The accident happened shortly after 7:00 PM at the intersection of 9th Street and Madison Avenue.

Avoid the area.

Federal officers busted in a door made an arrest at a Lakewood-area home today following an investigation, TLS has learned.

Sources told TLS the investigation apparently began a while back after the suspect allegedly ordered drugs online that were intercepted while going through the U.S. Postal Service system. However, someone in the household apparently continued the illegal activity, leading federal authorities to investigate further.

Yesterday, a drone was spotted flying overhead and was apparently conducting surveillance in the area.

Today, federal officers arrived at the home.

Moments after someone went outside to pick up the mail, officers reportedly busted down the door and entered the residence, making an arrest.

The investigation remains ongoing

The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Hi,

When driving every morning down cedar bridge I need to make a left turn onto swarthmore and I can wait up until 10 minutes to turn. Can you please put a left turn signal by that intersection?

Thanx for all your help!

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon. I wish I could. My business was located in Swarthmore for 25 years. I am very familiar with this concern. Cedarbridge is a county road so any project requires their buy in. The good news is that the county is receiving a federal grant to reconstruct all the intersections on Cedarbridge from 88 to Airport Rd. And a turn lane and signal was in the initial plans.

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 all clear has just been given after swatting calls targeting public schools in Howell and Wall Township this afternoon, TLS has learned.

Officials tell TLS that all students in Howell were placed in lockdown while authorities worked to verify the situation after receiving a threatening call.

Following an investigation, police determined that the call was a swatting incident, and the lockdown was lifted after the all clear was given.

Officials tell TLS that swatting calls are unfortunately sometimes part of a competition among kids to see who can draw the largest response from emergency personnel.

UPDATE: Statement from Wall Police Department: “Wall Police is working in conjunction with the school staff. We are aware of recent phone threats made toward local schools. At this time, there is no immediate danger to students or staff, and these appear to be part of a series of “swatting” incidents (false reports designed to provoke an emergency response).

The Wall Township Police Department is actively investigating the calls. There is currently no credible threat to the safety of our schools or community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as law enforcement works to ensure our schools remain safe.”

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said today that a review of Motor Vehicle Commission voter-registration procedures uncovered an additional 1,090 voter records requiring correction or further review.

The findings include about 750 records affected by a software error that occurred from June 2023 to June 2024 and about 340 potentially improper registrations stemming from MVC re-entry events for formerly incarcerated individuals dating to 2016.

Sherrill said neither issue involved noncitizens.

The review found that about 750 people selected “no” when asked whether they met the age requirement to vote, but their information was nevertheless sent for voter registration because of an error involving the MVC’s former technology vendor, IDEMIA. The individuals’ dates of birth showed they were old enough to vote, and the administration said no underage person voted as a result of the error.

Sherrill said many of those individuals were well above voting age and likely pressed the wrong button on the MVC’s PIN pad.

Of those records, about 380 had no other registrations and did not vote and are being placed in deleted status. About 320 had other potentially valid registrations and voted; those cases are being referred to county election officials for review. Another roughly 50 people were registered solely because of the error and voted. Their registrations are being deleted and the cases referred to counties for review.

The administration also identified about 340 potentially improper voter-registration records from MVC re-entry events dating to 2016. Officials said some individuals incorrectly attested that they were eligible to vote despite being incarcerated for an indictable offense.

Those records are being referred to county election officials to determine whether their registrations should be deleted. Separately, about 60 currently incarcerated individuals were identified and referred to counties for remediation through the state’s routine voter-list maintenance process.

The governor said the MVC is also transitioning to a new vendor and implementing additional safeguards.

Among the changes is a daily automated audit that will compare voter-registration records with customers’ recorded responses before the information is transmitted to the state Department of Elections. Records with missing or conflicting information will be flagged for manual review and cannot be transmitted until MVC staff verify them.

The agency also is updating its online driver’s license and identification card renewal pages to more clearly explain voter eligibility requirements, how registration information will be used and the option to register or decline.

Sherrill said the changes are intended to strengthen New Jersey’s voter rolls while ensuring eligible voters can participate.

“I said we were going to run a secure and fair election here in New Jersey and I meant it,” Sherrill said.

The governor also criticized President Donald Trump, saying his administration had been raising concerns about New Jersey’s voter-registration system without taking action to address the problems.

Sherrill said the state’s investigation remains ongoing and pledged to continue releasing information as the review proceeds.

“We will follow the facts wherever they lead, fix the problems we inherited, do it the right way, and hold those responsible accountable,” she said.

Families across Ocean County are invited to come out for an afternoon of free entertainment and activities as the Ocean County Parks Department hosts its “Sunday Funday” event at Ocean County Park in Lakewood.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ocean County Park, located at 659 Ocean Avenue in Lakewood. Admission and parking are both free.

The afternoon will feature activities for children and adults, including live music, magic shows, a petting zoo, hayrides, Touch a Truck and a variety of field games.

The schedule begins with a scavenger hunt at 12:15 p.m., followed by a magic show at 12:30 p.m. A second magic show will take place at 2:30 p.m., with live music beginning at 1:30 p.m. Games including Pool Noodle Soccer and Hot Potato will also take place throughout the afternoon.

“Sunday Funday is a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy one of the beautiful parks we have right here in Ocean County,” Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen told TLS. “Especially here in Ocean County, where so many young families are always looking for affordable activities to enjoy together, an event like this gives parents and children a chance to spend a fun afternoon outdoors at no cost.”

For additional information, residents can contact the Ocean County Parks Department at 732-506-9090.

Ramtown Fire Company is hosting its annual Fire Prevention Open House this evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the firehouse, located at 88 Ramtown-Greenville Road.

Residents are invited to see the fire trucks, meet the firefighters and learn about fire safety practices from the Howell Township Fire Bureau.

A fire safety trailer will also be at the station to discuss safety devices in the home and safety actions families can take to help keep everyone safe.

The Lakewood Police Department and other Ocean County law enforcement agencies will participate this evening in a Goal:Zero traffic enforcement detail targeting impaired and dangerous driving.

The detail will take place from 4:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m.

The detail is being held in memory of Kimberly Smith Ames and her unborn child, who were killed by a drunk driver on October 7th, 1998, in Beachwood.

As of October 5th, 399 people have been killed in crashes on New Jersey roadways this year, including 31 in Ocean County.

Officials said officers will be targeting impaired drivers and other dangerous driving behaviors.

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.)

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE
your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE
Shas, Rashi & Tosfos
IN JUST ONE YEAR!

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own.

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden.

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact – Beyond the Grave

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

“Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Maran Hagaon Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory.

ShasYiden.com

A 67-year-old Manchester man was charged with animal cruelty after he left a dog unattended inside a car for an extended period of time, resulting in the dog’s death.

On September 3rd, Manchester Police officers responded to a residence on Norwalk Avenue for a report of a deceased dog in the driveway.

Officers located the dog and began investigating the circumstances surrounding its death.

The investigation determined that the dog had been left unattended inside a vehicle for an extended period of time under warm weather conditions.

On October 1, Detective Adam Guker charged William Bevan Jr., 67, of Whiting, with Third-Degree Animal Cruelty.

Bevan was issued a complaint summons and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Federal immigration authorities arrested a total of 235 people in Lakewood between January 20, 2025 and August 2026, according to new federal data obtained by TLS, making Lakewood one of the more active locations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Ocean County during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The individuals arrested originated primarily from eight countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Türkiye.

The 235 arrests in Lakewood was matched by neighboring Toms River, which saw an equal amount of arrests. However, those two towns far exceeded those in neighboring Ocean County communities, where federal data show ICE arrested 60 people in Jackson Township and just two in Manchester Township during the same period.

The Lakewood figures are part of a broader increase in immigration enforcement activity across New Jersey since Trump took office in January 2025. More than 17,900 people were detained statewide by ICE during the first 19 months of Trump’s second term, according to federal immigration data analyzed by TLS.

The data does not indicate how many of the 235 individuals arrested in Lakewood were ultimately charged in court, convicted of crimes or deported. Federal immigration records typically categorize arrests based on the most serious known offense or immigration violation at the time of apprehension.

Lakewood, a township of more than 143,000 residents and one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing communities, has seen its immigrant population increase significantly over the past two decades.

TLS has reported on ICE operations in the Lakewood area extensively.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the launch of a new webpage, “Worst of the Worst,” which highlighted some of the worst criminals picked up in the area

Money 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]

Transform your home, strengthen connections with your children.

Mrs. Hirschfeld has been teaching/coaching mothers for over 15 years. Her down-to-earth, approachable, and clear instruction has helped hundreds of mothers transform their homes and improve their relationships with their children.

Mrs. Hirscheld is trained, endorsed and supervised directly by Rebitzen Sima Spetner, with whom she maintains a close personal relationship. Course attendees are eligible to attend Rebitzen Spetner’s alumni courses/ teen courses.

Topics: Discipline, boundaries, building a positive and healthy relationship – even with the very challenging child, your child’s emotional needs, maintaining a positive home, dealing with out- of-control behavior, handling fights and arguments, the spiritual routine & the emotional spirituality atmosphere in the home, siblings dynamics and safety.

Geared for ages 3-12

Beginner/ Fundamental Course: 
Dates: Monday evenings: 13 sessions
Time: 8:30pm-9:30pm
October 19, 26
November 2, 9, 23, 30
December 14, 21, 28

Price: $475 (Payment plans available.)

Location: Live in Lakewood, or via zoom/ teleconference

Join from the comfort of your home! Courses available via zoom/ teleconference

For information or to register: (call/ text) 718-578-2128, or email:  [email protected]

Inquire about private consultations with Mrs. Hirschfeld.

Back by popular demand! Chinuch va’d for Men by Rabbi Eli Hirschfeld: Get on the same page with your husband. Rabbi Eli Hirschfeld call/text 718.344.7589

TIME IS RUNNING OUT — STARTING ON SUNDAY!!! A ground-breaking program for genuine personal transformation. No hacks. No shortcuts. Just a clear, guided path to your truest self.

Combining timeless Torah wisdom with cutting-edge technology, Journey to a Blessed Life offers a proven, structured system to help you move forward and step fully into the life you were created to live. 

“It’s life-changing… This can make such a difference. Give it a try… See what a different person you can become.”— HaRav Yitzhak Berkowitz, shlita

Discover this one-of-a-kind journey at – CLICK HERE.

Residents are being reminded to make sure their vehicles are locked after a man was seen early on Simchas Torah morning attempting to burglarize vehicles in developments in the area of Chestnut Street in Lakewood.

The suspect also allegedly also stole a bike.

A former Middletown Township Police Department Sergeant has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison for his role in helping a man remove illegal ghost-gun parts from a Millstone vape shop while using his position as a law enforcement officer to interfere with the investigation, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced today.

During a hearing last Friday in Monmouth County Superior Court, 45-year-old David Ringkamp, previously of Union Beach, was sentenced on a second-degree charge of Conspiracy to Commit Official Misconduct. Ringkamp previously pleaded guilty to the charge in March 2026.

The investigation began in December 2021, when New York State Police conducting surveillance at a gun show in Pennsylvania observed 35-year-old Nicholas D’Ambrosio of Millstone purchasing several kits used to manufacture “ghost guns” — untraceable firearms assembled from individual parts, which are illegal in New Jersey.

Investigators followed D’Ambrosio to his vape shop, JR Vapors, in Millstone, where they observed Ringkamp and his former wife, 33-year-old Amanda Ringkamp, also known as Amanda Belfiore, arrive at the business.

Police observed D’Ambrosio conceal the firearm parts inside Ringkamp’s vehicle. When police stopped the vehicle, Ringkamp identified himself as a Middletown police sergeant.

The investigation determined that Ringkamp had agreed to assist D’Ambrosio in removing the illegal firearm parts from the vape shop after D’Ambrosio realized police were monitoring him.

A subsequent search of Ringkamp’s vehicle uncovered the ghost-gun kits, cocaine and dozens of methamphetamine pills. A search of JR Vapors uncovered more than 25 pounds of marijuana and marijuana edibles, a fully assembled ghost gun and evidence that D’Ambrosio was illegally selling marijuana from the business.

A search of Ringkamp’s home several days later also uncovered additional illegal narcotics, including cocaine and anabolic steroids.

Investigators later determined that Ringkamp contacted the New Jersey State Police after D’Ambrosio told him that police were monitoring him. Ringkamp identified himself as a police officer and lied in an attempt to obtain information about the investigation. He also deleted text messages in an attempt to hinder the investigation into himself and D’Ambrosio.

Ringkamp was additionally charged with using internal law enforcement databases to conduct searches on D’Ambrosio and other individuals dozens of times over a three-year period without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

D’Ambrosio was arrested again in February 2024 and charged with Manufacturing Ghost Gun Parts on a 3D Printer and drug offenses. He was sentenced to eight years in state prison in August 2024 after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree Manufacturing a Ghost Gun, third-degree Possession of Ghost Gun Parts, and drug offenses.

Five Lakewood Police Department officers were among the graduates of the Ocean County Police Academy’s Basic Recruit Class 126, which held its graduation ceremony this afternoon in Toms River.

The graduating Lakewood officers are Javiel F. Figueroa, Isabella M. Grassadonia, Michael J. Ormsby, Donald A. Ortiz Jr., and Brisol Mendez.

The class began its training on April 24, preparing the new officers for careers in law enforcement.

The graduation ceremony marked the completion of months of training for recruits from police departments and law enforcement agencies throughout the region.

The officers will now undergo in-house training before hitting the roads.

New Jersey lawmakers are urging Governor Mikie Sherrill to opt into a new federal education tax credit program that could direct hundreds of millions of federal dollars toward New Jersey students without costing the state any money.

In a statement, Assemblymembers Michael Inganamort, Gerry Scharfenberger and Dawn Fantasia are calling on Sherrill to enroll New Jersey in the Federal Education Tax Credit program before the January 1 deadline and have also introduced legislation that would require the state to participate.

Under the federal tax credit scholarship program, which has been the result of a years-long advocacy and lobbying effort by Agudath Israel of America and other groups, individuals who donate to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700, while married couple filing jointly can receive as much as $3,400 in tax credits per year. The credit is available regardless of whether a state opts in, but donations made by residents of states that do not participate would support scholarships in other states.

“The Democratic governor of Colorado said it best: ‘You’d have to be crazy not to opt in,'” Inganamort, R-Morris, said.

Shlomo Schorr, director of legislative affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, is also urging Sherrill to participate, emphasizing both the economic and educational benefits of bringing the federal dollars into New Jersey.

“New Jersey should not leave hundreds of millions of dollars in federal scholarship funding on the table, particularly when the state can bring those resources into New Jersey without costing the state treasury a penny,” Schorr said. “This is an opportunity to bring outside dollars into our state, support New Jersey families and strengthen our economy, all without raising taxes or requiring a state appropriation.”

Residents in states that do not opt in would still be allowed to donate to scholarship organizations in other states that did opt in, potentially setting up a scenario where tens of millions of dollars can flow out of state, benefiting another state’s economy.

A spokesperson for Governor Sherrill said the administration is reviewing the federal regulations released last week and is examining “who the program would serve, which opportunities are available, and how it could best benefit public school students,” adding that the administration “remains committed to ensuring every child in New Jersey has access to a high-quality education and the opportunities they need to succeed.”

Addressing the governor’s concerns, Schorr noted that the program is not limited to private school students and can provide benefits to public school students through qualifying educational expenses, such as tutoring, special education services and other qualifying educational expenses.

“The program can also provide meaningful benefits to public school students through tutoring and other qualifying educational expenses,” Schorr said. “At a time when public schools are dealing with significant financial pressures, New Jersey should be looking for every available source of funding and support. There is no reason for New Jersey families to send these federal tax-credit dollars to other states when they could be helping students here.”

The push comes after the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service released regulations for the program last week.

Thirty states, led by both Republican and Democratic governors, have opted into the program.

The program allows participating scholarship organizations to provide assistance for a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling materials and high-impact tutoring for public school students.

To qualify for scholarships, students must be eligible to enroll in K-12 schools and live in households earning no more than 300% of the area’s median gross income.

Fantasia, R-Sussex, said the program could provide additional resources at a time when school districts across New Jersey are facing funding pressures.

“New Jersey is leaving non-taxpayer funds on the table at a time when students and property taxpayers are feeling the crunch of state aid cuts to many districts throughout the state,” Fantasia said. “Educational opportunities shouldn’t be subject to partisan debate.”

Senator Bob Singer, (R-Lakewood) has also urged Sherrill to participate, saying families in Lakewood and throughout New Jersey could benefit significantly from the program.

“Families in Lakewood and across New Jersey would benefit tremendously from the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program,” Singer, who already introduced similar legislation in the Senate, said. “I encourage the governor to take advantage of this opportunity to give parents more options, help students reach their full potential, and ensure hardworking families aren’t left behind.”

Inganamort, Scharfenberger and Fantasia’s resolution has been referred to the Assembly Education Committee.

New Jersey must opt into the federal program by January 1, 2027, and must submit a list of approved scholarship-granting organizations to the Treasury Department by February 15, 2027.

The USPS driver arrested yesterday in Jackson was charged with several offenses, police say.

As first reported on TLS, the Jackson Police Department’s Special Response Team, along with Federal Postal Police, took the USPS employee into custody in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson on September 26.

The subject was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, criminal attempt, criminal mischief, and harassment.

The investigation is ongoing.

Jackson Police issued 767 traffic summonses and made 10 arrests during a three-month traffic enforcement campaign from July through September.

The enforcement was part of the department’s CAT (Crash Abatement and Tactics) grant, a federally funded program that provides overtime funding for officers to focus on traffic safety.

Officers worked 476 hours during the three-month period and made 1,002 motor vehicle stops. They also issued 234 warnings.

The enforcement focused on several major roads in Jackson, including East Veterans Highway, Hope Chapel Road, Cassville Road, Toms River Road, Whitesville Road, Cedar Swamp Road, Bennetts Mills Road, New Prospect Road, Jackson Mills Road and County Line Road.

Among the violations issued were 69 expired registration violations, 78 speeding tickets, 30 careless driving violations, 36 seatbelt violations, 14 child seat violations, 61 cell phone violations, 42 stop sign violations, 18 suspended driver’s license violations, 38 unlicensed or expired license violations, 48 inspection violations, 14 no liability insurance violations, 24 unclear or no front plate violations, 60 violations for failing to show documents, 71 delaying traffic violations, 14 obstructed view violations and 25 maintenance of lamps violations.

Officers also issued tickets for reckless driving, move-over violations, tinted windows, suspended registration and other violations.

The department also partnered with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department on a separate Route 528 grant covering East and West Veterans Highway. The grant ran from June through August, with 100 hours of enforcement and 169 summonses issued.

Jackson Police also reported that 1,113 parking summonses have been issued so far this year, compared with 428 during all of 2025.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife is calling on the public to avoid attracting bears to properties by properly storing garbage and eliminating access to other sources of food around their yards or while outdoors. Fall brings a period of heightened black bear activity, and these important steps help reduce the likelihood for encounters with black bears.

“Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter and need to consume large amounts of food in the fall,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden. “Bears have an incredible sense of smell and can home in on potential food sources at long distances. This can bring bears into neighborhoods and camps if food sources such as household garbage and camping supplies are not properly secured and bear proofed.”

It is also extremely important for people to never feed black bears. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a fine of up to $1,000. After learning to associate people with food, these animals can become nuisance bears that cause property damage and become dangerous.

Reduce Potential for Bear Conflicts

To minimize potential conflicts, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife recommends:

• Secure trash and eliminate obvious sources of food such as pet food bowls, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residue left on barbecue grills. Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
• Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
• Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
• Do not place meat, dairy or any sweet foods in compost piles.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
• Properly install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives and livestock.
• Motorists are reminded to drive with caution and watch out for bears that may be near or on roadways.

Black Bear Safety Tips

If you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these safety tips:

• Remain calm. Never run from a bear, as this may trigger its predatory instinct. Instead, slowly back away. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, using a whistle, banging pots and pans, or blowing an air horn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• Make bears aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises. If hiking through bear country, always make your presence known through loud talking or clapping of hands.
• If a bear utters a series of huffs, makes popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws or swats the ground, these are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. This is usually non-threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, slowly back away and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area, such as a vehicle or a building.
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.
• Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife by calling 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

Black Bears and Food Sources

Black bears are mainly found in the northwestern portion of the state, particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, as well as portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. However, black bears have been reported in all 21 counties. Their natural diet is comprised of plants, berries, fruit, nuts, insects, bird eggs, small mammals, and carrion. However, black bears are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any food source available to them. Carefully controlling sources of food around homes and campsites, such as improperly stored trash, can help prevent black bears from coming into backyards and campgrounds, and associating people with food.

To have YOUR neighborhood or Shul event published, email it to [email protected]

A widow is preparing to marry off her son — and the entire financial burden rests on her shoulders. She cannot afford anything. The Kallah’s family does not have money either.

Rav Moshe Sternbuch calls this an “exceptional mitzvah” and gives donors a bracha for a Ksiva V’Chasima Tova.

Help her reach the chuppah with dignity and joy.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

New Jersey officials are urging about 10,400 people who were kicked off NJ FamilyCare coverage due to the new federal Medicaid rules, to respond to notices so the state can determine whether they remain eligible for coverage.

The state Department of Human Services says that it sent letters in July to 23,633 residents whose records required review under changes to federal Medicaid eligibility rules that took effect October 1. Of those, 10,399 people have not responded to the notices.

Officials said people who have not responded should submit the requested information as soon as possible. The state will review the information to determine whether they can regain coverage.

“We know that many of the people who have not yet responded may still qualify for NJ FamilyCare,” Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha said.

The federal changes, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025, restrict Medicaid eligibility for certain noncitizen adults based on immigration status.

The changes do not affect most noncitizen NJ FamilyCare members, according to the state. Most lawful permanent residents, children and pregnant individuals may continue to qualify, depending on their circumstances.

The state emphasized that eligibility is based on each individual’s circumstances and that NJ FamilyCare will make the final determination.

People who received a notice or termination letter and believe they may still qualify should follow the instructions in the notice and submit the requested documentation.

Additional information about the federal changes, eligibility categories and required documentation is available through the state Department of Human Services.

People with questions about a notice can follow the instructions in the notice or contact the NJ FamilyCare/HMS hotline at 1-833-635-7060. TTY users can call 711.

People who are no longer eligible for NJ FamilyCare may still qualify for coverage through Get Covered New Jersey or may be able to receive care at clinics across the state that accept uninsured patients regardless of immigration status.

Someone told me this morning that his wife sleep-trains each of their children at around four or five months old.

I told him, “It’s unbelievable—but I don’t know if I could do it. How do you listen to your own baby cry and not pick them up?”

His answer struck me.

“You’re looking at it like you’re doing this so you can sleep better. You’re not. You’re doing it for the child. The child needs sleep. The child wants to sleep. They simply haven’t learned how yet.

So yes, for a few nights, it may feel painful. But you’re not ignoring their pain—you’re helping them learn something they need for their own good.”

And then he said something remarkable:

Maybe that’s how we need to look at what the Ribono Shel Olam sometimes puts us through.

When something hurts, we naturally ask: Why is Hashem doing this to me?

But Hashem needs nothing from us. Whatever He does is for us.

Sometimes the very nisayon that feels painful is exactly what we need to grow, to become stronger, or to reach the next place in life that we could never have reached without it.

We may be crying because we don’t understand.

But our Father does.

And sometimes, what feels like the pain is actually the help.

TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via  Whatsapp  or via email  [email protected]

The Lasting Engraved Kvittel!

For Only $362 The kvittel stays at the Ribnitz Rebbe’s tzion all year, keeping you deeply and uniquely connected to the Rebbe.

CLICK HERE!!

The Lasting Engraved Kvittel!

For Only $362 The kvittel stays at the Ribnitz Rebbe’s tzion all year, keeping you deeply and uniquely connected to the Rebbe.

CLICK HERE!!

The Lasting Engraved Kvittel!

For Only $362 The kvittel stays at the Ribnitz Rebbe’s tzion all year, keeping you deeply and uniquely connected to the Rebbe.

CLICK HERE!!

We regret to inform you of the Petirah of Rav Rephoel Dovid Ben Avrohom Abba Levi Z”L, of Detroit.

Rav Levi Z”L is the father of Pesach Aryeh; Aron Nachum of Passaic; Chanoch of Detroit; Elky Langer; Penina Soloveitchik of Eretz Yisroel; Minna Rothschild; Avigayil Portnoy; Moshe Chaim Levi of Baltimore; and Yaakov Meir Levi of Lakewood.

The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 9:45 PM at the Chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue, Lakewood.

Shiva will take place at 124 Alan Court through Monday morning.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

A bomb threat was called in regarding a Shul in Lakewood this afternoon, TLS has learned.

The call came in shortly after 4:00 p.m., prompting a response from the Lakewood Police Department, including K-9 units.

As a precaution, police tell TLS, officers and K-9s evacuated and investigated multiple Shuls in the area to ensure there was no threat.

The all-clear was given shortly before 6:00 PM.

The Lakewood Police Department’s Detective Bureau is continuing to investigate the incident.

(Note: TLS waited to post this report until after the all-clear was given so as not to cause panic.)

Avoid the area.

The Lasting Engraved Kvittel!

For Only $362 The kvittel stays at the Ribnitz Rebbe’s tzion all year, keeping you deeply and uniquely connected to the Rebbe.

CLICK HERE!!

The Lasting Engraved Kvittel!

For Only $362 The kvittel stays at the Ribnitz Rebbe’s tzion all year, keeping you deeply and uniquely connected to the Rebbe.

CLICK HERE!!

The Lasting Engraved Kvittel!

For Only $362 The kvittel stays at the Ribnitz Rebbe’s tzion all year, keeping you deeply and uniquely connected to the Rebbe.

CLICK HERE!!

New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase by 56 cents to $16.48 an hour for most employees beginning January 1, 2027, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The increase is based on the annual adjustment required under the New Jersey Constitution, which ties the minimum wage to changes in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Agricultural workers will see their minimum wage increase from $14.20 to $15 an hour, marking the first time farm employees paid by the hour or piece rate will reach the $15 benchmark established under a 2019 state law.

The minimum wage for employees of seasonal businesses and small employers with fewer than six employees will increase from $15.23 to $16.25 an hour.

Direct-care staff at long-term care facilities will also receive an increase, with their minimum wage rising by 56 cents to $19.48 an hour.

The minimum cash wage for tipped workers will increase from $6.05 to $6.61 an hour. The maximum tip credit employers may claim will remain $9.87.

Under state law, if an employee’s cash wage and tips do not total at least the applicable state minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.

The scheduled increases for small and seasonal employers will continue through 2028, while agricultural workers paid by the hour or piece rate will continue receiving scheduled increases through 2030. After those statutory increases are completed, those rates will continue to be adjusted annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Multiple officers from SWAT surrounded a USPS truck on a local street, and took the driver into custody.

It’s not yet clear if these are local or federal officers.

Additional information will be published when confirmed to TLS.

UPDATE: Sources tell TLS the driver may have been arrested over purposely not delivering mail to at least one resident for over a month as the result of an earlier incident.

However, an official statement has not yet been issued.

Applications are now open for New Jersey’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides financial assistance to eligible households for home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2027, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available.

In a statement, the DCA encouraged eligible residents to apply as early as possible ahead of the winter heating season.

“DCA understands that energy costs can place a significant strain on household budgets, particularly as the colder months approach,” DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez said. “We encourage eligible New Jersey residents to apply for LIHEAP and learn about the other utility assistance programs available to help make their energy costs more manageable.”

LIHEAP is federally funded and is available to low-income families and individuals who are responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or as part of their rent.

To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 60% of the state median income.

The program can provide assistance with home heating expenses and medically necessary cooling costs for eligible households. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2027, subject to available funding.

See the chart below for the income eligibility limits.

For household members greater than 12, add $246 for each additional member for monthly income limit and add $2,952 for each additional household member for annual income limit.

The amount of the LIHEAP heating benefit is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and heating region. The medically necessary cooling assistance benefit for FY 2027 is $300.

In addition to LIHEAP, DCA administers the Universal Service Fund (USF), which helps make natural gas and electric bills more affordable for eligible low-income households. The LIHEAP application also serves as an application for USF, allowing eligible households to apply for both programs through a single application.

Reb Yisroel Dov was born in Berlin in 1935 to his parents Reb Mordechai and Chaya Birnhack. Originally from Galicia, the Birnhacks were Stuchiner chasidim. In 1939 the family escaped to England where they remained throughout the milchama.

Subsequently they emigrated to NY where Reb Yisroel attended Torah Voda’as and later Beis Midrash Elyon where he received Smicha.

He married his eishes chayil Francoise Munk, daughter of Rav Eliyohu Munk, Rov in Paris and together were zoche to raise 9 children.

Reb Yisroel was an accountant by trade and was known for his honesty, Dikduk HaMitzvos, unwavering Emunah and exemplary Middos Tovos.

The Levaya took place on Chol HaMoed with the Kevurah at Har HaZeisim.

He is being mourned by his wife; brothers Reb Ephraim and Reb Avrohom, sisters Mrs. Chana Katz and Mrs. Malki Rabinowitz, and children: Mrs. Channie Cohen, Reb Shmuel, Reb Pinchos, Reb Yehoshua, Reb Avrohom, Reb Yaakov, Reb Chaim Dovid, Reb Yitzchok, Mrs. Frummi Miller.

Shivah will be taking place through Friday afternoon at 18 Esti Circle.

Shacharis 8:30
Mincha 5:00
Maariv 8:30
Friday Mincha 1:15

The Avalim respectfully request that visitors do not come between the hours of 12:30 & 1:30 p.m. and between the hours of 6:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Yehei Zichro Boruch

(Submitted by family)

A fifth person charged with hindering authorities in connection with the search for a Toms River man wanted on murder charges has turned himself in to law enforcement, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

Ronald Hagan, 50, of Brick Township, surrendered Monday morning to the Toms River Township Police Department in the presence of his attorney, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

Hagan was charged with Hindering the Apprehension of Another in connection with the ongoing search for Douglas Cobb, 51, of Toms River.

As earlier reported on TLS, Cobb was charged with the September 18 murder of 42-year-old Bruce Gress of Toms River. Cobb remains at large as authorities continue searching for him.

Four other individuals have also been arrested and charged with hindering authorities in connection with the investigation into Cobb’s whereabouts.

Hagan was charged on September 24, at which time a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Following his surrender, Hagan was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

Submitted: We would like to publicly thank Hashem for sparing our lives and protecting us from any injuries this evening.

‎Watch the footage – the car was coming straight at us. We missed impact by what felt like a centimeter.

‎There are moments when you see so clearly that Hashem is watching over you.

‎Thank You Hashem for protecting us.
‎Thank You for this incredible נס.
‎We are beyond grateful. ❤️

‎מִזְמוֹר לְתוֹדָה 🙏

TLS welcomes your letters by submitting them to us via  Whatsapp  or via email  [email protected]

New Jersey has recorded its first confirmed death from West Nile virus this year as state health officials urge residents to remain vigilant against mosquito-borne illnesses.

The New Jersey Department of Health has so far reported 26 cases of West Nile virus in 2026, including 19 cases involving neurological illness. The state has not released details about the person who died.

Fourteen of the reported cases occurred in people who became ill in late August or September, and several additional cases remain under investigation. People age 60 and older account for 69% of the state’s cases.

Monmouth County has reported the most cases, with six, followed by Mercer County with four and Camden County with three.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, typically after the mosquito has fed on an infected bird. The virus is not transmitted directly from birds to humans.

State officials said mosquitoes remain active despite the arrival of cooler weather. They are urging residents to use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and use mosquito netting over cribs, strollers and baby carriers.

Residents also are being urged to eliminate standing water around their homes. Mosquitoes can breed in relatively small amounts of water, including flowerpots, birdbaths, pet dishes, swimming pool covers, clogged gutters, plastic pools and wheelbarrows. Outdoor water sources should be emptied or changed at least once a week.

New Jersey has detected West Nile virus in 1,182 mosquito pools across all 21 counties this year, with the highest levels of mosquito detections reported in Mercer, Hudson, Somerset, Bergen and Middlesex counties.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include fever, chills, body aches and joint pain. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological illness, including meningitis or encephalitis.

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness. Warning signs can include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion or other behavioral changes, weakness in the limbs and severe fatigue.

“Fall does not mean mosquito season ends,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said. “The cooler weather makes it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and visit our farms, but mosquitoes remain active and can still pose risks.”

State and county mosquito-control programs are continuing efforts to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of transmission to people.

A 97-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Brick Township on Monday evening, September 28.

Brick Township Police responded at approximately 7:15 p.m. to the intersection of Drum Point Road and Johnson Road following reports of a crash with injuries.

Police say a preliminary investigation found that a 2024 Hyundai Elantra traveling eastbound on Drum Point Road crossed the painted center median and collided with a 2026 Cadillac Escalade traveling westbound.

The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 97-year-old Frank Pugliese, suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

The driver of the Cadillac, identified as 36-year-old Taylor Reinig, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Drum Point Road was closed in both directions for approximately five hours while investigators processed the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Brick Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit.

Lakewood Police Captain Gregory Staffordsmith has retired following more than 25 years with the department, concluding a career in public service that began decades earlier as a Lakewood volunteer firefighter.

Staffordsmith, who was born and raised in Lakewood and attended elementary school in the township, began serving the community as a volunteer firefighter in 1991. He became a part-time paid firefighter in 1994 before taking a civilian firefighter position at the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne in 1995.

In 1999, Staffordsmith joined the Bayonne Fire Department, where he served until beginning his career with the Lakewood Police Department in 2000 after graduating from Ocean County Police Academy Class #75.

During his more than 25 years with Lakewood Police, Staffordsmith rose to the rank of Captain and served as Investigations Commander, overseeing investigations as well as Internal Affairs, accreditation, hiring and other department functions.

“Greg, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside you,” Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said in a message marking Staffordsmith’s retirement. “As someone born and raised in Lakewood, you have dedicated so much of your life to serving the community you call home.”

Meyer thanked Staffordsmith for his friendship, leadership and contributions to the department, saying his years as both a firefighter and police officer reflected “a lifetime of commitment to helping others.”

“You have certainly earned this next chapter, and I hope you take the time to enjoy it with your family and loved ones,” Meyer said. “You will be missed, both professionally and personally.”

The Lakewood Police Department congratulated Staffordsmith on his retirement and thanked him for his decades of service to the Lakewood community.

Shiva for Reb Shimon Shalom Herskowitz ZT”L is being held in Lakewood at 1375 Princeton Ave.

His brothers in Lakewood are R’ Mordechai, R’ Shraga Feivel, R’ Tzvi, R’ Avraham Abba and R’ Yehoshua.

His sisters in Lakewood are Mrs. Chana Mayer of Bais Kaila, and Mrs. Teitelbaum, where Shiva is being held.

Shachris: 7:45 AM
Mincha: 6:00 PM
Maariv: 8:00 PM

Please do not come after 9:45 PM.

Hazmat teams from Lakewood and Berkeley responded to Jackson during Chol Hamoed after a vehicle carrying an unknown quantity of pool chemicals caught fire, prompting concerns over potentially hazardous runoff.

Jackson firefighters were dispatched at approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to a reported vehicle fire on Canterbury Court.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed that the vehicle contained an unknown quantity of pool chemicals, prompting the response of Hazmat teams from the Lakewood and Berkeley fire departments.

As crews worked to extinguish the fire, efforts were made to contain runoff from the scene and prevent it from entering nearby storm drains while Hazmat crews assessed the potential hazard.

Under the direction of Hazmat personnel, the runoff was diluted until it was determined to be safe.

The Lakewood Fire Department’s Hazmat Unit assisted with the response, working with Berkeley Hazmat and Jackson firefighters to evaluate the chemicals and help contain and neutralize the runoff.

Crews operated at the scene for nearly two hours. No injuries were reported.

New details are emerging following the terrifying incident aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight, during which a co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft.

The captain has been identified as Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, while the co-pilot has been identified as 29-year-old Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national who previously worked for Oman Air. Reports say al-Hammami had previously been removed from flying duties amid concerns over extremist views, before later joining Flydubai.

As TLS reported, al-Hammami allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft, sending the plane plunging thousands of feet within seconds.

Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and subdue the co-pilot. Off-duty pilots who were aboard the flight then assisted in taking control of the aircraft and landing it safely.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later spoke with Machchhar by phone and praised him for his actions, telling the captain, “You are a true hero.”

Authorities are now investigating how al-Hammami was hired and permitted to operate commercial flights despite the reported concerns during his previous employment.

The incident is being investigated as an attempted terrorist attack, with authorities also working to determine whether the co-pilot acted alone or had assistance.

All passengers aboard the flight survived the incident.

ChumashRashiTests.com

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

TONIGHT.. It’s the final seal.  Hoshana Rabba. at Mama Rachel

https://keverrochel.org/?ref=ly12

A SECOND מעמד השבה by Neki Kapayim will be held this הושענה רבה. TODAY!! 

TODAY!! Missed The First One? Hoshana Raba MAAMAD HASHAVA!!!

CLCIK HERE!!

A SECOND מעמד השבה by Neki Kapayim will be held this הושענה רבה. TODAY!! 

TODAY!! Missed The First One? Hoshana Raba MAAMAD HASHAVA!!!

CLCIK HERE!!

A SECOND מעמד השבה by Neki Kapayim will be held this הושענה רבה. TODAY!! 

TODAY!! Missed The First One? Hoshana Raba MAAMAD HASHAVA!!!

CLCIK HERE!!

You can purchase the film here.

Dr. Roberts tells TLS today’s crowd matches a previous all-time record crowd, at approximately 20,000 children and 27,000 people in total.

The 15,000 nosh and prize packages were gone by around 4:00 PM.

CHASDEI HASHEM – NISSIM: A co-pilot on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight stabbed the captain mid-air in an alleged attempt to crash the plane.

The plane, which contained many Israelis, plunged thousands of feet in mere seconds, before passengers managed to subdue the terrorist (after the injured pilot managed to unblock the cabin door), and off-duty crews took control of the plane, landing it safely.

All passengers are Baruch Hashem safe.

status

https://mostlymusic.com/products/anash-episode-2-video?pos=2&psq=ana&psid=0d4fd4db3&ss=e

Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna.

They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin.

Torah-24

A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l.

• The first “Torah-24” center is in Yerushalayim

• 11 Kollelim with 163 avreichim will be learning at “Torah-24” every day

• Nigleh, Nistar, Chumash and Halacha – All under ONE ROOF

• Talmud Bavli / Yerushalmi – Kabbalah & Zohar – Rambam, Shulchan Aruch & Poskim, Zeraim – Taharos

• The following SIX kollelim – Kollel Hashkomas Haboker, Kollel Yerushalmi, Kollel Bavli, Kollel Choshen Mishpat/Even Haezer, Kollel Erev Shabbos, Kollel Kabbalah B’Chatzos (Tikun Chatzot, Etz Chaim, Zohar, Tehillim) – are fully operational

• 24 hour תורה learning cycle – 6:00 am to 6:00 am – is divided into different shifts

• Each kollel shift has its own program, Rosh Kollel and avreichim

• Detailed monthly and annual tests – written and oral – for all avreichim

• Already there are 77 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests.

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

“Torah-24 תורה” – where the voice of Torah is not absent from within the walls of the kollelim, not even for a minute…

“The idea … of day and night shifts of non-stop kollelim… the full range of subjects of the Torah… the derech of the Ramchal, the Ohr Hachaim Hakodosh and Hagaon Reb Chaim of Volozhin.”

– Nasi Maran Sar Hatorah, Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l

“All who donate to and support “Torah-24 תורה” will merit all the brochos of the Torah, including those for refuos, yeshuos, parnossa tova and nachas from all their descendants, Amen”

– Maran Rosh Yeshivas Ponevez, Hagaon Harav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l

At “Torah-24 תורה”, exceptional avreichim do not pause for a moment while studying all the areas of the holy Torah, with a shift of remarkable scholars studying the holy Zohar and the recitation of Tikun Chatzos at midnight. 

All who donate and support this holy endeavor of “Torah-24 תורה” should see brocha and success … children and grandchildren immersed in Torah and mitzvos… fulfillment of all the hopes of their hearts for good and with brocha. 

– Maran Hagaon Harav Moishe Sternbuch, shlit”a

I join the esteemed Rabbanim and Gaonim, shlit”a, in endorsing the illustrious “Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos” designated for outstanding talmidei chachomim, masters of Torah and yiras Shomayim, who spend their nights in Beis Hashem, engaging deeply in the concealed dimensions of Torah during this auspicious time of Divine Favor…

I hereby call upon my generous brethren to support this endeavor with significant sums, for through this they will attain the great merit of the hidden Torah studied at night. May you all be blessed by Hashem with many blessings in accordance with the greatness of the endeavor that you are supporting!

– Maran Hagaon Hamekubal, Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter, shlit”a

“Support ‘Torah-24 תורה’ where the sound of Torah – nigleh and nistar – all hours of the day and night; and be blessed from shamayim that the Torah should never cease from your mouth; children bnei Torah; abundant parnassa and good health”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shimon Badani, zt”l
Rosh Kollel Torah V’Chaim, Member Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah

“Torah-24 תורה” – groups of talmidei chachomim geonim in different shifts, delve in the subjects of Torah learning without interruption – Bavli, Yerushalmi, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Rambam, Kabbala, Midrash, Tana”ch and more.  “Torah-24 תורה” is in actuality a wonderful continuation of the heichalei hakodesh and battei midrash of our holy Rabbonim – the Ramchal, the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh and the Nefesh Hachaim, zy”o. Who would not want to be part of this historical and amazing project “Torah-24 תורה”, and the greatness of its holy impact in both the supernal and lower realms?  “My brocha to all who support “Torah-24 תורה” – You should merit great abundance in both the spiritual and the material – supernal light, peace of mind, tranquility of the soul and bodily health. Only goodness and kindness should pursue you all the days of your lives, and you should dwell securely for your length of days.

– Maran Hamashpia Hagadol, ‘Reb Meilech’ Biderman, shlit”a

“Your kesher with ‘Torah-24 תורה’ will be a true ובהם נהגה יומם ולילה – and we will delve in them by day and by night”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shraga Steinman, shlit”a – Orchos Torah

“Talmidei Chachomim of ‘Torah-24 תורה’ delve into all sectors of Torah – Bavli and Yerushalmi, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Rambam, Kabbalah – Nistar”

– Maran Hagaon Harav Shimon Gallai, shlit”a – Bnei Brak

Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos” is a precious link in the golden chain of the glorious Torah empire “Torah-24”… bringing tremendous delight to the Ribbono shel Olam. Fortunate are all those who take part in this great and holy endeavor.

– Maran HaMekubal Rav Abish Zehnwirth, shlit”a

For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

The families choosing Givat Hashalvah are beginning to share something they have been looking forward to: time together.

During Chol Hamoed Sukkos, hundreds gathered in the development’s sukkah in Givat Ze’ev for a Simchas Beis Hashoeva with Yishai Ribo.

With music filling the sukkah and guests enjoying a festive evening just outside Yerushalayim, the gathering offered a glimpse of the community life being built here.

That community is central to the commitment behind Givat Hashalvah. The care given to the residences extends into the neighborhood around them and the experience of the families choosing it. “We are building with an uncompromising standard of quality,” said Itay Hershkovitz, CEO of developer Amim. “We are ensuring that every family gets a home and a community that meets the highest expectations without compromise.”

For Anglo frum families, feeling at home in Eretz Yisroel has much to do with the people around them. It means familiar expectations, a shared commitment to Torah life, and neighbors with whom they can build lasting friendships. Givat Hashalvah is being shaped around that understanding. The Sukkos gathering gave buyers an opportunity to spend time together and begin putting faces to the kehilla they have chosen.

One of Givat Hashalvah’s newest homeowners, Avraham Danziger, described what drew his family to the project: “We had been looking for a long time for a way to experience the kedushah of Eretz Yisroel without sacrificing the hashkafah and culture of American Torah life.” This Sukkos, those shared hopes had a place to gather.

Esther Gerber Hall hosts two brand new episodes of the Beis HaMikdash Glasses, open today through Thursday

You’ve bentched lulav in the sukkah, in shul, maybe with the kids crowding around to get a turn… but have you ever wondered what it actually looked like when Klal Yisroel shook the arba minim in the Beis HaMikdash?

This Chol Hamoed, Lakewood families can find out.

The Beis HaMikdash Glasses are back for 2026 with something completely new: Sukkos in the Beis HaMikdash, a two-episode virtual reality experience that takes you right into the Azarah during the Yom Tov. Put on the headset and you’re no longer just learning about the avodah of Sukkos. You’re standing there, surrounded by it.

“This Chol Hamoed, I gain an understanding and fresh zeal in my avodah,” one participant shared. “I don’t just see the great days in the Beis HaMikdash. I live it.”

It’s the kind of Chol Hamoed trip that stays with you long after the sukkah comes down. Kids come out with questions, adults come out with a new geshmak for the mitzvos they’ve been doing their whole lives, and everyone walks back to the lulav with a brand new appreciation.

In Lakewood:
Esther Gerber Hall, 590 Madison Ave
Tuesday and Wednesday: 12 to 6 PM and 8 to 10 PM
Thursday: 12 to 6 PM

Price: $25 per episode, with a special promo to see both new episodes for just $29.

Can’t make it out? The Beis HaMikdash Glasses are also available to rent for home viewing. Call the 24-hour automated system at 845-753-4665. An unlimited plan is available, and there’s also an option to have the experience come right to your home (limited slots, so call early).

Also running this Chol Hamoed in Boro Park (Bnos Chaya, 4511 14th Ave), Williamsburg (Bedford Paradise, 620 Bedford Ave, with a delivery option), Monroe (Keren V’yoel Moshe, 55 Forest Rd), and Monsey (Hamaspik Terrace, 58 Route 59).

Chol Hamoed is flying by. Grab the family, head over to Madison Ave, and give yourselves a Sukkos you’ll actually feel.

Fully created by a ‘LAIkwood Scoop’ reader 😃

You can listen to the full album here.

Young families, growing families, empty nesters and retirees. Tech professionals and teachers. Nurses, therapists, business owners, designers, tradespeople, and sofrim with backgrounds across the frum world.

This Yom Tov season for the first time, Shefa families welcome the new year together. A community once imagined is now a community lived.

-358 acres with phase 2 nearly sold out

-Shul built & yeshiva opening October 2026

-Gorgeous homes and nature at your door

-Walkable layout centered around community

Click HERE to learn more

On Wednesday, October 7, Torah will once again resound in Radin. 

A delegation of Gedolei Yisrael, Dirshu Rabbanim and Marbitzei Torah will gather in the town forever linked with the Chofetz Chaim, zt”l, for the Chanukas HaBayis of the restored Yeshiva in Radin and a special tefillah at the Tziyun of the Chofetz Chaim. 

Yidden from around the world have an opportunity to be part of the historic gathering. 

Those who commit to the limud of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha or Amud HaYomi will have their names inscribed in the Sefer Gibborim. The sefer will be brought to Radin and placed at the kever of the Chofetz Chaim, and the assembled Gedolei Yisrael and Rabbanim will daven for Klal Yisrael and specifically for those who have taken on these commitments in Limud HaTorah. 

For generations, Radin has been synonymous with the Chofetz Chaim and the Torah that emanated from his yeshiva. Now, with the restoration of the Yeshiva and its upcoming ChanukasHaBayis, the sound of Torah is returning to Radin. 

With a commitment to Limud HaTorah, your name can be brought to the kever of the Chofetz Chaim together with the names of lomdei Torah from around the world.  
The opportunity is open for a limited time. 

Names must be submitted by Monday, October 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM, ahead of the delegation’s visit on Wednesday. 

To have your name inscribed in the Sefer Gibborim visit: Radin.DirshuGlobal.org/en, email [email protected], or call 605-313-1737. 

Among the Gedolei Yisrael and Rabbanim slated to attend are HaGaon HaRav Messoud Ben Shimon, shlita, HaGaon HaRavChaim Peretz Berman, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Yehoshua Abba Busel, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, HaGaonHaRav Uri Deutsch, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shimon Galai, shlita, HaGaonHaRav Yitzchok Zalman Gips, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Nissan Kaplan, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Kolodetsky, shlita, HaGaon HaRavChizkiyahu Mishkovsky, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Eliezer Ralbag, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Sariel Rosenberg, shlita, HaGaon HaRavAvraham Salim, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Bunim Schreiber, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Yechiel Michel Steinmetz, shlita, and HaGaonHaRav Ephraim Wachsman, shlita.

Somewhere this morning, a mother watched a bus turn the corner and has been thinking about her child ever since…

At a quarter past eight, a mother stands on her front step in her slippers and watches the bus turn the corner at the end of the street. She waves until the little hand in the back window disappears, and then she goes inside and gets on with her day, or at least she tries to. She answers emails, pays a bill, folds a load, puts a pot on for supper, and every so often, without quite meaning to, she glances at her phone. Hoping, wondering, praying that her child arrived safely.

Because nobody sends off a child and simply stops thinking about them.

Across town, you are doing the same thing for every child on every bus at once. That is the part of this job that nobody sees, and it is why we built Tendi.

We know that feeling because we have run daycares ourselves. We stood at the door with a clipboard as the buses pulled in, counting small heads under winter hats. We have picked up the phone to a father who just wanted to hear that his son ate his lunch, and we have sat up past midnight with the CACFP claim and a pile of crumpled meal sheets. Since July, thirty-two more daycares have joined us, because it turns out almost every owner remembers those nights too.

So Tendi begins where your worry begins, with the bus. The moment a child climbs those tall steps, Tendi knows, and if she doesn’t make it from the bus into her classroom, you know within minutes, while there is every chance to act. Nobody has to pin anything to her coat or tuck anything into her knapsack, because there is nothing for a child to wear, carry, or lose. And when someone comes through your door, a single tap tells you exactly who is in the building, so the picture in your head matches the one in front of you.

Then the day unfolds, and the mother on her front step hears about it without having to ask. She gets a message or a call when her daughter arrives, another when she is on her way home, and if there was a scraped knee at recess, it is already written down, calmly and properly, for whenever she wants to read it. And while all of this is happening, the CACFP claim builds itself, one lunch and snack at a time.

At pickup, she buckles her daughter into the car seat, and for once she already knows most of the story before it starts. That is what we mean by the whole day on one screen. Every family who trusts you with a child gets to stay close to their day, and you get to be the one who keeps them there.

Click HERE to book a walkthrough and see what it feels like to have the whole day on one screen.

A new opportunity for Orthodox Jewish Men & Women
Earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) from Georgian Court University, through a partnership with The New Seminary.

A program designed with your life in mind.

• Separate cohorts for Men & Women
• Live online classes on Sundays
• Asynchronous coursework — on your own schedule
• Academic calendar built around the Yomim Tovim
• 900 hours of supervised fieldwork
• Two year-long internship placements
• Dedicated graduate academic advisor
• Local fieldwork supervision and support
• Preparation for professional licensure

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY. COMMUNITY SENSITIVITY.

A full graduate degree from Georgian Court University, with faculty and support designed to understand the needs and realities of our community.

Family-friendly. Cost-conscious. No compromise on quality.

SPRING 2027

Classes begin the week of January 19

Your career. Your values. Your MSW.

Learn more!

Email: [email protected]

Call: NY- 718.769.8160 | NJ- 732.366.3500

He was approximately 90 years old.

We regret to inform you of the Petirah of R’ Raphael Yitzchak Isaac Shain Z”L, a Rebbi at Adelphia Yeshiva.

The Levaya is scheduled to take place Monday, the first day of Chol HaMoed Sukkos, at Beth Medrash Govoah, in the Yoshon building – 617 7th Street, at 2:15pm.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

https://www.interstatechaverim.com/download-app

Looking for something to do with the family this Chol Hamoed? Riverwood Park in Toms River will be hosting four days of rides, attractions and activities for the entire family.

The event will run Monday through Thursday — every day of Chol Hamoed — from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Families can enjoy rides, inflatables, a Ferris wheel, rock wall, bungee, zip line, trackless train, bumper cars and more.

Admission options include a $24 Kids Special and $35 Unlimited package. An additional 20% early bird discount will be available each day from 11:30 AM–12:00 PM SHARP.

📍 Riverwood Park, Toms River
🗓️ Monday–Thursday | 11:30 AM–6:30 PM

For additional information, contact the us via WhatsApp.

THIS THURSDAY!

Chol Hamoed Sukkos

At the Ritz Theater

All Star Line up of Benny & Some (Surprise!) Friends

Tickets available for purchase HERE.

Fun for the whole family- the big ones and the little ones, the active and the calm ones!

Arcades, ropes course, laser tag, 3 story play area…

Book your tickets HERE!

While our staff enjoys Yom Tov with their family and friends, posts on all TLS forums will be limited to topics related to the Chag.

We will not be responding to any non-Yom-Tov-related ad requests during Chol Hamo’ed.

Wishing you a Gut Mo’ed and Chag Same’ach!

Governor Sherrill on the Resignation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Good afternoon.

I want to take a few minutes today to speak directly to you – the people of New Jersey.

As many of you have heard me say, I hold public service in incredibly high regard.

Public service – holding the public trust – is a privilege, not a right.

I feel deeply that it is a commitment by elected officials to serve the people – not their own self-interest.

To honor that commitment, public servants must abide by the highest ethical standards.

That standard applies to everyone – regardless of their title.

Yesterday, I called for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign, following the release of the independent investigation into his conduct.

As outlined in the report, the investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office – and demonstrated a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration.

The report documents serious, repeated violations of state policy, including ethical lapses and a substantiated finding of sexual harassment.

I gave the Lieutenant Governor until today to resign.

He submitted his resignation to me this afternoon, which I accepted.

I appreciate his service both on the campaign and in the first months of this Administration, particularly in supporting our business agenda.

Lieutenant Governor Caldwell has also been deeply committed to addressing the longstanding challenges facing Black communities across our state.

I share in that commitment. My administration will continue this important work and remain steadfast in our efforts to expand opportunity for all New Jerseyans.

His decision will allow us to move forward with the important work of serving the people of our state.

Today, I want to share more about the investigative process and the path forward.

As a former federal prosecutor, I wanted to make sure everyone was treated fairly and justly.

This investigation was thorough and impartial.

It was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General.

It fully examined the evidence and followed the facts – wherever they led.

And it protected privacy. Because everyone deserves the right to be heard.

After I received the report and the facts were clear, I took action right away.

Let me be clear: all credible allegations of misconduct must be fully investigated and addressed.

In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient.

I will move swiftly and thoughtfully in choosing a new Lieutenant Governor, who will represent my Administration and the people of New Jersey with honor and integrity.

And as you know, we are just 39 days away from the midterm elections.

It is of paramount importance that our elections run smoothly – and that New Jerseyans have confidence in the officials overseeing them.

To that end, I have named Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu – who is with me today – to serve as Acting Secretary of State.

Shirley is a veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

She has the judgment to run our elections – and the strength to stand up to Trump’s attacks on voting.

I have full faith that Shirley and the team at the Department of State will make sure all eligible New Jerseyans can make their voices heard this November.

Our state’s public servants set the national standard.

They work incredibly hard every day to deliver for you.

As Governor, I’m focused on protecting and empowering them, so they can help even more New Jerseyans.

That is requiring a culture change in Trenton.

We can no longer tolerate the culture of silence, sweeping things under the rug, or kicking the can down the road.

New Jerseyans deserve fairness and accountability.

And we will work every single day to earn your trust.

I’ve taken many oaths over the course of my lifetime of service – in the Navy, as a federal prosecutor, in Congress, and now as Governor.

I take those commitments incredibly seriously.

So, here is my oath to you.

I will uphold the law.

I will lead with integrity.

And I will always put your interests first.

With that, I’ll hand things over to Shirley Emehelu.

The Lakewood Fire Department provided coverage for the Silverton section this afternoon, allowing Silverton Fire Company members to attend the funeral of Chief John Keating’s wife, Ursula “Sandie” Keating, who was tragically killed this past weekend when a vehicle crashed into the outdoor dining area of Meg’s Grill in Lavallette.

Lakewood firefighters joined sister companies Pleasant Plains Fire Department and East Dover Fire Department in providing coverage while Silverton members attended the funeral and paid their respects to the Keating family.

The Silverton Fire Company expressed its sincere appreciation to all three departments for their support, as well as for the outpouring of thoughts and kindness shown to the company and the Keating family during this difficult time.

“Your support is truly appreciated,” the department said.

Four people have been charged with hindering the apprehension of Douglas Cobb, who is wanted in connection with the murder of a Toms River man last week, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Ronald Hagan, 50, of Brick Township, Sylvester Green, 43, of Bayville, Cherice Nicholson, 46, of Howell, and Jennifer Rizalvo, 48, of Lakewood, were each charged with Hindering the Apprehension of Another.

The charges stem from the investigation into the whereabouts of Cobb, 51, of Toms River, who is charged with the September 18 murder of Bruce Gress, 42, of Toms River.

Detectives determined that Hagan, Green, Nicholson and Rizalvo each assisted Cobb in avoiding apprehension and/or provided false information to law enforcement.

Hagan remains a fugitive from justice. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and his name has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

Green and Nicholson were taken into custody on September 24 and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they remain lodged pending detention hearings.

Rizalvo was served with the charge via summons and is expected to appear in Ocean County Superior Court.

“We are working round-the-clock to apprehend Cobb so that he may be brought to justice for the killing of Bruce Gress,” Prosecutor Billhimer said.

The photograph released by the Prosecutor’s Office shows Cobb from body-worn camera footage recorded in June.

Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a State of Emergency across eight counties, including Ocean and Monmouth, ahead of a powerful nor’easter expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and significant coastal flooding over the first days of Yom Tov.

The State of Emergency takes effect at 5:00 p.m. Friday and includes Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties.

The storm is expected to bring its most severe impacts beginning tonight and continuing through Sunday, with coastal areas facing the greatest risk of flooding, beach erosion and strong winds.

The declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Center and allows state agencies to coordinate with county emergency management officials and deploy resources as needed.

Residents are urged to prepare by charging phones, securing loose outdoor items, stocking up on food and water, and avoiding unnecessary travel.

“If you need to travel, please plan ahead and stay up to date on alerts, as conditions can change quickly, and never drive through flooded roads,” Sherrill said.

Please note, beginning at sundown tonight, we will not be updating any of our forums until Sunday night in observance of Sukkos.

Torah Wellsprings - Succos 5787 A4

Maintaining Simchas Yom Tov – by Pinchas Halevi Doppelt

Dear Readers,

We are approaching the joyful Yom tov of Sukkos, Zman Simchaseinu. The Vilna Gaon tells us that this is the most challenging of all mitzvos – mitzva to remain joyful throughout all eight days. However, the seforim tell us that one who stays joyful this yom tov, will remain joyful all year. Obviously, it sounds impossible for most of us. Someone who has a family with kvetchy, wild kids who keep fighting and bickering may find this extremely challenging. Some people have children who keep complaining about almost everything, so how can they stay joyful for seven whole days?

Others find themselves in a lonely situation in their life which can make it extremely challenging as well. Everyone has his challenges.

So, let us present several practical ideas that can perhaps help us be successful in our mission to remain happy on Sukkos.

1. Take it one day at a time. Tell yourself, “today will be a joyous day”; tomorrow is another day and we will deal with it then”.

2. Most importantly, we must realize with utmost clarity and emuna that Hashem is in control, and our job is to do the best we can. Perhaps when Hashem sees how hard we are trying to be joyful and how much it means to us, He will then smoothen the road. There are many stories that bring out this concept. The most popular one is with Yosef and the wife of Potifar. According to the laws of nature, it seemed to be a checkmate with his nisayon. However, Hashem really made this story happen so that Yosef would go to jail (and eventually get out of Mitzrayim though that), and so he was out of her clutches.

The bottom line is that we must make the goal of one day at a time and daven to Hashem to help us overcome our nisayon and to remain joyful.

3. The Yom Tov of Sukkos is all about bitachon, as the seforim tell us.

I once heard a nice remez that according to halacha, ultimately one can have two walls and a little bit. Interestingly, two walls and a tefach looks like an arm with a hand which symbolizes a hug from Hashem. Perhaps we can add that the arm symbolizes that we are in the Arm of Hashem which is the ultimate bitachon.

Yes, Hashem is taking care of us, and He will always take care of us. So, if your children are acting up, remind yourself who is in the driver’s seat so you will not get stressed out. 4. Another idea is to keep singing happy, upbeat songs which bring about a ruach of simcha.

5. Another idea is to prepare divrei Torah and upbeat stories that will uplift your family and yourself to remain joyful.

Wishing all of Kllal Yisroel a most joyful yom tov ever.

Who knows how much of a nachas ruach this will bring to Hashem. This will definitely help bring Moshiach –and hopefully this yom tov!

Here are a couple of stories about tzadikim who were wild as children!

When the Chakal Yitzchak of Spinka, Rav Yitzchak Isaac Weiss, was a child, he was very mischievous! Running wild and breaking things time after time – both items and windows broke! (And especially in those days when glass shattered much more easily than the tempered glass we have today.) His father, Reb Yosef would pay for any damages he was required to according to halacha. When his neighbors asked why he never gets upset with the child and never rebukes him, he smiled and said, “Don’t worry, when he grows up, many doors and windows will be broken!”

And indeed!, little Yitzchak grew up and became one of the great Talmidei chachamim and the Rebbe of thousands of chassidim who came to his bais medrash. The crowd was so large that the doors and windows of the bais medrash were broken from the press of the crowd – just as his father had predicted!

Another story is about the children of the Brisker Rav. They were very lively, and sometimes broke things – even expensive items, yet he never got upset. Only when a couple of his sons – around ten years old – once went to a Reform neighbor and ate from their food and read from their books – something that was strictly against the rules – did he get very upset.

Rav Chayim Pinchas Scheiberg too said in a shiur for ladies that he was somewhat wild as a child.

A freilichen yom tov!

Pinchas Halevi Doppelt

Jackson Township has filed an In Rem Tax Foreclosure Complaint in Superior Court of New Jersey against 10 properties with delinquent taxes.

The complaint was filed on September 1, 2026, as part of an ongoing effort to address longstanding tax delinquencies and recover funds owed to the Township.

The 10 properties are among 129 properties included on the Township’s Tax Foreclosure List, which was publicly released in April.

The Township is expected to pursue additional tax foreclosure actions against other properties included on the list.

The effort is aimed at recovering delinquent taxes and returning properties to productive use.

A 37-year-old Maine man has been indicted on multiple charges stemming from a non-fatal police-involved shooting in South Toms River in April, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.

Brian Lanzim, 37, of Bangor, Maine, was indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury on September 23 on three counts of Attempted Murder, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Home Invasion Burglary, Unlawful Use of Body Armor, and two counts of Terroristic Threats.

On April 29, officers with the South Toms River Police Department responded to a residence on Dover Road after Lanzim allegedly made threats against the residents. The threats indicated that Lanzim was traveling from Maine to South Toms River and was armed.

While officers were in the area, Lanzim allegedly drove his vehicle across the front lawn toward an officer, causing the officer to take cover behind a fence.

Lanzim then exited the vehicle and attempted to enter a locked door of the residence. Officers confronted him and observed that he was wearing a bulletproof body armor vest and was armed with a handgun.

After Lanzim allegedly failed to comply with multiple commands, a South Toms River officer discharged his department-issued firearm, striking Lanzim in the pelvis and hand.

Officers subsequently disarmed Lanzim and provided medical aid before he was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment.

A further investigation determined that Lanzim also had a loaded rifle and large-capacity ammunition magazines inside his vehicle.

Following his release from the hospital, Lanzim was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has remained lodged since May 4.

Jersey Shore Hatzalah recently partnered with the Linda Grunin Simulation Lab at Monmouth University to conduct a first of its kind Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training exercise, providing members with a unique opportunity to prepare for one of the most complex situations an emergency medical service can face.

The exercise was designed to simulate a real-life mass casualty incident from the initial response through triage, treatment, transport, and arrival at the hospital. Hatzalah members were challenged to manage multiple injured patients at once while coordinating resources and communicating across multiple agencies and levels of care.

To make the experience as realistic as possible, the simulation incorporated live patient actors, high fidelity medical manikins, professional moulage, and realistic injuries. Members were tasked with assessing the scene, performing mass casualty triage, prioritizing patients, initiating treatment, and coordinating their evacuation and transport.

A major focus of the drill was continuity of care. Participants practiced patient handoffs between Jersey Shore Hatzalah BLS crews, ALS paramedics, flight medical crews, and hospital emergency department staff. An RWJBarnabas Health LifeFlight helicopter also participated in the exercise, allowing members to experience the additional coordination required for aeromedical transport.

The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Medical Services also brought its Medical Ambulance Bus (MAB) to the drill. Members had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the MAB and its capabilities, including the important role it can play in the treatment and transport of multiple patients during a large-scale incident.

The training tested much more than clinical skills. Members were challenged to communicate effectively, work as a team, establish leadership roles, make rapid decisions, and manage limited resources in a complex and evolving environment. Hatzalah dispatchers were also actively involved in the exercise, practicing emergency communications and resource coordination under the pressure of a high-stress, rapidly evolving MCI scenario.

While incidents of this magnitude are thankfully uncommon, being prepared for them requires training that goes beyond the classroom. Exercises like this allow responders to experience the challenges of a large-scale emergency in a controlled setting and help ensure that Jersey Shore Hatzalah members are prepared to respond effectively should such an event occur in the communities they serve.

The event was made possible through an extensive partnership between Jersey Shore Hatzalah and the Linda Grunin Simulation Lab at Monmouth University. Jersey Shore Hatzalah extends its tremendous appreciation to the Simulation Lab and its staff, particularly Dr. Violet Kramer, Billie McNally, and Elissa Naglieri, whose countless hours of planning and preparation were instrumental in creating such a realistic training experience.

Special appreciation is also extended to RWJBarnabas Health LifeFlight, the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Medical Services, Dr. James Martin and Dr. Elizabeth Gilman of the Monmouth Medical Center Emergency Department, and Dr. Harry Kopolovich, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Their involvement and expertise helped recreate the coordination between EMS, flight crews, and hospital staff that would be essential during an actual mass casualty incident.

The MCI exercise represents Jersey Shore Hatzalah’s continued commitment to advancing the education and preparedness of its members while strengthening its relationships with the healthcare and public safety agencies with whom it works.

By training together before an emergency occurs, responders build the skills, communication, and relationships needed to work together when every minute matters.

Jersey Shore Hatzalah thanks all of the organizations, instructors, volunteers, patient actors, dispatchers, and participants who helped make this landmark training possible.

First Night Sukkos: Windy, rain likely to start around 10:30 PM. Low of around 56.

Rain likely to continue through Shabbos and Sunday, with highs of 62-65.

Clearing up Monday afternoon for the remainder of Chol Hamoed.

“With the approaching storm, please make sure your trash and recycle cans are removed from the roadway. Please secure any loose items in your yard, and make sure your sukkah is secured as well. Thank you and please be safe.”

Counsel for New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale G. Caldwell have sharply rejected the findings of an investigation that concluded he violated state workplace and ethics policies, arguing that the report relies on disputed allegations, insufficient corroborating evidence and a flawed investigative process.

While Governor Mikie Sherrill has called on Caldwell to resign, she cannot simply remove him from the separately elected constitutional office of lieutenant governor. Under the New Jersey Constitution, the governor and lieutenant governor are elected jointly by voters, and state officers are subject to removal through the impeachment process. The General Assembly has the sole power to impeach by a majority vote of all members, after which the Senate conducts a trial and requires a two-thirds vote of all senators for conviction and removal.

The statement came shortly after the investigation was released, with Caldwell’s attorneys challenging each of the three findings and maintaining that the evidence does not support the conclusions reached by investigators.

“This unnecessarily protracted and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state,” said Thomas Calcagni of Calcagni & Kanefsky, who represents Caldwell.

Caldwell categorically denies making the alleged comment during a car ride. A New Jersey State Police trooper assigned to his security detail was in the vehicle but, according to the report, did not hear the conversation. Thomas Calcagni, Caldwell’s attorney, said there was no recording, text, email or other contemporaneous evidence proving the statement was made. He also disputed the significance of a photograph cited in the report.

Investigators nevertheless found the allegation substantiated based on their assessment of the evidence and witness credibility.

On the ethics findings, Calcagni said Caldwell does not dispute his obligation to follow state rules but argued the evidence did not establish an intentional misuse of office. Caldwell received ethics training after taking office and, after learning reimbursement was required in one instance, reimbursed $175 for an event, his counsel said.

“There is a meaningful difference between making a good-faith error when analyzing the regulations and deliberately using public office for personal benefit,” Calcagni said.

The third finding involved Caldwell forwarding the résumé of a state employee he believed was qualified for a higher-responsibility position. Calcagni said there was no evidence Caldwell ordered or controlled a promotion or hiring decision. The employee received no promotion, raise or other state benefit and ultimately left state government, he said.

Caldwell maintains that he would have disclosed the relationship or recused himself had he been advised that it was required.

Calcagni also criticized the investigation’s handling of anonymous allegations, saying Caldwell was not given a meaningful opportunity to respond or identify witnesses with firsthand knowledge. He alleged that some witnesses were excluded and raised concerns about confidentiality breaches.

“The Lieutenant Governor participated in the investigative process faithfully to the limited extent permitted, expecting a genuine truth-seeking inquiry,” Calcagni said.

Sherrill has said the investigation found serious violations of state policy and has called on Caldwell to resign. Caldwell remains lieutenant governor and secretary of state and has denied wrongdoing.

We regret to inform you of the Petirah of Rebbetzin Devorah Marcus A”H, who was Niftar this evening.

Rebbetzin Marcus was the wife of Rav Mordechai Marcus ZT”L, Rav of the Lakewood Minyan in Flatbush.

The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 10:00 PM tonight at the chapel in Lakewood, 613 Ramsey Avenue.

Shiva will take place at 186 Regent Drive in Lakewood.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

Governor Mikie Sherrill is calling for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell’s resignation following the conclusion of an independent investigation into allegations against him.

According to Sherrill, the investigation found that Caldwell engaged in “serious, repeated violations” of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.

The investigation also substantiated a finding of sexual harassment, which Sherrill described as “extremely troubling.”

Sherrill said the investigation was conducted independently and impartially, and that it was initiated by the state’s Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a former state Attorney General.

The Governor is giving Caldwell until tomorrow to resign, saying his resignation is “necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”

In New Jersey, according to the Constitution, a governor cannot simply “fire” the Lieutenant Governor. The NJ Constitution provides that the Governor and Lt. Governor are separately elected constitutional officers. If Caldwell refuses to resign, removal would require the impeachment process in the Legislature — a majority vote in the General Assembly to impeach and a two-thirds Senate vote to convict and remove him.

Sherrill said the investigation examined the evidence and followed the facts while protecting the privacy of those involved.

See her full statement below:

“Today, I’m announcing the conclusion and findings of an independent investigation into allegations regarding Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell. The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so.

I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard. We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable.

These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. I’ve seen firsthand how a hostile culture can undermine everyone’s ability to succeed. It’s insidious and ruptures the trust within an organization.

Leaders have an obligation to make sure everyone in an organization is bought into the mission and able to succeed. I take that responsibility incredibly seriously. My goal as Governor is to empower our hardworking public servants, so they can remain focused on serving our state.

As a former federal prosecutor, I’m committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly. This investigation was thorough and impartial. It was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General.

The investigation fully examined the evidence, followed the facts, and protected everyone’s privacy. In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient.

The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.

The President continues to undermine confidence in public service at the federal level. In New Jersey, I will not accept a culture that sweeps misconduct under the rug. We have to be better than that — people expect and deserve better.

I have dedicated my life to service. I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people, and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions.

I will always put the interests of the people of New Jersey first.”

No injuries reported.