Toms River Police Chief Guy Maire is set to retire in January, bringing an end to a distinguished 35 year career in law enforcement and dedicated service to the residents of Toms River.

Mayor Daniel Rodrick expressed his appreciation for Toms River Police Chief Guy Maire following the announcement of his upcoming retirement, stating, “I am personally grateful for his service, his leadership, and the tremendous contributions he has made to our police department.”

Throughout his career, Maire has served the township in various capacities, working his way through the ranks before assuming leadership of the police department.

His retirement comes at a time when the Toms River Police Department continues to face staffing shortages, an ongoing concern as the township works to maintain adequate police coverage and meet the demands of a growing community.

Despite efforts to rebuild the department’s ranks, staffing remains an important issue as the department faces increasing calls for service and growing demands on its officers.

During his tenure in department leadership, Maire has overseen police operations, personnel, and public safety initiatives serving one of Ocean County’s largest municipalities.

Maire also played a role in addressing homeless encampments throughout the township, coordinating efforts to clear affected areas and connect displaced individuals with housing resources.

After 35 years of service, Maire has reached the maximum pension service credit available to him, according to the township’s retirement announcement.

His departure marks a significant transition for the Toms River Police Department, which will face the challenge of selecting new leadership while continuing to address staffing needs and maintain public safety services.

As Chief Guy Maire prepares to close this chapter of his career, his 35 years of dedication and service to the residents of Toms River deserve recognition and appreciation.

The incident happened yesterday in the Lakewood area.

Hashkafa With Rav Gershon Ribner shlita

The hidden wisdom of graphology
Should fierce opposition to Lubavitch morph into animosity? A great man declares himself the Messiah Endeavor of bringing the Messiah Matchmaking among the non-observant Scholars clash with laymen in the bomb shelters

 Chasunas: 

Falk - Svei Fountain Ballroom 

Rosmerin - Follman Ateres Esther

Weitz - Tainsky Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Heisler - Gross Cedar Palace

- Tonight marks the 1st Yartzeit of the four yeshiva bochurim who were killed in a tragic car accident on the NJ Turnpike .

Habachur Shlomo Abba Cohen Z”L

Habachur Chaim Simcha Grossman Z"L 

Habachur Yaakov Kilberg Z"L 

Habachur Aharon Nosson Lebovits Z"L 

- LPD Traffic Alert: Martin Luther King Dr will be closed north bound from Center St to Cedarbridge Ave for planned NJNG construction. Plan alternate route if possible.

The Lakewood Police Department is welcoming five new officers following their graduation from Ocean County Police Academy Class #126 on Tuesday, October 6.

The newly graduated officers are I. Grassadonio (#475), D. Ortiz (#479), M. Ormsby (#480), B. Mendez (#482), and J. Figueroa (#483).

The graduation marks an important milestone for the five officers as they begin their law enforcement careers serving and protecting the Lakewood community.

Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer congratulated the officers on their achievement and welcomed them to the department.

“Congratulations to our five new officers on this outstanding achievement. We are proud to welcome them to the Lakewood Police Department family and look forward to their service to our community,” Chief Meyer said.

The Lakewood Police Department also expressed pride in the graduates and said it looks forward to the positive impact they will make as they begin their service to the community.

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Wednesday that a statewide review of voter registration procedures at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uncovered approximately 1,090 additional records requiring correction or further investigation, prompting a series of reforms aimed at preventing similar problems in the future.

According to the Governor’s Office, approximately 750 records were affected by a software error between June 2023 and June 2024. Those individuals selected “no” when asked whether they met the age requirements to vote, but their information was nevertheless processed for voter registration. Officials confirmed that all were actually old enough to vote and that no underage individuals voted because of the error.

Of those 750 records, approximately 380 involved individuals who never voted and whose registrations are being deleted. Another 320 individuals had other potentially valid registrations and voted, with their records referred to county election officials for review. Approximately 50 individuals registered solely because of the error and subsequently voted. Their registrations are being deleted, and their cases are being referred to county officials.

The investigation also uncovered approximately 340 potentially improper registrations connected to MVC re-entry events for incarcerated individuals dating back to 2016. Some individuals incorrectly declared themselves eligible to vote while serving sentences for indictable offenses. An additional 60 individuals identified as currently incarcerated are also being referred to county officials for corrective action.

The administration emphasized that neither of the newly identified categories involved noncitizens.

In response, the MVC is implementing a new daily automated auditing system designed to verify voter registration information before it is transferred to election officials. Records containing missing or conflicting information will be flagged for manual review.

Additional reforms include expanded translation services in more than 80 languages, clearer voter eligibility instructions, updated online registration procedures, and additional eligibility confirmation questions at MVC re-entry events. The agency is also transitioning to a new technology vendor.

Sherrill said the investigation remains ongoing and pledged to continue correcting registration errors while protecting eligible voters.

The announcement follows earlier findings involving thousands of voter registrations affected by a separate citizenship-related processing error at the MVC.

The accident happened shortly after 7:00 PM at the intersection of 9th Street and Madison Avenue.

Avoid the area.

Federal officers busted in a door made an arrest at a Lakewood-area home today following an investigation, TLS has learned.

Sources told TLS the investigation apparently began a while back after the suspect allegedly ordered drugs online that were intercepted while going through the U.S. Postal Service system. However, someone in the household apparently continued the illegal activity, leading federal authorities to investigate further.

Yesterday, a drone was spotted flying overhead and was apparently conducting surveillance in the area.

Today, federal officers arrived at the home.

Moments after someone went outside to pick up the mail, officers reportedly busted down the door and entered the residence, making an arrest.

The investigation remains ongoing

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,

When driving every morning down cedar bridge I need to make a left turn onto swarthmore and I can wait up until 10 minutes to turn. Can you please put a left turn signal by that intersection?

Thanx for all your help!

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon. I wish I could. My business was located in Swarthmore for 25 years. I am very familiar with this concern. Cedarbridge is a county road so any project requires their buy in. The good news is that the county is receiving a federal grant to reconstruct all the intersections on Cedarbridge from 88 to Airport Rd. And a turn lane and signal was in the initial plans.

Thanks

Ray

—————–

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

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

The all clear has just been given after swatting calls targeting public schools in Howell and Wall Township this afternoon, TLS has learned.

Officials tell TLS that all students in Howell were placed in lockdown while authorities worked to verify the situation after receiving a threatening call.

Following an investigation, police determined that the call was a swatting incident, and the lockdown was lifted after the all clear was given.

Officials tell TLS that swatting calls are unfortunately sometimes part of a competition among kids to see who can draw the largest response from emergency personnel.

UPDATE: Statement from Wall Police Department: “Wall Police is working in conjunction with the school staff. We are aware of recent phone threats made toward local schools. At this time, there is no immediate danger to students or staff, and these appear to be part of a series of “swatting” incidents (false reports designed to provoke an emergency response).

The Wall Township Police Department is actively investigating the calls. There is currently no credible threat to the safety of our schools or community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as law enforcement works to ensure our schools remain safe.”

Families across Ocean County are invited to come out for an afternoon of free entertainment and activities as the Ocean County Parks Department hosts its “Sunday Funday” event at Ocean County Park in Lakewood.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ocean County Park, located at 659 Ocean Avenue in Lakewood. Admission and parking are both free.

The afternoon will feature activities for children and adults, including live music, magic shows, a petting zoo, hayrides, Touch a Truck and a variety of field games.

The schedule begins with a scavenger hunt at 12:15 p.m., followed by a magic show at 12:30 p.m. A second magic show will take place at 2:30 p.m., with live music beginning at 1:30 p.m. Games including Pool Noodle Soccer and Hot Potato will also take place throughout the afternoon.

“Sunday Funday is a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy one of the beautiful parks we have right here in Ocean County,” Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen told TLS. “Especially here in Ocean County, where so many young families are always looking for affordable activities to enjoy together, an event like this gives parents and children a chance to spend a fun afternoon outdoors at no cost.”

For additional information, residents can contact the Ocean County Parks Department at 732-506-9090.

Ramtown Fire Company is hosting its annual Fire Prevention Open House this evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the firehouse, located at 88 Ramtown-Greenville Road.

Residents are invited to see the fire trucks, meet the firefighters and learn about fire safety practices from the Howell Township Fire Bureau.

A fire safety trailer will also be at the station to discuss safety devices in the home and safety actions families can take to help keep everyone safe.

Weather: 68° Plentiful sunshine. 

Good idea to Put sukka away before Sunday with forecast of heavy rainfall this coming Sunday. as the remnants of Tropical Storm Isaias could bring heavy rain to NJ. Isaias is expected to reach hurricane strength on Thursday before making landfall along the Gulf Coast late Friday according to the National Hurricane Center. 

- Every single eligible minor child in America has now been automatically enrolled in a Trump account."President Trump announces the nationwide expansion of Trump Accounts, saying the program creates an investment account designed to grow for children over time. More than 60 million additional eligible children now have accounts ready to be claimed, with parents, family members and employers able to contribute once a parent or guardian activates the account

- Car accident at Rt 9 and 9th st takes out a traffic light this evening 

- Dans deals: El Al: Fly Between Tel Aviv And NYC From Just $399 One-Way, Fly Round-Trip From NYC To Tel Aviv From $864! More

- Vaad L'Mishmeres Shatnez A Banana Republic men’s wool suit was found to contain shatnez. The suit contained a linen sandwich collar. Additionally, another shatnez concern has been identified involving GB-brand bekeshes. Several of these garments were found to contain highly recycled shoulder pads, which present a shatnez concern. This finding further underscores the importance of having garments properly tested for shatnez even when purchasing from a Jewish-owned store.  

- Bikur cholim of Lakewood  stocked  14,238 Portions of Food  in hospital pantries over Sukkos

- Kosher sourdough Pizza vending machine ar Exxon station in Lakewood now open

- No money for courtesy busing but

Lakewood township is asking to use up to $4 million of its existing Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) funds to improve local transportation. The proposal would combine Lakewood’s current fixed-route shuttle system with a new on-demand microtransit service. On-demand microtransit is basically a small public shuttle that you request when you need a ride, rather than waiting for a bus that follows a set route and schedule. For example, a resident could request a ride through an app or by phone, and a shuttle would pick them up and take them to a nearby destination or designated stop. The goal is to make it easier for residents and workers to get to jobs, businesses, shopping, and services. The resolution does not mean Lakewood is immediately spending $4 million it authorizes the Lakewood Development Corporation to apply for up to $4 million, which still has to be reviewed and approved by the state UEZ Authority.

- Giyus: Rav Ezriel Auerbach shlita callsProtests Called in Yerushalayim and Gush Dan after silence from Charedi leadership on the arrests of yeshiva bochurim and youngeleit plucked from their homes at 3am.

The Committee to Save the Torah World announced that, at the direction of Rabbi Azriel Auerbach, protests will take place Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in Yerushalayim and Gush Dan following the recent arrests of yeshiva bochurim and kollel avreichim by the Military Police. The announcement follows several recent incidents, including arrests in Beersheva and Eilat and an attempted arrest in Modi’in that drew large crowds. Rabbi Auerbach called for the protests over what he described as the “denigration of the honor of the Torah and its students as well as the terrible Chilul Hashem of yeshiva bochurim and kollel avreichim being thrown into prison. 

- At the Planning board meeting last night the applications for warehouses on Cedarbridge and airport rd were postponed to the next meeting. The Ohel Gittel yeshiva application will continue to be healed in November 10th meeting without notice. The board approved a lot line adjustment for the upcoming CHEMED medical village off  Lakewood airport.

There will be apartments constructed off Airport rd  for the workers of the chemed village no information was provided.

- Tomorrow  A Hachnosas Sefer Torah  will take place in memory of 3 Lakewood yeshiva bochurim who were killed in a tragic  car accident  last year, Dovid Yitzy Handler Z"L ,Chaim Zelig Berl Z"L, Refoel Faham Z"L will take place this Thursday in BMG  with kesivas oisiyos in the Maarav B"M from 2:15 -4:15 With a procession to Bais Yittzchok across the street,followed by a seuda in Lake Terrace hall 8:45 pm.

-APP reports: Lakewood Township is tightening its finances after facing a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, cutting its 2026 spending plan from roughly $163.5 million to $155.5 million, imposing a hiring freeze and sharply reducing overtime. The cuts come despite another significant municipal tax increase, with the owner of a home assessed at $375,000 expected to pay about $541 more in municipal taxes. That follows increases of approximately $300 in 2025 and $225 in 2024, putting the combined increase over the three years at roughly $1,066. Officials say the 2026 deficit, which initially approached $8 million, was driven in part by rising snow-removal costs and lower-than-expected state aid. Township CFO John Barrett confirmed that officials are already considering a municipal layoff plan for next year, although no number of layoffs or affected departments has been announced. Mayor Ray Coles called it the hardest budget Lakewood has faced in many years.

- The Trump administration is considering a policy that would prioritize communities with high birth and marriage rates when allocating federal transit money, Politico reports.

Under the transit proposal, the Federal Transit Administration would cover up to 10 percentage points more of a project’s costs if an area’s average birth and marriage rates meet, exceed or are just below nationwide thresholds. Lakewood’s birth rate of 36.1 per 1,000 residents in 2024 was almost three-and-a-half times greater than the state’s (10.9) and nation’s (10.7) birth rates.(Onejerseyschorr)

-Ocean County is seeking bids for the next phase of Cross Street improvements, covering roughly 0.6 miles between Prospect Street and Augusta Boulevard in Lakewood expansion the entire Cross street to 5 lanes from Jackson to Toms River.

- List of Lakewood area kollelim for balei batim and avreichim 

cRc kosher list of beverages at Dunkin

The Lakewood Police Department and other Ocean County law enforcement agencies will participate this evening in a Goal:Zero traffic enforcement detail targeting impaired and dangerous driving.

The detail will take place from 4:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m.

The detail is being held in memory of Kimberly Smith Ames and her unborn child, who were killed by a drunk driver on October 7th, 1998, in Beachwood.

As of October 5th, 399 people have been killed in crashes on New Jersey roadways this year, including 31 in Ocean County.

Officials said officers will be targeting impaired drivers and other dangerous driving behaviors.

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”

Maran Hagaon 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

A 67-year-old Whiting man has been charged with animal cruelty following an investigation into the death of a dog that police say was left unattended inside a vehicle for an extended period during warm weather.

Manchester Township Police said William Bevan Jr. was charged on October 1 with Third-Degree Animal Cruelty in connection with the September incident.

The investigation began on September 3 at approximately 9:00 PM, when Manchester Township Police officers responded to a home on Norwalk Avenue after receiving a report of a deceased dog in the driveway.

The case was turned over to Detective Adam Guker of the department’s Investigations Bureau, who also serves as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer. Police said detectives conducted multiple interviews, completed additional investigative work and arranged for a necropsy to help determine the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.

According to police, the investigation determined that the dog had been left unattended inside a vehicle for an extended period under warm weather conditions.

Following the investigation and coordination with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Bevan was charged with Third-Degree Animal Cruelty. He was issued a complaint summons and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

The charge is an accusation, and Bevan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

- Trump asks Pentagon for Iran strike options before midterms - report The White House has reportedly requested options for strikes before November 3, although no final decision has been made.

- Trump: Three years ago today, on October 7th, the World witnessed one of the darkest and most evil days in the history of Israel. Innocent men, women, and children were murdered, kidnapped, and subjected to unimaginable horrors at the hands of Hamas TERRORISTS. Today, we remember every innocent life taken, honor the survivors and their families, and remember the hostages who endured the unthinkable. I fought relentlessly to bring the hostages home, and reunite them with their loved ones, and I did, both the living and the dead! We will NEVER forget October 7th. We will NEVER forget the victims. And we will always stand against the forces of Terror and Evil. President DONALD J. TRUMP

- Israel’s defense establishment’s nightmare scenario: Iran is under heavy internal pressure to launch a preemptive attack on Israel even before the election, amid the economic collapse and the American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The IDF and Shin Bet are also concerned about a scenario in which unrest breaks out simultaneously on several fronts. (i24NEWS)

- Israel marks 3 years since Oct. 7/Simchas Torah with memorial ceremonies

- Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran was given multiple opportunities to reach an agreement with the United States over its nuclear program and squandered every one of them. The message from Washington: Tehran had chances for diplomacy. It chose a different path.

- Fars News Agency reports that an adviser to the commander of Iran’s IRGC says “illegal routes” through the Strait of Hormuz will soon be closed.

-Maritime security sources tracking the incidents report that last week saw more attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz than any other week since the start of the Iran war, the highest weekly figure recorded so far. Reuters

- Ambassador Leiter gave another update on his son’s condition: ‘Neria has severe head injuries, but in recent days he has started breathing on his own. However, he is not conscious.

- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani releases a statement marking three years since the October 7 massacre in Israel. Mamdani mourns those killed and condemns Hamas, but the bulk of the statement is focused on Israel, accusing Israel of genocide and apartheid. “Three years later, we must refuse to accept a world in which occupation and apartheid continue, where war crimes are met with impunity, and our federal government continues its complicity with every arms shipment. To honor the dead, we must fight for a world in which every person can live with freedom, safety, and dignity,” 

- Vance: Iran needs to show ‘meaningful’ reduction in nuclear enrichment for a deal

- Over 75 retired US military leaders reject Gaza genocide allegations in open letter.

- Sec. Marco Rubio: “Three years ago today, Hamas terrorists tortured, mutilated, and murdered 1,200 innocent civilians in Israel. Among those slain were men, women, and children  including dozens of Americans. We will never forget this act of barbarism against an ally and recommit ourselves to the defense of civilization.”

- On the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is scheduled to attend a vigil remembering the victims and then, shortly afterward, meet with Palestinian New Yorkers. His office has provided no further details about the meeting. 

- The US-backed Board of Peace issues a statement marking the third anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7 massacre, highlighting the tragedy of the attack as well as the subsequent suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians in the war “unleashed by Hamas,” and stressing its commitment to advancing Washington’s plan for Gaza’s “demilitarization and deradicalization.”

- A coalition of Jewish officials in New York City calls for a permanent memorial to the victims of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, onslaught in Israel.

- In a statement marking three years since the October 7 massacre, Hamas military wing spokesman Abu Obeida says that “October 7 was an extraordinary military achievement, with God’s help” “Enemies and friends alike acknowledged the scale of the planning, execution and deception,” he says.

Federal immigration authorities arrested a total of 235 people in Lakewood between January 20, 2025 and August 2026, according to new federal data obtained by TLS, making Lakewood one of the more active locations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Ocean County during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The individuals arrested originated primarily from eight countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Türkiye.

The 235 arrests in Lakewood was matched by neighboring Toms River, which saw an equal amount of arrests. However, those two towns far exceeded those in neighboring Ocean County communities, where federal data show ICE arrested 60 people in Jackson Township and just two in Manchester Township during the same period.

The Lakewood figures are part of a broader increase in immigration enforcement activity across New Jersey since Trump took office in January 2025. More than 17,900 people were detained statewide by ICE during the first 19 months of Trump’s second term, according to federal immigration data analyzed by TLS.

The data does not indicate how many of the 235 individuals arrested in Lakewood were ultimately charged in court, convicted of crimes or deported. Federal immigration records typically categorize arrests based on the most serious known offense or immigration violation at the time of apprehension.

Lakewood, a township of more than 143,000 residents and one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing communities, has seen its immigrant population increase significantly over the past two decades.

TLS has reported on ICE operations in the Lakewood area extensively.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the launch of a new webpage, “Worst of the Worst,” which highlighted some of the worst criminals picked up in the area

Money is coming in. Money is going out. But if someone asked you right now what your business actually made last month, could you answer?

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Transform your home, strengthen connections with your children.

Mrs. Hirschfeld has been teaching/coaching mothers for over 15 years. Her down-to-earth, approachable, and clear instruction has helped hundreds of mothers transform their homes and improve their relationships with their children.

Mrs. Hirscheld is trained, endorsed and supervised directly by Rebitzen Sima Spetner, with whom she maintains a close personal relationship. Course attendees are eligible to attend Rebitzen Spetner’s alumni courses/ teen courses.

Topics: Discipline, boundaries, building a positive and healthy relationship – even with the very challenging child, your child’s emotional needs, maintaining a positive home, dealing with out- of-control behavior, handling fights and arguments, the spiritual routine & the emotional spirituality atmosphere in the home, siblings dynamics and safety.

Geared for ages 3-12

Beginner/ Fundamental Course: 
Dates: Monday evenings: 13 sessions
Time: 8:30pm-9:30pm
October 19, 26
November 2, 9, 23, 30
December 14, 21, 28

Price: $475 (Payment plans available.)

Location: Live in Lakewood, or via zoom/ teleconference

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Residents are being reminded to make sure their vehicles are locked after a man was seen early on Simchas Torah morning attempting to burglarize vehicles in developments in the area of Chestnut Street in Lakewood.

The suspect also allegedly also stole a bike.

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a significant restructuring of how the state manages energy policy as concerns over electricity prices and future power demand continue to grow, with Ocean County Assemblyman Paul Kanitra among those weighing in during a Statehouse hearing this week.

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee heard hours of testimony Monday on proposals that would shift energy planning and development responsibilities away from the state Board of Public Utilities and place them under a separate state entity.

One proposal would establish a Division of Energy Resource and Development within the Department of the Treasury and transfer several energy-related responsibilities currently handled by the BPU. Another measure would create a standalone New Jersey Department of Energy.

Supporters argue that separating energy development from the BPU’s role as a utility regulator could allow the state to focus more aggressively on increasing electricity generation as demand grows.

During the hearing, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who represents portions of Ocean County, challenged testimony blaming regional grid operator PJM Interconnection for rising costs and criticized energy policies pursued under the previous state administration.

The proposals remain under consideration as lawmakers debate how New Jersey should increase energy supplies and control costs for ratepayers throughout the state, including Ocean County.

NJ Transit riders, including commuters using the North Jersey Coast Line from Ocean County, should prepare for several weeks of service changes beginning Sunday as Amtrak enters the final phase of transferring rail traffic onto the new Portal North Bridge.

Temporary schedules will take effect Sunday, October 11, and remain in place through Saturday, November 14, as crews transfer the second and final track from the 116-year-old Portal Bridge to the new bridge over the Hackensack River. Regular schedules are expected to resume November 15, subject to completion of safety testing.

The work will temporarily leave trains operating on a single track between Newark and Secaucus, resulting in fewer weekday trains operating into New York Penn Station on both the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line.

Ocean County riders will face an additional disruption. NJ Transit says maintenance on the movable Brielle railroad bridge will take place beginning October 11 and continue for approximately two weeks. During that work, buses will replace trains between Bay Head and Manasquan, affecting riders at the southern end of the North Jersey Coast Line.

NJ Transit is advising passengers to check the temporary schedules before traveling and allow additional time. The agency says nearly every rail line will see some combination of changed departure times, cancellations, consolidations or modified stopping patterns during the five-week construction period.

The work is part of the final transition to the new Portal North Bridge, which is intended to replace the aging swing bridge and improve reliability along one of the busiest sections of the Northeast Corridor.

A South Toms River man has pleaded guilty to two robbery charges stemming from armed robberies committed days apart in Toms River and Lacey Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Kenneth Grant, 58, pleaded guilty Monday before Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer in connection with the March 6 robbery of a Wawa on Route 70 in Toms River and the March 9 robbery of a TD Bank in Lacey Township.

Authorities said Grant displayed a firearm and demanded money during both incidents before fleeing with cash.

Investigators identified Grant as the suspect, and he was taken into custody in Newark on March 26 by Lacey Township detectives and members of the U.S. Marshals Service New York-New Jersey Regional Task Force. He has remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

At sentencing, scheduled for January 8, 2027, prosecutors will seek two concurrent 15-year New Jersey State Prison terms subject to the No Early Release Act.

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Schreiber - Epstein Fountain Ballroom

Mendelsohn - Dunoff Ateres Chaim Elozer

Paretzky - Rosen Ateres Blima 

Weiner - Goldstein Ateres Reva

Aboud - Arking Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Gorelick -  Berniker Ateres Esther

Zoberman - Thaler Ne'emas Hachaim

Ocean County officials have approved the preservation of nearly 90 acres of land across Eagleswood, Berkeley and Plumsted townships as part of the county’s ongoing effort to protect open space and farmland.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners approved the acquisitions in September through the county’s Natural Land Trust Fund, following recommendations from the Natural Lands Advisory Committee.

The properties include 78.35 acres in Eagleswood Township, 1.22 acres in Berkeley Township and 9.97 acres in Plumsted Township. The additions build on more than 30,000 acres of open space and 3,600 acres of farmland already preserved through the county program.

In Berkeley, a 1.22-acre parcel located near U.S. Route 9 was donated to the county by a private property owner. Officials said the property sits between preserved lands and contains existing trails that could eventually connect with the previously preserved 746-acre NJ Pulverizing property and a section of the Barnegat Branch Trail.

Ocean County also approved the $850,000 purchase of 78.35 acres along Route 9 in Eagleswood. County officials said the environmentally sensitive property had faced the potential development of nine single-family homes.

In Plumsted, the county will spend $255,000 to purchase the development rights to a 9.97-acre mostly wooded farm on Hopkins Road. The property will remain privately owned and operated as farmland, while Ocean County will hold the easement and development rights to ensure it remains permanently preserved.

The farm is located near approximately 64 acres of county-preserved land known as the Schen property, or Old Hopkins Farm, and other preserved properties in the surrounding area.

The Natural Lands Trust Fund is used to protect forests, wetlands, farmland, water resources and other open spaces throughout Ocean County.

County voters will also be asked in November to consider increasing the Natural Lands Trust Fund tax rate from 1.2 cents to 2.2 cents per $100 of equalized property valuation. Officials say the additional funding would support future land acquisitions, maintenance, cleanup and habitat protection.

A former Middletown Township Police Department Sergeant has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison for his role in helping a man remove illegal ghost-gun parts from a Millstone vape shop while using his position as a law enforcement officer to interfere with the investigation, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced today.

During a hearing last Friday in Monmouth County Superior Court, 45-year-old David Ringkamp, previously of Union Beach, was sentenced on a second-degree charge of Conspiracy to Commit Official Misconduct. Ringkamp previously pleaded guilty to the charge in March 2026.

The investigation began in December 2021, when New York State Police conducting surveillance at a gun show in Pennsylvania observed 35-year-old Nicholas D’Ambrosio of Millstone purchasing several kits used to manufacture “ghost guns” — untraceable firearms assembled from individual parts, which are illegal in New Jersey.

Investigators followed D’Ambrosio to his vape shop, JR Vapors, in Millstone, where they observed Ringkamp and his former wife, 33-year-old Amanda Ringkamp, also known as Amanda Belfiore, arrive at the business.

Police observed D’Ambrosio conceal the firearm parts inside Ringkamp’s vehicle. When police stopped the vehicle, Ringkamp identified himself as a Middletown police sergeant.

The investigation determined that Ringkamp had agreed to assist D’Ambrosio in removing the illegal firearm parts from the vape shop after D’Ambrosio realized police were monitoring him.

A subsequent search of Ringkamp’s vehicle uncovered the ghost-gun kits, cocaine and dozens of methamphetamine pills. A search of JR Vapors uncovered more than 25 pounds of marijuana and marijuana edibles, a fully assembled ghost gun and evidence that D’Ambrosio was illegally selling marijuana from the business.

A search of Ringkamp’s home several days later also uncovered additional illegal narcotics, including cocaine and anabolic steroids.

Investigators later determined that Ringkamp contacted the New Jersey State Police after D’Ambrosio told him that police were monitoring him. Ringkamp identified himself as a police officer and lied in an attempt to obtain information about the investigation. He also deleted text messages in an attempt to hinder the investigation into himself and D’Ambrosio.

Ringkamp was additionally charged with using internal law enforcement databases to conduct searches on D’Ambrosio and other individuals dozens of times over a three-year period without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

D’Ambrosio was arrested again in February 2024 and charged with Manufacturing Ghost Gun Parts on a 3D Printer and drug offenses. He was sentenced to eight years in state prison in August 2024 after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree Manufacturing a Ghost Gun, third-degree Possession of Ghost Gun Parts, and drug offenses.

New Jersey lawmakers are urging Governor Mikie Sherrill to opt into a new federal education tax credit program that could direct hundreds of millions of federal dollars toward New Jersey students without costing the state any money.

In a statement, Assemblymembers Michael Inganamort, Gerry Scharfenberger and Dawn Fantasia are calling on Sherrill to enroll New Jersey in the Federal Education Tax Credit program before the January 1 deadline and have also introduced legislation that would require the state to participate.

Under the federal tax credit scholarship program, which has been the result of a years-long advocacy and lobbying effort by Agudath Israel of America and other groups, individuals who donate to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700, while married couple filing jointly can receive as much as $3,400 in tax credits per year. The credit is available regardless of whether a state opts in, but donations made by residents of states that do not participate would support scholarships in other states.

“The Democratic governor of Colorado said it best: ‘You’d have to be crazy not to opt in,'” Inganamort, R-Morris, said.

Shlomo Schorr, director of legislative affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, is also urging Sherrill to participate, emphasizing both the economic and educational benefits of bringing the federal dollars into New Jersey.

“New Jersey should not leave hundreds of millions of dollars in federal scholarship funding on the table, particularly when the state can bring those resources into New Jersey without costing the state treasury a penny,” Schorr said. “This is an opportunity to bring outside dollars into our state, support New Jersey families and strengthen our economy, all without raising taxes or requiring a state appropriation.”

Residents in states that do not opt in would still be allowed to donate to scholarship organizations in other states that did opt in, potentially setting up a scenario where tens of millions of dollars can flow out of state, benefiting another state’s economy.

A spokesperson for Governor Sherrill said the administration is reviewing the federal regulations released last week and is examining “who the program would serve, which opportunities are available, and how it could best benefit public school students,” adding that the administration “remains committed to ensuring every child in New Jersey has access to a high-quality education and the opportunities they need to succeed.”

Addressing the governor’s concerns, Schorr noted that the program is not limited to private school students and can provide benefits to public school students through qualifying educational expenses, such as tutoring, special education services and other qualifying educational expenses.

“The program can also provide meaningful benefits to public school students through tutoring and other qualifying educational expenses,” Schorr said. “At a time when public schools are dealing with significant financial pressures, New Jersey should be looking for every available source of funding and support. There is no reason for New Jersey families to send these federal tax-credit dollars to other states when they could be helping students here.”

The push comes after the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service released regulations for the program last week.

Thirty states, led by both Republican and Democratic governors, have opted into the program.

The program allows participating scholarship organizations to provide assistance for a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling materials and high-impact tutoring for public school students.

To qualify for scholarships, students must be eligible to enroll in K-12 schools and live in households earning no more than 300% of the area’s median gross income.

Fantasia, R-Sussex, said the program could provide additional resources at a time when school districts across New Jersey are facing funding pressures.

“New Jersey is leaving non-taxpayer funds on the table at a time when students and property taxpayers are feeling the crunch of state aid cuts to many districts throughout the state,” Fantasia said. “Educational opportunities shouldn’t be subject to partisan debate.”

Senator Bob Singer, (R-Lakewood) has also urged Sherrill to participate, saying families in Lakewood and throughout New Jersey could benefit significantly from the program.

“Families in Lakewood and across New Jersey would benefit tremendously from the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program,” Singer, who already introduced similar legislation in the Senate, said. “I encourage the governor to take advantage of this opportunity to give parents more options, help students reach their full potential, and ensure hardworking families aren’t left behind.”

Inganamort, Scharfenberger and Fantasia’s resolution has been referred to the Assembly Education Committee.

New Jersey must opt into the federal program by January 1, 2027, and must submit a list of approved scholarship-granting organizations to the Treasury Department by February 15, 2027.

A United States Postal Service employee was taken into custody following a law enforcement operation in Jackson Township on Sunday, October 5.

According to the Jackson Township Police Department, its Special Response Team (SRT), working alongside Federal Postal Police, conducted an operation to arrest the USPS employee in connection with an incident that occurred in the township on September 26.

Police said the individual was taken into custody without incident.

The employee was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, criminal attempt, criminal mischief and harassment.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the September 26 incident or the circumstances that led to the charges.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.

Jackson Police issued 767 traffic summonses and made 10 arrests during a three-month traffic enforcement campaign from July through September.

The enforcement was part of the department’s CAT (Crash Abatement and Tactics) grant, a federally funded program that provides overtime funding for officers to focus on traffic safety.

Officers worked 476 hours during the three-month period and made 1,002 motor vehicle stops. They also issued 234 warnings.

The enforcement focused on several major roads in Jackson, including East Veterans Highway, Hope Chapel Road, Cassville Road, Toms River Road, Whitesville Road, Cedar Swamp Road, Bennetts Mills Road, New Prospect Road, Jackson Mills Road and County Line Road.

Among the violations issued were 69 expired registration violations, 78 speeding tickets, 30 careless driving violations, 36 seatbelt violations, 14 child seat violations, 61 cell phone violations, 42 stop sign violations, 18 suspended driver’s license violations, 38 unlicensed or expired license violations, 48 inspection violations, 14 no liability insurance violations, 24 unclear or no front plate violations, 60 violations for failing to show documents, 71 delaying traffic violations, 14 obstructed view violations and 25 maintenance of lamps violations.

Officers also issued tickets for reckless driving, move-over violations, tinted windows, suspended registration and other violations.

The department also partnered with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department on a separate Route 528 grant covering East and West Veterans Highway. The grant ran from June through August, with 100 hours of enforcement and 169 summonses issued.

Jackson Police also reported that 1,113 parking summonses have been issued so far this year, compared with 428 during all of 2025.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife is calling on the public to avoid attracting bears to properties by properly storing garbage and eliminating access to other sources of food around their yards or while outdoors. Fall brings a period of heightened black bear activity, and these important steps help reduce the likelihood for encounters with black bears.

“Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter and need to consume large amounts of food in the fall,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden. “Bears have an incredible sense of smell and can home in on potential food sources at long distances. This can bring bears into neighborhoods and camps if food sources such as household garbage and camping supplies are not properly secured and bear proofed.”

It is also extremely important for people to never feed black bears. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a fine of up to $1,000. After learning to associate people with food, these animals can become nuisance bears that cause property damage and become dangerous.

Reduce Potential for Bear Conflicts

To minimize potential conflicts, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife recommends:

• Secure trash and eliminate obvious sources of food such as pet food bowls, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residue left on barbecue grills. Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
• Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
• Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
• Do not place meat, dairy or any sweet foods in compost piles.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
• Properly install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives and livestock.
• Motorists are reminded to drive with caution and watch out for bears that may be near or on roadways.

Black Bear Safety Tips

If you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these safety tips:

• Remain calm. Never run from a bear, as this may trigger its predatory instinct. Instead, slowly back away. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, using a whistle, banging pots and pans, or blowing an air horn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• Make bears aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises. If hiking through bear country, always make your presence known through loud talking or clapping of hands.
• If a bear utters a series of huffs, makes popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws or swats the ground, these are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. This is usually non-threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, slowly back away and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area, such as a vehicle or a building.
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.
• Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife by calling 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

Black Bears and Food Sources

Black bears are mainly found in the northwestern portion of the state, particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, as well as portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. However, black bears have been reported in all 21 counties. Their natural diet is comprised of plants, berries, fruit, nuts, insects, bird eggs, small mammals, and carrion. However, black bears are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any food source available to them. Carefully controlling sources of food around homes and campsites, such as improperly stored trash, can help prevent black bears from coming into backyards and campgrounds, and associating people with food.

To have YOUR neighborhood or Shul event published, email it to [email protected]

A widow is preparing to marry off her son — and the entire financial burden rests on her shoulders. She cannot afford anything. The Kallah’s family does not have money either.

Rav Moshe Sternbuch calls this an “exceptional mitzvah” and gives donors a bracha for a Ksiva V’Chasima Tova.

Help her reach the chuppah with dignity and joy.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

New Jersey officials are urging about 10,400 people who were kicked off NJ FamilyCare coverage due to the new federal Medicaid rules, to respond to notices so the state can determine whether they remain eligible for coverage.

The state Department of Human Services says that it sent letters in July to 23,633 residents whose records required review under changes to federal Medicaid eligibility rules that took effect October 1. Of those, 10,399 people have not responded to the notices.

Officials said people who have not responded should submit the requested information as soon as possible. The state will review the information to determine whether they can regain coverage.

“We know that many of the people who have not yet responded may still qualify for NJ FamilyCare,” Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha said.

The federal changes, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025, restrict Medicaid eligibility for certain noncitizen adults based on immigration status.

The changes do not affect most noncitizen NJ FamilyCare members, according to the state. Most lawful permanent residents, children and pregnant individuals may continue to qualify, depending on their circumstances.

The state emphasized that eligibility is based on each individual’s circumstances and that NJ FamilyCare will make the final determination.

People who received a notice or termination letter and believe they may still qualify should follow the instructions in the notice and submit the requested documentation.

Additional information about the federal changes, eligibility categories and required documentation is available through the state Department of Human Services.

People with questions about a notice can follow the instructions in the notice or contact the NJ FamilyCare/HMS hotline at 1-833-635-7060. TTY users can call 711.

People who are no longer eligible for NJ FamilyCare may still qualify for coverage through Get Covered New Jersey or may be able to receive care at clinics across the state that accept uninsured patients regardless of immigration status.

Someone told me this morning that his wife sleep-trains each of their children at around four or five months old.

I told him, “It’s unbelievable—but I don’t know if I could do it. How do you listen to your own baby cry and not pick them up?”

His answer struck me.

“You’re looking at it like you’re doing this so you can sleep better. You’re not. You’re doing it for the child. The child needs sleep. The child wants to sleep. They simply haven’t learned how yet.

So yes, for a few nights, it may feel painful. But you’re not ignoring their pain—you’re helping them learn something they need for their own good.”

And then he said something remarkable:

Maybe that’s how we need to look at what the Ribono Shel Olam sometimes puts us through.

When something hurts, we naturally ask: Why is Hashem doing this to me?

But Hashem needs nothing from us. Whatever He does is for us.

Sometimes the very nisayon that feels painful is exactly what we need to grow, to become stronger, or to reach the next place in life that we could never have reached without it.

We may be crying because we don’t understand.

But our Father does.

And sometimes, what feels like the pain is actually the help.

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

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A Brick Township man accused of helping a wanted murder suspect evade law enforcement has surrendered to police, the latest development in the investigation into the fatal shooting outside a Toms River Wawa that has resulted in charges against five people.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Ronald Hagan, 50, of Brick Township, surrendered to the Toms River Township Police Department in the presence of his attorney. Hagan had been charged on September 24 with Hindering the Apprehension of Another, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The case stems from the September 18 fatal shooting of Bruce Gress, 42, of Toms River, outside the Wawa at Route 37 and Garfield Avenue.

As Lakewood Alerts initially reported, emergency personnel responded to the Wawa following reports of a shooting. Gress was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The following day, Douglas Cobb, 51, of Toms River, was charged with Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Certain Persons Not to Possess a Weapon.

Lakewood Alerts later reported that Cobb had been identified as the murder suspect and was being sought by law enforcement.

As investigators worked to locate Cobb, the case expanded to include several people accused of helping him avoid apprehension.

On September 24, Hagan; Sylvester Green, 43, of Bayville; Cherice Nicholson, 46, of Howell; and Jennifer Rizalvo, 48, of Lakewood, were each charged with Hindering the Apprehension of Another.

As previously reported by Lakewood Alerts, authorities said the four were accused of assisting Cobb in avoiding apprehension, providing false information to law enforcement, or both.

Green and Nicholson were taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, while Rizalvo was served with the charge on a summons pending court proceedings. Hagan remained wanted until his surrender.

Following his surrender, Hagan was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is being held pending a detention hearing.

In total, five people have been charged in connection with the case: Cobb on the murder and weapons charges, and Hagan, Green, Nicholson and Rizalvo on hindering charges connected to the investigation into Cobb’s whereabouts.

The charges are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

We regret to inform you of the Petirah of Rav Rephoel Dovid Ben Avrohom Abba Levi Z”L, of Detroit.

Rav Levi Z”L is the father of Pesach Aryeh; Aron Nachum of Passaic; Chanoch of Detroit; Elky Langer; Penina Soloveitchik of Eretz Yisroel; Minna Rothschild; Avigayil Portnoy; Moshe Chaim Levi of Baltimore; and Yaakov Meir Levi of Lakewood.

The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 9:45 PM at the Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue, Lakewood.

Shiva will take place at 124 Alan Court through Monday morning.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

A bomb threat prompted a police response Monday at Stamford Meadows Shul, located at 12 Golders Green Road in Lakewood.

Sources tell Lakewood Alerts that a man called the Lakewood Police Department claiming that he had planted a bomb inside the shul. Officers responded to the location and investigated the threat as a precaution.

Authorities later gave the all-clear, and the scene was cleared after no threat was found.

No injuries were reported.

Avoid the area.

The Lakewood Fire Department Hazmat Unit responded to Jackson Township on mutual aid last week following a fire involving hazardous chemicals.

Lakewood’s Hazmat team worked alongside the Berkeley Township Hazmat Unit and local emergency responders to assess the scene, identify potential hazards and assist with mitigation efforts.

New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase by 56 cents to $16.48 an hour for most employees beginning January 1, 2027, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The increase is based on the annual adjustment required under the New Jersey Constitution, which ties the minimum wage to changes in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Agricultural workers will see their minimum wage increase from $14.20 to $15 an hour, marking the first time farm employees paid by the hour or piece rate will reach the $15 benchmark established under a 2019 state law.

The minimum wage for employees of seasonal businesses and small employers with fewer than six employees will increase from $15.23 to $16.25 an hour.

Direct-care staff at long-term care facilities will also receive an increase, with their minimum wage rising by 56 cents to $19.48 an hour.

The minimum cash wage for tipped workers will increase from $6.05 to $6.61 an hour. The maximum tip credit employers may claim will remain $9.87.

Under state law, if an employee’s cash wage and tips do not total at least the applicable state minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.

The scheduled increases for small and seasonal employers will continue through 2028, while agricultural workers paid by the hour or piece rate will continue receiving scheduled increases through 2030. After those statutory increases are completed, those rates will continue to be adjusted annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Multiple officers from SWAT surrounded a USPS truck on a local street, and took the driver into custody.

It’s not yet clear if these are local or federal officers.

Additional information will be published when confirmed to TLS.

UPDATE: Sources tell TLS the driver may have been arrested over purposely not delivering mail to at least one resident for over a month as the result of an earlier incident.

However, an official statement has not yet been issued.

Toms River Police Lieutenant Ron Sermarini has retired following 25 years of dedicated service to the Toms River Police Department, concluding a distinguished law enforcement career marked by leadership, community involvement and service to fellow officers.

Sermarini, a lifelong Toms River resident, began his law enforcement career after graduating from the Ocean County Police Academy as a member of Class 76 in 2001. He joined the Toms River Police Department as a sworn officer that same year, fulfilling the opportunity to serve the community where he was born and raised.

Before entering law enforcement, Sermarini graduated from Toms River High School North, where he was a standout football and basketball player. As the Mariners’ starting quarterback, he helped lead the football team to a state championship in 1994. He later continued his football and academic career at McDaniel College, formerly Western Maryland College, in Westminster, Maryland, where he played quarterback and earned his bachelor’s degree.

Sermarini spent the first decade of his police career assigned to patrol, where he developed a reputation for proactive policing and served as a Field Training Officer for officers who would later become department leaders.

Throughout his career, he was heavily involved in community and charitable initiatives, including Vest-A-Cop, the Pros vs. Heroes flag football game, the TRPD Bicycle Rodeo, Toy Run Foundation motorcycle events and National Night Out. He also mentored young people interested in law enforcement through the Public Safety Cadet Program and served as a member of the department’s Motorcycle Unit, later supervising both programs.

In August 2012, Sermarini was promoted to Sergeant. During nearly a decade in that rank, he supervised several patrol squads before moving into administrative leadership roles, including Training Supervisor for the Professional Standards Unit and later Supervisor of the Community Affairs Division.

While overseeing Community Affairs, Sermarini supervised the department’s School Resource Officers and Class III Officers and was responsible for security at Town Hall and local parks.

He was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2021 and became the Midnight Shift Commander, overseeing five sergeants and 31 full-time police officers. He also served as a Command Staff Evaluator for promotional candidates.

During the final two years of his career, Sermarini returned to the Community Affairs Division, where he led outreach programs and served as the department’s public information officer and social media coordinator. His responsibilities also included oversight of department communications, jail operations, school safety programs and budget matters.

Sermarini also played a significant role representing fellow officers. He was elected Vice President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 156 in 2016 and became President in 2019. The organization transitioned to PBA Local 137A in 2025. During his tenure, Sermarini represented more than 30 supervisory officers and successfully negotiated two collective bargaining agreements. He remained in the leadership role until March 2026.

Toms River PBA Local 137 and 137A congratulated Lieutenant Sermarini on his retirement, saying he will be greatly missed by members of both organizations and wishing him well in the next chapter of his life.

Applications are now open for New Jersey’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides financial assistance to eligible households for home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2027, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available.

In a statement, the DCA encouraged eligible residents to apply as early as possible ahead of the winter heating season.

“DCA understands that energy costs can place a significant strain on household budgets, particularly as the colder months approach,” DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez said. “We encourage eligible New Jersey residents to apply for LIHEAP and learn about the other utility assistance programs available to help make their energy costs more manageable.”

LIHEAP is federally funded and is available to low-income families and individuals who are responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or as part of their rent.

To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 60% of the state median income.

The program can provide assistance with home heating expenses and medically necessary cooling costs for eligible households. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2027, subject to available funding.

See the chart below for the income eligibility limits.

For household members greater than 12, add $246 for each additional member for monthly income limit and add $2,952 for each additional household member for annual income limit.

The amount of the LIHEAP heating benefit is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and heating region. The medically necessary cooling assistance benefit for FY 2027 is $300.

In addition to LIHEAP, DCA administers the Universal Service Fund (USF), which helps make natural gas and electric bills more affordable for eligible low-income households. The LIHEAP application also serves as an application for USF, allowing eligible households to apply for both programs through a single application.

Reb Yisroel Dov was born in Berlin in 1935 to his parents Reb Mordechai and Chaya Birnhack. Originally from Galicia, the Birnhacks were Stuchiner chasidim. In 1939 the family escaped to England where they remained throughout the milchama.

Subsequently they emigrated to NY where Reb Yisroel attended Torah Voda’as and later Beis Midrash Elyon where he received Smicha.

He married his eishes chayil Francoise Munk, daughter of Rav Eliyohu Munk, Rov in Paris and together were zoche to raise 9 children.

Reb Yisroel was an accountant by trade and was known for his honesty, Dikduk HaMitzvos, unwavering Emunah and exemplary Middos Tovos.

The Levaya took place on Chol HaMoed with the Kevurah at Har HaZeisim.

He is being mourned by his wife; brothers Reb Ephraim and Reb Avrohom, sisters Mrs. Chana Katz and Mrs. Malki Rabinowitz, and children: Mrs. Channie Cohen, Reb Shmuel, Reb Pinchos, Reb Yehoshua, Reb Avrohom, Reb Yaakov, Reb Chaim Dovid, Reb Yitzchok, Mrs. Frummi Miller.

Shivah will be taking place through Friday afternoon at 18 Esti Circle.

Shacharis 8:30
Mincha 5:00
Maariv 8:30
Friday Mincha 1:15

The Avalim respectfully request that visitors do not come between the hours of 12:30 & 1:30 p.m. and between the hours of 6:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Yehei Zichro Boruch

(Submitted by family)

Submitted: We would like to publicly thank Hashem for sparing our lives and protecting us from any injuries this evening.

‎Watch the footage – the car was coming straight at us. We missed impact by what felt like a centimeter.

‎There are moments when you see so clearly that Hashem is watching over you.

‎Thank You Hashem for protecting us.
‎Thank You for this incredible נס.
‎We are beyond grateful. ❤️

‎מִזְמוֹר לְתוֹדָה 🙏

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

New Jersey has recorded its first confirmed death from West Nile virus this year as state health officials urge residents to remain vigilant against mosquito-borne illnesses.

The New Jersey Department of Health has so far reported 26 cases of West Nile virus in 2026, including 19 cases involving neurological illness. The state has not released details about the person who died.

Fourteen of the reported cases occurred in people who became ill in late August or September, and several additional cases remain under investigation. People age 60 and older account for 69% of the state’s cases.

Monmouth County has reported the most cases, with six, followed by Mercer County with four and Camden County with three.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, typically after the mosquito has fed on an infected bird. The virus is not transmitted directly from birds to humans.

State officials said mosquitoes remain active despite the arrival of cooler weather. They are urging residents to use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and use mosquito netting over cribs, strollers and baby carriers.

Residents also are being urged to eliminate standing water around their homes. Mosquitoes can breed in relatively small amounts of water, including flowerpots, birdbaths, pet dishes, swimming pool covers, clogged gutters, plastic pools and wheelbarrows. Outdoor water sources should be emptied or changed at least once a week.

New Jersey has detected West Nile virus in 1,182 mosquito pools across all 21 counties this year, with the highest levels of mosquito detections reported in Mercer, Hudson, Somerset, Bergen and Middlesex counties.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include fever, chills, body aches and joint pain. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological illness, including meningitis or encephalitis.

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness. Warning signs can include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion or other behavioral changes, weakness in the limbs and severe fatigue.

“Fall does not mean mosquito season ends,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said. “The cooler weather makes it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and visit our farms, but mosquitoes remain active and can still pose risks.”

State and county mosquito-control programs are continuing efforts to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of transmission to people.

A 97-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Brick Township on Monday evening, September 28.

Brick Township Police responded at approximately 7:15 p.m. to the intersection of Drum Point Road and Johnson Road following reports of a crash with injuries.

Police say a preliminary investigation found that a 2024 Hyundai Elantra traveling eastbound on Drum Point Road crossed the painted center median and collided with a 2026 Cadillac Escalade traveling westbound.

The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 97-year-old Frank Pugliese, suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

The driver of the Cadillac, identified as 36-year-old Taylor Reinig, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Drum Point Road was closed in both directions for approximately five hours while investigators processed the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Brick Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit.

Lakewood Police Captain Gregory Staffordsmith has retired following more than 25 years with the department, concluding a career in public service that began decades earlier as a Lakewood volunteer firefighter.

Staffordsmith, who was born and raised in Lakewood and attended elementary school in the township, began serving the community as a volunteer firefighter in 1991. He became a part-time paid firefighter in 1994 before taking a civilian firefighter position at the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne in 1995.

In 1999, Staffordsmith joined the Bayonne Fire Department, where he served until beginning his career with the Lakewood Police Department in 2000 after graduating from Ocean County Police Academy Class #75.

During his more than 25 years with Lakewood Police, Staffordsmith rose to the rank of Captain and served as Investigations Commander, overseeing investigations as well as Internal Affairs, accreditation, hiring and other department functions.

“Greg, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside you,” Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said in a message marking Staffordsmith’s retirement. “As someone born and raised in Lakewood, you have dedicated so much of your life to serving the community you call home.”

Meyer thanked Staffordsmith for his friendship, leadership and contributions to the department, saying his years as both a firefighter and police officer reflected “a lifetime of commitment to helping others.”

“You have certainly earned this next chapter, and I hope you take the time to enjoy it with your family and loved ones,” Meyer said. “You will be missed, both professionally and personally.”

The Lakewood Police Department congratulated Staffordsmith on his retirement and thanked him for his decades of service to the Lakewood community.

Shiva for Reb Shimon Shalom Herskowitz ZT”L is being held in Lakewood at 1375 Princeton Ave.

His brothers in Lakewood are R’ Mordechai, R’ Shraga Feivel, R’ Tzvi, R’ Avraham Abba and R’ Yehoshua.

His sisters in Lakewood are Mrs. Chana Mayer of Bais Kaila, and Mrs. Teitelbaum, where Shiva is being held.

Shachris: 7:45 AM
Mincha: 6:00 PM
Maariv: 8:00 PM

Please do not come after 9:45 PM.

New details are emerging following the terrifying incident aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight, during which a co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft.

The captain has been identified as Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, while the co-pilot has been identified as 29-year-old Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national who previously worked for Oman Air. Reports say al-Hammami had previously been removed from flying duties amid concerns over extremist views, before later joining Flydubai.

As TLS reported, al-Hammami allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft, sending the plane plunging thousands of feet within seconds.

Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and subdue the co-pilot. Off-duty pilots who were aboard the flight then assisted in taking control of the aircraft and landing it safely.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later spoke with Machchhar by phone and praised him for his actions, telling the captain, “You are a true hero.”

Authorities are now investigating how al-Hammami was hired and permitted to operate commercial flights despite the reported concerns during his previous employment.

The incident is being investigated as an attempted terrorist attack, with authorities also working to determine whether the co-pilot acted alone or had assistance.

All passengers aboard the flight survived the incident.

 נגיל ונשיש בזאת התורה, כי היא לנו עוז ואורה 

Friday October 2, 2027/ כ״א תשרי תשפ"ז הושענא רבה

- Candle lighting 6:19 pm

 -Shkia/ sunset 6:37

 - Shecheyanu by Hadlokas Neiros 

Reminder to check bigdei shabbos for muktzah

-First day Yom Tov koheles /Yizkor/Tefilas Geshem/

 יהי רצון מלפניך , כשם שקיימתי וישבתי בסוכה זו כן אזכה לשנה הבאה לישב בסוכת עורו של לויתן

ChumashRashiTests.com

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

A SECOND מעמד השבה by Neki Kapayim will be held this הושענה רבה. TODAY!! 

TODAY!! Missed The First One? Hoshana Raba MAAMAD HASHAVA!!!

CLCIK HERE!!

A SECOND מעמד השבה by Neki Kapayim will be held this הושענה רבה. TODAY!! 

TODAY!! Missed The First One? Hoshana Raba MAAMAD HASHAVA!!!

CLCIK HERE!!

A SECOND מעמד השבה by Neki Kapayim will be held this הושענה רבה. TODAY!! 

TODAY!! Missed The First One? Hoshana Raba MAAMAD HASHAVA!!!

CLCIK HERE!!

Less than two months after Lakewood held its annual Gary Letizia Memorial Blood Drive, local EMS agencies are organizing another blood drive on Monday, October 5, in response to a critical shortage affecting the region’s blood supply.

Officials say the recent nor’easter forced the cancellation of multiple blood drives and caused a sharp decline in donations, leaving available supplies below current hospital demand.

New Jersey Blood Services reached out to Lakewood EMS Director Crystal Van de Zilver for assistance, prompting Lakewood EMS and Lakewood First Aid to organize the additional drive on short notice.

“Saving lives comes in many forms, and one simple blood donation can save as many as three lives,” Van de Zilver said, encouraging residents to participate.

The drive will be held at Lakewood EMS Headquarters, 1555 Pine Street, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Healthy donors age 18 and older are encouraged to participate, and all blood types are needed.

Each donor will receive a “Lifesaver” T-shirt while supplies last.

The blood drive is part of a statewide initiative led by Dr. Matt Letizia, medical director for Lakewood EMS and Lakewood First Aid, in memory of his late father, Gary Letizia, who benefited from blood donations during the final year of his life.

You can purchase the film here.

Dr. Roberts tells TLS today’s crowd matches a previous all-time record crowd, at approximately 20,000 children and 27,000 people in total.

The 15,000 nosh and prize packages were gone by around 4:00 PM.

CHASDEI HASHEM – NISSIM: A co-pilot on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight stabbed the captain mid-air in an alleged attempt to crash the plane.

The plane, which contained many Israelis, plunged thousands of feet in mere seconds, before passengers managed to subdue the terrorist (after the injured pilot managed to unblock the cabin door), and off-duty crews took control of the plane, landing it safely.

All passengers are Baruch Hashem safe.

status

https://mostlymusic.com/products/anash-episode-2-video?pos=2&psq=ana&psid=0d4fd4db3&ss=e

Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna.

They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin.

Torah-24

A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l.

• The first “Torah-24” center is in Yerushalayim

• 11 Kollelim with 163 avreichim will be learning at “Torah-24” every day

• Nigleh, Nistar, Chumash and Halacha – All under ONE ROOF

• Talmud Bavli / Yerushalmi – Kabbalah & Zohar – Rambam, Shulchan Aruch & Poskim, Zeraim – Taharos

• The following SIX kollelim – Kollel Hashkomas Haboker, Kollel Yerushalmi, Kollel Bavli, Kollel Choshen Mishpat/Even Haezer, Kollel Erev Shabbos, Kollel Kabbalah B’Chatzos (Tikun Chatzot, Etz Chaim, Zohar, Tehillim) – are fully operational

• 24 hour תורה learning cycle – 6:00 am to 6:00 am – is divided into different shifts

• Each kollel shift has its own program, Rosh Kollel and avreichim

• Detailed monthly and annual tests – written and oral – for all avreichim

• Already there are 77 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests.

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

“Torah-24 תורה” – where the voice of Torah is not absent from within the walls of the kollelim, not even for a minute…

“The idea … of day and night shifts of non-stop kollelim… the full range of subjects of the Torah… the derech of the Ramchal, the Ohr Hachaim Hakodosh and Hagaon Reb Chaim of Volozhin.”

– Nasi Maran Sar Hatorah, Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l

“All who donate to and support “Torah-24 תורה” will merit all the brochos of the Torah, including those for refuos, yeshuos, parnossa tova and nachas from all their descendants, Amen”

– Maran Rosh Yeshivas Ponevez, Hagaon Harav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l

At “Torah-24 תורה”, exceptional avreichim do not pause for a moment while studying all the areas of the holy Torah, with a shift of remarkable scholars studying the holy Zohar and the recitation of Tikun Chatzos at midnight. 

All who donate and support this holy endeavor of “Torah-24 תורה” should see brocha and success … children and grandchildren immersed in Torah and mitzvos… fulfillment of all the hopes of their hearts for good and with brocha. 

– Maran Hagaon Harav Moishe Sternbuch, shlit”a

I join the esteemed Rabbanim and Gaonim, shlit”a, in endorsing the illustrious “Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos” designated for outstanding talmidei chachomim, masters of Torah and yiras Shomayim, who spend their nights in Beis Hashem, engaging deeply in the concealed dimensions of Torah during this auspicious time of Divine Favor…

I hereby call upon my generous brethren to support this endeavor with significant sums, for through this they will attain the great merit of the hidden Torah studied at night. May you all be blessed by Hashem with many blessings in accordance with the greatness of the endeavor that you are supporting!

– Maran Hagaon Hamekubal, Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter, shlit”a

“Support ‘Torah-24 תורה’ where the sound of Torah – nigleh and nistar – all hours of the day and night; and be blessed from shamayim that the Torah should never cease from your mouth; children bnei Torah; abundant parnassa and good health”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shimon Badani, zt”l
Rosh Kollel Torah V’Chaim, Member Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah

“Torah-24 תורה” – groups of talmidei chachomim geonim in different shifts, delve in the subjects of Torah learning without interruption – Bavli, Yerushalmi, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Rambam, Kabbala, Midrash, Tana”ch and more.  “Torah-24 תורה” is in actuality a wonderful continuation of the heichalei hakodesh and battei midrash of our holy Rabbonim – the Ramchal, the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh and the Nefesh Hachaim, zy”o. Who would not want to be part of this historical and amazing project “Torah-24 תורה”, and the greatness of its holy impact in both the supernal and lower realms?  “My brocha to all who support “Torah-24 תורה” – You should merit great abundance in both the spiritual and the material – supernal light, peace of mind, tranquility of the soul and bodily health. Only goodness and kindness should pursue you all the days of your lives, and you should dwell securely for your length of days.

– Maran Hamashpia Hagadol, ‘Reb Meilech’ Biderman, shlit”a

“Your kesher with ‘Torah-24 תורה’ will be a true ובהם נהגה יומם ולילה – and we will delve in them by day and by night”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shraga Steinman, shlit”a – Orchos Torah

“Talmidei Chachomim of ‘Torah-24 תורה’ delve into all sectors of Torah – Bavli and Yerushalmi, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Rambam, Kabbalah – Nistar”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shimon Gallai, shlit”a – Bnei Brak

Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos” is a precious link in the golden chain of the glorious Torah empire “Torah-24”… bringing tremendous delight to the Ribbono shel Olam. Fortunate are all those who take part in this great and holy endeavor.

– Maran HaMekubal Rav Abish Zehnwirth, shlit”a

For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

Governor Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday announced a sweeping new housing affordability plan aimed at accelerating construction, reducing permitting delays and expanding housing opportunities across New Jersey.

Speaking at the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development in Atlantic City, Sherrill announced that the state plans to double its previously planned housing development on state-owned land from 20,000 to 40,000 homes. The administration also plans to establish clearer deadlines for permit applications and launch a new tax credit auction expected to generate tens of millions of dollars for affordable housing.

The plan follows Executive Order No. 17, which Sherrill signed in April to create a Housing Governing Council and direct state agencies to review state-owned land, regulations and development procedures for ways to accelerate housing production.

According to the Governor’s Office, the council concluded that New Jersey needs approximately 350,000 additional homes to keep pace with population and economic growth and address housing affordability.

The administration’s five-part strategy focuses on increasing housing supply, speeding up approvals, working with municipalities to develop and preserve housing, expanding access to housing opportunities and lowering costs for renters and homeowners.

State officials said efforts already underway include transit-oriented housing projects in Red Bank, Bayonne and Linden; a permitting dashboard covering projects representing more than 3,700 potential homes; expanded assistance for municipalities; and additional efforts aimed at preserving affordable housing and encouraging redevelopment of underused properties.

Sherrill previously announced plans for housing development on state-owned and transit-related property, including projects in Bayonne and Linden.

The broader strategy also calls for redevelopment of vacant office buildings and aging shopping centers, additional housing near transportation and employment centers, expanded homeownership opportunities and preservation of existing affordable housing.

The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs announced Tuesday that it secured a $17,500 settlement with a local gas station owner following an investigation into violations and deceptive business practices at three Ocean County gas stations.

County officials said the investigation, conducted jointly by the Ocean County Division of Weights & Measures and the Office of Consumer Protection, began after complaints were flagged involving two Route 37 gas stations in Toms River. A separate complaint involving a Lakehurst location was brought forward by the Lakehurst Police Department.

The stations involved are Delta at 245 Route 37 in Toms River, Delta/G&R LLC at 200 Route 37 in Lakehurst, and Sunoco at 644 Route 37 West in Toms River.

Under a binding consent agreement, owner Rajinder Chandi will pay a $17,500 penalty and must ensure that digital gas pump displays accurately match the price-per-gallon charged to customers.

Chandi must also use only vendors certified by the New Jersey State Office of Weights & Measures for future pump repairs, submit repair documentation to county officials within 10 days, attend a verification meeting to demonstrate that outstanding violations have been corrected, and comply with all applicable consumer protection and weights and measures laws.

Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace said the county remains committed to protecting residents and visitors from deceptive practices at the gas pump.

Two New York men have been indicted in connection with a March incident in South Toms River in which Molotov cocktails were thrown at a vehicle and toward a residence, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Tashaun Normand, 42, of the Bronx, and Tahkem Boynton, 28, of Fresh Meadows, were each indicted on two counts of Aggravated Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.

The charges stem from a March 23 incident at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Belmont Drive. South Toms River Police and the Manitou Park Fire Company responded to a reported vehicle fire and found flames inside a 2010 GMC Terrain, along with a separate fire in a grassy area near the residence.

Investigators also recovered a broken glass bottle and another bottle containing liquid with a torn rag placed inside, which authorities said was consistent with a Molotov cocktail.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad and several local agencies determined that the vehicle fire originated at the front windshield and was intentionally set. Prosecutors say Normand threw the Molotov cocktails at the vehicle and in the direction of the residence.

Normand was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol on March 30 and was extradited to New Jersey on July 19. He remains lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Investigators later determined that Boynton conspired with Normand and was present at the scene, prosecutors said. Boynton is currently being held at the Otis Bantum Correctional Facility in New York on an unrelated matter.

The charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Construction is moving full speed ahead on a new state-of-the-art Mikvah in Jackson, with organizers anticipating that the facility will begin operations in early 2027, B’ezras Hashem.

Just one year ago, the property was an empty plot of land. Today, the full structure is standing, and construction crews are working toward completing the approximately $10 million project within the coming months.

The centrally located Mikvah, situated just minutes from Lakewood and Howell, is being designed to accommodate thousands of families throughout the growing Jackson and surrounding communities. The facility will also include a much-needed Keilim Mikvah.

Askonim involved in the project say nearly 75% of the estimated $10 million cost has already been raised as construction continues toward completion.