighted by the denial of a proposed 71-lot development at Augusta Boulevard and Cross Street, behind The Fairways.

The application sought approval for 66 duplex residential lots, three stormwater lots, one retail/office lot, and one lot for a shul. The applicant's attorney argued the township needs more housing so children can live near their parents and said the project would create less traffic than other uses permitted on the property. The applicant testified the site could legally be developed with four schools and several wedding halls, adding that he was simply explaining the property's existing development rights, while also noting Ocean County's plans to widen Cross Street to five lanes.

The proposal drew strong opposition from residents, particularly seniors from The Fairways, who cited traffic, safety, and quality-of-life concerns. Several noted that the nearby Eagle Ridge development will already add significant housing, while others warned about school buses sitting in traffic on Cross Street with children onboard. One resident criticized the attorney for repeatedly referencing schools as an alternative use, calling it an inappropriate scare tactic. After lengthy testimony, the board voted to deny the application.

The board also approved Chestnut Equity's four-story apartment development off Route 70, despite the project being tied up in ongoing litigation. During public comment, a resident's questioning led to a tense exchange, with board officials urging him to finish more quickly and joking that board members were hungry.

Another proposal by nine property owners near Cross Street and Massachusetts Avenue seeking approval for 37 residential units was tabled after board members raised concerns with the application.

- Brick, NJ Mayor Lisa Crate is urging residents to purchase flood insurance and have emergency plans in place, warning that rising sea levels, stronger storms, and heavier rainfall are increasing the township's flood risk. Brick has more privately owned waterfront miles than any other municipality in New Jersey and has experienced repeated flooding in many neighborhoods. APP

- CNN pundit Scott Jennings I spoke to my old friend Mitch McConnell this morning, the senior Senator from Kentucky. He’s still recovering in the hospital. We talked for just shy of 20 minutes 

- JCP&L : Crews continue working around the clock to restore power following consecutive severe storms that caused widespread damage across our service area. With power restored to over 300,000 customers, more than 2,900 JCP&L personnel along with outside support from FirstEnergy sister companies and contractors, are focused on restoring service to the remaining 40,000 customers. The vast majority of those currently without service are expected to have power restored today or tomorrow, with the remaining outages largely restored by Wednesday.

Many of the remaining outages involve substantial repairs, including replacing broken poles, repairing damaged power lines, clearing fallen trees from electrical equipment and rebuilding sections of the system damaged by the storms. Because restoration work is prioritized based on restoring the largest number of customers first, outages affecting smaller groups of customers may take longer to restore even as crews continue making significant progress. Other locations may require multiple repairs or specialized equipment. While significant progress has been made, crews continue to encounter areas with extensive storm damage, difficult terrain and access conditions that can extend restoration times

-The death toll in Venezuela earthquakes rises to 3,342.

- Trump: Toyota is moving from Mexico to the United States (Texas!). A really big deal. Tariffs at work! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- President Trump announce it's time to remove U.S. sanctions on Turkey, saying his administration is working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials to make it happen. "There's plenty of people who can sanction... We don't want to have sanctioned friends."

The young businessman is on his way to acquire 'Arkia' Israel airlines, Rabbi Ezra Unger, a 36-year-old real estate entrepreneur from Borough Park, is in advanced negotiations to purchase the Israeli airline 'Arkia': "The mass. Chilul Shabbos desecration of the Sabbath is what pushed him to take this step"  according to kikar Shabbat news

- Multiple explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, Syria where French President Emmanuel Macron stayed overnight, The blasts occurred as Macron met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace - At least 18 people were wounded, including four police officers.

- Lakewood Bikur Cholim, together with Hatzolah of Central Jersey, is encouraging eligible men to take part in a life-saving platelet donation drive on Tuesday, July 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Community Medical Center, Auditorium C, 99 Route 37 West, Toms River.

Two Jersey Shore lawmakers are calling for greater accountability from Jersey Central Power & Light after severe thunderstorms over the weekend left tens of thousands of customers without electricity for days, with more than 20,000 still without power as of this afternoon.

As of 1pm, 20,654 JCP&L customers remained without electricity, according to the utility’s outage map, several days after Friday’s storms knocked out service to more than 200,000 customers statewide.

Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra, both Ocean County Republicans, said the prolonged outages are part of a recurring pattern they say has disproportionately affected Monmouth and Ocean counties for years.

“This isn’t a one-off storm story. This is JCP&L’s business model,” McGuckin said in a statement. “Year after year, our residents suffer some of the longest outages in the state. Ocean County has one of New Jersey’s largest senior populations, and JCP&L keeps treating four- and five-day outages during heat emergencies like the cost of doing business. It has to stop.”

The outages affected residents in multiple towns, including Lakewood, Jackson, Brick, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights and Toms River, leaving many without air conditioning during a stretch of 100 plus degree heat indexes. Some residents also lost access to refrigerated medications and reliable phone service as device batteries drained.

JCP&L has said some customers may not have service restored until Thursday.

McGuckin also questioned how a summer thunderstorm was able to cause such widespread damage to the utility’s infrastructure.

“A thunderstorm in July at the Jersey Shore is hardly unprecedented. How is it that only JCP&L’s facilities can’t seem to handle it?” McGuckin said. “Let’s face it, this wasn’t a drone attack on our power grid, it was a thunderstorm.”

Kanitra argued the outages reflect broader failures in the state’s energy priorities and utility oversight.

“New Jersey handed out close to a billion dollars of your money to string power lines out to offshore wind farms that were never built,” Kanitra said. “Meanwhile the grid my constituents actually rely on is held together with duct tape and prayers.”

He also criticized the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, saying regulators approved only a portion of JCP&L’s proposed grid modernization plan while threatening penalties over reliability issues.

“You cannot starve the system and then punish it for starving,” Kanitra said. “The people who actually get punished are the families in Monmouth and Ocean sitting in the dark.”

Kanitra further alleged that billions of dollars collected through electric bills for societal benefits have been diverted away from electric infrastructure improvements, though those funds are established under state law for a variety of designated purposes.

JCP&L has said crews continue working around the clock to restore service following the storms, which brought strong winds and downed trees across much of New Jersey.

Dear everyone,

As I’ve been reflecting and missing my husband, R’ Chaim, I’ve realized how much I treasure hearing the stories and memories others have of him.

If you have a favorite memory, a meaningful interaction, a funny story, or something he said or did that stayed with you, whether as your rabbi or simply as a friend, I would be so grateful if you’d share it with me. Big or small, every memory helps me see another piece of the impact he had on the people around him, and it means more than I can express.
~ Mrs. Fraidy Abadi

https://www.ravchaimabadi.com/story

Dear Lakewood Scoop Readers,

I am a parent of 3 young children who was quite excited to be able to take them to a beautiful fireworks show, just as I did 2 years ago (the last time there was one, as you can see in the pic above.)

When they “postponed” this years show they said it will be done at a later date. As far as I know there has been no such announcement. Did anyone hear about when its reschedule for? when I drove by today I noticed the temporary fencing was already taken down.

Does anyone else wonder A) Do they even book a vendor anymore? B) If they do book a vendor does he get paid regardless? And C) If you’re not planning on providing the fireworks in the first place then just pull it from the budget!

As a side note, I think what’s more bothersome than just the fact that my children were very excited, especially this year that they “officially” added a drone show, is the lack of foresight. This is probably the only time (other than the night of safety) the Township can showcase a beautiful display of working side by side with and being there for the people by providing an enjoyable night out in honor of July 4th and our countries independence.

Why then are they so quick to turn around and not provide it and by doing so accomplishing the exact opposite by getting people upset?

TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via  Whatsapp  or via email  [email protected]

 Lakewood Largely Left Out of New Jersey's Record $60 Billion Budget.

Governor Mikie Sherrill last week signed New Jersey's largest budget ever, a $60 billion spending plan but Lakewood received just $1 million in municipal aid despite being the state's fourth-largest municipality. By comparison, Jersey City will receive an additional $15 million in state aid plus a $105 million loan. Under former Governor Phil Murphy, Lakewood typically received $7–8 million annually through discretionary aid, which has now been eliminated. Community leaders warn the shortfall could force the township to consider tax increases or service cuts. according to an article in the Lakewood shopper this past week.

Despite the cuts to Lakewood, the local state representatives Bob Singer and Sean Kean were the only 2 Republicans in New Jersey who voted YES for the budget!

Shlomo Schorr, Director of Agudath Israel of New Jersey, told the Shopper, Lakewood continues to be disadvantaged by a municipal aid formula based on population figures from more than 20 years ago, leaving it among the lowest-funded municipalities on a per-capita basis.

The budget did include A $2 million annual security grant for BMG  that was restored after initially being cut, and funding for nonpublic school security increased from $205 to $217 per student. A newly passed law by Assemblyman Avi Schnall will also allow unused nonpublic school aid to be redirected toward transportation reimbursements instead of being returned to the state.

Schorr also said the previously discussed state takeover of the Lakewood School District now appears unlikely in the near future. He suggested the proposal may have been used as leverage during the state's legal response to the school funding lawsuit  by R' Arthur Lang before being quietly set aside.

The budget also expands New Jersey's child tax credit, increasing benefits by 25% for eligible families, with credits ranging from $250 to $1,250 depending on household income.

For Lakewood, the budget is viewed as a significant disappointment, with local advocates pledging to continue pushing for a fairer state aid formula that better reflects the township's rapid growth and current needs.

Another bill included in the state budget could cost local businesses, yeshivos, and schools hundreds of thousands of dollars. Employers with 50 or more workers will now be required to pay a new state fee for each employee and dependent who receives health insurance through NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey's Medicaid program. The new assessment is expected to significantly increase costs for many large employers.

The Rebbe was known for his profound humility, unwavering faith, and heartfelt love for every Yid.

Many visit his Kever in Deans NJ to daven for Yeshuos, specifically those in Shidduchim.

His Kever is located at 104 Deans Rhode Hall Rd, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852

This link takes you directly to the Kever.

In a video released ahead of tonight’s AiDapt event at Bell Works, Ephraim Arnstein, founder and president of Bitbean, speaks about why embracing AI is no longer optional for business owners.

What makes tonight especially noteworthy: this is believed to be the first time Arnstein is attending an event of this kind in person. He will be on hand at a special lounge shared by Bitbean and Schwai, where he will be available to answer questions directly from attendees.

The event itself has far exceeded expectations. Organizers originally set a goal of 300 attendees. As of this morning, registration has passed 450 tickets, with most of the surge coming in just the last few days.

“It’s an honor, and honestly a dream come true,” said Ira Zlotowitz, who will be moderating the main stage panel. “Eastern Union was Bitbean’s first client, and probably their largest ever. The Loan Tracker system they built became the foundation of Eastern Union and is still in use today. And when we rebuilt GoDaven l’zecher my father z”l together with Dr. Fishkin, it was Bitbean who redid it and maintains it to this day. Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight.”

AiDapt takes place tonight at Bell Works in Holmdel. Doors open at 4:30 PM, with the main stage panel beginning at 5:15 PM. A light buffet dinner will be served, and ladies are invited as well.

Last-minute tickets are still available at aidaptshow.com. Lakewood Scoop readers can enter code TLS at checkout for $50 off.

https://thelakewoodscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/wa-1783430018287-cw9f2p.mp4

[Press Release]

A 24-year-old Little Egg Harbor Township man has been charged after authorities say he intentionally set fire to a residence by throwing an incendiary device onto the home’s front porch.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that John Algor Jr., 24, of Little Egg Harbor Township, was charged on July 2 with Aggravated Arson, Possession of a Destructive Device, and Hindering Apprehension in connection with the incident.

According to investigators, Little Egg Harbor Police and firefighters responded to a home on Oneida Lake Drive at approximately 11:30 p.m. on July 1 for a reported structure fire. The homeowner was able to extinguish the flames using a garden hose before emergency crews arrived.

A joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Little Egg Harbor Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated on the northwest corner of the home’s front porch. Investigators concluded the fire had been intentionally set using combustible material soaked in an ignitable liquid and placed inside a glass container.

Authorities allege the suspect arrived at the residence on a motorcycle, lit the device, threw it at the home, and fled the scene. The investigation ultimately identified Algor as the suspect.

On July 2, detectives executed an operation at Algor’s residence, where they located a motorcycle matching the investigation with its license plates removed and concealed beneath a tarp. Algor was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer credited the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the Little Egg Harbor Police Department Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office for their coordinated investigation.

New Jersey American Water (NJAW) has announced that its authorized contractor, CDM Smith, is continuing door-to-door inspections in Lakewood as part of the utility’s statewide Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

Crews are currently canvassing homes within Census Tract 7155.01, primarily in the Central Avenue and Miller Road area, to identify properties that may have lead or galvanized steel water service lines. Residents in the designated area may see representatives visiting homes over the coming days.

The program is part of a 2021 New Jersey law requiring all water utilities to identify and replace lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. Service lines include both the section owned by New Jersey American Water and the portion owned by the property owner.

Residents can either submit photos of their water service line to New Jersey American Water for review or schedule a free in-home inspection, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Customers in affected areas have been, and will continue to be, notified directly with instructions available in multiple languages.

Authorized canvassers will wear high-visibility vests displaying the New Jersey American Water and CDM Smith logos and will carry official identification. They will never ask for sensitive personal, financial, or banking information.

Officials emphasized that all inspections and any future replacement work are being conducted exclusively by New Jersey American Water and its authorized contractors—not by Lakewood Township or any other government agency. However, the Township is coordinating with the utility to help keep residents informed.

Residents may continue using their water as normal. New Jersey American Water says its drinking water continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, including those related to lead.

A map showing the current canvassing area and additional information about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program is available through New Jersey American Water. Residents with questions may also contact the utility’s Lead Team by email at [email protected] or call CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.

When I begin working with a new client, one of the first things I do is sit down with their books and work through them systematically. It is not just a technical exercise. The condition of a company’s financial records tells me a great deal about how the business is being run — and where the most important opportunities are.

I want to share what I look for, because understanding these things gives you a framework for evaluating your own financial health.

Are the Accounts Reconciled?

The first thing I check is whether the bank and credit card accounts have been reconciled regularly. Reconciliation is the process of confirming that what is in your books matches what is in your actual accounts, transaction by transaction.

When accounts have not been reconciled in months — or ever — it is a signal that the books cannot be trusted. There may be duplicate entries, missing transactions, or errors that have compounded over time. This is the most basic indicator of financial housekeeping, and when it is absent, everything else becomes suspect.

How Is the Chart of Accounts Organized?

A chart of accounts is the categorization structure that every financial transaction is coded to. When it is well-organized, financial statements are clean, meaningful, and easy to read. When it is poorly structured — with dozens of redundant categories, vague catch-all accounts, or expenses lumped together in ways that obscure useful information — the reports it produces are difficult to interpret and even harder to act on.

A bloated or disorganized chart of accounts often tells me that no one has thought critically about what the business owner actually needs to see in order to manage effectively.

Are There Unexplained Balances or Stale Items?

Old, unpaid invoices sitting in accounts receivable. Vendor bills that have not been paid in months. Negative balances where they should not exist. Undeposited funds piling up. Loans that do not reconcile to actual debt balances.

Each of these is a signal. Sometimes it indicates a process breakdown. Sometimes it reflects a one-time situation that was never cleaned up. Sometimes it reveals a more systemic issue with how transactions are being managed. I look for these items not to assign blame, but to understand what has been happening and what needs to be corrected.

What Do the Financial Statements Actually Tell Me?

Once I have a sense of the bookkeeping quality, I look at the financial statements themselves. Is the gross margin appropriate for this type of business? Are operating expenses trending in a way that makes sense? Is there a pattern to cash flow timing that reveals a risk or an opportunity?

What I am looking for is whether the numbers tell a coherent story — and whether the business owner has been using those numbers to make decisions, or operating largely on instinct and cash position.

What It All Means

Here is what I have found, consistently: the condition of a company’s books almost always reflects the degree to which the owner is engaged with their financial information. When the books are clean, current, and well-organized, the owner is typically making more informed decisions, responding to problems earlier, and running a more resilient business.

You do not need to be a financial expert to run your business well. But you do need financial information that is accurate, timely, and organized in a way that is useful. That is what good bookkeeping delivers — and it is the foundation that everything else is built on.

—

About the Author:

Joe Herskowitz, EA, is the President and CEO of Lionstone Bookkeeping+, where he helps small and medium-sized businesses take control of their finances with expert bookkeeping and financial insights. With years of experience in business finance, Joe is passionate about making numbers work for business owners—not against them.

Have a bookkeeping or business finance question?

Reach out to Joe at [email protected] or call/text 732-803-7793 (no WhatsApp).

Dear Fellow Yidden,

Four years ago, I took achrayus of the Kesher organization because I could not turn away from the heartbreaking tzaar of so many precious young women still waiting, hoping, and davening for their shidduch. Behind every name is a bas Yisroel, a family, and tears that Klal Yisroel must not ignore.

Hagaon HaRav Dovid Schustal gave voice to this pain at this year’s Adirei HaTorah, speaking of the הצנועות באחותינו צרות מאות ואלפים הרבה, who are בצער שרויות, still waiting to find their zivugim hagunim.

When I assumed leadership of Kesher four years ago, I restructured the organization to answer that cry: supporting dedicated shadchanim, guiding volunteers, and creating the structure needed to bring more shidduchim to life. Baruch Hashem, in just the last two years, Kesher has helped make over 275 shidduchim—275 moments of joy, relief, and new beginnings.

This is a responsibility that rests upon all of us. I ask you to stand with me in this avodas hakodesh, so that together we can continue helping bnos Yisroel find their zivugim and build beautiful homes in Klal Yisroel, b’ezras Hashem.

Rabbi Moshe Bender
Nasi, Kesher

Click HERE to donate!

The Lakewood Police Department advises that Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is closed between Emmanuels Drive and Pine Street due to scheduled New Jersey Natural Gas construction.

Additionally, beginning tonight (July 6) at 10:00 p.m., the Township’s contractor will perform intersection improvements at Carey Street and Forest Avenue. The intersection will be closed to through traffic. A detour will direct motorists to use Route 9 between 14th Street and 9th Street. Forest Avenue between 14th Street and 9th Street will remain open to local traffic and residents only. Residents should access their homes from the side of Carey Street where they live.

Following Monday’s torrential rainfall that inundated parts of Ocean and Monmouth counties, volunteers from Chaveirim of Central Jersey responded to hundreds of flooding-related calls throughout Lakewood and surrounding communities, assisting homeowners as floodwaters poured into basements.

As local requests continued, Chaveirim also deployed mutual aid teams to support Chaveirim of the Jersey Shore in some of the hardest-hit areas, including Deal, Long Branch, and nearby neighborhoods, where volunteers worked to pump water from flooded homes and help residents begin the difficult cleanup process.

Volunteers noted that many homeowners are unaware that standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage unless they have a separate flood insurance policy, leaving many families facing significant repair costs after the storms.

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Weather: 67° Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly this evening Chance of rain 70%.

- Mir Yerushalayim Yeshiva fundraiser event for the Chasidishe chaburah at the Beru hall in Lakewood 8:00 pm

- Yeshiva Gedolah Tiferes HaTalmud R"Y Rav Zev Schechter shlita, annual Parlor meeting 80 Gudz Rd. Lakewood.

- Lakewood Cheder graduation

- Road closures: LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 7/6 the Township's contractor will be performing intersection improvements at Carey Street and Forest Avenue starting at 10:00 PM. During construction, the intersection will be closed to through traffic. A detour will direct motorists to use Route 9 between 14th Street and 9th Street. Forest Avenue between 14th Street and 9th Street will remain open to local traffic and residents only. Residents shall access their homes from the side of Carey Street on which their residence is located

For many Americans, the Fourth of July is more than fireworks and family gatherings. It is a reminder of the extraordinary freedoms and opportunities our nation has provided for generations of people seeking a better life.

As I prepared to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends this year, I heard remarks from New York City’s mayor that were deeply disappointing. I found it troubling that a naturalized American citizen – someone who has benefited from the opportunity to rise to lead the nation’s largest city – would use our country’s birthday to speak so negatively about the nation that made that opportunity possible.

Later that evening, as I looked around at the families gathered to watch the fireworks, I thought about what America has meant to each of them.

One family escaped communist rule in the former Soviet republics of Georgia and Ukraine. They arrived in the United States with little more than hope and determination. They worked hard, built a life from scratch, and raised four children who pursued their dreams. Today, those children have become professors, entrepreneurs, and successful business owners. Their success was not guaranteed. It was earned through hard work in a country where opportunity exists for those willing to pursue it.

Another friend came from a hardworking Ocean County family with very modest means. Through determination and perseverance, he built a successful business from the ground up and eventually sold it, allowing him to enjoy a well-earned retirement. His story is not unique. It is the story of countless Americans who transformed ambition into achievement.

These are the stories that define America.

The American Dream has never promised equal outcomes, but it has offered equal opportunity. It gives people the chance to improve their circumstances through education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and hard work. That promise continues to draw millions from every corner of the world.

That is why I become concerned when political leaders romanticize socialism or dismiss the strengths of our free-market system. History has repeatedly shown that centralized government control over economies limits opportunity, discourages innovation, and concentrates power in the hands of political elites rather than ordinary citizens.

Many Americans whose families escaped communist governments understand this reality firsthand. They know what it means to live where economic mobility is limited, private enterprise is restricted, and government – not individual initiative – determines much of a person’s future. Their experiences serve as powerful reminders of why America’s system, while imperfect, remains the envy of much of the world.

We recently welcomed visitors from around the globe for international sporting events, including the FIFA Club World Cup. Many came away impressed not only by our stadiums and cities, but by the everyday conveniences, innovation, and freedoms Americans often take for granted. From economic opportunity to technological advancement, our quality of life continues to attract people seeking a better future.

Many of the loudest advocates for socialism – including Zohran Mamdani, Bernie Sanders, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – enjoy the very prosperity and personal success that America’s free-market system has afforded them, a contrast that raises legitimate questions when they ask others to embrace an economic model they themselves do not live under.

It is fair to debate public policy, healthcare, taxes, education, and the role of government. That is part of what makes America strong. But we should be careful not to diminish appreciation for the unique opportunities this country provides or suggest that systems with long histories of economic failure should become our model.

Our nation certainly faces challenges. No country is perfect. But America has consistently demonstrated an unmatched ability to reinvent itself, reward hard work, and welcome people from every background who are willing to pursue their dreams.

As I watched the fireworks light up the sky this Independence Day, I wasn’t thinking about politics. I was thinking about the families beside me – the immigrants, entrepreneurs, parents, and children whose lives demonstrate what is possible in the United States. Their stories speak louder than any political slogan ever could.

On this Fourth of July, I hope Americans take a moment to remember what makes our nation exceptional. Freedom carries responsibility. Opportunity requires effort. Success is never guaranteed. There truly is no such thing as a free lunch.

But there is something even better: the opportunity to earn your own success. That is the American Dream, and it remains worth celebrating and protecting.

Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Launches Hands-On AI Platforms Certification to Help Students, Employees and Businesses Save Time, Reduce Costs, Increase Productivity and Grow Revenue

EATONTOWN, N.J. — The next essential workplace skill has arrived.

Twenty years ago, knowing how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and email separated job candidates from the competition. Today, those programs are standard requirements in nearly every workplace.

Now, the same transformation is happening with today’s leading AI platforms.

Employers increasingly expect workers to know how to use platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Grok, Perplexity, Meta AI and Mistral to write documents, analyze spreadsheets, create presentations, automate repetitive tasks, communicate with customers and dramatically improve productivity.

The payoff is significant.

According to PwC’s 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer, workers skilled in today’s leading AI platforms earn an average of 62% more than comparable workers without those skills. After analyzing more than one billion job postings across six continents, PwC concluded that AI platform skills have become one of the fastest-growing drivers of higher salaries, promotions and career advancement.

To help individuals and businesses prepare for this workplace transformation, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, drawing on more than 20 years of workforce development, executive education and employer partnerships, is hosting the JBiz AI Operations Summit on July 13–14, 2026, at the Sheraton Eatontown in New Jersey.

The intensive two-day certification program is designed for everyone.

Whether you’re preparing to enter the workforce, applying for your first office job, working as a secretary or administrative assistant, building your career, changing professions, supervising employees or running your own business, learning today’s leading AI platforms can immediately increase your productivity and long-term earning potential.

Unlike technical courses designed for software developers, the summit focuses entirely on practical workplace applications that participants can begin using the very next day.

Participants will receive hands-on training using today’s leading AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Grok, Perplexity, Meta AI and Mistral, and learn how to:

Save Time

• Automate repetitive tasks.
• Complete reports, emails and presentations in minutes instead of hours.
• Organize meetings, schedules and daily workflows more efficiently.

Increase Productivity

• Produce higher-quality work in less time.
• Analyze spreadsheets and business data faster.
• Improve communication across every department.

Reduce Costs

• Streamline administrative work.
• Eliminate unnecessary manual processes.
• Improve operational efficiency across the organization.

Increase Revenue

• Create stronger marketing campaigns.
• Improve customer service and client communications.
• Generate better sales materials, proposals and business presentations.
• Free employees to focus on higher-value work that drives business growth.

Upon successful completion, every participant will receive an AI Platforms Certification from the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, recognizing practical proficiency in today’s leading workplace AI platforms.

An Investment With Immediate ROI

For employers, this is more than employee training—it’s a business investment.

Equip your workforce with practical AI platform skills that help your company:

• Save time.
• Reduce operating costs.
• Increase employee productivity.
• Improve customer service.
• Produce higher-quality work.
• Strengthen decision-making.
• Increase sales.
• Grow revenue.
• Build a more competitive organization.

The result is a workforce that delivers measurable value every day.

For employees, the benefits are equally compelling.

These practical skills strengthen résumés, improve job performance, increase confidence, position workers for promotions and create opportunities for higher-paying positions throughout their careers.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The demand for AI platform skills continues to accelerate.

• 62% average salary premium for workers with AI platform skills (PwC).
• Up to 118% salary premium in customer-facing industries (PwC).
• 8× faster growth in demand for AI platform skills than the overall job market (PwC).
• 7.5 hours saved every week by professionals using AI platforms (London School of Economics).
• 2.3 hours saved every workday through AI-assisted tasks (GoTo Workplace Survey).
• 8%–15% greater chance of receiving a job interview when AI platform skills appear on a résumé (University of Oxford, shared by the World Economic Forum).

“Every generation has a workplace skill that becomes essential,” said Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. “Yesterday it was Word, Excel, Outlook and email. Today it’s learning how to use today’s leading AI platforms. Whether you’re entering the workforce, working as a secretary, advancing your career or growing a business, these are practical skills that help people save time, increase productivity, reduce costs, increase revenue and become more valuable in today’s economy.”

JBiz AI Operations Summit

July 13–14, 2026
Sheraton Eatontown
Eatontown, New Jersey

Every participant who completes the two-day program will earn an AI Platforms Certification from the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce.

For registration and corporate or group discounts:

Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce
212-659-5270 ext. 104
[email protected]
www.OJChamber.com

About the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce

For more than 20 years, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce has helped businesses and individuals grow through workforce development, executive education, certification programs, government partnerships and business advocacy. Through the JBiz AI Operations Summit, the Chamber continues its mission of equipping today’s workforce with practical, in-demand skills that help businesses save time, reduce costs, increase productivity, grow revenue and compete in the modern economy, while advancing its mission of “Uniting the World Through Commerce.”

(Provided by NJ Aerial)

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden is expressing his gratitude to the dozens of first responders and emergency agencies that answered the call during Sunday’s severe storms, which triggered widespread flooding and multiple water rescues across Monmouth County, particularly in Ocean Township and Neptune City.

Golden praised the swift and coordinated response to numerous water rescue incidents, saying the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication displayed by emergency personnel helped protect residents as dangerous conditions rapidly developed.

“These incidents are a reminder that no agency responds alone,” Golden said. “It is through strong partnerships and cooperation that we are able to serve our residents when they need us most.”

The sheriff also urged residents to remain cautious, noting that floodwaters may still be present in some areas.

“Never drive through flooded roadways, and follow the guidance of your emergency officials,” Golden said.

Golden extended his thanks to the many agencies that assisted during the storm response, including the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Monmouth County EMS Coordinators, Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, MedStar, Monmouth County CERT, numerous municipal police, fire, and OEM agencies throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties, as well as multiple fire departments and EMS organizations that responded to assist with the emergency operations.

The coordinated response came as torrential rainfall overwhelmed roadways across parts of Monmouth County, prompting numerous emergency rescues and widespread flooding throughout the region.

Lakewood Bikur Cholim, together with Hatzolah of Central Jersey, is encouraging eligible men to take part in a life-saving platelet donation drive on Tuesday, July 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Community Medical Center, Auditorium C, 99 Route 37 West, Toms River.

Platelets are in constant demand and are essential for patients undergoing cancer treatments, major surgeries, traumatic injuries, organ transplants, and other serious medical conditions. Because platelets have a short shelf life, donations are needed on an ongoing basis to ensure hospitals have an adequate supply.

Appointments are required for all donors. Participants should bring a valid photo ID and are asked to eat and drink before arriving for their appointment. Following a successful donation, donors will receive a $20 gift card, and kosher lunch and snacks will be provided.

Organizers say every platelet donation has the potential to save lives and are urging members of the community to schedule an appointment and help ensure these critical blood products are available for patients who need them most.

Sell your valuables at The Yellow Door!

We buy gold, silver, diamonds & more.

3 DAYS ONLY! July 7-9

Learn more HERE!

A driver in Deal, NJ tells TLS he was driving this car when the torrential downpours trapped him in rising waters.

He managed to open the window and swim to dry land.

Emergency personnel then arrived to check his vehicle for any additional passengers.

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Hatzolah and multiple emergency agencies responded to an overturned vehicle on Ocean Avenue in Lakewood just after 3:00PM, Monday afternoon.

Emergency personnel were forced to cut open the vehicle’s windshield to access the occupants following the crash.

Despite the dramatic scene, no serious injuries have been reported.

Motorists should expect extended delays in the area as emergency crews continue working at the scene and the roadway is cleared.

Credit: Yaakov R.

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Shopper narrowly escaped serious injury Monday morning when a large section of the roof at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey, suddenly collapsed during intense thunderstorms that battered the region.

Dramatic surveillance footage captured the terrifying moment a shopper was browsing the bakery section of the store at approximately 11:16 a.m. when the roof gave way, sending torrents of water crashing into the building. The force of the rushing water shoved wooden display racks across the floor as debris fell from above.

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According to police, 27 people were inside the warehouse at the time of the collapse. Two individuals were partially trapped but were able to free themselves before emergency crews arrived.

Remarkably, no injuries were reported.

Emergency responders rushed to the BJ’s Wholesale Club on Route 35 after receiving reports of the collapse. Initial reports indicated that approximately a 50-foot section of the roof had failed, prompting a search of the affected area to ensure no one remained trapped.

The collapse occurred as powerful storms swept across New Jersey, producing flash flooding, torrential rainfall, and dangerous travel conditions throughout much of the state.

Authorities have asked motorists to avoid the area around Route 35, Park Avenue, and Deal Road, particularly between Routes 18 and 35, while crews continue to assess the damage.

A driver was luckily unharmed after hydroplaning and making a full 360 on the GSP today.

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In honor of its historic 50th anniversary, ArtScroll, in conjunction with Dan’s Deals, is celebrating with something truly extraordinary: a once-in-50-years sale featuring 50 sefarim and books each week for 5 weeks at their lowest prices ever! 50% off list price! Plus, FREE SHIPPING in the USA on orders over $79. No gimmicks!

For five weeks only — July 6 through August 9 — ArtScroll will feature a new group of 50 titles on sale each week. That’s 250 books and sefarim over the course of the celebration, all at an unprecedented 50% off list price!

These are not ordinary sale prices. They are the lowest prices ever offered on these titles — and they won’t last. Each weekly sale runs for that week only. Once a title sells out, or once the week ends, those prices are gone.

It’s a rare opportunity to build your library, stock up on gifts, purchase that set or title you have always wanted, and bring more Torah learning into your home — at savings that may never return.

AND THAT’S ONLY THE BEGINNING!

Throughout the five-week celebration, ArtScroll is giving away more than $50,000 in prizes!

Each week, one winner will receive a $10,000 ArtScroll list-price gift card. Thousands of dollars in additional prizes will be awarded weekly as well, including digital libraries, one-of-a-kind book sets, exclusive ArtScroll items, and special prizes that can’t be purchased anywhere.

Best of all, entry is free — no purchase necessary! Enter just once, and your entry counts toward all five weekly giveaways.

Fifty years. Five weeks. Fifty titles each week. Fifty percent off. And more than $50,000 in prizes!

This is ArtScroll’s biggest celebration — and its biggest savings ever.

Shop this week’s 50% off sale today!

Enter the $50,000+ giveaway now!

Don’t delay — this week’s titles are only here for a week!

Flooding has been reported at multiple locations:

* Oak Street & New Hampshire Avenue

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* Route 9 & Buttell Avenue

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Heavy flooding has been reported at Martin Luther King Drive and Pine Street. Motorists are urged to use caution and avoid the area if possible.

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Motorists are urged to avoid these areas and never drive through flooded roadways.

Use alternate routes if possible.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel are on the scene of a structure fire at the intersection of Arlington Avenue and Elm Street.

Credit: Yaakov R.

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[FOLLOW TLS WHATSAPP COMMUNITY FOR UPDATES] Torrential rainfall is causing dangerous flooding across Monmouth County this afternoon, with numerous roads submerged and water rapidly accumulating in low-lying areas as heavy rain continues to move through the region.

Significant flooding has been reported at and around Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where roadways on and around the campus have become inundated, creating hazardous travel conditions for patients, visitors, and emergency responders. Flooding has also been reported near Route 18 and several other major roadways throughout the county.

UPDATE: The hospital sent TLS the following statement: “At Hackensack Meridian Health, the safety and well-being of our patients, guests, and team members is our highest priority.  Earlier this afternoon, as a result of the severe storm, we experienced flooding in Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Level 1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, and Pediatric and Adult Emergency Department lobby. Patient care was not impacted and normal operations continue.”

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for portions of Monmouth and Ocean counties. In Ocean County, the warning remains in effect until 3:45 p.m., with additional rainfall expected to produce life threatening flash flooding in vulnerable locations.

Emergency officials are urging residents to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.

“We are experiencing severe rainfall today, which can cause significant flooding in the area,” Police Chief Greg Meyer tells TLS. “We urge all residents to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary. While the flash flood warning is in effect until 3:45 PM, the roads can be dangerous to drive on for several hours after that. All non-essential driving should be avoided.”

Motorists are reminded never to drive through flooded roadways, as water depths can be deceptive and vehicles can quickly become stranded. Officials say conditions may continue to deteriorate as additional heavy rain moves through the area.

Sources tell Lakewood Alerts that severe flooding has been reported at Jersey Shore Hospital (JSUMC), where the parking lot and ambulance bay is underwater and water is pouring into parts of the building.

Emergency officials are on the scene responding to the incident.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Weather: 77° Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times.Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Localized flooding is possible

- President Trump departs Washington for the NATO summit in Turkey, saying he's making the trip for one reason: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

- NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill under fire for refusing to call a state of emergency she tweeted this late today 

"The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management continues to be activated and assisting communities across the state with severe weather conditions, including those impacted by today’s substantial flooding.

I’m grateful to the first responders and public servants who have been working around the clock to keep people safe.

Our communities have been hit hard, and we will continue to help them recover."

- Team USA's World Cup run has come to an end. The United States fell 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seattle.

- The Lakewood Cheder graduation will take place this evening 

- The death toll from the brutal heat wave in New Jersey this past weekend is being blamed for an estimated 29 deaths across the state, the state Department of Health tells nj.com The deaths have been reported across 10 counties, with most in the central to northern part of the state and involving people found in homes without air conditioning. The ages mostly range from the mid-30s into the 80s.

- The National Weather Service received reports of multiple water rescues occurring throughout coastal sections of Monmouth County, including Asbury Park, Deal, Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Wall Township, and West Long Branch. A portion of the roof has collapsed at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office said.

Belmar police said Route 35 is closed between 16th Avenue and Route 71 and asked motorists to avoid all travel in the borough.

In Neptune City, 25 people were rescued from flood waters as the storm brought record rainfall rates of nearly 5 inches per hour, according to statement from the borough.

“At the height of the storm, dozens of people were trapped in vehicles on flooded roadways and parking lots, and dozens of residences were impacted by flooding, including multiple apartments on Steiner Avenue,” borough officials said. “Emergency responders continue to check on residents in affected areas, and our construction department is working to assess properties to determine when it is safe for residents to return home.”(NJ.com)

Will Kosher meat prices also come down?

- Trump: Great news! I have just been informed that one of the biggest, best, and smartest Retailers in America, Walmart, will be lowering prices, by a lot, at my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country's 250th birthday. Walmart will, in particular, be dropping the price for a pound of ground beef by almost 15%, among many other products. This is a huge deal for the many millions of Americans who, smartly, shop at Walmart, which is a truly patriotic Company who loves the U.S.A. My Administration is lowering prices that Joe Biden incompetently raised with the worst inflation crisis in history, a total disaster along with the Southern Border, the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, and many other failures. Just as I promised, Oil Prices are plummeting FAST, and Gas Prices at the pump are dropping too, just like egg and Prescription Drug prices which I am bringing down by historic levels. Walmart is stepping up in a big and bold way, and other Retailers should follow the lead of these absolute Patriots. Together, we will make America stronger and greater than ever before! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- "Worst storm damage since Sandy yet Sherrill hasn't declared a regional state of emergency that can unlock vital resources support for our towns.

Why?

Because a state-level declaration is a prerequisite to Federal help, and Sherrill doesn't want to give the Trump administration any opportunity for a victory in New Jersey. She doesn't care how much our people need help.Sherrill's mind is still stuck on WASHINGTON, DC when it should be on the people of NEW JERSEY. When will her Democrat colleague, and your District 25 Assemblywoman, Marisa Sweeney, will call Sherrill out on this hypocrisy?"

Anthony Somma Candidate for NJ Assembly Randolph, NJ 

- Charlie Kirk's parents and widow, arrived to a court in Provo, Utah Monday for the first day of a preliminary hearing for the man accused of shooting and killing him last year.

- Russia strikes Kyiv with mass missile and drone attack, killing at least 11. The assault marks the second large-scale attack on Kyiv in less than a week, and it comes ahead of Ukrainian President Zelensky's meeting with US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Turkey. 

WSJ: "Ukraine has virtually run out of Patriot interceptors that stop ballistic missiles. Ukraine was unable to intercept any of the 23 Russian ballistic missiles that crashed into the Kyiv area in the early hours of Monday"

- Thousands lose power in Jackson after earlier storms including S Cooks Bridge W County Line and Flair area.

- 4:30  pm update JCP&L  Customers Affected

37,367 in New Jersey

Ocean county 4637

Brick  461 of 36,268 (1%)

Lakewood 189 of 37,021 (< 1%) 

Jackson 3,449 of 23,877 (14%)

Howell  183 of 22,043 (< 1%)

Manchester 47 of 27,536 (< 1%)

Toms River 125 of 49,352 (< 1%)

- Despite the weather anti ICE protesters continued their campaign along Clifton Avenue in Lakewood today.

- 3 pm update JCP&L Customers Affected

35,700 in New Jersey

Ocean county 1150

Brick 476 of 36,268 (1%)

Lakewood 80 of 37,021 (< 1%)

Jackson 43 of 23,877 (< 1%)

Howell 206 of 22,043 (< 1%)

Manchester 37 of 27,536 (< 1%)

Toms River 133 of 49,352 (< 1%

 Assemblyman Alex Sauickie is demanding the NJBPU immediately hold a public reliability hearing. More than 200,000 customers lost power over July 4th weekend during a dangerous heat wave. Some won't have power until Thursday

-Local roads flooded along Rt 9 south Oak st and New Hampshire.  Lightning caused a Structure fire to a home on Arlington Ave. DPW crews came out to clear drains as flood waters  covered roadways.

Flash Flood Warning issued from 10:30 am - 2:45 pm indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen.

Message Sent to local phones

- Heavy rain has caused severe flash flooding across Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, with multiple water rescues, submerged vehicles, evacuations, and road closures. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and never drive through floodwaters. Deal,Naja  area hit by  rising floodwaters 

- Flooded basements across the area  Chaveirim and Chavivim responding

- Heavy flooding in Monmouth county. Jersey shore medical center parking area and ambulance bay a d emergency room hit with floodwaters

- President Trump reveals that on July 4th, $1,000 was deposited into over 500,000 Trump Accounts for Childern! Michael Dell is making a $6 BILLION contribution into the accounts.

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced today that she will donate 2,000,000 shares of SpaceX stock to the accounts.

- Giyus: In the Chashmonaim Brigade, discussions were held about establishing dedicated units for different ultra-Orthodox communities in order to make it easier to recruit members of those communities. Shin Bet chief David Zini blocked the move, warning that "the IDF would turn into militias."

- More than 56,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey remain without power early Monday morning following powerful weekend storms that had sparked as many as 240,000 outages

Monday July 6th 12:30 pm 

JCP&L Customers Affected 

Across New Jersey 39,618

Ocean county 1,568

Lakewood 142 of 37,021 (< 1%)

Jackson 85 of 23,877 (< 1%)

Brick 567 of 36,268 (2%)

Manchester 37 of 27,536 (< 1%)

Toms River 155 of 49,352 (< 1%)

Howell 264 of 22,043 (1%)

ETA restoration is Wednesday night July 8 11:30pm

-Mordys Shteible still no power running on generators 

- BDE: Levaya of Rav Yoel Yaakov Sperka zt”l in Lakewood today at the chapel watch livestream on zoom Here

 -President Trump reveals that on July 4th, $1,000 was deposited into over 500,000 Trump Accounts for Childern! Michael Dell is making a $6 BILLION contribution into the accounts.

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced today that she will donate 2,000,000 shares of SpaceX stock to the accounts

Trump accounts website HERE

APP HERE

- President Trump is urging parents to enroll their children in the new Trump Accounts program, saying it could provide a significant financial head start. "If parents haven't already done so, they should go right away to TrumpAccounts.gov and sign their child up for a free investment savings account," Trump said, adding that a child with no money today could see the account grow to "hundreds of thousands of dollars" over time through long-term investment growth.

 Trump rings the New York Stock Exchange opening bell from the Oval Office, launching Trump Accounts, for kids.

President Trump says he would be a fan of making Bitcoin eligible for investment in Trump accounts!

https://www.irs.gov/trumpaccounts  

https://trumpaccounts.gov/

 A tructure collapse at the BJ’s Wholesale Club on Route 35 in Oakhurst. There are unconfirmed reports of possible entrapment, and emergency responders are reportedly on scene. The exact circumstances and the extent of any injuries have not been confirmed at this time. 

- NJ Assembly GOP

This morning in New Jersey:

3rd worst power outage state in the nation according to http://PowerOutage.com.

Over 200,000 customers lost power over July 4th weekend. Tens of thousands still without power today Some won't be restored until Thursday - 5 days in dangerous heat.

The NJ Board of Public Utilities oversees grid reliability. Last week it cut your summer electric bill credit from $100 to $25 during a heat wave that knocked out power to over 200,000 customers.It has never held a public reliability hearing.

More on that this afternoon.

-Signs asking to daven for a youngerman Yosef Dan ben Breina Zlata who facing potential legal issues by mesira of אינשי דלא מעלי 

- Tonight the Lakewood Zoning Board meeting 7pm watch live stream Here 

 see agenda here 

9 applications are on tonight's Lakewood Zoning Board agenda, including:

-Rabin & Company –Use variance for a development of single-family homes and duplexes.

-Chestnut Equity  4-story apartment building on Route 70.

-560 Cross Street, LLC 71-lot subdivision with 66 duplex lots, retail/office space, and a house of worship.

-1127 CL, LLC  Use variance for an office building on East County Line Road.

-Ohel Gittel – Use variance for a dormitory on 1070 Cross Street.

- Trump says the White House helipad is being built because the new Marine One choppers are too powerful to land without destroying the South Lawn: "Sikorsky is paying for it... they're paying the full cost."

 -  Vacant for more than two decades, a fitness club is moving into the former Staples store at Town & Country Shopping Center on Route 70.

- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission agencies could have to return to the pre-pandemic practice of doing all license and vehicle transactions and talk walk-if if two bills in the legislature are passed.

- President Trump revealed he pushed back against suggestions to postpone or reschedule his America 250 Independence Day speech: TRUMP: "They had 150,000 THOUSAND people come back!" "They said, we'll do it another time. I said, NO WE WON'T! We're doing it on the 4th of July!" "I think the 150,000 was more impressive than the original 425,000!"

Shuls across Bet Shemesh will hold a special Yom Tefillah today for the gezeiras Giyus

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Lakewood area until 3:45 PM EDT. This is a dangerous, life-threatening situation. Residents are urged to avoid all unnecessary travel and never drive through flooded roadways. Travel should only be attempted if you are fleeing a flood-prone area or under an evacuation order.

Emergency crews are on the scene of a partial building collapse at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, Monmouth County.

According to initial reports, approximately a 50-foot section of the roof collapsed into the store, reportedly impacting the bakery area.

Rescuers have begun searching for up to three possible victims who may be trapped in the affected section of the building. There are reports of people injured.

The gas company has been requested to respond after reports of a possible gas leak. Utility crews are also working to secure electrical power and the building’s water supply to the sprinkler system.

Monmouth Sheriff Department is asking all to avoid Route 35 in Ocean Township due to severe flooding. It is extremely dangerous to travel.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be published as it becomes available

President Trump and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent participated in a ceremonial ringing of the opening bell from the Oval Office of the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq this morning, officially launching the Trump Accounts program nationwide.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the Trump Accounts app is now fully operational, allowing families across the country to open and manage investment accounts for their children.

The app includes account dashboards, real-time balance tracking, investment performance updates, and options to set recurring contributions and link bank accounts. It also features 15 financial education modules covering saving, investing, compound growth, diversification, and long-term financial planning.

Treasury said there is no cost to open an account, and eligible children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028 will receive a $1,000 government contribution. Officials added that the program is open to all U.S. children under 18 with a valid Social Security number, and families can begin contributing additional funds at any time. Projections shared by the Treasury suggest that with maximum contributions and long-term growth, accounts could reach approximately $271,000 by age 18.

Officials also noted that more than 50 companies have already committed to offering Trump Account contributions as an employee benefit.

“Trump Accounts are now live, giving every child a stake in the American Dream from day one,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “The app now includes full account functionality, financial education tools, and simple ways for families to begin building long-term savings.”

Enrollment is available through the official Trump Accounts website, where families can download the app and begin contributing immediately. The program is aimed at helping children build long-term wealth for education, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and retirement.

- Iran Escalates Tensions, Fires Two Missiles at Commercial Ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

- Israeli Ambassador to the US Leiter stated: "The trilateral agreement between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States supersedes the MOU between the US and Iran regarding Lebanon. The framework of the new agreement takes precedence over the previous clauses concerning the Lebanese border and security arrangements."

- A Hamas commander responsible for training the terror group’s elite Nukhba Force ahead of the October 7, 2023, onslaught was killed in an overnight strike in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF says

- Trump on Iran: "I could dismantle all of their infrastructure in a moment, and they know that, but I prefer to reach an agreement with them." Either Iran will make a deal, or we will complete the mission, and that won't be difficult.

- President Donald Trump says Iran has offered concessions in the nuclear talks, before admitting that those proposals aren’t final. “We’ve gotten concessions, now they have to hold [to] those concessions,” Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office.

- A airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip over the weekend targeted five Hamas operatives who were attempting to restore a tunnel system, the military says.

- The Hamas media office announced: The Chairman of the Governmental Emergency Committee announced his resignation - ahead of the transfer of professional management to the National Committee for Gaza Management. It was noted that employees will continue to fulfill their roles and that the current governmental institution heads will be considered temporary during the transition phase

- The Board of Peace says it will assess developments in Gaza “by actions, not promises,” after Hamas announced the dissolution of its governing administration in the Strip in preparation for the transfer of authority to the Board’s technocratic National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

- PM Netanyahu on Fox News about the planned meeting with Trump: We haven't set a date yet. We weakened Iran and I want to expand the Abraham Accords and advance additional agreements

- At Khamenei's funeral in Tehran: Photos of LauraLoomer, Donald Trump, benshapiroMiriam Adelson, Lindsey Grahamand others, with red targets on their faces. The signs read: "In the end, your heads will be splashed."

PCS Software & Web Development Program

Thinking about a career in programming?
Gain the in-demand skills employers are looking for and prepare for today’s workforce – with AI integrated throughout the curriculum.

Open House
Wednesday, July 15 | 7:30 PM

New! AI-Enhanced Curriculum
Learn the Skills of Tomorrow. Today. 

PCS | 15th Cohort

Why Choose PCS?

• Dedicated career placement team

• Job placement assistance throughout the Tri-State area

• Expert instructors with real-world industry experience

• In-person and remote learning options

• Bachelor’s degree pathway (Yeshiva/Seminary credits accepted)

• Separate men’s and women’s programs

• Programming aptitude testing available

• Limited partial scholarships

Attend the Open House

In Person:
PCS
1771 Madison Avenue, Executive Center, Lakewood

Or join via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register

Learn More

📹 Watch the Course Overview:
https://pcsnynj.org/course

For information and registration:
📞 732-905-9700 ext. 610 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.pcsnynj.org

Join the PCS Software Development WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JW8vWxfeggfATqFuMCKt4D

The full financial impact of this weekend’s powerful storms is still being assessed, but early estimates indicate that millions of dollars in damage have been inflicted across the Lakewood area as residents continue the long cleanup and recovery process.

Across Lakewood and neighboring communities, countless homeowners spent the weekend clearing debris after large trees and heavy limbs crashed onto roofs, garages, sheds, and vehicles. In many neighborhoods, fences were flattened, siding and roofing sustained damage, and yards were littered with debris.

The storms also caused widespread damage to utility infrastructure, leaving tens of thousands of customers without electricity at the height of the outages. Utility crews have been working around the clock to restore service, but as of Monday morning, nearly 2,000 JCP&L customers in Ocean County remained without power as repairs continued. Crews are still replacing damaged poles, repairing downed wires, and removing hazardous trees.

For many residents, the cleanup is only the beginning. Homeowners whose properties sustained damage are encouraged to contact their insurance companies as soon as possible to begin the claims process and determine what repairs and losses may be covered under their policies. Experts also recommend documenting all damage with photographs before cleanup begins whenever it is safe to do so.

Municipal crews, utility workers, emergency responders, and volunteers have been working tirelessly since the storm swept through Friday evening, clearing blocked roadways, removing dangerous trees, and helping restore normalcy to affected neighborhoods.

While power has been restored to the vast majority of customers, many families are still dealing with the aftermath of one of the most destructive summer storms to impact the region in recent years, with cleanup efforts expected to continue for days.

We regret to inform you of the Petirah of Harav Yoel Yaakov Sperka Zatzal, who served as a Rav in Detroit for over half a century.

Rav Sperka Zatzal was the Rav of Congregation B’nai Israel-Beth Yehudah in Detroit for over 50 years, before moving to Lakewood in 2013. He was also the Mechaber of Toras Hashem Temimah LehaRamban.

The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 10:15 AM tomorrow, Monday at the Chapel, located at 613 Ramsey Avenue, in Lakewood. Kevurah will take place in Eretz Yisroel.

Those wishing to participate in the Levaya via Zoom can do so here.

Shiva details will be published when available.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

To the Editor:

I am writing out of genuine concern for the safety of our community. Since Friday night’s storm, a large tree has been left leaning on utility wires over the busy intersection of 6th Street and Clifton Avenue. Nearly 48 hours have passed, yet the danger remains.

Police initially responded and taped off the area, but the tape came down overnight. On Sunday, children were seen playing directly beneath the tree before police returned to re-tape the area. As the attached photo shows, after officers left, the tree was still hanging over the roadway and sidewalk, posing a risk to anyone passing below.

Residents have been told that removing the tree is JCP&L’s responsibility. Whether that is the case or not, the fact remains that this hazardous situation continues to exist over one of Lakewood’s busiest intersections. Cars continue to drive underneath it, pedestrians continue to walk by it, and families continue to pass through the area.

Storm cleanup takes time, and everyone understands that crews have been working tirelessly across the region. But when a tree is visibly suspended over a busy public intersection for nearly two days, many residents are left wondering whether enough is being done to protect the public before someone is seriously injured.

I hope this issue receives the attention it deserves and is resolved before an avoidable tragedy occurs.

— A Concerned Lakewood Resident

The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Lakewood Alerts. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review. 

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WhatsApp-Video-2026-07-05-at-9.09.54-PM.mp4

💻 To join via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/645572066

📞 929-205-6099  ID: 645572066

Architect Liran Shukrun describes one of the most important moves in Givat Hashalvah with a kind of quiet simplicity: the cars went underground. On a mountain, that decision is anything but simple. Parking, access roads, and technical systems had to be buried into the hillside. It required engineering, cost, and persistence. But once that happened, the entire ground level changed meaning. It became available for families, movement, greenery, courtyards, and community life.

That is where the “spaces between” become the point. In many residential developments, the areas between buildings are leftover space. At Givat Hashalvah, they are part of the architecture. They are where children pass one another on the way home, where parents meet without scheduling it, where a walk to shul becomes part of the neighborhood rhythm, and where the project begins to feel familiar before anyone formally defines it as a kehilla.

The master plan is built around a sequence of courtyards connected from east to west, almost like walking through an old city. You move from one pod to the next, from home toward school, shul, park, daycare, or shared space, without needing the street to do the work. That matters because the community is not only created by those who live nearby. It is created by how often people naturally cross paths, how easy it is to walk, and how much the plan invites daily life to happen outside the front door.

In Liran’s view, this is the human work of urban planning. A neighborhood has to help people use their feet, see one another, and feel part of the place around them. Givat Hashalvah was planned with that belief at its center. The buildings matter, of course. But the life between the buildings may be what turns the project into a community.

Explore Givat Hashalvah