The Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

Rabbi Binyamin Halpern also used the occasion to announce a significant expansion of the center's services: the opening of a new wing of the UCS LOUNGE in Williamsburg. This new location is designed to ease access for the dozens of individuals who currently travel daily to the Boro Park center. The Williamsburg wing is expected to open in the coming days, further cementing the center's commitment to supporting Parkinson's sufferers and their loved ones within their own neighborhoods.

The event also included a brief address by Mrs. Eli Pollard, the leader of the WPC, who traveled to the lounge to emphasize the importance of the upcoming conference. She highlighted how such gatherings allow patients to exchange wisdom and find strength by meeting others facing similar struggles. Heimishe patients and their families expressed great joy at these developments, looking forward to the conference and the expanded local resources as personal breakthroughs that will significantly improve their lives.

Boro Park residents should be aware that sudden street closures or heightened security may occur in the area, which now houses one of the country’s most closely guarded detainees amid an ongoing federal court process.

Because Chaveirim identified elevated readings outside the buildings, they were able to narrow the issue to the street itself. Members noted that without this finding, the situation likely would have been treated as a building-related issue, potentially leading to extended closures and possibly causing building damage while the source remained undiscovered.

International reactions were swift — with both intense criticism from global leaders and debates within the U.S. about the legality of the raid. 

Locally in Brooklyn, security was reportedly heightened near MDC as federal authorities prepared for Maduro’s arrival and processing into the detention complex.

I stand alongside construction workers in steel-toed boots and halal cart vendors whose knees ache from working all day.

I stand alongside neighbors who carry a plate of food to the elderly couple down the hall, those in a rush who still lift strangers’ strollers up subway stairs, and every person who makes the choice day after day, even when it feels impossible, to call our city home.

I stand alongside over one million New Yorkers who voted for this day nearly two months ago—and I stand just as resolutely alongside those who did not. I know there are some who view this administration with distrust or disdain, or who see politics as permanently broken. And while only action can change minds, I promise you this: if you are a New Yorker, I am your Mayor. Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you. 

I thank the labor and movement leaders here today, the activists and elected officials who will return to fighting for New Yorkers the second this ceremony concludes, and the performers who have gifted us with their talent.

Thank you to Governor Hochul for joining us. And thank you to Mayor Adams—Dorothy’s son, a son of Brownsville who rose from washing dishes to the highest position in our city—for being here as well. He and I have had our share of disagreements, but I will always be touched that he chose me as the Mayoral candidate that he would most want to be trapped with on an elevator.

Thank you to the two titans who, as an Assemblymember, I’ve had the privilege of being represented by in Congress—Nydia Velázquez and our incredible opening speaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. You have paved the way for this moment.

Thank you to the man whose leadership I seek most to emulate, who I am so grateful to be sworn in by today—Senator Bernie Sanders.

Thank you to my teams—from the Assembly, to the campaign, to the transition and now, the team I am so excited to lead from City Hall.

Thank you to my parents, Mama and Baba, for raising me, for teaching me how to be in this world, and for having brought me to this city. Thank you to my family—from Kampala to Delhi. And thank you to my wife Rama for being my best friend, and for always showing me the beauty in everyday things. 

Most of all—thank you to the people of New York.

A moment like this comes rarely. Seldom do we hold such an opportunity to transform and reinvent. Rarer still is it the people themselves whose hands are the ones upon the levers of change.

And yet we know that too often in our past, moments of great possibility have been promptly surrendered to small imagination and smaller ambition. What was promised was never pursued, what could have changed remained the same. For the New Yorkers most eager to see our city remade, the weight has only grown heavier, the wait has only grown longer.

In writing this address, I have been told that this is the occasion to reset expectations, that I should use this opportunity to encourage the people of New York to ask for little and expect even less. I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations.

Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed. But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try. 

To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this—no longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives.

For too long, we have turned to the private sector for greatness, while accepting mediocrity from those who serve the public. I cannot blame anyone who has come to question the role of government, whose faith in democracy has been eroded by decades of apathy. We will restore that trust by walking a different path—one where government is no longer solely the final recourse for those struggling, one where excellence is no longer the exception.

We expect greatness from the cooks wielding a thousand spices, from those who stride out onto Broadway stages, from our starting point guard at Madison Square Garden. Let us demand the same from those who work in government. In a city where the mere names of our streets are associated with the innovation of the industries that call them home, we will make the words ‘City Hall' synonymous with both resolve and results.

As we embark upon this work, let us advance a new answer to the question asked of every generation: Who does New York belong to?

For much of our history, the response from City Hall has been simple: it belongs only to the wealthy and well-connected, those who never strain to capture the attention of those in power.

Working people have reckoned with the consequences. Crowded classrooms and public housing developments where the elevators sit out of order; roads littered with potholes and buses that arrive half an hour late, if at all; wages that do not rise and corporations that rip off consumers and employees alike. 

And still—there have been brief, fleeting moments where the equation changed. 

Twelve years ago, Bill de Blasio stood where I stand now as he promised to “put an end to economic and social inequalities” that divided our city into two. 

In 1990, David Dinkins swore the same oath I swore today, vowing to celebrate the “gorgeous mosaic” that is New York, where every one of us is deserving of a decent life. 

And nearly six decades before him, Fiorella La Guardia took office with the goal of building a city that was “far greater and more beautiful” for the hungry and the poor. 

Some of these Mayors achieved more success than others. But they were unified by a shared belief that New York could belong to more than just a privileged few. It could belong to those who operate our subways and rake our parks, those who feed us biryani and beef patties, picanha and pastrami on rye. And they knew that this belief could be made true if only government dared to work hardest for those who work hardest.

Over the years to come, my administration will resurrect that legacy. City Hall will deliver an agenda of safety, affordability, and abundance—where government looks and lives like the people it represents, never flinches in the fight against corporate greed, and refuses to cower before challenges that others have deemed too complicated.

In so doing, we will provide our own answer to that age-old question—who does New York belong to? Well, my friends, we can look to Madiba and the South African Freedom Charter: New York “belongs to all who live in it.” 

Together, we will tell a new story of our city.

This will not be a tale of one city, governed only by the one percent. Nor will it be a tale of two cities, the rich versus the poor. 

It will be a tale of 8 and a half million cities, each of them a New Yorker with hopes and fears, each a universe, each of them woven together. 

The authors of this story will speak Pashto and Mandarin, Yiddish and Creole. They will pray in mosques, at shul, at church, at Gurdwaras and Mandirs and temples—and many will not pray at all. 

They will be Russian Jewish immigrants in Brighton Beach, Italians in Rossville, and Irish families in Woodhaven—many of whom came here with nothing but a dream of a better life, a dream which has withered away. They will be young people in cramped Marble Hill apartments where the walls shake when the subway passes. They will be Black homeowners in St. Albans whose homes represent a physical testament to triumph over decades of lesser-paid labor and redlining. They will be Palestinian New Yorkers in Bay Ridge, who will no longer have to contend with a politics that speaks of universalism and then makes them the exception. 

Few of these 8 and a half million will fit into neat and easy boxes. Some will be voters from Hillside Avenue or Fordham Road who supported President Trump a year before they voted for me, tired of being failed by their party’s establishment. The majority will not use the language that we often expect from those who wield influence. I welcome the change. For too long, those fluent in the good grammar of civility have deployed decorum to mask agendas of cruelty.

Many of these people have been betrayed by the established order. But in our administration, their needs will be met. Their hopes and dreams and interests will be reflected transparently in government. They will shape our future. 

And if for too long these communities have existed as distinct from one another, we will draw this city closer together. We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. If our campaign demonstrated that the people of New York yearn for solidarity, then let this government foster it. Because no matter what you eat, what language you speak, how you pray, or where you come from—the words that most define us are the two we all share: New Yorkers.

And it will be New Yorkers who reform a long-broken property tax system. New Yorkers who will create a new Department of Community Safety that will tackle the mental health crisis and let the police focus on the job they signed up to do. New Yorkers who will take on the bad landlords who mistreat their tenants and free small business owners from the shackles of bloated bureaucracy. And I am proud to be one of those New Yorkers.

When we won the primary last June, there were many who said that these aspirations and those who held them had come out of nowhere. Yet one man’s nowhere is another man’s somewhere. This movement came out of 8 and a half million somewheres—taxi cab depots and Amazon warehouses, DSA meetings and curbside domino games. The powers that be had looked away from these places for quite some time—if they’d known about them at all—so they dismissed them as nowhere. But in our city, where every corner of these five boroughs holds power, there is no nowhere and there is no no one. There is only New York, and there are only New Yorkers. 

8 and a half million New Yorkers will speak this new era into existence. It will be loud. It will be different. It will feel like the New York we love.

No matter how long you have called this city home, that love has shaped your life. I know that it has shaped mine. 

This is the city where I set landspeed records on my razor scooter at the age of 12. Quickest four blocks of my life.

The city where I ate powdered donuts at halftime during AYSO soccer games and realized I probably wouldn’t be going pro, devoured too-big slices at Koronet Pizza, played cricket with my friends at Ferry Point Park, and took the 1 train to the BX10 only to still show up late to Bronx Science.

The city where I have gone on hunger strike just outside these gates, sat claustrophobic on a stalled N train just after Atlantic Avenue, and waited in quiet terror for my father to emerge from 26 Federal Plaza.

The city where I took a beautiful woman named Rama to McCarren Park on our first date and swore a different oath to become an American citizen on Pearl Street.

To live in New York, to love New York, is to know that we are the stewards of something without equal in our world. Where else can you hear the sound of the steelpan, savor the smell of sancocho, and pay $9 for coffee on the same block? Where else could a Muslim kid like me grow up eating bagels and lox every Sunday?

That love will be our guide as we pursue our agenda. Here, where the language of the New Deal was born, we will return the vast resources of this city to the workers who call it home. Not only will we make it possible for every New Yorker to afford a life they love once again—we will overcome the isolation that too many feel, and connect the people of this city to one another. 

The cost of childcare will no longer discourage young adults from starting a family—because we will deliver universal childcare for the many by taxing the wealthiest few.

Those in rent-stabilized homes will no longer dread the latest rent hike—because we will freeze the rent. 

Getting on a bus without worrying about a fare hike or whether you’ll be late to your destination will no longer be deemed a small miracle—because we will make buses fast and free. 

These policies are not simply about the costs we make free, but the lives we fill with freedom. For too long in our city, freedom has belonged only to those who can afford to buy it. Our City Hall will change that.

These promises carried our movement to City Hall, and they will carry us from the rallying cries of a campaign to the realities of a new era in politics.

Two Sundays ago, as snow softly fell, I spent twelve hours at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, listening to New Yorkers from every borough as they told me about the city that is theirs.

We discussed construction hours on the Van Wyck Expressway and EBT eligibility, affordable housing for artists and ICE raids. I spoke to a man named TJ who said that one day a few years ago, his heart broke as he realized he would never get ahead here, no matter how hard he worked. I spoke to a Pakistani Auntie named Samina, who told me that this movement had fostered something too rare: softness in people’s hearts. As she said in Urdu: logon ke dil badalgyehe.

142 New Yorkers out of 8 and a half million. And yet—if anything united each person sitting across from me, it was the shared recognition that this moment demands a new politics, and a new approach to power. 

We will deliver nothing less as we work each day to make this city belong to more of its people than it did the day before.

Here is what I want you to expect from the administration that this morning moved into the building behind me.

We will transform the culture of City Hall from one of ‘no’ to one of ‘how?’

We will answer to all New Yorkers, not to any billionaire or oligarch who thinks they can buy our democracy. 

We will govern without shame and insecurity, making no apology for what we believe. I was elected as a Democratic socialist and I will govern as a Democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical. As the great Senator from Vermont once said: “What’s radical is a system which gives so much to so few and denies so many people the basic necessities of life.” 

We will strive each day to ensure that no New Yorker is priced out of any one of those basic necessities. 

And throughout it all we will, in the words of Jason Terrance Phillips, better known as Jadakiss or J to the Muah, be “outside”—because this is a government of New York, by New York, and for New York.

Before I end, I want to ask you, if you are able, whether you are here today or anywhere watching, to stand.

I ask you to stand with us now, and every day that follows. City Hall will not be able to deliver on our own. And while we will encourage New Yorkers to demand more from those with the great privilege of serving them, we will encourage you to demand more of yourselves as well. 

The movement we began over a year ago did not end with our victory on Election Night. It will not end this afternoon. It lives on with every battle we will fight, together; every blizzard and flood we withstand, together; every moment of fiscal challenge we overcome with ambition, not austerity, together; every way we pursue change in working peoples’ interests, rather than at their expense, together. 

No longer will we treat victory as an invitation to turn off the news. From today onwards, we will understand victory very simply: something with the power to transform lives, and something that demands effort from each of us, every single day. 

What we achieve together will reach across the five boroughs and it will resonate far beyond. There are many who will be watching. They want to know if the left can govern. They want to know if the struggles that afflict them can be solved. They want to know if it is right to hope again. 

So, standing together with the wind of purpose at our backs, we will do something that New Yorkers do better than anyone else: we will set an example for the world. If what Sinatra said is true, let us prove that anyone can make it in New York—and anywhere else too. Let us prove that when a city belongs to the people, there is no need too small to be met, no person too sick to be made healthy, no one too alone to feel like New York is their home.

The work continues, the work endures, the work, my friends, has only just begun. 

Thank you.

photos: Zevi Klein/BoroPark24

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who attended the Times Square New Year’s event last night, is also expected to attend today’s public event.

photo: NYC Mayor Office

As her family noted, they attribute her longevity to her deep care of her Holocaust survivor parents after they emerged from the terrible inferno.

They also note that she mirrored to be cared for by her own children and wonderful aids until her last day on earth, also due to this self sacrifice.

She left this world at 101 years of age leaving behind an incredible legacy.

The levaya took place at Shomrei Hadas this morning. 

Yehi zichra baruch.

The station was beautifully designed, with vaulted tile ceilings, brass light fixtures, and skylights that once looked up into the park above. For decades it served riders, but as subway cars became longer to accommodate rising ridership, the curved platforms at City Hall could no longer safely handle the trains. Because modern trains required longer, straight platforms, the station was closed on December 31, 1945.  

For nearly 80 years after its closure, the station remained unused for regular service. It became a piece of subway history, occasionally opened for special tours and events and recognized as a landmark of early New York transit design.  

Mayor Mamdani’s choice to be sworn in there connected that history to a new chapter in city leadership. 

photos: NY Transit Museum 

In this week’s Kinder Shrift, you’ll find the newly refreshed Games Section, packed with fun and engaging activities for children. Inside are a variety of colorful columns and games, including puzzles, learning to draw, recipes, coloring pages, playtime activities, Ten Differences, brain teasers, spot-the-difference games, a fun corner, and creative crafts.

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

The askonim involved with the project have shared that this new community may be inaugurated in as soon as two or three years from now. The first phase will feature hundreds of completed homes to fill the dire need for housing in the community. 

The first plot of land being developed stands at 1200 acres, with another 1500 acres for future development under contract. 

In order to ensure the success of the project, the precise location of the new community is being kept under wraps.

One newer issue in the talks involves the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals. In recent years, hospitals have begun using AI tools to help with scheduling, patient monitoring, and decision-making. Nurses say they are concerned that these systems are sometimes used to cut corners or replace human judgment. They argue that every patient is different and that technology should support nurses, not override their experience or reduce personal care. One hospital visitor said that while technology can be helpful, it can never replace the human touch that patients need, especially during difficult moments. Nurses say care is about understanding individual needs, something they believe cannot be provided by artificial intelligence alone.

One of the nurses said, “Nurses are the backbone of the hospital. When a person comes into the hospital, who’s the first person you see? A nurse. And who’s the last person you see? A nurse.” Another nurse pointed to the pandemic, saying, “During COVID, nurses were praised as heroes, but now we are treated like zeros.”

Union leaders say they remain ready to negotiate and hope hospital management returns to the table soon. If no agreement is reached by the end of the month, the union says it would issue a formal strike notice, which could lead to walkouts affecting hospitals across the city. Nurses say they want to keep caring for patients, but believe real changes are needed to make hospitals safer for both staff and the people they serve.

He was always running around to help this almanah, this poor person, or another person in the hospital, even as he was struggling with his own health--in additions to the millions that he doled out to Yeshivos, organizations, and the needy in the community. 

After suffering a fire in his home, Reb Yitzchok Aaron, and tbl"ch, his wife, moved in with his mother in law, who had recently been widowed. Thus, he spent his last years living in a small apartment, only to keep an almanah company. 

In addition, he and his wife welcomed many guests to their shabbos and Yom Tov table. Everyone was welcome in their home. 

As noted, he was diagnosed with an illness in recent years, but nevertheless continued with his works of chessed and tzeddakah. 

The levaya will take place at 10:00 this morning in front of the Munktacher Beis Medrash. 

Yehi zichro baruch.

Even in just over a week, Guerra’s leadership will help ensure a smooth handoff as the FDNY prepares for the incoming administration.

photo: Justin Persaud/Mayoral Photography Office.

The levaya will take place 12pm at the Sanz Klausenburg Shul on 50th Street.

Yehi zichra baruch.

In Crown Heights, Maariv at 770 Eastern Parkway was recited in a Yom Tov nusach, followed by spirited dancing. Similar celebrations took place in dozens of shuls, coinciding with the final night of Chanukah.

Also captured that night was a powerful moment: for the first time as a free man, Sholom Rubashkin speaking publicly alongside his father, an emotional scene that resonated deeply with the thousands celebrating his release.

Liska traces its roots to Rav Tzvi Hersh of Liska known as the Ach Pri Tevuah whose influence was felt throughout Hungary and beyond. Through successive rebbes Liska thrived until the Holocaust decimated European jewry . The remnants of Liska was transplanted in the United States by his son, the previous Liska Rav Yoizef Friedlander ZT'L, who established his kehilah, Ateres Tzvi M’Liska in the now Ir V’em B’Yisroel Boro Park where he was marbitz Torah and conducted himself in the mold of his origins until his untimely petirah at the age of 52, on 28 Shvat, 1971. 

Today the mantle of Liska is carried forth by the current Liska Rebbe, Rav Tzvi Hersh Friedlander Shlita who is widely recognized as a preeminent Talmid Chochom, mechaber sefer on Sugas HaShas, worthy of carrying forth the illustrious traditions of his forbears as Liska Rav. Keres bais Liska was recently established to underwrite major capital projects and all related projects pertaining to the Liska chasidus, including the construction of the new Liska Bais hamedrash.

As planning continues, arrangements are currentlybeing made to temporarily relocate the kehilla during the demolition and construction process. At the same time, final details of the building plans are being completed, ensuring that once demolition begins, the project can proceed smoothly and efficiently, step by step.

Join us for fun and informative talks about local heimish bakeries, including Sanders Bakery, Kiryas Joel Bakery (Reismans), Glicks Bakery, and Taam Eden.

Snow Man Hot Chocolate: A tasty, easy recipe kids can make themselves.

All of this comes with the regular Vinderkind package! Sign up now for a subscription at Vinderkind.com or call 718-517-8310.

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The event signals an early glimpse of Mamdani’s leadership style as he prepares to take office.

According to Assemblyman Eichenstein, the Adams administration initially indicated that accommodations would be made for Sabbath observers on Friday afternoons, but those exemptions never materialized and local Sabbath observers were being ticketed on a weekly basis. As a result, Assemblyman Eichenstein partnered with State Senator Sam Sutton and advanced legislation prohibiting NYC Department of Sanitation from issuing summonses on Friday after 3:00 PM for setting out their trash. This legislation overwhelmingly passed in both the State Senate and State Assembly. This past Friday, Governor Hochul signed the bill into law, including a chapter amendment which will require local Community Boards to formally adopt a resolution requesting early Friday trash set-out in their neighborhoods.

“Everyone agrees that city regulations should work for the people, not against them, which is why this legislation was able to pass unanimously through both the Senate and Assembly,” said Senator Sam Sutton. “No New Yorker should be forced to choose between following city laws and religious ones. This legislation provides a clear, practical accommodation for Sabbath observance, without fear of fines or violations, and gives the power back to our local communities.”

“This legislation represents a hard-won victory for religious New Yorkers who simply wish to observe their faith without being forced to choose between their religious beliefs and avoiding a ticket,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “We successfully fought City Hall on this important issue, and as a result, residents in affected neighborhoods can breathe easier knowing they will not be issued a hefty fine simply for observing the Sabbath. I thank Senator Sam Sutton for partnering with me on this effort, and I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the importance of this issue to our community.”

Multiple Community Boards in Southern Brooklyn have already indicated their intention to adopt resolutions requesting early Friday trash set-out. Months ago, Community Boards representing Boro Park, Midwood, Crown Heights, Mill Basin, and Marine Park wrote a letter to Governor Hochul formally requesting she sign this legislation into law. Once adopted, residents in these neighborhoods can breathe easier, knowing they will no longer be ticketed for placing trash curbside after 3:00 p.m. on Fridays. This legislative victory brings an end to a senseless and unnecessary ticketing blitz.

Throughout the afternoon, children received thoughtful gifts, posed for photos with officers, and shared meaningful moments of connection in an environment filled with dignity, respect, and genuine warmth.

The collaboration reflected a shared commitment by both organizations to create experiences that uplift, empower, and bring joy to families navigating difficult circumstances.

The program closed with a moving Chanukah candle lighting led by Rabbi Shlomo Farhi, bringing families, officers, and volunteers together in a shared moment of warmth and reflection. At a time when the world often feels heavy and uncertain, the evening served as a quiet reminder that light is created through presence, care, and people showing up for one another.

Amid the darkness, he experienced many miracles which kept him and his fellow survivors alive. After he had given up on ever meeting any of his family, he learned that his sister survived--something that was deeply emotional and exciting for him. 

Like so many of the survivors, Reb Yonasan Binyomin was drawn close to the Klausenberger Rebbe following the war, and learned in his yeshiva with great diligence. 

He remained an ardent chossid of the Rebbe, and of his son, ybl"ch, the current Rebbe, for the rest of his life. 

He merited to establish beautiful Torah generations of bnei Torah, chassidishe and ehrliche Yidden who follow in his ways. 

Yehi zichro baruch.

The mayor thanked members of his staff who remained with him through difficult moments, including his 2024 federal bribery indictment, which was later dropped by the Trump administration.

“There’s been ups and downs,” Adams said. “From the outside, people think all we did was frown. But we laughed a lot.”

After the speeches, the capsule was taken to the east entrance of City Hall, where workers removed a slab of concrete and secured a plaque to the fence marking the site.

The most recent stats show 11% of riders evaded the fare from July through September, down from 13% over the same period last year. 

photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA

When it was built, the bachurim of the Mesivta Eitz Chaim d’Bobov—the same name that the yeshiva had in the prewar days—learned in the new shul on 48th street (by now, Bobov boasted high-school-aged bachurim from the first post-Holocaust generation), and the Rebbe continued davening in the shtiebel on 15th Avenue during the weekday. Once the Mesivta building down the block was completed in 1980, the ruv began davening in the new shul during the weekday as well. During the 1970’s, a number of tiny expansions were made as the chassidus continued to grow exponentially… but it was understood that this was not a long-term solution. 

An enormous beis medrash would need to be built in order to accommodate the tremendous growth of the Bobover chassidus in America. 

The Work Begins 

Since the kehillah already owned one property on 15th Avenue, and some property on the side street, it was decided to purchase the remaining properties and encompass all of them into one enormous edifice. The Ruv resided on the corner house (the one that once belonged to a Boro Park balebos, Reb Yisochor Thau, whom we once profiled here), and that would remain untouched. 

Chassidim recall that the neighbor who lived right next to the Rebbe did not want to sell at first because she refused to give up the Rebbetzin’s friendly ‘good morning’—until she was persuaded of the importance of acquiring the property for the shul. Another two properties were then acquired, and the preparations began for a gala cornerstone laying. But the ruv opted for a quiet event instead—right before shavuos of the year 1982. 

Despite its modest tone, the event was an extremely emotional one for the Rebbe, and many of the chassidim who had lost so much. This represented a significant milestone in rebuilding from the ashes.  

The work commenced, and continued apace over the coming four years—all the while overseen by the legendary Reb Avrohom Aaron Leser, sheyichye, a major Bobover philanthropist and patron. The building made history in that it was the first beis medrash in Brooklyn of this size, and to stand at such a height and breadth without any supporting beams in the center of the room.  

The price tag for the building was only a few million dollars, but it was a sizable sum in those days, and the chassidus struggled mightily to put up on the money for the construction. The Bobover Ruv came out to the chassidim and implored them to take part in this building project. 

One Shabbos, the legendary Reb Moshe Reichmann from Toronto visited the shul for a simcha, only to see that the shell stood unfinished. He pledged one million dollars toward the completion of the shul on the condition that the Bobover Ruv would come to Toronto for the wedding of his daughter the following week. The ruv immediately agreed, and through Reb Moshe Reichmann’s largesse, the final stages of the building were completed. 

For yomim nora’im of 1985, the chassidus moved into the new building. The structure was still raw, but to the elated chassidim it seemed like the most magnificent edifice in the world. 

The rest is history. Since that time, the Bobover Beis Medrash has remained the largest in Boro Park, serving as the world headquarters of the chassidus, a source of so much inspiration to the chassidim in Boro Park and around the world—and a true symbol of the rebuilding of the glory of Bobov that had almost been entirely decimated during the Holocaust. 

Because of the wind advisory, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will ban empty tractor-trailers from using several major bridges starting at 5:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The restriction is expected to last until about 10:00 a.m., but could change if weather conditions last.

The ban will be in effect on the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Cross Bay Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge, Marine Parkway Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

Two families, including a child, were displaced as a result of the damage. The American Red Cross is assisting them with temporary housing and financial support.

Despite the damage, the matzah bakery is already working on reopening at a new location. Bakery officials say operations will continue as usual for Pesach, ensuring matzah production remains on schedule.

But he still wasn’t done giving praise to Hashem, leading the chassidim in a dance after davening to the words “Ki Hashem Hu HaElokim — Ein Od Milvado”—all at a time when he still didn’t know the full extent of the damage, or what would be with insurance, machinery, inventory, and everything else.

Years of living with emunah had prepared this chossid from Boro Park of 2025 for this moment in which it became clear that these weren’t just words. In real time, amid all the uncertainty and doubt, he was lifted above the moment, connecting with the true Boss with fire, with fervor, and with deep faith.

This hiring comes as the NYPD faces some criticism about retirements and resignations. According to the Police Benevolent Association, 3,415 officers have left or filed for retirement between December 2024 and November 2025. PBA President Patrick Hendry said some officers feel the NYPD is a stepping stone to other agencies that offer better pay and lighter workloads.

Commissioner Tisch responded that the recent departures are expected and follow long-term projections based on hiring levels from 20 years ago. She said early resignations have dropped by more than 40% since 2022, and the NYPD has hired more officers this year than it has lost. Tisch said the department is rebuilding its ranks as planned and remains focused on maintaining strong staffing levels to help keep New York City neighborhoods safe.

Century 21 closed its doors in 2020, leaving a major retail gap along one of the area’s busiest commercial corridors. After years of abandonment, locals are happy to see the space finally being utilized.

At around 5:30 a.m., the fire was declared under control, but it later rekindled, prompting another major emergency response. As of the early morning hours, the fire is still not fully extinguished, and firefighters remain on the scene working to put it out. At least one firefighter was injured during the incident and received medical attention at the scene. 

Due to the fire and resulting damage, the neighboring Satmar cheider announced that classes are being relocated today. The Satmar girls’ school is not affected, as it is on Chanukah vacation today.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have not yet released details on how the blaze started or the full extent of the damage to the bakery and surrounding structures. Residents are urged to avoid the area as emergency crews continue to operate on scene.

The issue opens with a conversation with a mashgiach, offering an inside look at the daily responsibilities and challenges of kosher supervision.

Readers are then taken to view inside the broccoli fields of B’gan in South America, exploring how checked produce is grown and prepared to meet strict standards.

The Food Edition also includes a deep dive into Cholov Yisroel, with an inside look at the Mehadrin empire and how a major milchig company operates.

In a fascinating interview, R’ Avraham Yosef Greenwald, known as the chassidish food scientist, explains how new food products are developed from idea to shelf.

Another article breaks down what really goes into packaging design, examining the thought, planning, and strategy behind what consumers see before they ever taste the product.

The issue also looks at famous foods that were invented by accident, telling the stories behind “delicious mistakes” that became household staples.

An in-depth interview with Norman’s Dairy Factory takes readers behind the scenes of milchig production.

There is also a conversation with the owner of Bloom’s, the popular snack company, on building a brand that turned into the one our children grab each day.

For something lighter, one feature explores unusual and amusing food-related court cases that found their way into legal history.

Readers are invited along on a visit to the food museum with Dee Voch, offering a unique perspective on food around the world with different cuisines.

Another article focuses on minhagim and mesoros in the chassidish kitchen, with insights from R’ Shlomo Hersh Eckstein.

Another feature looks at foods that turned into trends, tracing how niche items became today’s must-have bites.

The Food Edition features in-depth articles and interviews with a wide range of companies from across the kosher food world, including the following:

●B’gan

●Bakers Choice

●Bloom’s

●Bubby’s Blintzes

●Carbolicious

●Crisp Distribution

●Everything Kosher Food Truck

●Fer Real

●Flaums

●Fleish Bits

●Golden Flow

●Health Garden

●Kleinhaus Coffee

●Kosher Dot Com

●Lechem Sourdough

●Leiel Shishi

●Lilac Party Rental

●Mashmanim

●Mehadrin

●Norman’s

●Paskesz

●Pastry Palace

●Quality Paper Goods

●Ricotta Restaurant

●Schmerling Chocolate

●Taam Catering

●Tarnupal

●Weber Meat

…and many more.

This is something no one will want to miss, and it will keep readers engrossed in the unprecedented kosher food world for hours on end.

If you have a subscription, look out for it in this week’s Dee Voch package. If not, run and grab your copy from store shelves before they’re gone.

Dig in, Bon appétit! 🍽️

The fire caused far more damage than expected, and it’s unclear when—or if—the building will be repaired for tenants.

The levaya took place in Shomrei Hadas this morning where R' Avrohom Yitzchok was mourned by a large community of admirers, and a sterling Torah family that he leaves behind. 

Yehi zichro baruch.

Herzog's wine was a French wine but had nothing to do with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the name bore no connection to the town named for Papal pageantry and having the papal hat as its iconic symbol, far from a fitting name for a kosher wine. But to France's Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), the government agency that acts as global wine police, the partial similarity alone was deemed a violation.

Herzog tried to cooperate, changing the name to "Chateleufe" modifying two letters to create distance. A change that went mostly unnoticed by consumers. 

However, French authorities found it insufficient and escalated the matter. Herzog was forced to pull the wine entirely while legal proceedings dragged on. Wine expert and retailer Moishe Mayer watched it unfold and spoke fondly of the wine: "It hit a rare sweet spot: balanced flavor, broad appeal, and a very attractive price." The disappearance confused loyal buyers who searched for a bottle that had been erased from existence.

France treats wine appellations like intellectual property, legally protected geographic designations worth billions. The INAO has sued over baking powder, gone after Swiss towns, and targeted perfume companies. When it comes to safeguarding French wine names, no target is too small. But two forced rebrands? Industry insiders say that's virtually unheard of. 

After two years, two rebrands, and a prolonged absence from the shelves due to a legal battle that likely far exceeded the wine's profit margin, the wine is finally back on shelves under its new name: Les Riganes Semi, part of Herzog’s Les Riganes collection. 

The wine inside is identical, only the name has been scrubbed clean of any resemblance to the protected French appellation. 

Following the debacle, Herzog remains optimistic: "Chateuneuf was widely beloved for its taste. Its popularity exceeds the 'name' on the label. We're sure that its loyal following will now be enjoying Les Riganes Semi Dry White," says Jay Buchsbaum, director of education for Royal Wine. 

The fire was placed under control at approximately 1:30 p.m. No civilians or firefighters were injured. Officials noted that blocked and inaccessible hydrants can significantly delay firefighting operations, especially during winter conditions, underscoring the importance of keeping hydrants clear at all times.

“Every family deserves a joyful Hanukkah celebration,” said Alexander Rapaport, Executive Director of Masbia Soup Kitchen Network. “With so many single mothers turning to us for help, we wanted to make sure every home could feel the warmth, beauty, and dignity of the holiday. Instead of bringing everyone to one party, we’re sending the party to everyone.”

The new Hanukkah Party Package initiative allows each household to enjoy the celebration at home, at their own pace, and with everything they need for a beautiful holiday experience. "Special Thanks to Eric and Karen Miller who have been the main sponsors every year In bringing joy to the single mothers during Chanukah". rapaport added

Masbia is asking the community to help support this expanded effort. Donations will allow the organization to provide complete Hanukkah Party Packages to every single-mother family on its list.

To support Masbia’s Hanukkah initiatives, please visit www.masbia.org.

Even with the construction headaches, this makeover promises an efficient and stylish JFK for the millions of people who pass through each year.

Credit: The New Terminal One at JFK, JMP, PANYNJ

Families are encouraged to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. If there is a smell of gas or a carbon monoxide alarm begins to sound, people should leave immediately and call 911.

Health officials members stress the importance of recognizing signs of hypothermia, which can develop slowly and become life-threatening. Warning signs include:

• Confusion
• Slowed or slurred speech
• Intense shivering
• Drowsiness
• Loss of coordination

If such symptoms are observed, call 911 right away. Until help arrives, the person should be moved to a warm place, wet clothing should be removed, and they should be covered with blankets.

For those who must go out into the snow, residents are advised to dress in layers, walk carefully on snow and ice, and wear sturdy shoes or boots to prevent slips and falls.

As Boro Park navigates the wintry conditions, officials emphasize that with simple precautions, checking on neighbors, using heaters safely, and watching for signs of cold-related illness, the community can stay safer and better protected during the cold snap.

History Repeats—Yet Continues to Astound

The phenomenon of seeing the Gaonim Shas Yidden display utter and complete mastery of the entire Shas is not new—in fact, “Shas Yidden” is now celebrating its eighteenth year. The Torah world has become accustomed to this annual sight which is repeated annually in all its glory—and yet, it continues to astound all those privileged to witness it, because it touches something so deep within the Jewish heart.

There isn’t a Yid who has witnessed the site of this exam and wasn’t affected by it. Baalei batim report having taken on a new shiur, accomplished talmidei chachamim have resolved to invest more in the mastery of Shas, and young bachurim attest to having the scope of their aspirations and life goals altered forever.

And so, it is an historic event—even if it transpires every year—to see on one dais 132 young men, from every stripe and denomination in Klal Yisrael, drawn from the seven Kollelim under the Torah empire known as “Shas Yidden” located in every major Jewish metropolis, as they undergo a rigorous exam on, literally, the entire Shas, and respond with crystal clear answers that display an astounding mastery reminiscent of previous generations in Klal Yisrael.

This year’s bechinah took place at the legendary Yeshiva Ohr Hachaim, founded and led by Hagaon Rav Reuven Elbaz, in conjunction with a siyum on the entire Shas by each of the avreichim. And indeed, to be present and to witness the glow and the joy on the faces of the Shas Yidden was to walk away with ohr and chaim—light and life—in the depths of one’s heart.

A Forceful Response

In his introductory remarks, Rav Elbaz gave thanks to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for the privilege of hosting this historic event, attributing it to the merit of the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh for whom the yeshiva is named. He explained that the Shas Yidden phenomenon is a true and apt response to the evil forces of our time who wish to silence the voice of Torah in the land of Eretz Yisrael.

In connection with this, the Rosh Yeshiva asked the avreichim to cite instances in Shas of debates between the Chachmei Yisrael and the Tzedokim. At once, the answers came fast and furious… citing dozens of sources from every area of Shas, including Maseches Shabbos, Rosh Hashanah, Yoma, Sukkah, Ta’anis, Bava Basra, Makkos, Avodah Zarah, Chullin, Menachos, Tosefta of Parah, and more…

Among the questions—all of which received crisp and clear and concise responses—was the question: “where do we find instances—in all of Shas— where Chazal instituted a takanah for the purpose of darkei Shalom, keeping the peace?” Here too, dozens of responses flew forth—with sources in Yerushalmi, Midrashim, Rishonim and Acharonim, and other areas of Torah not neglected by the Gaonim Shas Yidden.  

“Where do we find dreams referenced in all of Shas,” asked Rav Elbaz. “Which halachos did Abaye remind his rebbi, Rav Yosef, after he forgot all of his learning? Who were the ones who davened and asked for their needs in a proper manner, and who were those who supplicated Hashem improperly?” These—and so many more—questions each received a torrent of instinctive and quick crystal-clear answers from the Shas Yidden—as the Rosh Yeshiva “strolled” through Shas, by way of dozens of questions, exhibiting and illustrating the depth, the brilliance, and the sheer mastery of the Gaonim Shas Yidden in each and every masechta of Shas.

Rav Elbaz concluded his portion of the exam by noting his deep connection with the Founder and Nosi Hakollelim, Rav Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov, beginning with his grandfather, Hagaon Rav Shalom Eisen by whom he attained semichah many decades ago. He wished the Pozna Rov to be able to continue his incredible work in presiding over this Torah empire for many years to come. He also shared a special berachah with the supporters of the kolelim who make this all possible, wishing them that through their support for Torah, their own fortunes should see much blessing.

Both Worlds

Hagaon Hamekubal Rav Rachamim Moshe Shayo (author of the Mechkerei Aretz responsa) picked up the farher from here—posing dozens of probing questions in every area of Shas, many of them requiring a depth of mastery far beyond a superficial knowledge of Shas. The gaonim Shas Yidden rejoiced at the opportunity to engage in this give and take—illustrating depth and erudition, and a mastery of the material according to the understanding of the Rishonim and Acharonim. Rav Shayo also asked questions on matters of aggadah—receiving answers from every area of Shas.

“How many things were said by Chazal regarding kos shel berachah?, he asked. Within seconds, an entire list was compiled by the avreichim, culled from all masechtos in Shas. “Regarding how many mitzvos are we enjoined not to ‘bundle’ multiple mitzvos together?” –immediately, the avreichim found and compiled all the areas of Shas that deal with this question.

Rav Shayo concluded his time by elaborating on the incredible zechus that it is to support this incredible endeavor known as Kollel Shas Yidden—citing numerous sources in Shas that laud this great merit in This World as well as in the Next World.

Rav Don Segal: “Testimony That Hashem’s Kingdom is Eternal!”

In middle of this exalted event, the hall turned silent as assemblage greeted Hagaon Hatzadik Rav Don Segal who was visibly emotional by everything that he witnessed that evening, saying, “It is deeply moving for me to participate in such an exalted event…. It is an incredible kiddush Hashem, and it is a testimony that the Torah is eternal, that the Ribbono shel Olam’s sovereignty is eternal, and that Klal Yisrael continues to be tethered and connected to Torah. Hakadosh baruch Hu isn’t bankrupt, chas v’shalom! Torah is alive and well in Am Yisrael—and that even in our time, we witness incredible levels of mastery in Torah,” he intoned. “This event is testimony that Am Yisrael is the Am HaTorah,” he added.

The Mashgiach continued by extolling the caliber of these avreichim Gaonim Shas Yidden who have not only mastered Shas and understand every bit of it in depth—but also utilize every spare moment for Torah learning. “There’s nothing left for me to say other than to aspire… and supplicate Hashem that we too should complete Shas!” He then erupted in a joyous and emotional dance—expressing our devotion to the Ribbono shel Olam, and pleading for the geulah.

Pinnacle of Joy

The final portion of the bechinah was presided over by Hagaon Rav Menachem Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Nesiv Hada’as who transformed the atmosphere in the hall with his emotion and amazement at the sheer mastery of the gaonim Shas Yidden—contagiously spreading throughout the hall with a spirit of spiritual pleasure and Torah joy that permeates the soul.

The first of Rav Cohen’s questions elicited such a raucous response from all 132 avreichim, and so he began to direct his queries to individual kolelim—and still, but even so, the noise of their responses was thunderous and raised the roof…

“Where do we find the measure of a tefach mentioned in Shas?” asked Rav Cohen. “Which halachos in Shas are connected with the measure of four amos?” This brought forth an endless torrent of deafening responses. Turning to the parashas hashavuah, he asked “Where do we find the inyan of 22 years mentioned in Shas?” Dozens of answers flowed forth within seconds… followed by further probing questions such as “List four central hilchos Shabbos that are dealt with in Maseches Kesubos.”

A highlight of the evening was when Rav Cohen asked for the sources for meleches machsheves, the halachah that a melachah on Shabbos must be premeditated. Again, a long list of responses from various masechtos in Shas. “But where is it dealt with in Maseches Shabbos itself,” he followed up. “It’s not!” all 132 avreichim thundered at once, emphatically and confidently.

A particularly enjoyable moment was when the Rosh Yeshivah asked the avreichim to enumerate the all the halachos mentioned in Bava Kamma regarding the damage done by an entire list of animals—a question that was answered in great detail and accuracy. “List ten locations in Shas where halachos are learned from a gematriya,” he said—eliciting far more than ten responses. Throughout his questioning, the joy was palpable and the spiritual pleasure otherworldly.

He then had the following words to say: “I have had the merit to sit in great and illustrious batei Midrash, alongside great men of mastery in Torah—including in the esteemed Kollel Ponovezh—and to serve as an attendant to some of the greatest Gedolim from the previous generation —but I have never seen Talmidei Chachomim such as these..   It’s worthwhile coming from faraway countries just to witness this!" he said as he concluded with a heartfelt berachah for both the avreichim and their supporters.

An Evening of Berachos and Yeshu’os

As the first part of the evening drew to a close, the gaonim—each of whom has completed Shas five times this year, Gemara with Rashi and Tosafos (!)—moved over to a neighboring hall for a gala seudas mitzvah. All the emotion was concentrated on these moments, when they would formally conclude their beloved Shas after rigorous and relentless study and review. All of their toil and effort, their joy and pleasure and deveikus from the preceding year is all concentrated in this moment—and the joy pierced the Heavens. 

As the avreichim sat together, rejoicing and celebrating this otherworldly event, Hagaon Rav Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov, sat on the dais, drawing incredible nachas from this Torah empire that he has established with tremendous toil, and emotionally celebrating another year of Torah accomplishment and kiddush Hashem.

In the ezras nashim too, the wives of the gaonim have gathered to reap the nachas for their portion in their husbands’ Torah. Some have even brought their young children so they can imbibe in the atmosphere and be taught to continue the golden tradition of their illustrious fathers.

A particularly moving highlight of this part of the evening were the “moments of brachos and yeshu’os” in which the avreichim made their way over to the table of financial supporters to shower them with blessings and to thank them for their part in enabling their unrivaled Torah to continue. Spiritual energy pulsated through the room as the respective partners shook hands—a true illustration of the Yisachar-Zevulun partnership in action—uniting in a shared love of Torah and those who devote their lives to its study.

“They Support You!”

A special guest at the seudas mitzvah was Hagaon Hatzadik Rav Elimelech Biderman, shlit”a, who spoke with his trademark passion and joy in honor of the Torah and those devoted to its study. He elaborated on how the Torah elevates and sanctifies those who learn it as well as those who support it—drawing down for them a tremendous shefa b’ruchaniyus and b’gashmiyus.

Turning to the patrons of “Kollel Shas Yidden,” Rav Meilech said: “I hope you won’t be offended when I tell you that it isn’t you who support these Gaonim Shas Yidden; it is they who support you!” He got no argument from this part of the room, as the joyful Torah supporters nodded in agreement—expressing their own similar feelings that they receive more than they give to these heroes of Torah.

Following the collective siyum hashasim, and the kaddish recited by the esteemed Rabbi Michael Kaplan, a major supporter of the kolelim, the room erupted in music and joy in honor of Torah—a personal Simchas Torah times 132! The joy of the Gaonim—their very essence permeated and saturated with Torah and with deveikus in the One Who gave them the Torah—overflowed to everyone present, and endured for long moments.

In recognition of their sacrifices for the Torah of their husbands, each of the wives was presented a cash gift, as Rebbetzin Eisen lauded their shared accomplishments and greatness.

Without a doubt, the joy from that evening ascended to the Heavens, bringing about great joy and pleasure in the Upper Worlds at the renewed kabbolas haTorah of these incredible Talmidei Chachomim. This evening will long leave its mark upon the Torah world that is privileged to serve as a home to the Gaonim Shas Yidden, being inspired by their stature and illustriousness. They will continue to sanctify their surroundings, elevating the aspirations of every Yid who will proclaim: Halevai that I too should merit to become a Shas Yid!  

To watch the dynamic Shas Yiden farheren and Siyumim or for more information on Shas Yiden, or to donate, Click on www.shasyiden.com or Call 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219. London: UK Registered Charity # 1191225 - 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England or call 0208-066-1566

BoroPark24 is in direct coordination with the DDC and will continue to share updates as they come in.

“One of these [complaints] said this morning: “the indignant citizens who called on Mr. Brackenridge yesterday only called attention to one form of trouble, but there is another that is quite as serious.

“I am one of those a large number of people who come in from Bay Ridge Park, and that locality, by means of surface cars to the 36th Street depot, where we take the elevated trains to the city. Formerly, we waited in the depot and caught s train from 65th Street, in which there were always seats. Now we are all driven out on an exposed platform and compelled to take the trains from Borough Park, which are always overcrowded to a degree that is even indecent, considering that women are among the passengers… a man can’t open his paper because his arms are pinned at his sides…”  

The Culver El

the Culver Line which ran from east to west actually preceded the elevated railway that some may remember from the 1950’s. The strip that today is 37th Street, and still features much undeveloped land (a byproduct of being city owned) in the form of steam rail beginning in the year 1875.  

It was named for Andrew C. Culver, a railroad magnate, who acquired a key part of the rail system. This section ran from 9th Avenue in Sunset Park, down 37th Street, into McDonald Avenue where it joined that system all the way to Coney Island. When the F train began running to Coney Island, it resulted in many less riders taking the Culver line there, and this line became a shuttle for that mile-long stretch—only connecting the two lines. 

In 1919, Culver began building elevated tracks on this stretch, which came down in the 1980’s. 

On April 12, 1938, the New York Sun reported on the plans to “recapture the L.” This was a press conference at Transit Offices at 270 Madison Avenue in New York City, which the transit commissioner Ruben Haskell announced that in addition to the BMT and IND competing railway systems, New York City would be launching their own independent rails system. This had far-reaching effects which eventually resulted in the merger of all three systems—which would be named NYC Transit, later consumed by the mammoth, state-owned MTA. 

Today, the area where the Culver El ran is quite visible as it is largely undeveloped save for a few areas where the city designated the property certain projects—hearkening back more than one century to the old site of the railways in Boro Park of yore.  

The fire created significant disruption throughout the area. Both 39th and 40th Streets were shut down due to the large presence of fire trucks and emergency vehicles. At the same time, construction on 37th Street added further congestion - made even worse by the fact that the incident unfolded during school bus pick-up time, causing major traffic gridlock across the neighborhood.

The escape attempt ended on the D-line tracks at 50th Street, where officers took him into custody. He is now facing charges including burglary, criminal trespass, and possession of stolen property, marking his 18th arrest.

Police records show that Jack has a long history of targeting Jewish institutions. In 2012, he broke into a Flatbush shul and stole bottles of vodka and scotch, and that same year, he was arrested for a string of Brooklyn burglaries. He then served ten years at Fishkill Correctional Facility before his release in 2023.