Local news and community website serving Lakewood, NJ's Orthodox Jewish community.
Local news and community website serving Lakewood, NJ's Orthodox Jewish community.
The Lakewood Scoop10 hours agoLast month, a man stole an engine from a boat in Lakewood’s Lake Carasaljo, and the incident was caught on video – exclusively provided to TLS.
On April 23, officers responded to the Traveling Tykes Marina for a report of a theft involving a Mercury boat engine that had been removed from a vessel owned by the marina. Detectives conducted an investigation utilizing various investigative techniques, which ultimately led to the identification of William Cottrell, 41, of Toms River, as the suspect involved.
On May 19, Cottrell was charged with burglary and theft related offenses and was later taken into custody without incident.
Chief Gregory H. Meyer praised the efforts of the officers and detectives involved in the case. “This investigation is a great example of the persistence and teamwork displayed by our officers and detectives,” Meyer said. “Their efforts, along with the assistance of our law enforcement partners, helped bring this case to a successful conclusion.”
Traveling Tykes owner, Yonoson Ely, told TLS he was impressed by the great work of the Lakewood Police Department, and wanted to publicly thank Chief Meyer and the detectives for apprehending the suspect.
The Lakewood Scoop11 hours agoThe U.S. Department of Education has announced it will begin implementing the Workforce Pell Grant program next month, a long awaited expansion to the popular federal student aid program which was created under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law last summer.
Under the new law, Pell Grants can now be used for short-term workforce training programs, in an attempt to open new educational and career pathways for students seeking flexible alternatives to traditional four-year degree programs.
Currently, institutions of higher education award Federal Pell Grants to students with financial need to help them earn undergraduate credentials. Workforce Pell bridges the gap between education and employment by allowing Pell Grants to be used for workforce training programs that prepare individuals for immediate employment in as little as 8 weeks. In addition, Workforce Pell requires colleges to limit their tuition and fees based on the earnings of program graduates, ensuring that programs continue to demonstrate value over time.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the administration wants to expand access to “low-cost, high-value programs” that prepare students for employment without requiring years of college coursework and significant debt.
Under the final rule, eligible programs must meet strict accountability standards, including requirements related to completion rates, job placement outcomes and graduate earnings. Programs also must be approved by both state officials and the federal government.
The changes could have particular relevance in Lakewood and surrounding Ocean County communities, where many residents seek alternatives to four or eight year college programs. Short-term workforce programs in fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, bookkeeping and advanced manufacturing could become more financially accessible for lower-income students who qualify for federal aid.
The Workforce Pell initiative also may benefit students who are not pursuing traditional bachelor’s degrees but still want postsecondary credentials that can lead directly to employment. The federal rules allow Pell Grants to be used for programs ranging from 150 to 599 clock hours, significantly expanding aid eligibility beyond the traditional college model.
The Lakewood Scoop12 hours agoWhich driver do you think was at fault?
The Lakewood Scoop13 hours agoIn my work with small and mid-sized businesses, I have seen the same bookkeeping mistakes surface again and again. They are not always dramatic. They rarely involve bad intentions. But they are expensive — sometimes in ways that take years to fully untangle.
Here are the three that I consider the most costly, and what you can do to avoid them.
This is the single most common issue I encounter with early-stage and small businesses, and it creates problems that ripple outward in every direction.
When personal and business transactions share the same bank account or credit card, your financial statements become unreliable. It becomes nearly impossible to get an accurate picture of your business’s true profitability. Tax preparation becomes significantly more complex and expensive. And in the event of an audit, the commingling of funds raises immediate red flags.
The fix is simple and non-negotiable: open a dedicated business checking account and a business credit card, and use them exclusively for business transactions. This one step alone will save you time, money, and headaches every single year.
I understand why this happens. When business is busy, the last thing most owners want to spend time on is entering receipts and reconciling accounts. So, it gets pushed to next week, then next month, then “we’ll catch up at tax time.”
The problem is that catching up under pressure — with months of transactions to sort through — leads to errors. Expenses get miscategorized. Transactions get missed. And you have spent the entire year making decisions without accurate financial information.
More practically: the longer you wait, the more it costs to fix. A bookkeeper spending 5 hours a month keeping things current is dramatically less expensive than a bookkeeper spending 40 hours reconstructing six months of records.
Keep your books current. Establish a consistent cadence — weekly or monthly, depending on your volume — and treat it as a non-negotiable part of running your business.
This one is more nuanced, but it matters significantly as a business grows.
Cash basis accounting records transactions when money changes hands. It is simple and intuitive, and it is perfectly appropriate for many small businesses. But it can paint a misleading picture when you have significant receivables, inventory, or future obligations on the books.
Accrual accounting records revenue when it is earned and expenses when they are incurred — regardless of when cash moves. This gives you a more accurate picture of your true financial position and performance, and it is required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for businesses that are seeking financing or working toward a sale.
If your business is growing, or if you are making strategic decisions based on your financial statements, it is worth having a conversation with your bookkeeper or controller about whether accrual accounting would give you a more reliable foundation.
None of these mistakes are irreversible. I have helped businesses clean up each of them. But the cleanup takes time and money that could have been avoided with the right foundation from the beginning.
Good bookkeeping is not just a compliance function. It is the financial intelligence layer that every sound business decision depends on. Getting it right — from the start, or as soon as possible — is one of the highest-return investments a business owner can make.
—
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).
The Lakewood Scoop14 hours agoA Mount Laurel man has been charged after authorities say he fraudulently obtained control of a $300,000 home equity line of credit belonging to a victim in Jackson Township.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Stephen Intrieri, 44, was charged on May 21 with Theft by Unlawful Taking and Impersonation stemming from an investigation into alleged fraudulent activity dating back to October 2025.
According to investigators, the victim had taken out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) against his property in the amount of $300,000, intending to invest part of the funds with Intrieri. Authorities said Intrieri allegedly completed the loan application using the victim’s name while listing his own contact information, allowing him exclusive access to the HELOC account.
Investigators further alleged that Intrieri transferred the funds into an E-Trade account inaccessible to the victim. Prosecutors say Intrieri also communicated with the victim while pretending to be representatives of the mortgage company as part of the scheme.
The charges were filed on May 21, and Intrieri’s name was entered into the National Crime Information Center database.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact Detective Kyle Richardella of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Squad at 732-929-2027 ext. 3224.
The Lakewood Scoop14 hours agoFollowing up on this morning’s post, TLS has so far received these men/women options from Ambassador Uniform, and they’re being offered for our readers at a discounted price!
Usually priced at $21.95: “Sizes XS-XL the price is only $16.95. If they need Sizes 2XL-3XL the prices for those sizes is $19.95.”
“Logos (or an embroidered name) are $6.95 for each piece.”
“Free shipping as long as they’re ordering eight pieces.”
TLS will post more options as we receive them so store-owners can choose the ones they feel work best for them.
(We are passing along the discounted prices as we receive them – we are not taking a cut on any products sold. This is being done solely as a community service.)
To order them for your shop, you can email [email protected] or via text 7322782277.
NOTE: If you order, please let us know so we can advertise your store – along with the pictures – on TLS!
The Lakewood Scoop15 hours agoLakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer advises residents that, per the contractor’s information, the following areas along Route 9 will be closed to vehicular traffic overnight, due to State DOT road improvement work.
Lakewood Township officials have encouraged the State to start roadwork as late as possible, in order to minimize disruption. Closures begin at 10:00 pm on Sundays through Thursdays; and at 8:30 pm on Fridays.
Residents and motorists are encouraged to consider these closures in advance of their trips, and plan accordingly.
Road Closure Schedule:
The Lakewood ScoopThe Lakewood Scoop16 hours agoLocal resident Rabbi Moshe Gruskin today received the community service award at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, AZ, for his work with Life Spark – his organization for those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
The Lakewood Scoop16 hours agoA 28-year-old Barnegat man has died following yesterday’s boating crash in Barnegat Bay, authorities announced.
The victim was identified as Gunnar Pearson, according to the New Jersey State Police.
As first reported by TLS, the crash occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. when a vessel struck a day marker in Barnegat Bay, ejecting two occupants into the water.
State Police said both ejected occupants were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Pearson later succumbed to his injuries.
Four additional occupants aboard the vessel were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
The Lakewood Scoop17 hours agoSummer 2026 Training Opportunities
Discover the expertise, precision, and real-world knowledge behind one of the world’s most respected kosher certification agencies through STAR-K’s immersive summer training programs in Baltimore.
Apply for STAR-K Training Programs
Every summer, STAR-K Kosher Certification opens its doors to individuals eager to deepen their understanding of kosher supervision and the complex world behind reliable certification.
In Summer 2026, STAR-K will once again host two of its most sought-after training programs at its Baltimore headquarters, offering participants a rare behind-the-scenes look into the world of kashrus certification, industrial food production, and foodservice supervision.
July 6–8, 2026
This intensive three-day seminar is designed for individuals currently working in, or aspiring to enter, the field of hashgacha within foodservice environments such as restaurants, catering halls, hotels, camps, and institutional kitchens.
Participants gain hands-on exposure to the fast-paced realities of kosher supervision while learning directly from experienced STAR-K professionals and rabbinic experts.
July 13–16, 2026
Now entering its 23rd year, this advanced four-day program is tailored for rabbonim, kollel members, certifying agency staff, and others serving in klei kodesh.
Widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive kashrus training opportunities available today, the program focuses on the practical application of halachic principles from the Shulchan Aruch as they relate to modern kosher certification.
Limited Enrollment Available
Whether you are a mashgiach seeking to sharpen your skills, a rav looking to expand your kashrus expertise, or someone interested in the inner workings of kosher certification, STAR-K’s Summer 2026 seminars provide an unparalleled educational opportunity.
Both seminars are limited to just 25 participants to ensure a personalized and interactive learning experience.
Download Applications & Register
For additional information, contact Rabbi Zvi Goldberg
410-484-4110 ext. 219
The Lakewood Scoop17 hours agoTHE DAASS DIFFERENCE
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We believe in the Success First Approach. Instead of overwhelming you with technical details, we get you playing music you actually love, from day one. Because when you experience success early, you stick with it. You enjoy it. And when you enjoy it, you feel motivated to learn more.
Whether you’ve never touched a guitar or have been stuck at the same three chords for years, this course is built to meet you where you are and take you where you’ve always dreamed of going.
The Lakewood Scoop18 hours agoA 12-year-old juvenile was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly attempting to force entry into a residence in Howell Township, according to police.
The incident occurred around 3:28 p.m. on May 25 in the area of Princeton Drive. Howell Township Police said officers responded to reports of a male attempting to break into a home.
Upon arrival, officers found the homeowner holding the juvenile suspect on the ground outside the residence. The victim told police he was inside his home when he heard a loud bang coming from the front door. When he went to investigate, he discovered the front door had allegedly been kicked open, causing damage to the door frame.
Police said the homeowner then observed the suspect running toward the side of the driveway, where he allegedly got onto an e-bike and attempted to flee the scene.
According to investigators, the homeowner followed the suspect in his vehicle and was able to stop him a short distance away before holding him down on the ground until officers arrived.
Authorities said Ring camera footage provided by the victim allegedly showed the juvenile approach the front door before delivering a forceful backward kick that damaged and opened the door.
The juvenile was charged with criminal mischief and later released to his father at police headquarters, police said.
Later that evening, the juvenile’s mother reportedly contacted police claiming the homeowner had pointed a firearm at her son during the encounter. Officers returned to the scene and reviewed surveillance footage while also speaking with several witnesses. Police said all witnesses stated that no firearm was displayed at any point during the incident, and investigators found no evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Ptl. Lavarin #722 at 732-938-4575 ext. 2722.
The Lakewood Scoop18 hours agoAmerican Airlines announced today that it will begin installing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft starting in early 2027, part of a major effort by the carrier to upgrade its inflight customer experience.
The Fort Worth-based airline said the rollout will initially focus on its Airbus narrowbody fleet, including newly delivered A321XLR and A321neo aircraft used on domestic and short-haul international routes.
The airline said Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network is expected to provide significantly faster and more reliable internet service than traditional inflight Wi-Fi systems, allowing passengers to stream video, play online games, browse the internet and use collaboration tools during flights. The company said Starlink’s Aero Terminal technology can support speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second per antenna.
Garboden said the upgraded service is intended to provide passengers with an “at-home level” internet experience in the air, eliminating concerns about lag time or needing to download documents before boarding.
Financial terms of the agreement between American Airlines and SpaceX were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines worldwide race to improve onboard connectivity amid rising demand for premium travel experiences following the COVID-19 pandemic. Several major carriers, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, have also announced plans to deploy Starlink across portions of their fleets.
American currently offers complimentary Wi-Fi to members of its loyalty program on most flights through a partnership with AT&T. The airline said the Starlink installation is part of a broader effort to modernize its fleet during its centennial year in 2026.
There are currently about 10,000 Starlink satellites in orbit that connect more than 3 million customers in 100 countries, according to the company.
The Lakewood Scoop19 hours agoNot in history books.
Not 80 years ago.
Right NOW!
Two Yidden from Eretz Yisrael are trapped in brutal prison conditions in Poland. Separated from their families, broken emotionally, and desperate for help.
One can finally get out on bail.
But only if we raise $55,000 immediately.
Without it, he may remain in prison for years awaiting trial.
The second Yid is facing years behind bars as well. His wife in Eretz Yisrael is hospitalized and struggling psychologically while he sits alone in a foreign prison. A qualified lawyer can help reduce his sentence, but the legal fees are enormous.
For months, Rabbi Sholom Ber Stambler, the Rebbe’s Shliach in Warsaw for over 21 years, has personally visited them, brought them kosher food, supported them, and fought for them.
Now he’s asking Klal Yisrael to step in.
The Rambam calls Pidyon Shvuyim the greatest mitzvah.
How can we stand by while fellow Yidden sit imprisoned, alone, and forgotten?
Help bring a Yid home.
Help save a family.
Help fulfill one of the greatest mitzvos in the Torah.
The Lakewood Scoop20 hours agoA narcotics investigation in Lakewood led to an arrest after a K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of drugs inside a vehicle during a motor vehicle stop, TLS has learned.
Capt. LeRoy Marshall said officers conducting proactive patrol in the area of John Street on Monday observed suspicious activity involving a vehicle and several individuals. A short time later, officers conducted a traffic stop after allegedly observing multiple motor vehicle violations.
During the stop, a K-9 unit was called to the scene and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Following the alert, officers searched the vehicle and allegedly recovered crack cocaine along with items commonly associated with narcotics distribution.
The driver, identified as 40-year-old Santo Davila of Lakewood, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and transported to the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings. He was also issued several motor vehicle summonses.
Chief Gregory H. Meyer praised the officers involved in the investigation, saying the department’s proactive enforcement efforts continue to target narcotics activity and quality-of-life concerns throughout the township.
“Our officers continue to do an outstanding job proactively addressing narcotics activity and quality of life concerns throughout the township,” Meyer said. “Their vigilance and teamwork are helping keep our community safe every day.”
The Lakewood Scoop21 hours agoTo help keep our community’s children safe and to show our appreciation for your wonderful support, Aqua Safe Swim School is delighted to once again, offer a free crash life-saving course (Part A) on June 29th.
For those interested in continuing, we are offering an optional Part B session on July 1st. This covers advanced techniques and stroke refinement for just $49 (a 50% discount!).
We are also excited to share a special 36-hour promotion for our swim lessons:
– $15 off group classes with code: TLS15
– $150 off six private lessons with code: TLS150
Let’s partner together to keep our kids safe and happy in the water this summer. We take pride in providing excellent, quick results for all our swimmers!
How to Register: Visit aquasafeswimschool.org, click “Register NOW”. SKIP THE TOP QUESTION, and search for one of the four locations in the lower search bar, Albert, Vine, 14 St or Ridge. We offer classes for 3 months thru adults.
Free Course (June 29): Link https://aquasafeswimschool.org/product/tls-crash-lifeguarding-course-for-moms-june-22-albert-area-lakewood/
– Part B (July 1): Link https://aquasafeswimschool.org/product/vine-lakewood-crash-2-pm/
Thank you for helping us share these life-saving skills!
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop21 hours agoShefa Living: From Ideal Life to Real Life
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the air feels different.
The pace slows. The quiet stretches. And for many families discovering Shefa Living, something else becomes possible too: space to live, to grow, and to build a community with intention.
What began as a bold idea is now steadily taking shape. Homes are under construction, infrastructure is complete, and the first families are preparing to move in.
When Yehuda (Yudi) Gross first began thinking about what eventually became Shefa Living, it wasn’t about building a new community. It was about understanding why so many frum families were struggling.
As a wealth manager who also volunteered as a financial coach with Mesila, Gross worked with families across the financial spectrum. What he saw surprised him.
“People making $10,000 a month and people making $30,000 a month were both under enormous pressure,” he explains. “Not because they were irresponsible. Because the structure of frum life has become extremely expensive.”
Housing, tuition, food, and communal costs are often discussed as separate challenges. But Gross came to see them as parts of a single system.
“We don’t really have five different crises,” he says. “We have one; the cost of living.”
That realization became the starting point for what would eventually become Shefa Living.
But as the idea developed, the vision quickly expanded beyond simply lowering costs.
The goal became something larger: rethinking how a frum community could be built from the ground up, in a way that gives families more space, stronger connection, and a healthier structure for Jewish life.
Today, the project has moved far beyond the conceptual stage. Infrastructure is in place, homes are under construction, leadership has been hired, and the first families are preparing to move in.
Turning Vision Into Reality
One of the first questions people ask when they hear about Shefa Living is simple: Is this actually happening?
According to Gross, the answer is an emphatic yes.
All major infrastructure has already been installed, including roads, electricity, wells, septic systems, and fiber-optic internet. Engineering work and soil testing across the property have been completed, allowing construction to begin.
The first phase of homes is currently underway. Foundations have been poured, and framing is nearing completion keeping the project on schedule to have the first 30 families to move in around Elul, with additional homes following in the months after.
“These aren’t theoretical plans anymore,” Gross says. “Homes are being built, and families are getting ready to move.”
One family is already living on the property in an existing house that came with the land purchase while their permanent home is being constructed.
Space to Live
From the outset, the homes were designed specifically with frum life in mind.
Instead of adapting houses built for different lifestyles, Shefa Living designed beautiful, modern homes around how Jewish families actually live, with large dining rooms that can host Shabbos meals and guests, spacious bedrooms for children, and layouts that support the rhythms of Yom Tov and family life.
“These homes are designed for the way frum families actually use their space,” Gross says.
The homes are being sold at prices below typical frum community markets, something Gross attributes to the structure of the project itself.
“Because we’re building the infrastructure ourselves, we’re able to avoid the ‘Jewish premium’ that often comes with housing in established communities,” he explains.
The Community’s Yeshiva
For many families considering a move, the most important question is education.
Shefa Living’s yeshiva, the Yeshiva of Glade Valley, will open together with the first group of families moving into the community.
The school will be led by Rabbi Dovid Kossowsky and his wife, who are relocating to lead the program.
Gross says many of the families exploring Shefa Living share a similar motivation. “A lot of parents feel that one of their children isn’t thriving in the environment they’re in,” he explains. “They’re looking for a place where their kids can grow at their own pace and feel successful.”
The educational vision reflects the broader philosophy of Shefa Living. Rather than focusing only on academics, the yeshiva aims to nurture each child’s unique strengths and sense of purpose. Small, multi-age classrooms, close relationships with rebbeim and moros, and hands-on learning experiences will allow students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
In its first year, the school will operate in temporary classroom structures while permanent facilities are built. Plans for the campus include classrooms, playgrounds, outdoor learning spaces, and sports areas.
Recognizing that relocating to a new community is a major transition, the first weeks will focus on helping children and families acclimate.
Instead of beginning immediately with full academics, the early weeks will include activities, trips, and opportunities for families to get to know the area and each other. Formal classes are expected to begin after Sukkos.
Building a Community from the Ground Up
Beyond housing and education, Shefa Living is building the communal infrastructure necessary for a fully functioning frum community.
A central shul will serve as the heart of the neighborhood, bringing families together for davening, learning, and community gatherings.
A men’s and women’s mikvah is expected to open together with the first wave of residents. Plans are also underway for a unique mikvah tahara that will be integrated into Nesheema a one of its kind community’s women’s center.
Nesheema will include a spa, gym, daycare, a cafe, and shared workspaces and spaces where women can gather and connect. Architectural plans for the center have already been completed, with construction expected to begin later this year.
Kosher food is also already available locally. After Gross approached a nearby supermarket, the store added multiple aisles of kosher products, including dairy, frozen foods, and pantry staples, even before the first families arrived.
A Community Built Around Shared Values
Shefa Living is guided by a broad Torah hashkafa under the leadership of Rabbi Twersky, emphasizing pnimiyus, avodas Hashem, and shared values over external uniformity.
Families relocating to Shefa come from a wide range of mainstream frum backgrounds. What unites them is not dress or labels, but a desire for a more intentional, grounded way of life.
“This isn’t for people running away from their communities,” Gross notes. “It’s for people running toward something they believe in. It is for mevakshim”
Life in the Mountains
The surrounding town has also played a role in shaping the project.
Small and welcoming, the area has responded warmly to the new Jewish community. Local businesses have already begun accommodating kosher needs, and many residents have expressed enthusiasm about the project.
Gross says the warmth of the local community has been striking. “People stop me on the street just to say they’re happy we’re coming,” he notes.
Set in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area offers open skies, quiet roads, and sweeping views of forests and farmland. For families seeking space, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life, the setting is part of the attraction.
Looking Ahead
With infrastructure complete, homes under construction, educational leadership in place, and families preparing to move in, Shefa Living is entering its next stage.
For families watching the project unfold, the question is no longer simply what is Shefa Living?
It’s whether this might be where their next chapter begins.
The Lakewood Scoop21 hours agoLast night, TLS received this letter from a resident who moved from Eretz Yisroel to Lakewood. Following an internal discussion this morning among TLS staff, we decided to act on it and make an offer to local storeowners.
First, here’s the letter:
I recently moved from Israel to Lakewood. I have been shopping in many local stores especially often at the groceries.
What I’ve noticed was that our community is suffering tremendously and no one will admit it or speak up about it. As a father of 6 and I consider myself to be very frum, there is a major issue regarding the female cashiers in all the stores especially the groceries.
They are hiring females who just simply aren’t coming dressed enough to the job, especially in the summer. We have pure neshomos that unfortunately need to see this. (Edited). This is a real sakana for our future generations and of course the current, but we are oiver a major aveira every time we are going to buy simple peppers.
I would like to hear what your opinions are but I think a simple eitza is that we before hiring these employees they should be told that in our place we have a uniform that must be worn during work.
Thank you!
After discussing this issue, TLS has decided to make the following offer – available to all local shops: If you introduce a mandatory Tznius uniform for all employees (see pictured sample), we will offer you a free shoutout on our platforms, plus a free ad. This will ensure thousands of local residents know your place took a stand to enhance the Kedusha of our town.
UPDATE: CHECK IT OUT: Moments after publishing, TLS received this from a local eatery. They do not want us announcing their name yet until the uniforms are in. Once they’re in, TLS will be publishing a picture of them.
Screenshot
Who is next?!
UPDATE: Any uniform companies reading this who would like to offer a significant discount for TLS reader shop-owners, will be given free ads as well! Reach out to [email protected] to take us up on the offer.
UPDATE: Several shop-owners already reached out to TLS that they’d like to implement this, but they need a manufacturer who can offer this – both for men and women. If anyone has ideas, please share!
UPDATE: Some store-owners reached out to TLS that they’d like to make the change, but are concerned that perhaps it’s a legal issue if men and women need to wear different types of Tznius clothing.
However, TLS spoke with an attorney today who stated that case law shows that a company may implement a uniform – and that there can be variations of the design for the men and women. There is no issue of discrimination in this instance.
Additionally, multiple companies have reached out to TLS to offer their apparel products at a discounted rate (one even offering to sponsor!) to all stores who would like to make the change. We are working on obtaining pictures or concept design concepts to share with our readers once we receive them.
All involved will IY”H be receiving FREE advertising on our platforms!
Thank you to all who reached out to offer their help with bringing up the level of Kedusha in our local towns!
The Lakewood Scoop23 hours agoQ: Should a person buy life insurance for the sake of his family?
A: Should a person buy life insurance? Absolutely. Yes. It’s not a chisaron in bitachon; life insurance is just like buying a house for your family. Someday you’ll live in that house. Someday your children will live in that house. Suppose you buy a house for your children but you won’t live in it but your children will live in it. It’s also worthwhile. And therefore, life insurance is also worthwhile. Life insurance is worthwhile, absolutely.
The Lakewood Scoop23 hours agoQ: Should a person buy life insurance for the sake of his family?
A: Should a person buy life insurance? Absolutely. Yes. It’s not a chisaron in bitachon; life insurance is just like buying a house for your family. Someday you’ll live in that house. Someday your children will live in that house. Suppose you buy a house for your children but you won’t live in it but your children will live in it. It’s also worthwhile. And therefore, life insurance is also worthwhile. Life insurance is worthwhile, absolutely.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoA pedestrian was seriously injured in an accident in Lakewood this evening.
As earlier reported on TLS Communities, the pedestrian was struck by a vehicle shortly after 9:00 PM on Monmouth Avenue.
Hatzolah transported the pedestrian with paramedics to JSUMC.
Lakewood Police Department’s Traffic Safety division is investigating.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoFor years, liberal and Reform organizations have presumed to speak on behalf of Diaspora Jewry, including American Jews, while advancing their agenda at the Kotel.
This week, that changed.
A bill was introduced in the Knesset’s Constitution Committee that would grant the Chief Rabbinite official jurisdiction over the Kotel, designating it as a formal Makom Kodosh. The legislation would prohibit Nashot HaKotel from conducting protest activities at the site.
As expected, liberal and Reform representatives appeared at the committee – loudly proclaiming, in the name of American Jewry, that such a move would sever the bond between the Jewish people and their holiest site.
For the first time, they were not the only voice in the room.
Our voters brought us into the WZO, and it was that representation that gave us the ability to walk into the Knesset and speak on their behalf. Standing before the Constitution Committee, we made a historic declaration: This is what American Jews actually want. This is what Diaspora Jewry wants. Stop speaking in our name.
“We are the ones who speak in our name,” said Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz, a member of the leadership of Eretz HaKodesh, at the committee. “And what we want is a Kotel that remains kodesh.”
Also present was Esther Jacobs, who stood before the committee and spoke powerfully in the name of the women, declaring where they truly stand.
For the first time in an official capacity, the authentic voice of American Orthodox Jewry was heard in the halls of the Knesset, standing firm to protect the kedusha of the Kotel for generations to come.
[Press Release]
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoAs a yungerman who grew up in Lakewood, I write this with a heavy heart.
Like many others, I always dreamed of building my life here. But after being married for a few years now, I’m beginning to wonder whether living in Lakewood is becoming unrealistic for regular young couples trying to make ends meet.
I understand that inflation is affecting everyone, and I know costs have gone up across the board. But it feels like prices here have gone far beyond normal inflation. At this point, I’m not even talking about housing anymore – many people have already accepted that they may need to move farther out to afford a home.
I’m talking about everyday living. Clothing, basic household items, shopping, and simple necessities all seem to come with increasingly higher price tags. Everywhere you turn, there’s pressure to buy the newest, fanciest, and most expensive options.
Can we please take it down a notch?
Not every yungerman or young family needs luxury. There should still be affordable, normal options for people trying to live responsibly and within their means. A community as large and beautiful as Lakewood should make room for everyone – not just those who can afford premium prices on everything.
Many young couples are quietly struggling, and I know I’m not the only one feeling this way.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Yungerman
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoMultiple people were injured moments ago in an apparent boat crash on Long Beach Island in Ocean County, officials tell TLS.
Officials say five people were on the vessel at the time of the incident, with two individuals reportedly ejected from the boat.
At least two injuries are said to be serious, officials say.
Authorities have also requested two choppers for transport.
Developing story.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoThe Jackson GOP Club will host U.S. Senate candidate Richard Tabor at its upcoming monthly meeting as local Republicans continue organizing ahead of the upcoming election season, the club told TLS.
Organizers say the meeting will focus on community involvement, current political issues, and strengthening Republican engagement within Jackson Township. Promotional materials for the event encourage residents to stay informed, engaged, and active in local and state politics.
The club is also emphasizing party unity and grassroots participation as election activity begins ramping up across New Jersey.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, at 7:30 p.m. at 54 Magnolia Drive in Jackson Township.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoWe regret to inform you of the Petirah of Harav Nachum Halevi Schorr Z”L, beloved father of Rav Chaim Yehoshua Shlit”a of The Woods, who was niftar suddenly.
The Rov will be sitting Shiva today, Monday only, at his home located at 11 Rockbridge Road in Lakewood.
Mincha will take place at 7:00 p.m., followed by Maariv at 9:00 p.m., with visitors welcome until 10:30 p.m. The time slot between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. is reserved for ladies only.
For the remainder of the week, the Rov will be sitting Shiva at 3502 Shelburne Road in Baltimore. Shacharis will take place at 7:30 a.m., with Mincha/Maariv at 8:10 p.m.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoThe Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA) has notified hundreds of local families of a major change to transportation eligibility for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year following new guidelines implemented by the Lakewood Township Board of Education under the State Monitor, TLS has learned.
Under the revised policy, only children born before October 1, 2021 will qualify for Board-funded transportation, leaving students born between October 1 and December 31, 2021 no longer eligible for either mandated or non-mandated bussing. According to the letter sent to parents today, the change impacts more than 500 Lakewood students — including families who had already submitted non-mandated transportation payments.
Parents who still wish to secure transportation for affected children may do so through an opt-in program, subject to seat availability, at a cost of $1,177 per child plus a $95 processing fee.
Here’s the letter sent to parents today:
Dear Parent of______
Please be advised that you are receiving this email because you currently have a child who falls within the affected age bracket for the updated transportation eligibility guidelines for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Lakewood Township Board of Education has updated its transportation eligibility guidelines in order to align with neighboring townships, including Howell, Jackson, and Toms River.
Under the revised guidelines, only students born before October 1, 2021 will be eligible for Board-funded transportation services.
As a result, students born between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 will no longer qualify for mandated or non-mandated transportation for the 2026-2027 school year.
This is affecting all previously mandated students who were eligible for bussing, as well as previously non-mandated students who have already submitted the $385 non-mandated fee.
This change has impacted over 500 Lakewood students.
Families of students affected by this change do have the option to participate in transportation through the opt-in program, provided that seating is available. The cost for underage students is as follows:
Please note that this fee structure applies to all students across all townships who are not eligible for transportation funding.
If you would like to opt-in to transportation for your child, please log on to the family portal and submit the necessary opt-in information.
Please note that the portal will remain open for opt-ins until June 8th. After that date, if payment information has not been submitted, your underage child will automatically be opted out of transportation.
The $95 processing fee will be charged as a one-time payment once routes are finalized. The remaining $1,177 seat cost will be billed monthly over a 7-month period.
We understand that this major change may have significantly impacted many families. However, please note that your township has the final authority regarding transportation eligibility and funding. The LSTA does not have the ability to change these guidelines or make adjustments for individual situations.
Your child’s information is currently listed as follows:
If any of this information is incorrect, please reach out to our office so that we can review and update the records accordingly.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
TLS spoke with the LSTA today who confirmed this change, which they say is out of their control.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day ago3-part solution for kids being forgotten in the car.
It is hard to imagine but it really is possible to forget a kid in the car. I know there are arguments made:
“I am very careful.” “Is your phone more important than you baby.” “How is it possible to forget a child?”
Why then did the new mother with a 2-week-old forget her newborn in the car when she went into Rita’s with her family? Did she really not care about her newborn? Do you know anyone personally that would 1% “not mind” forgetting a kid in the car?
Did you ever forget its Shabbos and turn on a light? Is Shabbos not important to you? Why did Chazal forbid us to read by the candle on Shabbos?
Every tragic story in our community of a child forgotten in the car had nothing to do with careless parents. Why do we think that we are different?
There are 2 main issues with common reminder ideas.
A) It reminds you too often- We all know the story of the boy who cried wolf. After a few times everyone ignored him.
B) A reminder which needs to be set every time- An alarm on your phone would be a great reminder to take your child out, but we all understand that would not work.
Most people subconsciously think that it will not really happen so to rely on constantly setting an alarm each time will not be effective. Putting a pocketbook, shoe, hat or similar ideas can also fall into this category. These solutions often stop being used when we are not in worried mode and must be reminded to make the reminder!
The most effective solution is an automated system that never requires activating or deactivating. There are no decisions to be made at any point. When you hear the alert, you know to take the child out. From my research, the only device that I came across is the KIDZALERT car seat sensor alarm. It only alerts when there is a child in the car seat. It does not require you to activate it or deactivate it. When your child is placed in their car seat, it activates the sensor, when your car turns off, the alarm rings. It only rings when your child is with you, so it is not a matter of “the boy who cried wolf!” Additionally, it is well priced and installs in seconds.
I am sharing the website and phone number where you can get all the information on how it works. They also have sponsorship pricing for askanim that care.
848.999.9391 or www.Kidzsafeusa.com
As a side note- aside from the terrible tragedy of losing a child, in most cases there are costly legal battles that are involved. Even someone spotting a child in the car, and all ends well, can open a legal battle with retainers starting at $10,000.
What are we waiting for? Order yours today for yourself, for your grandchildren. V’nishmartem Meod Linfashoseichem.
Rabbi Nissan G.
NBG Consulting
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoSubmitted by the family: “On the I-195, everyone walked out with no scratches! B”H. Family with baby on board. Wear a seatbelt, It saves lives!”
He added, “On Motzei Yom Tov, My family was going back to Lakewood from Baltimore. It was raining and the roads were slippery. At about 1245 we were on the I-195 and hydroplaned, we lost control and headed directly into a tree. We spun around landed backwards on the shoulder. Airbags went off. We were all buckled and our baby was properly strapped into her doona. We were all able to walk out safely, unscratched.”
“Buckles saves lives”
“Thank you hashem”
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoThe Lakewood Scoop’s famous ‘Click-it & Lick It’ program is back for the 14th year!
This year, the Howell Police Department will once again be giving out our coupons!
It’s simple – wear a helmet and get a coupon for a free ice cream!
TLS recognized the need for increased awareness and safety in regards to helmet-wearing in Lakewood, so we decided to do something about it. But since summonses can’t be issued, we figured a treat would do the trick.
As a result, the first of its kind ‘Click-it and Lick it’ was born – founded and sponsored by TLS.
(The idea has since been copied by other police departments.)
In the coming weeks, patrol officers from the Lakewood and Howell Police Departments will be patrolling with bundles of gift cards like the ones pictured, and if they observe your child with a helmet, he or she will be receiving the card for a free kiddie ice cream at Sprinkles (located in the Gourmet Glatt Plaza on Route 9, and in Todd Plaza). It’s that simple!
(Talking about Sprinkles for a moment, Lakewood’s favorite ice cream shop, did you know they can come to you for your next birthday party, day camp or corporate event? That’s right – with a full bar of shakes, crepes, waffles, smoothies and much more!)
(BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SPRINKLES’ WEBSITE!)
In addition to the positive reinforcement aspect of the program, we felt the program will also increase the comfort level of children when approaching police officers to report a crime, suspicious behavior, or G-d forbid if the child is lost.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS: This program is specifically being done in conjunction with the Lakewood and Howell Police Departments for security and safety reasons. Cards will ONLY be given out by patrol officers in a MARKED police car. No private citizens whatsoever will be distributing these cards. Children should be told never to approach a stranger’s vehicle – even if he or she claims to be from the Law Enforcement community. If you see someone other than a police officer attempting to give a child the ice cream card, please report it to the LPD, HPD & TLS immediately.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoAll Township and other county and federal government offices will be closed today in observance of Memorial Day.
There will be no trash pickup on Monday: Monday’s garbage and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday. Tuesday’s garbage and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday. There will be no bulk collection this week.
Banks are closed and there is no USPS delivery.
As earlier reported on TLS Communities, local parades have been canceled due to the inclement weather.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoHe sat across from me with the same sharp humor and quick wit I had come to expect from him. He is the kind of person who walks into a room and instantly commands it. Intelligent. Charismatic. Funny. The type of person people naturally gravitate toward.
But beneath all of that is an anger problem that is slowly destroying the people closest to him.
It shows up most intensely at home. His patience for his wife and children is painfully thin. Small frustrations turn into explosions. Minor inconveniences become battlegrounds. And while he genuinely loves his family, his temper leaves everyone walking on eggshells.
This isn’t theoretical for him. He was already divorced once. Now he fears that if he doesn’t get his anger under control, his current marriage might suffer the same fate.
During our previous session, I had given him homework.
I asked him to create a list detailing all the ways his anger was ruining his life. We divided the paper into three columns. The first column was for the immediate damage his anger caused. The second was for the long-term consequences. The third was for the emotions he experienced as he reflected on the first two columns.
For many people, that exercise would feel overwhelming. But for him — someone who genuinely struggled to understand why anger was such a problem — this was necessary. He needed to feel the cost.
He arrived the next session with the list completed.
We began reviewing it together. At first, the conversation was productive. But before long, the session drifted into familiar territory: frustration with his family.
“I don’t understand why they can’t just move on,” he said. “I get angry, I yell, and then it’s over. Why can’t they just get over it?”
We went back and forth for a while. He explained how quickly he recovered emotionally after an outburst and couldn’t understand why everyone else remained hurt long afterward.
Then, unexpectedly, he changed the subject.
“I saw this video recently,” he said.
He described a short clip of an elderly man sitting on a park bench beside his adult son. The father looked frail and somewhat confused. The son sat next to him, engrossed in a newspaper.
A bird flew by.
“What’s that?” the father asked, pointing to the bird.
“A bird,” the son answered casually, without lifting his head to look.
A few moments later, the father asked again.
“What’s that?”
“A bird,” the son repeated.
Then another bird fluttered nearby.
“What’s that?”
This time the son exploded.
He yelled at his father to stop asking the same foolish question over and over again.
The father quietly stood up and began walking away.
The son called after him, but the father simply waved him off and continued walking. A few minutes later he returned carrying an old, worn diary.
He handed it to his son and pointed to a page.
“Read it out loud,” he said.
My client paused at this point in the story. His eyes welled up.
The diary entry described a day many years earlier when the father had taken his little boy to the park. The child saw a bird and excitedly asked, “What’s that?”
The father lovingly explained what a bird was, how it was hatched, how it lived, how it flew.
A few minutes later the child pointed again.
“What’s that?”
And again the father patiently explained it all over.
And again.
And again.
At this point, my client completely broke down. What made him cry though, was different from what you may expect.
Through tears, he said, “I started thinking about my own father.”
He paused.
“And I tried remembering a single time my father was patient with me. A single memory where he really gave me attention.”
He swallowed hard.
“The only thing I could come up with was when I was three years old and got seriously injured. I remember waking up in the hospital and seeing my father looking worried. He asked me how I felt.”
Another pause.
“That’s the last time I remember him showing patience toward me.”
We sat quietly for a while after that.
And later that evening, I kept thinking about the session.
Unfortunately for him, his father never gave him what every child desperately needs: patience, attention, and the feeling that they matter.
And unfortunately for his wife and children, he was unknowingly passing that same pain forward.
But there was also something hopeful in that room that day.
Perhaps, he was finally beginning to see and understand how deeply human beings need to feel seen, heard, tended to and patiently cared for by the people closest to them.
Yaacov Weiss, LCSW, specializes in helping men find healthier and more stable footing in marriage. He can be reached at [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe 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,
Thank you for your efforts in maintaining our town. I would like to offer two suggestions regarding local traffic flow.
First, to ease congestion at the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and Ocean Avenue, I recommend shortening the signal duration for traffic on Ocean Avenue. Currently, the light remains green for a significant amount of time despite low traffic volume from that direction. Shortening this cycle would prevent the substantial buildup of vehicles on New Hampshire Avenue.
Second, I suggest improvements for Clover Street. Expanding it to two lanes while the land remains undeveloped, or adding dedicated left turning lanes at the traffic light and the intersection of Laurel Avenue, would be very beneficial. This would prevent turning vehicles from blocking traffic for the duration of the light cycle.
I would appreciate any assistance you can provide regarding these matters.
Thank you!
Response from Mayor Coles:
Hello There
Thanks for your suggestions. I forwarded them to the county engineer and asked for them to study them.
Thanks
Ray
Question:
Thank you so much for all you do for our town. We are extremely bothered by the new no turns from route nine onto central avenue and Hurley. For those who live at the beginning of central, we are being forced to go to James and come all the way around sunset- at least a 10 minute detour! Also, the traffic on James and sunset is already bad during busy times of the day, this will make things much worse! We are hoping this is just a trial that will be reversed! Please enlighten us.
Response from Mayor Coles:
Good afternoon
We are not happy with this pattern either. We have been working with the state to change it.
Thanks
Ray
Question:
Response from Mayor Coles:
—————–
Have a question for the Mayor? Send it to [email protected]
Have a question for the Chief? Send it to [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoYou can watch it live here: http://torahanytime.com/agradpirka
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoYaakov Shwekey returns with an all-new English EP, Happiness, featuring four original songs that blend uplifting summer energy with powerful messages of gratitude, Jewish pride, and joy. Produced by Yaakov Shwekey and Yitzy Waldner, the project delivers a fresh, contemporary sound while staying deeply rooted in emotion and meaning.
The EP opens with “Thank You,” a reminder to recognize the everyday blessings and hidden moments of gratitude that often go unnoticed. “Ani Yehudi” serves as a powerful anthem of Jewish identity and resilience, reflecting on generations of struggle, survival, and unwavering pride. The title track, “Happiness,” draws inspiration from the Abarbanel’s famous encouragement to the Jews expelled from Spain in 1492, that even in moments of darkness, a Jew must never let go of joy. Closing out the project is “Soulful,” a song centered around the power music has to shape emotions, elevate the soul, and bring a person somewhere deeper.
Musically, the EP moves between uplifting pop, emotional ballads, and energetic anthems, creating a listening experience that feels both modern and timeless. Windows down, volume up! This collection was made to be blasted all summer long.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThree young children tragically lost their lives in separate hot car incidents over the past week, underscoring the ongoing dangers families face as temperatures rise heading into Memorial Day Weekend.
According to the advocacy group Kids and Car Safety, at least five children nationwide have already died in hot cars in 2026.
The recent tragedies include:
Data collected by Kids and Car Safety shows that at least 1,177 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990, while another 7,500 survived with varying degrees of injury. Approximately 86% of the children who die are age 3 or younger, and more than half were unknowingly left behind by otherwise loving and responsible caregivers.
Safety advocates warn that long holiday weekends often coincide with an increase in vehicle-related child tragedies due to disrupted routines and schedule changes. In many cases, children who were supposed to be dropped off at daycare were unintentionally forgotten in the back seat.
Amber Rollins, Executive Director of Kids and Car Safety, said the tragedies are entirely preventable.
“Somewhere today, a parent is kissing their baby goodbye, completely unaware that a routine day could end in tragedy,” Rollins said. “A simple reminder habit, a check of the back seat, or lifesaving technology can spare a family a lifetime of grief.”
Advocates are also renewing calls for federal action on occupant detection technology in vehicles. A provision passed as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act required the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue regulations by November 2023 mandating technology designed to help prevent hot car deaths in new vehicles. According to Kids and Car Safety, the final rule is now more than two years overdue.
The organization says automakers do not need to wait for federal regulations and can begin implementing the technology immediately.
Parents and caregivers are urged to take extra precautions, including placing essential items such as phones, handbags, work badges, or diaper bags in the back seat as reminders to check for children before exiting the vehicle. Safety experts also recommend asking childcare providers to immediately call if a child does not arrive as scheduled.
Families are additionally reminded to keep vehicles locked at all times and ensure children cannot access parked cars unattended.
TLS readers are encouraged to share ideas, habits, products, or technology they have personally found effective in helping prevent children from being left in vehicles. Community awareness and shared safety practices may help save lives.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoVisit ScoopOutdoor.com to get your ad up and running today (pending availably)!
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoby Menachem Friedman. Two weeks ago, I sat in a room where people decide who gets another chance at life.
I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
In Venice.
A city known for its beauty… hosting conversations that carry life-and-death weight.
About 150 leaders in transplant medicine from around the world.
Surgeons.
Innovators.
Researchers.
Including Enrico Benedetti Massimo Mangiola Giuliano Testa Lloyd Ratner MD MPH FACS FICS(Hon) Frank J.M.F. Dor, MD PhD FEBS(Hon) FRCS Shimul A. Shah, MD, MHCM Liza Johannesson, MD, PhD Bernie Tobin Charles Miller Dixon Kaufman Mikel Prieto and many others doing this work every single day.
For the first time, Renewal was invited into those conversations.
And even now…
It’s not the innovation that stays with me.
It’s the weight those people carry.
Because every conversation in that room had someone behind it.
A patient waiting.
A family hoping.
A clock that doesn’t slow down.
We talk about transplantation like it’s medicine.
But sitting there, you realize…
It’s people making impossible decisions in real time.
Who moves forward.
Who waits.
What risks are worth taking.
What chances are worth giving.
And then there’s the part that doesn’t show up in those rooms enough…
The person who says yes.
Not a doctor.
Not a researcher.
A regular person who chooses to give a part of themselves… so someone else can live.
That’s the part that stays with you.
Not the statistics.
Not the breakthroughs.
The quiet courage.
The responsibility.
The moments where everything comes down to a single decision.
What struck me most…
Was watching leaders from competing transplant centers openly share what’s working.
No ego.
No guarding information.
Just one goal:
Saving more lives.
That’s what real greatness looks like.
Grateful to Dr. Enrico Benedetti.
And deeply honored that Renewal now has a seat at this table.
Because this isn’t just the future of kidney, liver, and even uterus transplantation.
It’s a reflection of how far one human being is willing to go for another.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoTired of opening your electric bill just to watch the rates climb higher every year? It feels like throwing money into a black hole that only gets deeper.
But what if your roof could actually pay you back?
Switching to solar isn’t just about going green—it’s about putting more green in your pocket. Every panel up there is working for you, turning sunlight into savings month after month.
Here’s why homeowners are making the jump right now:
Slash (or erase) your monthly bill. Most homeowners see their electric costs drop dramatically from day one, some all the way to zero!
Tax credits = real cash back. The solar tax credit puts thousands of dollars back in your pocket, and it’s still on the table for now.
Lock in today’s rates. Utility companies raise prices nearly every year. Solar lets you freeze your energy costs while everyone else keeps paying more.
.
Pro Tip: The best time to go solar was ten years ago. The second best time is today, before local incentives and net-metering programs hit their caps and the window closes.
Ready to see how much you could save? A free quote takes minutes, and there’s zero obligation! You’ll only regret not having done it sooner.
Check us out: https://www.powermontsolar.com
Call to get started: 917-564-5775
Reach out directly on Whatsapp
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoHealthSharing began gaining popularity as a way to alleviate the strain of these exorbitant costs. Since the late 1900s, other religious factions have used HealthShares to combat healthcare expenses and to create a medical system in-line with their beliefs.
The results were enticing:
– significantly lower healthcare expenses
– choice of providers without “out-of-network” limitations
– no fighting with insurance companies and their bureaucracy
Slowly, members of our community started joining other religious HealthShares, reaping the benefits they had to offer.
But there was one catch.
By definition, HealthShare means a group of people coming together under shared religious beliefs to share in each other’s medical expenses. Shared beliefs are a necessary government regulation for legally recognized HealthShares – and something all members must sign in agreement on.
The questions emerged.
Are there halachic ramifications for frum individuals and families joining a Christian-based HealthShare?
What if there are no alternatives for the frum community?
United Refuah HealthShare, the first and only Jewish HealthShare, was founded in 2017 by Rabbi Boruch Chaim Manies and other prominent members of the Cleveland community.
There was one goal: to bring affordable healthcare to the frum community – without the questionable halachic and hashkafic participation in non-Jewish HealthShares.
It has since exploded, saving members an estimated $180 million to date.
Find out if United Refuah is the right fit for you and your family.
Limited time offer! Switch from another HealthShare and get your 3rd month of membership free*! Promo Code: Shavuos-TLS
*applied as a refund. Expires June 1st. New applications only.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe Toms River Township Office of Emergency Management has officially declared a local emergency and reinstated a summer curfew for juveniles on the barrier island sections of the township, citing concerns over potential disorderly behavior and large “pop-up” gatherings during the upcoming summer season.
According to the declaration signed by Emergency Management Coordinator and Police Chief Guy Maire, and obtained by TLS, the curfew is intended to prevent a repeat of issues seen during previous summers, including vandalism, criminal mischief, unruly gatherings, and social media-organized parties that affected shore communities between 2020 and 2025.
Under the order, juveniles age 17 and under will be prohibited from being in public areas on the barrier island between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The curfew took effect at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, and will remain in place through 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The curfew applies to the North Beach and Ortley Beach sections of Toms River.
Township officials stated the previous curfew measures were effective in helping preserve public order and safety during the summer months and said reinstating the restrictions this year is a precautionary step to avoid similar disturbances.
Several exceptions are included in the order, including juveniles accompanied by parents or guardians, traveling to or from work, attending organized activities, handling emergencies, or exercising constitutionally protected rights such as religious observance or free speech.
The declaration also outlines enforcement procedures. Juveniles found violating the curfew will first receive warnings and an opportunity to leave before being subject to a stationhouse adjustment. No juvenile delinquency charges or summonses will be issued under the order. However, parents, guardians, caretakers, or business operators who knowingly allow violations may face penalties under state emergency management laws.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoWelcome To The Jungle
On this episode of Let’s Talk Kashrus, Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger is joined by Rabbi Dovi Goldstein, Managing Director of Kosher SA, for a fascinating look into the world of kosher safaris in South Africa. From luxury five-star lodges with sealed kosher kitchens and mashgichim flown in on demand, to self-drive family safari adventures with coolers and portable braais, Rabbi Goldstein explains how travelers can experience the African wilderness without compromising on kashrus. The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities involved in certifying safari environments deep in the jungle, far from civilization. Along the way, listeners get an inside look at one of South Africa’s most remarkable and unexpected kosher industries.
View it its entirety at: https://www.kashrusawareness.com/post/welcome-to-the-jungle
Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
🎤 https://open.spotify.com/show/6Rj5rIndHc886Fblqh8U49
🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-kashrus/id1631553497
https://24six.app/app/podcast/collection/985
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
Click here to Join a LTK WhatsApp Group
Transcription
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Hello everyone and welcome back to Let’s Talk Kashrus, presented by the Kashrus Awareness Project in conjunction with the Chicago Rabbinical Council. Today I am privileged to be joined by Rabbi Dovi Goldstein, MD at Kosher SA, that South Africa. Thank you, Rabbi Goldstein for being here.
R’ Dovi Goldstein: Thank you so much, it’s a great pleasure.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Now there is another, there is another famous Rabbi Goldstein from South Africa, that’s the Chief Rabbi, which you’re not yet.
R’ Dovi Goldstein: I’m not the Chief Rabbi.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: You’re the other Rabbi Goldstein from South Africa.
R’ Dovi Goldstein: That’s right and it’s a privilege because I shared an office or the back of an office with him, but we’re not actually related, but he is a dear mentor and friend.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: But it’s good to literally have you here from Johannesburg, South Africa here on the East Coast to be able to do this interview and conversation. So you head the organization in South Africa, the Kashrus organization called Kosher SA, Kosher South Africa. That’s right. You’re the MD which is the Managing Director.
And today we’d like to talk to you about the topic of _Kashrus_and Safaris. First of all, for those of our listeners who don’t know what a safari is, tell us what a safari is and then you’ll discuss how to certify a safari.
R’ Dovi Goldstein: Fantastic. So a safari’s a broad term.
Generally it means that you’re going into a wild place, and it’s a really wild place, so it’s not a manufactured wild place, it’s not a zoo. It’s wild and things happen in the way that Hakadosh Baruch Hu created in the beginning of time. Nothing’s changed in many of these places. And the idea is to go there and to just be part of nature and to view nature, obviously in the safety of your own vehicle or of a safari vehicle, because these animals will kill you.
So there’s the big five, lions and leopards, buffaloes, elephants, etc. And the point is that you’re going into a very natural environment that is undeveloped, some places there’s never been development, so it hasn’t even been rehabilitated. And it’s just a very magical place and some of these places are enormous, like the Kruger National Park which is right by our doorstep, four hours away from Johannesburg by car, and people go there because it’s just a phenomenal experience and for many people it’s a bucket list experience in their lives, people spend time there.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: So people go on vacation to safaris and they spend several days at a time in a safari environment, they’ll stay in a hotel or something of that sort.
R’ Dovi Goldstein: Absolutely.
So people would go there for a week at a time or for three days at a time, four days at a time, some are ten days at a time. There’s some, we’ve met an American couple, Jewish American couple that comes here for three months. They’re retired, they spend three months on safari every single year.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Really?
R’ Dovi Goldstein: Which is just phenomenal, but it is something which is remarkable that a week on safari often feels like you’ve been away for a month or for two months because you’re just in such a different framework and your mind’s changed that you come out of there and you just feel rejuvenated.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Wow, that must be why people do that. You’re right. But what Kashrus complications are there when people go to a safari? First of all, what are you certifying there?
R’ Dovi Goldstein: So there’s a couple different ways to do it. So let’s call it right at the top, there’s some very expensive safaris which are pretty much geared to the American market or to the European market and these are very exclusive safaris.
I went to go and check one out a number of years ago and I always do my research beforehand, why do you want us and I went onto their website and it said their room was like, I don’t know, five thousand dollars a night or something like that. But then it said take a suite, fine, not so unusual. Then it said take a corner for like five suites, and then it was like no, take the whole place for like whatever it was, a hundred thousand dollars a night and I said to the guys, I said who’s taking that? They said no, when stars come, they always take the whole facility. So that’s the highest end.
So we’ve got about eight safari lodges is what they called that have a Kosher certified kitchen. So that kitchen’s locked all year round. Wow. And only when it’s booked for a _Kosher_consumer, you fly in a Mashgiach, we open the locks, we break the seals, all the food is flown in and it’s very gourmet.
So that’s the highest level of safari. But let’s talk there’s a whole gamut, when we go on safari we obviously, living there we don’t go on such a safari like that. We’ll go what’s called a self-drive safari. So you’re staying in a vehicle, you’re staying in a resort, you’re bringing your own food.
We do this as a family once or twice a year, which is a great Bracha and it’s just incredible to be part of that kind of thing. There’s no one driving you, we’re driving ourselves in our own vehicles and it’s just a very magical experience, very close to nature and just very close to something very real.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: So if you’re not on the high end and you’re on what I would call the low end and you go yourself in your vehicle, do you need and could you get Kosher food?
R’ Dovi Goldstein: So what’s remarkable about South Africa is that besides for meat, and let’s say Pas Yisroel, and wine, the penetration of Kosher products throughout South Africa is incredible. Incredibly accessible.
So you can literally go with a cooler box of meat, and you know, like Kiddish wine or whatever you want, and everything else you can buy in the villages or the towns around these safari areas. So you don’t actually need to prepare so extensively. There’s plenty of things to buy.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Which we’ll discuss in a separate conversation about South Africa in general and the _kashrus_there.
But this is more about the safaris. Now the bulk of the safari supervision that you’re talking about are these high-end type of arrangements where someone might be paying $5,000 a night for a room?
R’ Dovi Goldstein: So the high-end ones where you are having a mashgiach there, those are high-end. There is also like a middle tier where it is not you know $2,000 or $3,000 or $4,000 a night. And they could have a kitchen that is kosher certified, obviously we’d have to send a mashgiach.
But there’s many ways to do it. And as I said, it’s pretty incredible that you can go there fully immersed, you know, we’re talking about many miles away from any civilization and have a gourmet experience. Experience. Yeah.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Have you ever served as a mashgiach in that environment or have you only kind of overseen the operations?
R’ Dovi Goldstein: I’ve overseen it but I have been a few times with training of the staff. So it’s not an official trip, right? So I’ve been there for a night or two nights and we train the staff. Unfortunately, I don’t do it enough. When I took on the role, I said this is going to be what I’m going to be doing, you know what I mean? Sounds very attractive.
Very attractive. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time. I’ve got a great RC, Rabbi Alon Joseph. He travels to these places probably every month.
He’s training, he’s meeting with guests, he’s meeting with new lodges. We’re trying to expand this. We believe it’s one of the greatest products that South Africa has to export. Right.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: That no one else really could offer, right? You’re saying eight lodgings that you have in the vicinity of the safaris in South Africa. And these are all about four hours from Johannesburg?
R’ Dovi Goldstein: Let’s say between four and six hours. But at these very high-end places, people are flying in private jets and they’re going, they’ve often got a private landing strip. So people don’t even come to Johannesburg sometimes, they fly directly in and it’s just a remarkable experience.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: By the way, after this episode, get ready for an uptick in reservations.
R’ Dovi Goldstein: That’s what we’re hoping, right?
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Before we close the conversation, what would you say because it’s a very, very unique arrangement, very, very different than certifying a more conventional environment, what would you say is the biggest _kashrus_challenge in producing that type of service?
R’ Dovi Goldstein: So a place that has a dedicated kitchen is generally pretty easy because it’s a kitchen, it’s all set up, it’s totally kosher, it’s locked up, milk, meat, separate milk, meat, everything. And these places because they’re so high-end and five-star do things properly. So nothing, there’s no shortcuts.
So actually to certify a safari at the highest end is not difficult. But I think it is important to note, is that because money’s not an issue? Money’s not an issue. Exactly. So they’ll have the best quality cutlery and stoves and they’re not afraid to do that because their guests are paying so much.
But I think what is important to highlight is that let’s call it middle-end and even let’s call it lower-end, there are so many other ways to do it. And obviously it can get challenging if you don’t have a mashgiach there. We wouldn’t certify such a place. But there’s plenty of ways to also go on safari without it having to be high-end.
As I say, many families, most South African families travel to safari and they, they bring their own food. And they bring their own food or they buy food in the vicinity. They bring their own braai—we call it a braai, you call it a barbecue. They bring their own barbecue, they bring their own pots and pans, and it’s not very difficult to have a safari and what I would like to say is people shouldn’t be afraid when they see the high-end prices to think you know that’s the only way to do it.
There’s plenty of other ways to do it and with research and obviously with AI today, there’s many ways to do it and it’s something which I would believe almost anyone could achieve if they put their mind to it and they’ll find a price point which works for them. Or I imagine they could reach out to you and your office, right, for information and guidance. Absolutely. And if they go onto our website which is koshersa.co.za or za, koshersa.co.za.
Dot za. We call it a zebra, right, a zebra, you call it a zebra. And if they go onto our website they can find it and obviously they can contact us. We have many people especially during the vacation time that join our WhatsApp lines and join our communication channels and they can ask us for advice and we’d be so happy to help them find a way to do it.
R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Okay Rabbi Goldstein, this is a fascinating topic. Thank you so much for being here and we look forward to speaking to you.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoWe regret to inform you of the Petirah of Reb Yisroel Chaim Pichey Z”L. He was 91 years old.
Reb Yisroel Chaim Z”L was a longtime mechanech in Yeshiva of Brooklyn and a talmid of Telz Yeshiva Cleveland. He moved to Lakewood six years ago. He was a son-in-law of Mike Tress ZT”L and leaves behind a family of local marbitzei Torah.
He is survived by his wife Donya, and his children: Rabbi Eli Pichey, Shlomie Pichey, Rochel Levine, Hena Rivka Willner, Basie Perman, Chaya Sara Lefkowitz, Leeba Kahn, Dusie Basch, and Shevy Eiskrau.
The Levaya is scheduled to take place Sunday at 9:30 AM at the Lakewood Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue. Kevurah in Wellwood, Long Island.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoAn Ocean County resident narrowly avoided losing nearly $10,000 this morning after scammers falsely claimed she had an outstanding warrant that could only be cleared with a cash payment.
According to authorities, the woman received a phone call from individuals posing as officials who instructed her to withdraw cash and bring it to the courthouse to resolve the supposed warrant. After withdrawing the money, bank employees recognized several red flags associated with common fraud schemes and urged her to stop before handing over the cash.
The resident then drove to the courthouse to verify the claims in person, where she confirmed that the call was part of a scam.
Officials are now reminding residents that neither the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office nor the courts will ever demand cash payments over the phone to clear warrants or resolve legal matters. Authorities also stressed that they will never instruct residents to bring cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency as payment.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are urged to hang up immediately and verify any claims directly with law enforcement or the courthouse before taking action.
Anyone with concerns can contact the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 732-349-2010.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has approved the first phase of a $200 million modernization program for Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport, authorizing an initial $75 million investment aimed at improving passenger experience at the aging facility while long-term redevelopment plans continue.
The funding, approved today by the agency’s Board of Commissioners, is part of a broader three-year capital program intended to maintain and modernize the 53-year-old terminal until a new Terminal B is constructed as part of the airport’s long-term redevelopment plan.
Opened in 1973, Terminal B was originally designed to handle approximately 6.8 million passengers annually. According to the Port Authority, the terminal served roughly 11.5 million passengers in 2025.
The initial phase of work, expected to begin later this year, will focus on upgrades to gate areas, restrooms, elevators, escalators, lighting, and other high-traffic passenger spaces. Additional improvements planned under the larger $200 million program include replacing aging passenger boarding bridges, upgrading HVAC systems, refurbishing baggage handling systems, and improving ADA accessibility throughout the terminal.
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said the agency is prioritizing upgrades that travelers encounter most frequently, including waiting areas, restrooms, and vertical transportation systems.
The terminal improvements are part of the Port Authority’s broader EWR Vision Plan, a sweeping redevelopment initiative intended to transform Newark Liberty into a modern international gateway.
The airport overhaul began with the opening of the award-winning Terminal A in 2023 and includes plans for a new Terminal B, upgrades to Terminal C, redesigned roadways and taxiways, and replacement of the airport’s aging AirTrain Newark system.
The new 2.5-mile AirTrain Newark system is expected to accommodate a projected 50 percent increase in ridership by 2040. The current system serves approximately 33,000 passengers and employees daily, according to the Port Authority.
Additional projects include expanded roadway access, improved pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, and construction of a new access point to the airport’s rail station that will provide easier connections for residents of Newark and Elizabeth traveling to the airport and New York City via NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoNote: We will not be updating any of our platforms from sundown this evening until after sundown on 5/23.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe Lakewood Police Department has made 32 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) arrests since April 1, TLS has learned, as officials warn motorists to avoid impaired driving heading into Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start of summer.
According to Capt. LeRoy Marshall of the Lakewood Police Department, the arrests were made throughout Lakewood Township as part of ongoing traffic enforcement and proactive patrol efforts targeting dangerous and impaired drivers.
With increased traffic and activity expected over the holiday weekend and throughout the summer months, police say officers will continue stepping up roadway safety enforcement and monitoring for intoxicated drivers.
Chief Gregory H. Meyer praised the efforts of the department’s officers while also issuing a public safety message to residents and visitors.
“Our officers have done an outstanding job proactively identifying impaired drivers and helping prevent potentially tragic incidents before they occur,” Meyer said. “As we head into Memorial Day Weekend and the busy summer season, the Lakewood Police Department remains fully committed to keeping our residents and visitors safe. We urge everyone to make responsible decisions, designate a sober driver, utilize rideshare services when needed, and never get behind the wheel while impaired.”
The department also reminded the public that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes and fatalities and encouraged residents to report suspected drunk drivers to police immediately.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe new Board of Bnos Penina tells TLS that it has assumed responsibility for the school amid what it described as significant financial and operational challenges that raised concerns about the institution’s future.
In a letter being sent today to parents and friends of the school, the Board said a group of askanim and philanthropists, working together with Keren Olam HaChinuch, stepped in several months ago to stabilize and strengthen the Lakewood girls’ school.
The letter also acknowledged the longtime service of Mrs. Paschkes, praising her “dedication, mesiras nefesh, and leadership” over the past two decades, and crediting her with helping shape Bnos Penina into “the warm and caring מוסד it is today.”
According to the Board, since taking over responsibility for the school, hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless hours have been invested into strengthening Bnos Penina’s financial, operational, and administrative structure in an effort to secure long-term growth and stability.
The Board said its primary focus is ensuring that “every child has the opportunity to receive a warm, high-level Torah and Yiddish education in a stable environment where she can thrive and grow as a בת ישראל.”
The letter further revealed that after consultations with rabbanim, educators, and parents, it was determined that renewed structure and leadership were necessary for the school’s future. As part of that effort, the Board said it is actively searching for a new principal/מנהלת to help guide the school moving forward.
In the interim, Rabbi Yisroel Stern has been brought in by the Board to oversee and lead school operations. The Board credited R. Stern with restructuring operations, strengthening administrative and enrollment systems, and helping position the school for long-term stability and growth.
The Board also expressed optimism about the school’s future, stating that enrollment is increasing for the upcoming school year due to strengthened oversight, administration, and partnerships with parents, community members, and the Lakewood school Vaad.
The letter concluded with a call for additional parents and community members to become involved in helping guide and support the school in the future.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoReader-submitted dashcam video captured a frightening scene of what appears to be a Bachur weaving in and out of traffic on an electric scooter.
Attention parents: This can result in serious injury – or death R”L.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoDear Friend,
We’re down to the final hours.
Shavuos begins tonight, and 1,800 families are still waiting.
But this isn’t just about them—it’s about the incredible segulah you can still fulfill.
Rav Chaim Palagi’s teaching is crystal clear: ערב שבועות יפריש צ”א פרוטות… והוא סגולה לחשוכי בנים ומקרב הגאולה
Your $104 donation before Shavuos isn’t just tzedakah—it’s a direct pathway to brachah and geulah.
This is your moment. Not tomorrow. Not next week. NOW.
Every minute that passes is a minute closer to missing this incredible opportunity for both tremendous chesed and personal brachah.
The families need you. The segulah is waiting. Time is running out.
[DONATE $104 IMMEDIATELY – SEGULAH ENDS TONIGHT]
Don’t let this slip away. The window closes when Shavuos begins.
732.978.9901 | tomchei.org
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoTo my dearest friends and families,
There is a painful crisis happening in the Lakewood greater area that too many families are suffering through silently: the girls’ high school situation.
This is not a small issue anymore.
This is not about one or two girls “not getting into the school they wanted.”
This is a growing community-wide problem affecting many regular, good girls from ehrliche Torah’dike homes who simply do not fit the exact mold schools are looking for.
If your daughter is not a top academic student…
If she is a little less “yeshivish”…
If your family does not have connections…
If you do not have money, status, or the “right” last name…
then suddenly the process becomes terrifying.
Parents sit in fear for months.
Girls hear whispers, rejections, silence, waiting lists.
And many eventually hear the words:
“Wait for the Vaad.”
Ribono Shel Olam.
Is this what a bas Yisroel should feel going into high school?
A girl who comes from a good family, with good middos, with a warm heart, with potential, with dignity — suddenly feels unwanted because she was not a straight-A student in eighth grade?
Let’s be honest with ourselves.
The issue is much larger than admissions committees.
The infrastructure no longer matches the reality of our community.
There are so many elementary schools feeding into far too few high schools. We are not short a few desks. We are missing an entire strategy.
And while everyone is trying their best, many families are being crushed in the process.
This letter is not meant as chas v’shalom an attack on schools, hanhalos, rabbanim, or askanim. We know there are many caring people working endlessly behind the scenes. But at some point, we as a community must stop pretending this is just a yearly inconvenience.
This is a crisis of dignity for our daughters.
Especially now, before Kabbalas HaTorah, how can we not ask ourselves:
What about the girls who feel pushed aside?
What about the daughters of the quieter families?
The struggling families?
The families without influence?
The girls who are not wearing the latest styles, not coming from the “prestigious” backgrounds, not fitting the image schools want to present?
Are their futures less important?
Are they less precious?
Are their future homes, future children, future kedusha worth any less?
Absolutely not.
Our next generation of Yiddishe mothers will not only come from the girls who were the most polished, most connected, or most academically successful in eighth grade.
Great mothers come from all kinds of homes.
Greatness comes from warmth, heart, emunah, resilience, and feeling valued.
Every bas Yisroel is a bas melech פנימה.
Every single girl deserves to feel respected, wanted, and believed in.
We need action.
Not more scrambling in August.
Not more quiet suffering.
Not more families begging for favors.
We need leadership.
We need planning.
We need new infrastructure.
We need more options and more pathways for different types of girls while maintaining strong Torah values.
Maybe that means opening new schools.
Maybe that means creating a true community high school with proper support for a broader range of students.
Maybe there are other solutions.
But something must change.
This letter is not about pushing an agenda or attacking anyone.
It is simply a cry — a shriek — for the families suffering quietly and the girls who feel invisible.
To our rabbanim, askanim, mechanchim, and community leaders:
We know you care deeply.
We know your hearts hurt for these girls too.
But the time for a real communal plan is now.
Before another year of pain begins.
If this letter speaks to you, act now. Your ideas, your action, your tefillos, and your voice can help change the future of our daughters immediately.
ביחד ננצח
— A Concerned Community Resident
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoCommunity leaders, law enforcement officials, clergy members, and public safety representatives gathered Tuesday evening for the latest meeting of the Lakewood Community Coalition, held in Lakewood.
The May 19 meeting brought together representatives from local, county, and state agencies for discussions centered on public safety, community engagement, and outreach efforts across the township.
The evening opened with remarks from Coalition co-chairs Captain Steve Allaire and Dr. Scotti, followed by introductions of attendees and guest speakers.
Among the officials in attendance were Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police Jeanne Hengemuhle, Thomas Hauck of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and Michele Shreffler-Perez, Director of Operation Rise NJSP.
Officials also addressed emerging public safety concerns, including discussions involving Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE) movements and ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and preparedness within communities.
A Humanitarian Service Award Ceremony was also held during the event, recognizing several local faith and community leaders for their contributions and service. Honorees included representatives from St. Anthony’s Claret and St. John’s AME Zion Church, along with several pastors and community advocates.
The meeting concluded with updates on upcoming outreach initiatives, an open floor for organizations to discuss future events, and closing remarks.
The Lakewood Community Coalition, organized through the Lakewood Police Department, was created to strengthen relationships between law enforcement, faith leaders, and the broader community while addressing quality-of-life and public safety issues throughout Lakewood.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoNot in history books.
Not 80 years ago.
Right NOW!
Two Yidden from Eretz Yisrael are trapped in brutal prison conditions in Poland. Separated from their families, broken emotionally, and desperate for help.
One can finally get out on bail.
But only if we raise $55,000 immediately.
Without it, he may remain in prison for years awaiting trial.
The second Yid is facing years behind bars as well. His wife in Eretz Yisrael is hospitalized and struggling psychologically while he sits alone in a foreign prison. A qualified lawyer can help reduce his sentence, but the legal fees are enormous.
For months, Rabbi Sholom Ber Stambler, the Rebbe’s Shliach in Warsaw for over 21 years, has personally visited them, brought them kosher food, supported them, and fought for them.
Now he’s asking Klal Yisrael to step in.
The Rambam calls Pidyon Shvuyim the greatest mitzvah.
As we prepare for Matan Torah, how can we stand by while fellow Yidden sit imprisoned, alone, and forgotten?
Help bring a Yid home.
Help save a family.
Help fulfill one of the greatest mitzvos in the Torah.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoA Lakewood woman was arrested following an investigation into multiple package thefts from a residence on New Central Avenue, TLS has learned.
Police responded after the victim reported several packages had been taken from the property over the course of multiple days. Following a subsequent call from the homeowner, officers located and identified the suspect nearby.
Michelle Ricks, 66, of Lakewood, was charged with two counts of theft and later released pending a future court appearance.
Chief Gregory H. Meyer reminded residents to remain vigilant when expecting deliveries and encouraged the community to report suspicious activity immediately.
“Package thefts are often crimes of opportunity,” said Meyer. “We encourage residents to utilize security cameras when possible, retrieve deliveries promptly, and contact police right away if they observe suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods.”
The investigation was conducted by members of the Lakewood Police Department Patrol Division.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoSubmitted by a local relative of this Choleh: A chashuva family was suddenly struck with an unimaginable tragedy. The mother was just diagnosed with a severe medical illness. The family was thrust into a mess of medical emergencies and lots of emotional upheaval.
The family is in turmoil. The parents can not work and insurance refuses to cover the medical expenses. The children are not home because the parents are in the hospital for the majority of the time.
Funds are urgently needed to help pay for aids, medical expenses and to keep the family afloat since there is no income.
At this point, the only thing we can really help with is easing the financial burden a bit so the family doesn’t have to be concerned about the financial aspect of the ordeal.
Please have her mind in your tefillos as well. Her name is Shulamis bas Nechama Bracha
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoThis Tribute is dedicated le’iluy nishmas Ha’Isha ha’ Chashuva Rebbetzin Rivka Weiss A”H from Manchester- Bnei Brak.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoOfficials from the New Jersey Department of Human Services recently toured CHEMED to learn more about the organization’s integrated approach to healthcare and community support services.
CHEMED welcomed Dr. Stephen Cha, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, along with Deputy Commissioner Valerie Mielke and Deputy Commissioner Michael J. Wilson, for a visit and discussion focused on expanding access to comprehensive, whole-person care throughout New Jersey.
During the tour, CHEMED leadership highlighted how the organization combines medical care, behavioral health services, and social support programs to better serve the needs of the community.
Dr. Dovid Friedman, CEO of CHEMED, thanked the commissioners for their visit, engagement, and interest in the organization’s work. He also emphasized CHEMED’s commitment to continued collaboration aimed at strengthening healthcare access and improving patient outcomes across the state.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoThe Yarchei Kallah in Yerushalayim ahead of Chag Matan Torah, initiated by the “Torasi V’Umanusi” foundation headed by the Chevron Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon HaRav Yosef Chevroni shlit”a and under the nesius and hadracha of Maran the Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, concluded with a chashuve massa from Maran HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a. The event, which brought together hundreds of _anshei maaseh_, baalebatim, and kovei itim from all over Eretz Yisrael who were invited to the event, were zoche to a day that was Kulo Torah, Amal, and spiritual hachana for zman matan toraseinu.
The event, hosted by the Yirmiyahu 33 hotel in Yerushalayim, started early morning hours, with the hundreds of participants filling the halls with a great atmosphere of shkius in learning, ritcha d’oraysa, and a special hisromemus ahead of Shavuos. Alongside the many participants on-site, hundreds more connected throughout the day to the live stream of the event, which was broadcasted on various platforms in Eretz Yisroel and Chutz La’Aretz.
Throughout the day, Gedolei Yisroel, Roshei Yeshivos, and Marbitzei Torah shlit”a gave shiurim and shmuses around the sugya of Birchos HaTorah b’iyun, halacha l’maaseh, drush, and mussar, with geshmake Q&A’s in divrei Torah and chizuk among the oilam.
Among the participants and speakers at the event: Rabbeinu HaGadol Maran Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, HaGaon HaGadol HaRav Shaul Alter shlit”a, Maran Rosh Yeshivas Chevron HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, HaGaon HaGadol HaRav Yehoshua Eichenstein shlit”a, HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Shimon Galai shlit”a, Chevron Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon HaRav Yosef Chevroni shlit”a, HaGaon HaRav Elimelech Kornfeld and HaGaon HaRav Daniel Rabin from the Rabbonim of ‘Chelki B’Kehilasi’, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Mordechai HaCohen Rubin shlit”a, HaGaon HaRav Yehuda Aryeh Dunner shlit”a, HaGaon HaRav Yisrael Landau shlit”a, HaRav Dovid Braverman shlit”a, and other choshuve Rabbonim.
The central speech of the event was delivered by Rabbeinu HaGadol Maran Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, who spoke about the chashivus to give a chizuk to the olam ha’Torah among the working tzibbur, and the tremendous need to strengthen Yiras Shamayim and keep a kavua mussar seder, even just a seder of 5 or 6 minutes: “It’s a muchrach for every Yid to have a mussar seder, and this doesn’t just belong to a yeshiva bochur or a kollel yungerman. It doesn’t make a nafka mina if a person is a balebos or a ben yeshiva; without limud mussar, a person can forget his tachlis in his day-to-day life. A Yid needs to know that to hold onto Yiras Shamayim, he is mechuyav to learn mussar.”
Maran the Rosh Yeshiva added that the koach of a kavua limud mussar is that it changes a person’s whole hashkafa on life: “A person who learns mussar will suddenly see that things he was sure were a muchrach for him, are not a muchrach at all. And like Reb Yisroel Salanter says, if a person learns a quarter-hour of mussar, he will find out he has a whole hour to learn.”
The seder hayom that the askanim put together for the Yarchei Kallah day, as well as the divrei hisorerus of Maran the Rosh Yeshiva, left a powerful influence among the oilam, creating a special hachana with kabalos l’maaseh to strengthen kviyus itim and limud mussar ahead of the chag of Matan Toraseinu.
Alongside the divrei chizuk and hachana for Kabalas HaTorah from HaGaon HaGadol Rav Shaul Alter shlit”a and HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Shimon Galai shlit”a, the participants were zoche to have a Q&A session with them on inyanim that are nogea to the tzibbur of kovei itim l’Torah in chayei hamaaseh, with specific reference to their nisyonos, setting up sidrei limud, and keeping a ruchniyusdige seder hayom amidst the tirdos of parnassa and everyday life.
The ‘Shivti’ organization Lehagdil Torah u’leha’adira and Keren ‘Torasi V’Umanusi’, pointed out at the end of the event that given the gevaldige hatzlacha, the massive response, and the big demand, there are expected to be more maamadei Torah and events for the tzibbur of bnei Torah kovei itim throughout the entire year.
The evet was dedicated l’ilui nishmas HaRav Uri Lupolianski zt”l, founder of the ‘Yad Sarah’ organization, who was niftar this past year and was poel his whole life to be marbe chesed and zechuyos in Klal Yisroel.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoIn every community, elected officials have an obligation to balance neighborhood concerns with fairness, practicality, and the long-term realities facing modern families. That is why Howell’s proposed garage ordinance raises serious concerns not simply because of what it says on paper, but because of the message it sends and the broader consequences it could create for residents across the township.
The governing body is understandably trying to address issues such as overcrowding, parking, and neighborhood character. Those are legitimate concerns that deserve thoughtful discussion. But good planning policy cannot be driven by fear, assumptions, or the perception that one particular community is being targeted. When local government begins crafting ordinances in reaction to demographic shifts rather than objective planning standards, the township risks creating regulations that are not only divisive, but potentially discriminatory.
The ordinance requiring garages for detached single-family homes, while also prohibiting many garage conversions to living space, fails to recognize the economic and social realities families are facing today. Across New Jersey and throughout the country adult children are remaining at home longer due to rising housing costs, inflation, student debt, and a lack of affordable housing options. At the same time, seniors are aging out of their homes and increasingly moving in with children to reduce financial strain and receive family support rather than institutional care.
These are not isolated situations tied to one community or one culture. They are national trends affecting working families, middle class homeowners, and seniors across every demographic. Municipal ordinances should evolve to accommodate these realities, not create additional obstacles for families trying to adapt responsibly.
A garage is no longer just a place to park a car. For many residents, it has become flexible space used for caregiving, accessibility accommodations, storage, home offices, home gyms, or future family needs. Preventing homeowners from responsibly utilizing their own property without first demonstrating a substantial public harm reflects an outdated approach to land use planning.
More concerning is the growing perception that these ordinances are not truly about garages, parking, or neighborhood aesthetics at all. The public discussion surrounding these measures has increasingly centered on the fear of a particular religious community moving into Howell and increasing in population. Whether intentional or not, that perception matters.
When a municipality begins consulting RLUIPA attorneys, seeking outside legal guidance from the Department of Justice, and engaging with the Attorney General’s Office regarding potential legal exposure tied to these ordinances, it raises an obvious question: if these regulations are truly neutral planning tools, why is there concern about religious discrimination implications in the first place?
Government must be extremely careful not to adopt policies that appear designed to limit or discourage certain populations from living in the community. Courts have repeatedly held that ordinances cannot be crafted in a way that disproportionately burdens religious practices, extended family living arrangements, or cultural lifestyles under the guise of zoning regulation. Even the appearance of targeting a protected class damages public trust and exposes taxpayers to unnecessary legal and financial risk.
Equally troubling is the speed at which these policies appear to be advancing. Land use regulations should be developed through comprehensive planning, objective data, and broad public engagement, not rushed reactions to changing demographics or political pressure. Good planning looks decades ahead. It does not legislate based on who happens to be moving into town today.
If Howell is experiencing legitimate parking and overcrowding concerns, then the township should pursue real planning solutions:
stronger property maintenance enforcement,
better parking management strategies,
infrastructure investments,
thoughtful housing policy,
clearer occupancy standards consistent with state law,
and collaborative community dialogue involving all residents.
Those approaches address actual impacts without singling out lifestyles, family structures, or religious communities.
Howell has always been a diverse and evolving township. Growth and demographic change are natural parts of every successful community. The answer is not to create restrictive ordinances that divide neighbors or make residents feel unwelcome. The answer is to govern fairly, carefully, and constitutionally.
Residents should expect their elected officials to slow this process down, engage in meaningful public discussion, and ensure that any ordinance adopted is rooted in sound planning principles rather than fear or perception. Once public trust is lost, rebuilding it becomes far more difficult than solving a parking issue.
This township can address quality of life concerns without crossing the line into exclusionary policymaking. Howell should choose thoughtful planning over reactionary regulation and unity over division.
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoSubmitted: During this morning’s commute in Lakewood.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoby Rabbi Eliezer Sandler
The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”
It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.)
Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.
Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!
Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!
YES! YOU CAN MAKE
your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE
Shas, Rashi & Tosfos
IN JUST ONE YEAR!
The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha
The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly: It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact.
All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.
Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year
The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own.
Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden.
Official Shtar from Shas Yiden
Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.
All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.
The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!
Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –
Beyond the Grave
The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon.
Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).
One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”
In the words of Gedolei Torah:
Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:
“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).
“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.
“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”
Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:
“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”
Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:
“Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”
Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:
“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”
Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:
“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoThis now-famous picture of Rabbi Abadi Z”L, which was taken by a TLS photographer, was made into a painting by local artist Mrs. Tzippy Braude.
Copies are available for purchase, with partial proceeds to Minyan Shelanu.
For more information you can WhatsApp here: wa.link/pzndlh
Or text: 7327490564
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoOn Sunday, May 17, Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lakewood, in partnership with Bernath + Rosenberg CPAs + Wealth Advisors, hosted a free men’s health screening event at Ateres Esther, 400 Oak St. The results were eye-opening.
Among the men screened, several were found to have active diabetes they had no idea they had. One attendee presented with a blood pressure of 190. These were not anomalies. They were reminders of exactly why this event needed to happen.
Doctors and medical professionals were on site throughout the day, and the line to speak with them was nearly constant. For many men, what started as a quick 15-minute stop turned into a conversation that could change the course of their health.
LRBC organized the event completely free of charge, removing any reason not to come. Even during peak hours, wait times never exceeded 15 minutes. The logistics were deliberate: no appointments, no cost, no excuses.
The event carried the strong backing of Lakewood’s Rabbinic leadership, with a majority of Rabbanim actively encouraging their kehillos to attend. That communal push made a measurable difference in turnout.
Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim recognized what others might have overlooked: that the men least likely to go to the doctor are often the ones who need to most.
They built an event around that reality.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoNew figures obtained by TLS from the U.S. Census Bureau show that internet access in Lakewood trails significantly behind the rest of New Jersey.
According to the latest Census data, approximately 70% of households in Lakewood reported having an internet subscription, compared with roughly 93% of households statewide.
The figures place Lakewood well below the New Jersey, and comes exactly 14 years after the “internet Asifa” at Citi Field.
Although towns with low internet access is usually due to very low income, in Lakewood, the below average number is likely mostly due to the many people who decline to have internet access in their homes for moral reasons.
The Census Bureau data does not distinguish between households that lack access because of affordability or infrastructure challenges and those that choose not to subscribe.
The newly released statistics come as Lakewood continues to rank among New Jersey’s fastest-growing municipalities, with population gains outpacing most other communities in the state.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoEmergency crews responded to a serious single-vehicle crash in Manchester Township this week after a vehicle struck a tree and overturned along Route 539.
According to fire officials, the crash occurred in the area of St. Mary’s Avenue. Responding personnel arrived to find a vehicle that had crashed into a tree and overturned.
The driver was able to self-extricate from the vehicle prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.
Firefighters secured the vehicle’s battery and mitigated fluid hazards to ensure the area was safe, while EMS personnel provided patient assessment and treatment on scene.
The Lakewood Scoop6 days agoThis unedited (non-AI) picture was taken approximately 8:00 PM yesterday evening in Lakewood – two nights before Kabolas Hatorah.
Can you spot it?
The Lakewood ScoopThe Lakewood Scoop6 days agoOcean County voters have several options when it comes to casting their ballot for the June 2 Primary Election.
Early voting in Ocean County begins May 26 and continues through May 31 at 10 locations throughout the County. Voters may also cast their ballot by mail or vote in person on Election Day, June 2, when polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The deadline to apply for and obtain a vote by mail ballot in person is June 1 by 3 p.m.
Ocean County Clerk John P. Kelly encouraged voters to review the sample ballots mailed to more than 400,000 registered voters throughout Ocean County.
“Voters should carefully review their sample ballots, as they contain important information including polling locations, early voting sites, and Vote by Mail drop box locations,” Kelly said. “Poll workers will also be available to assist voters.”
Additional election information is also available on the Ocean County Clerk’s website at www.clerk.co.ocean.nj.us/.
“The Ocean County Clerk’s Office and the Ocean County Board of Elections work diligently to ensure elections in Ocean County are secure, convenient, and run smoothly for all residents,” said Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione, liaison to the Ocean County Clerk’s Office. “Voting is a fundamental right, and protecting the integrity of every vote cast remains a top priority.”
Early voting hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 26 through May 30, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 31. Registered voters may cast their ballot at any early voting location in Ocean County.
The 10 early voting locations are: Berkeley Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 30 Station Road, Bayville; Brick Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick Township; Jackson Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson Township; Lacey Township Community Center Room C (formerly the Knights of Columbus Building) 15 East Lacey Road, Lacey Township; Lakewood Municipal Building, Courtroom, 231-3rd St., Lakewood Township; the Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library, 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette Boro; Little Egg Harbor Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 290 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor Township; Ocean County Southern Service Center, nutrition hall, 179 South Main Street, Manahawkin; Manchester Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, 21 Colonial Drive, Manchester Township; and the main branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River Township.
“Registered voters in Ocean County can cast a ballot at any of the early voting locations,” said Kelly. “For instance, if you live in Manahawkin but work in Toms River, you can cast your vote at the main branch of the Ocean County Library during early voting.
“The voting machines are programmed to provide you with the appropriate touch screen ballots for the town you live in,” he said.
On Election Day, however, voters need to cast their votes at the poll location noted on their sample ballot.
Deputy County Clerk John Catalano reminded voters that applications for Vote by Mail ballots must now be completed in person at the Ocean County Clerk’s Office, 118 Washington St., Toms River, by 3 p.m. on June 1.
“As of May 14, the Ocean County Clerk’s Office has issued 45,849 Vote by Mail ballots for the June 2 Primary Election,” Catalano said. “Of those, 23,795 were issued to Democrats and 22,054 to Republicans, with 11,335 ballots already returned to the Ocean County Board of Elections.”
Vote by Mail ballots must be returned or postmarked by 8 p.m. on June 2 to be counted. Ballots may be returned through the mail, placed in an official drop box, or hand-delivered to the Ocean County Board of Elections, 129 Hooper Ave., Toms River.
Kelly noted the 2026 Primary Election includes races for United States Senate, Congress, Ocean County Commissioner, municipal offices, and county committee seats.
“It is advantageous for all voters to review the sample ballot they received in the mail,” said Kelly. “Voters should take time to review this ballot prior to casting their vote.”
The Lakewood Scoop6 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoFor the average frum businessman, the Bais Medrash doesn’t end where the corporate office begins—the two flow naturally into one another. While many view the intricate laws of Choshen Mishpat as the exclusive domain of Dayanim, the groundbreaking initiative called Yorucha is making these areas of Halacha accessible and understandable for the everyday entrepreneur. Created by Rabbonim and Dayanim of the Bais Havaad, Yorucha offers working professionals an in-depth, easy-to-follow curriculum to gain a working knowledge of business halacha.
Participants receive comprehensive source booklets paired with daily audio Shiurim, daily business halacha Q&A videos, and more. Shortly, Yorucha will be introducing specialty tracks for specific industries and is currently developing a new mobile app and an upgraded website to enhance the program.
The impact of this approach is already being felt across the country. To date, Yorucha has expanded to over 250 Chaburos and transformed the lives of thousands of individuals. The participants have incorporated their learning into how they conduct their daily business dealings, making sure everything is Al Pi Halacha.
To keep this momentum going and ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of Torah knowledge, the program is fully subsidized for participating groups, and individual learners receive generous subsidies as well. As Yorucha prepares for its next cycle of learners, they have launched “The Mission Continues Campaign” which is happening now. Donations directly fund the launch of new Chaburos, new and advanced learning tracks and allows Yorucha to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and continue teaching Business Halacha to the professionals who live it every day.
Visit charidy.com/yorucha to give your donation
The Lakewood ScoopThe Lakewood Scoop7 days agoKosher.com brought together food, inspiration, and community with a special pre-Shavuos event benefiting A Touch of Care, the Lakewood-based organization that supports families facing illness and crisis.
The women’s event featured an elegant dairy menu, a tea bar sponsored by Wissotzky, and an uplifting conversation with the inspiring giores Adina Shoshana, known online as @NowJewishNanny. During the event, Adina shared her personal inspiring story and the connection she feels to the story of Rus.
The women gathered for an evening that combined warmth, community, and meaningful inspiration ahead of Shavuos, while also supporting the important work of A Touch of Care, an organization that provides support to Jewish families who have received a diagnosis of Down syndrome, either during pregnancy or at birth.
You can read more about the event here: https://www.kosher.com/article/a-look-inside-our-special-pre-shavuos-event/
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Kosher.com is offering a free digital Shavuos cookbook packed with delicious dairy recipes and beautiful Yom Tov inspiration. Get it here: https://kosher.kit.com/c2862d8bd0
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoOcean County officials today announced the activation of two new coordinated traffic signals along the Cedar Swamp Road corridor in Jackson Township, marking an important infrastructure improvement designed to enhance traffic flow and roadway safety for residents and commuters throughout the area.
Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi joined Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen and representatives from Ocean County Engineering for the official “switch flip” ceremony at the intersections of Cedar Swamp Road & Freehold Road and Cedar Swamp Road & Jackson Mills Road.
The intersections have long been identified as areas of concern due to increasing traffic volume, congestion, difficult turning movements, and safety issues during peak travel hours. County officials noted that continued residential and commercial growth throughout the surrounding area made improvements along the corridor a priority for Ocean County.
The newly-installed coordinated traffic signals are intended to improve traffic flow, reduce delays, establish safer driving patterns, and enhance overall safety for motorists, school buses, pedestrians, emergency responders, and residents traveling through the corridor each day.
“These new coordinated traffic signals at Cedar Swamp Road are an important investment in both public safety and traffic efficiency for Jackson residents and everyone traveling through this busy corridor,” said Commissioner Director Sadeghi. “As our communities continue to grow, projects like this help address congestion concerns while improving the overall flow of traffic and reducing potential safety risks.”
Commissioner Ellenbogen emphasized the County’s continued focus on infrastructure and transportation improvements throughout Ocean County.
“Improving infrastructure and roadway safety remains a top priority for Ocean County,” said Commissioner Ellenbogen. “These new signals at Cedar Swamp Road and its intersections with Freehold Road and Jackson Mills Road will help create safer traffic patterns, improve mobility throughout the area, and better accommodate the growing volume of residents, commuters, school transportation, and emergency services using these roads every day.”
Ocean County officials also thanked Ocean County Engineering and all those involved in the planning, coordination, and completion of the project.
County officials noted that investments in transportation infrastructure remain critical to ensuring Ocean County continues to safely and efficiently accommodate future growth while improving quality of life for residents throughout the region.
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoInstantly elevate your wardrobe with A. Soliani’s gorgeous new summer collection!
Order now to get your shoes in time for Shavuos!
Get $10 off with code Lscoop10!
Click HERE to order now or visit us in our Toms River or Cedarhurst locations!
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoCrews are currently battling a fire burning underneath power lines in Manchester, apparently prompting widespread power outages affecting more than 5,000 customers in Lakewood and Jackson.
The outages in Lakewood are on the west side and in Jackson on the east side. Traffic lights are affected as well.
Officials believe the fire is the cause of the outages impacting large portions of both towns.
JCP&L has advised customers that the estimated time for power restoration is approximately 9:30 p.m.
Developing Story.
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The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoA young boy riding an electric bicycle suffered serious injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment after crashing his bike in Lakewood.
The incident occurred while the child was riding the e-bike on a sidewalk. The boy was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which may have helped prevent even more severe injuries. The cause of the accident was not immediately clear.
The incident comes as New Jersey prepares to implement new regulations on electric bicycles and scooters. Beginning in July, a new state law will require all electric bicycles in New Jersey to be licensed, registered, and insured. Supporters of the measure say the law is intended to improve accountability and safety as the popularity of e-bikes continues to grow statewide, causing a significant increase in serious injuries.
Under the bill, e-bike users 17 years of age or older would be required to register a low-speed electric bicycle and have a valid basic driver’s license issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to operate a motorized bicycle. Insurance would also be required for motorized bicycles and electric motorized bicycles.
Additionally, minors under the age of 15 are prohibited from operating an e-bike or motorized bike. Anyone 15 or 16 would have to have a permit. Also included in the wide-ranging bill is a ban on riding e-bikes without reflectors between dusk and dawn.
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoIf I had to identify the single most common trait among business owners who struggle financially, it would not be poor strategy, bad hiring decisions, or weak sales. It would be avoidance. A pattern of not looking at the numbers, not opening the reports, and not asking the questions — because somewhere along the way, the financial side of the business became a source of anxiety rather than a source of information.
I understand it. Most business owners did not start their companies because they love accounting. They started because they had a skill, a vision, or a product they believed in. The financial mechanics felt like a necessary burden — something to hand off and not think about too much.
But avoidance is expensive. And the good news is that financial confidence is not something you are born with. It is something you build, deliberately, with the right knowledge and the right support.
The avoidance rarely comes from laziness. In my experience, it comes from one of a few places.
Fear of what the numbers might show. If things are tight or the trend is not good, not looking feels safer than confirming it. The problem, of course, is that the situation does not improve because you are not watching it. It simply gets worse in the dark.
Not knowing what to do with the information. If you open a financial statement and feel like you are reading a document in a foreign language, the instinct is to close it. When the numbers are not actionable to you, reviewing them feels pointless.
A belief that someone else is handling it. If you have a bookkeeper, an accountant, or a CPA, it is tempting to assume that the financial side is covered. As I have written about elsewhere, that assumption often leaves significant gaps.
Whatever the reason, the result is the same: decisions get made on instinct, gut feel, and bank balance rather than on accurate, current financial data. And that is a genuinely risky way to run a business.
I want to be clear about something: financial confidence does not mean becoming an accountant. You do not need to understand every entry on a general ledger or be able to build a discounted cash flow model from scratch. What you do need is enough familiarity with your own numbers that you can have an informed conversation about your business, spot when something looks wrong, and make decisions grounded in reality rather than guesswork.
In practical terms, a financially confident business owner can answer a handful of fundamental questions at any given time. What was my revenue last month, and how does that compare to the month before and to the same month last year? What is my gross margin, and is it trending in the right direction? Do I have enough cash to cover the next 60 to 90 days of operations? Am I on track relative to my budget? What are my largest expense categories, and are any of them growing faster than my revenue?
You do not need to derive these answers yourself. You need to have systems and people in place that make the answers readily available — and you need the willingness to look at them regularly.
The most effective way to build financial confidence is through consistent, low-pressure engagement with your numbers over time. Not a frantic annual review before tax season. Not a crisis-driven deep dive when the bank account hits a concerning level. Regular, scheduled, calm engagement.
I recommend a simple rhythm: a brief weekly check on cash position and any pending receivables or payables, and a more substantive monthly review of your full financial statements — P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. The monthly review does not need to take more than 30 to 45 minutes if your books are current and your reports are organized clearly.
Over time, this rhythm does something important: it normalizes the numbers. When you look at your financials every month, you develop an intuitive sense of what is normal for your business — and that makes it significantly easier to spot when something is off. A margin that is lower than usual. An expense category that is creeping upward. A receivable balance that is growing faster than revenue. These things become visible when you are looking consistently, and they become invisible when you are not.
Part of what makes financial statements feel intimidating is that they are often produced in a format that serves compliance rather than decision-making. A standard set of financials is accurate and complete — but it is not always organized in a way that immediately answers the questions a business owner actually has.
This is where a good bookkeeper or controller earns their value beyond the basic accounting work. Ask for reports that are organized around the information you need. Ask for a one-page summary that highlights the key metrics that matter most for your business. Ask for variance analysis that flags where actuals are diverging from budget and by how much. You should not have to be a financial expert to extract meaning from your own reports.
If your current financial reporting does not give you clarity, that is a process problem — not a you problem. The right support should make the numbers accessible, not more confusing.
Business owners who are genuinely engaged with their numbers make better decisions. They catch problems earlier. They identify opportunities more quickly. They go into lender meetings, investor conversations, and partnership negotiations with confidence rather than anxiety. They sleep better.
That is not an overstatement. Financial clarity is one of the highest-leverage investments you can make in your own effectiveness as a business leader. It does not require a finance degree. It requires curiosity, consistency, and the willingness to stop avoiding something that is ultimately there to help you.
Your numbers are not your adversary. They are the most honest feedback your business can give you. Start listening to them.
—
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).
The Lakewood Scoop7 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoThe New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee has unanimously approved legislation that would significantly expand and broaden the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program by increasing funding levels and allowing nonprofit organizations to use grants for additional security purposes including training, planning, and intelligence analysis.
The bill would raise the maximum grant for security personnel and security-related training or planning from $10,000 to $50,000 per approved application. It also would increase the cap for target-hardening equipment and intelligence gathering and analysis from $50,000 to $150,000.
Under current law, nonprofits can apply for grants either for security personnel or for equipment each year. The legislation would allow organizations to seek funding for all eligible categories within the same funding cycle.
The proposal also expands the program’s authorized uses to include security-related training and planning, as well as intelligence gathering and analysis aimed at preparing against threats, attacks, domestic extremism, and other violent acts.
The measure would require the state’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to request at least $10 million annually for the program as part of its budget proposal, up from the current $2 million requirement.
The committee vote came the same day authorities were investigating a terror attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego in San Diego, underscoring ongoing concerns about threats targeting religious and nonprofit institutions nationwide.
The expansion comes amid broader calls for increased security assistance in the state. Earlier this year, Shlomo Schorr, Director of Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, urged lawmakers to increase security funding for nonpublic schools, warning that schools and houses of worship face an increasingly dangerous threat environment.
In testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee in March, Schorr noted that security funding has remained flat for several budget cycles even as costs and threats have increased.
Following the committee vote, Schorr praised the legislation and said the expanded grant program would help nonprofits respond to evolving threats.
“Nonprofits and religious institutions across New Jersey continue to face a heightened threat environment,” Schorr said. “This legislation recognizes that security today means more than cameras and doors. Training, intelligence analysis, and professional security personnel are all critical components of keeping our communities safe. We are grateful to the committee members for advancing this important bill.”
The New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program was established in 2021 and provides funding to eligible nonprofit organizations considered at greatest risk of attack. Grants may be used to hire certain law enforcement officers or registered security personnel and to acquire equipment designed to strengthen facility security.
Under the bill, the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness would continue evaluating applicants based on risk factors including terrorist threats, domestic extremism, and other violent acts. The legislation also maintains preferences for organizations that have not recently received comparable federal or state security grants.
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoA student from Brick Memorial High School was killed this morning in a tragic crash on Lanes Mill Road in Brick, just down the road from the school, TLS has learned.
According to preliminary information, the student was riding an electric bike when he was struck by a vehicle driven by another young adult, possibly also a Memorial High School student.
Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
This story was withheld for some time to give authorities time to notify family members.
UPDATE: Statement from OCPO:
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 19, 2026, a juvenile was taken into custody and charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred on May 19, 2026, in Brick Township.
On May 19, 2026, at approximately 6:50 a.m., Officers from the Brick Township Police Department responded to the area of Lanes Mill Road and Rhode Island Avenue for a report of a bicyclist having been struck by a motor vehicle. Responding Officers discovered that a vehicle had struck a juvenile bicyclist in the roadway and then fled the scene. The juvenile victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that a 2021 BMW was traveling northbound through the intersection of Lanes Mill Road and Rhode Island Avenue at a high rate of speed when it struck the bicyclist, who was traveling westbound on Rhode Island Avenue through a marked crosswalk.
Following the crash, the operator of the BMW failed to stop, render aid, or notify law enforcement.
Continuing investigation revealed that a juvenile was operating the motor vehicle at the time of the crash. That juvenile has been taken into custody and is currently being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoA Manchester Township man has been charged after authorities say he caused a head-on crash while driving on the wrong side of Route 37 in Toms River, seriously injuring one person before fleeing the scene on foot and later resisting arrest.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Andrew Gajewski, 30, was charged Monday with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in serious bodily injury, three counts of assault by auto, resisting arrest, and injuring an animal used by a law enforcement agency.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday near Route 37 and Batchelor Street. Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to reports of a crash with injuries and found a 2022 Ford F-150 and a 2021 GMC Acadia with damage consistent with a head-on collision.
Investigators said Gajewski, who was driving the Ford pickup truck, fled the scene on foot following the crash.
The driver of the GMC Acadia was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. A passenger in the Acadia and a passenger in the Ford were taken to Community Medical Center, where they were treated and released.
Authorities said Gajewski was later apprehended in a wooded area near the crash site after allegedly resisting arrest and assaulting a police K-9 from the Toms River Police Department. He was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during his apprehension.
Investigators said officers observed signs of intoxication, and a blood sample was obtained through a court-authorized warrant as part of the ongoing investigation.
A joint investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, the Toms River Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office determined that Gajewski had been traveling on the wrong side of the roadway at the time of the crash. Authorities also alleged he had been speeding and driving recklessly shortly before the collision.
In addition to the criminal charges, Gajewski was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, leaving the scene of a crash causing injury, and failure to report an accident.
Prosecutors said Gajewski remains hospitalized under police custody and will be transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing once he is released from medical care.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said additional charges may be filed.
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoThere was a lot of discussion recently in Lakewood after a serious hashgacha oversight came to light. As often happens, there was plenty of blame and conversation about who was responsible.
One parent felt there was a more meaningful response. Instead of simply discussing the incident, he used it as a teaching moment with his children. He spoke to them about the importance of always checking that each item has a hechsher and is properly wrapped, even if it is sold in a kosher store or comes from a brand they recognize.
A short time later, the family was shopping at Target and saw Johnny Pops popsicles. The children were excited because they had seen that brand sold in heimishe and kosher stores before. The package looked familiar, and they do carry a hashgacha, so they bought four boxes.
At home, one of the younger children remembered the conversation his father had started and decided to check each box. To everyone’s surprise, one of the four did not have a hechsher. When the parents looked more closely, they realized that this specific variety listed grape among the natural flavors and was therefore not certified.
The father later said he was grateful that the community’s negative story had become a wake up call in his own home. What could have remained just another topic of negativity became a lesson in awareness and yiras Shamayim.
There’s an important message here. When something troubling happens, we can simply talk about it, or we can let it inspire growth in our own avodas Hashem. In this case, one family turned a mistake into a practical lesson, and it may have spared them from a serious error.
The family shared this story as a reminder that not every product under the same brand carries the same status. Even familiar items, and even products sold in heimishe stores, should be checked each time.
May we be zocheh to look out for one another, physically and spiritually, with care, awareness, and responsibility.
Rabbi Shraga Freedman
The Lakewood Scoop7 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoAs communities across Ocean County continue battling the opioid crisis, especially during the summer months, one township is taking additional steps to make overdose-reversal medication more accessible to the public – raising the question of whether Lakewood should consider doing the same.
Manchester Township announced this week that, in partnership with the Ocean County Health Department, it has installed a Narcan Deployment Kit outside Manchester Township Town Hall using National Opioid Settlement Funding.
The publicly accessible station, located in the Town Hall parking lot, provides residents with free Narcan – the medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.
In addition, Manchester Township EMS plans to begin offering free Narcan training sessions starting in June, giving residents the opportunity to learn how to administer the life-saving medication in emergency situations.
Officials also reminded residents that the Manchester Township Police Department participates in the Project Medicine Drop Program, allowing expired or unused medications to be safely discarded at police headquarters.
With overdose deaths continuing to impact communities throughout New Jersey, the initiative is drawing attention as a possible model for other municipalities.
Should Lakewood consider implementing similar public-access Narcan stations and community training programs?
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoWe are merely days away from the polls opening in Lakewood’s 2026 Primary Election!
Races on the ballot include U.S. Senate; U.S. House; Lakewood Township Committee; Ocean County Commissioner; and Ocean County Committee.
Primaries will be held for both the Democratic and Republican parties. (See sample ballots attached.)
Early Voting: Tuesday, May 26****th – Sunday, May 31****st
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 am-8:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
The Early Voting period typically offers voters the shortest lines; and the most flexibility. On Election Day, you must vote at the designated polling location of your District. When you vote early, you can vote at any early voting location in your County. Lakewood voters who vote at locations outside Lakewood will get to vote in their local Lakewood races as well, just as they would when voting in Lakewood proper.
Lakewood’s early voters can vote at:
– Lakewood Municipal Building (231 3rd Street)
– Brick Public Library (301 Chambers Bridge Road)
– Jackson Public Library (2 Jackson Drive)
– Toms River Public Library (101 Washington Street)
– Manchester Public Library (21 South Colonial Drive)
– Berkeley Library (30 Station Road)
– Lacey: Charles A Smith Center (15 East Lacey Road)
– Lavalette: Upper Shores Library (112 Jersey City Ave)
– Little Egg Harbor Library (290 Mathistown Road)
– Stafford: OC Southern Resource Center (179 South Main Street).
(Lakewood voters are not able to vote in Howell, as it is part of Monmouth County.)
Monday, June 1st: Polls will be closed.
Election Day, Tuesday, June 2nd: Polls will be open from 6:00 am-8:00 pm. Voters can vote at their designated polling location only. The location will be noted on the sample ballot that each voter receives in the mail. Please review carefully, as some polling locations have changed since the previous election.
Primary 2026 Sample Ballots and Early Voting Information for Lakewood Voters - Primary 26 Sample
The Lakewood Scoop7 days agoExpect delays.
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The Lakewood Scoop8 days agoA driver in Lakewood today was just feet away from being seriously injured – or worse – when a large tree suddenly toppled into the roadway.
Approximately 30 seconds prior, a pedestrian can also be seen walking by the spot.
…המכין מצעדי גבר
The Lakewood Scoop8 days agoAs we prepare for Shavuos, Judaica Plaza has everything you need, plus amazing Shavuos specials throughout the store.
Looking for the perfect gift for a husband, wife, son, daughter, chosson, kallah, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law?
Elevate Yom Tov davening with a beautiful new set of Machzorim. Judaica Plaza features one of the area’s largest selections, with styles and editions for every family and every minhag.
And for Shavuos, every set includes FREE foil name stamping — a $35 value.
Judaica Plaza is also featuring a Special Shtender Event, with the best prices ever on full-size shtenders, perfect for preparing to shteig through the night on Shavuos.
The event also includes a massive Gedolim Picture & Framed Art Sale, with up to 50% off.
Bring greatness into your home with inspiring framed Gedolim photos and beautiful Torah artwork at prices never seen before.
Stop by the store today or order directly on WhatsApp HERE!
📍 Judaica Plaza
📞 732-942-4500
📲 WhatsApp/Text: 732-994-3194
The Lakewood Scoop8 days agoWow! Yesterday’s Bikur Cholim Health Screening was a smashing success. Hundreds of responsible members of our community turned out to do what they can to be on top of their health and try to catch a health issue before CH”V running into complications.
After seeing how many responsible people we have amongst us it got me wondering, what if we had such a screening for mental health issues as well?!
It’s pretty scary to think that we have men, women, and even children suffering in silence. They walk around with mental health struggles and push off getting help until in some cases it’s CH”V too late.
Many people have watched someone they know end up in a dark spot because the warning signs were ignored and never addressed. Some of the issues likely could have been detected and with the proper treatment they could have been helped before getting out of hand.
I don’t know what the proper setup or way of going about it would be but even just the awareness can probably be a big help for individuals and families. I can’t imagine I’m the only one thinking this and It’s something to consider. Maybe some of your readers agree and can think of an idea how to go about it.
Thank you for providing us with a kosher outlet with open dialogue that can potentially bring help to those that need it.
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
