Friday, June 12, 2026 / כ״ז סיון תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת שלח

Candle lighting 8:08 pm

shkiah/sunset 8:26 pm

Rosh chodesh Tamuz is Monday and Tuesday 

Molad Monday morning, 46 minutes and 16 chalakim after 6:00 am

Weather: 

Tonight 66° Scattered thunderstorms, partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms could contain damaging winds Chance of rain 40%.

Shabbos day 89° Sunny skies. 

הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר עָבַרְנוּ בָהּ לָתוּר אֹתָהּ טוֹבָה הָאָרֶץ מְאֹד מְאֹד

                                   שבת איז שיין. שבת איז ריין

Lakewood Alerts regrets to share the petirah of Rav Yechiel Moskowitz z”l, a highly respected rosh chaburah and BMG and a son-in-law of Harav Shmuel Kamenetzky shlit”a.

Rav Yechiel z”l was niftar following a brief illness. He was 70 years old.

The levaya is tentatively scheduled to take place at 2:30 PM Sunday in Lakewood.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

Shlach 5786

Notice the newly-branded box on the right now lacks the Hechsher.

All of Ocean County remains under Severe Drought drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data, as a prolonged precipitation deficit continues to affect water supplies, vegetation, and environmental conditions across the state and the region.

The latest federal drought assessment shows 100% of Ocean County experiencing drought conditions, with more than 576,000 residents affected. Conditions have remained unchanged in recent weeks despite occasional rainfall, reflecting a longer-term moisture deficit that has persisted across much of New Jersey.

Some areas of the state, in Cape May and Cumberland counties, are now designated as “Extreme Drought.”

The state has now experienced 10 consecutive months of below-normal rainfall and below normal precipitation for 20 of the last 24 months since September 2024.

State or Ocean County officials have not announced mandatory water restrictions, but drought monitoring agencies continue to urge residents and businesses to use water efficiently as the summer season approaches. Drought conditions can increase stress on water systems, reduce streamflows, affect agriculture and landscaping, and heighten wildfire risk in wooded areas.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, which is updated once a week to show the location and intensity of drought conditions across the country, show experts’ assessments of conditions related to dryness and drought including observations of how much water is available in streams, lakes, and soils compared to usual for the same time of year.

It should be noted that in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection makes the official calls on drought status in the state.

Earlier this year, the DEP issued a statewide Drought Watch, strongly urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water, as the state experienced below-average rainfall in recent months, contributing to diminished streamflow, reservoir, and groundwater levels, as well as an increase in wildfire activity.

The declaration of a Drought Watch is intended to increase public awareness and appreciation of the stress water supply sources are facing and encourages the public to practice voluntary water conservation measures. If conditions do not improve, declaration of a Drought Warning or a Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary.

The last drought emergency lasted almost a year, between March 2002 and January 2003.

 Friday, June 12, 2026 / כ״ז סיון תשפ״ו ערב שבת פרשת שלח

Candle lighting 8:08 pm

shkiah/sunset 8:26 pm

Rosh chodesh Tamuz is Monday and Tuesday 

Molad Monday morning, 46 minutes and 16 chalakim after 6:00 am

Weather: Day 93° Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Near record high temperatures. Chance of rain 50%.

Tonight 66° Scattered thunderstorms, partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms could contain damaging winds Chance of rain 40%.

Shabbos day 89° Sunny skies. 

N.J. weather: Severe thunderstorms, record heat possible today.

Yartzeit today of Rav Chaim Stein ZTL R"Y Telz

Yartzeit today of Rav Dovid Trenk ZTL

- BDE: Petirah of Rav Yechiel Moskowitz zt”l, a noted marbitz Torah,  Rosh  Chabura in BMG and former magid shiur at Yeshiva of  Bayonne he was 70 years  old. A son in law of YBL"c Rav Shmuel Kamenetzky Shlita. Levaya Sunday in Lakewood details TBA .

- NWS: Unfortunately, there has been little change in the Drought Monitor from last week. Most of the region remains in at least a Moderate Drought, with the exception of the Poconos. An extreme drought is now posted for portions of the Delmarva & southern NJ.

- Elon  Musk just created 4,400 millionaires in a single day. 400 of them are now worth over $100 million.

- Stock Market Today: Dow Rises On Iran Peace Deal Hopes; SpaceX Shares Hit 168 In Debut

Elon Musk company SpaceX priced its IPO at $135 per share, raising about $75 billion and valuing the company at roughly $1.77 trillion, making it the largest IPO in history. Shares reportedly rose on early trading, pushing valuation higher amid strong investor demand.

- The Keren Olam HaTorah delegation will travel to Florida on Sunday 

- Rav Dov Landau, will spend Shabbos in Monsey 

Rabbi Avraham Salim, will spend Shabbos in Kew Gardens Hills

Rabbi Yosef Chevroni, will spend Shabbos in Kew Gardens Hills 

The Modzitz Rebbe will spend Shabbos in Lakewood 

The Koson Lakewood Rebbe is spending Shabbos in Tosh Hungary for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Meshulam Feish of Tosh.

Rav Don Segal will spend Shabbos in Boro Park 

- Lakewood police have increased police presence on local roads, with LPD motorcycle officers conducting traffic enforcement and pulling over motorists.

 Jackson Police have also stepped up enforcement efforts, issuing more traffic tickets along the Lakewood–Jackson border. At W, County line rd

- Slices Pizza in Deal has moved to a new location at 232 Norwood Avenue 

- Giyus: Seven yeshiva bochurim were released this morning from Prison 10 after detention periods of 3–20 days. The released individuals were greeted with song, dance, and excitement by their family members and friends who arrived to welcome them upon their release.

- Jackson officials approved a fifth straight budget with little or no tax increase, but concerns are growing over the township's finances after at least $9 million was taken from surplus funds to balance the budget. Some council members warned that continued reliance on surplus could create fiscal challenges in the future APP

- Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick is suing the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, alleging it interfered with township oversight of the police department by denying the business administrator access to a police radio and the department's Facebook page.

- Rav Moshe HIllel HIrsch shlita i at a wedding last night was surrounded by talmidim as they danced to songs עוצו עצה ותופר against the military campaign to arrest yeshiva bochurim 

- NJ Assembly GOP: After months of careful study, Trenton Democrats have finally identified New Jersey's most urgent crisis. The state nut. We don’t have one. You think we’re joking.

- Dime Commercial Bank opened its newest branch in Lakewood located at 500 Boulevard of the Americas.

- Hapeles newspaper editorial argues that the recent anti-draft protests demonstrated the strength of the Chareidi community's opposition to drafting yeshiva students. It calls for even broader participation from all segments of the Chareidi ציבור, claiming that a united mass movement could halt any effort to impose military service on bnei yeshiva, while criticizing reliance on political and parliamentary solutions alone.

- Giyus: Chanel 13: Very senior officials in the police conveyed a message to leading Charedi figures that the police are expected to stop conducting proactive arrests of charedi draft evaders. On Monday, a meeting will be held between police commanders and senior frum leaders. The commanders reportedly assured the Charedi representatives that the goal is to "calm tensions" and return to a policy under which a police officer who encounters a draft evader will only issue a summons to report to the Israeli military (IDF), rather than arresting him.

-  LGBT bill: Rutgers law professor Ronald Chen and the New Jersey Press Association, said the language could punish protected speech, truthful reporting, and political advocacy. Supporters say the bill is intended to protect patients and providers from harassment and intimidation, not restrict free speech. The Assembly is expected to amend the legislation before moving forward with a vote later in June.

At Keren Olam Hatorah Atzeres in Lakewood 

Multiple vaccinated children attending a local playgroup recently contracted chickenpox after an unvaccinated child became infected and apparently spread the virus to others, TLS has exclusively learned.

At least three additional children subsequently developed symptoms after being exposed to the initial case, the sources told TLS.

Sources indicate that the other affected children had previously received the recommended chickenpox vaccinations, though health experts note that breakthrough infections can occasionally occur in vaccinated individuals. In such cases, symptoms are generally milder than those experienced by unvaccinated patients.

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact with the rash or blisters of an infected individual. Common symptoms include an itchy blister-like rash, fever, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. The illness typically lasts between four and seven days.

There is no specific cure for chickenpox. Treatment generally focuses on relieving symptoms through rest, hydration, fever reduction, and anti-itch measures. In certain cases, particularly for those at higher risk of complications, antiviral medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. The first dose is typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose given between ages 4 and 6. Two doses are approximately 90% effective at preventing chickenpox, and vaccinated individuals who do contract the illness generally experience a much milder case.

According to federal health data, the vast majority of American children receive the recommended chickenpox vaccinations as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Since the vaccine’s introduction, chickenpox cases in the United States have declined dramatically, with hospitalizations and deaths becoming far less common.

Interestingly, this playgroup – like many others – has a policy which only allows vaccinated children, but somehow this particular unvaccinated child’s data slipped through.

Parents whose children may have been exposed are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and consult their pediatrician with any concerns.

Business leaders, elected officials, and community members gathered in Lakewood to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of Dime Commercial Bank’s newest branch, marking the institution’s first location outside of New York State.

The new branch, located at 500 Boulevard of the Americas, represents a significant milestone for the 162-year-old bank, which now operates 63 branches.

Local and county officials welcomed the bank’s expansion into New Jersey during the ceremony. Ocean County Commissioners Frank Sadeghi and Sam Ellenbogen, along with Lakewood Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, presented official proclamations recognizing Dime’s arrival in both Lakewood and the state.

Speakers highlighted Lakewood’s continued economic growth and its role as a business hub within Ocean County.

“Ocean County used to be a quiet place where people would come to retire,” Commissioner Sadeghi said. “Now, we foresee our population surpassing one million residents, and Lakewood makes things continue ‘happening’ in the County.”

Lichtenstein reflected on growing up near a Dime branch in Brooklyn and expressed enthusiasm about the bank’s decision to establish a presence in Lakewood.

“There are tens of millions of square feet of nonprofit, commercial and industrial space in Lakewood,” Lichtenstein said. “We welcome Dime Bank to become part of the grassroots fabric of our thriving business world and community at large.”

Bank officials said that while Dime offers a full range of personal banking services, including a nationally recognized first-time homebuyer mortgage program, its primary focus remains serving commercial and nonprofit organizations.

Executives emphasized the bank’s commitment to building long-term relationships with businesses, nonprofits, and local communities, a model they say has been central to its operations throughout New York and will continue in Lakewood.

The Lakewood branch is led by Michael Ragusa Jr., First Vice President, who has lived and worked in Lakewood and neighboring communities for nearly two decades and maintains longstanding ties to local residents and institutions.

As part of the grand opening celebration, Dime President and CEO Stuart Lubow and Ragusa presented charitable donations to the Lakewood Community Services Corporation (LCSC) and Chai Lifeline.

“Today, as we celebrate the Grand Opening of our Dime Commercial Bank branch in Lakewood, we affirm our commitment to businesses in the Lakewood area, as well as to its diverse communities,” Lubow said. “We are excited to contribute to the growth of our clients with operations in the area.”

The opening marks Dime Commercial Bank’s first step into the New Jersey market and reflects the institution’s confidence in Lakewood’s expanding business and nonprofit sectors.

- Araghchi: After completing the final stages of the negotiations, the agreement will be signed and officially announced. In the first stage, the signing will be done digitally and remotely; this may happen as early as in the coming days

- US official: An agreement has been reached on the destruction of enriched material, so Israel will cooperate

- Pakistan declares that a final draft of the peace deal has been reached. Currently working with the parties to complete the next steps.

- Trump reposts this from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

"The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalization, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content.

In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course."

- Trump: "The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing. What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth. Very dishonorable people to deal with. With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith. AMAZING! Also, their totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. They better get their act together, and FAST! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

- A senior US official: As part of the agreement, enriched uranium will be destroyed and removed. The nuclear program will be dismantled, and NO funds will be released to Tehran until there are on-the-ground results. The Strait of Hormuz will be opened, and Iran will NOT fund terrorist organizations. The deal with Iran is based on performance.

- Bloomberg: Switzerland has been raised as a possible location for signing the agreement between the US and Iran, possibly on Sunday

- The US military was about three hours away from an attack on Iran when President Trump announced the achievement of an agreement, NBC reported citing official US sources

- Iran's Mehr news agency publishes a draft deal with the United States which would, if adopted, secure the release of $24 billion in frozen assets within a 60-day period.

- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. There is an agreement between President Trump and me on this issue. For over 30 years, I have been at the forefront of the international fight against Iran's nuclear program. Without this fight, Iran would have long since had the nuclear bomb to destroy Israel. Iran is acting to destroy the Jewish state, and I am dedicating my life to preventing it from doing so. As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, this will not happen."

- Hezbollah is confident that Iran will insist on Lebanon being included in a deal with the United States, a leading Hezbollah politician said on Friday, as hopes grew for an agreement between Tehran and Washington.

- Iranian News Agency Mahar: The MOU with the US includes US commitments to lift sanctions, withdraw its forces surrounding Iran, and lift the naval blockade. Additionally, the memorandum includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of oil sanctions, and the release of Iran's frozen funds.

- The Israeli Air Force recently struck and destroyed five Hezbollah launchers used to fire rockets at troops in southern Lebanon, the military says.

-The Iranian news agency IRNA details the content of the MOU between the US and Iran:

In the current Memorandum of Understanding, NO agreement will be reached on the nuclear issue, and Iran will NOT make any new commitment.

 Discussions on the nuclear issue will take place within 60 days from the date of signing.

The US commit to forcing Israel to end the war in Lebanon.

There is no place in the text of the agreement for the term "extension of the ceasefire."

 Some of the frozen Iranian assets will be released immediately upon signing, and the rest will be released gradually during the negotiations.

 Iran does NOT commit to handing over the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The issue of managing the strait will be settled within a regional framework and through dialogue and joint decision-making between Tehran and Oman.

The mechanism for implementing the payment of compensation will be determined during the negotiations that will last 60 days after the signing.

During the 60-day period, the removal of all US sanctions and the cancellation of relevant international decisions will be examined.

The negotiations, which will last 60 days, will focus on ONLY three issues: the civilian nuclear program, the removal of unilateral US sanctions, and compensation. No other issu

A Lakewood resident today shared with TLS that they received this week two batches of wedding return cards, both of which were found to have been opened and their contents missing.

The return cards – all which were clearly tampered with – have apparently been gone through in search of checks.

If you’ve also experienced this, be sure to report it to authorities and the local post office.

Additionally, if you’ve recently sent out checks with a return card, you may want to keep an eye on the check to ensure it wasn’t stolen and fraudulently cashed.

A driver ran a red light approximately five seconds after the signal changed at the intersection of Route 70 and Vermont Avenue in Lakewood this morning, causing an accident.

No serious injuries were reported.

The Lakewood Police Department hosted a Pedestrian Safety Enforcement (PSE) Workshop this week, bringing together officers from Lakewood and several neighboring law enforcement agencies for specialized training focused on improving pedestrian and driver safety.

Sponsored by AAA Northeast, the workshop provided officers with instruction on New Jersey pedestrian safety laws, community outreach strategies, and effective methods for promoting safer interactions between motorists and pedestrians.

A key component of the training centered on the “3E” approach to traffic safety — Education, Engineering, and Enforcement — a framework designed to reduce crashes and improve roadway safety through a combination of public awareness, infrastructure improvements, and targeted enforcement efforts.

Participants also took part in a practical field exercise on Pine Street near Sims Avenue, allowing officers to apply the concepts discussed during the classroom portion of the training in a real-world setting.

Attention Post-Seminary Girls! Now Is Your Chance To Bask In The Presence Of The Gedolei Hador!
The Gemara asks a question: Nashim b’mai zakyan? By what merit do women acquire their share in Torah? The answer has always been that women earn their cheilek by building the world of limud haTorah, by carrying it on their shoulders and making it possible. On Tuesday, June 16, young women will have the chance to grab their own eternal cheilek.

Keren Olam HaTorah is inviting post-seminary girls to an exclusive evening in Bell Works, offering the rare opportunity to stand in the presence of the Gedolei Hador, receive their berachos, and to become true partners in upholding the yeshivos of Eretz Yisroel, by running Keren Olam Hatorah’s dedicated call center.

The urgency could not be greater. Keren Olam HaTorah is a historic initiative of the Gedolei Hador, launched to save the yeshivos of Eretz Yisroel amid the severe Israeli government budget cuts that have threatened to choke off their lifeblood. Today, the Keren stands behind and supports 120,000 lomdim. As long as the crisis endures, so must the fight for Torah.

The program will include an uplifting musical and inspirational program, an address from Rabbi Joey Haber, and a full dinner buffet. Even better, the program will include a visit from the Gedolei Hador themselves, offering their brachos directly to you, no intermediaries involved!

The Gedolim are calling on you. Will you answer?

What: Exclusive call-center event for post-seminary girls

When: Tuesday, June 16. Doors open 7:00 PM
Where: Bell Works

Register: kerenolamhatorah.org/girlsevent or call: 732.941.1000 ext. #5

Email: [email protected]

LIVE UPDATES ON STATUS

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Severe Thunderstorm Watch From Thu 7:15 pm until Fri 12:00 am Low 72 Chance of rain 70%

Chasunas:

Antebi - Kuperman Bais Faiga

Berkowitz - Berger Foun,tazin Ballroom 

Dreyfus - Carlebqch Neemas Hachaim 

Paretzky - Zucker Ateres  Blima 

Grossman - Nossonchuck Kesser Moshe Yehuda

Joseph - Lench Lake Terrace 

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

Road closures:

LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 6/11 NJDOT Contractor advises they will be repaving the following: Providence (25 ft), Finchley(25 ft), Elmhurst (25 ft), Yale (25 ft), Ford (25 ft), Roosevelt (25 ft). There will be FULL CLOSURES of Route 9 between 11pm and 7 AM. Southbound detour is Prospect st to Massachusetts Ave to Cross St. Northbound Detour is Chestnut to New Hampshire to Oak St.

NJNGAS advises infrastructure improvements on MLK Dr from Cedarbridge to Center St 8 PM. There will be a lane from Cedarbridge to Pine open for Traffic and Detour to get onto Cedarbridge from MLK is Center St.

LPD Traffic Advisory: Residents should expect increased traffic in the area of ShoreTown Ballpark (BlueClaws Stadium) today due to the Banana Ball game.

Heavy traffic is anticipated between approximately 2:30 PM and 10:00 PM, particularly on Cedar Bridge Avenue, Route 9, and surrounding roadways.

9:15pm Event concludes with music as crowds disperse. Tents along the perimeter offer to sign up ans support the keren. Maariv followed.

Tehillim recited  by Rav Shimon Galei shlita capital 20, 142, followed by kabolas Ohl Malchus Shamayim by Rav Saalim shlita.

9pm 

Rav Bunim Shreiber shlita addresses the crowd  we are in a milchama and we must fight back and show Hashem that we are on his side weather financially or increasing our Torah learning as the was by the  reshape is waged against Hashem and his followers the bnei Torah.

- Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband speaks to the crowd. He was asked by the gedolim that  everyone be mekabel to support one month salary of a youngerman. But more importantly that thousands together will join to support financially that will win the mikchama and defeat the  coach HaTumah 

Music plays songs of Torah as crowds dance

- Rav Yaakov Hillel shlita addresses the crowds in English. He said this gathering is a machaa on the desecration and degradation of Torah in EY the humility and vicious campaign by The wicked reshape against the bnei Torah in EY. At the same time he said we gathered to show solidarity with our brothers in EY as Tensbof thousands in the NY area alone came out to show support. He called on everyone to continue learning and being mechazek in Torah.

8:35 Rav Don Segal addresses the crowd as the music plays his niggun tattaleh kum shoin aheim as circles of bochurim dance. He mentioned the gezirah in EY is a milchama of Tumah and ttahara in Shamayim  and if we in the  US are mechazek then it will bring a yeshuah in EY.

8:30 pm Rav Dov Landau addresses the crowds calling on everyone to support the keren and take on the budget of one youngerman 

Video screenshot and water stations throughout the parking lot.

- 8:00pm thousands fill the parking lot and surrounding streets awaiting the arrival of the Gedolei Yisroel. 

Weather holding up for now with a severe thunderstorm threat. 

Heavy security in the perimeter 

Keren Olam Hatorah Kabolas panim in Lakewood pushed back to 7 30 pm due to potential severe weather 

Keren Olam HaTorah Kabolas Panim and Atzeres tefilah will take place today in Lakewood to Strengthen the Keren HaTorah and daven for the bnei Torah in EY.

 Location: In the Township Parking Lot Clifton Ave between 9th and 10th Street across from Bais Aaron and Bais Shalom 7:00 PM With the participation of leading Roshei Yeshiva and members of Keren Olam HaTorah. All residents are invited men, women, and children.

Atzeres weather forecast  is 92° with showers at 7pm and scattered thunderstorms at 8 pm.

Tens of thousands of men, women, and children have turned out for a massive kabalas panim for gedolei eretz yisroel who are now in Lakewood on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah.

The updates below are in reverse chronological order.

9:19 PM: Despite the scorching heat and humidity, the massive crowd that came to be mechabed the Gedolei Eretz Yisroel sings and dances lichvod hatorah, bringing the asifa to a close

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.18.14-PM.mp4

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9:16 PM: Harav Avraham Salim shlit”a, one of the leading Sephardic roshei yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel, leads a resounding Kabolas Ol Malchus Shamayim to cap off the maamad kavod hatorah

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9:07 PM: Harav Shimon Galai shlit”a leads the maamad kavod hatorah in reciting Tehillim b’rov am.

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9:02 PM: The crowd sings “Ki Orech Yamim” for Harav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber shlit”a, as he rises to address the massive asifa. 

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8:55 PM: Harav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, urges the crowd – and all of Lakewood – to take upon themselves to support at least one month of an avreich’s expenses – just $276 – over the coming year.

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8:48 PM: Gedolei Eretz Yisroel and the roshei yeshiva of BMG link hands and join the crowd of 10,000+ in singing and dancing lichvod hatorah

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8:42 PM: Harav Don Segal shlit”a, Harav Yaakov Hillel shlit”a, and Harav Avraham Salim shlit”a arriving to the kabalas panim earlier amid their mission to the US on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.47.43-PM.mp4

**8:35 PM: The oilam sings and dances as the mashgiach Harav Don Segal shlit”a prepares to speak at the maamad.
**

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8:27 PM: Harav Dov Landau shlit”a is now addressing the massive, overflow crowd at the Keren Olam HaTorah kabalas panim in Lakewood

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8:21 PM: Harav Malkiel Kotler shlit”a opens the asifa speaking of Keren Olam Hatorah, the journey the gedolim have undertaken to save Torah in Eretz Yisroel, and the hischayvus it puts on all to support their mission.

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8:15 PM: The gedolei Eretz Yisroel arrive at the asifa to tens of thousands singing and welcoming them to Lakewood.

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8:05 PM: Harav Dov Landau shlit”a and Harav Shimon Galai shlit”a arriving at the massive asifa in their honor

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7:53 PM: Harav Malkiel Kotler and Harav Yeruchem Olshin have arrived at the kabalas panim for the Gedolei Eretz Yisroel

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7:51 PM: The asifa parking lot is now completely full as the maamad prepares to get underway – and many more additional attendees are still coming.

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A view of the already massive crowd, as thousands more continue arriving to greet the gedolim

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Thousands have begun streaming into the area as final preparations conclude

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Heavily armed police patrolling the perimeter of the kabalas panim 

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Rabbi Sruly Bursztyn of Lakewood Shomrim gives event security personnel a briefing ahead of the kabalas panim.

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Extensive preparations underway for tonight’s massive asifa

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Tens of thousands of men, women, and children turned out for a massive kabalas panim for gedolei eretz yisroel who are now in Lakewood on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, approximately 26,000 people attended the asifa.

The updates below are in reverse chronological order.

9:19 PM: Despite the scorching heat and humidity, the massive crowd that came to be mechabed the Gedolei Eretz Yisroel sings and dances lichvod hatorah, bringing the asifa to a close

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.18.14-PM.mp4

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.24.14-PM.mp4

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9:16 PM: Harav Avraham Salim shlit”a, one of the leading Sephardic roshei yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel, leads a resounding Kabolas Ol Malchus Shamayim to cap off the maamad kavod hatorah

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.16.47-PM.mp4

9:07 PM: Harav Shimon Galai shlit”a leads the maamad kavod hatorah in reciting Tehillim b’rov am.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.07.17-PM.mp4

9:02 PM: The crowd sings “Ki Orech Yamim” for Harav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber shlit”a, as he rises to address the massive asifa. 

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.02.58-PM.mp4

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.03.15-PM.mp4

8:55 PM: Harav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, urges the crowd – and all of Lakewood – to take upon themselves to support at least one month of an avreich’s expenses – just $276 – over the coming year.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-9.00.27-PM.mp4

8:48 PM: Gedolei Eretz Yisroel and the roshei yeshiva of BMG link hands and join the crowd of 10,000+ in singing and dancing lichvod hatorah

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.51.31-PM.mp4

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.54.17-PM.mp4

8:42 PM: Harav Don Segal shlit”a, Harav Yaakov Hillel shlit”a, and Harav Avraham Salim shlit”a arriving to the kabalas panim earlier amid their mission to the US on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.47.43-PM.mp4

**8:35 PM: The oilam sings and dances as the mashgiach Harav Don Segal shlit”a prepares to speak at the maamad.
**

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.42.57-PM.mp4

8:27 PM: Harav Dov Landau shlit”a is now addressing the massive, overflow crowd at the Keren Olam HaTorah kabalas panim in Lakewood

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.28.55-PM.mp4

8:21 PM: Harav Malkiel Kotler shlit”a opens the asifa speaking of Keren Olam Hatorah, the journey the gedolim have undertaken to save Torah in Eretz Yisroel, and the hischayvus it puts on all to support their mission.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.25.37-PM.mp4

8:15 PM: The gedolei Eretz Yisroel arrive at the asifa to tens of thousands singing and welcoming them to Lakewood.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.19.03-PM.mp4

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.19.58-PM.mp4

8:05 PM: Harav Dov Landau shlit”a and Harav Shimon Galai shlit”a arriving at the massive asifa in their honor

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-8.16.26-PM.mp4

7:53 PM: Harav Malkiel Kotler and Harav Yeruchem Olshin have arrived at the kabalas panim for the Gedolei Eretz Yisroel

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-11-at-7.56.28-PM.mp4

7:51 PM: The asifa parking lot is now completely full as the maamad prepares to get underway – and many more additional attendees are still coming.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0042.mp4

A view of the already massive crowd, as thousands more continue arriving to greet the gedolim

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0038.mp4

Thousands have begun streaming into the area as final preparations conclude

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0037.mp4

Heavily armed police patrolling the perimeter of the kabalas panim 

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Rabbi Sruly Bursztyn of Lakewood Shomrim gives event security personnel a briefing ahead of the kabalas panim.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0035.mp4

Extensive preparations underway for tonight’s massive asifa

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0034.mp4

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,

Very often (specifically on Friday afternoons), the people from the golf club close off Country Club Rd going towards Hope Chapel Rd which causes a tremendous backup exiting Pine Park. When it is like this, there is only one way out of the park, which is towards County Line Rd. This is both a major safety concern as well as a major traffic concern. Can something please be done to alleviate this issue?

Thank you

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon. It is important to remember that Country Club Rd at that point is a private driveway, not a township street. They graciously allow us to use it most times but close it down when they are busy at the golf course. There have been a number of very close calls, including a couple of accidents, where drivers hit a golf cart or vice versa.

Thanks,

Ray

Question:

Hi Mr. Mayor,

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our community.

I would like to bring to your attention the significant morning traffic on Vine Avenue between Essex Street and Oak Street.

I would like to suggest extending/opening Vermont Avenue through to Oak Street.

There is currently an unpaved road in that area, and if it were developed into a permanent roadway, it could provide an alternative route and help alleviate congestion on Vine Avenue during peak hours.

Thank you for your consideration of this suggestion. I appreciate your time and efforts on behalf of our community.

Issac,

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon

We are actually getting ready to begin that extension. Plans are done and contracts should be issued soon.

Question:

To the honorable Mayor, R. Coles,

Good morning. I was hoping you could take a look at these three requests, regarding the roads of our Town.

1 – Please can you advise the Transportation Department to install Lane-Use signage on Forest Avenue, northbound, at the corner of County Line Road?
It gets awfully jumbled there during the peak congestion times.

2 – Furthermore, I was wondering if you could put in a request for a study/fix to be done at the corner of Ninth Street and Route 9. The vehicles turning from Ninth Street onto Route 9 have to linger for a while, waiting for a break in the myriad of pedestrians crossing. It seems only three cars on average, could ultimately make the turn at each cycle. Perhaps, a left-turn signal could be added to Ninth Street, or, a separate, dedicated green signal solely for pedestrians, and another following, solely for vehicles?

3 – As there is a traffic buildup at any given hour, at the intersection of Princeton Avenue and Seventh Street, even during non peak congestion hours, I thought a traffic light would serve the area better than a four-way stop sign. Perhaps the Township Engineer could have a look?

Wishing for safer and better traffic solutions. Thank you.

Your humble constituent,
S. R.

Response from Mayor Coles:

Thank you for these insightful suggestions.

I forwarded your email to our engineers and asked them to investigate each one

Take care

Ray

—————–

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

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

Lakewood drivers should prepare for overnight traffic disruptions Thursday night as roadwork and utility projects will impact several major roadways throughout the township.

A contractor will be repaving portions of several streets off Route 9, resulting in major disruptions. Work is scheduled on Providence Boulevard, Finchley Boulevard, Elmhurst Avenue, Yale Avenue, Ford Avenue, and Roosevelt Avenue, with approximately 25 feet of each roadway near Route 9 being repaved.

As part of the project, Route 9 will be fully closed in both directions between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Southbound traffic will be detoured via Prospect Street to Massachusetts Avenue and then to Cross Street. Northbound motorists will be directed to use Chestnut Street, New Hampshire Avenue, and Oak Street.

In a separate project, New Jersey Natural Gas will continue infrastructure improvements along Martin Luther King Drive between Cedarbridge Avenue and Center Street beginning at 8 p.m.

One lane of traffic will remain open between Cedarbridge Avenue and Pine Street during the work. Motorists seeking access to Cedarbridge Avenue from Martin Luther King Drive will be detoured via Center Street.

A visit to a Lakewood home on Thursday turned into an unforgettable display of gadlus baTorah when Harav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas, reviewed the entirety of Maseches Bava Basra from memory before an astonished crowd.

The moment unfolded during a visit by the Keren Olam HaTorah gedolim currently touring America on behalf of the yeshivos and kollelim of Eretz Yisroel. At the home of R’ Yanky Stern, where Harav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, was being hosted, a bochur approached the Rosh Yeshiva with a formidable question in learning.

The challenge was no small one. The bochur wanted to know every single machlokes between Rabbah and Rav Yosef across the entire length of Maseches Bava Basra.

Rather than respond himself, Rav Ausband turned to Rav Schreiber, who is widely known as an extraordinary baki. What followed left the room in silence. Rav Schreiber began reviewing the masechta in his mind, traveling through the dafim one after another and calling out each machlokes as he reached it, navigating the full breadth of the masechta entirely from memory.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0020.mp4

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0019.mp4

A visit to a Lakewood home on Thursday turned into an unforgettable display of gadlus baTorah when Harav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas, reviewed the entirety of Maseches Bava Basra from memory before an astonished crowd.

The moment unfolded during a visit by the Keren Olam HaTorah gedolim currently touring America on behalf of the yeshivos and kollelim of Eretz Yisroel. At the home of R’ Yanky Stern, where Harav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, was being hosted, a bochur approached the Rosh Yeshiva with a formidable question in learning.

The challenge was no small one. The bochur wanted to know every single machlokes between Rabbah and Rav Yosef across the entire length of Maseches Bava Basra.

Rather than respond himself, Rav Ausband turned to Rav Schreiber, who is widely known as an extraordinary baki. What followed left the room in silence. Rav Schreiber began reviewing the masechta in his mind, traveling through the dafim one after another and calling out each machlokes as he reached it, navigating the full breadth of the masechta entirely from memory.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0020.mp4

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260611-WA0019.mp4

A fraudulent website designed to impersonate Adirei HaTorah and solicit donations has been shut down after community members and cybersecurity professionals identified the scam, Adirei Hatorah announced.

Adirei HaTorah said it became aware Wednesday of a targeted attempt to direct donors to a fake website that closely resembled its official online donation platform. It immediately launched a response involving cybersecurity experts and law enforcement authorities.

The fraudulent website has since been disabled and the payment processor involved froze the scammer’s account, preventing further activity.

Adirei Hatorah emphasized that, based on the investigation so far, there is no indication that the attacker gained access to Adirei HaTorah’s financial systems, donor database, or any financial information belonging to donors.

Officials said the breach appears to have been limited to certain names, email addresses, and phone numbers, which were allegedly used to distribute fraudulent emails and text messages directing recipients to the fake website.

As a precaution, Adirei HaTorah reminded supporters that all official text messages from the organization will come only from the phone numbers 848-261-8251 or 732-800-1524. The organization also said official emails will clearly identify Adirei HaTorah as the sender and will be distributed only through authorized communication channels.

Donors are being urged to verify that they are using Adirei HaTorah’s official website, AdireiHatorah.com, before making contributions.

The organization also advised anyone who receives suspicious emails, text messages, donation requests, or website links claiming to be from Adirei HaTorah not to engage with them and to report them immediately.

Statement: As you may be aware, there was a targeted attempt yesterday to solicit donations through a fraudulent look-alike Adirei HaTorah website.

We take the security of your information with the utmost seriousness, and we responded immediately with swift and decisive action working with cyber professionals and law enforcement. B’Siyata D’Shmaya, the fraudulent website has been successfully disabled and the payment processor has frozen the scammer’s account.

While the investigation is still ongoing, this limited leak was confined to some names, email addresses and phone numbers that was used to distribute fraudulent emails and text messages directing recipients to the fake website.

Importantly, there are no indications that the malicious actor gained access to any of Adirei HaTorah’s financial systems or overall donor database, or that any financial information was compromised.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the many professionals and community members who immediately stepped forward, worked tirelessly, and helped identify and shut down this scam within hours of its launch. We are also grateful to the media outlets that helped responsibly publicize the warning and alert the public. Mi K’Amcha Yisrael.

To help protect our community going forward, please note the following:

• All official text messages from Adirei HaTorah will come only from 848-261-8251 or 732-800-1524.
• All official email communications from Adirei HaTorah will clearly identify Adirei HaTorah as the sender and will be sent only through our official communication channels.
• Before making any donation, please verify that you are visiting our official website: www.adireihatorah.com
 • If you receive a suspicious email, text message, donation request, or website link claiming to be from Adirei HaTorah, please do not engage with it and immediately report it to us.

We remain committed to safeguarding you and your information and will continue implementing additional security measures to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Thank you for your vigilance, partnership, and continued support.

Adirei HaTorah

https://unclaimedfunds.nj.gov/app/claim-search

Toms River Township has adopted its 2026 municipal budget, marking the third consecutive year that municipal taxes will remain flat under Mayor Daniel Rodrick’s administration.

The budget keeps taxes steady while funding investments in road paving, parks, flood mitigation, recreation projects and other community improvements, according to the township.

“Three years ago, we set out to prove that government could spend less, accomplish more, and protect taxpayers at the same time,” Rodrick said. “Today, we are delivering on that promise. Taxes remain flat for the third consecutive year, spending remains significantly below the level it was when I took office, and we are making historic investments in our community without asking residents to pay more.”

Municipal spending has been reduced by millions of dollars since Rodrick took office. In the administration’s first year, spending was cut by approximately 9 percent, representing more than $11 million in savings. Township spending remains about $6 million lower annually than when Rodrick first assumed office.

The township also said it has paid down approximately $9 million in debt and increased the municipal surplus to a record $60 million, roughly $20 million higher than the previous record.

“Our financial position is stronger than it has ever been,” Rodrick said. “A record surplus, lower debt, and controlled spending provide stability for taxpayers while ensuring that we can continue investing in critical projects throughout our community.”

The 2026 budget includes continued infrastructure work, including the paving of approximately 15 miles of township roads this year. Township officials noted that is more than double the amount of road paving completed annually before the current administration.

The township is also moving forward with a major flood mitigation effort that includes the installation of tidal check valves on 70 streets. The valves are intended to reduce nuisance and tidal flooding in vulnerable waterfront neighborhoods.

Other projects funded through the budget include new playground equipment at five parks, the construction of two new parks, a new recreational fishing pier in the downtown area and a new spray park for families. The township also said it has repaved its tennis and basketball courts.

The mayor also said the township has maintained its contractual obligations to municipal employees, including annual 3 percent salary increases negotiated through collective bargaining agreements.

“I want to thank Councilwoman Lynn O’Toole, Councilman Craig Coleman, and Councilman Harry Aber for their partnership and support throughout this process,” Rodrick said. “I also appreciate the support of every Council member who voted in favor of this budget. Regardless of political differences, everyone recognized that this budget delivers real results for taxpayers and moves our Township forward.”

Today, the New Jersey State Assembly removed language from a bill that would have jeopardized religious rights. The legislation had allowed individuals to sue anyone accused of interfering with their decision to obtain reproductive or gender-related health care services and seek damages for harm to their business or personal reputation, financial harm, or pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional harm.

Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office led opposition to the language, warning that its broad and undefined terms could expose rabbis, educators, counselors, schools, and parents to costly litigation for providing guidance or expressing views regarding gender-related medical procedures. In addition to working with legislators in both chambers, the Agudah issued an action alert urging residents across the state to contact their Assembly members and oppose the bill.

“We are grateful to the bill sponsors and legislative leadership for recognizing the serious concerns included in this provision and for addressing them,” Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office, said.

“The removal of this language is an important victory for religious liberty, free speech, and parental rights.

We especially thank the thousands of New Jersey residents who responded to our action alert and contacted their legislators to make their voices heard. Their advocacy helped ensure that constitutionally protected speech and religious expression will not be subjected to vague and potentially far-reaching civil liability.”

The New Jersey Assembly has postponed a planned vote on controversial legislation aimed at strengthening protections for reproductive and transgender health care providers after a campaign led by Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office raised constitutional concerns about a provision that would have authorized lawsuits for alleged interference with gender-related and reproductive health care decisions.

Moments ago, the Assembly voted to amend A2218, a broad health care “shield law” package that passed the Senate last month, and pulled it from today’s voting agenda.

The amendment removed the provision that drew objections from Agudath Israel on religious rights grounds, as well as the right to freedom of speech.

“Working closely with the bill’s sponsors, advocates, leadership in the Senate, and the Governor, we have come to the consensus that it is best to make an amendment to A2218 on Thursday and advance it for a vote in the full Assembly later this month,” Assembly Majority Office spokesperson Rhonda Schaffler said in a statement.

Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office welcomed the decision.

“We are grateful to the bill sponsors and legislative leadership for recognizing the serious concerns included in this provision and for addressing them,” Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office, said. 

“The removal of this language is an important victory for religious liberty, free speech, and parental rights. 

We especially thank the thousands of New Jersey residents who responded to our action alert and contacted their legislators to make their voices heard. Their advocacy helped ensure that constitutionally protected speech and religious expression will not be subjected to vague and potentially far-reaching civil liability.” 

The legislation had allowed individuals to sue anyone accused of interfering with their decision to obtain reproductive or gender-related health care services and seek damages for harm to their business or personal reputation, financial harm, or pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional harm.

Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office led opposition to the language, warning that its broad and undefined terms could expose rabbis, educators, counselors, schools, and parents to costly litigation for providing guidance or expressing views regarding gender-related medical procedures. The organization issued an action alert this week urging residents across the state to contact their Assembly members and oppose the measure unless the provision was removed.

The bill, if eventually approved by the Assembly, will need to return to the Senate again.

The Jackson Township Council has approved aplan to begin merging Jackson Fire Districts 2 and 3, advancing a long-discussed consolidation that officials say will cut costs and streamline emergency response as the township continues to grow. The proposal now goes to the state Local Finance Board, which must sign off before the merger can take effect.

The vote clears one of the final local hurdles in a consolidation effort that fire leaders have pursued for years. Supporters say combining the two districts will reduce duplication in administration, purchasing and vehicle maintenance while improving coordination across a township whose call volume keeps climbing.

Jackson’s population has grown by about 5,000 people over the past decade to an estimated 61,000, and fire duties are currently split among multiple separate districts. Each district has its own five-member board of paid commissioners that sets budgets and makes hiring and policy decisions.

The action follows the February 21 fire elections, when voters approved the 2026 budgets in all local fire districts. Those spending plans totaled more than $16 million combined.

Consolidation would also change how the merged district is governed. Once districts combine, commissioner elections move to the November general ballot and the annual budget no longer goes before voters, a shift officials say would prevent low-turnout February elections from threatening fire funding. District 2 had already absorbed the former District 1 in an earlier consolidation.

Meanwhile, District 4 will remain independent. Commissioner Raymond Torres Jr. echoed that position said consolidation would benefit the other districts financially while raising rates for District 4 residents with little offsetting savings.

A display of historic cattle cars parked in Lakewood has sparked strong reactions from residents, with some contacting police after finding the exhibit offensive or disturbing.

The cattle cars, which are widely recognized as one of the most haunting symbols of the Holocaust, were used by the Nazis to transport millions of Jews and other victims to concentration and extermination camps during World War II.

Ironically, the purpose of the exhibit is the exact opposite of what some critics fear. According to the organization behind the display, the exhibit was brought to the community to educate visitors about the dangers of hatred and indifference.

“We are committed to encouraging people to reflect on the depths of evil while inspiring thoughtful conversations about genocide and indifference as they participate in The Cattle Car exhibit,” the organization states. “We also want to motivate individuals to get involved in preventing hate crimes and maintaining a sense of unity with each other.”

So what do you think? Does the cattle car exhibit serve as an important reminder of where hatred can lead, or is displaying such a powerful symbol in a public setting more harmful than helpful for survivors, their families, and the broader community?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

 Weather: 96° Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Near record high temperatures. Chance of rain 40%.

Tonight 72° Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Chance of rain 50%.

NWS Mount Holly The hottest heat indices so far this year are expected today, topping out near 100° this afternoon in most areas. Near record breaking highs in the low to mid 90s. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through Friday for portions of the area

N.J. weather forecast: Severe thunderstorms, high winds possible today after dangerous heat, humidity Scattered severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and hail are possible Thursday evening after heat and humidity soar to dangerous levels across New Jersey. from 5pm - 11 pm

- 

LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 6/11 NJDOT Contractor advises they will be repaving the following: Providence (25 ft), Finchley(25 ft), Elmhurst (25 ft), Yale (25 ft), Ford (25 ft), Roosevelt (25 ft). There will be FULL CLOSURES of Route 9 between 11pm and 7 AM. Southbound detour is Prospect st to Massachusetts Ave to Cross St. Northbound Detour is Chestnut to New Hampshire to Oak St.

NJNGAS advises infrastructure improvements on MLK Dr from Cedarbridge to Center St 8 PM. There will be a lane from Cedarbridge to Pine open for Traffic and Detour to get onto Cedarbridge from MLK is Center St.

LPD Traffic Advisory: Residents should expect increased traffic in the area of ShoreTown Ballpark (BlueClaws Stadium) today due to the Banana Ball game. Heavy traffic is anticipated between approximately 2:30 PM and 10:00 PM, particularly on Cedar Bridge Avenue, Route 9, and surrounding roadways.

- Rav Don Segal shlita will be spending shabbos in Boro Park with his kehila.Tefilos will take place at the Stolin Yeshiva 18th Ave and 54th

- At a Keren Olam HaTorah parlor meeting in Lakewood, a bochur posed a question to Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband that required identifying every machlokes between Rabbah and Rav Yosef throughout Maseches Bava Basra. Rav Ausband referred the question to Rav Bunim Schreiber, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas, who was present at the event. Demonstrating his remarkable bekius and mastery of Torah, Rav Bunim mentally reviewed the entire masechta from memory and provided the answer on the spot

- Adirei HaTorah announced that a fraudulent look-alike website used to solicit donations has been shut down. The organization said only limited contact information was exposed, with no evidence that financial systems, donor data, or payment information were compromised. The public is urged to verify donation requests through official Adirei HaTorah channels and report suspicious messages. To help protect our community going forward All official text messages from Adirei HaTorah will come only from 848-261-8251 or 732-800-1524. All official email communications from Adirei HaTorah will clearly identify Adirei HaTorah as the sender and will be sent only through our official communication channels. Before making any donation, please verify that you are visiting our official website: www.adireihatorah.com

- Traffic in the vicinity of Blueclaws stadium due to a ballgame event road closures in the area with PD directing traffic 

- Agudah announced they pulled a provision from the Toeava bill scheduled for vote in NJ assembly A2218/S2260.

Agudahg statement: Baruch Hashem, we are pleased to report that, following significant outreach and discussions with legislative leaders, as well as your efforts, the provision that would have allowed lawsuits against individuals accused of "interfering" with a person's decision to obtain gender-related healthcare services has been removed from the bill and was pulled from today’s voting session.

This was reported earlier today in the media. Opponents of New Jersey's reproductive and transgender health care protection bill say they are not objecting to the provisions that increase penalties for assault, threats, intimidation, obstruction, or property damage.

Instead, critics, including the New Jersey Press Association, are challenging a section that would allow lawsuits against those who cause reputational, financial, or emotional harm to individuals or organizations involved in providing or receiving reproductive health care. They argue the language could infringe on free speech and potentially punish truthful reporting and protected opinions. As a result, lawmakers plan to amend the bill before bringing it back for a vote.

- Vaad Harabbanim D'Gittin Monsey  Statement:

The Vaad Harabbanim D'Gittin is pleased to confirm that a complex divorce which has drawn significant communal attention in recent months has been brought to a successful resolution. We wish both parties bracha and hatzlacha as they move forward with their lives.

The Vaad does not ordinarily comment on the cases it handles, and it does not intend to depart from that practice going forward. We offer this brief statement only because of the unusual degree of public attention this particular matter attracted.

The work that brought this to a close was carried out privately, with unwavering fidelity to halacha, sound legal judgment, and respect for the dignity of everyone involved, as is our practice in every case we undertake. We are grateful to the rabbanim, askanim, and professionals whose deliberate and methodical efforts made this outcome possible.

The Vaad Harabbanim D'Gittin remains available to assist anyone facing difficulty in obtaining or resolving a get, and confidentiality is assured in every matter brought before us. Inquiries may be directed to [email protected].

Rabbanim:

Rabbi Chaim Schabes

Rabbi Noach Shapiro

Rabbi Avrohom Cohn

Rabbi Dovid Grunbaum

Chief Counsel:

James J. Sexton, Esq

- Tehillim: Tefillos for  Rav Avraham Yehoshua Soloveitchik shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Brisk, who was hospitalized today at Hadassah Ein Kerem following a deterioration in his condition.

Thr Rosh Yeshiva underwent a complex heart procedure last week performed by a specialist from abroad. Following complications, he was hospitalized Thursday morning name is Avraham Yehoshua ben Ettil.(Bhol)

- Keren Olam Hatorah Kabolas panim in Lakewood pushed  back to 7 30 pm due to potential severe weather 

- The New Jersey Assembly has approved legislation designating the hazelnut as the official state nut. Assemblyman Schnall voted yes.

- The New Jersey Assembly is delaying a vote on bill A2218,  a Toeiva which aims to expand protections for reproductive and transgender health care, after constitutional concerns were raised. A dangerous bill that could expose Rabbanim, educators, counselors, schools, and even parents to costly lawsuits and potential criminal penalties for expressing views or providing guidance regarding gender-related medical procedures in New Jersey. 

The bill, already passed by the Senate. Lawmakers plan to amend the bill before bringing it back for a full Assembly vote later this month.

- Keren Olam Hatorah  today Kabolas panim Atzeres Tefillah  Clifton Avenue parking lot bet 10th st and 9th st 7pm

- Pentagon is under lockdown after a suspected hazardous materials incident, with hazmat teams deployed and emergency response underway. Cause remains under investigation. 

-  Giyus: Thousands of members of the Bnei Torah and the Edah HaChareidis are protesting across central Israel after the decision to transfer 17 yeshiva students, arrested during protests outside the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg, to military prison. The demonstrations are expected to significantly disrupt major transportation routes in the area. Police have closed Route 4 to traffic in both directions ahead of demonstrations expected to draw thousands of protesters to central Israel.

- The Jackson Township Council unanimously voted to begin the process of merging Fire Districts 2 and 3, saying the move could reduce costs and improve efficiency as the town continues to grow. The proposal now heads to the state Local Finance Board for approval. Fire District 4 would not be affected.

- 13 additional hesder yeshiva heads joined the call not to send students to the Armored Corps after IDF decision to bring female combatants into the Armored Corps into tanks this brings the numbers to 25 Hesder leaders.  

- NYC: Knicks fans smashed a yellow cab, waved a Palestinian flag and stood on top of the destroyed car like a hunting trophy in a disgraceful scene as the streets outside Madison Square Garden descended into chaos after Game 4 of the NBA Finals Wednesday night. Two fans proudly brandished a Palestinian flag as they sat upon the wrecked vehicle. (NYP)

-  Trump: The United States States of America cannot live with the shackles of Birthright Citizenship. It is not economically, or otherwise, sustainable, and no other Country in the World, of consequence, does it! President DJT

- A new Rutgers-Eagleton poll found that 83% of New Jersey voters view misinformation as a major problem, including 61% who consider it a "very big problem." The survey also found that 77% get their news through search engines, making them the most common news source.

- Despite concerns about misinformation, 67% of New Jerseyans say they trust government news websites for accurate information, while a majority also expressed trust in social media platforms, including 61% for X, 59% for YouTube and TikTok, and 51% for Instagram.

- New stores coming to Freehold mall Levi's Gap Kids Empire

- New video Caleb Snyder on Kryas Yoel I Investigated New York's "Jewish Invasion" Here

First published in 2004, The First Steps to Kiruv: Bridging the Gap was a concise and practical guide designed to help ordinary Jews become involved in the vital work of outreach. At the time, it was among the first accessible handbooks to combine practical guidance for reaching both adults and children in one volume.

For over forty years, Rabbi Abenson has been privileged to serve Klal Yisrael through Torah education, kiruv, and community outreach. From his early training at the Kosel under Rabbi Meir Schuster zt”l and Jeffrey Seidel, to his work in Glasgow, Gateshead, and beyond, he has dedicated his life to helping Jews reconnect with their heritage and strengthen their connection to Torah and mitzvos.

Now, in 2026, a substantially expanded and fully revised edition is being prepared for publication.

Drawing on decades of experience and addressing the realities of today’s rapidly changing world, this new edition offers practical guidance, inspiration, and Torah perspectives for anyone involved in kiruv, whether a seasoned professional, educator, parent, community leader, or complete novice.

This important work also serves as a tribute to the great pioneers of modern outreach, including the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson זצ״ל, Rav Noach Weinberg zt”l, Rav Mendel Weinbach zt”l, and Rabbi Meir Schuster זצ״ל, whose vision and dedication transformed Jewish outreach and continue to inspire generations.

Why This Book Matters

The world has changed dramatically since the original edition was published in 2004.

Technology now shapes nearly every aspect of life. Social media, artificial intelligence, digital addiction, moral confusion, identity questions, atheism, political polarization, and mental health challenges have created a landscape unlike anything previous generations encountered.

The questions people ask today are different. The challenges facing educators and outreach workers are different. Yet the need for authentic Torah guidance has never been greater.

This expanded edition addresses these realities head-on, providing practical tools and timeless Torah wisdom for engaging with contemporary issues while remaining firmly rooted in Torah values.

The book combines:

• More than forty years of hands-on kiruv experience
• Practical guidance for teaching children and adults
• Proven outreach strategies and methodologies
• Answers to difficult contemporary questions
• Insights into today’s cultural and technological challenges
• Torah perspectives on identity, morality, truth, and purpose
• Guidance for integrating newcomers into the frum community
• Inspiration for anyone seeking to share Torah with others

A Rare Opportunity

We are seeking dedicated sponsors to help bring this important Torah resource to publication and ensure its widest possible distribution.

Your support will help place this book into the hands of rabbanim, mechanchim, kiruv professionals, students, parents, community leaders, and individuals seeking practical guidance in outreach throughout the Jewish world.

By partnering in this project, you become part of a mission that strengthens Torah education, preserves authentic Jewish values, and helps inspire future generations of Klal Yisrael.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, dedication levels, or publication support, please contact Rabbi Dovid Abenson at:

[email protected]

Call/WhatsApp 848-367-1740

Join Us in Bringing This Important Work to Publication

Recommendations from the first edition:

🔥 The excitement is building — over 900 boys have already signed up for Ride4Regesh 2026!
Don’t let your son miss out on the largest and most exciting boys’ biking event of the year!

🏆 Awesome Prizes
🚴 Ride With Friends
🎉 An Unforgettable Family Event
❤️ All While Doing a Huge Mitzvah!
📅 Sunday, June 21 • 7:30 PM
📍 BlueClaws Stadium Parking Lot

Ride4Regesh is more than just a bikeathon. It’s an incredible evening where over a thousand boys come together for fun, friendship, excitement, and purpose.

The event begins with an exciting bike ride through the streets of Lakewood, escorted by Police and Chaveirim, followed by a high-energy celebration featuring:

🎁 Awesome R4R Swag
🥤 Refreshments
🎟️ Exciting Raffles
🎉 Nonstop Entertainment
💰 Raise just $100 to participate!
Participants have until the day of the event to reach their goal. The more you raise, the bigger the prizes!

✅ 3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:

💬 Text REGISTER to 352-R4R-TEXT (352-747-8398)
🖥️ Visit Ride4Regesh.com
📞 Call 833-R4R-BIKE (833-747-2453)
Girls up to age 10 are welcome to attend.

Can’t make it to the ride? You can still participate as an R4R Raiser and qualify for the same exciting prizes.

Join hundreds of boys already signed up and help support The Regesh Network, which provides critical support to children and families facing emotional challenges and distress.
🏁 We can’t wait to see you at the finish line!
The Ride4Regesh Team
Rabbi Naftoli Stern
Rabbi Yudi Altusky
Rabbi Meyer Tesler

CC 02-2627 ADV

June 24, 2026- BOE Meeting Public Announcement- In Person

Another Lakewood resident has fallen victim to a sophisticated scam, highlighting a growing trend that continues to target vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens.

According to information obtained by TLS, the incident occurred this week when a Lakewood senior was contacted by scammers who convinced him that he needed to make an urgent payment. Believing the demand to be legitimate, the victim ultimately transferred approximately $10,000 through a Bitcoin machine.

Because cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible and difficult to trace, the funds are unlikely to be recovered.

Scammers frequently use fear, urgency, and deception to pressure victims into making payments. Common schemes involve individuals posing as government agencies, law enforcement, utility companies, financial institutions, or even family members in distress. Victims are often instructed to send money through unconventional methods such as Bitcoin, gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.

Authorities continue to stress that legitimate organizations do not typically demand immediate payment through cryptocurrency. Residents are urged to be cautious whenever they receive unexpected calls, emails, text messages, or computer pop-up warnings requesting money or personal information.

Community members, especially seniors, are encouraged to verify any suspicious request before sending funds. Experts recommend contacting a trusted family member, friend, financial institution, or law enforcement agency to confirm the legitimacy of a demand before taking any action.

With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, officials say a simple phone call to verify a request can prevent the loss of thousands of dollars and spare victims significant financial and emotional hardship.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam is encouraged to contact local law enforcement immediately.

A massive kabalas panim for gedolei torah from Eretz Yisroel will take place at 7 PM this Thursday in the Lakewood Township parking lot at 10th and Clifton.

The gedolim arrived to the US on Sunday on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah. Their first stop was in Baltimore, followed by private meetings with tomchei torah in Lakewood on Monday, and stops in Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday will begin with additional meetings with local tomchim, followed by the community-wide asifa outside BMG’s Bais Aharon.

Note: The weather is expected to be exceedingly hot and humid at the time of the asifa, with a chance for thunderstorms. It is strongly suggested that attendees bring water and umbrellas.

A massive kabalas panim for gedolei torah from Eretz Yisroel will take place at 7:30 PM this Thursday in the Lakewood Township parking lot at 10th and Clifton.

The gedolim arrived to the US on Sunday on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah. Their first stop was in Baltimore, followed by private meetings with tomchei torah in Lakewood on Monday, and stops in Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday will begin with additional meetings with local tomchim, followed by the community-wide asifa outside BMG’s Bais Aharon.

Note: The weather is expected to be exceedingly hot and humid at the time of the asifa. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring water along.

Trump  says settlement almost reached with Iran. Calls off strikes. Deal can be signed this weekend in Europe.

- Israeli Prime Minister's Office: President Trump spoke this evening with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the emerging memorandum of understanding with Iran to enter negotiations. Although Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding, the prime minister expressed his appreciation for President Trump's commitment that the final agreement at the conclusion of the negotiations will include the removal of enriched material, dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, limiting missile production, and stopping Iran's support for its terrorist proxies in the region.

- Iran has not yet made a final decision on a possible agreement with the US and will not compromise on its “red lines” in negotiations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.

Al-Arabiya - This is the framework agreement:

Extension of the ceasefire to 60 days

Opening the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation within 30 days

Allowing Iran to sell and export oil with phased consideration of sanctions relief

- Trump: We are expected to sign soon, and the documents are already in the almost final stage. This is supposed to conclude very quickly.

- Trump: We have reached a wonderful agreement. We can finalize the details in the coming days and sign soon. The documents are at a fairly final stage. I spoke with Netanyahu."-

 "The Strait of Hormuz will open the moment we sign. We might sign by the end of next week. The signing will take place in Europe, and Vice President Vance will be there." 

- Trump: “Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening. Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.

DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

-  Trump: “The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT. At some point in the not too distant  future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

- Trump to Fox News:  "It could be the greatest deal in history. They could wave the white flag of surrender. They could say, ‘We surrender, we surrender. We're finished. We've had it. The United States is the greatest power. Praise be to Allah.’ And they could do all of this. They could say it loud and clear. And the fake news would say it was a great victory for Iran.”

- The Iranian Ministry of Defense in a statement: "Our enemies have no choice but to accept a ceasefire and end hostile acts on all fronts. We will not fold under pressure, and our enemies must understand that the solution to the region's problems is not in wars."

- Iran claims: We struck an American ship off the coast of Oman

- Jordanian Army in an official statement: "Air defense systems intercepted and shot down 20 missiles fired from Iran towards the Al-Azrak area. There were no casualties, and no damage was caused."

- Iranian sources: Tehran is still engaged in negotiations with Washington on the initial agreement, including on the mechanism for unfreezing Iran's frozen funds

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene top ministers and aides for a security discussion this evening, The meeting comes amid ongoing fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and after a new wave of US strikes on Iran, which has targeted US military sites in Arab states.

Watch this short video and be inspired by the incredible life and timeless lessons of Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt״l.

For more inspirational clips by Rabbi Yaakov Moskowitz, you can join the Motivational Mindsets WhatsApp group 🔗

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

UPDATE: Thousands are expected to gather today for a historic Kabbalas Panim and Atzeres Tefilah, welcoming the Gedolei Yisroel from Eretz Yisroel who arrived on behalf of Keren Olam Hatorah: Maran Harav Dov Landau shlita, the Mashgiach Rav Don Segal shlita, R’ Yakov Hillel shlita, Harav Avrohom Salem shlita, Harav Bunim Schreiber shlita, Harav Shimon Galei shlit”a, HaRav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, and others.

The program will include Tehillim for acheinu bais Yisroel in Eretz Hakodesh, Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim. The event will bring together the Rosh HaYeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoha, Rabbonim, Roshei HaYeshiva, men, women, and children in an unprecedented display of Kavod Hatorah and achdus.

The program begins at 7:30 PM in the Township parking lot at 9th and Clifton and will include Tehillim, Kabalas oil Malchus Shamayim, drashas from an exceptional lineup of gedolim, and special nigunei hisorarus and simcha.

The evening will open with Tehillim for Achinu in Eretz Yisroel. A special video presentation will feature a message from R’ Reuvain Wolf, Yoshev Rosh Keren Olam Hatorah, highlighting the organization’s vital mission. Throughout the program, signup stands will be positioned in both the men’s and women’s sections, giving attendees the opportunity to answer the call of the gedolim by becoming “Shutfei Keren Olam Hatorah” and joining those who stand hand in hand with the gedolim in supporting the Yeshivas and Kollelim in Eretz Yisroel.

A dedicated women’s section on Tenth Street between Lexington and Clifton. Pedestrian traffic on Lexington Avenue between 9th and 10th streets is designated for women only. Organizers have coordinated with local and county law enforcement, Township officials and departments, and local organizations to ensure a smooth and safe event for the large crowds expected.

Given the vast attendance anticipated, organizers emphasize that there won’t be any opportunity to personally greet the gedolim. However, the gedolim will offer personal brachas to the entire tzibur. Organizers are reminding parents to explain to their bachurim the importance of being respectful and following the instructions of organizers and law enforcement.

*Click here to join the official TLS Community:*
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GGwlPaiG0d49MJTRLfHVPN

~~~~~

Hashkafa With Rav Gershon Ribner Shlita Utilizing the contribution of 24six to yeshiva world Compromising oh prohibitions in the name of kiruv Seeking a mentor when deviating from parents standards The cosmic impact of Adirei Event. audio video option below

Chasunas:

Deckelbaum - Greenberger Bais Faiga

Kempler  - Schreibman Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Dick - Feinzeig Ateres Reva 

Broyde - Cziment Fountain Ballroom 

Shischa- Berliner Ateres  Esther

Eisman  - Gradman Ateres Blima 

Weather: 69° Showers and thundershowers likely this evening with a shower or two possible overnight Chance of rain 100%.

LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 6/10 NJDOT Contractor advises they will be repaving the following: Halsey St (25 ft), Broadway (200 ft), Chateau(200 ft), Cushman (25 ft). There will be FULL CLOSURES of Route 9 between 11pm and 7 AM. Southbound detour is Prospect st to Massachusetts Ave to Cross St. Northbound Detour is Chestnut to New Hampshire to Oak St.

NJNGAS advises infrastructure improvements on MLK Dr from Cedarbridge to Center St 9 PM. There will be a lane from Cedarbridge to Pine open for Traffic and Detour to get onto Cedarbridge from MLK is Center St

There was a time when my Rolex meant something.

Not to me, of course. I’m not shallow.

It just happened to be a luxury timepiece worth more than my first three cars combined.

And yes, when I bought it, I wore it proudly. Not because I wanted attention. I simply wanted every person I encountered to immediately understand that I was doing well financially.

There’s a difference.

I worked hard for that watch. Years of long hours, stress, meetings, spreadsheets, and pretending to understand what accountants were talking about. When I finally bought it, I felt I had earned the right to occasionally adjust my sleeve in a way that exposed exactly the correct amount of stainless steel and prestige.

The Rolex wasn’t just a watch.

It was emotional support.

Whenever I had a rough day, I would glance at my wrist.

Client yelling at me?

Rolex.

Mortgage payment due?

Rolex.

Kid’s rebbi requesting a meeting?

Rolex.

I could be feeling like a complete failure, but then I’d look down and think, “A loser? Really? Have you seen what’s on your wrist?”

Was this healthy?

Probably not.

Was it effective?

Absolutely.

Even my 11-year-old son looked up to me.

He’d stare at the watch with admiration.

“Tatty, that’s a Rolex, right?”

“Yes.”

“Wow.”

That “wow” carried weight.

To him, I wasn’t just Tatty. I was a successful businessman. A man of accomplishment. A man who apparently understood investing, taxes, and how not to accidentally overdraft a checking account.

The watch helped tell that story.

Then came the raffles.

At first it was one organization.

“Grand Prize: A Rolex!”

Cute idea.

Then another yeshiva raffle offered a Rolex.

Then another.

Then another.

At this point, I’m convinced there are more Rolexes being given away in fundraising campaigns than are being sold by Rolex itself.

Every month there’s a new campaign.

Support Torah!

Win a Rolex!

Help build a mikvah!

Win a Rolex!

Sponsor a (Women’s) breakfast!

Win a Rolex!

At this point, if a shul announces a raffle and the prize isn’t a Rolex, people assume the organizers aren’t trying.

And just like that, years of carefully curated wrist-based status vanished.

Now when people see my watch, they don’t think, “This man has achieved financial success.”

They think, “Five dollars a ticket.”

The other day I was standing at a vort and someone noticed it.

“Nice Rolex.”

“Thank you.”

“What organization was it?”

“What?”

“The raffle. Which raffle did you win it from?”

I almost choked on the Mike’s Chicken. (You cannot reheat Mike’s, it gets too dry.)

Win it?

WIN IT?

Sir, I spent an amount of money on this watch that I am still hiding from my wife.

But the damage was done.

The Rolex had been democratized.

It used to be a symbol of success.

Now it’s a symbol of knowing somebody who sold enough raffle tickets.

Even my son has changed.

A few months ago he told a friend, “My father has a Rolex.”

The friend shrugged.

“My uncle won two.”

Two.

Do you know what that does to a child?

My son used to think he came from a family of achievers.

Now he thinks we’re underperforming.

Last week he asked why I only have one.

I’ve even noticed people looking at my watch differently.

Not impressed.

Curious.

They’re trying to figure out which fundraiser I supported.

Nobody assumes I bought it anymore.

If anything, buying one outright now seems suspicious.

Why would you spend thousands of dollars when you could just purchase 400 raffle tickets and convince yourself you’re helping tzedakah?

The economics have completely shifted.

So these days, the Rolex mostly sits in a drawer.

Occasionally I take it out, wind it, and remember the glory days.

Back when it meant something.

Back when a Rolex told the world you had money.

Back before every yeshiva dinner journal, Chinese auction, scholarship campaign, and building fund turned it into the Jewish community’s equivalent of a participation trophy.

I’ve had to find new ways to feel successful.

It’s been difficult.

Sometimes when I’m feeling down, I open the drawer and look at the Rolex.

Then I remember everyone assumes I won it.

And somehow I feel worse than before.

Maybe next year some organization will raffle off a private jet.

Then the Rolex might become exclusive again.

Until then, if you see me wearing an ordinary watch, understand that it’s not because I can’t afford a Rolex.

It’s because I can no longer afford the misunderstanding.

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

The Stoliner Kehillah in Lakewood started as a small group of families and has grown into one of Lakewood’s most close-knit chassidishe kehillos, with its own Mosdos, its own flavor, and its own unmistakable Stoliner energy.

Eleven years ago, the kehillah opened a Cheder which has seen tremendous Syatta Dishmaya and now boasts a large, beautiful buildiing. Six years ago, B’ezras Hashem, the Kehillah celebrated once again, with the opening of Bais Brocho, a girls’ school dedicated to chinuch in the spirit of Stolin Karlin.

Now heading into its seventh year, Bais Brocho has become something that the whole Lakewood community has taken notice of. The talmidos arrive with excitement and leave with backpacks full — crafts, knowledge, varemkeit and simcha. The school has earned a reputation well beyond Lakewood, with elite mechanchos, a strong curriculum in both limudei kodesh and limudei chol, and a student body that keeps growing, b’li ayin hara.

As the seventh year approaches, Bais Brocho is turning to parents, friends, and supporters to help keep it all going. The campaign is live now at dryveup.com/bbstolin, and the response so far has been tremendous — hundreds of donors from the parent and staff, as well as the larger community have already stepped up.

If you’d like to be part of it, head over to dryveup.com/bbstolin.

Tizku lemitzvos.

United Refuah is celebrating 8 years of affordable healthcare sharing for Klal Yisroel!

In June 2018, United Refuah HealthShare became available to Jewish families nationwide.

Since then, United Refuah has helped Klal Yisroel save an estimated $210,000,000 in healthcare costs.

Monthly contributions have not increased in 8 years, giving Klal Yisroel an affordable healthcare solution for as little as:

Single: $199/month

Couple: $349/month

Family (3-6): $499/month ($50 for each additional member)

Join the thousands of individuals and families who have already switched to United Refuah.

Find out how much your family can save.

(440) U-REFUAH / UnitedRefuah.org

United Refuah is a non-profit healthsharing organization. It is not insurance and does not offer insurance. See Sharing Guidelines for full details. Application and annual renewal fees apply. United Refuah is the DBA/name of Maysville Fellowship Medical Aid Plan, a healthcare sharing ministry that has operated continuously since prior to December 1999.

The Lakewood Zoning Board dealt with several major development applications at its meeting Monday night, including a heavily attended Cross Street proposal that was ultimately tabled following significant public concern from nearby senior residents.

During the public comment portion, several residents expressed frustration that they felt rushed while attempting to raise concerns about safety, privacy, traffic, and other quality-of-life issues connected to pending development applications.

The most closely watched application was a proposal by 60 Cross Street, LLC for a large development at 560 Cross Street, near the entrance to Eagle Ridge. The application calls for a 71-lot subdivision, including 66 residential duplex lots, three stormwater lots, one retail/office lot, and a shul.

A large group of senior residents attended the meeting to voice concerns about the potential impact of the project on the surrounding area. Following an extended back-and-forth discussion, the application was tabled. It is expected to return to the board at its July 6 meeting.

The board also approved an application on Prospect Street after the developer agreed to scale back the project. The application, submitted by SK Prospect Cross Lakewood, LLC, originally called for eight duplexes, totaling 16 units. Under the revised plan, the project was reduced to 14 units.

As part of the approval, the developer agreed to reserve the eliminated building site for a future shul, with 11 parking spaces. The board also made the approval conditional on the shul being built before the final duplex can receive a certificate of occupancy.

Neighbors had raised privacy concerns, noting that the new development backs onto an existing residential community. In response, the applicant agreed to plant 77 Green Giant trees along the property line. The homeowners association will be responsible for maintaining and irrigating the trees for two years.

In another approval, the board gave the green light to an application off Route 70, where the developer plans to construct four apartment buildings containing a total of 35 two-bedroom units.

During that hearing, a resident questioned why the project was not being restricted to senior housing, citing language in the township master plan and raising concerns about the suitability of family housing along a busy highway corridor. The board attorney responded that the project did not require a variance from the relevant master plan provisions.

Drivers traveling through Lakewood overnight Wednesday should prepare for significant traffic disruptions as road paving and utility infrastructure projects are scheduled along Route 9 and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

A New Jersey Department of Transportation contractor will be repaving several streets off Route 9 beginning tonight, June 10. Work is scheduled on portions of Halsey Street, Broadway Avenue, Chateau Drive, and Cushman Street.

As part of the project, Route 9 will be fully closed in both directions between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Southbound traffic will be detoured via Prospect Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Cross Street. Northbound motorists will be directed to use Chestnut Street, New Hampshire Avenue, and Oak Street.

In a separate project, New Jersey Natural Gas will continue infrastructure improvements along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between Cedarbridge Avenue and Center Street beginning at 9 p.m.

During the work, one lane of traffic will remain open on MLK Drive between Cedarbridge Avenue and Pine Street. Drivers seeking access to Cedarbridge Avenue from MLK Drive will be detoured via Center Street.

Officials are urging drivers to allow extra travel time, follow posted detours, and exercise caution when traveling through construction zones overnight. Both projects are expected to continue into the early morning hours.

A 12-year-old Howell resident has been charged with acts of juvenile delinquency after allegedly fleeing from police while operating an electric dirt bike on township streets.

The incident occurred on Monday at approximately 3 p.m. while a Howell police officer was monitoring the area around Taunton School following repeated complaints from residents about electric dirt bikes creating a nuisance in the neighborhood.

Police said the officer was parked on Old Hickory Way near the intersection of Taunton Drive when he observed an electric dirt bike traveling down Old Hickory Way. The rider, who appeared to be a juvenile, was allegedly operating the vehicle on the wrong side of the roadway, failed to stop at a stop sign, and was riding a dirt bike that displayed no license plate.

The officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop by activating the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and sirens. According to police, the rider looked back toward the patrol vehicle but failed to stop. The officer also used the vehicle’s public address system to direct the rider to pull over.

Instead, police said the juvenile accelerated to speeds estimated between 45 and 50 mph. Once it became clear that the rider was attempting to flee, the officer discontinued the stop and did not pursue the dirt bike.

Investigators later identified the juvenile and determined his residence. The 12-year-old was subsequently charged with acts of juvenile delinquency that would constitute eluding a police officer if committed by an adult. He was also charged with violating Township Ordinance 59-1, which prohibits off-road vehicles on public streets, along with several motor vehicle offenses.

Police said the electric dirt bike was seized and may be subject to forfeiture under township ordinance provisions.

The department used the incident to remind residents that electric dirt bikes are considered motor vehicles and may not be operated on public roadways unless they are properly registered, insured, and operated by a licensed motorcycle rider.

A 12-year-old Howell resident has been charged after allegedly fleeing from police on an electric dirt bike during an enforcement operation targeting illegal off-road vehicle activity in the township.

According to Howell Township Police, the incident occurred on June 8 at approximately 3:00 p.m. An officer assigned to monitor complaints of electric dirt bikes near Taunton School was parked on Old Hickory Way near Taunton Drive when he observed an electric dirt bike traveling on the wrong side of the roadway and failing to stop at a posted stop sign.

Police said the dirt bike, which did not display a license plate, was being operated by a juvenile. The officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop by activating emergency lights and sirens. Authorities say the rider looked back toward the patrol vehicle but failed to stop.

Despite additional commands issued through the vehicle’s public address system, the juvenile allegedly accelerated to speeds estimated between 45 and 50 mph. The officer discontinued the stop attempt and did not pursue the rider after determining the juvenile was actively fleeing.

A subsequent investigation quickly led officers to the juvenile’s residence, where the rider was identified as a 12-year-old Howell resident.

The juvenile was charged with acts of juvenile delinquency that would constitute eluding a traffic stop if committed by an adult. Additional charges included violating Howell Township’s ordinance prohibiting off-road vehicles on public streets, along with several motor vehicle offenses.

Police also seized the electric dirt bike, which may be subject to forfeiture under township regulations.

The Howell Township Police Department used the incident to remind residents that electric dirt bikes are considered motor vehicles and may not be operated on public roadways unless they are properly registered, insured, and ridden by a licensed motorcycle operator.

Officials said the department has recently increased enforcement efforts against illegal dirt bike activity in response to numerous resident complaints and a growing number of crashes involving unregistered and uninsured off-road vehicles. Authorities noted that such incidents often result in significant injuries and property damage.

The Manchester Township Police Department has welcomed a new officer to its ranks following the swearing-in of Patrolman William Kavanagh during the Manchester Township Council meeting on June 8.

Kavanagh officially took the oath of office surrounded by Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of the Township Council, Police Chief Antonio Ellis, department command staff, family members, friends, and fellow officers.

Department officials said Kavanagh brings a strong background in law enforcement, public safety, training, and leadership to his new role.

A graduate of Monmouth University, Kavanagh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security before attending the Ocean County Police Academy, where he graduated as a member of SLEO II Class 47. During his time at the academy, he distinguished himself both academically and physically, graduating second overall in academics while also ranking among the top recruits in physical training.

Kavanagh began his law enforcement career with the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department in June 2021, serving in the Patrol Division. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, he was selected as the department’s Boardwalk Officer in Charge, where he supervised Special Law Enforcement Officers and oversaw daily operations in one of the borough’s busiest areas.

In addition to his patrol duties, Kavanagh has served as an instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy since 2023. He currently serves as the academy’s Physical Training Program Lead Instructor and Defensive Tactics Program Lead Instructor, helping train future law enforcement officers while continuing to work in patrol operations.

Chief Antonio Ellis praised the department’s newest officer, citing both his experience and commitment to public service.

“William’s experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him an outstanding addition to the Manchester Township Police Department,” Ellis said. “His background in patrol operations, supervision, and police training will be a tremendous asset to both our department and the residents we serve. We are excited to welcome him to our team and look forward to his future success.”

The department extended its congratulations to Kavanagh and wished him a long, safe, and successful career serving the residents of Manchester Township.

Community members are being warned about a sophisticated scam involving fraudulent text messages and emails that direct recipients to a fake donation website designed to closely resemble the official Adirei HaTorah website, the BMG Administration told TLS moments ago.

According to the administration, scammers have created a duplicate webpage and are distributing links through electronic communications in an apparent attempt to deceive individuals into making donations through the fraudulent site.

Residents are urged to exercise caution and carefully verify website addresses before making any charitable contributions.

Officials emphasized that the web page – which is a couple letters off – is not the legitimate website and should not be used for donations.

The official website for Adirei HaTorah is: AdireiHaTorah.com

Anyone who receives a suspicious donation request is encouraged to double-check the website address and avoid clicking links from unsolicited messages.

A sophisticated phishing scam is targeting Orthodox Jews by impersonating the Adirei HaTorah fundraising platform.

Scammers have been sending text messages and emails containing links to a fraudulent website designed to closely mimic the Adirei Hatorah’s official donation page. The fake site appears nearly identical to the legitimate website, making it difficult for recipients to spot the difference.

The scam website uses the domain “AdireiTorah.com,” which is not affiliated with Adirei HaTorah and is being used to deceive potential donors.

The only legitimate website for Adirei HaTorah is: AdireiHaTorah.com

Anyone who receives a suspicious email or text message requesting donations is encouraged to avoid clicking links and instead navigate directly to the organization’s official website through their web browser.

If you or someone you know sent money through this scam, please contact 732-908-0238. Law enforcement is currently investigating, and any information could be valuable in assisting their efforts.

The warning comes as cybercriminals increasingly use lookalike websites and phishing campaigns to target charitable giving, particularly within close-knit communities where trust in familiar organizations is high.

Community members who may have entered payment information on the fraudulent website should contact their financial institution immediately and monitor their accounts for unauthorized activity.

At Tuesday’s Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, the board passed a resolution approving the hiring of seven new career firefighters.

The new firefighters are Michael J. Santos, Lambros A. Komitas, Donald J. MacCarrick, Patrick D. Mannion, Scott M. Olesen, John M. Cawley, and Dylan J. Dickenson.

The need for new firefighters is due to retirements, recent and upcoming promotions as well as the creation of a 24/7 Battalion Chief position, which received first-reading approval at the meeting, fire officials told TLS.

Four of the new hires are already certified firefighters. The remaining recruits will begin a nine-week (320 Hours) fire academy in the coming weeks.

Agudath Israel of America is urging New Jersey residents to immediately contact their state Assembly members and oppose legislation it says poses a serious threat to religious liberty, free speech, and parental rights.

In an alert distributed ahead of a scheduled Thursday vote in the New Jersey General Assembly, Agudah warned that A2218/S2260 contains broad provisions that could expose rabbanim, educators, counselors, schools, and even parents to costly civil lawsuits and potential legal penalties for expressing views or providing guidance regarding gender-related medical procedures.

The organization said that while supporters characterize the measure as a “shield law” intended to protect access to certain healthcare services, the bill’s language extends far beyond that purpose and could have unintended consequences for religious communities.

The legislation would allow individuals of any age to sue those accused of “interfering” with their decision to obtain gender-related healthcare services. The bill would permit claims for damages related to alleged harm to a person’s reputation, financial losses, and emotional distress, including mental anguish and pain and suffering.

Agudah argues that many of the bill’s key terms are vague and undefined, creating uncertainty about what conduct could be considered unlawful. The organization says the legislation could discourage religious leaders, educators, and parents from offering guidance consistent with their beliefs for fear of litigation.

“No one should face the threat of a lawsuit for offering religious counsel, parental guidance, or expressing deeply held convictions,” Agudah wrote in its appeal.

Agudah further contends that the bill raises significant constitutional concerns, arguing that it could infringe upon protections for freedom of religion and free speech while also limiting the ability of parents and community leaders to discuss sensitive issues with children and families.

Jackson Township residents will see no increase in the municipal tax rate in 2026 after the Township Council approved Mayor Jennifer Kuhn’s proposed budget during Tuesday night’s council meeting.

The adopted budget maintains township services, avoids layoffs, and preserves staffing levels while keeping municipal taxes flat for the coming year, according to township officials.

The budget’s approval follows several months of review by the mayor’s administration, which examined expenditures and sought cost-saving measures in an effort to balance the budget without increasing the tax burden on residents.

Mayor Kuhn said the administration focused on identifying efficiencies and scrutinizing expenses while ensuring that essential services would continue uninterrupted.

“At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, my administration made a promise to our residents that we would do everything possible to protect their hard-earned tax dollars,” Kuhn said. “We challenged every expense, looked for efficiencies, and made thoughtful decisions to ensure we could deliver a budget with no tax increase while preserving the services our community relies upon.”

Township officials said the budget does not include service reductions or employee layoffs and allows Jackson to continue providing the services residents depend on while maintaining financial stability.

Kuhn credited township administrators, department heads, and council members for their work throughout the budget process, describing the spending plan as an example of fiscal discipline and responsible government.

“We did not balance this budget on the backs of taxpayers, nor did we do it through layoffs or service cuts,” Kuhn said. “We rolled up our sleeves, challenged every expense, found efficiencies, and delivered results.”

Officials said the administration will continue focusing on maintaining services, supporting township employees, and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly as Jackson moves forward through 2026.

The approved budget results in a 0% municipal tax increase for Jackson Township residents while preserving township services and workforce levels.

Smash Course

The ABC’s of Food Delivery

With recent reports of kosher consumers accidentally receiving food from non-kosher establishments, awareness of proper food-delivery procedures has never been more important. Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger speaks with Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator at the cRc and Executive Director of AKO, about the halachos of chasimos, delivery services, and protecting the integrity of kosher food from restaurant to doorstep. Whether you order through an app or pick up takeout yourself, this episode contains practical guidance every consumer should know.

 View it in its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/smash-course

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

🎤 https://open.spotify.com/show/6Rj5rIndHc886Fblqh8U49

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https://www.kosher.com/shows/lets-talk-kashrus-73

CLICK HERE to watch more episodes of Let’s Talk Kashrus

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We invite your questions, comments, or feedback. If there’s a specific kashrus topic you’d like to bring to public attention, feel free to contact us by email: [email protected]

Message or call: 678-8-Kosher

You can also visit our website www.kashrusawareness.com for a growing list of resources, timely conversations, and to watch episodes of the Let’s Talk Kashrus audio-visual series.

Join a Let’s Talk Kashrus WhatsApp Group for educational content and kashrus updates

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Transcription

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Hello everyone and welcome back to Let’s Talk Kashrus, presented by the Kashrus Awareness Project in conjunction with the cRc of Chicago. Today I am privileged to be joined by Rabbi Sholem Yehuda Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator at the cRc of Chicago. Rabbi Fishbane, how are you?

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Baruch Hashem, thanks for having me.

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s always a pleasure to have you here.

Today we’re here to discuss a very, very important topic, something we’ll call a davar ha’omed al haperek, something of practical relevance now because of various stories that have made it to the news, specifically people who have ordered food from what they thought were kosher establishments and it ended up being non-kosher establishments, whether they confused the name, location, whatever it might have been, unfortunately people ordered treif and it came to their house, they didn’t realize, they ate it, they consumed it, terrible stories. These are stories that rightfully make headlines and draw people’s attention and that’s what we’re here for. We’re here for Kashrus awareness so we’d like to address this topic today and get your input and insight into what people could do to be better informed and know what to do in certain circumstances. So let’s start with what people should know, the aleph beis of receiving food deliveries. If you’re ordering food from an establishment and are there protective measures that should be taken? Give us some guidance.

R’ Sholem Fishbane: So that’s a great point about protective because Chazal made siyagim, they made protective and Chazal were concerned with hachlafa, with switching around and they gave us halachos to protect the integrity of the Kashrus of the food and I think you’re 100 percent right, these are terrible stories and for every one we hear there’s a few that we don’t hear about. And really it starts and stops with the halachos of chosamos, of seals, of protecting the food that you when you get it and this goes for whether it’s not just the delivery services that you’re referring to, even if you order straight up from a kosher restaurant but the person they’re sending with, the halacha is if he’s not a shomer Shabbos, whether even if he’s not a goy, but even if he’s a Yid but he’s not a shomer Shabbos, he loses ne’emanus, you need to have a seal before you’re allowed to eat it. That’s the halacha, it’s very clear.

If you go to a store and the entire store’s not under hashgacha, maybe one part is, this part is, that part is, and you buy something off the shelf, the halacha is it needs a _chasima_before you’re allowed to take it out. You go at work where there’s a public refrigerator, you can’t just leave your stuff there, there’s a halacha.

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s a great example. You send out the office secretary who’s not a shomer Shabbos to pick up something, right away there’s a halacha about this.

R’ Sholem Fishbane: There’s situations all of these are scenarios over and over and as you said…

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: And to clarify before you go further, this is a meforash halacha in Shulchan Aruch, right?

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Meforash halacha in Shulchan Aruch. This is not a minhag, it’s not a new found custom. It’s not a new found and that’s exactly the point of Kashrus awareness is we’re so used to, baruch Hashem, Klal Yisrael’s growing and we’re eating and everything’s kosher, but whoa, whoa, whoa, Chazal knew what they were talking about when they said these are the halachos.

So exactly I think today we’ll go through some of the very practical halachos and ways to make sure and that’s the halacha you’re allowed to eat beforehand. It’s funny, I saw somewhere where in places where there’s kosher restaurants, there are people that are not even Jewish that will davka order kosher food because if it comes in right, it comes in sealed. Why? Because they know that and there’s been studies on this, 30 percent of the Uber drivers or the drivers are noshing on the fries as they come in. Right.

So they like their food protected as well. So this is a real thing. So it’s important to understand that these halachos and therefore let’s start with how many chosamos, how many seals do you need? So it’s actually a machlokes Rishonim of what are the reasons. Is it because you go with a more expensive item like Rashi says where you need two chosamos or you go it’s more de’oraisa de’rabbanan which is the Rambam and that’s how the Shulchan Aruch paskens de’oraisa versus…

The d’oraisas therefore would be fish without skin, meat, if you’re in the techeiles business, you know, that would be need two chasimos, d’rabbanan‘s like bread and cheese and pizza and cake. These things would need one chasima. In Shulchan Aruch it talks about what about non-mevushal wine, which be’etzem is a d’oraisa but the Taz says today it’s it’s switched over to d’rabbanan. These are various things, but let’s go with how Shulchan Aruch calls it, you know, d’oraisa versus d’rabbanan, needing two versus one.

Okay. So so what qualifies as a siman, right? So what qualifies as a siman is it it takes significant effort to duplicate it and it’s difficult to open the package without breaking or tearing the closure, the tape, the packaging. It looks like it’s like it’s broken. So for example, I went to the store and I bought this potato salad, okay? The potato salad as you see, this is d’rabbanan, okay? And it had a nice CRC tape around it and I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to open it, and as you can see I ate it and it was very good, and I tried to see if I could open without breaking it, and look on the bottom.

So you can see right away how it was, so the tape is still there but you see that somebody did something to it. It got squeezed, something’s off, something’s off. So the driver or whoever it is that might also want to will say, “Okay, you know, I’m not going to bother with this.” This is what _Chazal_had in mind. It’s very…

so let’s let’s talk about some of these things. There could be zip ties, there could be staples, you can staple a thing where you can take… this is, this is a one valid chasima. Here’s the, here’s a receipt, okay, of of the guy’s name and what I ordered and all of that, and what they’ll do in a kosher restaurant is they’ll they’ll staple it on.

So that’s one chasima, right? And then what the what the mashgiach will tend to do is you’ll see there’ll be tape, they’ll put tape, that would be a second chasima. Right. So that’s a very good thing. Or they’ll or they’ll just do one with with the bill inside.

That would be another way of doing it. Another way is you can do an atypical knot, obviously kosher tape, Hebrew writing. Sometimes we’ll be run out of tape so we can write on a piece of paper, we can put a piece of regular masking tape, and we’ll write our name in Hebrew, our names across it, so that if you if you try to open it, it will it will go through. Right.

Holograms. You know, there is a concept called a simanmuvhak. A siman muvhak is like to, even though it’s one, but be’etzem like it’s halachically like two seals. So for example, you know, if you go buy a cryovac pack of chicken from the shlachthouse.

If you look at it, there’s really just one one covering, even though it says kosher in two different places. That’s called a siman muvhak, because most people that are delivering don’t have cryovac machines on their belt to redo that. That’s a siman muvhak. Pre-printed tape with kosher tape in it, that’s voiding.

In other words, if you peel it off, it will like rip. That would be also siman muvhak. So here, I brought two pizza boxes. Typical pizza box, right? It needs for sure one chasima.

So if it just has the the company name on it without anything on it, that’s not a chasima. Right. You can’t accept that necessarily. If it has something like this, look at this.

So easy, so easy to open. The way it’s supposed to come is, you can see the tape is wrapped around once. For me to, for someone to try to open it, they would ruin the they would ruin the box, exactly. Now there are many times you’ll find a product, all it will have is the company name on top of it.

Lechiora, this doesn’t mean anything because, you know, anyone could open it, you know, same over here, you know, Miriam’s cookies, you know, this this doesn’t do much. Now the proper way therefore to to do, let’s say you’re buying something like a meat sandwich, it needs like a crisscross. You need to have, this is considered two, that’s considered a double chasima. A double chasima.

So these are the many many examples of how how these things come out and and really it’s it’s critical for us to teach our children, for the schools to teach the students, what qualifies as a chasima, what doesn’t qualify, and therefore there’s no such thing as, “Oh, I only have to worry about it like when I order something on online,” but it’s anytime you go shopping, let’s educate the consumers of what’s considered a good chasima, what’s not, and which products need two and which products need one.

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Right. So we mentioned two chasimos, let’s say meat, poultry, fish, things like that would need two chasimos. What are some of the items that would need one chasima? Would it be baked goods?

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Baked goods, yeah, anything from a bakery. bread or anything like that, anything with cheese, which is, you know, d’rabbonon, milk, you know, I don’t know if you order something from a Dunkin’ Donuts, the kosher one versus the non-kosher, and it’s a coffee, you know, that would be one chosimah or a Starbucks or, you know, that type of thing. Almost everything that doesn’t have in it meat, fish, poultry, and those types of things, _d’Oraisa_s, then that would need one chosimah.

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: What happens in a scenario where someone does their due diligence, they order from a place that they know is certified, it comes, the order comes, they look at the bag, they look at the package and they see there’s something off, either it’s missing the seal or the seal seems tampered? What do they do? Is there any way to salvage the food at that point?

R’ Sholem Fishbane: So that’s a great question, and we get this all the time where someone will call our office and say, I’m downtown, I ordered from one of the establishments and it didn’t come with a… you know, I want to tell you something interesting.

I asked the kosher restaurants, why don’t you make it a policy every single time that anyone comes for a takeout food, it has to be chosum automatically? Right. They said, ’cause they get upset with us. Most people that walk in want to make sure we have enough ketchup packets and forks and knives. Don’t seal it over.

I need to see what you put in there. Was it the right order? Oh, that’s a very interesting point. Very interesting point. So therefore we don’t do it, and you know, unless we know for sure that it’s…

you know, we try, but when there’s pressure at a restaurant, lunch hour, forget it. Oh, forget it. Sure. So what do…

so we get this call all the time. So there is a concept in_halacha_ called tviyas ayin. So tviyas ayin means that if a ne’eman kashrus can tell you, I can give a shvua this is… that that food is kosher, that is acceptable.

So we do this, you know, the guys downtown, he’s starving, there’s a convention, three-day convention, he finally got something kosher. We’ll have him take a picture of the food and or maybe even a livestream to the mashgiach in the restaurant who will look around and say, I can identify that is exactly what we sent out. Aha. That’s called tviyas ayin.

And tviyas ayin works across the board. Even in your own home. You go out and there’s someone working in your home, you know, in the kitchen or in the home that’s not Jewish or not shomer Shabbos, that’s the halachos basar she-nisalammin ha-ayin. So if you have a tviyas ayin on the food, that works as well.

But that would be the primary way to get it to fix up something that came in that didn’t have proper chosimos. R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Would you say that a classic case of tviyasayin for a homeowner who’s not a kashrus expert, doesn’t necessarily know how the food is prepared is perhaps, I’m just asking as a suggestion, if someone always orders from the same place and they know the way the food is usually presented and now they got the same order that they usually order but it didn’t have the seal? Is that enough of a _tviyas ayin_because they know what it usually looks like?

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Yeah, the tviyas ayin can be on both sides of the aisle. It could be if you are, you know, fries are fries, and that’s easier. Or even a…

you can make the argument that a pie of pizza kind of will look… but if it’s a certain knish, a meat knish that you like getting, and the way it’s done, I recognize this from this the way they grill it, the way they… yeah, that would be tviyasayin as well. Obviously, as we said, let’s educate ourselves in chosimos that we don’t have to come onto what-ifs, but of course there are ways to salvage if something doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to.

But again, we… I think it would go without saying, we would advise someone in any scenario if they have a _kashrus_professional they could consult, a rov, they should always do so if they can to be sure. Right. And if I could make a suggestion or a plea, as I said earlier, the schools should have some sort of education.

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Education, right. Of what’s called a chosimah so that everyone, no matter where they are, they could be in the most metropolitan frum area versus vacationing in who knows where, it’s the same halachos and therefore they should be educated. So we thank you for the education that you brought us and to the public, and continue to have hatzlacha in all you do. Thank you.

 Weather: 86° cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected across New Jersey on Wednesday, followed by dangerous heat and humidity Thursday and Friday and chances for more thunderstorms.

- LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 6/10 NJDOT Contractor advises they will be repaving the following: Halsey St (25 ft), Broadway (200 ft), Chateau(200 ft), Cushman (25 ft). There will be FULL CLOSURES of Route 9 between 11pm and 7 AM. Southbound detour is Prospect st to Massachusetts Ave to Cross St. Northbound Detour is Chestnut to New Hampshire to Oak St.

NJNGAS advises infrastructure improvements on MLK Dr from Cedarbridge to Center St 9 PM. There will be a lane from Cedarbridge to Pine open for Traffic and Detour to get onto Cedarbridge from MLK is Center St

- The Knesset voted 56-43 on Wednesday in a preliminary reading to advance a Basic Law declaring Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel, and effectively equating the study of Torah with military service. The vote passed despite several coalition lawmakers breaking ranks to vote with the opposition against the divisive legislation, causing an uproar in the plenum. The bill will now be sent to the Knesset House Committee, which will determine which committee will prepare it for its subsequent readings. The coalition hopes to pass the bill before the upcoming national election in the fall.

- Monsey: A large rescue operation took place in Nyack after 71 children became stranded in an underground sewer tunnel while following a creek during a hike. Emergency crews, including the Nyack Fire Department, Hatzoloh, and Chaveirim, safely rescued all of the children after a bystander spotted them and called 911. No injuries were reported

- Action alert by Agudah NJ URGENT: New Jersey Residents Take Action Against Dangerous Bill Jeopardizing Religious Rights Tell Your Assembly Members to Vote NO on A2218/S2260

The New Jersey General Assembly is expected to vote this Thursday on A2218/S2260, a dangerous bill that could expose Rabbanim, educators, counselors, schools, and even parents to costly lawsuits and potential criminal penalties for expressing views or providing guidance regarding gender-related medical procedures in New Jersey. 

- PSA! A sophisticated scam is targeting the community. Someone has been sending out text messages & emails with a link to donate using a duplicated web page that looks like Adirei HaTorah's website. Please note:Adireitorah .com is a scam website. The correct website is Adirei"Ha"Torah.

- Rav Bunim Schreiber shlita delivered  more shiurim around Lakewood yeshivos on several sugyos hashas.

- LSTA: The Lakewood Student Transportation Authority Oversight Committee held its quarterly public business meeting this morning, June 10, via Microsoft Teams. 

The meeting was mot advertised in local papers.

During the meeting, the committee received a report from the transportation consortium regarding its operations, as required under New Jersey administrative regulations. Committee members also heard public testimony related to the consortium's operations. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please

email Student Transportation at [email protected]

- Giyus: Stormy Hafganos are taking place today across Eretz Yisroel with escalated protests against the arrest and transfer of yeshiva students to military authorities. Rav Moshe Sternbach called on The Edah HaChareidis and  Rav Ezriel Auerbach called on the the bnei Torah faction  to go out and join  the protests, which were sparked by the planned transfer of 19 detainees who were arrested for protesting outside the home of Justice Solberg, to the  IDF military police.

 Demonstrations and road blockages were reported in central Israel and near detention facilities, including clashes in Yerushalayim  and Abu Kabir.

- Attorney Natan Rosenblatt on Kol Chai: “There is no legal prohibition on protesting outside a judge’s home, and the High Court has repeatedly ruled that there is full freedom of protest in the country. Out of 65 detainees, 64 have no connection to the breaking of windows, and the police have no shred of evidence against them in court, their representative simply stood there stammering without answers. This is a clear silencing event intended to make the charedi public afraid to go out and protest in the future against the draft.”

- World cup traffic Severe traffic delays and gridlock are expected across New Jersey and the Northeast Millions of visitors are expected in the New Jersey–Philadelphia region during June–July 2026 due to the FIFA World Cup and major U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations.

Matches will be held in East Rutherford, NJ and Philadelphia from June 11 to July 19, with fan festivals in Harrison (NJ) and Philadelphia. These events will significantly increase traffic and transit usage. The heaviest congestion is expected around game days, especially from about 5 hours before kickoff through 5 hours after.

- Keren Olam HaTorah Kabolas Panim and massive Atzeres tefilah will take place tomorrow in Lakewood to Strengthen the Keren HaTorah

 Location: In the Township Parking Lot Clifton Ave between 9th and 10th Street across from Bais Aaron and Bais Shalom 7:00 PM With the participation of leading Roshei Yeshiva and members of Keren Olam HaTorah. All residents are invited  men, women, and children.

Atzeres weather forecast is  95 Overcast with possible  stray thunderstorm 

The delegation was in Chicago yesterday and today have scheduled events in Brooklyn.

- With summer vacation starting next week, several bungalow colonies in the Catskills have reportedly informed residents that e-bikes and electric scooters will be banned on property, due to safety concerns, liability issues.

- Planning board meeting recap 

Points made  by the board Lakewod a disaster but applicants have the right to build based on the masterplan

At Wednesday night's Planning Board meeting, members approved an application to create 75 residential lots on a 10-acre parcel behind the High Point development off Massachusetts Avenue. The hearing featured extensive testimony and public comment, with neighboring residents raising concerns about drainage, lighting, utility access, and traffic impacts. Particular attention was given to the project's proposed access plan, which currently calls for a right-turn-only exit onto Massachusetts Avenue. Residents argued that adding more than 100 vehicles to an area already experiencing congestion from Prospect Street would worsen traffic conditions.

The meeting also saw tense exchanges between board members and an attorney representing opponents of the project. The board chairman and several members repeatedly criticized the attorney, accusing him of filibustering rather than presenting substantive arguments. Board members also expressed frustration with the length of the hearing, despite the meeting ending before 9 p.m.

- LGBT Toeva bill up for vote tomorrow in the NJ Assembly all eyes on our representatives in Trenton.

The state Assembly is scheduled to vote on a bill Thursday that would outlaw protesters blocking access to clinics and video-recording people outside of clinics and hospitals. Health insurers also would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage of abortion and gender transition and identity medical services. NJ Bill S2260/ A2218 Would Criminalize Lo Sa'amod, Endanger Children S2260 criminalizes Torah-mandated efforts to save kids and others from "transforming" their "gender" - and from committing abortion.

 A Yeshiva Rebbe, Rov, Rosh Yeshiva, Principal, Teacher/Morah, Social Worker, mental health professional, therapist, chevrusa, mentor - perhaps even a parent - could potentially face massive fines - and hefty jail time - for merely: • trying to verbally convince a girl or boy out of transgendering,

- Road closures in Lakewood are continuing, and the LPD has begun issuing nightly closure alerts. There is still no clear timeline or official communication from township authorities about how long the situation will last or what measures are being taken. There are also growing safety concerns, as emergency responders have reportedly been forced to take longer detour routes to reach calls, potentially delaying response times. In other news the Township posted a Press release  to the media  that they repaved and restriped a dozen roads across its downtown and Central Avenue corridor in recent weeks, continuing an infrastructure push that gained momentum during the spring season. "We greatly appreciate the professional dedicated work of Lakewood's Engineering team and Township subcontractors," said Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. "Thanks to their efforts, our Town's infrastructure is continuously being updated, enhancing both safety and quality-of-life for our residents."

- Lakewood Industrial Commission meeting today on the  agenda a resolution to advance plans for the proposed  CHEMED Lakewood Medical Village development on nearly 60 acres along Airport Road. The project involves a minor subdivision and boundary reconfiguration of portions of Lots 242 and 246 in Block 1160, totaling about 59.8 acres.

- Senator Andy Kim: I visited Barnert Temple last week to speak with members of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey and Temple leadership. With rising antisemitism, federal grant funding is vital for temples across our state to address their security needs. We must do everything we can to protect our Jewish communities and combat antisemitism.

- Masa Umatan Lakewood rental List June 10 HERE  

-LPD: They’re silent. They’re speedy. And they’re easy to miss. If you're riding an e-bike or e-scooter, stay visible, signal your moves, and don’t ghost traffic rules

-Rav Don Segal at Keren Olam haTorah:  Just as those who participated in building the walls of Yerushalayim until the Second Temple merited having their names remembered forever, so too those who will contribute to saving the Torah now will merit an inconceivable merit for eternity upon eternity.

At the kever on Chazzan Yosseleh Rosenblatt on Har Hazesim on his 93rd Yartzeit

The Jackson Township Council adopted a $62.95 million municipal budget on Tuesday night, approving a spending plan that holds the local tax rate flat for a second straight year. Four of the council’s five members voted in favor. Councilman Christopher Pollak abstained.

Council President Mordechai Burnstein, Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri, Councilman Nino Borrelli, and Councilman Ken Bressi voted yes on Resolution 177-2026, which formally adopts the budget following a public hearing at Township Hall. Palmeri made the motion and Burnstein seconded it. The plan passed without a dissenting vote.

The budget keeps the municipal tax rate at 0.254 per $100 of assessed value, unchanged from 2025. The administration of Mayor Jennifer Kuhn says the plan maintains services and expands several, including more frequent bulk and recycling pickups, faster snow removal, continued investment in parks, and a police force at a record 120 officers. It is supported in part by $9.4 million in anticipated surplus, with about $36.6 million to be raised through municipal taxation.

Pollak’s abstention was the only break in an otherwise unanimous vote, and it came after months of public opposition from the councilman. He voted against the budget at its introduction in the spring.

An abstention is recorded as neither support nor opposition. Although Pollak had opposed the budget at earlier stages and had several weeks to review the amended version made public in late May, he did not vote for or against its final adoption, and has made no suggestions about how it could be improved.

A massive kabalas panim for gedolei torah from Eretz Yisroel will take place at 7 PM this Thursday in the Lakewood Township parking lot at 10th and Clifton.

The gedolim arrived to the US on Sunday on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah. Their first stop was in Baltimore, followed by private meetings with tomchei torah in Lakewood on Monday, and stops in Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday will begin with additional meetings with local tomchim, followed by the community-wide asifa outside BMG’s Bais Aharon.

The delegation traveling for the mission includes the Roshei Yeshiva of Slabodka, Harav Dov Landau shlit”a and Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a; the Mashgiach Harav Don Segal shlit”a; Harav Yaakov Hillel shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Ahavat Shalom; Harav Shimon Galai shlit”a; Harav Avraham Salim shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Maor HaTorah; Harav Asher Weiss shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Darchei Torah; Harav Yosef Chevroni shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron; Harav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas; the Rachmastrivka Rebbe shlit”a, and Harav Chaim Mordechai Ausband shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo.

Note: If you’d like his email address, please reach out to TLS.

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A remarkable ma’amad of kavod haTorah and rischa d’Oraisa took place in BMG’s Bais Moshe on Tuesday, as HaRav Bunim Schreiber shlit”a delivered a shiur on Maseches Mikvaos before a large crowd.

The shiur had originally been scheduled to take place in the ezras noshim, with expectations that it would be attended primarily by the approximately 150 avreichim currently learning Mikvaos. However, as the time for the shiur approached, it quickly became clear that the crowd was far larger than anticipated. With many more bnei Torah gathering to hear the Rosh Yeshiva, the shiur was moved into the main beis medrash to accommodate the olam.

Rav Schreiber delivered a masterful shiur, marked by his extraordinary depth, clarity, and breadth.

The Rosh Yeshiva’s gabbai later related an extraordinary detail that added a deeper dimension to what the olam had just witnessed.

On the drive home, the Rosh Yeshiva shared that he had been told beforehand that the shiur would be delivered to a group of around 150 avreichim who were already “areingetun” in the sugya of Mikvaos. Accordingly, he had prepared a shiur geared specifically for bnei Torah who were holding in the sugya.

Upon arriving, however, the Rosh Yeshiva immediately saw that the crowd was far larger than expected, and that many of those present had likely come simply to hear his shiur, even if they were not necessarily holding in the sugya on that level. At that moment, he faced a decision: proceed with the shiur he had prepared, knowing that many would struggle to follow, or set it aside and deliver a different shiur entirely.

Instantly, the Rosh Yeshiva chose the latter.

Without hesitation, and without a single sefer in front of him, Rav Schreiber put aside the shiur he had prepared and instead delivered a different shiur on the sugya — one that retained the depth and lomdus expected from such a shiur, while being accessible to the broader olam that had gathered.

The result was nothing short of a masterpiece. The shiur was delivered with stunning clarity and precision, enabling the full crowd to appreciate the sugya.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-09-at-10.20.40-PM.mp4

An e-scooter rider was hospitalized following a collision with a vehicle in Lakewood this morning.

The accident occurred shortly before 9:00 a.m. on 2nd Street. According to eyewitnesses, the scooterist was traveling along the sidewalk when a vehicle pulled out of a parking lot and collided with the scooter.

Hatzolah and EMS treated the rider and then transported her to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood.

Police say the rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

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The hall is exclusively catered by Roast Catering, owned and operated by Yehuda Fryer, the same owner behind the popular Toast Café in Manchester. With exceptional food, professional service, and attention to detail, Roast Catering brings a unique and elevated dining experience to every event.

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7:30pm

- The Iranian news agency Tasnim: Trump's claim that he spoke with Iranian officials who asked to stop the attacks is an absolute lie. There was no conversation with Trump, and Iran will respond to the aggression against it by military means

- Trump added, "Either the war returns and they get hammered on the battlefield or ultimately they sign this deal that American negotiators presented."

- Trump said 49 Tomahawk missiles were used in strikes on Iran, with some targets reportedly as close as 40 miles from Tehran. He added that U.S. fighter jets are operating over Iran, targeting radar and air defense systems in the country’s southwest.

- Trump says Iran called him directly tonight and asked for the bombing to stop, so it will "stop shortly." Then came the condition: sign the deal or "we'll bomb ..... them tomorrow night."

Speaking to Fox from the Situation Room alongside Vance, Kushner, and Witkoff, the president detailed the night's campaign, 49 Tomahawks fired at targets as close as 40 miles from Tehran, with fighter jets sweeping Iranian radar and air defenses near the Gulf.

- WSJ: Trump insists that the crisis with Iran is under control, but US sources say that Trump did not expect the ceasefire that lasted months to collapse and certainly did not expect to see Iran launching missiles and drones without restraint, inflation soaring to a three-year high, and fuel prices rising and erasing recent wage gains

- Israel: Security officials are preparing for the possibility of missile launches toward Israel.

- Iran’s state media posted photos of a drinking water reservoir that officials said was destroyed in a missile strike as well as images of munition fragments that experts told CNN appeared to be from a US-made bomb.

- Qatari negotiators still in Iran, source says, as US launches new strikes

- New York Times: Chances for a breakthrough in the negotiations have decreased after the Qatari mediation delegation left Tehran today without any progress in the talks

- Iranian media reports that Iran attacked US ships near the Strait of Hormuz using missiles and drones

6:30 pm

- Iran has fired ballistic missiles and drones at the Al-Harir American base in Northern Iraq.

- A source in the IRGC told CNN that “Trump is delusional” and said he should recognize the “great power and momentum of the Iranian people.”

- U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression

- US officials say the strikes on Iran have begun

- IRGC visw to attack American interests 

- News reports of explosions across Iran.

-  Reports in Iran of explosions on Qeshm Island and in Sirik near the Strait of Hormuz

5:30 pm

- Hegseth: "Tonight's attacks will be powerful and 'clear.'"

- President Trump held a discussion this evening in the White House situation room to discuss possible additional strikes against Iran, just hours after telling reporters that the US "will hit them again hard today," according to two American sources

 - VP Vance says that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “certainly gotten some things wrong" but has ultimately “been a good partner” to the U.S. “Sometimes, we have interests that are perfectly aligned, and sometimes, we have interests that are misaligned." Vance said CBS

- Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel’s campaign against Iran is “far from over” and that the military remains prepared to “attack with great strength.”

- US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee: “Things may get a bit spicy in the neighborhood soon.”

- Trump continues with threats against Iran: “We will attack them very strongly today”

- Trump reveals: We captured 22 Iranian ships containing millions of oil barrels. The Iranians won't know about this until this moment

- CENTCOM: At 11:14 p.m. on June 9, U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.

- Trump was asked about Erdogan's threats against Israel and replied: "Erdogan is a good friend of mine. I haven't heard these things; if I had heard them, I would have called him. Nothing bad will happen - as long as I am the president."

- Trump to Fox News: These two pilots were able to take [the Apache] down into the sea, where ultimately, they were rescued, for the first time in U.S. military history, by an unmanned sea drone. He said the Iranians had tried to rebuild their defensive capabilities during the ceasefire. Still, they were unable to stop these U.S. strikes overnight, and they were hammered by U.S. fighter jets. The bully of the Middle East is dead,' I may keep going'. They had a chance to sign a deal and survive.

- Trump: ran’s Military is a complete and total mess. Much of it, like their Navy and Air Force, doesn’t even exist anymore - They have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- President Donald Trump says he may order fresh strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges, saying that Tehran is taking too long to reach a deal. “I may keep going,” he says in comments in a phone interview, cited by Fox News. “They had a chance to sign a deal and survive.”

- Netanyahu calls Turkey president Erdogan a ‘antisemitic dictator’ who supports Hamas after the Turkish leader condemned Israeli strikes. Erdogan said earlier today that Israel’s attacks on Syria and Lebanon have reached a point where they also threaten Turkey, adding Israel’s “aggression” poses a threat to the whole world and must be stopped.

- A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran after consulting with the U.S., seeking to bridge the remaining gaps in negotiations.

- Trump: “The Fake News Media refuses to report how EFFECTIVE the U.S. Naval BLOCKADE is, the most successful Blockade in the history of Naval Warfare. NOTHING GETS THROUGH unless we want it to. IT IS A STEEL WALL! Iran is doing ZERO business, not paying their military, or any of their bills, and quickly becoming a FAILED NATION! Lots of oil is getting out. Praise be to Allah! President DONALD J. TRUMP

- WSJ: Trump initially thought the US should not attack Iran in response to the downing of the helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, but was convinced otherwise after SOW Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine advised him to do so

- Trump on Netanyahu tonight: “It's an open question whether Netanyahu will want to continue to run in the elections. I don't know, he had an amazing career. Does he want to continue? You know, he's a wartime Prime Minister- does he even want to continue?"

Chasunas:

Wain - Koppel Ateres Esther 

Yardly - Lurie Ateres Blima

Rubnitz - Kotler Ateres Reva 

Schwinder  - Metchik Kesser Moshe Yehuda 

Lowenthal - Berkowitz  Fountain Ballroom 

Yeshiva Tashbar Rabbi Meir Hertz legacy dinner at Neemas Hachaim hall 

- LPD Traffic Alert: Tonight 6/9 NJDOT Contractor advises they will be repaving the following streets approx 25ft off RT 9: Gila Ln, Haddasah Ln, Halsey St, Pine Blvd, Cushman St, Oak St will be paved from RT 9 to Elroy St

SB lanes of RT 9 will be closed at Prospect St starting 1030PM - detour is Prospect/Massachusetts/Cross. Starting 12AM NB may be closed as well (specifically at Oak)

NJNGAS advises infrastructure improvements on MLK Dr from Cedarbridge to Center St 9 PM. There will be a lane from Cedarbridge to Pine open for Traffic and Detour to get onto Cedarbridge from MLK is Center St

Lakewood police arrested a Toms River man on drug and impaired driving charges following a traffic stop earlier this month that authorities say uncovered marijuana, cash, and suspected drug distribution materials.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, patrol officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on June 6 after observing a traffic violation. During the investigation, officers determined that the driver, 61-year-old Robert Gadson of Toms River, was impaired and placed him under arrest.

Police said a subsequent search led to the seizure of a quantity of marijuana, cash, and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled dangerous substances.

Gadson was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and refusal to submit breath samples.

Following processing at Lakewood Police Headquarters, Gadson was transported to the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings.

Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer commended the officers involved, emphasizing the broader public safety impact of the arrest.

“This arrest highlights the importance of proactive patrol and traffic enforcement,” Meyer said. “By remaining vigilant, our officers were able to remove an impaired driver from our roadways while also disrupting suspected illegal drug activity. We remain committed to keeping our community safe.”

Letter: Walk through any neighborhood today and you’ll see something that was rare just a few years ago: children flying down the street on electric bikes, often without ever turning a pedal.

Technology has brought convenience to nearly every aspect of life, but it also raises an important question. Are we removing too much effort from childhood?

For generations, a bicycle represented freedom. Kids rode for miles with friends, explored their neighborhoods, and spent hours outdoors. But the ride itself was part of the experience. The exercise, the challenge of climbing hills, the feeling of accomplishment after a long trip, and even arriving home exhausted were all benefits, not inconveniences.

Today, many children can travel farther and faster than ever before, but they may be missing something valuable in the process. Physical activity among young people continues to decline, while concerns about obesity, poor fitness, excessive screen time, and sedentary lifestyles continue to grow.

Childhood was never meant to be effortless. Running, climbing, biking, and playing outside help build strength, confidence, independence, and resilience. Learning to work for something, whether it is making it up a steep hill on a bicycle or spending an afternoon outdoors instead of in front of a screen, teaches lessons that cannot be powered by a battery.

This is not an argument against technology. Electric bikes can serve a purpose for longer commutes, adults, and individuals with physical limitations. But when healthy children are given motorized transportation for trips they could easily pedal themselves, it is worth asking what is being gained and what is being lost.

The goal of a childhood bicycle was never simply getting from one place to another. It was about movement. It was about adventure. It was about being outside and learning what your body is capable of doing.

As communities continue to debate the role of electric bikes among young riders, perhaps the conversation should extend beyond safety and regulations. It should also focus on whether convenience is replacing experiences that helped previous generations grow stronger, healthier, and more independent.

Sometimes, the best ride is the one powered by nothing more than two legs and a little determination.

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“Tomorrow is my wedding. My father is battling a serious illness, and our family simply cannot afford the basic wedding expenses.”

Please help this Kallah walk down the Chuppah with dignity.

In a memorable moment at this evening’s Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, Lieutenant Robert “Bobby” Cook II was officially promoted to the rank of Captain.

The oath of office was administered by his father, former Lakewood Fire Chief Robert Cook Sr., making the ceremony a special family and departmental milestone.

The word “audit” makes most business owners uncomfortable, and understandably so. But the best defense against an audit — and the best protection if one does occur — is something entirely within your control: clean, well-documented books.

Let me walk you through what actually triggers IRS scrutiny for small businesses, and what having your financial house in order means in practical terms.

What Commonly Triggers a Small Business Audit

The IRS uses automated screening tools to flag returns that fall outside expected ranges. Some of the most common triggers include high deductions relative to income — particularly in categories like meals, entertainment, home office, or vehicle use. Consistent losses over multiple years raise the question of whether the business is genuinely a for-profit enterprise. Significant cash transactions draw scrutiny by nature. Discrepancies between reported income and third-party information such as 1099s are immediate red flags. And missing or inconsistent payroll tax filings are taken seriously and can escalate quickly.

What the IRS Wants to See

In an audit, the IRS is looking for substantiation — evidence that what you reported is accurate and that deductions you claimed were legitimate business expenses. This means receipts and documentation for expenses, particularly discretionary ones. Bank statements and records that reconcile cleanly with what is on your return. Documentation for any significant or unusual transactions. And payroll records, contractor agreements, and 1099s that are consistent and complete.

How Clean Books Protect You

When your books are well-maintained throughout the year, audit preparation is not a scramble — it is a straightforward retrieval of records that already exist.

More importantly, clean books mean accurate returns. Many audit issues stem not from intentional misreporting but from disorganized records that led to mistakes. Expenses were deducted twice, or not at all. Income was reported on the wrong schedule. A transaction was miscategorized in a way that created a discrepancy.

When your bookkeeping is current, accurate, and consistently reconciled throughout the year, those errors are caught long before a return is filed.

The Practical Takeaway

You do not need to be afraid of an audit if your records are solid. Keep your books current. Maintain documentation for every significant expense. Work with a bookkeeper who reconciles your accounts monthly and categorizes transactions correctly. And make sure your CPA has clean, organized financial data to work from at tax time.

The IRS is looking for discrepancies and poor documentation. Deny them both, and you have done everything within your control to protect your business.

—

About the Author:

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

Have a bookkeeping or business finance question?

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

A New Jersey Department of Transportation contractor is scheduled to continue overnight paving work in Lakewood on Tuesday night, forcing several road closures and detours near Route 9.

Crews will begin repaving portions of several streets located approximately 25 feet off Route 9, including Gila Lane, Haddasah Lane, Halsey Street, Pine Boulevard, Cushman Street, and Oak Street. Oak Street will be paved from Route 9 to Elroy Street.

As part of the work, the southbound lanes of Route 9 at Prospect Street will be closed beginning at approximately 10:30 p.m. Motorists will be directed to follow a detour utilizing Prospect Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Cross Street.

Officials also advised that beginning around midnight, northbound Route 9 may be temporarily closed as well, particularly in the area of Oak Street, depending on construction progress.

In a separate project, New Jersey Natural Gas is continuing infrastructure improvements along Martin Luther King Drive between Cedarbridge Avenue and Center Street beginning at 9 p.m.

One lane of traffic will remain open between Cedarbridge Avenue and Pine Street. Drivers seeking access to Cedarbridge Avenue from Martin Luther King Drive will be detoured via Center Street.

Rear-view video obtained by TLS from the school bus shows the moment the bus – with children onboard – was rear-ended by a car, after the car was rear-ended by another vehicle.

The incident happened shortly before 9:00 AM on Hope Chapel Road in Lakewood.

Luckily, there were no serious injuries reported.