The levaya of HaRav Shmuel Yosef Fishbain zt”l, longtime rav of Congregation Beth Sinai/White Lake Torah Center in White Lake, New York, will take place at the Lakewood Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue at 7:30 PM. Kevurah will take place in Monsey.

The rav, who was marbitz Torah to generations of Yidden in the Catskills for close to four decades, was recently in Lakewood and was niftar at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus.

Congregation Beth Sinai/White Lake Torah Center, under Rav Fishbain’s leadership, served as the only year-round shul in the Town of Bethel and became a central makom Torah and tefillah for residents and visitors alike. The shul has been operating since 1975 and became deeply identified with Rav Fishbain’s warm leadership, Torah scholarship, and unwavering dedication to the kehillah.

Born in Chicago, Rav Fishbain grew up surrounded by extraordinary mesiras nefesh for Torah and chinuch. His father, a Chernobyler chossid, passed away when Rav Fishbain was still very young after sacrificing greatly to establish authentic Yiddishe chinuch in Chicago during an era when many Jewish families sent their children to public schools and viewed traditional Torah education as unsustainable in America.

His mother, an exceptional baalas chessed known for her hachnasas orchim, opened her home to many of the gedolei Yisroel of the previous generation. Among those who stayed in their home were Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman, the Frierdiker Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, and the Lomzher Rosh Yeshiva.

Despite the immense challenges of the time, Rav Fishbain’s mother sent her sons to Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and her daughters to Bais Yaakov under Rebbetzin Kaplan, an act remembered by the family as tremendous mesiras nefesh for an almanah in those years.

Rav Fishbain later learned in Telshe Yeshiva as well as Torah Vodaath and Netzach Yisroel, where he served as a Ram. He also learned under Hagaon HaRav Yisrael Gustman.

Before arriving in White Lake roughly 50 years ago, Rav Fishbain served as a rav in Hurleyville, where he already became known for his warmth, humility, and deep connection to every Yid.

Throughout his life, Rav Fishbain maintained close relationships with many gedolim of previous generations and continued to remain connected to leading gedolei Torah throughout his lifetime.

He leaves behind generations of talmidim, mispallelim, friends, and admirers who benefited from his Torah, guidance, and ahavas Yisroel.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

Hatzolah of Central Jersey’s leadership – including CEO Meilech Esterzohn and Captains Motti Weisbrod, Uri Davidi, and Aron Mueller – visited the Misameach Family Center in Lakewood, which is nearing completion. The tour was provided by Misameach’s indefatigable founder Lipa Schwartz.

Organizers of the fifth annual Adirei HaTorah Ma’amad have officially confirmed that the event’s newly announced satellite location will be held at CURE Insurance Arena, a venue with a seating capacity of approximately 10,500.

The website and phone line for ticket purchases went live at 6 PM Sunday at AdireiHatorah.com/tickets. Tickets are available at various price points – as low as $18 for upper bowl seating, $36 for lower bowl, $54 for priority seating, and $72 for premium seats.

Organizers are urging prospective attendees to purchase tickets as promptly as possible, as the satellite location is expected to sell out, as well, with 50% of seats sold by 3 PM on Monday, less than 24 hours after becoming available for purchase.

The satellite location was organized after tickets to the main ma’amad at Xfinity Mobile Arena sold out within just four hours on Lag BaOmer, leaving thousands scrambling for seats.

As previously reported by Lakewood Alerts, organizers initially explored relocating the entire ma’amad to a larger venue, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Instead, they opted to create a satellite location for the first time in the event’s history, enabling many additional attendees to participate in the gathering.

Earlier this year, Oraysa held a large siyum on Seder Moed at the Cure Insurance Arena, drawing thousands of participants.

The Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 31, and will begin earlier than in previous years following widespread requests from the oilam. Doors at Xfinity Mobile Arena will open at 3:00 p.m., with Mincha scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

This year’s event is expected to feature addresses from Harav Uri Deutsch and Harav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, who organizers said will be traveling specially to the United States to participate in the ma’amad.

The Lakewood Board of Education has updated its transportation eligibility guidelines for the 2026-2027 school year, changing the age requirement for students to qualify for Board-funded transportation services.

Under the revised policy, students must be 5 years old by September 30 in order to be eligible for transportation funded by the district. Officials said the change was made to align Lakewood’s guidelines with those used in neighboring townships.

The update specifically affects children born between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 who are entering the 2026-2027 school year.

Parents whose children fall within the affected category have been notified by email with additional information regarding the change and possible next steps. Families are being directed to review available options through the district’s transportation portal at LakewoodSTA.org.

The Lakewood Board of Education has updated its transportation eligibility guidelines for the 2026-2027 school year, changing the age requirement for students to qualify for Board-funded transportation services.

Under the revised policy, students must be 5 years old by September 30 in order to be eligible for transportation funded by the district. Officials said the change was made to align Lakewood’s guidelines with those used in neighboring townships.

The update specifically affects children born between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 who are entering the 2026-2027 school year.

Parents whose children fall within the affected category have been notified by email with additional information regarding the change and possible next steps. Families are being directed to review available options through the district’s transportation portal at LakewoodSTA.org.

Acceptance letters for Lakewood’s girls’ high schools are scheduled to go out this Tuesday, with sources telling Lakewood Alerts that as many as 300 eighth-grade girls still have not been placed in a school for the coming year.

The Tuesday mailing is expected to land in the first wave of decisions for incoming ninth-graders, but the gap between the number of girls applying and the seats available at existing girls’ high schools has left a significant portion of the class still waiting.

The shortage is structural and long-running. Lakewood’s frum population has grown faster than its girls’ high school infrastructure for more than a decade, and the supply of seats has never quite caught up to the demand from each year’s graduating eighth-grade class. While dozens of new mesivtos have opened over the past two decades to absorb boys leaving eighth grade, the pace of new girls’ high schools has been a fraction of that.

The result is a placement process that, year after year, generates the same set of tensions. A small number of schools field applications from a far larger pool of eighth-graders than they can accept. Most families apply to two, three or four schools, often selected with an eye toward family hashkafa, sibling enrollment and social circles.

Schools, in turn, weigh family background, financial considerations, sibling history and their own enrollment targets when making decisions. Girls accepted to multiple schools are asked to commit quickly so seats can be released for the next round, while families whose daughters receive no acceptance letter in the first wave are left to wait, often as their friends exult about their own placements.

There is talk of at least one new girls high school opening for the next school year, though the details are still sparse.

Today, the country comes to a relative standstill as those fallen in combat are remembered by those for whom they sacrificed their lives.

While Memorial Day is unfortunately now more associated with vacation, beach days, and mattress sales, the day is actually quite somber.

In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local Page 2 veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff.

In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. It is the fourth federal and state holiday of the year.

Here’s what’s open and what’s closed for Memorial Day:

Government Services
Federal, state, and local government offices will be closed Monday, including post offices and courts. Public schools will also be closed for the holiday.

Banks and Financial Markets
Banks and U.S. stock markets will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Most FedEx and UPS services will be unavailable, though some limited special deliveries may still be offered.

Retail and Shopping
While Costco will be closed for the day, most other major retailers will remain open, many hosting holiday sales. Store hours may vary by location, and customers are encouraged to check ahead.

Travel Outlook
Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season. More than 45 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for the Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA — a number that would set a new record for the holiday weekend.

Of those travelers, 39.4 million were projected to travel by car, while 3.61 million would fly, a nearly 2% increase from last year. Gas prices have dropped compared to 2024, giving individuals and families some more breathing room as far as their travel plans are concerned.

Despite increased travel, some flyers remain cautious due to recent air traffic disruptions, including equipment failures and staffing shortages that have caused delays and cancellations at major airports, including at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Parents in Jackson Township are being urged to immediately review and complete outstanding student validation information for the 2025-2026 school year, as hundreds of unresolved records could significantly impact transportation funding.

According to a notice distributed by the LSTA, Jackson Township currently has approximately 540 students with validation issues that still need to be corrected.

Officials said the unresolved information must be addressed “as soon as possible” in order to finalize transportation funding for the current school year and help optimize bus routes for next year.

The agency warned that each unresolved student validation could result in a deduction of approximately $1,177 from the township’s final funding allocation for the year, at the township’s discretion.

The notice emphasized that the issue is not limited to Jackson Township and applies across all townships served through the transportation system.

Parents are being asked to log into their accounts at LakewoodSTA.org to review and complete their children’s 2025-2026 information promptly.

To assist families, kiosks remain available at the LSTA office for parents who need help completing the process.

Organizers of the fifth annual Adirei HaTorah Ma’amad have officially confirmed that the event’s newly announced satellite location will be held at CURE Insurance Arena, a venue with a seating capacity of approximately 10,500.

The website and phone line for ticket purchases are expected to go live later Sunday.

The announcement comes after tickets to the main ma’amad at Xfinity Mobile Arena sold out within just four hours on Lag BaOmer, leaving thousands scrambling for seats.

As previously reported by Lakewood Alerts, organizers initially explored relocating the entire ma’amad to a larger venue, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Instead, they opted to create a satellite location for the first time in the event’s history, enabling many additional attendees to participate in the gathering.

Organizers previously announced that tickets for the satellite location would be offered at subsidized prices of $18, $36, $54, and $72 — lower than the pricing at the Philadelphia venue.

Earlier this year, Dirshu held a large siyum on Seder Moed at the Cure Insurance Arena, drawing thousands of participants.

The Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 31, and will begin earlier than in previous years following widespread requests from the oilam. Doors at Xfinity Mobile Arena will open at 3:00 p.m., with Mincha scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

This year’s event is expected to feature addresses from Harav Uri Deutsch and Harav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, who organizers said will be traveling specially to the United States to participate in the ma’amad.

Organizers of the fifth annual Adirei HaTorah Ma’amad have officially confirmed that the event’s newly announced satellite location will be held at CURE Insurance Arena, a venue with a seating capacity of approximately 10,500.

The website and phone line for ticket purchases went live at 6 PM Sunday at AdireiHatorah.com/tickets. Tickets are available at various price points – as low as $18 for upper bowl seating, $36 for lower bowl, $54 for priority seating, and $72 for premium seats.

Organizers are urging prospective attendees to purchase tickets as promptly as possible, as the satellite location is expected to sell out, as well.

The satellite location was organized after tickets to the main ma’amad at Xfinity Mobile Arena sold out within just four hours on Lag BaOmer, leaving thousands scrambling for seats.

As previously reported by Lakewood Alerts, organizers initially explored relocating the entire ma’amad to a larger venue, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Instead, they opted to create a satellite location for the first time in the event’s history, enabling many additional attendees to participate in the gathering.

Earlier this year, Dirshu held a large siyum on Seder Moed at the Cure Insurance Arena, drawing thousands of participants.

The Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 31, and will begin earlier than in previous years following widespread requests from the oilam. Doors at Xfinity Mobile Arena will open at 3:00 p.m., with Mincha scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

This year’s event is expected to feature addresses from Harav Uri Deutsch and Harav Yitzchok Soloveitchik, who organizers said will be traveling specially to the United States to participate in the ma’amad.

Lakewood Township announced Sunday morning that due to inclement weather, the planned 2026 Memorial Day Parade – which was scheduled to take place on Monday morning – has been cancelled.

“Unfortunately, the weather conditions do not allow us to proceed with the planned outdoor parade,” said Mayor Ray Coles. “At the same time, the Township and our residents – each in our own way – will utilize this day to remember and honor the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our great nation.”

The program was scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony at Town Square, located at Clifton Avenue and 3rd Street. From there, participants were going to proceed southbound along Clifton Avenue in a memorial parade toward the All Wars Memorial at North Lake Park on North Lake Drive off Route 9.

Mayor Ray Coles was then going to lead a special ceremony at the memorial site, which would have included speeches, musical tributes, and a traditional gun salute honoring fallen service members.

The Lakewood Student Transportation Authority is asking parents and educators to take a few moments to reinforce important school bus safety messages with students and children.

The safety reminders include:

• Sit properly and remain seated while the bus is moving
• Keep hands, arms, and heads inside the bus at all times
• Use respectful behavior and follow the driver’s instructions
• Keep noise levels low to avoid distracting the driver
• Board and exit the bus safely and carefully
• Respect the school bus and fellow passengers

The message was shared in partnership with Jackson Township, Lakewood Township, Howell Township, and Toms River Township schools and parents.

Rav Chaim Yehoshua Schorr shlit”a, the rav of The Woods neighborhood in Lakewood, will be sitting shiva in Baltimore beginning Monday, following the petirah of his father.

The rav’s father, Rabbi Dr. Nachum Schorr of Baltimore, was niftar over Yom Tov. The levaya and kevurah are taking place in Eretz Yisroel.

Following kevurah, the rav and his siblings will be returning to Baltimore, where they will be sitting shiva at 3502 Shelburne Road, Baltimore, MD, 21208.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

Lakewood Alerts regrets to inform you of the petirah of R’ Yisroel Chaim Pichey Z”L, who was niftar over Shavuos at the age of 91.

R’ Yisroel Chaim z”l, a son-in-law of Mike Tress zt”l, was a talmid of Telz Cleveland and a rebbi in the Yeshiva of Brooklyn for many years, before moving to Lakewood several years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Donya yb”l, and his children R’ Eli, R’ Shloimy, Rochel Levine, Hena Rivka Willner, Chaya Sara Lefkowitz, Leebah Kahn, Dusie Basch, and Shevy Eisgrau.

The levaya is scheduled to take place at the Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel in Lakewood at 9:30 AM Sunday, with kevurah in the Wellwood cemetery on Long Island.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

A garbage truck overturned and crashed into a pickup truck Thursday morning at the entrance to the Ocean County Landfill in Manchester Township, leaving three people injured, police said.

According to the Manchester Township Police Department, the crash happened at approximately 11:05 a.m. at the intersection of State Highway 70 and Green Acres Road.

Responding officers found a grey 2004 Mack garbage truck overturned on its driver’s side after striking a Ford F-150 that had been stopped at a traffic light.

Investigators said the garbage truck had been traveling east on Route 70 at a high rate of speed when the driver attempted to turn into the entrance of the Ocean County Landfill at 2498 Route 70. Police said the driver applied the brakes while making the turn, lost control of the truck, and overturned into the Ford F-150, which was waiting at the traffic signal to exit the landfill.

Police identified the driver of the garbage truck as 28-year-old Marquis Dove of Plainsboro. Dove suffered non-life-threatening injuries but declined medical transport.

A passenger in the garbage truck, 58-year-old Harrie Garris of Toms River, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment and evaluation.

The Ford F-150 was driven by 30-year-old Bryan Bollhardt of Forked River, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries but declined transport to the hospital. A passenger in the pickup, 65-year-old Richard Bollhardt of Forked River, was not injured.

The roadway was partially closed while emergency crews conducted the investigation and cleared the scene.

Assisting at the scene were emergency medical technicians and firefighters from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital paramedics, Hatzolah, Taylor’s Towing, and Priced Rite Towing.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing, but unsafe speed appears to have been the primary contributing factor in the crash. The incident is being investigated by Ptl. Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

The fifth annual Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah will feature a satellite location for the first time in the event’s history, organizers told Lakewood Alerts, after demand for seats far outstripped the capacity of the central venue at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Details of the satellite location have not yet been announced, though organizers said the tickets will be cheaper than those at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with subsidized tickets priced at $18, $36, $54, and $72. Organizers have not yet announced when the tickets will go live for purchase.

Tickets to the maamad sold out within four hours on Lag BaOmer, prompting organizers to begin searching for alternatives. Their initial effort was to move this year’s maamad to a larger venue altogether, but those attempts did not bear fruit.

Instead, organizers have arranged for a satellite location, allowing many of those who were shut out of the Philadelphia venue to participate in the maamad.

The Ma’amad, to be held Sunday, May 31, will begin earlier than in previous years in response to widespread requests from the oilam. Doors at Xfinity Mobile Arena will open at 3:00 PM, with Mincha at 4:30 PM.

This year’s event will feature a keynote address by Harav Uri Deutsch shlit”a, Rav of Forest Park and one of the most sought-after local speakers and baalei eitzos. Organizers also announced that HaRav Yitzchok Soloveitchik shlit”a, one of the Ziknei Roshei HaYeshiva of this generation, will be traveling to the United States specially to honor the Ma’amad with his presence.

The Lakewood Police Department announced the arrest of a Toms River man in connection with the theft of a boat engine from the marina on Lake Carasaljo earlier this year.

According to police, officers responded to Traveling Tykes Marina on April 23 after receiving a report that a Mercury boat engine had been removed from a vessel owned by the marina.

Detectives launched an investigation using multiple investigative techniques, which ultimately led authorities to identify William Cottrell, 41, of Toms River, as the suspect.

On May 19, Cottrell was charged with burglary and theft-related offenses and was later taken into custody without incident.

Police said the investigation was conducted with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Seaside Heights Police Department, Toms River Police Department, and Lakewood Shomrim.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

The Lakewood Community Coalition brought together law enforcement leaders, faith leaders, elected officials, community organizations, and residents Tuesday evening for its quarterly community gathering at the historic Strand Theater in Downtown Lakewood.

Held on May 19, the event reflected the coalition’s mission of fostering collaboration between government agencies, community groups, and local residents on behalf of the Lakewood community.

Coalition Co-Chairs Steve Allaire and Cori Scotti welcomed attendees and stressed the importance of building and maintaining strong partnerships throughout the township.

Gregory Meyer introduced Brad Billhimer, who addressed attendees about the importance of public trust, proactive partnerships, and community collaboration in strengthening public safety efforts.

Other officials and dignitaries in attendance included Michael Mastronardy, Sam Ellenbogen, Casey Long, and Yolanda Melville.

Attendees also heard presentations from Jeanne Hengemuhle, Thomas Hauck, and Jonathan Edwards.

Edwards discussed current and emerging threats connected to the “764” Nihilistic Violent Extremism movement, as well as other homegrown and foreign terrorist entities, while offering guidance on how communities and law enforcement agencies can work together to address such threats.

Michele Shreffler-Perez presented statistics showing a decline in New Jersey’s drug-related death rate and spoke about strategies law enforcement agencies, community groups, and families can use to combat substance abuse.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of Humanitarian Service Awards honoring local Code Blue centers and volunteers who provide shelter, meals, and assistance to vulnerable individuals during severe winter weather.

“The LCC is invaluable in that it serves as an interface between diverse governmental and communal entities on behalf of the common good,” said Meir Lichtenstein. “I would like to thank the Coalition’s leaders and members for working together so effectively — and continually enhancing Lakewood’s public safety, quality of life and communal unity.”

The coalition also recognized members of the Lakewood Police Department Community Resource Unit and K9 Unit, along with other public safety and outreach personnel, for their continued work supporting community engagement and coalition initiatives.

Event organizers additionally thanked Bacoli Pizza Pasta & Grill, Viva La Dough Bakery Café, and Out to Lunch Café for donating food for the gathering.

By Tzvi Herman | All Make Appliances

The collaboration between Whirlpool and the Star-K in the late 1990s marked the debut of “Sabbath Mode,” initially patented by Whirlpool. While the term “Yom Tov Mode” might have been more descriptive of the features it offers, Whirlpool opted for the term “Sabbath Mode” to market to kosher consumers.

Despite being a popular choice among frum consumers, understanding what Sabbath Mode entails can be a bit perplexing. One of its key features, according to the psak of Rabbi Moshe Heineman, allows for temperature adjustments on Yom Tov when Sabbath mode is activated. However, there is disagreement among contemporary poskim, with many holding that even in Sabbath mode, temperature adjustments are prohibited. It’s advisable to consult with a Rav before utilizing this function.

Shabbos mode does not disable the temperature sensor on the oven. Hence according to Star-K, one cannot open the oven door on Shabbos more than once. Although many Poskim permit opening the door multiple times, one is encouraged to ask a Shaila to their Rav.

Apart from potentially permitting temperature adjustments on Yomim Tovim, this encapsulates what Sabbath Mode offers:

• Disable the lights
• Bypass the 12 hour shutoff (most ovens shut off after 12 hours)
• Disable the beep after a cook time cycle
• In many ovens today, the element/ignitor will shut off when the door is opened. Sabbath Mode will disable it completely or put it on a delay. (It’s important to note many Poskim hold that it is a problem if it shuts off on a delay and recommend disabling the door switch manually)

For older GE Ovens see instructions here

For newer GE ovens see instructions here

Several years ago, GE made the decision to discontinue their relationship with the Star-K and work instead with Zman Technologies, who created an enhanced Shabbos mode under the Hashgacha of the OU, CRC and other Kashrus agencies. Initially this enhanced Shabbos mode was available as an add on device on most GE ovens. However, recently GE introduced an oven which retails for under $750, with the enhanced Shabbos mode built in.

Unlike the Star-K Shabbos mode, the new enhanced Shabbos mode bypasses the door switches and sensors completely allowing one to open the oven at any time. In addition, this new feature allows the oven to be pre-programmed before Yom Tov to set the oven at different temperatures at different times of the day.

Instructions for the Enhanced Shabbos Mode ranges

Have questions about your specific model? Email [email protected] for assistance. Please include the oven’s model number in your email.

A community wellness event hosted by Wellpoint is set to take place Thursday in Lakewood, offering residents free health screenings, giveaways, and community resources.

The “Wellpoint Community Day” event will be held on Thursday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellpoint storefront located at 100 Clifton Avenue in Lakewood.

Attendees will be able to receive free giveaways including diapers, potty seats, and booster seats while supplies last.

The event will also feature a variety of free health screenings and wellness services provided in partnership with Ocean Health Initiatives, including glucose testing, blood pressure screenings, and vision screenings.

In addition, Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean will be participating with a food distribution scheduled for part of the event.

A serial package thief was arrested by the Lakewood Police Department after being caught in the act during a coordinated operation conducted by Lakewood Shomrim.

According to Shomrim, the operation was launched earlier this week following multiple reports from a local residence about packages repeatedly being stolen from the property.

In response, Shomrim members organized a targeted surveillance operation aimed at identifying and apprehending the suspect responsible for the thefts.

The operation ultimately led to the suspect being caught red-handed while allegedly attempting to steal another package from the residence. Shomrim members immediately contacted police, and responding officers from the Lakewood Police Department arrived on scene and placed the suspect under arrest.

Authorities did not immediately release the suspect’s identity or additional details regarding potential charges.

https://lakewoodalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/VID-20260520-WA0016.mp4

Lakewood Township has announced plans for its 2026 Memorial Day Parade and ceremony, set to take place Monday, May 25, in honor of the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives in service to the nation.

The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony at Town Square, located at Clifton Avenue and 3rd Street. From there, participants will proceed southbound along Clifton Avenue in a memorial parade toward the All Wars Memorial at North Lake Park on North Lake Drive off Route 9.

At approximately 11:45 a.m., Mayor Ray Coles will lead a special ceremony at the memorial site. The event will include speeches, musical tributes, and a traditional gun salute honoring fallen service members.

Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller, who serves as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, reflected on the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by members of the military.

“As one who has been privileged to have a close-up view of the men and women in the U.S. Military in action, no words can adequately describe the patriotism and valor they display in their service,” Miller said. “Lakewood Township is honored to once again do our part to honor our military heroes throughout the generations who have paid the greatest price imaginable, so that America can remain the world’s beacon of freedom and prosperity.”

Township officials encouraged residents to attend the parade and ceremony to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country.

A Newark man has been federally charged after authorities say he sent threatening emails warning of physical harm to a Jewish nonprofit organization based in New York City.

Federal prosecutors did not identify the organization, but said the threatening messages were sent on October 6, 2024, and caused recipients to fear for their safety and contact law enforcement.

Cameron Patterson, 34, of Newark, was indicted May 18 on a charge of transmitting interstate threats to injure another person, according to United States Attorney Robert Frazer and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Investigators say Patterson sent three threatening emails to the Jewish organization. During the investigation, authorities searched Patterson’s iCloud account and allegedly discovered multiple images depicting or referencing violence, threats of violence, and mass shootings.

Patterson had previously been charged by complaint and released. He is expected to be arraigned at a later date.

If convicted, Patterson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Federal officials credited special agents with the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with leading the investigation that resulted in the charges.

With temperatures soaring into the mid-90s this week and Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, New Jersey American Water is urging residents to conserve water as the state continues to grapple with ongoing drought conditions.

The utility company reminded customers that New Jersey remains under a statewide drought warning issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, despite some recent rainfall.

“As we head into the summer months, we know our customers are spending more time outdoors and using more water,” said Mark McDonough. “Conserving water is a shared responsibility, and by making small changes, like limiting outdoor watering and using smart irrigation practices, our customers can play an important role in protecting our water resources.”

State officials say New Jersey is still recovering from a significant rainfall deficit that began late last summer and continued through the winter and spring.

“While we saw a little relief over the winter, New Jersey is feeling the effects of nearly two years of below-normal precipitation,” Mikie Sherrill said in a recent state press release. “It is extremely important that all residents and businesses remain mindful of conserving water use going into the late spring and early summer, when demand normally increases.”

New Jersey American Water’s mandatory conservation notice remains in effect statewide as the company works with state and local officials to maintain reliable service during the drought.

The company encouraged residents to reduce outdoor water use through smarter irrigation and landscaping practices. Recommendations include using smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions, installing rain sensors, and considering drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots while reducing evaporation.

Residents are also encouraged to inspect sprinkler systems for leaks or broken heads and avoid overspray onto sidewalks or driveways.

For landscaping, the utility recommends planting drought-resistant and native species, applying mulch to help retain soil moisture, and keeping grass slightly taller — between 2.5 and 3.5 inches — to improve drought resistance.

Officials also advised customers to water lawns only once or twice per week, preferably in the early morning or late evening when evaporation is lower. Watering should be skipped entirely if rain is forecast.

New Jersey American Water said it continues to monitor water supply conditions closely and emphasized that conservation efforts by residents remain critical as summer demand increases.

Voters in Ocean County have several options to cast their ballots ahead of the June 2 Primary Election, including early voting, vote-by-mail, and in-person voting on Election Day.

Early voting will run from May 26 through May 31 at 10 locations across the county. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 26 through May 30, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 31. Registered voters may cast ballots at any early voting site in Ocean County.

Ocean County Clerk John P. Kelly urged voters to review the sample ballots mailed to more than 400,000 registered voters throughout the 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.”

The 10 early voting locations are:

• Berkeley Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, Bayville
• Brick Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, Brick
• Jackson Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, Jackson
• Lacey Township Community Center Room C, Lacey
• Lakewood Municipal Building courtroom, Lakewood
• Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library, Lavallette
• Little Egg Harbor Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, Little Egg Harbor
• Ocean County Southern Service Center, Manahawkin
• Manchester Township Branch of the Ocean County Library, Manchester
• Main branch of the Ocean County Library, Toms River

Kelly noted that voters can use any early voting location regardless of where they live within Ocean County.

“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,” Kelly said. “The voting machines are programmed to provide you with the appropriate touch screen ballots for the town you live in.”

On Election Day, June 2, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and voters must cast ballots at the polling location listed on their sample ballot.

Deputy County Clerk John Catalano reminded residents that applications for Vote by Mail ballots must now be completed in person at the Ocean County Clerk’s Office in 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 postmarked or returned by 8 p.m. on June 2 to be counted. Ballots may be mailed, placed in official drop boxes, or hand-delivered to the Ocean County Board of Elections in Toms River.

Jennifer Bacchione said county officials continue working to ensure elections are secure and accessible.

“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,” Bacchione said. “Voting is a fundamental right, and protecting the integrity of every vote cast remains a top priority.”

The 2026 Primary Election includes races for United States Senate, Congress, Ocean County Commissioner, municipal offices, and county committee seats.

Additional election information is available on the Ocean County Clerk’s Office website.

Large-scale power outages struck Lakewood, Jackson, and Toms River on Tuesday, knocking out power for thousands across the area, as frustration continues to grow with JCP&L, the utility that can’t seem to reliably keep the lights on in inclement weather, especially heat.

A New Jersey Senate committee has approved a bill that would greatly expand security funding for nonprofits and houses of worship across the state.

The bill, S-3610, would strengthen the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps organizations pay for security needs. The program currently helps cover security guards and protective equipment, but the bill would expand it to also cover security training, planning, and intelligence gathering.

The bill would also raise the amount organizations can receive. Grants for security personnel, training, or planning would increase from $10,000 to $50,000. Grants for protective equipment or intelligence work would increase from $50,000 to $150,000. Organizations would also be allowed to apply for more than one type of security funding in the same year.

In addition, the bill would require the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to request at least $10 million each year for the program, instead of the current $2 million minimum.

Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office praised the committee’s approval and urged lawmakers to pass the bill quickly.

“Nonprofit and religious institutions across New Jersey continue to face a heightened threat environment, making security funding more critical than ever,” said Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office.

“We commend Senator Beach and Minority Leader Bucco for advancing this critical legislation so nonprofit organizations and houses of worship can better address today’s security needs,” Schorr said. “We urge the full Legislature to approve the bill swiftly.”

The bill is sponsored by Senator James Beach and Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco. It was approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday with amendments. If passed by the full Legislature and signed into law, it would take effect immediately.

A Manchester Township man has been charged after authorities say he caused a head-on crash in Toms River, fled the scene on foot, resisted arrest and assaulted a police K-9.

Andrew Gajewski, 30, of Manchester Township, was charged 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 charges stem from a crash that occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Route 37 and Batchelor Street in Toms River. Officers responding to a report of a crash with injuries found a 2022 Ford F-150 and a 2021 GMC Acadia with damage consistent with a head-on collision.

Authorities said Gajewski, who was driving the Ford, fled the scene on foot after the crash. The driver of the GMC Acadia was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he is listed in stable condition. A passenger in the Acadia and a passenger in the Ford were taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where they were treated and released.

Gajewski was later taken into custody in a wooded area near the crash scene after allegedly physically resisting arrest and assaulting a Toms River Police Department K-9. He was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during his apprehension.

Officers at the scene observed signs of intoxication, according to authorities. As part of the investigation, a sample of Gajewski’s blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant.

An investigation 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 Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Gajewski was traveling on the wrong side of the roadway at the time of the collision. Investigators further determined that he had been speeding and driving recklessly shortly before the crash.

In addition to the criminal charges, Gajewski was issued numerous motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash causing injury, and failure to report an accident.

Gajewski remains in custody at Community Medical Center. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he will remain pending a detention hearing.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities said additional charges may be forthcoming.

Lakewood voters will head to the polls in the coming days for New Jersey’s 2026 Primary Election, with early voting set to begin Tuesday, May 26, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, June 2.

Races on this year’s primary ballot include U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Lakewood Township Committee, Ocean County Commissioner, and Ocean County Committee. Primaries will be held for both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Early voting will run from Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 31. Polls will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The state Division of Elections lists the 2026 primary early voting period as May 26 through May 31.

During early voting, Lakewood residents may cast their ballots at any early voting location in Ocean County, not only in Lakewood. Voters who choose an early voting site outside Lakewood will still receive the correct ballot for their Lakewood races. However, Lakewood voters may not vote early in Howell, which is in Monmouth County.

Early voting locations available to Lakewood voters include the Lakewood Municipal Building at 231 Third Street; Brick Public Library at 301 Chambers Bridge Road; Jackson Public Library at 2 Jackson Drive; Toms River Public Library at 101 Washington Street; Manchester Public Library at 21 South Colonial Drive; Berkeley Library at 30 Station Road; the Charles A. Smith Center in Lacey at 15 East Lacey Road; Upper Shores Library in Lavallette at 112 Jersey City Avenue; Little Egg Harbor Library at 290 Mathistown Road; and the Ocean County Southern Resource Center in Stafford at 179 South Main Street.

There will be no voting on Monday, June 1.

On Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters casting ballots that day must vote at their assigned polling place. The location is listed on each voter’s sample ballot, and voters are urged to review it carefully, as some polling places have changed since the previous election.

For more information about the 2026 Primary Election, including vote-by-mail applications and deadlines, voters can visit the Ocean County Clerk’s website or call 732-929-2018. The Ocean County Clerk’s Election Services page provides information on vote-by-mail and election services, including mail-in ballot application rules.

Additional details have been released following a fatal stabbing early Monday morning at the Jackson Green Apartments complex on Justin Way off County Line Road, where a woman was found dead and a male suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer announced that Louis Brown, 18, of Jackson Township, has been charged with Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in connection with the death of his grandmother, Darlene Brown, 69, also of Jackson Township.

According to authorities, officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the residence at approximately 7:00 a.m. on May 18 after receiving a 911 call reporting that someone had been murdered.

Responding officers found Louis Brown standing in the front doorway of the home. Police said Brown exited the residence with his hands raised and was immediately taken into custody while officers investigated.

Upon entering the residence, officers discovered Darlene Brown deceased in an upstairs bedroom with apparent stab wounds to her face and neck. Investigators also observed two knives protruding from the victim, authorities said.

A joint investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Louis Brown was the individual who placed the 911 call and was responsible for his grandmother’s death, according to prosecutors.

Brown was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

The Lakewood Police Department has announced the arrest of a Toms River man following an investigation into an alleged eluding incident that occurred on May 4, 2026.

According to police, detectives identified Nicholas Ratajczak, 21, of Toms River, as the driver involved in the incident after developing information during the course of the investigation. Officers later located both Ratajczak and the vehicle believed to have been involved.

Ratajczak was taken into custody and charged with eluding, along with several motor vehicle violations. He was subsequently released pending a future court appearance.

Police also identified a second individual, Bronson Sandford, during the investigation. Authorities said Sandford was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses related to the incident.

Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer praised the officers and detectives involved in the case, as well as the assistance provided by the Toms River Police Department.

“This investigation is another example of the dedication and persistence of our officers in holding reckless drivers accountable and keeping our roadways safe,” Meyer said.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Lakewood Police Department’s Traffic Unit with assistance from the Toms River Police Department.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, pursuant to R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

The Los Angeles–raised philanthropist is being honored for decades of work in public safety, Jewish communal life, and the fight against antisemitism.

Washington, D.C. May 2026

Elliott Broidy will be among three Jewish Americans honored at this year’s Jewish American Heritage Month luncheon on Capitol Hill, receiving the Visionary Award at a ceremony on Capitol Hill on May 19th.

The annual event, organized by Project Legacy under the leadership of Ezra Friedlander, has honored Jewish American leaders since the early 1980s, when Jewish Heritage Week was established following discussions between Malcolm Hoenlein, President Ronald Reagan, and Elie Wiesel. Broidy will be recognized alongside Nobel Prize-winning physician Dr. Harvey J. Alter and Rabbi David Baron of Beverly Hills’ Temple of the Arts.

Broidy, 68, grew up in Los Angeles, the son of a World War II veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart and later became a schoolteacher, and a mother who worked as a nurse. He started working at age eleven — paper routes, Fuller Brush sales, plumbing jobs, salmon fishing in Alaska — and at 18 used his savings to buy a coin-operated laundromat to help put himself through the University of Southern California, where he earned a degree in accounting.

After becoming a CPA and working at Arthur Andersen, he spent nine years running the family office of Glen Bell, founder of Taco Bell, advising on investments in more than 120 companies. He later founded Broidy Capital Management. By his mid-thirties, he had begun making significant charitable contributions to hospitals, synagogues, social services organizations, and educational institutions across the United States and Israel.

The September 11 attacks drew him deeper into public life. He served three years on the Homeland Security Advisory Council, six years as a commissioner of the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension Fund, and six years on the board of the Simon Wiesenthal Center–Museum of Tolerance.

The October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel prompted a further expansion of his giving. He has since directed significant support toward Holocaust remembrance, countering extremism through organizations including the Counter Extremism Project, and strengthening Jewish communal infrastructure in the United States and Israel.

“This celebration is an opportunity not only to honor the contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our nation’s history, but also to reaffirm our shared responsibility to confront hatred and protect the values of tolerance, democracy and human dignity.”

This year’s event is chaired by Malcolm Hoenlein and Eric J. Gertler, Executive Chairman of U.S. News and World Report.

Students from Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion of Edison visited Lakewood as part of their end-of-year trip and stopped at the headquarters of Chaveirim of Central Jersey for a behind-the-scenes look at the organization’s work.

During the visit, the boys toured Chaveirim’s dispatch center, where they learned how assistance calls are received, prioritized, and coordinated in real time. They were shown how volunteers are sent to help stranded motorists, families locked out of homes or vehicles, and others in need of non-emergency assistance.

The students also viewed Chaveirim’s response vehicles and equipment, getting a closer look at the tools used by volunteers during calls across the community.

We regret to inform you of the sudden petirah of R’ Mutti Feldbrand z”l, who was suddenly niftar on Monday morning after celebrating the vort of his daughter just last night. He was just 47 years old.

R’ Mutti z”l, who worked as an architect, previously lived in Lakewood’s Twin Oaks neighborhood before moving more recently to Toms River.

He is survived by his wife and children, including a daughter who got engaged yesterday and whose vort was last night.

The levaya is tentatively set to take at 9 PM Monday night at the Lakewood Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.

Hundreds of men attended Sunday’s Bikur Cholim and Hatzolah men’s health screening event at Ateres Esther in Lakewood, with organizers saying the turnout, and the results, underscored the importance of proactive health checks.

According to organizers who spoke with Lakewood Alerts, approximately 25% of attendees were flagged for immediate follow-up after undergoing screening. The most common issue identified was high blood pressure, though other potential health concerns were also detected.

In some cases, attendees were directed to speak immediately with an on-site doctor, who reviewed their results and advised them on next steps. Those recommendations included following up with their regular physicians or, where appropriate, consulting with cardiologists.

“There are some cases that were literally life-saving,” one organizer told Lakewood Alerts. “If they were to remain in that condition for another year, it’s scary to think what would happen.”

The event was organized by Bikur Cholim and Hatzolah as part of a broader effort to encourage men in the community to take basic preventive health steps before warning signs turn into emergencies. Organizers said the findings demonstrated that many serious health risks can go unnoticed without routine screening, particularly conditions such as high blood pressure, which often produces no obvious symptoms.

New Jersey officials have launched the state’s annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, a statewide enforcement and public awareness initiative aimed at increasing seat belt use and reducing traffic deaths and injuries ahead of the busy summer travel season.

The campaign, announced by AG Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, runs from May 18 through May 31 and will include increased patrols by law enforcement agencies across the state. Officers will focus on drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts, as well as ensuring children are properly secured in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts.

To support the effort, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety is distributing $774,760 in grant funding to 113 law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey. The funding will be used for seat belt enforcement, child passenger restraint compliance efforts, and public awareness activities.

Under New Jersey law, all drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, and drivers are responsible for ensuring passengers under age 18 are properly restrained. Children younger than 8 years old and shorter than 57 inches are required to use an appropriate child restraint system based on their age, height, and weight.

State officials said seat belt use in New Jersey remains among the highest in the nation. Following last year’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign, front-seat seat belt use in the state reached nearly 95 percent, according to an observational study conducted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology and funded by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. That rate is approximately four percentage points above the national average.

Despite the high compliance rate, officials said unrestrained passengers continue to account for a significant number of roadway deaths. In 2024, 135 people killed in crashes in New Jersey were not wearing seat belts, representing 43 percent of all vehicle occupant fatalities statewide. Among those deaths, one in four unrestrained victims were between the ages of 21 and 30.

Officials also emphasized the importance of restraint use in every seating position, noting that back-seat passengers who are not buckled up can increase the risk of injury to everyone in the vehicle during a crash.

During the 2025 “Click It or Ticket” campaign, participating agencies issued 5,352 seat belt summonses, along with 2,624 speeding citations and 706 cell phone violations, reflecting the broader enforcement focus on dangerous driving behaviors.

This year’s campaign coincides with Memorial Day weekend, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. State officials noted that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day historically sees increased traffic volume and a higher risk of serious crashes on New Jersey roadways.

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety said additional summer enforcement initiatives targeting speeding, impaired driving, and Move Over law violations are also planned in the coming months.

A woman was killed early Monday morning at Jackson Green Apartments complex on Justin Way off County Line Road. The male suspect called police and told them what he had done. He was taken into custody without incident.

Law enforcement sources tell Lakewood Alerts that the man is cooperating with investigators. The relationship between the suspect and victim, as well as other details surrounding the homicide, was not immediately clear.

Jackson Police are leading the probe into the killing. Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation develops.

The Lakewood Student Transportation Authority has processed applications for more than 33,500 students across 54 schools as it prepares for the 2026-2027 school year.

As of May 18, the LSTA has completed processing for 33,514 students and established 1,412 bus routes to serve yeshivas and private schools across the region. Among renewal routes, the authority achieved a 92.5 percent renewal rate.

The first round of competitive bidding is scheduled for May 26, with the application and routing process continuing throughout the summer months.

Officials urge families to verify their forms for both the current 2025-2026 and upcoming 2026-2027 school years on the LSTA website at lakewoodsta.org.

Ocean County is in the middle of a building boom, ranking among the top three New Jersey counties for new home construction over the past five years, according to a new Rutgers University study that found the state is producing housing at its fastest pace in decades.

Ocean County added an annual average of 3,923 new homes between 2020 and 2024, trailing only Hudson County’s 5,777 and edging out Bergen County’s 3,648, the Rutgers Regional Report found. The surge has been fueled largely by two distinct forces reshaping the county: the rapid expansion of the Orthodox Jewish community centered in Lakewood, and the continued proliferation of 55-and-over retirement communities across the county’s interior.

Statewide, New Jersey produced nearly 180,000 housing units between 2020 and 2024, its strongest five-year stretch since the 1980s. If the pace holds, the state is on track to finish the decade with roughly 359,300 new homes, about 45 percent more than were built in the 2010s and the highest decade-long total of the 21st century.

In Ocean County, the construction pace reflects demographic pressures unlike anywhere else in the state. Lakewood Township, home to Beth Medrash Govoha, the largest yeshiva outside Israel, has grown more than 45 percent since 2010, reaching roughly 142,000 residents by 2024. Large family sizes, high birth rates, and continued inward migration from Brooklyn and other Orthodox enclaves have created relentless demand for family-sized housing, pushing development outward into Jackson, Toms River, Howell and Manchester.

The county’s other engine is a long-running boom in active-adult communities. Major builders including Lennar and D.R. Horton have continued to roll out 55-and-over developments across Ocean County, drawing retirees from across the Northeast looking for lower taxes and a milder shore climate. Stafford Township’s Stafford Park development was the top municipality in the state for single- and two-family building permits in 2020, and similar projects have continued to come online across Barnegat, Manahawkin and Little Egg Harbor.

The Ocean County pattern stands in sharp contrast to Hudson County, where the construction wave has been driven by high-rise multifamily towers along the Jersey City and Hoboken waterfronts. Statewide, multifamily housing now accounts for more than 62 percent of building permits issued this decade, a significant reversal from earlier eras when single-family homes dominated. Ocean County remains one of the few large counties where single-family construction continues to play a leading role.

The building boom has done little to ease affordability pressures. The median home value in Lakewood reached roughly $476,000 in 2024, with the township ranked among New Jersey’s hottest housing markets. By 2024, no county in the state had a median price for newly built homes below $350,000, according to data from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

State officials have made housing supply a priority. Gov. Mikie Sherrill earlier this year signed an executive order aimed at increasing housing production, and lawmakers have debated measures to make it easier to convert office space into residential units.

Whether the current pace can be sustained remains an open question.

A young child was rescued from a vehicle in the Brookwood 1 neighborhood in Jackson Township on Sunday afternoon after being inadvertently left inside amid soaring temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.

Hatzolah and Chaveirim were both called to the scene. Upon arrival, Hatzolah members broke the window of the vehicle to reach the child inside. The child received medical attention at the scene from Hatzolah personnel. Fortunately, the child was not seriously injured and did not require transport to a hospital.

A young child was rescued from a vehicle on Sunday afternoon after being inadvertently left inside amid soaring temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.

Hatzolah and Chaveirim were both called to the scene. Upon arrival, Hatzolah members broke the window of the vehicle to reach the child inside. The child received medical attention at the scene from Hatzolah personnel. Fortunately, the child was not seriously injured and did not require transport to a hospital.

As Klal Yisrael approaches Zman Matan Toraseinu, the month of Sivan brings with it a rich array of halachos and minhagim that mark the elevated nature of these days. The following is a comprehensive overview, drawn from a halacha guide released by Lishkas Haposkim, the beis horaah founded by Maran Sar HaTorah Hagaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l.

The Days Prior to Shavuos

The Shabbos preceding Shavuos is the Shabbos on which Parshas Bamidbar is lained, serving as a hefsek between Shavuos — the yom hadin for the fruits of the tree — and the klalos read in Parshas Bechukosai. On this Shabbos, Av Harachamim is recited even when it is Shabbos Mevarchim, though Tzidkas’cha is omitted. On Motzaei Shabbos, Vihi Noam and V’Atah Kadosh are not said.

From Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan through Shavuos — and according to some, until seven days after Yom Tov — the days carry an elevated character as the time of Kabbalas HaTorah, and are accompanied by special halachos.

Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan is a time of teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah. Some are particular to recite Yom Kippur Katan on this Erev Rosh Chodesh, as well as the special tefillah of the Shelah Hakadosh. When Erev Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos, most poskim hold that the Shelah’s tefillah is recited on Shabbos, though some prefer to say it on Thursday.

Rosh Chodesh Sivan

On Rosh Chodesh Sivan, Klal Yisrael arrived at Har Sinai, and from this day we begin to rejoice with the Torah. One should accordingly begin learning the relevant halachos of Yom Tov from Rosh Chodesh.

The halachos of aveilus of sefirah continue to apply during these days, even for those whose minhag of sefirah was already completed. Music and dancing not for the sake of a mitzvah remain forbidden, and one should refrain from making a Hachnasas Sefer Torah. Weddings are likewise prohibited at least until Shloshes Yemei Hagbalah, though in a sha’as had’chak one may be lenient. Haircuts are permitted from Rosh Chodesh, though according to the Arizal one should wait until Erev Yom Tov. For children, one may be lenient from the night prior.

Yom Hameyuchas

The second of Sivan is known as “Yom Hameyuchas.” Several reasons are given for the name: It was the day on which Klal Yisrael received the commandment “V’atem Tih’yu Li Mamleches Kohanim V’Goy Kadosh,” distinguishing them as Hashem’s chosen nation; it falls between the day of arrival at Har Sinai and Shloshes Yemei Hagbalah; on this day Hashem commanded Moshe Rabbeinu to prepare the Yidden for Kabbalas HaTorah; and the following Yom Kippur falls on the same day of the week.

Shloshes Yemei Hagbalah

The third of Sivan marks the beginning of Shloshes Yemei Hagbalah. Tachanun is omitted, as is the Yehi Ratzon after krias haTorah, and Tzidkas’cha if Shabbos falls during these days. Fasting is not permitted, though Lamnatze’ach and Kel Erech Apayim before krias haTorah are recited. In principle, all the minhagim of sefirah continue to apply until Shavuos — dancing and music not for the sake of a mitzvah remain forbidden, though for a devar mitzvah such as a Hachnasas Sefer Torah or a chasunah, it is permitted.

Erev Yom Tov

On Erev Yom Tov, Lamnatze’ach is recited.

There is a widespread minhag to decorate the shul with flowers, commemorating Kabbalas HaTorah and recalling that Shavuos is the yom hadin for the fruits of the trees.

One should make every effort not to schedule medical appointments involving bloodwork on Erev Shavuos, though one may be lenient for a routine blood checkup.

Those who must say Yizkor on Yom Tov and light candles should preferably light a candle that lasts two days, so as not to require lighting another candle on Yom Tov itself.

When the second day of Yom Tov falls on Shabbos, an eruv tavshilin must be prepared before Yom Tov in order to cook on Yom Tov for Shabbos. The eruv should be consumed at shalosh seudos. Even one who does not need the eruv for cooking must still make an eruv in order to light Shabbos candles.

The Night of Yom Tov

One who slept during the day should have in mind during the brachah of Ahavas Olam at maariv to fulfill birchos haTorah, and should learn something after davening.

Women may light candles before nightfall and recite Shehecheyanu, though it is preferable to light after nightfall. Even women should not daven maariv until tzeis hakochavim. A woman who recited Shehecheyanu at hadlakas neiros should not answer amen when the brachah is recited at kiddush. If she did answer amen, she need not hear kiddush again. Marital relations are prohibited.

It is the minhag to remain awake the entire night of Shavuos and learn Torah without interruption. Several reasons are given: to rectify the fault of the Yidden who slept on the day of Kabbalas HaTorah, requiring Hashem to instruct Moshe Rabbeinu to wake them; to commemorate that the Yidden remained awake out of thirst to receive the Torah; to rectify the fact that Klal Yisrael only accepted the Torah when forced; to purify ourselves through Torah learning; and to demonstrate our accomplishments and express our desire to continue.

Some hold that the learning on leil Shavuos must be through yegiyas haTorah, while others have the minhag to recite Tikkun Leil Shavuos.

The Day of Shavuos

Al pi kabbalah, one should immerse in the mikvah shortly before alos hashachar, even if one intends to daven later. After tevilah — and even if one only used the facilities — after washing one’s hands, one may recite the brachos of Al Netilas Yadayim and Asher Yatzar himself.

Regarding one who wishes to continue learning after alos hashachar: some hold that he must wash his hands immediately, while others say he should not interrupt his learning and may wash his hands when he finishes, before davening.

One must hear the brachos of Elokai Neshamah, Birchos haTorah, and Hama’avir Sheinah from someone who slept during the night. A bachur must also be yotzei the brachah of tzitzis from one making the brachah on a tallis.

A man should not be yotzei birchos haTorah from a woman, as it is not certain that women are obligated to recite the brachos min haTorah.

One who cannot find someone to be motzi him birchos haTorah should have in mind during Ahavas Olam or Ahavah Rabbah to fulfill the obligation, and should learn immediately after krias Shema or Shemoneh Esrei. However, if he slept on Erev Yom Tov and did not have anything in mind during the previous Ahavas Olam, he may recite birchos haTorah himself.

For the remaining brachos, one who has no one to be motzi him may rely on the opinions permitting him to recite them himself.

There is a machlokes haposkim whether one may recite a brachah on his tzitzis when worn at night. One should therefore have his tallis katan in mind when reciting the brachah on his tallis. One who does not wear a tallis should hear the brachah from one who does. One should be careful not to recite the brachah of tzitzis before the time of mishe’yakir.

One who goes to sleep before davening should be careful to recite krias Shema before sleeping, in case he oversleeps and misses the zemanim. One who intends to sleep before davening may continue learning after alos hashachar without reciting birchos haTorah, and may recite all of birchos hashachar himself upon waking.

One should daven with great kavanah during the brachah of Ahavah Rabbah. Some say this is an eis ratzon with the power to open one’s heart and eyes to understanding Torah, especially on Shavuos.

After the Sefer Torah is placed on the bimah at krias haTorah, the mantel is removed and placed on top of the Sefer Torah, the kohen is called up, and Akdamus is then recited.

During the laining of the Aseres Hadibros, the entire kahal must stand to commemorate Matan Torah. The kriah is conducted with the ta’am elyon.

One should not protest those who dance on Shavuos, as dancing on Shavuos is a way of expressing kavod haTorah.

The Minhag to Eat Dairy

Many have the minhag to consume dairy foods after davening. Numerous reasons are given: milk was forbidden as eiver min hachai prior to Matan Torah and was permitted upon receiving the Torah; when Klal Yisrael received the Torah and learned the halachos of shechitah, they could not prepare meat as it was Shabbos, and therefore ate only dairy for the duration of Yom Tov; to commemorate the shtei halechem by eating two separate meals, since one cannot eat milk and meat at the same meal and must wash twice; because milk symbolizes the transformation from middas hadin to middas harachamim, paralleling the seven weeks of purification before Kabbalas HaTorah; to demonstrate that through the Torah Klal Yisrael was elevated above the malachim — since Avraham Avinu served the malachim milk and meat together, we express our superiority by not eating them together; and to celebrate the completion of sefiras ha’omer, with a dairy meal distinguishing it from the seudos of Yom Tov itself.

In essence of the halachah, one may eat meat directly after milk if he eats a parve food to clean his mouth, washes out his mouth, and washes his hands. However, some have the minhag to wait a half hour before consuming meat. Those who wait may be lenient regarding washing out the mouth.

If one washed netilas yadayim for a dairy bread meal, it is prohibited to consume meat during that same meal. One must bentch, clean the table from dairy, wash out his mouth and hands or wait a half hour, and only then begin a new meal with meat. Some are lenient with this halachah on Shavuos.

Dairy baked goods must be shaped differently from regular baked goods, so as not to confuse them with parve items.

The Days Following Yom Tov

One may not fast on Isru Chag, and Tachanun is not recited. Some have the minhag to eat and drink more than usual on Isru Chag. Some do not say Tachanun until the thirteenth of Sivan, as those days are part of the shivah yemei tashlumin.

Assemblyman Avi Schnall pressed Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez during a recent budget committee hearing over the proposed elimination of $8 million in municipal aid for Lakewood, money that accounts for 62 percent of the township’s state funding.

Schnall used the hearing to lay out Lakewood’s standing among New Jersey’s 550 municipalities, noting that despite being the state’s fourth largest and fastest growing township, with a median age in the teens and one in four families living below the federal poverty line, Lakewood ranks 548th in per-capita municipal aid.

By comparison, Paterson receives roughly $63 million in municipal aid, Elizabeth $30 million, and towns such as Edison, Woodbridge, and Hamilton each receive between $17 million and $23 million. Lakewood receives $5 million.

For the past two budget cycles under former Governor Phil Murphy, Lakewood had received additional aid of $7 million and $8 million respectively, money baked directly into the governor’s budget. The current proposed budget eliminates the full $8 million.

Schnall pushed back on any suggestion that Lakewood has room to absorb the loss. Most New Jersey towns of comparable size employ between 700 and 1,300 full-time municipal workers. Trenton has 1,153. Elizabeth has 1,300. Edison has 700. Lakewood operates with 500. The disparity extends to public safety: Paterson fields 422 police officers, Elizabeth 357, Hamilton 227, and Trenton 236. Lakewood has 170.

Schnall told the committee he is not seeking preferential treatment for Lakewood, only an end to what he described as dramatic underfunding relative to every comparable municipality in the state.

The full exchange between Assemblyman Schnall and Commissioner Suarez can be viewed below.

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Please daven for a Lakewood resident whose condition suddenly deteriorated while undergoing a scheduled procedure, and who remains in critical condition as of Sunday morning.

Chaim Avraham Moshe ben Rivka (Moshe Matzliach) is still intubated and unable to breathe on his own, and has recently developed a fever for which ICU doctors are currently attempting to determine what is causing it.

Please continue to daven and perform maasim tovim in his zechus.

Harav Ezriel Auerbach shlit”a, one of the gedolei torah of our generation, was in Lakewood this past week, where he spent time meeting with select people and spent time in Bais Medrash Govoha.

Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lakewood is hosting a men’s health screening event on Sunday, May 17, offering locals a quick opportunity to take basic preventive health steps that could be lifesaving.

The event is taking place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Ateres Esther, located at 400 Oak Street in Lakewood. It is open to men ages 20 to 65.

The event is being held in coordination with leading rabbanim, doctors, and Hatzolah of Central Jersey.

The Howell Township Police Department has announced its participation in the “Goal Zero” Traffic Enforcement Campaign, a regional initiative aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities through increased enforcement and public awareness efforts.

As part of the campaign, Howell officers will increase patrols and visibility throughout the township this weekend with a focus on promoting safe driving and preventing serious crashes.

The department said the initiative is being conducted in coordination with law enforcement agencies across Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Officials noted that this year’s campaign also serves as a tribute to Patrolman Robert Tobias of the Manchester Township Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty during a roadside traffic stop.

Police are encouraging motorists to drive responsibly, obey traffic laws, avoid distractions, and remain alert behind the wheel as enforcement efforts continue throughout the weekend.

“Let’s work together to make ‘Goal Zero’ a reality in Howell,” the department said in a statement.

Local police departments attended the 35th Ocean County Law Enforcement Memorial Day Observance, a ceremony held to honor police officers from across Ocean County who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The annual observance brings together law enforcement agencies, families, and community members to remember officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the public.

During this year’s ceremony, Jackson officers paid special tribute to Officer Robbie Ventura #213, whose memory continues to be honored by the law enforcement community and his family.

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Jackson Township Police Department Chief Matthew Nelson and members of the department’s Honor Guard attended the 35th Ocean County Law Enforcement Memorial Day Observance, a ceremony held to honor police officers from across Ocean County who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The annual observance brings together law enforcement agencies, families, and community members to remember officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the public.

During this year’s ceremony, Jackson officers paid special tribute to Officer Robbie Ventura #213, whose memory continues to be honored by the law enforcement community and his family.

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30) to make it easier and fairer to become a licensed nursing home administrator in New Jersey has cleared a key hurdle, advancing Thursday out of the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee, which is chaired by Schnall.

Nursing homes are required by law to have a licensed administrator, which is essentially a trained professional who runs the day-to-day operations of the facility. Assembly Bill 4762, updates the rules governing how those administrators get licensed, a process that has not been significantly modernized in decades.

The bill makes several practical changes. It requires the state licensing board to create an online application portal so that applicants can see exactly where their application stands at any given time, rather than waiting and wondering. It also formally establishes a structured training program for people working toward their license, requiring them to complete 1,750 hours of hands-on experience across areas like nursing management, dietary management, and business administration. Additionally, it allows applicants to retroactively count the hours of training accrued while awaiting approval for their application toward their required licensure hours.

The bill also sets clear rules for the experienced administrators who supervise those trainees, and gives applicants three chances to pass the required licensing exam before any additional hurdles can be imposed.

“Nursing home administrators play a critical role in the lives of our most vulnerable residents,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “This legislation modernizes an outdated system, makes sure that people entering the field are properly trained, and brings long-overdue transparency to the application process.”

The legislation now heads to the full Assembly for a vote.

Lakewood Township’s population has grown to 143,765 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimates released Thursday — a jump of more than 6% since the 2020 Census and enough to keep the Ocean County township firmly in fourth place among New Jersey’s most populous municipalities.

The figures place Lakewood behind only Newark (323,808), Jersey City (302,013), and Paterson (161,793) in the state’s population rankings.

The continued growth cements Lakewood’s standing ahead of Elizabeth, which the township surpassed in previous estimates and has held off since. The new data suggests that gap is not narrowing.

Lakewood has been one of the fastest-growing communities in New Jersey for years, driven in large part by its expanding Orthodox Jewish population. The township’s growth trajectory has brought both economic development and pressure on local infrastructure, housing, and municipal services.

The Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimates are based on demographic modeling using birth, death, and migration data since the 2020 decennial count.

Ocean County College contributes $355.8 million to the local economy each year and supports nearly 4,850 jobs throughout the county, according to a newly released economic impact study covering fiscal year 2023-2024.

The study, conducted by research firm Lightcast and recognized by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, found that one out of every 69 jobs in Ocean County is connected to OCC and its students. OCC alumni alone contribute $291 million annually to the county economy through higher earnings and workforce participation in fields including healthcare, education, business, public service, and technology.

The numbers underscore the broad reach of the college, which has served Ocean County residents since opening in 1964 as New Jersey’s first community college. During the fiscal year studied, OCC served more than 12,500 credit students and 755 non-credit students while employing 901 faculty and staff members.

The study also found that for every dollar invested in OCC, society receives $7.50 in economic and social benefits, while taxpayers see $1.90 in added tax revenue and public-sector savings.

“Ocean County College is more than an educational institution, it is a cornerstone of our community,” said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Jennifer Bacchione, who serves as liaison to the college. “Its impact can be seen in our workforce, our economy, our arts and culture community, and in the opportunities it creates for residents of all ages.”

OCC President Dr. Pamela Monaco said the college’s role extends well beyond the classroom. “OCC is deeply woven into the fabric of Ocean County,” she said. “Beyond the classroom, the college serves as a hub for cultural enrichment, workforce development, lifelong learning, and community engagement.”

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners added in a joint statement that OCC “remains one of our strongest community assets” as the county continues to grow. “Its value is measured not only in economic impact, but in the lives it changes every single day.”

A man wanted for smashing the window of a Manchester convenience store and burglarizing has been arrested after detectives tracked him across two counties and found him asleep in his car in a Cherry Hill parking lot.

Keith Mulligan is accused of breaking into the Country Farms Convenience Store in the Whiting section of Manchester Township on May 9, when surveillance footage showed a suspect hurling a large stone through the storefront window to get inside.

Detectives Guarino and Guker identified Mulligan as the suspect and began tracing his movements. They learned his vehicle had been spotted May 12 in Evesham Township, Burlington County, and that Mulligan was known to frequent the area around the Barclay Towers condominium complex in Cherry Hill. The detectives went there and found him asleep inside his parked car.

Mulligan was arrested and brought to Manchester Township Police Headquarters. He was charged with burglary, criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking, and shoplifting, then transferred to Ocean County Jail.

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Organizers of the fifth Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah announced Thursday that this year’s event will begin earlier than in previous years, responding to the many requests that have come in from the oilam.

Doors at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia will open at 3:00 PM, with Mincha at 4:30 PM.

The Ma’amad, to be held Sunday, May 31, will feature a keynote address by Harav Uri Deutsch shlit”a, Rav of Forest Park and one of the most sought-after local speakers and baal eitzos.

Organizers also announced that HaRav Yitzchok Soloveitchik shlit”a, one of the Ziknei Roshei HaYeshiva of this generation, will be traveling to the United States specially to honor the Ma’amad with his presence.

The levaya of R’ Yosef Chaim Lieberman z”l, who was niftar at 98 years old on Wednesday, will be taking place at 2:30 PM Thursday in Lakewood, with kevurah in Deans, NJ.

R’ Yosef Chaim z”l was one of the earliest talmidim of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l at BMG, and spent the remainder of his life in Lakewood. He lived for many years on Lawrence Avenue before moving more recently to the Brookhill neighborhood.

He is survived by a large mishpacha who follow in his way of Torah, mitzvos, and avodas hashem.

Yehi zichro baruch.

Beth Medrash Govoha has announced the creation of a new life insurance initiative that will be made available to all talmidei hayeshiva.

The announcement comes after a series of tragedies in recent years in which families of BMG avreichim were left facing severe financial hardship following the sudden petirah of a husband and father. The newly announced initiative appears aimed at preventing similar situations in the future by providing broader access to life insurance coverage for members of the yeshiva.

While full details of the policy have not yet been publicly released, the announcement says the program will feature “higher payouts,” “more benefits,” and “easy payment options.” Additional information will be mailed out in the coming days.

The Jackson Township Police Department announced the passing of retired Sgt. Kevin Low #137, remembering him for a lengthy law enforcement career that spanned 25 years with the department.

Before joining the Jackson Police Department in September 1975, Low graduated from Keansburg High School in 1969 and enlisted in the United States Army, where he served until March 1974. During his military service, he achieved the rank of Specialist 4 and earned expert badges for both the M16 rifle and hand grenade.

Following his honorable discharge, Low worked for the Ford Motor Company in Metuchen, where he developed what the department described as a lifelong passion for automobiles and classic cars.

During his time with the Jackson Police Department, Low worked a variety of assignments before being transferred to the Investigative Services Division in May 1987. In August 1994, then-Detective Low was promoted to sergeant and took command of the department’s midnight shift.

According to the department, Low received numerous commendations throughout his career for actions including assisting in a homicide investigation while off duty, apprehending fleeing suspects, and assisting the Lakewood Police Department during a high-speed pursuit.

Among the honors he received were a Ribbon of Commendation for personal bravery, an Excellent Police Duty Ribbon for the single-handed apprehension of two auto theft suspects, a Good Conduct Ribbon, and a VFW Commendation recognizing his military service during the Vietnam War era.

The department also highlighted an incident in which Low successfully resolved a confrontation involving an armed intoxicated individual in a residential neighborhood without injury to anyone involved.

Low retired from the department in September 2000 and spent his retirement with his wife, Dr. Patricia West-Low.

In its statement, the department said Low’s name “is still spoken in the halls by those who still had the honor of working with him” and noted that he “is remembered well by this agency.”

The Lakewood Police Department on Thursday commemorated Officer William “Nichie” Preslar #270, who was killed in the line of duty on May 14, 2007.

In a statement marking the anniversary of his death, the department remembered Preslar as a dedicated officer who served the community with “courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment” during his six years with the agency.

The department said Preslar would be remembered for his dedication to law enforcement, his commitment to serving others, and the impact he had on fellow officers and the broader community.

The statement also recognized Preslar’s family, friends, and loved ones, adding that his sacrifice “is never forgotten.”

“We carry his memory with us each day, and his legacy lives on through the work we do and the community he helped protect,” the department said.

A Toms River man and former Hillside police officer has been sentenced to 17 years in state prison for a 2021 crash in Monmouth County that killed a husband and wife.

John P. McClave III, of Toms River, was sentenced before Ocean County Superior Court Judge David M. Fritch after being convicted by a jury of two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide.

Judge Fritch imposed consecutive prison terms of 8½ years for each victim, totaling 17 years behind bars. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), McClave must serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The crash occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. on October 9, 2021, on Asbury Avenue near the Garden State Parkway overpass in Tinton Falls.

According to investigators, McClave was driving a 2018 GMC Canyon pickup truck when it struck a 2020 Toyota Corolla driven by 40-year-old Angel L. Acevedo Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland. Acevedo and his wife, 35-year-old Daniela Correia Salles, were both pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe injuries.

Investigators determined that McClave had been driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol and THC. Authorities said his vehicle left the Parkway lanes without significantly slowing down, became airborne after hitting an embankment, and slammed into the victims’ vehicle.

McClave himself sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The investigation was conducted by the Monmouth County Serious Crash Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Unit, and the Tinton Falls Police Department.

“The impact that this incident had on our community is a reminder of the danger imposed when driving under the influence of intoxicating substances such as marijuana and alcohol. Such behavior cannot be accepted or tolerated,” Prosecutor Santiago said.

Authorities also revealed that McClave had been on his way to work at the time of the crash.

Emergency personnel responded Wednesday to an overturned vehicle at the intersection of Route 88 and New Hampshire Avenue in Lakewood, where the driver fled on foot following the crash.

Police apprehended the driver near the scene shortly after. It was not immediately clear whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

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The Lakewood Vaad is expected to endorse Dr. Robert Lebovics in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, the New Jersey Globe reported Wednesday.

Lebovics, 68, is a self-described centrist and nationally recognized otolaryngologist who is challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Cory Booker. He serves as co-director of the Advanced Lung and Airway Center at Hackensack Meridian Health’s John F. Kennedy University Medical Center, where he specializes in infectious and inflammatory disorders of the throat.

Three other Republicans have emerged as the leading contenders in the race: former News 12 reporter Alex Zdan, state trooper and U.S. Army veteran Richard Tabor, and former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor Justin Michael Murphy.

The Vaad’s endorsement carries significant weight in the Lakewood area, though Republican primaries in the region have historically drawn low voter turnout.

New Jersey American Water will launch door-to-door outreach in Lakewood Township next week as part of a statewide program to identify and replace lead and galvanized steel water service lines, the utility announced.
CDM Smith, a contractor working with the utility, will conduct the inspections over the coming months, visiting homes in designated neighborhoods to visually assess water service line materials.

The effort is required under a 2021 state law mandating that all New Jersey water providers identify and replace both utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. New Jersey American Water launched its Lead Service Line Replacement Program in 2022 to comply with the mandate.

Inspectors will knock on doors in targeted neighborhoods and ask residents for permission to briefly examine service line materials. Residents who are not home during canvassing can schedule an inspection appointment at calendly.com/njaw, or self-identify their service line material by completing a short survey at newjerseyamwater.com/leadsurvey.

The utility and CDM Smith will also notify residents through mailed letters, postcards, customer alerts, emails, and social media. All inspections are free of charge. CDM Smith staff will carry official photo ID badges and wear logoed, high-visibility vests, and will not request payment or personal financial information of any kind.

If a service line is confirmed to contain lead or galvanized steel, New Jersey American Water will schedule replacement in line with its statewide plan. Residents may continue using their tap water as usual, as the utility says its water meets all state and federal quality standards, including those governing lead levels.

Additional information, an interactive service line inventory map, and self-reporting tools are available at newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts. Residents with questions can email the utility’s Lead Team at [email protected] or call CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.

A reader has submitted a concern that has come to light again regarding slurpees at the QuickChek location on Cedarbridge Avenue in Lakewood that the should be aware of.

According to the certification posted at the store — the only current, non-expired paper on display — the slurpees are only kosher if the syrup box used in the machine carries a hechsher. QuickChek sources its syrups from multiple suppliers, and not all of them are certified.

The practical difference: one must visually verify the syrup box inside the machine before purchasing. The problem is that the box is typically not visible to customers.

A local rav who looked into the matter contacted the certifying hashgacha directly. They were reportedly taken aback that Lakewood residents have been consuming these slurpees routinely without performing the required check.

As always, when in doubt, contact your rav for a psak.

One person suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation after a fire was reported inside a dwelling on Davids Street, off of Route 70. Firefighters responded to the scene shortly after 3 PM on Wednesday, with the scene apparently taking place on the second floor of the structure.

The fire was quickly doused, and one person was seen being provided oxygen at the scene, with EMS on standby to transport him to the hospital.

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CHEMED has officially announced plans to develop a 60-acre outpatient healthcare campus in Lakewood, in what the organization is billing as an unprecedented shift in how coordinated medical care is delivered to families in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.

The project, called The Medical Village, will bring more than 50 specialties under one roof in a purpose-built, outpatient-first facility designed to eliminate the fragmentation that typically forces patients to navigate multiple providers across multiple locations. Planned services include primary care, dental, mental health, pediatric specialties, women’s health, a standalone emergency department, an ambulatory surgery center, and a state-of-the-art diagnostic radiology center.

“We’re reimagining the very experience of care in a way that’s never really been done before,” said CHEMED CEO Dr. Dovid Friedman. “Our goal is full-spectrum, whole-family healthcare, seamlessly delivered through a single, integrated system where every provider is in sync and every family feels seen, supported, and prioritized.”

The campus model is designed around communication between care teams, allowing providers across specialties to coordinate directly rather than relying on patients to bridge the gap themselves. While the facility will be exclusively outpatient and non-hospital, CHEMED said it is in active discussions with potential hospital partners to ensure patients have access to all levels of care when needed.

The project is currently in the due diligence phase, with CHEMED working to satisfy regulatory and licensing requirements before moving forward.

CHEMED, which stands for Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry, is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in New Jersey. Founded in 2008, it has served Lakewood and surrounding communities for nearly two decades.

A highly anticipated Howell Township Council meeting Tuesday night was abruptly canceled after an oversized crowd packed the municipal building to voice opinions on a controversial proposed ordinance that would ban the conversion of residential garages into habitable living spaces.

The meeting had been expected to include a vote on a measure that has sparked intense debate over religious freedom, housing policy, and local zoning authority. However, police called off the meeting before the ordinance could be considered, citing the unexpectedly large turnout and concerns surrounding crowd capacity and public safety.

The proposed ordinance would create a new section of the municipal code titled “Private Garages on Residential Lots,” requiring residential garages to be used exclusively for the storage of motor vehicles while prohibiting their use as bedrooms, kitchens, gathering spaces, or other habitable areas. The measure would also require homeowners to maintain the physical infrastructure of garages, including garage doors and layouts designed for vehicle storage.

Township officials have framed the proposal as an effort to address overcrowding, parking concerns, and zoning enforcement issues. However, critics and many residents who attended the meeting contend the ordinance disproportionately impacts Howell’s growing Orthodox Jewish community, particularly families who utilize converted garage spaces for private minyanim, which are federally protected.

The controversy comes as New Jersey lawmakers continue considering statewide legislation that would require municipalities to permit certain Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), including garage apartments, as part of broader efforts to address the state’s housing shortage.

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The Toms River Township Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect connected to a fraud investigation involving the unlawful use of a Toms River resident’s debit card.

According to police, the suspect is described as a white male between 18 and 21 years old, with dark hair styled in a bowl-cut fashion, a thin build, and standing approximately 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-9 tall.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly used the victim’s debit card fraudulently on April 18, 2026, first at an ATM machine in the Upper Montclair area and later that same day at the Menlo Park Mall.

Authorities are also reminding residents to remain cautious when receiving phone calls claiming to be from banking institutions, even if the caller ID appears to show the bank’s phone number. Officials advised residents who are uncertain about the legitimacy of a call to hang up and contact their financial institution directly using the phone number listed on the back of their credit or debit card, or to visit a local branch during normal business hours.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is urged to contact Detective Jesse Robertazzi of the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150 ext. 1304. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.

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New solar-powered streetlights are being installed along a stretch of New Hampshire Avenue in Lakewood Township as part of an effort to improve pedestrian safety and visibility in the area.

Township crews are currently installing approximately 50 solar-powered LED streetlamps along the sidewalk between Ridge Avenue and Route 88. According to township officials, the project was initiated after it was determined that traditional streetlights could not be installed due to the lack of electrical infrastructure along the roadway.

The project was spearheaded by Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein and Township Engineering Manager Tony Poklasny. Officials said the solar-powered units offered an alternative solution that avoided the need for electrical connections while also reducing long-term energy costs.

Each light produces approximately 1,500 lumens and is fully powered by solar energy.

Several township departments and officials collaborated on the project. Brendan Weiner of the Engineering Department developed the lighting plan and field layout, while the Lakewood Department of Public Works handled installation under the direction of Ray Helmstetter Sr., Ken Donaldson, and Mike Bovasso.

“Thanks to our great Engineering and Public Works officials, Lakewood has enhanced the safety and quality-of-life in yet another key area in town,” Lichtenstein said in a statement. “Despite the challenges of being unable to do this project the ‘regular’ way, our team did not give up; and instead worked together successfully to innovate on behalf of our residents.”

Harav Malkiel Kotler spoke Tuesday morning after Shacharis at Mekor Hachaim Shul in São Paulo, Brazil, before the gedolim depart to Argentina on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah.

Harav Malkiel spoke about the simcha of Torah, citing the Gemara that Reb Yosef would make a special seudah on Shavuos, saying that without Torah, “כמה יוסף איכא בשוקא” — he would be no different than anyone else.

He shared that Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l would ask why there is no special mitzvah on Shavuos, and explained that if a person is truly oisek baTorah, the Torah itself brings him simcha.

Harav Malkiel emphasized that Torah does not only give a person knowledge — it changes who he is. One who learns Torah becomes a different person, a klaf of Torah, and the difference can be seen in his entire conduct, in his honesty and in the way he deals with others.

He related that when a chassidishe bochur once asked his grandfather for permission to leave Lakewood for Shavuos, Rav Aharon responded, “You are leaving the Ma’amad Har Sinai?”

Harav Malkiel said that the Ma’amad Har Sinai continues in every yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel, and that the mission of Keren Olam HaTorah is to sustain that living Ma’amad Har Sinai.

He concluded with the message he received from his grandfather: every person must have a real kevius in Torah — not only because of the chiyuv, but because of the transformation Torah creates in a person.

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Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lakewood will host a men’s health screening event this coming Sunday, May 17, offering locals a quick opportunity to take basic preventive health steps that could be lifesaving.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Ateres Esther, located at 400 Oak Street in Lakewood. It is open to men ages 20 to 65.

The campaign’s message is direct: “What you don’t know CAN hurt you. And you won’t know if you don’t go. 15 minutes can save your life.”

The event is being held in coordination with leading rabbanim, doctors, and Hatzolah of Central Jersey.

The Lakewood Police Department has arrested a 24-year-old Lakewood man following an extensive investigation into a string of burglaries that targeted pushkas located in shuls.

Police announced that the suspect was taken into custody after detectives spent weeks investigating multiple burglaries that began in March at local shuls throughout the area.

According to investigators, the suspect entered shuls during overnight hours and stole money from any pushkas he could find. Detectives identified him through a combination of surveillance footage, investigative techniques, patrol operations, and assistance from the Regional Operations Intelligence Center.

On May 7, detectives executed court-authorized search warrants at a residence and vehicle connected to the investigation. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody without incident, police said.

The suspect was charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft before being transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.

“This arrest was the result of outstanding detective work and coordination between our patrol officers, detectives, and law enforcement partners,” said Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer. “These incidents targeted places of worship and created understandable concern within our community. I’m proud of the work done by our officers to identify the suspect and bring this investigation to a close.”

The Lakewood Development Corporation approved a series of Urban Enterprise Zone-related measures Monday, including a nearly $2 million project request for snow removal equipment, continued funding for the downtown Clifton Avenue Clean Team, a grant for drone equipment and training for Chaverim of Central Jersey, and a $50,000 UEZ microloan for a local business.

The largest item approved was a request to the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for up to $1,995,000 to purchase snow removal equipment for Lakewood’s Department of Public Works. The project includes two Trecan Model 80-PD snow melters, capable of melting approximately 80 tons of snow per hour, along with two Caterpillar Model 938 wheel loaders to support snow removal operations.

The equipment is intended to help DPW manage snow more efficiently within the UEZ, reduce the need for hauling snow away from downtown areas, allow for on-site snow disposal, and improve roadway access during severe winter storms. The proposed budget lists $1,366,321 for the two snow melters, including warranty and delivery, and $624,000 for the two wheel loaders, with the total request rounded to $1,995,000.

Another resolution approved up to $35,000 in second-generation UEZ funds for Chaveirim of Central Jersey to purchase a drone and cover drone training. The resolution says the equipment and training will assist Chaverim volunteers in supporting the Lakewood Police Department and Office of Emergency Management with overnight searches and other public-safety tasks, including responses involving HAZMAT, homeland security and other threats.

The board also approved submitting a Year 2 project request for the Downtown Clifton Avenue Clean Team. The resolution says the program is aimed at improving cleanliness and traffic flow in the downtown UEZ corridor, which officials said supports local business activity. The project request is for an amount not to exceed $440,000, with a proposed budget showing $437,505.68 in costs, including supervisors and employees, health insurance, supplies and overtime.

Many New Jersey residents who rely on food stamps could soon see reduced benefits — and about 47,000 people may lose assistance entirely — under changes tied to a federal law signed by President Donald Trump, according to state officials.

The changes affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, which helps roughly 850,000 New Jersey residents buy groceries. The average monthly benefit is about $194.

New work requirements are now taking effect for some recipients who were previously exempt, including veterans, former foster children, and certain older adults. To remain eligible, many must now prove they work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week.

State Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha warned lawmakers that the changes could reduce federal SNAP funding for New Jersey families by up to $150 million this year and $270 million next year. While many recipients could lose about $10 per month, some households may see cuts as high as $100.

The new law also shifts more administrative costs onto states. Gov. Mikie Sherrill has proposed adding $71 million to help cover those expenses in her proposed state budget. Under the new rules, states must now cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from the previous 50% split with the federal government.

The Vaad Lmishmeres Shatnez has issued a warning to consumers after linen was discovered in a Ricercato brand wool suit purchased at an Igud Bnei Torah sale held in Toms River prior to Pesach.

Individuals who have purchased Ricercato wool suits or similar garments from the recent Igud Bnei Torah sale in Toms River are strongly advised to have their items checked by a qualified shatnez tester. This is particularly important given that other items from the same batch may also be affected by the presence of linen.

The Vaad Lmishmeres Shatnez has long urged consumers not to consider any garment shatnez-free without proper, thorough testing.

Drivers in Ocean County — especially in Lakewood, Toms River, and Manchester — should expect lane closures and traffic delays on Route 70 and Route 9 as a large road project begins tomorrow. The $9.9 million project, funded by the federal government, will repair and preserve sections of the highways in both Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Beginning Tuesday, May 12, and continuing through Friday, May 15, drivers will see daytime shoulder closures from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workers will be putting up construction signs along Route 70 and Route 9.

After the signs are installed, overnight lane closures will begin later in May. Those closures will take place Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next morning. Crews will remove old lane markings and prepare the roads for paving work.

The main construction work on Route 70 is expected to begin in mid-June and continue for several months. Overnight lane closures on Route 9 are expected to start in early August.

The project includes about 13 miles of Route 70 in Ocean County, including the busy stretch from Manchester through Lakewood and toward Toms River. Parts of Brick, Brielle, and Wall will also be affected. On Route 9, work will take place in Lacey, Berkeley, Pine Beach, and Beachwood.

The project is expected to be finished in fall 2026.

A potentially dangerous situation was quickly brought under control on Monday afternoon when a fire broke out at a residential home hosting a playgroup near Route 9 and Pine Street in Lakewood. Thankfully, all of the home’s occupants, including multiple children, were safely evacuated from the premises before emergency responders arrived on the scene.

The fire was promptly extinguished without causing any significant damage to the property. Lakewood EMS and Hatzolah were dispatched to the location to provide medical assistance and ensure the well-being of those involved.

As a precautionary measure, several children and adults who were present at the playgroup during the incident were placed under brief medical observation. The emergency medical personnel conducted basic health assessments to verify that no one had been adversely affected by the fire or its aftermath.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

A potentially dangerous situation was quickly brought under control on Monday afternoon when a fire broke out at a residential home hosting a playgroup near Route 9 and Pine Street in Lakewood. All of the home’s occupants, including multiple children, were evacuated from the premises before emergency responders arrived on the scene.

The fire was promptly extinguished without causing any significant damage to the property. Lakewood EMS and Hatzolah were dispatched to the location to provide medical assistance and ensure the well-being of those involved.

As a precautionary measure, several children and adults who were present at the playgroup during the incident were placed under brief medical observation. One child was transported to a hospital for additional observation, though they are expected to be okay.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Tonight and tomorrow mark the first yahrtzeit of the three bochurim who were tragically taken from us in a devastating car crash in Jackson – Dovid Yitzchok Handler z”l, Chaim Zelig Berl z”l, and Refoel Faham z”l.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of a Friday morning, when a Toyota Sienna carrying five bochurim crashed along Hope Chapel Road, between Clearstream and New Central.

A passerby who came upon the harrowing scene immediately called 911, and emergency services, including Hatzolah, were dispatched to the location. Despite the swift response, Dovid Yitzchok Handler z”l and Chaim Zelig Berl z”l were tragically niftar at the scene. Refoel Faham z”l was later niftar at the hospital.

Yehi zichram baruch.

Tonight and tomorrow mark the first yahrtzeit of the three bochurim who were tragically taken from us in a devastating car crash in Jackson – Dovid Yitzchok Handler z”l, Chaim Zelig Berl z”l, and Refoel Faham z”l.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of a Friday morning, when a Toyota Sienna carrying five bochurim crashed along Hope Chapel Road, between Clearstream and New Central.

A passerby who came upon the harrowing scene immediately called 911, and emergency services, including Hatzolah, were dispatched to the location. Despite the swift response, Dovid Yitzchok Handler z”l and Chaim Zelig Berl z”l were tragically niftar at the scene. Refoel Faham z”l was later niftar at the hospital.

Yehi zichram baruch.

The Ocean County Courthouse is closed today following reports of fire alarms activated in courtrooms 12 and 15. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and local fire department responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the alarm and ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.

The exact source of the alarm activation has not been disclosed.

The court closure was announced on the state courts website, stating, “Due to a facilities issue, Ocean Vicinage will be closed the remainder of today. For Temporary Restraining Orders, please contact the Family Division – Domestic Violence Unit at (732)504-0700, extension 64608, or your local police department.”

Authorities have not released any information regarding the cause of the fire alarm activation or whether any damage occurred in the affected courtrooms. It is unclear when the courthouse will reopen for regular operations.

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Please daven for a Lakewood resident whose condition suddenly deteriorated while undergoing a scheduled procedure, and is now in critical condition.

A name has been added, and now Chaim Avraham Moshe ben Rivka is undergoing surgery Monday morning, and is in need of rachamei shamayim for a refuah sheleima.

Please daven for a Lakewood resident whose condition suddenly deteriorated while undergoing a scheduled procedure, and is now in critical condition.

Avraham Moshe ben Rivka is undergoing surgery Monday morning, and is in need of rachamei shamayim for a refuah sheleima.

Harav Uri Deutsch shlit”a, the rav of Forest Park and one of the most sought-after speakers and baal eitzos, will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Maamad Adirei Hatorah on Sunday, May 31st.

One of the Ziknei Roshei HaYeshiva of our generation, HaRav Yitzchok Soloveitchik shlit”a, will also he in attendance, traveling to the United States specially to honor the Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah with his presence, organizers announced Thursday.

The fifth Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah will take place on Sunday, May 31, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly the Wells Fargo Center) in Philadelphia.

The Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah has become a hallmark event for the American yeshiva community, drawing participants from across the country to celebrate the greatness of those dedicated to perpetuating the mesorah of authentic limud hatorah.

Harav Uri Deutsch shlit”a, the rav of Forest Park and one of the most sought-after speakers and baal eitzos, will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Maamad Adirei Hatorah on Sunday, May 31st.

One of the Ziknei Roshei HaYeshiva of our generation, HaRav Yitzchok Soloveitchik shlit”a, will also he in attendance, traveling to the United States specially to honor the Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah with his presence, organizers announced Thursday.

The fifth Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah will take place on Sunday, May 31, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly the Wells Fargo Center) in Philadelphia.

The Ma’amad Adirei HaTorah has become a hallmark event for the American yeshiva community, drawing participants from across the country to celebrate the greatness of those dedicated to perpetuating the mesorah of authentic limud hatorah.

A financial planning forum designed to help frum families navigate economic pressures while maintaining Torah values is set take place Sunday evening in Lakewood.

The “Community Evening of Chizuk” — titled “Can I Make It In Today’s Economy?” — will bring together financial experts and rabbanim to discuss practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and long-term planning from a Jewish perspective.

The event, scheduled for Sunday, May 10 at 8:15 p.m. at KYA Sincha Hall (1371 Alvarado Avenue), will feature Rabbi Eliezer Gewirtzman of the Coventry Shul, and Doni Brodie, a board member of Living Smarter Jewish, a financial coaching organization.

The forum will address the financial realities facing contemporary frum families, offering halacha-based guidance on modern economic realities. Attendees will learn practical, real-life strategies for budgeting, saving, and planning ahead, according to promotional materials. The event will also offer an opportunity for community members to sign up for free financial coaching sessions.

The event is open to both men and women.

A transformer fire broke out at approximately 3:15 a.m. Sunday morning near Route 9 and Yale Drive in the south end of Lakewood, leaving approximately 400 JCP&L customers without electricity.

The Lakewood Fire Department, Lakewood Police Department, Chaverim of Central Jersey, and JCP&L responded to the scene, where emergency crews worked to secure the area and address the active utility fire.

JCP&L crews remain on scene and currently estimate power restoration by approximately 7:00 a.m.

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Two abandoned homes in Lakewood were severely damaged in a two-alarm fire early Shabbos morning, with officials suspecting squatters may have been responsible.

Emergency responders arrived at the 5th Street properties near Clifton Avenue at 4:54 am to find the structures engulfed in flames. The fire was quickly upgraded to a second alarm, prompting additional fire agencies to respond before crews brought the blaze under control.

No injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation, though fire officials said squatters living in the abandoned buildings are the leading theory.

Officers from the Lakewood Police Department joined fellow law enforcement personnel today in the annual Police Unity Tour, a multi-day bicycle ride honoring officers who died in the line of duty.

The ride began at the Jackson Police Department and traveled past the memorial site of Officer Preslar #270 before continuing past Lakewood Police Headquarters on the journey south to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

The Police Unity Tour was established to honor the memory of fallen law enforcement officers while raising awareness and support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Participating officers ride hundreds of miles to Washington, D.C., where ceremonies are held during National Police Week.

Lakewood police officials said they were proud to have officers participating in the tribute and wished them a safe journey as they represent the community and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The fifth annual Adirei HaTorah ma’amad will remain at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena after efforts to secure a larger venue ahead of the sold-out event were unsuccessful, BMG CEO Rabbi Yosef Heinemann announced Friday.

The update comes days after organizers confirmed they were exploring the possibility of relocating the May 31 gathering to a significantly larger venue following overwhelming demand for tickets, which sold out within four hours of release.

“We worked very hard this week to secure a larger venue for this year’s maamad,” Rabbi Heinemann wrote in a message addressed to Adirei Hatorah shul ambassadors. “Unfortunately, it did not work out. Gam zu litovah.”

The event is scheduled to take place at the former Wells Fargo Center, now known as Xfinity Mobile Arena, which seats just over 20,000 attendees. Organizers had been evaluating whether a larger facility could be arranged in time for the rapidly approaching ma’amad.

Despite the setback, Rabbi Heinemann said organizers are continuing efforts to expand attendance capacity within the existing venue.

“We are working with Xfinity Mobile Arena to open some more seats and we will know mid next week if we are matzliach and how many,” he wrote.

It is with deep sadness that Lakewood Alerts reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Necha Weiss a”h, wife of Harav Gershon Weiss zt”l, longtime rov of Bais Medrash Ateres Binyomin in Lakewood and menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island.

The rebbetzin had recently suffered a major medical incident and had been hospitalized at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital until her petirah.

Rebbetzin Weiss stood for decades as the ezer k’negdo to her husband, as he spent his life being marbitz Torah. Rav Weiss served for more than fifty years as a rebbi and menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island under the leadership of Rav Reuven Feinstein, while also serving as the rov of Bais Medrash Ateres Binyomin in Lakewood.

Rav Weiss zt”l was niftar in January 2020 at the age of 87.

Rav and Rebbetzin Weiss a”h leave behind a large family of children and grandchildren continuing in their path of Torah and avodas Hashem. Among the family are R’ Dovid Weiss, R’ Chaim Yitzchok Weiss, R’ Yossi Weiss, and R’ Mordechai Weiss, along with sons-in-law R’ Binyomin Schulgasser, R’ Leiby Zeilberger, R’ Eli Levin, R’ Avigdor Buckwald, R’ Moshe Lieberson, R’ Forchheimer, R’ Yechezkel Ulman, R’ Yitzchok David, R’ Uri Meir Kanarek, R’ Shmuel Pepper, and R’ Avigdor Speiser.

Levaya and shiva details will be published when available.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Two New Jersey residents may have been exposed to hantavirus after possibly coming into contact with passengers linked to a Dutch cruise ship at the center of a deadly outbreak.

According to Gov. Mikie Sherrill, the individuals were not passengers aboard the ship itself, but may have interacted with cruise passengers after they disembarked from the ship and took a flight abroad. Neither person has shown symptoms, and officials have not confirmed whether either contracted the virus.

Public health authorities stressed that there is currently “no apparent threat to the public,” even as officials continue monitoring potential exposures tied to the outbreak.

The concerns stem from a growing hantavirus outbreak connected to the cruise ship, where three people have died and several others are being monitored for possible infections. The outbreak has drawn international attention after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly classified its response as a Level 3 emergency operation.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease most commonly spread through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, droppings, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is considered extremely uncommon, depending on the strain involved.

Symptoms can initially resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches, before potentially progressing to severe respiratory distress in serious cases.

New Jersey officials have not released additional details about where the possible exposure occurred or whether further monitoring is underway.

Two Monmouth County men have been charged in an identity theft scheme that targeted members of a Wall Township gym, police said Wednesday.

Andrew Cosenza, 26, of Manasquan, and Edward Byham, 35, of Howell, were arrested following an investigation into thefts from secured lockers at Genesis Health Club on Atlantic Avenue, according to Wall police.

Police said Detective Michael Caccitore determined that Cosenza would legally check into the gym and then let Byham inside through a side door to avoid screening at the front desk. Once inside, the pair allegedly stole cash, credit cards and personal items from lockers.

Investigators said the stolen information was later used in a “bust-out” cellular fraud scheme, in which stolen identities are used to open mobile electronics accounts and finance high-value devices, including iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods, with no intent to pay. Police said the electronics were being shipped to an address connected to Cosenza.

Authorities also recovered stolen passport cards, driver’s licenses from Georgia and New York, several stolen credit and debit cards, and counterfeit checks. Cosenza was also allegedly found with suspected heroin and prescription pills.

Cosenza was charged with credit card fraud, theft by unlawful taking and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Byham was charged with identity theft, credit card theft and receiving stolen property.

“This investigation shows the commitment of our Detective Bureau to protecting our residents from those who use stolen information for financial gain,” Wall Police Lt. Steven Nash said.

Both men were processed and taken to the Monmouth County Jail.

A Cream Ridge contractor has been charged following an investigation into an unpaid construction materials purchase that authorities say left a local business with a significant outstanding balance.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, Daniel Sachkowsky, 44, of Cream Ridge, was charged on May 5 with bad checks and theft by deception.

Police said the investigation began after Woodhaven Lumber reported an unpaid balance connected to construction materials purchased through NJ Home Builders & Renovations in 2023.

Detectives determined that after the materials were delivered, the payment for the transaction was disputed, resulting in what authorities described as a substantial unpaid balance.

Investigators found that several partial payments were made over time, but the balance was never fully paid. According to police, communication with the business eventually ceased.

Following the investigation, Sachkowsky was charged and issued a summons pending future court proceedings.

“These types of cases can have a serious financial impact on local businesses,” said Chief Greg Meyer. “Our detective conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this transaction, and when it became clear the balance would not be rectified, appropriate charges were filed.”

The Lakewood Police Department is welcoming two new officers to its ranks as they prepare to graduate from the Ocean County Police Academy.

Department officials announced that the two newest Class II officers will graduate Friday as part of Ocean County Police Academy Class 124.

In a statement, the department congratulated the recruits on completing the academy and praised their commitment and dedication throughout the training process.

“We are proud of your hard work and dedication and look forward to seeing you serve our community,” the department said.

Class II special officers in New Jersey are authorized to perform many law enforcement duties and often assist local police departments with patrol operations, traffic control, community policing, and special events.

The new officers are expected to begin serving with the department following graduation ceremonies.

A Maine man has been charged with attempted murder and a host of weapons offenses after authorities say he drove toward police officers responding to threats against a South Toms River household before being shot by an officer during a confrontation last month.

Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Brian Lanzim, 37, of Bangor, Maine, was charged with three counts of attempted murder, along with multiple weapons offenses, burglary, terroristic threats, unlawful use of body armor, and 22 counts of possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines.

The charges stem from an April 29 incident on Dover Road in South Toms River.

According to prosecutors, officers from the South Toms River Police Department responded to the area after receiving reports that Lanzim had threatened residents of a home and was traveling from Maine to South Toms River while armed.

Authorities said officers were present near the residence when Lanzim allegedly drove his vehicle across the front lawn toward responding officers, forcing them to take cover behind a fence.

Investigators said Lanzim then exited the vehicle and attempted to enter a locked door at the home. Officers confronted him and observed that he was wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with a handgun, according to prosecutors.

During the encounter, a South Toms River police officer fired his department-issued weapon, striking Lanzim in the pelvis and hand. Prosecutors said Lanzim was disarmed and officers immediately rendered medical aid before he was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment.

Authorities later discovered that Lanzim allegedly had a loaded rifle and numerous large-capacity ammunition magazines inside his vehicle.

After being released from the hospital, Lanzim was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

The incident remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Professional Standards Unit. Prosecutors said additional information will be released once the investigation is complete.

A Maine man has been charged with attempted murder and a host of weapons offenses after authorities say he drove toward police officers responding to threats against a South Toms River household before being shot by an officer during a confrontation last month.

Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Brian Lanzim, 37, of Bangor, Maine, was charged with three counts of attempted murder, along with multiple weapons offenses, burglary, terroristic threats, unlawful use of body armor, and 22 counts of possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines.

The charges stem from an April 29 incident on Dover Road in South Toms River.

According to prosecutors, officers from the South Toms River Police Department responded to the area after receiving reports that Lanzim had threatened residents of a home and was traveling from Maine to South Toms River while armed.

Authorities said officers were present near the residence when Lanzim allegedly drove his vehicle across the front lawn toward responding officers, forcing them to take cover behind a fence.

Investigators said Lanzim then exited the vehicle and attempted to enter a locked door at the home. Officers confronted him and observed that he was wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with a handgun, according to prosecutors.

During the encounter, a South Toms River police officer fired his department-issued weapon, striking Lanzim in the pelvis and hand. Prosecutors said Lanzim was disarmed and officers immediately rendered medical aid before he was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment.

Authorities later discovered that Lanzim allegedly had a loaded rifle and numerous large-capacity ammunition magazines inside his vehicle.

After being released from the hospital, Lanzim was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

The incident remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Professional Standards Unit. Prosecutors said additional information will be released once the investigation is complete.

More than 100 people gathered several weeks ago for a free Shalom Bayis event hosted by Shalom Ohalecha, a relatively new organization with a mission to assist couples struggling with shalom bayis by providing them with the resources necessary to get the help they need.

The full Shalom Bayis event can watched below.

Additionally, Shalom Ohalecha has launched a newsletter. The first issue can be downloaded here.

Jackson Township officials say they are prepared to fight in court to preserve new protections aimed at limiting rent increases for residents living in mobile home communities, after several park owners filed a lawsuit challenging the ordinance.

The dispute centers on Ordinance 2026-06, adopted by the Jackson Township Council on March 24. The measure amended the township’s rent control regulations governing apartments and manufactured housing communities, adding stricter oversight and new limitations on rent increases within mobile home parks.

Under the ordinance, annual rent increases in manufactured housing communities are capped at 2.5%, which is one percentage point lower than the maximum increase allowed under New Jersey law. The ordinance also requires landlords to obtain approval through the township’s rent control process before implementing any increase. Unauthorized increases are considered void and may result in penalties.

Township officials said the changes were adopted in response to mounting concerns from residents — particularly seniors and those on fixed incomes — who have faced steep and unpredictable rent hikes.

“For many seniors and working families, these communities represent one of the last affordable housing options available,” Jennifer Kuhn said in a statement. “The Township will not stand by while residents are subjected to excessive rent increases that threaten their financial stability and ability to remain in their homes.”

The ordinance also requires park owners to disclose the components of rent charges, including base rent, tax surcharges, and fees, to new tenants. In addition, landlords seeking rent increases must file requests with the township’s Rent Leveling Board.

The measure includes enforcement provisions that could strip landlords of vacancy decontrol privileges for up to five years in certain cases. Residents are also given the ability to petition for rent decreases under certain circumstances.

Several manufactured housing community owners have now filed litigation seeking to overturn the ordinance. According to township officials, the plaintiffs include Southwind Village, Oak Tree, Fountainhead Properties, Inc., Land O’ Pines Mobile Home Park, Shady Lake Park II, Silver Pine Park Land LLC, and Jackson Acres LLC.

The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the ordinance, block the township from enforcing it, and recover monetary damages.

Township officials argued that the legal challenge is an attempt to eliminate local oversight and maintain the ability to impose significant rent increases on residents with limited housing alternatives.

“The Township Council enacted this ordinance because protecting residents from unreasonable housing costs is a core responsibility of local government,” Kuhn said. “We remain committed to defending these protections and standing with the residents of Jackson Township.”

Township officials said Jackson plans to vigorously defend the ordinance and continue pursuing policies focused on affordability, transparency, and housing stability.

A recent report claiming that Lakewood has a higher traffic fatality rate than the New Jersey average appears to be based on a major population error that dramatically changes the conclusion.

The Shore News Network article, citing a study by Injury Attorney of Dallas, reported that Lakewood had 27 traffic deaths from 2020 through 2024, or an average of 5.4 fatalities per year. Based on that figure, the article claimed Lakewood’s annual traffic fatality rate was 7.76 deaths per 100,000 residents, higher than New Jersey’s statewide rate of 6.79 per 100,000. It further claimed Lakewood residents face a roughly 1 in 165 lifetime risk of dying in a crash.

But that calculation appears to use the wrong Lakewood. The 7.76-per-100,000 figure lines up with a population of roughly 69,000 people — the population of the Lakewood census-designated place, or CDP. The U.S. Census Bureau lists the Lakewood CDP population at 69,398 in the 2020 Census. But the traffic fatalities being discussed are for Lakewood Township, not just the smaller CDP area.

Lakewood Township’s population is much larger. Census Reporter, using 2024 ACS data, lists Lakewood Township at 141,995 residents, and other Census-based reporting has placed the township at about 142,000 residents in 2024.

That matters because fatality rates are calculated by dividing annual deaths by population. If Lakewood had 27 traffic deaths over five years, that equals 5.4 deaths per year. Using the township’s actual population — roughly 139,000 to 142,000 residents — Lakewood’s annual fatality rate is about 3.8 to 3.9 deaths per 100,000 residents, not 7.76.

That is not a minor correction. It completely reverses the story. Instead of being about 14% more dangerous than the New Jersey average, Lakewood is actually about 42% safer than the statewide average of 6.79 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, based on the corrected population figure.

The original report also framed Lakewood as an “outlier” within one of the safest states in the country for drivers and suggested that rapid growth, congestion and pedestrian activity may be contributing to elevated local risk. But that conclusion depends on the inflated fatality rate. Once the correct township population is used, Lakewood no longer appears to exceed the state average at all.

The corrected numbers show a very different picture: Lakewood’s fatality rate is not higher than New Jersey’s. It is substantially lower.

Shore News Network has not issued a correction.