Local news and community website serving Lakewood, NJ's Orthodox Jewish community.
Local news and community website serving Lakewood, NJ's Orthodox Jewish community.
The Lakewood Scoop53 minutes agoThe clocks fall back next Sunday, November 1, and with them come the early Shabbosim: Hadlokas Neiros in Lakewood on Friday, November 6 will be 4:30 PM.
And with the short Fridays comes the annual question for the local girls’ high schools: should students be off on winter Fridays to help their parents prepare for Shabbos?
Several years ago, posed the question to readers, and 55% voted for students to have the day off to help parents.
So we’re asking again: has anything changed? Take the poll below, and let us know in the comments what your school’s schedule looks like this year: regular hours, early dismissal, or something in between. Parents, students and menahalos are invited to share what’s working and what isn’t.
Yes
No
0 votes · 0 answers
The Lakewood Scoop1 hour agoThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat, sell or serve any cold smoked sprats sold by Haifa Smoked Fish, Inc. due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination.
The warning covers all lots of cold smoked sprats sold by D&M Smoked Fish Inc., doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish, Inc. of Jamaica, New York. The product is sold in bulk cardboard boxes and shipped refrigerated, and may be frozen for up to one year. The FDA said it may have been sold at restaurants and grocery store seafood counters with or without a label.
The sprats were sold to retailers, restaurants, wholesalers and food service customers in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and may have been distributed further. According to the FDA, an inspection found the company was producing the sprats without the required food safety controls to prevent botulism growth and toxin formation. The agency recommended the company recall all cold smoked sprats currently on the market, but the company has declined.
The warning is of particular relevance to kosher consumers. Haifa Smoked Fish is a kosher smoked fish producer which states its products are under the supervision of the Orthodox Union. Because the product may have been sold loose at fish counters with no label, consumers who recently purchased cold smoked sprats may have no packaging to identify its origin.
The FDA advises consumers who are unsure whether their cold smoked sprats are from Haifa Smoked Fish to throw them away or contact their place of purchase, and to carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the product touched.
Symptoms of botulism include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and descending paralysis. Botulism is a medical emergency, and anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
The Lakewood Scoop2 hours agoChaim Medical ushers in a new era for Chessed in Lakewood by doubling its Lakewood Headquarters and its team.
In a heartwarming event marking a new era of chessed in Lakewood, Chaim Medical and its expanded team inaugurated its new Lakewood home. The expansion has doubled both the physical space and the team dedicated to serving Lakewood and the surrounding areas.
The new state-of-the-art headquarters will serve as a medical resources hub for Lakewood and beyond. Building on the vital support provided over the years, the HQ expanded to meet growing demand.
Lakewood’s leading Roshei Yeshivos and Rabbonim attended the event to applaud Chaim Medical’s work, celebrate the occasion, and express their admiration for the life-saving work Chaim Medical provides to Lakewood.
“Lakewood is the frontier of chessed, and that’s where we want to double down,” says Chaim Medical founder Shavy Kahan.
Rabbi Malkiel —
Sklen Rabbi — (Very much wished, Lman yirbi Yemeichem/Kviyas Mezusa, same as Chaim, extending life)
Rachmestrivka Rabbi (he was busy to thank Chaim when his father wasn’t healthy, chaim was instrumental)
Rabbi Shimon Yisrael Meisels, Aved Tallymawr
Rabbi Yakov Rottenberg Aved, first hand testimony how Chaim helped his wife
Appearances from
Moe Rabi,
Mendy Feigenbaum, Lakewood board
Shraga Zeldes, Lakewood board
Mordy Schron, Lakewood board
Efrayim Nussbaum
Avrum Yidel Friedm,an Dire4ctor of oncology
Tallymawr community Rabbi Shimon Yisrael Meisels,
Rabbi Simcha Shtroli, Aved, Royal Grove Jackson, NJ
Rabbi Malkiel
Mendy Feigenbaum, Lakewood board
Rabbi Yaakov Rottenberg
Moe Rabi
Shraga Zeldes
Efrayim Nussbaum
David Mashinski
Pinchas Korman, Asken Hadugil
Chuni Hershkowitz (Big asken for Chaim,)
Rachmestrivka Lakewood
The Lakewood Scoop2 hours agoThe woman killed in the fire at the Highland Plaza Apartments in Toms River late Friday night has been identified as Barbara Booker, 67, the resident of the apartment, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
As earlier reported on TLS, Toms River Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the Highland Parkway complex at approximately 11:20 p.m. Friday, where first responders observed smoke coming from a second-floor apartment. During a search of the residence, firefighters located Booker deceased on the living room floor.
A joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River Police Detective Bureau, and Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention determined the fire originated on a couch along the east wall of the living room. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental, attributed to careless smoking.
A post-mortem examination performed Saturday by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Booker’s cause of death to be smoke inhalation due to fire, and the manner of death accidental.
The Lakewood Scoop2 hours agoThe New Jersey State Police have identified the victims of the fatal multi-vehicle crash on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River last night – as first reported by TLS.
NJSP tell TLS that Caryn J. Coon, 22, of Forked River, and Lauren J. Maturo, 32, of Syosset, NY, were killed in the crash, which happened at approximately 9:42 PM at milepost 87 on the northbound highway, police said.
According to police, a Genesis passenger vehicle was disabled in the center lane of the highway, and a Freightliner tractor-trailer was stopped behind it in the center lane. Coon, who was driving a Honda, struck the rear of the Freightliner, ran off the road to the right and traveled down a grass embankment. Amanda K. McHenry, 32, of New York, NY, who was driving a Ford SUV with Maturo as her front-seat passenger, then also struck the rear of the Freightliner.
Coon and Maturo sustained fatal injuries. McHenry sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The driver of the Freightliner sustained minor injuries, and no other injuries were reported on scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
The Lakewood Scoop3 hours agoJeanne Hengemuhle has been confirmed as Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, making her the first woman to lead the agency in its 105-year history.
Hengemuhle was selected by Governor Sherrill in February and has served as acting superintendent since, while awaiting Senate confirmation.
Her appointment drew some Republican opposition over her ability to collect her state pension while receiving a salary as superintendent. Hengemuhle retired from the State Police in 2024 after 26 years of service, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Legislation was introduced to allow the superintendent to wear the uniform and hold the rank of colonel while retaining retirement benefits. The position carries an annual salary of $210,000, while Hengemuhle’s pension is nearly $133,000.
Hengemuhle took over from Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, who served as interim superintendent following the retirement of former Superintendent Patrick Callahan at the end of 2025.
She becomes the first woman to lead the agency and the 15th superintendent in its history.
The Lakewood Scoop11 hours agoEarly voting for the November 3 general election opened today and runs through Sunday, November 1.
Lakewood residents can vote early at the Lakewood Municipal Building, 231 3rd Street. Voters may also use any of Ocean County’s ten early voting locations, including sites in Brick, Jackson, Manchester and Toms River.
Early voting hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.
A ballot drop box is also available 24 hours a day at the Ocean County Northern Resource Center, 225 4th Street in Lakewood, through 8:00 PM on Election Day.
The Lakewood Scoop13 hours agoUPDATE: According to preliminary information obtained by TLS, it appears a tow truck stopped in the road to block a car that had been stalled in the roadway. Two vehicles apparently slammed into the tow truck, killing the front passenger of one of the vehicles, and the driver of the other.
BREAKING UPDATE: At least two people have been killed, sources on scene told TLS.
Original report:
Serious injuries are reported in an accident on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River this evening.
Multiple serious injuries are reported, and multiple ambulances from Lakewood are responding to the scene.
The accident happened at mile marker 87.
A witness who came upon the scene told TLS exclusively that he was the first car behind the accident and pulled over.
“I flew down to the car. I’m like, Are you okay? And she was still breathing,” the witness said.
The witness said the woman was unresponsive but breathing, and reported what she believed was another fatality on the other side.
Another source confirmed two people died at the scene.
“I have never felt so helpless in my life,” the witness said.
The witness also stated after witnessing this, he intends to take a CPR course.
“I feel like I could have saved a life,” he told TLS.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Lakewood Scoop14 hours agoA young child from Netivot desperately needs life-saving surgery.
His family cannot afford the enormous medical expenses and is turning to Acheinu Bnei Yisrael for help.
Whoever saves one Jewish life is considered to have saved an entire world.
The Lakewood Scoop15 hours agoWe regret to inform you of the Petirah of Malka Grossman A”H, who was Niftar Shabbos morning. She was 19.
Despite her illness, Malka, Bas Reb Meir, inspired thousands with her חיזוק. In her זכות, מזמור לתודה was constantly said and challah bakes were held across the globe, and she was זוכה to take with her the זכויות of thousands of women and girls making challah.
The Levaya is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Sunday, October 25, at 1:00 PM at Bnos Devorah, 360 Oak Street, Lakewood, followed by the Kevurah in Lakewood.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Call in number for the Levaya:
732-839-3003
ID 7763828466#
Livestream:
The Lakewood Scoop15 hours agoTLS has exclusively obtained TeslaCam footage showing the suspect in the reported attempted stabbing at a Jackson Wawa holding what appears to be a knife.
As first reported on TLS yesterday, Jackson Police issued a BOLO (Be On Lookout) after the reported attempted stabbing at the Wawa, describing the suspect as a tall, bald white male wearing a red shirt who fled in a red Volkswagen Jetta with Florida license plates, possibly heading toward Lakewood.
A witness who spoke exclusively to TLS said the confrontation began after the suspect nicked the other driver’s car with his door, and escalated when the suspect came out of his car holding a knife, chased the other man around the lot, and tried to run him over before fleeing.
The footage, captured by a Tesla parked at the scene, shows the bald, red-clad suspect walking after the other man in the Wawa parking lot holding a large knife at his side.
Anyone with the vehicle’s license plate or additional information should call Jackson Police.
The Lakewood Scoop15 hours agoThe Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed attempted murder and aggravated arson charges against the man accused of setting a woman on fire in a Plumsted Township wooded area earlier this month, and the woman who accused him has now been charged with falsely incriminating him.
Justin Martin, 36, of Saddle Brook, was charged on October 16 with attempted murder and aggravated arson after police and EMS found Chelsea Villano, 33, of Eatontown, suffering from burns in a wooded area near Hawkin Road and Success Road on October 15.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that further investigation revealed Villano provided false information to law enforcement about how she sustained her injuries and who caused those injuries. Villano was charged Friday with two counts of Falsely Incriminating Another and taken into custody at Eatontown Police Headquarters. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Villano had been treated at the Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia and released days later. Martin, who was located in Asbury Park and taken into custody without incident hours after the incident, was released from the Ocean County Jail on October 19.
The charges against Martin were administratively dismissed on Friday “in the interests of justice,” Billhimer said.
The Lakewood Scoop16 hours agoA woman was killed in an apartment fire late Friday night at Highland Plaza Apartments in Toms River, officials say.
The Toms River Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:20 p.m., where first responders observed smoke coming from a second-floor apartment.
During a search of the residence, firefighters located the woman deceased on the living room floor. Her identity has not yet been released pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River Police Detective Bureau, and Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention determined that the fire originated on a couch along the east wall of the living room.
Officials say the fire was accidental and caused by careless smoking.
The Lakewood Scoop1 day agoThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that Subaru of America is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles, and owners of affected vehicles are being told not to drive them until repairs are made.
According to the NHTSA, the castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm. A ball joint that separates can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall does not cover every 2026 Crosstrek and Forester – only specific affected vehicles. Owners can check whether their vehicle is included by entering their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or at subaru.com/recalls.html.
Owners of affected vehicles are advised not to drive until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly as necessary, free of charge.
Owner notification letters are not expected to be mailed until December 16, meaning many affected owners may not yet know their vehicle is included. Owners may also contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru’s number for this recall is WRI26.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoJackson Police this morning issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) after a reported attempted stabbing at a Wawa in Jackson.
The suspect may be heading into Lakewood in a red Volkswagen Jetta with Florida license plates. He is described as a tall, bald white male wearing a red shirt.
A witness who was at the scene spoke exclusively to TLS about what unfolded. The witness, who had pulled into the Wawa to get a coffee, said the incident began when the suspect, who was in a red car, opened his car door and nicked the red car parked next to him.
The other driver cleaned off the nick on his car, went inside and got his drinks, and when he came back out, the suspect began yelling at him and the confrontation escalated, the witness said.
The suspect “came out of his car holding a knife” and chased the other man around the lot, the witness said. The suspect then got back into his car, pulled out of his parking spot and “tried to run the guy over,” braking at the last second, before he “whipped out of there” and fled.
The witness said the Jetta pulled out of the Wawa parking lot at about 10:04 AM and went down East Veterans toward Lakewood, and may have gone down Central or Cross.
“We are trying to find the plate for the red Volkswagen Jetta,” the witness said, asking that anyone with cameras in those areas check their footage. Anyone with the vehicle’s license plate or more information should call Jackson Police immediately at 732-928-1111.
Police are actively looking for the suspect. Anyone who spots the suspect or vehicle should call 911 immediately and should not approach him.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoDon’t forget to print this week’s Parsha Downloads for your Shabbos table! The section now features over 20 free downloads.
Click Here for This week’s Parsha Downloads
To have your Parsha download added to the page, email the file to [email protected].
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThinking of buying a home? A new executive order out of Washington could eventually shave a real monthly cost off a mortgage, but the relief is aimed at future buyers, not current homeowners, and it still needs a federal regulator to act.
President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at decreasing housing costs, packaging several measures meant to make buying, building, and refinancing a home cheaper. The piece most relevant to buyers: a proposed pilot program that would cancel private mortgage insurance (better known as PMI) proactively once a borrower qualifies, instead of forcing the borrower to chase the cancellation.
PMI is the insurance lenders typically require when a buyer puts down less than 20 percent. It protects the lender, not the borrower, and it gets tacked onto the monthly payment until enough equity is built up. Under current practice, borrowers generally have to request cancellation themselves once they reach the required equity, a process that can involve paperwork and, at times, paying for an appraisal.
Under the order, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency would, if he determines it is in the best interests of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the agency, and the public, direct the mortgage giants to create a pilot program that periodically reviews the single-family loans they own, guarantee, or securitize. Using automated valuation models to estimate current market values, the program would flag borrowers who appear to meet the equity and other requirements for cancellation, and cancel the PMI proactively. Servicers would be required, where permitted and feasible, to notify borrowers promptly and to cut unnecessary documentation requests, appraisal costs, and other administrative barriers.
Before anyone counts savings, three important caveats:
The order goes beyond PMI. It directs the FHFA to expand a pilot letting lenders use automated title reviews instead of a traditional lender’s title insurance policy on eligible refinances into a permanent nationwide program, with the savings required to be passed through to borrowers. It creates a Task Force on Manufactured Housing Innovation, co-chaired by HUD and the FHFA, which has 180 days to recommend ways to make factory-built homes cheaper and easier to approve. And it directs the Agriculture and Veterans Affairs departments to lower interest rates on the single-family home loans they make directly.
So what does this mean locally? For anyone in the Lakewood area planning to buy with a conventional Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-backed mortgage and less than 20 percent down, the proposal is worth watching: if the FHFA sets up the pilot, future borrowers could see their PMI removed automatically once their home’s value and payment history qualify, with no application and no appraisal fight. For now, nothing is in effect, and buyers should not budget around it.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].
Question:
Good morning,
I’m always amazed how you respond to the questions that are presented to you!
After numerous accidents at the corner of Cox Cro and Whitesville Road, maybe a no turn on red should be installed.
It’s a very busy intersection and everyone is “in a rush.”
As the saying goes, “going nowhere in a hurry.”
Have a great day,
A very proud resident of Lakewood!
Response from Mayor Coles:
Thank you for the kind words. I wish we could all take a deep breath once in a while and calm down when we are behind the wheel. I travel all over the tri-state area for work and believe it or not Lakewood is not unique! Too many of us are going nowhere in a hurry.
I will ask engineering and traffic and safety to look into this.
Thanks,
Ray
Question:
Hello, thank you for all that you do for everyone who lives in or comes through the area. I understand the State is the party that made the changes to the intersection of Hillside and New Central Avenue, which includes walk/don’t walk signs for driveways and a turning lane into a driveway. Traffic is very difficult, and the new lane placement does not seem to be helping. Has the state given a response to the previous inquiry about the apparent errors in construction/design?
Also, is there any way to make a right turning lane on Hillside heading out of Westgate at the corner of Westgate and New Central Avenue? There tends to be a significant backup at the intersection; folks are not able to make a right turn because the left turn takes a long time. There’s plenty of room for the lines to be repainted, which would improve traffic flow and safety.
Thank you.
Response from Mayor Coles:
Good morning,
It is the county, not the state. I have asked our engineers to review this with their engineer and see if anything can be done.
Many times when changes are made to existing roads, unexpected issues arise that can make a problem worse. I’m happy to say that our county partners are always willing to discuss the impact of changes and, when necessary, adapt and move things around.
Ray
Question:
Hi,
Thank you for all that you do to help our city run smoothly.
Cedarbridge Avenue has recently undergone several upgrades and improvements, but one of the most important changes is still needed: a designated left-turn lane onto Clover.
The left-turn signal is very short, leaving many cars waiting to turn and causing significant traffic backups on Cedarbridge Avenue, often extending all the way back to Martin Luther King Drive. This also creates a safety concern, as drivers try to merge into the right lane, increasing the risk of accidents.
Adding a dedicated left-turn lane would greatly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and make this intersection safer for everyone.
I look forward to seeing this much-needed improvement addressed in the near future.
Response from Mayor Coles:
Good morning,
I fully agree. The county is in the beginning stages of a plan to address all the intersections from Rt 88 to the Brick border. It is a federally funded project, and Clover is included.
Thanks,
Ray
—————–
Have a question for the Mayor? Send it to [email protected]
Have a question for the Chief? Send it to [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoCostway is recalling about 3,332 convertible high chairs sold at Walmart and Target stores nationwide and online, federal safety regulators announced Thursday.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the high chairs violate the mandatory federal safety standard for high chairs because they lack a passive restraint system. A child can slip through the opening between the feeding tray and the seat and become entrapped or fall, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The recalled chairs, which convert into a table and chair set, were sold in purple and white, red and white, blue and white, and brown and white. There is no tracking information on the products. They were sold from May 2023 through July 2026 for between $84 and $100.
No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Parents should stop using the chairs immediately and contact Costway for a free replacement high chair. Consumers will be asked to provide a receipt or a photo of the product and will receive a prepaid label to return the recalled chair; a replacement ships free once Costway receives it.
Costway can be reached toll-free at 844-242-1885 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at [email protected], or online at costway.com by clicking “Recall” at the bottom of the page.
The recall, number 27-040, covers chairs imported by Goplus Corporation, doing business as Costway, of Fontana, California. They were manufactured in China.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoA bar mitzvah celebration was held Thursday night in Lakewood for Menachem Nachum, a grandson of the Skulener Rebbe shlit”a and of the Viznitzer Rebbe of Montreal shlit”a.
The bar mitzvah bochur is a son of Harav Hachassid R’ Gavriel Yehuda shlit”a. The simcha, a Simchas Bais Skulen event, took place at the Skulen bais medrash, 547 Park Avenue in Lakewood.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoParshas Lech Lecha! In this week’s parsha we read of Avram Avinu. Avram and Sarah were childless and were unable to bear children. The parsha relates how Avram asks Hashem who will carry on his name and will he ever have his own child? Hashem promised Avram Avinu that he would have a son. Additionally, Hashem took Avram Avinu outside, as it says in the pasuk, “Vayotzei oso hachutza,” and Hashem told him, “habet nu hashamayma u’sphor hakochavim im tuchal lispor oisam – look up to the heavens and count the stars, if you can count them.” Hashem then said, “ko yi’yeh zaracha – so too will be your children.” Hashem’s message to Avram was that the same way it is impossible to count the stars on a starry night, so too it will be impossible to count the multitude of children he will eventually have.
The Bobover Rebbe, Rav Shlomo Halberstam, asks an obvious question: why did Avram question Hashem about having children? Avram was the greatest believer in Hashem, and Hashem had promised him when he left Charan that he would have children – so why question Him? Additionally, why did Hashem show him the stars in the sky? What message did Hashem want Avram to learn by comparing his children to stars?
The Rebbe answers that of course Avram believed in Hashem’s promise and knew that he would have children. Yet Avram was concerned, as he saw future generations and he didn’t recognize many of his children. He saw many of his offspring in later generations who are scattered throughout galus and just don’t seem to have the Yiddishe tzura – some dress differently, some speak unbecoming of a ben melech, and some are unfortunately totally unrecognizable. Therefore Avram asks Hashem, hein li lo nasata zera – You haven’t given me children. I fully believe I will have children, but they don’t seem to be my children. They don’t look or behave the way I expected them to behave.
Hashem answered Avram by taking him outside. Go outside Avram, out of the Bais Medrash, out of your comfort zone, for you have children there too. All of Bnei Yisroel, regardless of how they behave, are your children. More so, it is specifically these children that are compared to stars. Stars are unique, for they are present all the time yet they only shine brightly at night. In the darkness of the night is when their power emerges and they illuminate the world. These are your children, Avram – always present with a heilige neshama, regardless of the situation or outer appearance. They are always your balibte kinder, Bnei Avram.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoJackson Mayor Jennifer Kuhn is calling for the removal of Planning Board Attorney Robert Shea Jr. and the termination of the township’s relationship with his law firm after being arrested and charged with disturbing crimes.
In a statement Thursday night, Kuhn said she was horrified by the allegations and called on the Planning Board to remove Shea as its attorney.
Kuhn said she has known Shea and his family for years and described the allegations as a complete shock.
“My thoughts are with his family, and most importantly, his alleged victims and their families who are no doubt dealing with unimaginable pain,” Kuhn said.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe following is from Rav Yaakov on the Parshah, a new English adaptation of the Torah of Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l, drawn from his sefer Emes L’Yaakov. This week’s selection is on Parshas Lech Lecha. For questions, comments or to subscribe email [email protected].
The Mitzvos of Mentschlichkeit
Avraham insisted that Lot leave, yet risked his life to rescue him. What responsibility remained after they separated?
וַיִּשְׁמַע אַבְרָם כִּי נִשְׁבָּה אָחִיו וַיָּרֶק אֶת חֲנִיכָיו
Avram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, and he mobilized his trained men. (Bereishis 14:14)
Had Avraham asked a she’eilah whether he was obligated to go after the kings and rescue Lot, the answer would have been no. A person is not required to put himself in danger to save someone else.¹
Yet Avraham gathered his men and went to war. If halachah did not require it, what did?
The Avos are called יְשָׁרִים, the upright (Avodah Zarah 25a). Their conduct was guided not by the laws of the Torah, which had not yet been given, but by the uprightness with which Hashem created man:
הָאֱלֹקִים עָשָׂה אֶת הָאָדָם יָשָׁר
G-d made man upright. (Koheles 7:29)
Yashrus is what we would call mentschlichkeit: an honest sense of what a decent person is responsible for. And Avraham felt responsible for Lot. Lot’s father, Haran, had died in the furnace of Ur Kasdim because he declared that he believed in the G-d of Avraham. From then on, Avraham saw himself as responsible for Haran’s son. When Lot was captured, yashrus left him no choice.
What makes this remarkable is what had happened between them shortly before.
When strife broke out between their shepherds, Avraham told Lot:
אַל נָא תְהִי מְרִיבָה בֵּינִי וּבֵינֶךָ… הִפָּרֶד נָא מֵעָלָי
Let there be no strife between me and you… Please separate from me. (Bereishis 13:8–9)
Avraham saw that the quarrel was harming the spiritual life of his household, and he would not allow it to continue. Living together had become impossible.
But separating did not mean abandoning. Avraham offered:
אִם הַשְּׂמֹאל וְאֵימִנָה וְאִם הַיָּמִין וְאַשְׂמְאִילָה
If you go left, I will go right; and if you go right, I will go left. (Bereishis 13:9)
Rashi explains that Avraham was promising to stay close by wherever Lot settled, so that he could protect him. North or south, Avraham would not be far.
Lot chose neither. He rejected both directions Avraham had offered and went to Sedom instead. He did not want just some distance from Avraham; he wanted distance from Avraham’s way of life. Avraham’s tent was open to every guest. Sedom welcomed only the rich, from whom it had nothing to lose, and put the poor to death in cruel ways. That was the city Lot chose.
And yet, when Lot was taken captive, Avraham did not hesitate for a moment. He set out after the kings.
This is what Chazal mean when they say:
דֶּרֶךְ אֶרֶץ קָדְמָה לַתּוֹרָה
Derech eretz preceded the Torah. (Vayikra Rabbah 9:3)
Before the Torah was given, the Avos already lived by derech eretz and yashrus.
This is also why Sefer Bereishis is called סֵפֶר הַיָּשָׁר, the Book of the Upright (Shmuel II 1:18; Avodah Zarah 25a). Hashem told Moshe that He would give him לֻחֹת הָאֶבֶן וְהַתּוֹרָה וְהַמִּצְוָה, “the tablets of stone, and the Torah, and the mitzvah” (Shemos 24:12). In this reading, “the mitzvah” refers to the commandments, while “the Torah,” from the word horaah, instruction, refers to the stories of the Avos. They teach a person how to live even where no commandment tells him what to do.
Avraham’s rescue of Lot is one of those lessons. He had good reason to send Lot away, and no obligation to risk his life for him. But Lot was still Haran’s son, and Avraham never stopped seeing himself as responsible for him.
¹ See Sma and Pischei Teshuvah, Choshen Mishpat 426:2.
Read Additional Inyanim on the Parsha Here
• Why We Conclude with Avraham
We name all three Avos in Shemoneh Esrei, but end with Avraham alone.
• One Journey, Two Judgments
Did Avraham pass a test when he went down to Egypt, or fall short? Rashi and the Ramban are both right.
• Layers of Reason
The Torah says Lot chose fertile land. Chazal say he sought immoral company. Which reason did Lot himself believe?
• Not Every Fortune Is a Berachah
Hashem had promised Avraham wealth. Why was he certain that the spoils of his miraculous victory were not the promised berachah?
• Why Protection Comes Last
We praise Hashem as the One Who helps, saves, and shields. Shouldn’t protection come first?
• Faithful Beyond Understanding
Avraham never questioned whether to fulfill Hashem’s command. What, then, did he need to discuss with Mamre?
• The Pause Between Father and Son
Avraham and Yishmael were circumcised on the same day. Why does the trop place an unusual pause between their names?
For questions or to subscribe: [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoTo The Editors of TLS,
I read last week’s letter, “How Are Families Supposed To Afford Seminary?”, and nodded the whole way through. I have five daughters. Two are married, one is in sem right now, and two are still to go. So I know the math.
But I want to point out the line in that letter that I think is the real answer: “If a girl doesn’t go, people ask why.” The writer said he hears that as a shadchan. I hear it as a mother, every single time.
Let’s be honest. Most of us aren’t paying $35,000 because we’re sure our daughter needs that particular year of growth. Many girls do grow tremendously, and I’m not knocking that chas v’shalom. But a big part of the pressure is that “which sem?” has become a line on the shidduch résumé. And as long as it is, prices will keep climbing, because the schools know we can’t say no.
We can change this, and it doesn’t take a takanah. It takes the people asking the questions.
To mothers of boys: when a name is redt, ask about the girl. Her middos, her family, how she treats people. Not just where she went.
To shadchanim: stop leading with the seminary. Lead with the person.
To parents of girls: if a seminary in Lakewood, a shorter program, or a year of working and learning is the right choice for your daughter and your bank account, make it with your head held high.
If enough of us stop treating the seminary name as a requirement, it will stop being one. And then maybe the price will follow.
With hope,
A Mother of Five Daughters
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoWith the days getting shorter, the vitamin D question comes up every winter. The honest answer is more specific than the supplement aisle suggests.
What it does
Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium and keeps bones from becoming thin or brittle. It prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, and together with calcium it helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.
Where it comes from
Vitamin D is naturally present in only a few foods, is added to others such as fortified milk, and is made by the skin when sunlight hits it – which is why levels can dip when the days get short.
Who needs a test – and who doesn’t
Here is the part worth knowing: the Endocrine Society does not recommend routine vitamin D testing for healthy individuals. Blood levels of 20 ng/mL or more are considered sufficient for most people, while the risk of deficiency rises below 12 ng/mL.
Who should actually have the conversation
Supplementation is a specific discussion, not a blanket rule – infants, the elderly, and people with risk factors should ask their doctor whether they need it and how much.
————
Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your doctor about your own situation.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall covering more than 4.3 million tubes of toothpaste sold nationwide, including children’s character brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Crayola Silly Scents and My Little Pony.
The recall was initiated September 10 by India-based manufacturer Pritam International Private Limited and was classified by the FDA as Class II on October 19. The stated reason is Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) deviations, meaning the products were not manufactured in compliance with federal quality standards.
A Class II recall is used when a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, or when the probability of serious health consequences is remote. No press release was issued for this recall, and it remains ongoing.
The 17 recalled products, totaling 4,301,700 tubes, were distributed nationwide under the Brush Buddies, evo and ARU brand names, all manufactured for Ontario, California-based Ashtel Studios Inc.
Parents can check a tube at home by matching the brand, UPC code and lot number printed on the packaging against the FDA’s list:
Brush Buddies Barbie, Bubble Gum, 4.0 oz (UPC 8 10147 88022 5):
Lot LWP250031810502A, LWP250032571702A, exp. 02/28/2027; lot LWP250035710304A, exp. 04/27/2027; lot # LWP250037812105, exp. 06/03/2027; lot # LWP250045750310, exp. 02/19/2028; lot # LWP260055421803, exp. 05/13/2028.
Brush Buddies Hot Wheels, Strawberry, 4.0 oz (UPC 8 10147 88047 8):
Lot LWP250031810502B, exp. 02/26/2027; lot LWP250032571702B, exp. 03/05/2027; lot LWP250035710304B, exp. 04/17/2027; lot LWP260052231401, exp. 02/17/2028; lot LWP0054880903A, exp. 04/30/2028, lot LWP250035370104, exp. 12/4/2028.
Brush Buddies Crayola Silly Scents, Bubble Gum, 4.0 oz (UPC 8 50048 32731 3):
Lot # LWP240027561211, exp. 12/07/2026; lot # LWP250031970602, exp. 02/28/2027; lot # LWP250031980602, exp. 03/11/2027; lot # LWP250032381402, exp. 03/17/2027; lot # LWP250035680204, exp. 04/30/2027; lot # LWP250037682005A, exp. 06/08/2027; lot # LWP250048601811, exp. 12/09/2027; lot # LWP250051382412, exp. 01/09/2028; lot # LWP260053652002, LWP260054222502, exp. 03/31/2028.
Brush Buddies Crayola Silly Scents, Watermelon, 4.0 oz (UPC 8 50048 32730 6):
Lot LWP240027561211, exp. 12/07/2026; lot # LWP250031970602, exp. 02/28/2027; lot # LWP250031980602, exp. 03/11/2027; lot # LWP250032381402, exp. 03/17/2027; lot # LWP250035680204, exp. 04/30/2027; lot # LWP250037682005A, exp. 06/08/2027; lot # LWP250048601811, exp. 12/09/2027; lot # LWP250051382412, exp. 01/09/2028; lot # LWP260053652002, LWP260054222502, exp. 03/31/2028.
Brush Buddies Crayola Silly Scents, Strawberry, 4.0 oz (UPC 8 50048 32732 0):
Lot # LWP240027561211, exp. 12/07/2026; lot # LWP250031970602, exp. 02/28/2027; lot # LWP250031980602, exp. 03/11/2027; lot # LWP250032381402, exp. 03/17/2027; lot # LWP250035680204, exp. 04/30/2027; lot # LWP250037682005A, exp. 06/08/2027; lot # LWP250048601811, exp. 12/09/2027; lot # LWP250051382412, exp. 01/09/2028; lot # LWP260053652002, LWP260054222502, exp. 03/31/2028.
Brush Buddies My Little Pony, Bubble Gum, 4.0 oz (UPC 8 10147 88270 0):
Lot LWP240022080309, exp. 11/30/2026; lot LWP250035710304C, exp. 04/23/2027.
evo Advanced Whitening, Peppermint, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88619 7):
Lot LWP250038750606, exp. 08/03/2027; lot LWP250045152409A, exp. 10/06/2027; lot LWP250046862110A, exp. 11/11/2027; lot LWP250047640511B, exp. 12/17/2027; lot LWP250051172312A, exp. 01/25/2028; lot LWP250051182312B, exp. 01/28/2028; lot LWP260052241401B, exp. 03/18/2028; lot LWP0054880903F, exp. 03/29/2028.
evo Sensitive, Sweet Mint, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88620 3):
Lot LWP250038760606, exp. 08/05/2027; lot LWP250045152409B, exp. 10/07/2027; lot LWP250046862110B, exp. 11/15/2027; lot LWP250047640511C, exp. 12/15/2027; lot LWP250051172312B, exp. 01/27/2028; lot LWP260052241401A, exp. 03/20/2028; lot LWP260055532003, exp. 04/12/2028.
Brush Buddies Vanilla Ice Cream, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88517 6):
Lot LWP250037221405, exp. 07/04/2027; lot LWP250048151011, exp. 11/11/2027; lot LWP250051162312A, exp. 02/08/2028; lot LWP0054880903C, exp. 04/30/2028.
Brush Buddies Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88520 6):
Lot LWP250037221405, exp. 07/04/2027; lot LWP250048151011, exp. 11/11/2027; lot LWP250051162312A, exp. 02/08/2028; lot LWP0054880903C, exp. 04/30/2028.
Brush Buddies Cookies ‘n Cream Ice Cream, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88519 0):
Lot LWP250037221405, exp. 07/04/2027; lot LWP250048151011, exp. 11/11/2027; lot LWP250051162312A, exp. 02/08/2028; lot LWP0054880903C, exp. 04/30/2028.
Brush Buddies Chocolate Ice Cream, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88518 3):
Lot LWP250037221405, exp. 07/04/2027; lot LWP250048151011, exp. 11/11/2027; lot LWP250051162312A, exp. 02/08/2028; lot LWP0054880903C, exp. 04/30/2028.
Brush Buddies Whitening with Baking Soda, Cool Mint, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 50010 84249 3):
Lot # LWP250032331302B, exp. 02/23/2027; lot # LWP250034892603, exp. 04/07/2027; lot # LWP250032581702, exp. 04/14/2027; lot # LWP250045162409, exp. 10/17/2027; lot # LWP250032331302A, LWP250047640511A, exp. 12/20/2027; lot # LWP250051162312B, exp. 01/04/2028; lot # LWP0054880903B, exp. 04/08/2028; lot # LWP260056333003A, exp. 05/15/2028.
Brush Buddies Cavity Protection, Cool Mint, 2-pack (7 oz total) (UPC 8 10147 88543 5):
Lot LWP250036560205B, exp. 05/26/2027; lot LWP250038232805B, exp. 06/22/2027; lot LWP250051182312A, exp. 02/09/2028; lot LWP0054880903E, exp. 04/30/2028; lot LWP260056333003D, exp. 05/24/2028.
Brush Buddies Advanced Whitening, Peppermint, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88542 8):
Lot # LWP250036560205A, exp. 05/25/2027; lot # LWP250038232805A, exp. 06/19/2027; lot # LWP0054880903D, exp. 01/28/2028; lot # LWP260056333003C, exp. 06/04/2028.
ARU Gum Health, Soothing Mint, 3.5 oz (UPC 8 10147 88786 6):
Lot # LWP250047850611D, exp. 12/23/2027; lot # LWP260052612201D, exp. 04/30/2028.
ARU Cavity Protection, Cool Mint, 3.5 oz (Item #88785):
Lot # LWP250047850611C, exp. 12/22/2027; lot # LWP260052612201C, exp. 3/31/2028.
The recall is listed in the FDA’s enforcement database under Event ID 99849, with recall numbers D-0053-2027 through D-0069-2027.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoDon’t forget to print this week’s Parsha Downloads for your Shabbos table!
To have your Parsha download added to the page, email the file to [email protected].
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoIn an urgent video message to the community, Assemblyman Avi Schnall is urging green card holders who are not U.S. citizens not to vote, warning that several members of the community were recently picked up at airports and sent to detention centers after having voted.
“There are big movements to get every single person to go and vote, and that’s all true and it’s legitimate, and every single eligible voter must vote,” Schnall said. “But please, if you are not a citizen and you are here with a green card, do not vote.”
Schnall asked that the message be shared widely with family and neighborhood chats.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoPosek Hador Hagaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita on Wednesday night held a surprise כינוס at his home with dozens of new אברכים who joined the “תשובות והנהגות” כולל network with the start of the winter זמן. The network today counts close to 350 אברכים spread across ten branches throughout Eretz Yisroel.
The uniqueness of the כולל network stands out in that its members are outstanding אברכים from all חצרות הקודש – Ger, Vizhnitz and the Yerushalmi חסידות – alongside בני הישיבות הליטאיות and חסידים of every circle, all united under one roof.
In emotional words to the לומדים, the Posek Hador wept over the severe כולל crisis prevailing today, and particularly in the city of Beit Shemesh, where there is a great shortage of places of learning for אברכים. In response to the situation, Maran personally opened four new כוללים in the city this past year, all under the “תשובות והנהגות” network.
“ברוך שהחיינו וקיימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה, that dozens more new אברכים have entered to learn in כולל, to learn הלכה בעיין – and this is a great קידוש השם,” Maran opened his holy words. “Unfortunately there are many אברכים today who have no כוללים, whose souls thirst for Torah and who plead to be accepted into a כולל, and due to our many sins the holy Torah is disgraced. ברוך השם that we merit to raise the banner of Torah and to bring in more אברכים – and with this we raise the קרן התורה.”
Maran responded sharply to the attacks against the Torah world: “Especially at this time, when the רשעים say ‘פן ירבה,’ and they fight against the חרידים saying that we are בטלנים with no purpose, חס ושלום – we answer them ‘כן ירבה,’ and we bring in still more אברכים who will sit and learn תורת השם with התמדה day and night.”
The Posek Hador also addressed the proper דרך of learning, warning against mistaken notions: “There are בעלי בתים who mistakenly think there are two תורות – one Torah of learning הלכה, belonging to רבנים, and another Torah of learning בעיין, belonging to ישיבות. This is a great mistake. The way of learning הלכה and הוראה is only through delving into the root of each הלכה in ש”ס and ראשונים, and without delving properly into the roots of the reasoning, one is like someone building buildings without foundations.”
With deep pain, Maran noted our generation’s significant lack of genuine מורי הוראה: “To our sorrow, today we lack מורי הוראה. Would that we had many מורי הוראה who understand one matter from another, and even when the דין is not explicit they know how to derive the דין on their own. השם should help that from here גדולים will sprout – and you should learn with עיין, with יגיעה and with יראת שמים, and then מורי הוראה בישראל will sprout.”
At the conclusion of the uplifting מעמד, the Posek Hador blessed his son Hagaon Rav Chaim Ozer Sternbuch Shlita ahead of his departure on a חיזוק trip to Lakewood, USA. The dozens of אברכים then passed before him to receive his ברכות ahead of the new זמן.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe Schottenstein Edition Talmud transformed Torah learning, opening the depth of Gemara to hundreds of thousands of learners. Its Hebrew edition brought that same revolution — on an enhanced level — to those more comfortable learning in lashon kodesh. The Hebrew-language Ryzman Mishnah, Ryzman Midrash, and Zichron Asher Herzog Sefer HaChinuch further transformed Torah learning by making the depth of these foundational works accessible to that same audience. Now, that tradition is continuing with the Schottenstein Edition Rashi HaMevoar on Chumash — an all-Hebrew edition that brings the acclaimed approach of the Schottenstein Edition Elucidated Rashi to lashon kodesh learners. Its overwhelming reception is already making something clear: Learners are discovering a whole new level of understanding in the Rashi they thought they knew.
For centuries, Rashi has been the indispensable guide to understanding Chumash. His words appear concise and straightforward, yet behind virtually every comment lies a question: a difficulty in the pasuk, an unusual expression, or a subtle textual nuance. Rashi did not write a single word unnecessarily.
Rashi HaMevoar enables the learner to see what prompted every comment and how each word of Rashi resolves the underlying difficulty. Every Rashi begins with an introduction identifying the question Rashi is addressing, followed by a clear, flowing Hebrew explanation woven into Rashi’s words.
The edition also demonstrates why, when Rashi offers two or three explanations, each one is necessary. Rather than simply presenting a variety of “multiple choice” answers, Rashi’s alternate explanations often address difficulties left unresolved by the others. Rashi HaMevoar shows how they work together to account for every nuance in the text.
Drawing upon dozens of the primary commentaries on Rashi, the comprehensive notes explore Rashi’s sources, questions, alternate approaches, and variant readings. Special Insights reveal deeper lessons contained within Rashi’s words, adding a new dimension of understanding and geshmak.
The result is a work clear enough for a developing student, yet deep and comprehensive enough to enrich a seasoned talmid chacham. For students, parents, rebbeim, and accomplished learners, Rashi HaMevoar is becoming an indispensable companion to learning Chumash. The excitement lies in that experience of discovery: Familiar comments take on new depth, seemingly simple words reveal their precision, and learning Rashi becomes more rewarding with every pasuk.
The Schottenstein Edition Talmud transformed the understanding of Gemara. For those learning with the Schottenstein Edition Rashi HaMevoar, that transformation is already happening in their understanding of Rashi.
The first two volumes of Bereishis are available here or at local booksellers at an introductory price of $29.99 per volume. The two volumes of Shemos will be out in time for this year’s kerias Hatorah.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoJackson Township officials are alerting residents that the intersection of North Hope Chapel Road and New Central Avenue will be partially closed for approximately three weeks beginning Monday, October 26, as part of an Ocean County road improvement project funded by the federal government.
The project will require a series of temporary road closures and detours as crews complete the intersection improvements, with sections of the roadway expected to reopen as construction progresses.
The following detours and closures will be in effect:
North Hope Chapel Road southbound: Traffic will be detoured onto New Central Avenue and directed toward South Cooks Bridge Road.
North Hope Chapel Road northbound: The road will be closed at South Cooks Bridge Road, with traffic detoured toward Brewers Bridge Road.
New Central Avenue southbound: The road will be closed at South Cooks Bridge Road. Access to Izak Court will be maintained.
New Central Avenue northbound: The road will be closed at Hillside Boulevard, with traffic detoured toward Miller Avenue.
School buses will continue to have access to the entrance and exit points along North Hope Chapel Road, but they must access the area from South Cooks Bridge Road.
Police officers will be on location 24 hours a day throughout the closure. Emergency vehicles will retain access to properties within the construction area but are asked to avoid traveling through the affected intersection when possible. Once the first section of the intersection opens, anticipated approximately 7 to 10 days after construction begins, emergency vehicles will be able to travel through the intersection.
Township officials say completing this next phase without a full road closure could extend construction from weeks to several months, and that the temporary closure will allow crews to complete the necessary improvements more efficiently and minimize the overall duration of construction.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, follow posted detours, and use alternate routes whenever possible.
The notice was issued by Mayor Jennifer Kuhn’s office in coordination with the Jackson Township Traffic Safety Bureau, which says it will continue to share updates as individual sections of the roadway reopen and construction progresses.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoA Toms River man pled guilty today in connection with the 2024 shooting in Lakewood’s Westgate neighborhood.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Million Brown-Bey, 49, of Toms River, pled guilty before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., to Aggravated Assault and being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon.
At his sentencing, scheduled for December 18, the State will be seeking a term of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison on the Aggravated Assault charge, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, and 10 years in state prison with a five-year period of parole ineligibility on the weapon charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.
As previously reported, on January 7, 2024, the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a call reporting gunshots in the area of the West Gate Shopping Complex. A short time later, a 27-year-old male victim arrived at Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township with gunshot wounds to both of his arms. He was treated and released.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and the Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that the victim had arrived at a residence on Hillside Avenue, at which time an individual approached his vehicle and fired at least one round, striking the victim in both of his arms. The victim was able to leave the area and drive himself to the hospital.
Law enforcement identified Brown-Bey as the individual responsible for the shooting, and on January 11, 2024, he was taken into custody by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe Township of Lakewood will auction off liens on delinquent 2025 and prior-year taxes, water/sewer and other municipal charges through an online tax sale.
Property owners with outstanding tax or water/sewer balances should contact the Lakewood Township Tax Collector’s office at 732-364-2500 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM) to pay off delinquencies and keep their property off the sale list.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoThe Howell Police Department is warning residents about an increase in reports of a bail scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and demand payment through cryptocurrency ATMs.
The scam has been reported across New Jersey, with victims losing money after being told they or a family member have an active warrant for their arrest.
The scammers pose as sheriff’s officers or other law enforcement officials and tell victims they must pay bail immediately. Victims are then instructed to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM and transfer the cryptocurrency to a digital wallet provided by the scammer.
Police remind residents that legitimate law enforcement officers will never demand bail payments through a cryptocurrency ATM. Once the money is sent, it is unlikely to be recovered.
Anyone contacted by someone demanding bail payment through a cryptocurrency ATM should end the conversation and contact Howell Police or their local police department.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoNew Jersey American Water advises Lakewood residents that its door-to-door canvassing process to identify water service pipe materials in the township is now in its final phase.
But it is not too late. Residents and property owners, even in neighborhoods that were already canvassed, still have the opportunity to participate by having their service line material identified.
Since May, New Jersey American Water’s authorized contractor, CDM Smith, has been knocking door-to-door at Lakewood properties with unknown service line materials, as part of its statewide Lead Service Line Replacement Program. New Jersey American Water appreciates the community’s strong cooperation throughout the canvassing process, which has met or exceeded expectations.
Customers who may have missed the canvassing in their neighborhoods, can still help New Jersey American Water identify their service line material by scheduling a free in-person inspection or self-reporting. You can schedule an inspection with New Jersey American Water’s authorized contractor, CDM Smith, by calling 732-590-4700 or visiting calendly.com/njaw. If you prefer not to have someone enter your home, you can self-report by answering a few simple questions and submitting photos of your service line at newjerseyamwater.com/leadsurvey.
These assessments help New Jersey American Water identify service pipe materials and plan for future replacements. If a service pipe is confirmed to be lead or galvanized steel, it will be replaced at no additional cost to the customer – as the cost is already built into customers’ monthly water bills.
Homes and buildings built prior to 1987 are more likely to have lead or lead components, and those customers are especially encouraged to take action. However, New Jersey American Water is working to update its records for all customer properties regardless of the property’s age. Because utilities were not historically required to track the customer-owned portion of service pipes, records may be incomplete.
All outreach and inspections are conducted at no cost to residents by CDM Smith on behalf of New Jersey American Water. The canvassing and inspection processes are not affiliated with any governmental agency. CDM Smith team members will carry official photo identification and wear branded, high-visibility vests. They will never request payment, fees, or personal financial information.
To learn more about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, please visit newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts. Questions not addressed on the utility’s website may be directed to the New Jersey American Water Lead Team via email at [email protected] or by calling CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoMany local families spend decades building their savings, buying a home, and preparing for the future, only to see their hard-earned assets depleted by nursing home costs, legal fees, or avoidable taxes.
For example, many people assume that simply having a standard Will protects their assets. In reality, a Will guarantees your estate goes through probate—a public, often time-consuming legal process that can tie up your family’s inheritance for months. Furthermore, with local long-term care and nursing home expenses now exceeding $18,000 per month, a sudden health crisis can wipe out a family’s life savings if proper Medicaid planning isn’t established well in advance.
To help local residents navigate these complex laws and protect their wealth, Haas & Zaltz, LLP is hosting a FREE Estate Planning Workshop on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Glatt Ambiance in Lakewood.
During this highly informative event, Emanuel Haas, Esq., and Ari J. Zaltz, Esq., will reveal the foundational strategies used to shield assets and secure your family’s future. The workshop will cover critical, often-overlooked questions, including:
The 40% Inheritance Tax: Will your family be subject to this massive tax, and how can you legally avoid it?
Asset Protection: Are your home and savings shielded from lawsuits, creditors, and financial predators?
Medicaid Planning: How can you qualify for Medicaid to cover $18,000+ monthly care expenses without losing your life savings?
Probate Avoidance: What exactly is probate, why does everyone want to avoid it, and what tools actually bypass it?
Protecting Your Heirs: How do you leave money to a financially irresponsible child, or ensure your children inherit your assets if you pass away first and your spouse remarries?
Special Needs Planning: How can you protect a special needs beneficiary without jeopardizing their critical government benefits?
Whether you need to create your first estate plan or update an outdated one, this workshop will provide clear, actionable insights into Wills, Trusts, High Net Worth Planning, and Creditor Asset Protection.
Event Details & Registration
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Glatt Ambiance, 177 East Kennedy Blvd., Lakewood, NJ 08701
Amenities: A complimentary meat buffet will be served. For men and women with separate seating.
Seating for this free event is strictly limited and reservations are required.
Call 732-419-1918 today to secure your spot and take the first step toward securing your family’s financial future. For more information about the firm, visit www.haaszaltz.com.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoTwo bachurim were struck by a vehicle in Lakewood shortly before noon on Thursday.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Erica Road and New Hampshire Avenue.
Hatzolah, Lakewood EMS and Lakewood Police responded to the scene.
One patient was being transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The extent of the injuries was not immediately known.
An investigation is underway.
The Lakewood Scoop2 days agoAhead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and cold winter months, the Lakewood Police Department (LPD) and Lakewood Community Coalition (LCC) are pleased to announce that they will once again be hosting a soup kitchen and coat drive.
The event will take place on Saturday, November 14th, between 10:00 am and Noon, in Town Square (3rd Street and Clifton Ave). Hot soup, as well as jackets and coats, will be available at no cost to the public.
The coat distribution relies substantially on donations from the general public. New or gently used jackets and coats, in all sizes and styles, can be dropped off 24/7 from now through Friday, November 13th at the donation bin in the LPD Headquarters lobby, on 231 3rd Street.
“Lakewood can be proud of its Police Department; the LCC; and other communal and nonprofit partners; for arranging yet another event to benefit the underprivileged among us,” says Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein. “These men and women see public service as a goal, rather than a job, and go above and beyond the call of duty to fulfill that.”
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoWith the heating season getting underway, it’s a good time to talk about one of the cheapest and most neglected maintenance jobs in the house: changing your HVAC filter.
It Protects Your Wallet
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the energy used in a typical home, according to ENERGY STAR. A dirty filter slows down airflow and forces the system to work harder to keep the house warm or cool, wasting energy. Dust and dirt building up inside the system can also lead to expensive maintenance and early equipment failure.
It Protects Your Air
According to the EPA, filtration is an effective way to supplement ventilation and improve indoor air quality, and a central HVAC filter cleans the air throughout the whole home – but only while the fan is running. Most homes come standard with a MERV-8 filter. The EPA says upgrading to a MERV-13 filter, or the highest-rated filter your system can handle, can capture smaller particles, including viruses. Before switching filter types, check your HVAC manual or ask a professional, because not every system can handle a denser filter.
How Often To Change It
There is no single schedule that fits every home. ENERGY STAR’s guidance is to check the filter every month – especially during heavy-use months in the winter and summer – and change it if it looks dirty. At a minimum, change it every three months.
The Bottom Line
Checking and changing a filter takes just a few minutes and is the simplest way to keep the air in your home cleaner and your heating and cooling system running efficiently. ENERGY STAR also recommends a yearly professional tune-up; the filter is the part you can handle yourself.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoNew Jersey drivers could no longer lose their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations solely because of unpaid tolls, under new bicameral legislation introduced by Senator Angela V. McKnight (D-31) and Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart (D-35).
The legislation would amend state law to eliminate the authority of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and other designated state agencies to suspend or revoke driving privileges or vehicle registrations solely for unpaid tolls. Toll authorities would keep their ability to collect outstanding tolls, penalties and fees through existing civil, administrative and debt collection processes.
The bill seeks to ensure that drivers do not lose their ability to travel to work, school, medical appointments and other essential destinations solely because they have outstanding toll debt.
“Taking away the ability to drive to work from those already struggling with debt only makes it harder for them to get back on their feet. No one should have to choose between paying off toll debt and maintaining their ability to meet their daily responsibilities,” said Senator McKnight. “This legislation aims to break that unfair cycle by protecting drivers’ ability to earn a living while ensuring unpaid tolls can still be collected through existing processes.”
The legislation would also amend the state’s toll enforcement framework to eliminate provisions authorizing vehicle registration suspensions for qualifying unpaid toll violations, including those reported through certain out-of-state and interstate tolling agreements. Tolling entities would retain their existing collection mechanisms, subject to applicable law.
“Losing your driver’s license or vehicle registration over unpaid tolls can make it even harder for someone to get to work, earn a living, and pay what they owe,” said Assemblyman Stewart. “We can hold drivers accountable for outstanding tolls without imposing a penalty that threatens their livelihood. This legislation is about fairness and making sure that a financial hardship does not become an obstacle to keeping a job or supporting a family.”
McKnight and Stewart said the legislation reflects a commitment to fairer enforcement policies that recognize the essential role reliable transportation plays in economic stability and access to opportunity.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoToday, the 11th of Cheshvon, marks the yahrzeit of Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel ZT”L, Rosh HaYeshiva of the Mirrer Yeshiva in Yerushalayim.
Get inspired by this powerful video about his love for Torah, incredible perseverance, and deep sensitivity for every Jew.
Watch:
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoTONIGHT IS MAMA ROCHEL’S YAHRZEIT — YOUR NAME SHOULD BE THERE!!
Don’t let this special night pass without your name being mentioned at Kever Rachel!
https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12
TONIGHT IS MAMA ROCHEL’S YAHRZEIT — YOUR NAME SHOULD BE THERE!!
Don’t let this special night pass without your name being mentioned at Kever Rachel!
https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12
TONIGHT IS MAMA ROCHEL’S YAHRZEIT — YOUR NAME SHOULD BE THERE!!
Don’t let this special night pass without your name being mentioned at Kever Rachel!
https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoFor more than 45 years, Brooklyn families have trusted Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (LOMS) for expert oral surgery and exceptional care. Now, LOMS is bringing that same trusted service and high standard of care to Lakewood, making specialized oral surgery more accessible and convenient for local families.
An affiliate of the Hershman Group, LOMS is committed to providing quality surgical care with a focus on professionalism, experience, and patient comfort. The practice’s team of surgeons includes Dr. Dwight Hershman, Dr. Gabriel Hershman, Dr. Allan Shanin, and Dr. Tzvi Krupka, all diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
LOMS offers a range of services, including dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, extractions, jaw surgery, TMJ treatment, and trauma care.
Now accepting new patients! For appointments or more information:
Call/Whatsapp: 732-314-4472
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.lakewoodoralsurgery.com
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoA Howell teen with autism who went missing during a school field trip near Monmouth Battlefield in Manalapan was located moments ago, officials say.
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden thanked the agencies and first responders involved in the search, commending their dedication, professionalism and cooperation.
The search involved the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Manalapan Police, New Jersey State Police and numerous local first responders and agencies.
The Sheriff’s Office deployed its Law Enforcement Division, EMS MedStar, Monmouth County OEM, CERT, Communications Division, Drone Team, Rapid Deployment Force and Monmouth County Public Works.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoWhat started as a small challah bake between a group of friends has spread like wildfire, exploding within days into a worldwide event, coordinators tell TLS, with women in communities across the globe joining together Wednesday night for a challah bake and evening of chizuk.
The events are being held לזכות רפואה שלמה:
נחמה ברכה בת חיה לאה
מלכה בת יוטא ציפרא
The Lakewood event will take place at 8:30 PM this evening at the Chai Lifeline Center, 90 North County Line Road in Jackson, led by Shaindy Plotzker. Attendees are asked to bring their own dough.
The idea began when Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha people decided to put together a challah bake for their two friends, planning events in four locations: Brooklyn, the Five Towns, Lakewood and Monsey, a coordinator of the event told TLS.
“And then somebody from Eretz Yisrael reached out to me and said, ‘Wait, I want to host one, I live in Yerushalayim,'” the coordinator told TLS. “I said, sure, the more the merrier. So I posted it on a Tehillim chat, and my phone blew up. This one’s calling me from Australia, that one’s calling me from Brazil. People are reaching out from Mexico, all over the United States, England, Eretz Yisrael, all over. It’s beyond.”
What was meant to be a four-location event has since ballooned into a grassroots phenomenon: challah bakes and evenings of chizuk are being held Wednesday night in Brooklyn, the Five Towns, Monsey, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Passaic, Baltimore, Miami, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Montreal and Yerushalayim, with an event in London in the works — following an event already held Tuesday night in Toronto.
The mitzvah of challah is one of the special mitzvos given to women, and communal challah bakes have long been held as a zechus for yeshuos. The extraordinary response, organizers say, should serve as a tremendous zechus for the girls and for all of Klal Yisrael.
“Everyone loves Malka,” the coordinator added. “Anyone who meets her the first time, you just fall in love with her.”
The Toronto event already took place Tuesday night — its flyer:
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoLakewood Mayor Ray Coles visited the new Misameach Family Center on Wednesday, where he donated a collection of model trains and accessories for the sick children the center serves.
The trains and accessories come from the mayor’s father, Raymond Coles Sr., and from the mayor’s own children, who have outgrown the hobby.
“The trains belonged to my father and to my children, who have outgrown the hobby,” Mayor Coles told TLS. “My father would be proud to see them bringing joy to these children.”
“I was accompanied by Ted Bertiger, president of the Ocean County Model Railroaders Association,” Coles added. “The group will help set up and maintain the layout to make sure the children enjoy it for many years to come.”
The mayor oversaw the setup of the display platform during the visit. The display is expected to be completed within the next two to three weeks.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoThe federal cap on flights at Newark Liberty International Airport, which was set to run out this weekend, will instead remain in place for another year, according to an FAA order published in the Federal Register.
The extension takes effect Sunday, October 25, and keeps Newark limited to 36 arrivals and 36 departures per hour, or 72 flights total, through October 30, 2027.
The FAA first restricted Newark flights in June 2025, after radar and radio outages, air traffic controller shortages and runway construction caused widespread delays. The limits were extended in September 2025, when the current 72-flight cap was set.
This time, the FAA points to staffing. According to the order, the area of the Philadelphia approach control facility that handles Newark has 28 certified controllers, 60.8% of its target of 46, and the agency does not expect staffing to significantly improve before the end of the summer 2027 scheduling season.
The order says the FAA “does not expect to accommodate new scheduled operations” at Newark while the limits are in place. Unscheduled operations, such as cargo, charter or nonscheduled foreign carrier flights, will be handled on a “first come, first serve” basis when they can be accommodated.
For travelers, nothing changes on Sunday. The same limits that have been in effect for the past year simply continue.
Newark remains the main gateway for many Lakewood residents flying to Israel. United resumed its Newark-Tel Aviv nonstops on September 8, and El Al also flies the route.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoOcean County’s Office of Senior Services, Department of Human Services and Veterans Services Bureau would be eliminated and folded into a single new department, under a new resolution obtained by TLS.
Under the resolution, a new Department of Constituent Services would be created effective January 1, 2027. It would take over “all programs, personnel, operations, budgets, accounts, and all Civil Service issues” of the three departments, along with the building operations of 1005 Hooper Avenue in Toms River.
The three departments currently operate separately. The resolution says that “in order to meet and properly address the growing demands of County residents, ensure the County’s workforce is utilized in the most efficient manner,” a “realignment of the County workforce is required.”
The board says it wants to provide the county’s “more than 600,000 residents” with services “in a cost efficient, proficient, and judicious manner.”
A Director of Constituent Services would oversee all programs, grants, staff, budgets and facilities of the new department. The resolution does not name who will hold the post, and it does not say whether any jobs will be cut.
The county’s finance and employee relations departments are directed to make the budget changes and any needed side agreements to union contracts. A copy goes to the state Civil Service Commission.
The resolution does not announce changes to the programs residents use, such as senior and veterans services.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoOcean County is set to drop the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) for all of its eligible active and retired employees, effective January 1, 2027, TLS has learned.
The resolution would end the county’s participation in both the SHBP Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Plan, “thereby cancelling coverage provided by the SHBP for all its eligible active and retired employees.”
In the resolution, the commissioners say the SHBP “has experienced extraordinary rate increases over the last few years,” and that the State of New Jersey “has shown no willingness to assist in controlling the continually increased costs,” leaving “counties and municipalities throughout the State being left with difficult budgetary choices.”
Staying in the state plan, the resolution says, leaves the county “subject to externally established health and prescription benefit rates, with little ability to independently control or mitigate these costs on behalf of taxpayers and employees.”
The resolution does not name a replacement plan or say how much the county expects to save.
Under the resolution, the county will notify active and retired employees of the date their SHBP coverage ends. The state Division of Pensions & Benefits will notify retirees, and COBRA participants will be told to contact the county about “a possible alternative health and prescription plan.”
The increases have hit local governments hard. According to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the State Health Benefits Commission approved a 36.25% increase for local government employers for 2026, on top of 16.4% in 2025. For 2027, the commission approved an average increase of 17.3% for local government workers, according to the New Jersey Monitor.
Ocean County would not be the first to go. The League of Municipalities says 560 local government entities remained in the SHBP as of March 2026, down from about 700 four years earlier.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoNew Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill slammed President Trump and House Republicans after congressional lawmakers subpoenaed her administration over a Motor Vehicle Commission software error that improperly registered thousands of noncitizens to vote in New Jersey.
The subpoena, issued by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, seeks records related to the registration issue and the state’s handling of the error. Rep. Jeff Van Drew has also been involved in the congressional scrutiny of the issue.
The error involved the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission and led to noncitizens being improperly registered to vote. Sherrill’s administration has said it took action after discovering the problem, implemented agency-wide reforms and worked to ensure the integrity of New Jersey’s elections.
In a statement, Sherrill accused Republicans of using the subpoena for political purposes just days before the midterm elections.
“I’m focused on governing effectively. Republicans in Congress clearly aren’t,” Sherrill said.
She accused Republicans of focusing on political battles rather than election security and rising prices, and said her administration had been transparent about the registration issue and its response.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoTLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoWe regret to inform you of the Petirah of Rabbi Binyomin Grunwald Z”L of Cleveland, Ohio. He was 81.
Rabbi Grunwald was a tremendous Talmid Chochom who dedicated his life to Torah and was a pillar of the Cleveland community.
He leaves behind four children in Lakewood: a son, Yehoshua Grunwald, and three daughters, Brocha Dina Bernstein, Esti Friedman, and Sarala Goldberger. His other children live elsewhere.
The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 4:30 this afternoon at the Lakewood Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue. Kevurah will be in Eretz Yisroel.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoMoney is coming in. Money is going out. But if someone asked you right now what your business actually made last month, could you answer?
For most business owners, the honest answer is no. Not because business is bad, but because the books are behind. And who can blame you? You’re running a business. Who has the time or headspace to do the books?
That’s what SmoothBooks is here for. We take care of your bookkeeping from A to Z, so you have the peace of mind knowing your books are clean and handled by professionals who know what they’re doing. Every month we do the categorization, bank and credit card reconciliations, and bill entry, so your numbers are always up to date.
You get a personal bookkeeper assigned to your business, who keeps your books current and accurate and sends you regular reports. Have a question? Need something recorded? Your bookkeeper is available to you every day, for anything, and will reach out to you whenever something needs clarification. And every file is reviewed by an accountant before it’s delivered, so nothing goes out unchecked.
Your CPA is an expert in taxes, but bookkeeping is a whole different expertise. Bookkeeping is our specialty, and it’s all we do. During tax season, we work hand in hand with your CPA to give him what he needs for filing, making it a breeze for both you and him. He gets clean books instead of a shoebox, and he might even give you a better rate.
Join the dozens of businesses who already trust SmoothBooks with their books.
Behind on your books? Become a client and every month we catch up is half price.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get started.
• Plans start at $250/month
• No contract. Cancel anytime.
• Free QuickBooks setup
Book a free consultation: calendly.com/ari-smoothbooks
Call or Text: 877-CHESHBON (243-7426)
WhatsApp: https://wa.link/7mnr5i
Email: [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoSTAR-K recommends that ALL barley be checked prior to usage, even when there is a hechsher on the package. Infestation issues arise from improper storage, which is beyond the control of any hashgacha.
To check barley, STAR-K says to follow these steps:
STAR-K has posted images of insects commonly found in barley, and its full Check For Insects page covers other produce and foods.
The reminder comes as yoshon season gets underway. TLS reported earlier this week that STAR-K released its 5787 Quick Reference Guide.
The Lakewood Scoop3 days agoScoop Outdoor is excited to showcase some of our clients’ latest ads, now featured on the new Scoop Outdoor page on TLS.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoA reader received this packet in the mail and shared it with TLS to warn others.
The packet claims the recipient has been “hired” as a mystery shopper, and comes with a cashier’s check for $2,950. The letter instructs the recipient to deposit the check, keep $450 to $550 as “pay,” and use the rest to buy $2,500 in Sephora gift cards at local stores – then scratch off the back of the cards and send photos of the codes by email and text.
This is a classic fake-check scam. The check is counterfeit, and any gift card codes sent to the scammers are redeemed instantly and cannot be recovered.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, fake checks are often printed with the names and addresses of legitimate banks and businesses – scammers misuse real company names to make the checks look convincing, and the checks can look real even to bank employees.
The FTC warns:
– Banks are required to make deposited funds available within days, but a fake check can take weeks to be discovered. When it bounces, you are responsible for repaying the bank the full amount.
– Never use money from a check to buy gift cards or money orders, or to wire money to anyone who asks you to.
– No legitimate business hires mystery shoppers by mailing an unsolicited check and demanding gift card purchases.
If you receive a packet like this one, do not deposit the check, do not buy gift cards, and do not send anyone the card codes. Scams like this can be reported to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov.
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoOver the years, numerous songs have been composed in honor of Rachel Imeinu’s Yahrtzeit, with some dating back many years.
These songs celebrate and commemorate her legacy, capturing the deep emotional connection felt by many and honoring her role in Jewish heritage.
We’ve added three recent releases to the collection below.
“Set of Mama Rochel Songs 2” by Nachman Filmer:
“Rachel” by Nati Shavkes:
“Rachel Live” by Zanvil Weinberger, Moshe Dovid Weissmandl and the Malchus choir:
“Mama Bait” by Chaim Horowitz, featuring the composer Yitzchak Hanig:
Last year, singer Yitzy Waldner released a song in honor of the yahrtzeit:
And a collection of songs from over the years:
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoMany local families spend decades building their savings, buying a home, and preparing for the future, only to see their hard-earned assets depleted by nursing home costs, legal fees, or avoidable taxes.
For example, many people assume that simply having a standard Will protects their assets. In reality, a Will guarantees your estate goes through probate—a public, often time-consuming legal process that can tie up your family’s inheritance for months. Furthermore, with local long-term care and nursing home expenses now exceeding $18,000 per month, a sudden health crisis can wipe out a family’s life savings if proper Medicaid planning isn’t established well in advance.
To help local residents navigate these complex laws and protect their wealth, Haas & Zaltz, LLP is hosting a FREE Estate Planning Workshop on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Glatt Ambiance in Lakewood.
During this highly informative event, Emanuel Haas, Esq., and Ari J. Zaltz, Esq., will reveal the foundational strategies used to shield assets and secure your family’s future. The workshop will cover critical, often-overlooked questions, including:
The 40% Inheritance Tax: Will your family be subject to this massive tax, and how can you legally avoid it?
Asset Protection: Are your home and savings shielded from lawsuits, creditors, and financial predators?
Medicaid Planning: How can you qualify for Medicaid to cover $18,000+ monthly care expenses without losing your life savings?
Probate Avoidance: What exactly is probate, why does everyone want to avoid it, and what tools actually bypass it?
Protecting Your Heirs: How do you leave money to a financially irresponsible child, or ensure your children inherit your assets if you pass away first and your spouse remarries?
Special Needs Planning: How can you protect a special needs beneficiary without jeopardizing their critical government benefits?
Whether you need to create your first estate plan or update an outdated one, this workshop will provide clear, actionable insights into Wills, Trusts, High Net Worth Planning, and Creditor Asset Protection.
Event Details & Registration
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Glatt Ambiance, 177 East Kennedy Blvd., Lakewood, NJ 08701
Amenities: A complimentary meat buffet will be served. For men and women with separate seating.
Seating for this free event is strictly limited and reservations are required.
Call 732-419-1918 today to secure your spot and take the first step toward securing your family’s financial future. For more information about the firm, visit www.haaszaltz.com.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoI am writing with a genuine sense of concern for our community.
This past week, I came across an advertisement in a frum publication promoting a liquor raffle, featuring an array of expensive bottles and presenting them as grand prizes. At first glance, it might seem like just another fundraiser or promotional campaign. But I believe it raises a much larger and more troubling question: What message are we sending to our community when liquor becomes the centerpiece of a public celebration?
We cannot pretend that alcohol abuse is not a serious issue in our frum communities. Too many families have experienced the pain, the tension, the embarrassment, and the devastating consequences that can accompany irresponsible drinking. Too many people know firsthand that what begins as social drinking can sometimes develop into a destructive problem. Our community leaders, rabbanim, educators, and mental health professionals have worked hard to raise awareness and encourage responsibility.
And yet, at the very same time, we see advertisements that glorify bottles of liquor, highlight their prestige and value, and present them as coveted prizes to be won.
Is this really the message we want to send?
I am not suggesting that every person who drinks alcohol has a problem, nor am I questioning the legitimate place that wine and other beverages have in Jewish life and tradition. There is an important distinction between responsible use and the glamorization of alcohol. But when we turn expensive liquor into a spectacle, when we market it as something prestigious and exciting, we risk normalizing an unhealthy culture around drinking.
Our publications are not merely businesses selling advertising space. They are influential voices in our community. Thousands of people read them, trust them, and look to them as part of the fabric of frum life. With that influence comes responsibility.
Imagine the message this sends to a teenager who sees liquor displayed as a luxury prize, or to a parent struggling with a family member’s drinking, or to someone quietly battling an alcohol problem. What might such an advertisement communicate to them?
We invest tremendous effort in educating our children about Torah values, kedushah, achrayus, and the importance of protecting our families. We speak about the dangers of addiction and the need to support those who are struggling. These efforts deserve to be matched by the choices we make in our public messaging.
We cannot condemn the consequences of a drinking culture while simultaneously helping to glamorize it.
Fundraising is important. Publications need advertisers. Organizations need support. But surely we can find ways to raise money and promote events without making liquor the star attraction.
I respectfully call upon our frum publications, advertisers, askanim, and community organizations to give this issue serious thought. Before accepting or promoting campaigns of this nature, let us ask ourselves not only whether an advertisement is permissible or profitable, but also whether it reflects the kind of community we want to build.
Our goal should not be to shame those who drink, nor to stigmatize those who struggle with addiction. Quite the opposite: it should be to create a community that treats this issue with sensitivity, maturity, and genuine concern for every Yid and every family.
We have the ability to set a better standard. Let us use it.
With sincere concern for the health and future of our community,
A Concerned Member of the Frum Community
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoDriving בהלכה: Learn what it means to drive according to the תורה
בהסכמת הרב פארכהיימער שליט”א
The purpose of this קונטרס is to make people aware that while driving it is possible to be עובר on many איסורים if not done properly. Therefore “Driving” should be put alongside כשרות and שמירת שבת. The same way every ירא שמים and מדקדק בהלכה is very careful regarding all areas of הלכה, his זהירות in driving should be no less.
There are two אזהרות for every person to guard their נפש – רק השמר לך ושמור נפשך מאד and ונשמרתם מאד לנפשותיכם. Anyone who puts themself in danger is עובר on these two לאוין. Therefore, one who drives is מחויב to drive with זהירות and follow safety rules, and one who does not do so is עובר on these לאוין.
There is a מצות עשה to remove a dangerous situation from others – ועשית מעקה לגגך (רמב”ם – “אחד הגג ואחד כל דבר שיש בו סכנה וראוי שיכשל בו האדם וימות”) and one who creates a dangerous situation is עובר on the לא תעשה of לא תשים דמים בביתך. (Although the פסוק says “בביתך” many מפרשים say that this is not limited to one’s house). One who drives in a way that could be dangerous to others is accountable for this עשה and לא תעשה. So too, one who parks his car in a place that can cause סכנה is accountable.1
One who does not drive carefully is not concerned about the wellbeing of his fellow or his money and is therefore עובר on the מצות עשה of ואהבת לרעך כמוך. This applies as well to one who parks his car in a way that could endanger others or cause damage.
One who is seen driving in a way that is dangerous or breaking a traffic law is מחלל שם שמים, and is therefore עובר on the לאו of לא תחללו שם קדשי. This is especially true regarding בני תורה since if they don’t drive properly it will cause others to look down at the תורה chas v’shalom.2
One who drives in a dangerous way is עובר on the מצות עשה of והלכת בדרכיו which is a חיוב to go in הקב”ה’s ways of being a רחום וחנון, and one who endangers others is certainly not going in these ways.
When a driver is waiting by a stop sign3 because they do not yet feel safe and confident enough to go, and the person behind them starts honking and pressuring them to go before they are ready, the one honking can be עובר on several עבירות. This is obviously a violation of ואהבת לרעך כמוך and is certainly not going in the ways of הקב”ה of being a רחום וחנון. This can also cause a חילול השם, and is potentially dangerous because the driver in front may be pressured to go before the conditions of the road are safe.4 It goes without saying that such a הנהגה is lowly and not befitting of a בן תורה.5
One who is not careful when driving and causes היזק or parks his car in a way that causes היזק is עובר on the איסור of being מזיק ממון של חבירו which is included in the לאו of לא תגזול.
One who parks their car in an illegal spot is עובר on גזל הרבים. The reason is because that area belongs to the רבים and it is מדינא דמלכותא for that area to remain vacant לטובת הרבים (for either safety or convenience), therefore one who parks there is stealing that area from the רבים. This is similar to the concept brought down by the גמרא and the רמ”א that it is גזל הרבים for one to build their סוכה in רשות הרבים, and although there are מקילים regarding a סוכה, that is only when the מלכות and the רבים are not מקפיד, which is certainly not the case regarding illegal parking.
According to הגרי”ש אלישיב זצ”ל, one who violates any traffic law is עובר on גזל הרבים. His reasoning is that the street is considered the possession of the רבים who rely on the traffic laws and do not allow anyone to drive on the streets unless they keep to the rules.6
The היתר to run on ערב שבת to prepare for שבת although it is possible that one will be מזיק does NOT apply to driving fast.
It is אסור to drive in a dangerous way or break the law even for a דבר מצוה. Therefore one may not speed to make it in time for זמן תפילה, מנין, or סדר. Also one may not park illegally even if they will miss out on these things.
In general, if you want to drive in accordance with the תורה:
Make sure your car is prepared properly for driving conditions:
Lights must be on and working when driving at night.
Front and back windshield should be clear of fog. (Note: It may take some time for it to defog so start the defogging process some time before you need to start driving.)
Your car should be cleaned well from snow.
Always leave early giving extra time in order not to have the נסיון of driving fast and carelessly.
Remember that if for whatever reason you are running late there is no היתר to drive in a way that is dangerous.
ישמע חכם ויוסף לקח
One should keep in mind that with every act of זהירות he does while driving he is מקיים several מצות.
1. Many people don’t think much of illegal parking because they think nothing really ever happens; this is a mistake, many accidents have occurred as a result of illegally parked cars.
2. The Mashgiach Harav Matisyahu Salomon Zatzal would give this example in his ועדים when he spoke on the topic of קידוש השם.
3. A stop sign was chosen as an example; this scene can play itself out in other places as well.
4. I heard from someone that her son was at a stop sign waiting for the road to clear before making his turn, and the car behind him started honking aggressively, pressuring him to go. Eventually he succumbed to the pressure and made his turn before it was safe, resulting in a terrible accident.
5. I know someone who dreads driving because of the uncomfortable feelings they go through when they are honked at and pressured from behind.
6. I listed just a few מצות related to driving; a more extensive list can be found in the sefer נתיבות חיים – הלכות שמירת הנפש בדרכים.
7. Harav Forcheimer Shlita told me that from his experience he sees cars not stopping properly by stop signs as the biggest cause of accidents.
8. I personally witnessed three separate instances in which a person who was walking behind a car was bumped by the car while it was backing up.
ושמור צאתנו ובואינו
לחיים ולשלום מעתה ועד עולם
For questions or comments: [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoThe levaya of Rav Yisroel Meir Kagan ZT”L, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim of Denver, was held Tuesday evening at BM Bais Yitzchok, corner of 7th Street & Private Way in Lakewood.
Full video replay below:
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoThe Howell Township Police Department this evening celebrated the promotion of three of its officers.
Scott Revilak was promoted to the rank of Captain, Ryan Lowe to Lieutenant, and Kyle Bush to Sergeant.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoBrick Township is moving to ban new roosters in residential neighborhoods after complaints about early morning crowing. The Township Council introduced the ordinance on September 22.
As introduced, it bars keeping or breeding a rooster in residential zones. Roosters already kept in an approved enclosure can stay, but can’t be replaced.
What about Lakewood?
In 2017, a TLS reader asked about a rooster waking the neighborhood, and Mayor Ray Coles answered that private ownership of chickens and roosters is not permitted in town, and that animal control would remove a coop if one is found.
That is the mayor’s statement. However, the code is quieter.
Lakewood’s animal control chapter never mentions roosters. Section 5-8.5 says no one may keep “any dog or animal” that disturbs the neighborhood with “loud and continuous” sounds between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The code does not define the word, the chapter’s “domestic animal” definition leaves out poultry, and we found no ruling either way.
Toms River is much clearer. Its code allows up to six chickens in the Rural Residential Zone, “but excluding roosters.”
Jackson’s animal rules count poultry as animals, and its noise code bars animal sounds that “unreasonably disturb” neighbors, but TLS found no rule there that names roosters.
Should Lakewood spell it out like Toms River, or is what’s on the books good enough?
The Lakewood Scoop4 days ago
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoThe levaya of Rav Yisroel Meir Kagan ZT”L, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim of Denver, will take place in Lakewood at 6:30 PM at BM Bais Yitzchok, corner of 7th Street & Private Way.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoThe New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance says it has driven the return of more than $10.5 million in wrongly charged premium to New Jersey auto insurance policyholders, and has issued a $1.2 million penalty to GEICO and its affiliates for improper business practices.
According to the department, the results come from a market conduct exam released Tuesday that began in September 2024 after consumer complaints. The department says the exam found a systemic pattern of improper practices affecting more than 15,000 policyholders across multiple GEICO companies.
What the exam cited
The department says the exam cited GEICO in four areas:
The exam covered Government Employees Insurance Company, Geico Secure Insurance Company, Geico Choice Insurance Company, Geico Indemnity Company and Geico Casualty Company. The department says GEICO voluntarily began issuing refunds during the exam as errors were identified.
“Consumer protection is at the heart of our mission here at the Department of Banking and Insurance, and we will continue to work aggressively to end bad business practices that are harming New Jersey consumers,” said Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs.
Questions or complaints
The department says New Jersey residents who have questions about this enforcement action, or who want to file a formal complaint against any insurance company operating in the state, can file online or call its Consumer Hotline at 1-800-446-7467 or 609-292-7272.
The department’s release does not say how affected policyholders are being contacted.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoI got Tesla’s Full Self-Driving this week, and I want to share something for those who are careful with שמירת עיניים.
In a regular car, you’re constantly looking around: the mirrors, the blind spots, the cars around you. With Full Self-Driving, the car handles that, and I don’t have to look around and concentrate on my surroundings nearly as much. For me, that made a tremendous difference.
I’m not here to convince anybody. I’m just sharing this for people who are careful with שמירת עיניים, because for me it’s been a real help.
Technology today is making שמירת עיניים easier in many ways, if it’s used properly. This is one of them.
The main reason I got it was שמירת עיניים, and it’s doing an amazing job.
TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via Whatsapp or via email [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoThe recording of the levaya of Rav Yisroel Meir Kagan ZT”L, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim of Denver, held in Denver.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoOf all the financial statements a business produces, the balance sheet may be the least understood and the most underappreciated. Most business owners have at least a passing familiarity with a profit and loss statement — it shows revenue, expenses, and profit, and that is intuitive enough. But the balance sheet gets less attention, and that is a missed opportunity.
Understanding your balance sheet gives you a level of financial insight that a P&L alone simply cannot provide. Here is what it is, what it shows, and why it deserves a place in your regular financial review.
A balance sheet is a financial snapshot of your business at a specific point in time — typically the last day of a month, quarter, or year. Unlike the P&L, which covers a period (what happened from January through June), the balance sheet captures a single moment (where things stand as of June 30).
It is built on a simple equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. Everything on the balance sheet flows from this relationship, and when it is in balance — as it always should be — it confirms that your books are internally consistent.
Assets are everything of value that your business controls. Current assets are those expected to convert to cash within a year — your bank accounts, accounts receivable, and inventory. Long-term assets include equipment, vehicles, real estate, and other items with a useful life beyond a year.
The asset side of the balance sheet tells you what resources your business has available. A growing receivables balance may look positive — you are owed a lot — but if those receivables are aging without converting to cash, that is a problem hiding in the assets column.
Liabilities are your business’s obligations — what you owe to vendors, lenders, employees, and the government. Current liabilities are due within the next twelve months: accounts payable, accrued payroll, short-term loan payments. Long-term liabilities are obligations that extend beyond a year, such as a business mortgage or equipment financing.
Reviewing your liabilities regularly helps you understand your debt load and ensures that obligations are being recorded accurately. Payroll taxes that have not been remitted, for example, should be showing up as a liability on your balance sheet — and if they are not, that is a bookkeeping problem worth addressing.
Equity is the residual — what would remain if you paid off every liability using your assets. It represents the owner’s stake in the business and grows over time as the business generates profit and retains earnings. Owner draws and distributions reduce equity.
Equity is one of the clearest long-term indicators of financial health. A business where equity is growing steadily is building real value. A business where equity is flat or shrinking is worth examining more closely.
Your balance sheet is what lenders look at when you apply for financing. It is what buyers examine when evaluating your business for a potential acquisition. It is what reveals whether your business is solvent — whether you could, if necessary, meet your obligations. None of that information lives on a P&L.
More practically, a balance sheet reviewed month over month shows you trends that a single report cannot. Is cash growing or shrinking? Are receivables aging? Is debt increasing faster than equity? These are the questions the balance sheet answers — and they are exactly the questions a business owner should be asking.
—
About the Author:
Joe Herskowitz, EA, is the President and CEO of Lionstone Bookkeeping+, where he helps small and medium-sized businesses take control of their finances with expert bookkeeping and financial insights. With years of experience in business finance, Joe is passionate about making numbers work for business owners—not against them.
Have a bookkeeping or business finance question?
Reach out to Joe at [email protected] or call/text 732-803-7793 (no WhatsApp).
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoOn Tuesday morning, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce hosted a special “Mayors and Coffee” breakfast at the Harrogate Retirement Community on Locust Street.
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles; Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins; Ocean County Commissioners Jennifier Bacchione and Robert Arace; and Lacey Township Committeeman Peter Curatolo; discussed top agenda items on the region’s governmental docket. Dozens of area business and governmental leaders – including members of Lakewood’s Police and Fire Departments – were at the event as well, fostering relationships and discussing pertinent issues.
The Chamber’s Executive Director, Lakewood Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller, was out of town as part of his U.S. Air Force Chaplain duties. Chamber President Justin Flancbaum served as the breakfast’s emcee – and warmly greeted the participants.
Commissioner Bacchione shared exciting advances in the County’s educational opportunities, particularly at Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) and its dental training program. Commissioner Bacchione also spoke of the enormous progress made on improving roads and other infrastructure throughout the County, including substantial progress in the Cross Street area of Lakewood.
Commissioner Arace spoke proudly of the County’s efforts to encourage and subsidize the training of new EMTs, particularly among high school students. He shared that there has been a clear increase in the number of newly trained EMTs in the County, including many who do their lifesaving work as unpaid volunteers. Commissioner Arace also spoke proudly of various upgrades to the Ocean Ride transportation system and the County’s beautiful parks.
Manchester Mayor Hankins welcomed his peers and the many accomplishments they’ve brought to municipalities throughout the region. In particular, the mayor heralded the training of local young EMTs as a “win-win” for both the students and the general public.
Mayor Coles of Lakewood reminisced about the quarter-century milestone of his service on the Township Committee. In particular, he noted the fiscal challenges the Township is facing this year; and vowed to work together with his colleagues in the region to ensure that Lakewood and surrounding towns receive their fair share of State funding in the future.
The mayor stressed that the Lakewood Township Committee is comprised of both Republicans and Democrats, but all members share a common goal. “This has been an amazing journey that I never even dreamt I would be privileged to travel,” said Mayor Coles. “We are one family. We face challenges as a team; and will continue working together to overcome them on behalf of the people of Lakewood.”
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoNew Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin has introduced legislation that would require all schools in the state to provide free breakfast to every student, regardless of family income.
The proposal would expand access to free school breakfast regardless of family income or whether students attend public or nonpublic schools.
Agudath Israel had lobbied for the inclusion of nonpublic school students, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all students are included in efforts to make free school breakfast available to every student in New Jersey.
In a statement, Shlomo Schorr, legislative director of Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office, expressed his appreciation to the Speaker for the legislation and to Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Lakewood) for working to ensure that students attending yeshivas and Jewish day schools are also included.
Schorr noted that the legislation would help ease the burden on families facing rising food prices and other household expenses while ensuring that more students begin their school day with the nutrition they need to learn and thrive.
“Including nonpublic school students is particularly important for yeshivas and Jewish day schools, where the higher cost of kosher food can make school meal programs more expensive to operate,” Schorr said.
“At a time when families are struggling with rising food prices and the cost of living, expanding access to free school breakfast is an important step toward addressing food insecurity and helping children succeed in the classroom,” he added.
Schorr expressed particular appreciation to Schnall for working to ensure that nonpublic school students are included, noting that yeshiva and Jewish day school families face the same economic pressures as other households and that their children deserve equal access to nutritional benefits.
This legislation builds on an earlier law signed by former Governor Phil Murphy in 2024 that expanded the lunch program for more children, and thanks to Agudath Israel, was also inclusive of nonpublic children, allowing hundreds of families to experience significant savings when it comes to providing lunch for their children every day.
Agudath Israel said it looks forward to continuing to work with Coughlin, Schnall and other legislative leaders to advance policies that address food insecurity and ensure children throughout New Jersey have access to nutritious meals.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoA United Airlines flight traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina reported a drone flying too close to the aircraft near Lakewood Airport earlier this week, officials told TLS.
Federal aviation officials warn that drone operators must give way to manned aircraft and follow airspace restrictions near airports. The FAA can impose fines of up to $75,000 per violation for unsafe or unauthorized drone operations, and operators can also face suspension or revocation of their licenses.
A similar incident was reported in December 2024, when a laser was pointed at a United Airlines plane flying over Lakewood, apparently by someone who mistook the aircraft for a drone.
An investigation is ongoing.
The Lakewood Scoop4 days agoNew Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require annual inspections of airline baggage scales and public disclosure of the results following findings of inaccurate readings at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee approved legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, (D-Bergen and Passaic), that would require the state Office of Weights and Measures to inspect airport baggage scales at least once a year.
The bill would also require inspection results, including the number of scales that fail, to be made publicly available within 30 days.
The legislation follows recent news reports that found baggage scales at Newark Liberty International Airport produced inaccurate readings approximately 27% of the time.
During an October 2023 inspection, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs identified inaccuracies in 105 of the 384 baggage scales examined. Of those, 86 were found to be sufficiently inaccurate to be condemned and removed from service.
One flunked Newark scale, repaired and then reinspected, remained off by as much as 35 pounds.
Newark Liberty had not undergone another examination since that inspection, according to the reports.
New York City, meanwhile, conducts annual inspections of baggage scales at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
Calabrese said the legislation would help protect travelers from unexpected baggage fees resulting from inaccurate equipment.
“When travelers check their bags at the airport, they should be able to trust that the scales are accurate,” Calabrese said. “No one should face unnecessary fees because the equipment being used is giving an incorrect reading.”
He described the proposed inspections and public reporting requirements as a commonsense measure to improve accountability and protect consumers.
The bill would establish a regular inspection schedule for airport baggage scales in New Jersey and make the findings accessible to the public.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe Twin Miracles of Flatbush Shas Yiden!
In a recent derashah—a snippet of which went viral around the world—the renowned mashpiah, Rav Meilich Biderman, shlit”a, shared a remarkable story that transpired recently in Flatbush which attests to the power of partnering with Shas Yiden in sponsoring siyumim.
Every month, Shas Yiden’s remarkable talmidei chachamim celebrate multiple siyumim on the masechtos that they mastered that month, milestones on their monumental journey of mastering Shas, Rav Biderman explained as he told the miraculous story that transpired at the Flatbush Shas Yiden Kollel over the last few months:
For years, the Rebbetzin of the Rosh Kollel had prepared the fish and challahs for the monthly siyumim. It had become her personal zechus, a quiet act of hakaras hatov and participation in the simchas haTorah taking place each month.
At one particular siyum, a yungerman approached the Rosh Kollel with a request. His sister was an older single who was desperately waiting for her shidduch. Could she acquire the zechus of preparing the fish and challos at the siyum?
The Rosh Kollel explained that this was traditionally the Rebbetzin’s zechus, but when he presented the request, she readily agreed—but then an unexpected complication arose.
This yungerman had another sister who was also waiting for a yeshuah of her own: She had been married for five years and was still waiting for children.
How could he choose between them?
They decided to divide the zechus. One sister would receive the zechus of the fish, and the other the zechus of the challos.
And then, in Rav Meilich’s words, “Rabbosai, the yeshuah came immediately!”
The very next day, a shidduch was suggested for the first sister, and within a week, she was a kallah!
And exactly nine months later, the second sister gave birth to a baby boy.
Two sisters. Two different yeshuos. Both connected to one siyum.
We cannot predict how or when Hashem will answer a person’s tefillos. But stories like this remind us of the immeasurable power of Torah and the extraordinary privilege of becoming a partner in it.
The extraordinary talmidei chachamim of Shas Yiden around the world invest their entire essence into mastering Torah. They acquire Torah one masechta at a time, celebrating siyum after siyum—bringing so much nachas to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
There is a place for each of us in that accomplishment!
Sponsoring a monthly siyum is essentially taking part in the simchas haTorah, strengthening those who devote themselves to mastering Shas, and attaching oneself and one’s family to the eternal zechus of Torah.
Perhaps that is why Rav Meilich began and ended his story with the words: “Sichu b’chol nifl’osav, speak of Hashem’s wonders!” Tell the stories. Speak about the wonders. Recognize the extraordinary zechus that Hashem gives us.
Sponsor a Shas Yidden siyum! Become a partner in Torah. And the zechus of Torah will surely bring yeshuos and berachos to you and your family.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoMonths of political fighting between Mayor Daniel Rodrick and the Toms River Township Council majority have left the township struggling to finalize its state mandated affordable housing plan, with both sides blaming the other for the ongoing dispute.
The latest confrontation came Monday night, when the council majority rejected another proposed housing agreement. Rodrick warned that the decision could expose Toms River to lawsuits and potentially thousands of additional apartments. Council members, meanwhile, have raised concerns about using valuable taxpayer owned property for affordable housing development and whether the administration has provided sufficient information about the proposed agreements.
At the center of the dispute is the township’s obligation to provide affordable housing under New Jersey law. The administration negotiated a plan that would satisfy much of that obligation by extending affordability restrictions on existing apartments while allowing approximately 250 new affordable units to be constructed.
However, the plan has undergone several revisions as proposed developments along Route 70, Hooper Avenue, and Route 9 have faced objections from council members and residents.
One of the biggest disagreements involves township owned land on Route 9 that was purchased by previous administrations for approximately $10 million.
Although the property was purchased with open space in mind, it was never formally designated as protected open space, according to previous reporting.
Members of the council majority have questioned whether land purchased with taxpayer money should be made available to private developers under favorable financial arrangements rather than requiring developers to acquire property themselves.
The Rodrick administration maintains that developments consisting entirely of affordable housing require public assistance because restricted rents generate significantly less revenue than market rate apartments.
The two sides remain divided over the financial arrangements and whether alternative locations or development proposals could satisfy the township’s housing obligations.
The disagreement has become increasingly personal, with Rodrick accusing the council majority of obstructing negotiations and council members accusing the administration of failing to communicate and provide adequate information.
During a July council meeting, Council President David Ciccozzi complained that certain officials had been excluded from communications and negotiations. Rodrick defended his administration’s handling of the process and described the negotiated settlement as favorable to the township.
During a subsequent court hearing, Superior Court Judge Sean Gertner emphasized the need for better communication among the parties involved.
Rodrick has maintained that his administration negotiated an agreement intended to protect the township from extensive additional development, while council members have questioned the terms of certain proposals and their involvement in the negotiating process.
Rodrick has warned that rejecting the settlement could expose Toms River to more than 8,000 apartments.
That figure is based on a calculation involving affordable housing obligations and developments containing both market rate and affordable units. It does not represent 8,000 approved apartments or a court order requiring that number.
Under New Jersey’s affordable housing laws, municipalities that lose protection from builder’s remedy lawsuits can face legal challenges from developers seeking approval for projects that might otherwise be restricted under local zoning regulations.
The administration argues that its proposed settlement would help protect Toms River from that possibility, while the council majority has continued to raise objections to elements of the plan.
With an October 30 court filing deadline and a December 7 hearing approaching, the township faces additional pressure to resolve the dispute.
The continuing disagreement has left the mayor and council at odds over how to satisfy the township’s affordable housing obligations while addressing concerns about development density, taxpayer owned property, and the financial arrangements with developers.
Rodrick maintains that the council majority is jeopardizing the township’s legal protections by rejecting the negotiated agreements. Council members have argued that their concerns about the proposals and the administration’s handling of negotiations have not been adequately addressed.
After months of rejected proposals, revised plans, and court extensions, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.
Both the mayor and council majority maintain that their respective positions are intended to protect Toms River from overdevelopment.
With another court deadline approaching, it remains unclear whether the administration and council can resolve their differences or whether the dispute will require further intervention by the court.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe Social Security Administration said Tuesday it has made substantial progress cleaning up the Social Security Number database, an effort it called the most comprehensive record cleanup in the agency’s 91-year history.
According to the SSA, it has corrected nearly 15 percent of all active Social Security Numbers since the beginning of the Trump Administration. The agency said the work covers approximately 330 million U.S. citizens and nearly 390 million total records.
The SSA said that as part of the effort it:
“The Social Security Number database is our country’s books and records. The database’s accuracy is essential to maintaining integrity of government services for citizens. Accurate SSN records prevent fraud across federal programs and support the proper administration of benefits,” said SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “This is the first time SSA has undertaken an effort of this scale, and I am proud of the work we have done to strengthen the foundation of identity data relied upon throughout government and the economy.”
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe Annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will once again join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the event.
In Lakewood, there will be various drop off sites available including at the Four Seasons Club House, the Lions Head Club House, Leisure Village East, the Harrogate Activities Room, Horizons At Woodlake (Club House) and Fairways At Lake Ridge (in the Annex Building). Those sites will be open from 10am to 12pm. You can always drop off at the Lakewood Police headquarters lobby as well.
There will also be a drop-off site located in front of the Ocean County Library, located at 101 Washington St., in Toms River, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026. It is an opportunity to dispose of tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription medications. Vaping devices will be accepted provided that the lithium batteries have been removed. Liquids, syringes and illegal drugs will not be accepted.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has been held bi-annually since 2010. Since its inception, the Drug Enforcement Administration and its law enforcement partners have collected 21 million pounds of medication. On April 25, 2026, the public turned in 642,410 pounds of medication to the Drug Enforcement Administration and its 4,306 community partners, at 4,417 collection sites nationwide.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe New Jersey Turnpike Authority is alerting motorists that no fuel — and no diesel — is currently available at the Jon Bon Jovi Service Area on the Garden State Parkway in Sayreville.
The outage at the service area, located at milepost 124 just south of the Driscoll Bridge, is due to line testing, the Authority said in an alert Tuesday morning. Variable message signs are in use to warn drivers approaching the plaza.
Motorists planning to fill up at the plaza should fuel up before reaching the area. The nearest service areas with fuel are the Colonia service areas to the north and the Judy Blume Service Area in Wall to the south.
It was not immediately clear how long fuel would be unavailable.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoMoney is coming in. Money is going out. But if someone asked you right now what your business actually made last month, could you answer?
For most business owners, the honest answer is no. Not because business is bad, but because the books are behind. And who can blame you? You’re running a business. Who has the time or headspace to do the books?
That’s what SmoothBooks is here for. We take care of your bookkeeping from A to Z, so you have the peace of mind knowing your books are clean and handled by professionals who know what they’re doing. Every month we do the categorization, bank and credit card reconciliations, and bill entry, so your numbers are always up to date.
You get a personal bookkeeper assigned to your business, who keeps your books current and accurate and sends you regular reports. Have a question? Need something recorded? Your bookkeeper is available to you every day, for anything, and will reach out to you whenever something needs clarification. And every file is reviewed by an accountant before it’s delivered, so nothing goes out unchecked.
Your CPA is an expert in taxes, but bookkeeping is a whole different expertise. Bookkeeping is our specialty, and it’s all we do. During tax season, we work hand in hand with your CPA to give him what he needs for filing, making it a breeze for both you and him. He gets clean books instead of a shoebox, and he might even give you a better rate.
Join the dozens of businesses who already trust SmoothBooks with their books.
Behind on your books? Become a client and every month we catch up is half price.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get started.
• Plans start at $250/month
• No contract. Cancel anytime.
• Free QuickBooks setup
Book a free consultation: calendly.com/ari-smoothbooks
Call or Text: 877-CHESHBON (243-7426)
WhatsApp: https://wa.link/7mnr5i
Email: [email protected]
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Program (LTRAP) will open applications for its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program on Monday, November 2, at 9:00 AM. The application window closes Tuesday, November 10, at 11:59 PM.
Applications will be accepted online only, through ltrap.org, under Participant Information > How to Apply. Only one application per household may be submitted, and duplicates will be deleted. All applicants must be at least 18 years old.
A total of 3,000 applications will be randomly selected from all those submitted, using lottery software. LTRAP does not take part in the selection. Selected applications will be placed on the waiting list in the order they were chosen, ranked by the program’s preferences. Applications that are not selected will be discarded, and results will be posted on the LTRAP website.
Section 8 is a federal rent subsidy program that helps lower-income individuals and families afford housing in the private market, with tenants paying rent based on a percentage of their gross income. The program accepts applications from very low-income households and individuals, including single persons, disabled persons and elderly persons. Eligibility is based on income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Household income must not exceed the Very Low Income limit for the family size, and 75% of all new admissions must come from extremely low-income families. The limits for Ocean County range from $49,250 for a single person to $70,300 for a family of four, and up to $137,800 for a household of 16. The full chart is shown above.
Under LTRAP’s Administrative and Annual Plans, preference goes to applicants who live, work or have been hired to work in Lakewood Township, and to disabled or handicapped single persons, elderly persons and families before single households.
Starting January 1, 2027, households with assets totaling more than $109,797, and households that own residential property suitable for family occupancy, will be ineligible.
Applicants may remain on other housing agency waiting lists while applying, since the program is independent of other housing assistance. Disabled persons may request reasonable accommodations by calling the LTRAP office at 732-367-0660 during business hours. Federal Section 8 funds are limited, and not all applicants will be assisted immediately.
LTRAP last opened its Section 8 application intake in 2022.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoQ: A twenty-five-year-old man, a friend of mine, turned down a girl he was dating because she was too fat. What do you say?
A: Now the question is: This man, how many other people did he turn down? It’s a tragedy, this business of being choosy. I’ll explain to you.
There was a fine young man. I asked him, “What’s the matter? You’re getting older and older.”
He said he couldn’t find the right one yet.
“How many did you see?”
“A hundred girls.”
A hundred girls?! I would have married at least seventy of those hundred girls myself. And this finicky fellow turned down a hundred girls.
What happened at the end? At the end he married an old girl with a moon face and too old to have any children. Tragedy of tragedies. He’s punished by Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Don’t be a fool! You have to marry when you’re young. You have to have children.
What is marriage for? For romance?
Of course, you have to look for good character. You have to find a girl who likes to be homebound, who will concentrate on the family, who has traditional concepts, a real Torah trained girl. Certainly. Once you find her, if she’s healthy physically and mentally, so that’s all!
All the other things are imaginary. How long do good looks remain?
I knew a girl when I was a little boy. I remember she was a neighbor, a pretty little girl. I saw her picture seventy years later. I said, “Baruch Hashem, I didn’t marry her.” I was a little boy then; she lived on my block.
They change. All of them change. The beauty is only for the purpose of catching a man. If the man is caught, then you start having children and beauty disappears almost automatically. And therefore, it’s a tragedy. People should be practical about marriage.
In the good old days, you didn’t marry on your own. The family chose a girl for you. They got together, the aunts, the grandmothers, they got together and they discussed things with the grandmothers of the other family. Women were active in this. They discussed things and finally they came up and chose somebody for you.
And they gave you the privilege of letting you take a look at her. Alright. You have to take a look at her, the Gemara says. If she’s loathsome, then don’t marry her. But if she’s passable, then don’t wait. If she’s healthy, physically and mentally, if she’s frum and she wants to be a homemaker and other qualities that are necessary—a good character is very important if possible. Not all people have good character. But if you can find good character too, why not? But to wait for romance? Ah, a tragedy.
There was a rabbi, a big rosh yeshiva, he had a son in America. And the son was a rabbi and the son was getting older and older. I once met the son here on Kings Highway. I said to him, “Nu? You’re not married yet.”
He said, “I’m waiting till something clicks inside of me. Es hut noch nit geglikt,” he said. He died unmarried. He had no one to say kaddish for him. He didn’t accomplish anything in the world. A wasted life.
And therefore, I say to these people who are picking and picking, “Who cares if she has big feet? What about it? So she’s a fat girl?”
I know a case of a man who married a fat girl and she turned out to be a big diamond. And the bigger the diamond is, the better it is.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoWe regret to inform you of the Petirah of Rav Yisroel Meir Kagan ZT”L, the Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim of Denver who was Niftar at the age of 92.
Rav Kagan was a Talmid of Rav Aharon Kotler ZT”L and left Lakewood in the mid 1960’s to establish the Yeshiva, along with his partner, Rav Yitzchok Wasserman.
The pair have led the Yeshiva for nearly 60 years and leave behind hundreds of Talmidim in Lakewood and around the world.
The levaya will take place Tuesday morning at 9:30am Mountain Time in the Yeshiva, 1555 Stuart St., Denver and can be watched live here.
(Call in: (719) 359-4580; Meeting ID 89966026262# PW 658412#)
UPDATE: The Levaya in Lakewood will take place at 6:30pm at BM Bais Yitzchok, corner of 7th Street & Private Way.
Call in: 857-347-0100, #125000 or 125001 or 125002
Shiva info: from Friday morning through Wednesday morning at R’ Yakov Furman’s home, 71 Eagle Ridge Cir., Lakewood. R’ AB will only be there until Sunday late night.
Kevurah will be in Eretz Yisroel.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Kaddish at the levaya of Rav Yisroel Meir Kagan ZT”L, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim of Denver, in front of the old building, before departing for the airport en route to Lakewood for the levaya.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoWhat started as one bochur’s idea has grown into one of the world’s largest shidduch resource organizations, helping thousands of singles every year.
It wasn’t exactly the headquarters you’d expect for a nationwide organization.
No office. No employees. No elaborate business plan.
Just a bochur, a dorm room in the Irv at BMG, and an idea.
In January 2022, Elimelech Weinreb noticed something interesting. While countless shadchanim worked tirelessly to make shidduchim, very little support existed for what happened after someone said yes to a date.
Where should a bochur go? How should he plan the evening? Where could he borrow a GPS or other dating necessities?
So he started a hotline.
There was no grand vision of building a nationwide organization. Just a willingness to help.
And then the phone started ringing.
A Small Idea That Refused to Stay Small
What began as a date-planning hotline quickly expanded into a network of gemachs providing everything from GPS devices and umbrellas to drinks and games.
Today, the Dating Resources Network (DRN) operates 16 gemachs, used over 25,000 times this year, while its hotline assists with more than 4,000 dates annually.
What started in a dorm room has become what its founder believes is the largest organization of its kind in the world.
But as DRN grew, it uncovered a much bigger problem.
When the Biggest Obstacle Is the Cost
Imagine a bochur who finally receives a promising shidduch suggestion.
Both sides say yes. The date is arranged.
There’s just one problem.
He can’t afford to go.
Between car rentals, gas, tolls, and parking, even a simple first date can cost $165 or more. For families struggling to cover basic necessities, repeated dating expenses can be overwhelming.
That’s why DRN established its Financial Aid Program, discreetly assisting bochurim whose families cannot afford the cost of dating.
Today, DRN distributes over $20,000 every month in financial assistance, with applicants carefully vetted through rabbanim.
The goal is simple: No bochur should have to put shidduchim on hold because he can’t afford another date.
The People Behind the Date
Perhaps most remarkable is that DRN remains almost entirely volunteer-run, with only a part-time bookkeeper on payroll.
Elimelech, now married, continues running the organization together with his wife, Chani, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
What began as a dorm-room project has become a family mission, quietly helping thousands of singles navigate the dating process.
And that brings us to this year’s campaign.
Behind the Date: Keeping the Show Going
DRN’s annual fundraising campaign, “Behind the Date,” takes its inspiration from the theater.
When the curtains open, the audience sees what’s happening on stage. What they don’t see are the countless people working behind the scenes to make it possible.
Dating is much the same.
When a young man and woman sit down together, they should be focused on getting to know each other, not worrying about logistics or whether they can afford another date.
That’s where DRN comes in.
Four years ago, it was one bochur in a dorm room trying to help someone plan a date.
Today, it’s thousands of dates, tens of thousands of gemach visits, and hundreds of families receiving critical assistance.
And somewhere right now, there’s another bochur preparing for a date who has no idea how many people are working behind the scenes to help him.
Help DRN keep the show going.
Support the Behind the Date campaign
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoLakewood-area residents are invited to attend a special event on Sunday, October 25th, where they can learn more about property tax relief programs; and apply for benefits onsite. The ANCHOR, and related Senior Freeze and Stay NJ programs, offer property tax rebates up to $700 for renters; up to $1,500 for homeowners age 64 and under; and up to $6,500 for senior homeowners.
The event will take place between 1:00 and 5:00 pm, at 36 Shefa Chaim Avenue in the Oak and Vine neighborhood of Lakewood. Participants will find a trove of information in both English and Yiddish regarding ANCHOR program eligibility, and other pertinent details. In addition, NJ Department of Treasury representatives will be onsite to answer questions and process applications on the spot.
The deadline to file for benefits this year is November 2nd.
This event has been arranged by the C.A.R.E.S. organization, in conjunction with Senator Robert Singer’s office; and co-sponsored by Lakewood Township, along with several local businesses and organizations. The upcoming event follows a similar event that was held in August, at which over 130 applications for benefits were successfully filed.
“It is a privilege to assist so many local residents obtain property tax relief,” says Lipa Klein of C.A.R.E.S. “On behalf of the Lakewood community, I would like to thank the Treasury Department for providing live representation at the event – on a weekend – in order to allow for maximum public participation. Special thanks as well to all of our partners for making this event possible.”
“I was very impressed at the turnout at the last ANCHOR event, where folks from every part of Lakewood turned out for help applying for this important program,” says Mayor Ray Coles. “The state officials were very friendly and helpful. It shows the best of what state and local government can do when they work together. And as always, we are very grateful to Rabbi Klein for the support he provides to Lakewood residents.”
“We greatly appreciate that Lakewood residents have the opportunity to learn about the ANCHOR program and apply at a convenient local venue,” says Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. “Thanks to the Treasury Department; C.A.R.E.S; and other event partners; many additional local households will enjoy relief during these financially stressed times.”
“This is a great opportunity for anyone that needs assistance in filling out the ANCHOR application,” says Senator Robert Singer. “I would recommend that my constituents take advantage of this opportunity.”
“We are grateful that the State Legislature has once again provided the necessary funding for the ANCHOR program in this year’s budget,” says Assemblyman Avi Schnall. “This program provides crucial relief to countless families within our District, and throughout the State, who struggle to keep up with the fast-rising cost of living.”
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoSample ballots are arriving in mailboxes across Ocean County, and voters in Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Brick and Manchester will find a mix of national, county and local contests on the November ballot, plus a question that would shrink the Lakewood Board of Education.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters who would rather skip the Election Day line can vote early from Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Any registered Ocean County voter can use any of the ten early voting sites. Lakewood voters can head to the Lakewood Municipal Building courtroom at 231 Third Street, Toms River voters to the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library at 101 Washington Street, Jackson voters to the Jackson branch at 2 Jackson Drive, and Brick voters to the Brick branch at 301 Chambers Bridge Road, and Manchester voters to the Manchester branch at 21 Colonial Drive. On Election Day itself, voters must go to the polling place printed on their sample ballot. Vote-by-mail ballots can be dropped off at any county drop box, which stays open around the clock until 8 p.m. on Election Day. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot by mail is Tuesday, October 27, and requests made in person are accepted until 3 p.m. on Monday, November 2.
On every ballot in all five towns: In the race for U.S. Senate, Republican Justin Murphy faces Democrat Cory Booker, along with Veronica Fernandez (End the Corruption!) and Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party). In the 4th Congressional District, Republican Christopher H. Smith is running against Democrat Rachel Peace. For one three-year seat on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, Republican Frank Sadeghi faces Democrat Kia C. Phua.
Voters will also decide County Question No. 1, which asks whether to raise the rate of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund from 1.2 cents to 2.2 cents per $100 of total county equalized property value. According to the ballot, the owner of a property assessed at $100,000 would contribute a maximum of $22 a year at the higher rate.
Lakewood: Two seats on the Township Committee are up for three-year terms. Republicans Deborah Fuentes and Moshe B. Raitzik are running against Democrats Raymond Coles and Samantha L. Stokes. For the Board of Education, Samuel Melnik and Harriet Goldberg appear on the ballot under the slogan Common Sense Leadership for three seats, with the third line marked “No Petition Filed.” The annual fire election lists Dovid Bender, Larry S. “Levi” Loigman and Harrison Pfeffer for two seats on the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Lakewood voters will also see a public question on the size of the school board. It asks whether to reduce the Board of Education from nine members to seven by filling only one of the three seats that expire on December 31, 2026, creating a seven-member board effective January 1, 2027. The ballot’s interpretive statement says no current board member would be removed before his or her term ends, and that a “No” vote keeps the nine-member board.
Toms River: There is no township election this year. The only local contest is for three seats on the Toms River Regional Board of Education, where seven candidates are running: Ashley Lamb, Gerard Nappi and James Capone (Protect What Matters); Anthony L. Colucci, Laura Picurro and Elizabeth Huber (Finance, Education, Accountability); and Kristen Hanson (Educating Students Responsibly).
Jackson: Jackson has the busiest local ballot of the five. Three candidates are running for mayor: Jennifer Kuhn (Longtime Residents Standing Up For Jackson), Elliott Shem-Tov (Fight For Jackson) and Brandon A. Rose (Jackson United). Six candidates are running for two Township Council seats: Brian McCarron and John “Pojo” Pejoski with Kuhn’s slate; Christopher Pollak and Amanda Trombetta with Shem-Tov’s slate; and Paul G. Sarti and Casey V. Jackson with Rose’s slate. Two school board seats are on the ballot, and Tara Rivera and Corrine Lucas are the only candidates.
Brick: Brick has no township election, but four candidates are running for two seats on the Board of Education: Nicole Orozco and Stephanie Murano (Champions For Education), Alison Kennedy (Children First, Always) and Robert (Bob) Sabo.
Manchester: Three candidates are running for mayor in the township’s non-partisan municipal election: Kenneth Seda (Independent Leadership Accountable to You), Mariah L. Prokop (Transparent, Straightforward Leadership) and Joseph T. Hankins (The Right Choice For Manchester). For two four-year Township Council seats, Sandra L. Gravatt-Drake (The Right Choice For Manchester) and Judith L. Noonan (Proven, Present, For Manchester) are the only candidates. Six candidates are running for three seats on the Board of Education: Laura Wingler, Gloria Adkinson and PaulaAnn Fazio (Putting Kids First); and Timothy Poss, Paula Nowakowski and Steven Giordano (Manchester Kids First).
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoHouseholds that primarily heat with heating oil – most of them in the Northeast – are expected to pay about 21% more for fuel this winter than last winter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2026-27 Winter Fuels Outlook.
The projected increase is driven by heating oil prices forecast to average more than 30% higher than last winter, as tight distillate markets keep costs elevated. East Coast distillate inventories were 32% below their five-year seasonal average in September and are forecast to remain 20% to 30% below average through the winter.
By contrast, households that primarily heat with natural gas or propane – about half of U.S. households – are expected to spend less on energy this winter, with relatively high natural gas inventories providing a cushion for heating demand. Homes heating with electricity are expected to spend slightly more.
The EIA forecasts national winter temperatures to be about the same as last winter and the previous 10-winter average, though a strong El Niño could lead to different outcomes.
The same report notes Brent crude oil averaged $114 per barrel in September, $23 higher than in August, while U.S. retail gasoline averaged $4.35 a gallon and diesel topped $6 a gallon.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoIn response to multiple requests, TLS has launched a new Parsha Downloads section of the website, a single page where readers can find the week’s Torah pamphlets to download and print to enhance their Shabbos.
Each week gets its own card with the title and a download button, with the newest parsha on top.
Readers are welcome to send in their Parsha downloads to have them included (upon approval by our editors). Email your file to [email protected].
To see the new section, click here.
Feedback welcome!
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe U.S. Department of the Treasury announced today that its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has identified approximately $270 million in suspicious financial activity potentially linked to fraud against federal student aid programs, and has referred its findings to federal investigators.
According to Treasury, financial institutions have filed nearly 100 suspicious activity reports since a July alert warned about student aid fraud, with more than 20,000 potentially suspicious transactions identified since February alone.
Officials say the schemes often involve fraudulent enrollments designed to divert financial assistance away from legitimate students. In “ghost student” schemes, criminals steal personal information, including names and Social Security numbers, and use it to enroll fake students in classes under a victim’s identity. Fraudsters can also use artificial intelligence to produce fake documents that blend stolen information with invented details, creating synthetic identities that pass identity checks. Victims, including minors, often have no idea someone received student aid in their name.
In “straw student” schemes, fraud rings pay real people for their personal information, enroll them at a school, and then keep the aid refunds issued to them, sometimes with the help of corrupt school employees.
“Federal student aid is intended to expand educational opportunities, not line the pockets of fraudsters who steal from students pursuing their education and hardworking taxpayers,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.
With thousands of Lakewood-area students and families filling out FAFSA applications and relying on Pell Grants and federal student loans each year, it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure nobody has used your identity, or your child’s.
Log in to your Federal Student Aid account at StudentAid.gov and check for any schools, enrollments, or aid you do not recognize. Check your credit report, and your child’s, for student loans you never took out; a minor should generally have no credit file at all. Guard Social Security numbers carefully, especially children’s, since the theft can go unnoticed for years. And if you discover aid taken out in your name, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and contact the school’s financial aid office right away.
Treasury says student aid fraud drains finite grant resources from deserving students, can keep real students out of classes filled by fake enrollees, and can leave identity theft victims responsible for debts they never incurred.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoA driver was injured after slamming into the back of a school bus on River Avenue in Lakewood this afternoon.
The accident happened shortly after 4:00 PM, when an SUV rear-ended a school bus which had children on board.
No students were injured. The driver of the SUV sustained injuries and is being treated by EMS.
Traffic was backed up in the area as police and EMS responded to the scene.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoOn Sunday afternoon, hundreds of Lakewood area families flocked to the John Patrick Sports Complex on Vine Avenue to enjoy the Fall Festival at Common Grounds Community Gardens.
Under bright sunny skies, the families strolled around the picturesque garden and its unique flowers and vegetables. Outside the garden, participants enjoyed the petting zoo, rides and other children’s entertainment; perused the products of local businesses; and learned more about the governmental and social service agencies that exhibited at the festival.
The Fall Festival is the flagship annual event at Common Grounds, a unique project led by Tova Herskovits, Founder and Director of One Ocean County; and Ayala Schlossberg, Head Gardener.
This tract of Township park was developed by One Ocean County with the support of the Township and NJ Department of Community Affairs. It is now a beautiful garden that is enjoyed and cultivated by a diverse group of Lakewood area residents; enhancing inter-communal relationships and understanding on a personal level.
The garden is regularly visited by diverse children and teenagers; adults; and public officials. In particular, members of the Lakewood Police Department and Lakewood Department of Public Works have personally helped develop and maintain the garden since its inception.
“This beautiful garden, and events such as this festival, are great opportunities for Lakewood residents to come together; enjoy nature; and build bridges between communities and their government,” said Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. “Thanks to One Ocean County and its partners and volunteers, this humble project has grown to be a powerful positive force in our region.”
“We’re so grateful for how successful this event was; and the vibrant turnout we saw from families in our area,” said Tova Herskovits. “We are grateful for the support and assistance from Lakewood Township; the Police and Public Works Departments; and our many volunteers and community sponsors. Special thanks to our returning sponsors, who have enabled us to keep this event free to the public – for the fifth consecutive year, including the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission; the Jewish Federation of Ocean County; and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus.”
One Ocean County thanks the community partners and exhibitors who helped make the event a success, including: Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County; Ocean County Library; Ocean County Parks and Recreation; Lakewood Resource and Referral Center; and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoLakewood families who get SNAP or WFNJ benefits have a hard deadline on Tuesday, October 20. That is the day the old magnetic-stripe EBT card stops working in Ocean County and every other New Jersey county outside Cumberland, Essex and Mercer, according to the state Division of Family Development.
The replacement is a new chip and tap card, which the state has mailed to every cardholder. It comes in a plain white envelope with a Kentucky return address, not from the county social services office, so it is easy to mistake for junk mail. Anyone who tossed that envelope should check the mail pile, and the wallet, tonight.
To activate the new card, go to NJFamiliesFirst.gov, use the ConnectEBT app, or call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333. Existing benefits transfer to the new card automatically once it is activated, and the old card stops working at that point. The state says to destroy the old card after activating.
Cardholders who have not activated by Friday, November 20 will have their new chip card deactivated and will need to contact their county social services agency for a replacement. Fees may apply. Anyone who never received a card should check the mailing address on NJFamiliesFirst.gov or in the ConnectEBT app before requesting one.
The new card has an encrypted chip, tap-to-pay, and a three-digit security code on the back. At checkout, cardholders should tap or insert the card. If a store does not accept the chip, the terminal will prompt for a swipe, which the state calls less secure. The upgrade comes after the EBT skimming thefts that hit Lakewood families last year, and cardholders can still use the card lock feature in the app or on the website to block purchases when the card is not in use.
The Lakewood ScoopThe Lakewood Scoop5 days agoAnthony Ventrice, 19, of Toms River, was sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison for a May 2024 shooting in which a bicyclist was fired on in Toms River, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan handed down the sentence on Ventrice’s guilty plea to aggravated assault. The sentence is subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning he must serve at least 85 percent of it before he can be considered for parole.
Judge Ryan also sentenced Ventrice to five years in state prison, with a 42-month period of parole ineligibility, on his guilty plea to possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The two sentences will run concurrently. Ventrice pleaded guilty to both charges on June 1.
The shooting happened on May 14, 2024, at about 4:05 p.m., when Toms River police responded to the area of Camino Medio and Camino Verde after multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots. Investigators determined that a man was riding his bicycle through the area as Ventrice and Anthony Zigarelli, now 22, of Manchester, stood outside a vehicle. As the victim rode past, Ventrice pulled out a handgun and fired several shots in his direction. The two then got into the vehicle and drove past the victim, with Zigarelli firing additional shots. None of the shots hit the victim, who was not hurt.
Ventrice was a juvenile at the time and was charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses. He was taken into custody by Lakewood police on May 22, 2024, and held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center. The Juvenile Court waived its jurisdiction and his case was moved to adult court. He has been held in the Ocean County Jail since May 30, 2025.
Zigarelli, who pleaded guilty on June 1 to aggravated assault and being a certain person not to possess a weapon, was sentenced last month to six years in state prison, also subject to NERA.
Prosecutor Billhimer commended Assistant Prosecutor Emma Hurst, who handled the case, and also acknowledged the Toms River and Lakewood police departments and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their assistance.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoNew Jersey’s review of how it funds its schools is gathering public input – and while the focus is the formula that pays for public school districts, Lakewood’s private-school parents have plenty at stake, from busing to special-education services.
The effort is not new. The Sherrill administration launched it on August 5, regional public forums began in late September, and in its latest outreach bulletin on October 15, the Department of Education said the review will run about 15 months before recommendations go to the Legislature. Feedback gathered now will also shape a white paper on what the state hears.
The stated scope is the public school funding system: how aid is calculated from enrollment, student need and local wealth, along with cost control, transparency and predictability. The state’s materials do not say whether state programs that serve nonpublic-school students will be part of the review.
Either way, those families live inside the current system. Districts must bus eligible nonpublic-school students or pay parents aid in lieu of transportation, set at $1,177 per student for the 2026-2027 school year. The state also funds auxiliary and remedial services for nonpublic students through the local district – compensatory education, English-language instruction and home instruction, plus special-education evaluations, supplemental instruction and speech services under Chapters 192 and 193 – with a new reimbursement-based funding method that took effect this school year.
In Lakewood, where the district’s long-running funding debate already turns heavily on the cost of transporting and serving children in private schools, any change in how Trenton divides education dollars matters to yeshiva parents and taxpayers alike.
The review itself does not change Lakewood’s aid or guarantee additional funding.
Parents who want to weigh in can speak at a virtual statewide forum this Thursday, October 22, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Public comments are limited to three minutes, with speaking slots first come, first served. Additional virtual forums are set for November 5 and November 12, an in-person forum for October 27 in Newark, and a community roundtable for October 26 in Pitman.
The current forum schedule and registration information are available through the New Jersey Department of Education. Written feedback can be sent to [email protected]. No deadline for comments has been announced.
The Lakewood Scoop5 days agoThe ישן season has begun. Dates are based on information from the listed companies and their השגחות. Dates are based on the following: for products agreed to by all the relevant kashrus agencies, pasta, durum and semolina products are 9-9-26, and all other wheat and oat products are 10-1-26. Barley is TBD (all TBD can be assumed ישן until at least 11-1-26). For products not listed, visit yoshon.com.
