Yisroel R.

The Monroe area will see a mostly dry and pleasant week, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures staying in the low to mid-80s. A slight chance of showers returns Thursday, with cooler temperatures expected at night.

Monday will feature a mix of clouds and sunshine, with a high near 84 degrees and a low of 63 degrees. Temperatures may feel a few degrees warmer during the afternoon.

Tuesday will be mostly sunny and slightly cooler, with a high around 82 degrees. Temperatures will fall to 60 degrees at night, making for a cooler evening.

Wednesday will bring another mostly sunny day with some clouds mixed in. The high will reach around 84 degrees, with a low of 66 degrees.

Thursday may begin with some showers before skies turn partly cloudy during the afternoon. The high will reach around 84 degrees, with a low of 61 degrees, bringing a slightly unsettled end to the weekly forecast.

photos: Shmuel Deri

Renovation work has been completed at Beis Medrash Ksav Moshe on Van Buren Drive, following a project to rebuild and expand the shul.

The renovations were undertaken to provide additional space and improve the facilities for the growing number of mispallelim using the beis medrash.

The various smaller eruvin throughout Kiryas Joel are set to be consolidated under a single “Eruv Kiryas Joel,” following a directive from the Rebbe.

The move is expected to establish a more centralized framework for the eruv system across Kiryas Joel, bringing the various areas under the umbrella of Eruv Kiryas Joel.

As part of the effort, an asifa was held last Thursday bringing together the bodkim and dayanim of Eruv Kiryas Joel and Vaad HaEruvin to discuss the implementation and coordination of the unified eruv.

Construction is moving forward on the new Bais Medrash Menachem Zev in Shechinas Vayoel Moshe, following the completion of a complex foundation phase.

Crews have now finished the extensive foundation work required for the building, marking a significant milestone in the construction project.

With the foundation completed, work is continuing on the structure’s main floor as the building begins to take shape.

A contract has been signed to purchase a large building and surrounding property that is expected to become the permanent home of the Mesivta Shiur Daled, following years of operating from increasingly tight quarters.

The property, located at the corner of County Route 44 and Forest Road, includes a sizable existing building that can be converted into a full yeshiva facility, along with substantial surrounding property providing room for future expansion.

Mesivta Shiur Daled has operated for approximately 15 years from the Fire Department building in Kiryas Joel, near the Aishes Chayil home. The yeshiva was established there to provide a full yeshiva setting for older bachurim continuing their studies after completing the standard yeshiva years.

Over the years, enrollment at the yeshiva has grown considerably. At the same time, the building has become increasingly crowded as the Fire Department expanded its own facilities and operations, while the surrounding neighborhood has also become significantly more densely developed.

In recent weeks, the Hanhulas HaKiryah identified the County Route 44 and Forest Road property as a suitable long-term location for the yeshiva.

Once acquired and prepared for use, the new property is expected to provide Mesivta Shiur Daled with a permanent and significantly more spacious campus while leaving room for the yeshiva to continue expanding in the years ahead.

Yisroel R.

The Monroe area will enjoy a pleasant start to the weekend, with a mix of sunshine and clouds Friday and mostly sunny conditions on Shabbos. A major change arrives Sunday, when rain is expected throughout the day.

Friday will feature intervals of clouds and sunshine, with a high around 83 degrees and a low of 58 degrees.

Shabbos will be mostly sunny with some clouds. The high will reach around 80 degrees, with a low of 58 degrees.

Sunday will turn rainy, with showers in the morning becoming steadier during the afternoon. The high will reach around 76 degrees, with a low of 67 degrees, making for a wet and unsettled end to the weekend.

Yisroel R.

The Village of Kiryas Joel is launching a new “Legislator’s Desk” initiative aimed at making it easier for residents to receive direct assistance from the offices of elected officials and government agencies, without having to travel to distant offices or struggle through complicated government systems. Under the new program, staff members from various legislative offices will come directly to Kiryas Joel on designated days to meet privately with residents and assist with individual government-related issues.

Village officials said elected officials and their staffs regularly work on broader matters that affect thousands of residents at once, including sewer and water issues, traffic, roads and sidewalks, government assistance programs, education-related matters and other community needs. At the same time, their offices are also able to assist individual residents who become stuck in the often-complicated bureaucracy of federal, state and county agencies.

The new Legislator’s Desk will provide residents with a local point of contact for those individual cases. Assistance can include matters involving federal agencies, including immigration and citizenship, passports, banking and financial agencies, student aid, health and Medicare, labor matters, agriculture, IRS, Social Security, Postal Service, and other federal programs. Residents will be able to meet with staff members locally and receive help navigating the appropriate agency.

The service will also cover issues involving New York State and Orange County agencies, including the DMV, Department of Labor, health and assistance agencies, housing-related matters, state licensing and taxation, as well as County related matters, such as Social Services and tax assessments. The Village said the initiative was created because residents can often have difficulty reaching the offices and staff members of higher-level elected officials who may be able to resolve these issues.

The first Legislator’s Desk session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, when staff members from Congressman Pat Ryan’s office will be available in Kiryas Joel. Residents seeking a private appointment can contact the Village office at 845-783-8300, extension 257. Additional legislative offices are expected to participate on designated days as the new program continues.

Orange & Rockland crews worked overnight in front of the Business Center on Bakertown Road, completing utility work needed ahead of installation of the new traffic signals at Bakertown Road and Meron Drive.

The work was specially arranged overnight due to the need to shut off electricity in the area, avoiding disruptions to businesses during the day. With O&R’s work now complete, a low-voltage company will next move the phone lines to make way for the new traffic signals.

Once the new signals are installed, repaving work is expected to be conducted along Bakertown Road.

photos: Issac Y.

Yisroel R.

This week’s Dee Voch brings readers coverage of major events and happenings throughout the heimishe world, including the yahrtzeit of the Belzer Rebbe zt”l; the yahrtzeit of the Satmar Rebbe zt”l; the Bobover Rebbe spending Shabbos at Camp Mesivta Eitz Chaim D’Bobov; noted philanthropist R’ Yoel Landau visiting the Gerer Rebbe, where a special fund was established to assist the broader yeshiva world; and the Bobov-45 Rebbe visiting the Bobov-45 Machina L’Yeshiva summer camp.

This week’s Shrift features “Ginzai Meromam,” a fascinating conversation with antique dealer and researcher R’ Yudel Breuer, who shares how learning a Chassidishe sefer sparked his passion for antiques and eventually led him to establish the Chassidish museum “Heichalos” this Bein Hazmanim. He discusses how Gedolim came to trust him with priceless items worth millions, how experts determine whether an artifact is authentic, the difference between rare objects and manuscripts, a million-dollar deal he turned down, and the remarkable story behind the kappel of the holy Baal Shem Tov.

The Business Shrift features “Daas Baal Habayis,” the moving story of R’ Ezra Solomon, who left behind his previous lifestyle and went on to develop special protective bags designed to shield Sifrei Torah and tashmishei kedushah from fire and extreme heat.

Also included free in this week’s Dee Voch package is the special “Vegvaizer” handbook, a practical guide covering everything needed for a visit to Eretz Yisroel. The handbook includes detailed lists of addresses and phone numbers for minyanim, mekomos hakedoshim, Rabbanim and Rebbes, drivers, apartments, mikvaos, grocery stores, restaurants, attractions and museums, along with useful guidance, informative articles, detailed maps of heimishe neighborhoods, and valuable discounts at local businesses.

This week’s Fink offers readers meaningful stories about family, home, health, and everyday life. Each issue features heartfelt interviews, practical advice, and inspiring experiences that inform, encourage, and connect women through topics that matter most.

The Kinder Shrift is packed with exciting adventures, fascinating facts, puzzles, stories, comics, and hands-on activities that make learning fun. Every issue takes young readers on a new journey filled with creativity, giving children something to enjoy from the first page to the last.

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

Yisroel R.

Orange County residents will have the rare opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse this afternoon, as the moon moves in front of the sun during an approximately 90-minute event that will be visible across the Hudson Valley and other parts of the Northeast. an estimated roughly 10% of the sun will be covered, while the eclipse will become a total solar eclipse across parts of Europe and other areas farther north.

The eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 1 p.m., reaching its maximum shortly before 2 p.m., before gradually moving away and ending at around 2:40 p.m. An estimated roughly 10% of the sun will be covered in our area. Because only a relatively small portion of the sun will be covered, the eclipse is not expected to noticeably darken the sky, although those looking up at the sun with proper eclipse protection will still be able to enjoy this amazing scientific phenomenon.

The partial eclipse will also be visible across other parts of New York, including New York City and areas throughout the Northeast. Farther north, a larger portion of the sun will be covered, while Orange County and the lower Hudson Valley will see a smaller but still visible partial eclipse.

Today’s event is part of a larger solar eclipse taking place across other parts of the world. A total solar eclipse will pass across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small section of Portugal, where the moon will completely cover the sun for a brief period.

The last major solar eclipse seen in our area was on April 8, 2024, when residents gathered outdoors with eclipse glasses as approximately 90% of the sun was covered. Areas farther north and west were inside the path of totality, where the sun was completely covered.

That 2024 eclipse was the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. The next one will take place on August 23, 2044, bringing totality to portions of the United States, including parts of Montana and North Dakota.

Officials are reminding anyone planning to watch today’s eclipse to use certified eclipse glasses or another safe solar viewer, stressing that ordinary sunglasses do not provide enough protection. Eclipse glasses should be checked before use and should not be used if they are scratched, torn or otherwise damaged.

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

photos: Y. Stein

Over the past several weeks, members of the Kiryas Joel Fire Department have been reviewing and reinforcing key water supply and fire attack tactics during classroom sessions.

Yesterday’s weekly drill brought those concepts out of the classroom and into a hands-on environment, giving members the opportunity to practice, sharpen, and relearn the skills that are critical on the fireground.

The drill focused on establishing a water supply, getting connected to a hydrant, stretching the attack line, and getting water flowing onto the fire as quickly and efficiently as possible. Members worked together to improve speed, coordination, communication, and efficiency while carrying out the entire operation.

At a structure fire, time is critical. Getting water on the fire as quickly as possible can make a major difference. The sooner crews can establish a reliable water supply and begin the attack while the fire is still small, the easier it is to control and prevent further extension.

Weekly drills like this allow our members to continuously maintain and sharpen the skills they rely on when it matters most. Repetition builds efficiency, teamwork, and muscle memory helping ensure that when the call comes in, these actions are second nature.

photos: Y. Stein

Yisroel R.

The new shuttle service for the Village of South Blooming Grove residents began running Monday, August 10, as part of a new trial program bringing public transportation throughout the village and to several key locations in the Village of Kiryas Joel. The service is being operated through the Town of Monroe.

For now, the shuttle will run Monday through Friday, once every hour from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Village officials involved say the town will observe how much the service is used during the trial period, and if there is enough demand, more buses will be added, including a bus for Sundays, and a second daily bus that would allow the shuttle to run every half hour, with plans also being considered for later evening routes.

The shuttle makes stops throughout the Village of South Blooming Grove, giving residents access to many of the village’s main streets and neighborhoods. Stops include:

• Duelk

• Laredo

• Trezza

• Dallas

• Fort Worth/Galveston

• Fort Worth/Dallas

• Houston/Sears

• Sears/Green

• Pine Hill/Hawthorne

• Hawthorne/Strawberry

• Old Town

• Mangin/Pine Hill

• Mangin/Merriewold Lane South

Merriewold Lane South/Pennsylvania 

• Virginia/Merriewold Lane South

• Virginia/Roanoke

• Virginia/Arlington

• Midway/Mills

• Lone Oak Circle

• Merriewold Lane north/Lake Shore

• Robin Lane

• Hawks Nest

• Tanager Lane

• Stonegate

• Business Center at Landau’s Supermarket

The route also continues into the Village of Kiryas Joel, making stops at Mountain Road/Karlsburg, the Shopping Center, the Business Center, Icon Mall and Mountain Road/Chevron. The new route gives South Blooming Grove residents another way to get around, and reach shopping and business areas in Kiryas Joel.

The fare is currently at the cheap rate of $1 for rides within South Blooming Grove and $2 for rides outside the village, with payment accepted in cash only. Village officials are asking residents to make use of the shuttle during the trial period, as the amount of ridership will help determine how the service is expanded going forward.

photos: Y. Stein

Yisroel R.

In a historic first, the Bobov-45 Rebbe Shlita visited the tziyun of the Satmar Rebbe, zy”a, in Kiryas Yoel late Monday night, a day after the Satmar Rebbe’s yahrtzeit on Sunday, Chof-Vov Av.

The Bobov-45 Rebbe is currently spending several days in a private setting in the Chester area, near Kiryas Joel, and made the special visit to the tziyun while staying nearby during the days surrounding the yahrtzeit.

The Rebbe arrived after chatzos Monday night accompanied by a small group of close attendants. At the tziyun, the Rebbe recited Tehillim and davened for yeshuos hklal v’haprat before returning to his achsanye in Chester.

The visit followed a Shabbos spent by the Rebbe Shlita in the Chester area, during Shalosh Seudos, which fell on erev of the Satmar Rebbe’s yahrtzeit, the Rebbe repeated divrei Torah and sipurei tzadikim from the Satmar Rebbe, zy”a. The Rebbe also shared personal memories from occasions when he had been in the presence of the Satmar Rebbe, zy”a, during his lifetime.

photos: Issac G.

photos: Y. Stein

Families looking for a relaxing getaway close to home have a new option this summer with Poconos Retreat, an all-inclusive vacation experience at Willowbrook at Split Rock Resort in the Pocono Mountains. Located less than two hours from Monsey and South Fallsburg, and about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Lakewood and Boro Park, the retreat offers a heimishe atmosphere with accommodations, meals, and activities all in one location.

Guests can choose from several stay options, including a Shabbos Getaway from Thursday, August 13 through Monday, August 17, a Midweek Getaway from Monday, August 17 through Thursday, August 20, or a Full Week Getaway running Thursday, August 13 through Thursday, August 20.

Each spacious suite comfortably accommodates 2 adults and 4–6 children and includes a private master bedroom, living and sleeping area, kitchenette, dinette, and large bathroom. The property also features an air-conditioned beis medrash, a mikvah, and an eruv, making it easy for families to enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay.

The all-inclusive packages include gourmet ready-made lunches and suppers, while Shabbos guests receive fully catered Shabbos meals served in the privacy of their suites. A fully stocked mini-mart is also available on the premises for additional convenience.

Beyond the accommodations, families can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including an indoor waterpark, heated swimming pool, boating, bowling, mini golf, hayrides, playgrounds, sports courts, and a bounce room, providing activities for both children and adults throughout their stay.

For reservations or additional information, call 732-730-0200, email [email protected], or send a WhatsApp message to 732-301-6680.

YSR.

A large-scale manhunt stretching from Orange County into Upstate New York came to an end over the weekend after New York State Police announced that Thomas David Ryan had been taken into custody in the Gilboa area of Schoharie County. State Police said the active search had concluded and thanked the public and assisting law enforcement agencies for their help.

Ryan was being sought in connection with a deadly fire Thursday evening at a home in Greenville, Orange County. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, a man was found dead inside the home. The victim was identified as Ryan’s father, and authorities began investigating the case as a homicide and arson.

By Saturday, the search had moved roughly 100 miles north to the rural Gilboa area of Schoharie County, where a major police operation unfolded as officers worked to track Ryan down, with a heavy law enforcement presence across the area as the manhunt intensified.

According to reports from the scene, Route 990V was shut down in both directions for much of the day, and residents living along the roadway were initially not allowed to return to their homes while police searched for Ryan. The closure left parts of the area effectively locked down as the operation continued.

A command center was reportedly established at the Gilboa dam offices, while a helicopter circled overhead and multiple SWAT armored vehicles arrived in the area. Photos and reports from the scene showed a massive police presence as officers spread throughout the surrounding roads and fields.

The search also centered around a vehicle believed to be connected to Ryan. Local residents reportedly spotted the car near a church in the area, with one report indicating it had been seen there Friday evening and again on Saturday before police located it. Witnesses later reported seeing State Troopers pursuing Ryan in a foot-chase through local fields and forests as officers closed in.

State Police later officially confirmed that Ryan had been taken into custody and that the active search in Gilboa was over. Additional details surrounding his arrest, the death of his father and any charges against him are expected to be released as the investigation continues.

Construction on the new, state-of-the-art mikvah at Bhm"d Imrei Noam is progressing at a rapid pace, with significant work completed in recent weeks as the project moves steadily toward its next major milestones.

Crews continue to work on multiple phases of the expansive project, including structural and interior construction, as the future mikvah begins to take shape. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve the needs of the growing community with a modern, spacious, and beautifully designed mikvah.

Yisroel R.

Michael J. Lee, a founding member and former chief of the South Blooming Grove Fire Department whose life was marked by decades of military and fire service, passed away at his Monroe home on July 24. He was 86.

The Independence Fire Company and the South Blooming Grove Fire District in a message announcing his passing, described Lee as a dedicated leader whose vision helped build the foundation of the department and left a lasting impact on the community.

Lee served in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force Reserve before beginning a career with the FDNY. He served as a firefighter with Ladder Company 27 in the Bronx and later volunteered as a first responder following the September 11 attacks.

After his FDNY career, Lee continued working in fire safety, serving as a fire safety director for organizations including the United States Navy, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs. He also remained active with the Orange County/Hudson Valley Retired FDNY Firefighters Association.

Lee brought his experience and commitment back to the local community as a founding member and former chief of the South Blooming Grove Fire Department. Members credited his leadership, service and mentorship with helping shape generations of firefighters and strengthening the department for years to come.

The South Blooming Grove Fire Department extended its condolences to Lee’s wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Visitation will be held this Friday at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Funeral Home in Monroe, followed by the funeral on Saturday morning.