The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of two Inwood men for an incident that occurred on Tuesday, April 7th at 8:38 PM in Inwood.

According to detectives, officers conducted a Vehicle Traffic Law investigation on a 2017 Nissan on Bayview Avenue in the vicinity of Jeanette Avenue. Subsequent to the investigation, the driver was found to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license. The passenger, Defendant W***** R******, 43, of L****** Street, was found to be in possession of a loaded revolver. Both occupants were taken into custody without incident.

The driver is charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd Degree and numerous Vehicle Traffic Law violations. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Defendant W***** R****** is charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. He was arraigned on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

**Counting the Omer
**

⁃ Sefira should be counted as early in the night as possible but one shouldn’t say it early if it means not counting with a minyan.

⁃ Although sefira can be counted starting after sunset, it’s preferable to wait until nightfall.

⁃ Nightfall for counting Sefira preferably is forty minutes after shkiah.

⁃ If you counted before nightfall, it’s best to count again after nightfall without a bracha.

⁃ Sefira can be counted the entire night.

⁃ If you forgot to count at night then you can count during the day without a bracha.

⁃ If you miss counting at night and also forgot to count during the day then you can no longer count with a bracha. However, you’re still required to count every night even though it’s without a bracha.

⁃ In this situation, it’s best to have someone that counts with a bracha to say the bracha out loud and have you in mind.

⁃ If you remembered to count the previous nights’ counting during bein hashmashos then you can continue to count with a bracha.

⁃ If you’re not sure if you counted the previous night at all or if you’re not sure if you counted correctly, you can continue counting with a bracha.

⁃ You have to understand what you’re counting and if you don’t then you’re not yotzei. Therefore you can count in any language.

⁃ Sefira should be said standing up. If it was said sitting down then it’s fine.

⁃ After the first week, both days and weeks are counted.

⁃ If days were counted and not weeks then it’s fine.

⁃ If weeks were counted and not days then it’s not good and you can’t continue to count with a bracha.

⁃ After the bracha “yhi ratzon” is said.

⁃ Before counting sefira at night with a bracha, don’t say “tonight is…..” because then you’ve already counted and therefore you can no longer make a bracha that night.

⁃ This applies to counting in any language.

⁃ If all you said was a number then that’s not considered counting and you can still count that night with a bracha. For ex. If you’re asked what night is tonight? You can answer for ex. “3” and that’s not called counting and you’d still be able to count that night with a bracha.

⁃ Asking someone as a question is not considered counting. For ex. Asking “is tonight the third night?”

⁃ If you feel that you have to spell out the exact night of sefira and you haven’t yet counted with a bracha then you can say the exact counting but have in your mind that you’re not being yotzi with what you’re saying.

⁃ Since the earlier counting wasn’t done intentionally, even if you can no longer count that night with a bracha, you still have to count that night without a bracha.

⁃ Make sure to know the correct night before starting the bracha.

⁃ you’re not allowed to start eating from a half-hour before the proper time to count, unless you appoint someone to remind you.

⁃ If you have a set time to daven maariv then you’re allowed to start eating even though you haven’t yet counted.

Aveilus of sefira

⁃ The minhag in klal yisroel has been to keep aveilus for thirty-three days between Pesach and Shavuos.

⁃ There are two basic minhagim: 1) aveilus starts on the second day of pesach and ends on Lag Beomer. 2) aveilus starts on Rosh Chodesh Iyar and ends on the third day of Sivan.

⁃ There are slight variations to the above.

⁃ There are no restrictions on buying new clothes.

⁃ Some have a minhag not to buy anything that would require the bracha of Shechayanu.

Haircuts

⁃ Haircuts are not allowed for men or for women.

⁃ Shaving and trimming beards are not allowed.

⁃ Electrolysis, waxing, etc. for women is allowed.

⁃ If one is going to take a loss then shaving/haircuts are allowed.

⁃ Mustache that prevents you from eating can be cut.

⁃ Wigs can be cut if necessary.

– According to basic Halacha, minors can take haircuts but seems like the minhag is not to. If necessary it’s certainly allowed.

– If you think she’ll say no to you because you look bad then you can shave but beware that she may say no to you because you shaved during sfira/3 weeks so it’s your call.

– Men that have a heter for body hair removal can also remove body hair.

Music

⁃ No music or dancing even at a seudas mitzva. Singing is fine.

⁃ Music tapes are not allowed.

⁃ Music lessons are fine.

⁃ If necessary, slow inspirational or classical music is fine.

⁃ Music for exercise is allowed.

⁃ Music to keep you up while you drive is allowed.

⁃ Accapela is not recommended, but is permitted.

– Any music is better than listening to the radio.

– Music is allowed during Chol Hamoed.

– Children below the age of seven can listen to music and there’s no problem for adults to hear it (playgroups, driving etc.)

– Music while studying and working is allowed if it will help concentration.

Lab Baomer

– Most opinions say that haircuts/shaving can start on the morning of lag beomer (it doesn’t have to wait for chatzos).

– There are opinions that haircuts/shaving can start from mincha time the afternoon before lag beomer.

– Even those keeping second half of sefira can take haircuts on lag beomer.

– When Lag Beomer falls out on Sunday, haircuts are allowed on Friday (some say to wait until after chatzos) and if necessary Thursday night too.

– There’s a debate if music/weddings are allowed the night of lag beomer. It’s best to be strict.

– Those that have the minhag to make bonfires “hilula” are relying on the opinions that lag beomer is a Yom tov.

– It’s not preferable to say “tonight is lag beomer” before actually counting the Omer on the night of Lag Beomer.

New York, NY (April 12, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged that his campaign promise to make city buses free will not be implemented this year, signaling a significant delay for one of his most attention-grabbing transit pledges. In comments first reported by Politico and echoed by other outlets, Mamdani said the idea remains alive in Albany budget talks, but only in the form of a limited pilot program rather than a citywide fare-free system.

The mayor said both houses of the state Legislature included language in their one-house budget proposals supporting the return of a free-bus pilot. Official Assembly materials confirm that the chamber’s proposal includes $15 million for a fare-free bus program in New York City, with one route in each borough.

Mamdani has continued to insist he is still committed to the broader vision, saying he wants buses to become “fast and free,” but his latest remarks make clear that a full rollout is not imminent. Instead, the current focus appears to be on securing a narrower first step in 2026 through negotiations with Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders.

The shift marks a notable scaling back from the promise that helped define Mamdani’s campaign message on affordability and transit. A one-year state bill for a fare-free New York City bus pilot has also been introduced in Albany, underscoring that the live option right now is experimentation on a small number of routes, not a sweeping elimination of fares across the system.

For now, the mayor is trying to frame the delay as a phased approach rather than a retreat. But the practical reality is that free buses across New York City are not arriving anytime soon, and the only version still under active discussion is a limited pilot that would test the idea on a much smaller scale.

New York, NY (April 12, 2026)

An 18-year-old New York City resident has been arrested after police said he made violent antisemitic threats aimed at Jewish children in Brooklyn, prompting a rapid response from law enforcement and renewed concern about threats targeting visibly Jewish neighborhoods. Authorities identified the suspect as Eslam Alsaedi and said he is facing charges including aggravated harassment as a hate crime, making a terroristic threat, and threatening mass harm.

The arrest followed the circulation of a video online in which the suspect allegedly spoke about traveling from Harlem to Brooklyn to target Jews, including children. The video spread quickly on social media and drew widespread outrage because of the explicit focus on schools and large Jewish gatherings. Police moved in after the footage was flagged to officials, and the suspect was later taken into custody.

Although no attack was carried out, the case immediately raised fears across Jewish communities in Brooklyn, where families, schools, and synagogues have remained on edge amid a broader rise in antisemitic incidents. The specificity of the alleged threats made the episode especially disturbing, as it appeared to move beyond hateful rhetoric into a direct expression of intent toward vulnerable targets.

This terrorist threatened to come to Brooklyn, find a BIG BUILDING with JEWISH PEOPLE and KILL JEWISH CHILDREN. He thought he would get away with it. We contacted NYPD’s counter terrorism unit and they were immediately on it! Last night, he was ARRESTED by undercover intel cops.… pic.twitter.com/hYpgoI3GW1

— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) April 7, 2026

CNN aired a new poll showing Tucker Carlson’s net favorability among Republicans has plummeted by 47 points.

“Tucker Carlson has been in absolute free fall with Republicans,” CNN reported.

His net approval now stands at just +7% among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.

He’s become political poison for any candidate he touches. His hatred and obsession with Israel has certainly not helped his cause. Glad to see the free fall.

CNN aired a poll showing Tucker Carlson's @TuckerCarlson approval rating in the GOP has gone down 47%!!

“Tucker Carlson has been in absolute free fall with Republicans”, @CNN said.

Only 7% of Republicans approve of Tucker.

He’s cancer to all candidates.

PSA to everyone… https://t.co/Duv3fFwbTa pic.twitter.com/QskCOUFVjT

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 11, 2026

Gut vuch & Shvuah Tov to all!

The ceasefire between Iran and the U.S./Israel has not collapsed, but it is still very shaky. The biggest development today is that U.S. and Iranian delegations held a third round of face-to-face talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, and AP reported the talks concluded before dawn Sunday and are set to resume after a break. That means diplomacy is still alive, but there is no sign yet of a final durable agreement.

What is holding the ceasefire back is not mainly direct Israel-Iran fire right now, but the side fronts. Israel is still hitting Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran continues to argue that Lebanon should be covered by the truce. AP reported earlier this week that Netanyahu authorized direct talks with Lebanon, but also made clear Israel will keep striking Hezbollah until northern Israel is secure.

The Strait of Hormuz is still another major pressure point. Shipping has resumed only partially, and Trump has publicly accused Iran of not honoring the understandings on oil transit. AP quoted him saying: “Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz.” He added: “That is not the agreement we have!”

On the Trump side more broadly, the White House is still presenting the war phase as a military success and the current moment as a negotiation phase rather than a full peace. In an official White House release on April 8, the administration said Iran had “agreed to a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz” and that the U.S. was now negotiating “a broader peace agreement.”

Netanyahu’s latest message is that Israel is not treating this as finished. In remarks reported Saturday, he said: “The campaign is not over yet. Iran wanted to eliminate us. Now it is fighting to survive. We still have more to do.” He also said Lebanon approached him for direct negotiations and that he approved them only on condition of “Hezbollah’s disarmament and a real peace agreement.”

Statement from PM Netanyahu:

צפו בהצהרה שלי הערב >> pic.twitter.com/oJowkYDUtw

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 11, 2026

Full Statement:

“Dear citizens of Israel, my dear brothers and sisters,

The term of the campaign has come to an end, but it is already clear that we have historical achievements. I want to remember where we were. Iran tried to catch us off guard.

Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad regime in Syria, the militias in Iraq, the foreigners in Yemen, Iran itself. They wanted to subdue us, and we are subduing them. They threatened us with destruction, and now they are fighting to survive.

We have defeated them, we still have a lot to do, and I will explain this later. But I want to start with Iran itself, with the head of the organization. I have dedicated a significant part of my life to preventing one thing, that this terrorist regime will achieve a nuclear weapon.

I have spoken about this at the Congress, the UN, and in various parliaments. But the world has not heard. Many have said, this is not that terrible. I have even heard them within us. And I, as the Prime Minister of Israel, could not accept this.

We were the first to break the barrier of fear, operating in Iran itself. If I had told you a year ago that our pilots would fly in Iran, who would have believed it? And that the United States would fight alongside us, shoulder to shoulder, for nearly 40 days—who would have believed it?

But all of this happened because we initiated, we acted, we attacked. Iran was very close to obtaining nuclear weapons and the ability to produce thousands and thousands of missiles—two existential threats we were determined to remove.

We eliminated 12 of their top nuclear scientists. We attacked their nuclear facilities together with our American friends. We also attacked thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers.

Later, we eliminated eight more nuclear scientists, destroyed the reactor in Arak, destroyed their centrifuge system and uranium production plant. We reached a point where Iran does not have a single active enrichment plant.

We also weakened the regime to its lowest level since it was established 47 years ago. We eliminated senior leadership across the regime, struck Revolutionary Guards infrastructure, and targeted their economic and military capabilities.

Iran is no longer the same Iran, and Israel is no longer the same Israel. They who dared to destroy us are now fighting for their own survival.

In Gaza, we control more than 50% of the territory. In Lebanon, we destroyed the majority of a 150,000 missile arsenal in six hours and prevented infiltration plans into the Galilee. We continue to fight Hezbollah and restore security to the north.

As a result of this strength, Lebanon has approached us multiple times to begin direct peace talks—something that has not happened in history.

Many countries are now turning to us and to the United States for cooperation. Israel is stronger than ever—small in size, but huge in spirit and determination.

These are historic achievements. We bombed the nuclear weapons, we bombed the missiles, we bombed the regime. Together with the United States, we have changed the balance of power.

There is still a long way to go. But with our brave soldiers, our fallen heroes, and the strength of our people—we will continue.

And with God’s help, we will continue to work together, and we will continue to win.”
**
Besuros Tovos!**

New York, NY (April 10, 2026)

A new city report is putting numbers to a reality many New Yorkers already feel every month: even basic stability now demands far more income than many households actually bring in. The newly released True Cost of Living measure found that a median two-adult household with no children needs more than $106,000 a year to cover essential expenses in New York City, while a single adult needs about $70,334. City officials said the measure was created after voters overwhelmingly approved a 2022 ballot proposal requiring a more realistic standard than the traditional poverty line.

The report found that 61.8% of New Yorkers, or about 5.04 million people, do not have the resources needed to meet that baseline cost of living. That gap is far larger than what older poverty measurements have shown, highlighting how many families may be earning too much to be counted as poor while still falling well short of what it takes to live with basic financial security in the city. For households below that threshold, the average shortfall was put at roughly $39,603.

The findings also showed major disparities across race, age, and geography. Hispanic New Yorkers faced the highest share below the city’s cost-of-living threshold at 77.6%, followed by Black residents at 65.6%, Asian and Pacific Islander residents at 63.3%, and white residents at 43.7%. Children were especially affected, with 72.5% of those under 18 living in households below the threshold. By borough, the Bronx had the highest share of residents falling short, followed by Brooklyn and Queens. [1])

The report focused on core necessities such as housing, food, health care, child care, transportation, technology, taxes, and savings. But for many Orthodox families, the real cost of living can feel even higher. Tuition, kosher food, Yom Tov expenses, and the financial demands of family life can add layers of pressure that are not fully captured by broad citywide formulas. For frum families already juggling high housing costs and large household budgets, the report’s headline numbers may actually understate the strain.

The result is a picture of a city where survival and stability are no longer the same thing. The new measure does not just show that New York is expensive. It shows how many families are living without enough room to build savings, absorb emergencies, or keep up with the real cost of daily life.

Old Westbury, NY (April 10, 2026)

The Village of Old Westbury has agreed to pay $19 million to settle a long-running federal lawsuit brought by Rabbi Aaron Konikov and Lubavitch of Old Westbury over the village’s efforts to block construction of a Chabad shul on Glen Cove Road. The settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Gary Brown in a consent decree signed in March, brings a major legal fight to a close after years of litigation over religious land use and zoning.

The dispute stretches back more than two decades. According to court records and reporting on the case, plans for the shul were first advanced in 1999 on approximately nine acres owned by Rabbi Konikov. In 2001, Old Westbury adopted a rule requiring houses of worship to be built on parcels of at least 12 acres, a change that effectively blocked the proposed synagogue. Village officials also raised objections tied to traffic, parking, noise, and permit filings.

Judge Brown’s consent decree made clear that the settlement cannot be altered unless all parties agree in writing and the court approves the change. The agreement also gives Lubavitch of Old Westbury until January 15, 2027, to apply for a special-use permit to move the project forward. Reporting on the settlement said the payment will be made by the village’s insurers, not directly from village operating funds.

The resolution marks a significant victory for the local kehillah after an unusually long and bitter fight over the right to establish a permanent Jewish house of worship in one of Long Island’s wealthiest communities. Preliminary plans call for a synagogue of just over 20,000 square feet along with parking, meaning the case may now shift from the courtroom to the construction process.

The Vaad Hakashrus, in collaboration with our esteemed store owners, ensures that all stores under the Vaad Hashgacha undergo a proper mechirah of their chometz and are supplied by companies that are either non-Jewish-owned or have undergone a mechirah themselves. Consequently, chometz can be purchased from Vaad-supervised stores immediately after Pesach.

Additionally, the following stores can be used to purchase chometz after Pesach:

– Aldi

– BJ’s

– Costco

– CVS

– Dollar General

– Dollar Tree

– Duane Reade

– Kmart

– Lidl

– Petco

– Publix

– Rite Aid

– Target (Lawrence and Valley Stream)

– Trader Joe’s

– Sam’s Club

– Stop & Shop

– Walgreens

– Walmart

– Whole Foods

Non-chometz items can be purchased from any store.

Gut vuch & Gutten Zimmer to all!

Israel moved back toward routine in several visible ways on Wednesday, with the Kotel returning to regular activity and Israeli aviation beginning to reopen after more than a month of wartime restrictions.

Ben Gurion Airport resumed unrestricted operations at midnight, Herzliya Airport reopened in the morning, and Israeli carriers began gradually rebuilding schedules, though some European airlines are still expected to stay away after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency extended its regional conflict warning through April 24.

That return to normalcy came against a far more unstable military backdrop. In southeastern Lebanon, the IDF said Staff Sgt. Tuvia Yosef Lipshitz hy”d, 20, of Beit She’an, a Golani soldier, was killed during a clash with terrorists near A-Taybeh. Five other soldiers were wounded in the same encounter, including one officer seriously. Israeli forces said operations in the area are continuing as they work to eliminate the cell involved.

At the same time, Israel sharply intensified its campaign against Hezbollah. Current reporting says the Israeli military carried out its largest coordinated assault of the Lebanon operation, striking more than 100 Hezbollah targets in roughly 10 minutes across Beirut, the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon. The scale of the attack has drawn international attention because it came despite the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire and because casualty figures in Lebanon have been extremely high.

As of Thursday, April 9, the ceasefire with Iran is still in place, but it is fragile and under real pressure rather than looking settled. The main reason is that Israel is continuing major operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iran argues those strikes threaten the broader truce. AP reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved direct talks with Lebanon, but at the same time insists there is no ceasefire with Hezbollah.

The biggest immediate risk to the ceasefire is the Lebanon front. AP says Israeli strikes in Lebanon have raised fears that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire could unravel if the fighting there keeps escalating. Iran is also still keeping pressure on the Strait of Hormuz issue, which remains another major point of tension.

On the diplomatic side, the next key development is planned U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad. AP reports that Vice President JD Vance is expected to head the American delegation, and those talks are seen as the main effort to keep the ceasefire from collapsing. But the two sides still appear far apart on major issues, including uranium, regional military activity, and what the ceasefire actually covers.

Besuros Tovos.

This is nuts!

While Pakistan is leading ceasefire talks, their defense minister is spewing vile rhetoric targeting Jews and Israel.

Hateful rhetoric like this is beyond unacceptable and unproductive at this fragile moment. This is not diplomacy and must be condemned. https://t.co/38uKJ3Vp4Z

— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) April 9, 2026

אנחנו ממשיכים להכות בחיזבאללה בעוצמה, בדיוק ובנחישות.

בביירות חיסלנו את עלי יוסף חרשי, מזכירו האישי של מזכ״ל ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה נעים קאסם ואחד האנשים הקרובים אליו ביותר.

במקביל, הלילה תקף צה״ל שורת תשתיות טרור בדרום לבנון: מעברים ששימשו להעברת אלפי אמצעי לחימה, רקטות… pic.twitter.com/tKGuRJKBIE

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 9, 2026

BREAKING: Vance makes clear that Lebanon was never included in the ceasefire.

“We never made that promise or indicated that would be the case. The ceasefire would be focused on Iran and America’s allies, both Israel and the gulf Arab states.” pic.twitter.com/xLA3ZdM3dW

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) April 8, 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“Dear residents of the North, I am proud of you. You continue to stand firm.

I wish to inform you: There is no ceasefire in Lebanon. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we restore your security. pic.twitter.com/k2JeKXEMBQ

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 9, 2026

UPDATE: The United States and Iran are set to hold peace talks on Saturday morning in Islamabad, Pakistan.

This marks the first round of in‑person negotiations aimed at building on a two‑week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan.

US Delegation:

• Vice President J.D. Vance
•… pic.twitter.com/NImWKckX8O

— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) April 9, 2026

Please note that the 5 Towns Central website will be taking a break and will be closed for the duration of Yom Tov and Chol Hamoed.

Don’t worry about missing out on the latest news—our WhatsApp will remain active as always! Keep checking our status and groups for your regular community updates. Join the 5TC WhatsApp by clicking here.

Wishing you and your families a beautiful, uplifting, and joyous Chag Sameach!

Pre Seder
Start the seder as soon as possible.

The simanim of the Seder should be said before each siman. Ex. “Kadesh” before kadesh, urchatz before urchatz etc.

קדש Kadesh
If possible, someone should pour the wine for the leader of the seder Before kiddush everyone should be reminded that there are three mitzvos being done during kiddush.
1. Kiddush (sanctifying the day)
2. Saying over the story of mitzrayim
3. The Mitzva derabanan of drinking the first cup.

Also remind everyone that at least a cheekful of wine should be drunk.

Measurements for the four cups:
Best is 5.2 oz.
Good is 3.3 oz.
If necessary 2.9 oz.

Preferred order of drinking:
Entire cup, no matter the size
Most of the cup, no matter the size
A riviis (measurements above).
Most of a riviis (a cheekful)

Better to have a smaller cup with the proper shiur and drink the entire cup than to have a larger cup and not drink the entire cup.

Preferred to drink the above amounts at one time. Otherwise within 2 minutes. Within 9 minutes is acceptable.

Wine with minimum 4% alcohol is preferred but grape juice is perfectly fine.

Red non mevushal wine is preferred but not required.

Leaning is required for men – If it wasn’t done, it’s acceptable.

Women don’t have to lean.

The leaning has to be on something. Just leaning the body into the air is meaningless.

It’s a mitzva to give out nuts (candy) to the children.

If there’s water on the table or if you had in mind to drink water after making kiddush then it can be drunk in between the cups of wine This year.

ורחץ Urchatz
We wash the hands before dipping the karpas because that’s the Halacha even though the minhag is not to do it during the year.

No bracha of al nitilas yadaim is made.

כרפס Karpas
Less than a kezayis of vegetable should be eaten.

When making borei pri hoadama have in mind the maror.

Leaning is not required but is allowed.

**יחץ Yachatz
**Break the middle matzah and put the larger piece away for later.

Make sure that there’s at least a kezayis in each piece of matza.

מגיד Magid
The larger piece should be wrapped up or placed in a bag.

One should have in mind that we’re doing the mitzva deoyraysa of saying over the story of mitzrayim.

The seder plate should be lifted up when saying “Ha Lachma Anya”.

The new cup should be poured even though we won’t be drinking it until much later.

The cups don’t need to be washed out from the first drinking. If there’s leftover wine in the cup it can be used for this cup.

Once the cup is poured, it’s preferable that there shouldn’t be any drinking of water etc.

The matzoh should be uncovered during the seder.

No other matza should be on the table until Motzi Matza.

The matzos should be covered whenever we lift up the cup of wine.

Younger children should say “Ma Nishtana” before older children. Although boys and girls are equal in the mitzva of the hagada, boys should say “Ma Nishtana” before girls.

The Hagada should be said and/or translated so that everyone could understand what’s being said. This includes women and children.

The Hagada is not said while leaning. It should be said with fear and awe.

When saying “Vehi Sheamda” the cup should be lifted but make sure to uncover the matzos afterwards.

One who’s disgusted by putting the finger into the wine when saying the ten makkos can spill out the wine instead.

When say “Matza” and “Maror” the middle matza and maror should be lifted up.

When saying Pesach, the shankbone should NOT be lifted up. It should just be looked at.

From “Lefichoch” until the Bracha of borei pri hagafen, the cup should be lifted up and the matzos covered.

רחצה Rachtza
Even if the hands are clean from the earlier washing, they still need to be washed now and with a Bracha.

If one knows that the hands are definitely clean then it’s best to touch shoes in order to definitely require a Bracha.

מוציא מצה Matzah
Have in mind that we’re doing the Mitzvah Deoraysa of eating matza.

All three matzos should be held during the Bracha of hamotzi and then the bottom matza should be put down for the Bracha of achilas matza.

The top matza and the broken matza should be broken at the same time and a kezayis should be eaten from each one.

Measurements for matza:
Best: a little more than a 1/3 of a hand matza or 2/3 of a machine matza.
Good: 1/4 of a hand or 1/3 of machine matza.
If necessary: size of the average palm of a hand

Whatever measurements you choose for kezayis for matza, only one of the above measurements is necessary, not two.

Matza should preferably be eaten within 2 minutes but up to 9 minutes is allowed.

Most don’t dip the matza into salt on the seder night.

Since there isn’t usually enough matza in the seder leaders matza for everyone, each person should get the required amount of matza before washing the hands and then each person should get a small piece from each matza of the leader of the seder.

The matza should be eaten without talking (even if it’s related to the meal).

There should be no talking until after Korech unless it’s related to the meal.

Reclining is required. If not then it’s better to eat another kezayis while leaning.

Marur מרור
Have in mind that we’re doing the Mitzvah Drabonon of maror.

Maror should be dipped into charoses and then it should be shaken off.

Measurements for maror: (horseradish or lettuce)
Best: enough to fill a 1.69 oz. cup.
Good: enough to fill a 1.1 oz. cup.
If necessary: enough to fill a .7 of an oz.

It should preferably be eaten within 2 minutes but up to 9 minutes is allowed.

When saying the Bracha of “Al Achilas Maror” have in mind the maror that will be eaten for Korech.

No leaning while eating maror.

The maror has to be chewed and not just swallowed.

כורך Korach
The bottom matza should be used.

Whether or not the maror is dipped into charoses depends on minhag.

Measurements for Korach, matza:
A little more than 1/4 of a hand matza or 1/3 of a machine.
If necessary: size of an average palm of a hand.

Measurements for Korach, maror:
Best: enough to fill a 1.1 oz. cup.
Good: enough to fill a .7 of an oz.

Korech should preferably be eaten within 2 minutes but up to 9 minutes is allowed.

Korech should be eaten while leaning. If you didn’t lean then it doesn’t have to be repeated.

The words ”Zecher Lemikdash Kehillel” should be said before eating. However, some say it after.

שולחן עורך Shulchan Orech
It’s preferable to eat the meal while leaning.

Many have the custom not to have dips on the seder night

No excessive eating so that there will be some hunger for Afikoman

Many have a minhag to eat a hardboiled egg.

No roasted meat or chicken should be eaten.

צפון Tzafon
Have in mind that according to some opinions , this is the main mitzva of matza.

Should be eaten while leaning.

If it gets lost or damaged, other matza should be substituted.

It should be eaten before chatzos.

It should be eaten while sitting in one place without changing places.

Measurements for afikoman matza:
Best: a little more than a 1/3 of a hand matza or 2/3 of a machine matza.
Good: 1/4 of a hand or 1/3 of machine matza.
If necessary: size of an average palm of a hand.

No eating or drinking after the afikoman. If you did then you must eat the afikoman again.

Water and seltzer etc. are allowed. Other drinks depend on the necessity.

On the second night all drinks are allowed.

ברך Barech
If the cups are dirty then they should be washed out.

If there’s three men, the head of the household should lead birchas hamazon.

A special cup for Eliyahu hanavi is filled up.

The front door is opened All say “Shfoch Chamoscha”.

הלל Hallel
Pour the fourth cup.

This is the only hallel of the year that we sit down.

No bracha is said on hallel.

If there’s three adults (including women) or even children who understand, then the Seder leader should say “Hodu LHashem” & “Ana Hashem” out loud and the others repeat after him. Like in Shul.

It’s preferable that a full Reviis of wine should be drunk so that you can say the Bracha Achrona of Al Hagafen.

Nirtza נרצה
One is required to spend the night talking about Yetzias Mitzrayim until being overcome by sleep.

The entire Krias Shema al Hamita is not said. Just the first parsha and the Bracha of Hamapil.

These are the basic Halachos. Some customs may vary.

Bedikas Chametz

⁃ The night before Pesach any places that will be lived in on Pesach have to be checked for chametz.

⁃ Cleaning is supposed to be done before bedikas chametz. Not while you do bedikas chametz.

⁃ Bedikas chametz should be done immediately after nightfall.

⁃ No eating a meal or learning or any other activities until after bedikas chametz is done.

⁃ Taking a snack is allowed.

⁃ Maariv can be davened before or after doing bedikas chametz.

⁃ The bracha should be said while holding a candle. After checking any part of the house with the candle switch to a flashlight.

⁃ There should be no talking until after the entire bedikas chametz is completed and Kol Chamira is said.

⁃ Talking for bedikas chametz necessities is allowed.

⁃ If the bracha was forgotten then the bracha can be made until the bedika is completed.

⁃ If the Bracha was forgotten until after bedikas chametz was completed then a bracha can be made the next day before burning the chametz.

⁃ The minhag is for someone to put out ten pieces of bread to be searched for during the bedika.

⁃ Any places that food could have potentially been brought into needs to be checked.

⁃ If you forget to do bedikas chametz and you’re not home or you’re unable to do bedikas chametz then an agent can be used to check on your behalf.

⁃ If you forgot to do bedikas chametz or are unable to do bedikas chametz then do it the next day with a bracha.

⁃ After completing bedikas chametz, bittul chametz should be done.

⁃ Bittul is the process of renouncing ownership of any chametz that one may have wherever it may be.

⁃ You must understand what you’re saying when you are nullifying the chametz.

⁃ There’s an additional bittul chametz in the morning after burning the chametz.

⁃ Chametz should be done the night before leaving the house/apartment, as above.

Burning the chametz

⁃ The chametz can be burned at night but the minhag is to burn it during the day.

⁃ The chametz should be burned by the end of the fifth hour into the day.

⁃ The chametz should be burned until its charred.

⁃ Chametz should preferably not be placed into garbage cans that won’t be picked up before six hours into the day.

⁃ The additional bittul chametz should be done before the end of the fifth hour.

Selling of the chametz

⁃ Everyone is required to sell their chametz to a non Jew because nowadays there are many things that have chametz in them that we may not be aware of.

⁃ If you can’t or don’t want to clean certain areas or rooms etc. then they can be sold to the non Jew. Since they’re sold they belong to a non jew on pesach and they don’t belong to you so they don’t require cleaning.

⁃ Because the procedure is so complicated, the sale should only be done through a Rav.

⁃ Have in mind that you’re not only selling the chametz that you’re aware of, you’re also selling any chametz that you may have that’s anywhere in the world.

⁃ Since we’re not allowed to have chametz of a non Jew in our houses, therefore we also must sell or rent the places where the chametz is to the goy.

⁃ The Rav will usually require a signature on the document in addition to the seller picking up something that belongs to the Rav (usually a handkerchief or a pen etc.) and in exchange give the Rav the authority to sell his chametz.

⁃ The Rav is not acquiring your chametz. He’s just agreeing to sell it or get rid of it for you.

⁃ If you’re traveling east and therefore pesach will come earlier then you must notify the Rav so that he can sell the chametz at an earlier time.

⁃ According to the Halacha, all chametz can be sold for Pesach. However many are strict not to sell chametz gamur (real chametz) This is a chumra. Here’s a basic list from Star K website: CHAMETZ GAMUR: Beer, bread, cake, cereal with wheat, oats or barley, cookies, cream of wheat, couscous, farfel, licorice, malt extract, all oatmeal’s, oat flour, pasta, pretzels, rolled oats, soy sauce, wheat gluten/wheat protein. NOT CHAMETZ GAMUR: barley (pearled, raw and packaged, dry cake mixes, glue, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, corn flakes, cosmetics, extracts, flour, food coloring, gefilte fish, kitniyos, matza/ matza meal that’s not kosher for Pesach, medicines with chametz in them, modified food starch, Rice Krispies, salad dressing, vanillin, vinegar, vitamins, wheat germ, yeast, whisky
(some sell it some don’t).

⁃ Selling sourdough starter:

⁃ The reason why people don’t sell real chametz on Pesach is because the sale to the goy has some doubts because the actual chametz isn’t handed over to the goy. Therefore if you actually hand over chametz to the goy then most, if not all, would sell real chametz. The way to do this is as follows:

1. Explain to the goy (cleaning lady is best) that you’re selling then this chametz until after Pesach. You can tell them that you’re probably going to buy it back.

2. The goy should give you at least a nickel and then pick up the starter and bring it home with them.

3. Make sure the goy understands that it’s theirs and they can use it as they please.

4. Take a picture of the sourdough so that you’ll recognize that it’s yours after Pesach.

5. After Pesach tell them you want it back

**
Jerusalem, Israel (March 31, 2026)**

The IDF announced that four soldiers from the Nahal Brigade’s reconnaissance unit were killed during fighting in southern Lebanon, in one of the deadliest incidents for Israeli forces in recent days as combat with Hezbollah continues to intensify. Current reporting identified the fallen as Capt. Noam Madmoni, 22, of Sderot, Staff Sgt. Ben Cohen, 21, of Lehavim, Staff Sgt. Maxim Entis, 21, of Bat Yam, and Staff Sgt. Gilad Harel, 21, of Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut.

According to the military’s initial findings, the troops were operating in the western sector of southern Lebanon at around 6:30 p.m. when they identified a Hezbollah gunmen cell. The soldiers engaged the operatives at close range and struck several of them, but the encounter quickly escalated into a deadly firefight.

The IDF said that while forces were evacuating wounded soldiers from the exchange, Hezbollah operatives fired an anti-tank missile at the troops. Israeli forces then responded with tank shelling and airstrikes targeting the area where the Hezbollah operatives were positioned. In addition to the four killed, one soldier was seriously wounded and another reservist was moderately injured, according to the military.

The losses add to the growing toll on Israeli troops operating in Lebanon, where the fighting has become increasingly close-range and dangerous as ground forces push deeper into Hezbollah-held areas. The latest battle underscored the intensity of the current phase of the northern campaign, with Israeli troops confronting entrenched Hezbollah cells in direct encounters rather than only from a distance.

The deaths of the four soldiers have sent another wave of mourning across Israel, and the Jewish world at large. As the military continues its operations in southern Lebanon, the incident stands as a painful reminder of the high price being paid on the northern front.

HY”D. Besuros Tovos.

March 30, 2026

1. As questions continue to come into our office regarding potentially problematic products used for Pesach, cRc Kosher would like to remind consumers to carefully check every item to ensure it bears a proper Pesach certification on the label. Errors of this nature can occur at multiple levels, including the manufacturing process, supermarket placement, or simple consumer oversight. It is worthwhile to designate a responsible individual to review and confirm all Pesach products before use.

2. Consumers should not rely on AI tools or search engine results to determine the Pesach status of a particular item. There have been several instances in which such sources have incorrectly stated – at times even attributing the information to cRc – that certain products were acceptable for Pesach when they were not. The only reliable way to obtain accurate information about cRc Pesach recommendations is by checking directly on our websites: https://consumer.crckosher.org/ or www.askcrc.org

3. The Chicago Chesed Fund distributed Tuscanini Extra Light Olive Oil with labels containing contradictory information regarding its Pesach status. Rabbi Weissmandl has confirmed that bottles bearing lot #24NI85 (ink-jetted on the bottle) are indeed kosher for Pesach, despite conflicting labeling.

4. The cRc has researched the Wagner Steamer 725 and has determined that it can be used for kashering. This is in addition to the Tornado VS 4 and the Wagner Power Steamer 715 which were previously approved. As with all steamers, one must ensure that they are fully heated up and be diligent to use the device slowly and with patience.

5. Consumers should remember to pause automatic subscriptions for chametz products through services such as Amazon (Subscribe & Save), Instacart (Auto Order), and similar platforms. For those selling chametz through Amazon, due to the way Amazon processes sales and returns, it is important to consult a competent Rav regarding how to properly structure the mechirah—particularly to avoid complications from returns that may occur over Pesach.

6. For those who do not sell chametz gamur, the cRc is pleased to provide clear guidance on this topic here: https://consumer.crckosher.org/publications/chametz-gamur/

Pre-Pesach Collection

As you get ready for Passover, Sanitary District No. 1 and the Village of Cedarhurst are here to make things a little easier. We encourage residents to take advantage of this enhanced service to help clear out any remaining chometz from your home—no last-minute rush needed.

Sanitary District 1 collection will take place on Wednesday, April 1, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Crews will be circulating throughout the Five Towns, picking up securely tied bags of trash placed at the front curb of your home. To help keep everything running smoothly and on schedule, pickups will be limited to front curb placement only during this time.

In addition, the Village will be offering a convenient drop-off option for residents that same day. From 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM, a Village garbage truck and crew will be stationed behind Village Hall to assist residents with drop-offs. Please be sure all items are securely tied in garbage bags.

We hope this added service helps make your preparations a little smoother and more convenient.

Village Board
Benjamin Weinstock, Mayor
Ari Brown, Deputy Mayor
Myrna Zisman, Trustee
Israel Wasser, Trustee
Daniel Plaut, Trustee

**
Jerusalem, Israel (March 30, 2026)**

Israel’s parliament has approved a sweeping new law authorizing the death penalty in certain terrorism cases, a major legal shift that could end the country’s decades-long avoidance of formal executions. The measure passed the Knesset on Monday after final readings, with supporters describing it as a tougher response to deadly attacks and critics warning it will deepen political and legal tensions.

Under the legislation, courts would be required to impose capital punishment in specified cases involving lethal acts classified as terrorism. Reports on the law say it removes the possibility of clemency in those cases and sets out a compressed timetable for carrying out executions after appeals are exhausted, with hanging identified as the method. The measure is expected to face immediate legal scrutiny, including challenges over its application and compatibility with existing legal standards.

The bill marks one of the most dramatic changes to Israel’s criminal punishment system in modern history. Although Israeli law has long allowed capital punishment in very limited categories such as genocide and crimes against humanity, the country has not carried out a judicial execution since Adolf Eichmann was put to death in 1962. The new law would significantly expand the practical use of that penalty.

Debate over the legislation has been intense, with supporters arguing that harsher punishment is necessary during a period of prolonged violence, while opponents say the law is discriminatory, politically driven and likely to trigger both domestic and international backlash. Human rights advocates and legal critics have already raised concerns over due process, unequal application and the broader implications for Israel’s justice system.

The law also revives a highly sensitive national debate over the state’s use of execution as punishment. While Meir Tobianski was killed by firing squad in 1948 after a wartime conviction that was later overturned, Eichmann remains the only person formally executed following a civilian judicial process in Israeli history.

BREAKING:

Israel's parliament has officially passed a law imposing the death penalty by hanging for Palestinian detainees.

At least 10,000 Palestinian prisoners could be at risk of execution. pic.twitter.com/XPn84ATiGJ

— Current Report (@Currentreport1) March 30, 2026

New York, NY (March 30, 2026)

New York City officials announced that applications will open April 30 for the city’s first free on-site child care pilot serving municipal employees, marking a broader expansion of an initiative aimed at helping working parents remain in public service.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Yume Kitasei said the program will now cover all city employees assigned to the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street, along with all DCAS employees regardless of where they work. The expansion widens access beyond the program’s earlier framework, which had been tied more narrowly to DCAS staff.

The Dinkins building, one of the city’s most prominent government offices, houses more than 2,000 workers from roughly a dozen agencies. By placing child care directly at a major municipal worksite, city leaders are positioning the pilot as both a workforce support measure and a retention tool for employees balancing public-sector careers with family responsibilities.

Officials said the program is intended to reduce one of the biggest pressures facing city workers with young children: finding reliable care close to work without taking on another major household expense. The effort is also part of a wider affordability push by the Mamdani administration, which has emphasized policies designed to make it easier for families to live and work in New York City.

In announcing the application date, Mamdani said city employees should not be forced to choose between careers they value and raising children in the city they call home. The administration framed the pilot as an investment in workers who keep municipal operations running each day, while also testing whether on-site care can become a practical model for broader use across city government.

Further details on enrollment, eligibility and available slots are expected as the April 30 application launch approaches. Another freebie checked off the list as New York goes further in debt.

BREAKING: Socialist Mayor of NYC, Mamdani, announces a free, in reality taxpayer-funded childcare center for government workers: “We never want city workers to have to choose between a job they love and raising their kids in the city they call home.” pic.twitter.com/MkeFk4xYCB

— I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) March 30, 2026