By Y.M. Lowy

The Skver kehilla in Williamsburg is expanding, with Bais Medrash Toldos Yaakov Yosef – Spencer entering into a contract to purchase a new building.

The news was shared on Friday, bringing excitement as the growing bais medrash moves toward having a permanent home. Since its founding, the shul has been in various rented locations.

The purchase is being made with the blessing and encouragement of the Skver Rebbe. The new building, located at 103 Walworth Street, is expected to be completed and prepared for use in the near future.

Plans call for a full renovation of the building. The first floor will feature a large bais medrash, while the lower level will include a mikvah. The second floor will have an ezras nashim and a bais horaah.

An excavator fell through a temporary floor at a construction site in Downtown Brooklyn, just minutes from Williamsburg.

The incident happened around 6:23 p.m. at 245 Duffield Street, where construction crews were working at the site.

The heavy equipment broke through the temporary flooring and fell into the area below. Video from the scene appears to show the excavator after it went through the floor, with the equipment left partially below the temporary structure.

Police responded to the scene following the incident. No injuries have been reported. It remains unclear why the excavator was operating on the temporary flooring or exactly what caused the floor to give way.

Dee Voch is welcoming Rosh Hashanah with one of its largest and most ambitious packages to date, presenting readers with a massive seven-booklet collection spanning approximately 700 pages of news, features, inspiration, history, business, children’s content, fiction, and extensive coverage of the major events that shaped the Jewish world during 5786.

The expanded Rosh Hashanah package brings together the regular Dee Voch alongside special editions of Shrift, Business Shrift, Fink and Kinder Shrift, as well as major standalone supplements produced especially for the season, including an extensive commemorative volume documenting the historic visit of Gedolei Yisroel to the White House and the annual “Di Yohr” year-in-review.

The main Dee Voch edition itself has been significantly expanded for Rosh Hashanah, packed with coverage of the latest happenings throughout the frum world. Particular attention is given to the first Selichos, with extensive coverage and imagery from the courts of Rebbes and kehillos across the Jewish world.

Shrift

The Rosh Hashanah Shrift opens with a powerful and timely feature, “Avodah Tovah Umesukah,” presenting an extensive pre-Rosh Hashanah conversation with noted mashpia Harav Yitzchok Moshe Erlanger shlita.

Another gripping Shrift feature, “Unesaneh Tokef in Hadassah Hospital,” tells the extraordinary personal story of R’ Menachem Mendel Pappenheim.

In a completely different Rosh Hashanah feature, “Umi Yisparsem,” Shrift looks back at 10 distinctive personalities who became widely known throughout the Jewish world during 5786, examining the people and circumstances that suddenly placed them in the public eye.

History enthusiasts will find another remarkable story: the little-known plot by powerful Wall Street figures who were accused of planning a coup against President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the decorated general whose testimony brought the alleged scheme to national attention.

Business Shrift

The special Business Shrift presents “Daas Baal Habayis,” an in-depth profile of R’ Shimon Dovid Davidowitz, whose work helped revolutionize the Chassidish clothing industry in Eretz Yisroel.

Fink

The Rosh Hashanah Fink delivers a broad collection of emotional and thought-provoking stories built around themes particularly relevant to the Yemei Hadin.

“Funken” begins with the burial of a developmentally disabled girl alongside her accomplished grandmother. The stark contrast between their lives leads to a deeper question: perhaps the pure neshamah of the girl, despite everything she could not accomplish in conventional terms, occupies an even greater place Above.

“Im Kevanim, Im Kaavadim” follows Gedalya, the son of a baal teshuvah, as he struggles with the meaning of his own bechirah. Is he truly choosing his path, or merely following the road his father chose for him?

“Al Hanaar Hazeh Hispalalti” takes readers back to the moving story of Chana and her yearning for a child. The historical narrative follows her pain on the journey to Shiloh, her heartfelt tefillah, her promise that a son would be dedicated to serving Hashem, and the fulfillment of that promise after the birth of Shmuel.

Another major feature, “Dark Shadows,” presents conversations with two Ethiopian Jewish women, Mrs. Gandel and Mrs. Leknash, about a world largely unfamiliar to contemporary readers.

Kinder Shrift

Younger readers receive their own substantial Rosh Hashanah edition of Kinder Shrift.

One special feature takes children inside the headquarters of Adir Publishing for a firsthand look at how some of Klal Yisroel’s familiar siddurim and seforim are produced.

Another timely feature focuses on children’s minyanim. Kinder Shrift speaks with organizers of children’s minyanim in major kehillos, exploring how they operate and the remarkable koach of the tefillos of tinokos shel beis rabban.

Historic White House Visit Special Edition

Among the highlights of the entire Rosh Hashanah package is a separate, specially produced booklet devoted exclusively to the historic journey of leading Gedolei Yisroel to the White House.

The commemorative volume provides extensive and exclusive coverage of the visit from beginning to end.

Readers follow each Rebbe and member of the delegation from the preparations and departure, through the journey to Washington and arrival at the White House.

The booklet documents the delegation’s meeting with Vice President JD Vance before reaching the historic centerpiece of the visit: the meeting of the Gedolei Yisroel with President Donald Trump.

Hundreds of photographs chronicle the historic day, capturing details and moments surrounding the visit and offering readers an opportunity to experience the extraordinary event from beginning to end.

More than simply another magazine supplement, the special edition was designed as a keepsake documenting a rare chapter in contemporary Jewish history — one readers will be able to revisit and preserve for years to come.

Dee Yur

Also included in the giant package is Dee Voch’s annual “Dee Yur,” an extensive review of the year that was.

As its name indicates, the special edition takes readers back through the major developments of 5786, bringing together the biggest Jewish and world news stories in one comprehensive volume.

Major international events are revisited alongside the stories that dominated the frum world, including the Iran war and the continuing battle surrounding the gezeiras giyus of bnei hayeshivos in Eretz Yisroel.

A particularly meaningful section is dedicated to the prominent figures Klal Yisroel lost during the past year, preserving the memories of Admorim, Rabbanim, Dayanim, Roshei Yeshivos and other distinguished figures, as well as prominent Rebbetzins and women of distinction who passed away during 5786.

Another extensive section revisits the major and unusual events that unfolded throughout the Chassidish courts over the course of the historic year, creating a permanent visual and written record of 5786.

“Vegvaizer” Eretz Yisroel Handbook Included Free

Also included in the massive Dee Voch package is the popular “Vegvaizer” handbook, a practical guide designed to make traveling and staying in Eretz Yisroel easier and more organized.

The guide includes detailed listings, addresses and phone numbers covering virtually every need a visitor may encounter in Eretz Yisroel, including minyanim, mekomos hakedoshim, Rabbanim and Admorim, drivers, apartment rentals, mikvaos, grocery stores, restaurants, attractions and museums.

Beyond the extensive directories, the handbook features practical instructions and informative articles aimed at giving travelers clarity before they even arrive.

Detailed maps of the major frum neighborhoods help visitors easily understand where they are and how to navigate unfamiliar areas, while additional sections provide useful information for planning trips and getting around.

Seven Booklets, 700 Pages, One Giant Rosh Hashanah Package, NOW IN STORES!

To receive the Dee Voch package weekly at your door, subscribe now via WhatsApp or the website!

With Rosh Hashanah just days away, Jewish communities all across New York are set to see increased police presence around shuls and other sensitive locations during the upcoming Yomim Tovim.

New York State Police will be increasing patrols and coordinating with local police departments around Jewish communities and religious institutions throughout the High Holidays.

Troopers have also been reaching out to local religious leaders to keep communication open and coordinate on security concerns. State Police will remain in contact with the NYPD and community security organizations during the holiday period.

The increased presence comes as hate crimes in New York City continue to rise. Through August 30, the NYPD recorded 425 hate crimes, compared with 367 during the same period last year.

Jewish New Yorkers have continued to be the most frequent targets. There were 229 reported anti-Jewish hate crimes in the city during the same period, up from 212 last year. That means more than half of all confirmed hate crimes in the city were directed against Jews.

At the same time, New York State is providing $70 million to 290 nonprofit organizations across the state for security improvements. Jewish organizations, shuls and other community institutions can use the funding for measures such as better lighting, alarms, cameras, panic buttons, stronger doors and locks, access controls and other security upgrades.

Police are encouraging communities to remain alert and report anything suspicious.

By Y.M. Lowy

A new NYC sanitation rule that has been in place since June is moving into full enforcement tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8.

The Department of Sanitation requires households in properties with 1 to 9 residential units to place their trash in a proper bin with a secure lid. Loose trash and garbage bags left directly on the sidewalk will no longer be collected.

The requirement officially took effect on June 1, 2026, but the city gave residents the summer to adjust. During the warning period, properties that did not comply received warnings rather than monetary penalties.

That period ends today. Starting tomorrow, September 8, DSNY will begin issuing fines for violations.

Trash: Must be placed in a bin no larger than 55 gallons with a secure lid.

Recycling: Continues to go in the designated recycling container or clear bag.

Organics: Continue to be separated and placed out according to DSNY’s composting rules.

The requirement for a specific NYC Bin applies to trash. Residents may use other suitable containers for recycling and organics.

The first violation can result in a $50 fine, with higher penalties for subsequent violations.

Official NYC Bins are available at participating Home Depot locations throughout the city, and can also be ordered for delivery.

Gallery includes: Toldos Tzvi Spinka, Krula, Kretchnif Siget Williamsburg, Tzehlim, Skulen Williamsburg, Yeshias Yakov Skulen, Yavozhna, Chernowitz, Vien, Dinev.

With the Yom Tov travel season approaching and thousands of families preparing to fly, immigration askanim are issuing an urgent warning to the community: if there is anything questionable, unresolved, or incorrect with your immigration status or documents, do not go to the airport before having your situation reviewed by a qualified immigration attorney.

According to askanim directly involved in assisting heimishe families with immigration matters, they have dealt with more than 70 cases involving members of the community in just the past month, including individuals who were detained by immigration authorities.

Of particular concern, askanim say, are cases that arose when people arrived at airports to travel — and not only when leaving the United States.

Several of the situations involved people traveling domestically, from one U.S. city to another.

The message from askanim is therefore clear: do not assume that because you are taking a domestic flight, an immigration problem cannot catch up with you at the airport.

Those who have overstayed a visa or ESTA admission, have an extension or change of status still pending, have questions regarding their current immigration status, or have any discrepancy in their immigration documents should not simply arrive at the airport and hope everything will be fine.

Askanim also caution against a common misconception: having a pending application or USCIS receipt does not, by itself, necessarily mean that a person has lawful immigration status or is protected from enforcement. Every case is different and must be reviewed based on its individual circumstances.

Another serious issue askanim say they have encountered involves non-U.S. citizens who mistakenly registered to vote or voted in a U.S. election.

According to askanim familiar with recent cases, immigration problems related to voting have surfaced involving green card holders and visa holders, including cases in which individuals were arrested at airports.

The issue can be extremely serious for a noncitizen. At the same time, not every voting-related situation is legally identical. The consequences can depend on exactly what occurred, including whether someone registered, actually voted, how it happened, and other circumstances.

Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen and believes he or she may have mistakenly registered to vote or cast a ballot should therefore speak with a qualified immigration attorney and should not wait until arriving at an airport to discover whether there is a problem.

The warning is particularly timely ahead of the Yomim Tovim, when many families will be flying to spend Yom Tov with parents and children, attend simchos, or travel for other family needs.

Askanim are urging people to take a few minutes now to make sure everything is in order.

If you have an expired visa or ESTA, a pending immigration application, an unresolved status issue, a discrepancy in your documents, or any concern involving voter registration or voting, have the situation properly reviewed before traveling.

The purpose of the warning is not to create panic, askanim stress, but to prevent a manageable immigration issue from becoming a far more serious situation once someone is already at the airport.

The message ahead of Yom Tov is simple: if anything about your immigration status or documents is not 100% clear, do not wait until you reach the airport to find out where you stand.

Yisroel R.

A man entered a home on Ross Street at approximately 5:00 a.m. this past Shabbos morning, while the entire family was asleep prompting an extensive investigation by Shomrim and NYPD’s 90th precinct into the individual and his past history in the neighborhood.

According to information gathered, the same individual is believed to have entered two homes on Hooper Street approximately one month ago and has stolen more than $10,000 worth of valuable items. Shomrim says the man has a prior history with the organization and has been linked to repeated attempts to gain access to multiple homes in Williamsburg.

According to the investigation by Williamsburg Shomrim, the suspect has gone from house to house checking doors and looking for ways to enter, including through front doors, back doors, windows, and through porches. Following extensive research, Shomrim has obtained a clear photo of the individual and identified areas where he has been seen frequently roaming around.

The suspect has not yet been apprehended, and Shomrim is asking anyone who sees him or has additional information that could help locate him to contact the organization immediately.

In an important message to Williamsburg 365, Yanky Itzkowitz, Coordinator of Williamsburg Shomrim stressed the importance of calling for help right away, particularly on shabbos. “If someone hears or suspects that an intruder is entering their home, they should call Shomrim right away and should not hesitate because of Hilchos Shabbos concerns.” Shomrim says the matter has been verified with Rabbanim and Dayanim as one of pikuach nefesh, since a resident has no way of knowing whether an intruder may be dangerous or armed.

Residents are also being urged to make sure that all entrances to their homes are properly secured, including front doors, back doors, and windows, particularly overnight. Shomrim says perpetrators looking to enter homes will often try multiple access points until they find one that is unlocked or vulnerable.

With the suspect still at large, Shomrim is urging Williamsburg residents to remain alert, carefully secure their homes, and report any suspicious activity or information that could assist in locating him.

Yisroel R.

A major power outage struck Skillman Street in Williamsburg at around 5:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, leaving approximately 125 families without electricity just hours before Shabbos.

Residents reached out to UJO of Williamsburg, which quickly began working with Councilman Lincoln Restler’s office and the Mayor’s Office to get the outage addressed as swiftly as possible. City officials coordinated with NYC Emergency Management and Con Edison, bringing crews to the scene to begin working on the problem right away.

Con Edison crews worked through the evening to identify and repair the issue, and power was restored to the affected families within a couple of hours, bringing much relief to residents after what could have become a far more difficult situation throughout Shabbos.

Shomrim was also on the scene assisting as needed, while representatives sent by the Mayor’s Office came down to monitor the situation and make sure the response was moving forward smoothly.

The UJO of Williamsburg and local community leaders express their appreciation to everyone involved in the rapid response, with particular thanks to Councilman Lincoln Restler’s office and the Mayor’s Office for their immediate involvement and coordination in getting the outage resolved.

Yisroel R.

Williamsburg will see a beautiful stretch of early September weather this Selichos week, with plenty of sunshine, daytime temperatures mostly in the 80s, and cooler nights dropping into the mid-60s. Although Rosh Hashanah arrives earlier on the calendar this year, the cooler mornings and evenings will still begin bringing a subtle taste of the fall season.

Monday will be mainly sunny and pleasant, with a high around 80 degrees and a low of 64 degrees. The cooler evening temperatures will offer a refreshing change from the warmer summer nights of recent weeks.

Tuesday will feature partly cloudy skies, with temperatures climbing slightly to a high of 83 degrees and a low of 67 degrees.

Wednesday will be partly cloudy and warmer, with a high near 85 degrees and a low of 73 degrees, bringing the warmest nighttime temperatures of the week.

Thursday will feature a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a high around 85 degrees and a low of 67 degrees. Breezier conditions are expected, with winds reaching 10 to 20 mph at times.

The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn marked the opening of a new food pantry at the W Mall last week, expanding its efforts to provide much-needed food assistance to local families ahead of Rosh Hashanah and throughout the year.

Governor Kathy Hochul joined UJO President Rabbi Moshe David Niederman and other community and elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new pantry, which is sponsored by Met Council.

Following the opening, UJO hosted a special pre-Rosh Hashanah food distribution benefiting 250 local families. Packages included a wide selection of Yom Tov essentials, including proteins, dairy products, eggs, and fresh produce, helping families prepare for the upcoming Yom Tov with dignity.

Joining Rabbi Niederman and Governor Hochul were Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield, New York Attorney General Letitia James, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, State Senator Julia Salazar, State Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and other community and elected officials.

The new pantry comes as food insecurity remains a significant concern in the neighborhood. According to Restler, South Williamsburg has the second-highest rate of food insecurity in Brooklyn, underscoring the importance of additional local resources for families in need.

During the event, Hochul praised UJO and its partners for their work in bringing the new facility to the community.

“We are opening the first food pantry in Williamsburg where the need is great,” Hochul said, thanking Rabbi Niederman, UJO, Met Council and the elected officials involved in the effort.

Rabbi Niederman thanked the governor for providing resources that allow community organizations to continue delivering critical social services and food assistance to local residents.

The new pantry further expands UJO’s longstanding network of social services for Williamsburg and North Brooklyn residents and will provide families with a local resource for food assistance beyond the special Yom Tov distribution.

The opening comes at an especially important time, with UJO and other community organizations working to ensure that families facing financial hardship have what they need to properly celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming Yomim Tovim.

Yisroel R.

With the busy Yom Tov season quickly approaching, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch visited Williamsburg Shomrim headquarters on Wednesday, bringing the city’s top police official together with the community leaders and volunteers who work on the front lines of keeping Williamsburg safe.

A number of leading Askanim attended the gathering, including Rabbi Moshe Indig of the Williamsburg Jewish Community Council and Rabbi David Niederman of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. Together with Shomrim coordinators, they discussed public safety, preparations for the coming Yomim Tovim, and the close coordination between the NYPD and the Williamsburg community.

Addressing the commissioner, Rabbi Niederman and Rabbi Indig expressed the community’s tremendous gratitude for her visit at such an important time of year and thanked her for the strong working relationship she has maintained for many years between the NYPD and Shomrim. They further recognized the commissioner‘s continued commitment to protecting the Jewish community and ensuring that its security needs receive the attention and resources they require.

Commissioner Tisch thanked the askanim for the warm and generous welcome and spoke about the NYPD’s preparations for the upcoming holiday season, including an increased police presence and additional patrols. The discussion also addressed the continuing threat of antisemitism and other security concerns facing the Jewish community.

The conversation comes as Williamsburg’s streets and shuls are preparing for weeks of heightened Yom Tov activity, with large gatherings and thousands of people moving through the neighborhood throughout the month of Tishrei. That makes close cooperation between police, Shomrim, and community leaders especially critical in the weeks ahead.

Following the meeting, Commissioner Tisch was shown around Shomrim’s command center, where she received a firsthand look at the dispatch system and the operation behind the volunteers’ rapid response to calls across Williamsburg. She was deeply impressed by the state-of-the-art technology, advanced communications systems, and carefully coordinated patrol operation Shomrim has developed to serve its people.

Shomrim coordinators walked the commissioner through the process of receiving calls, dispatching units, and working alongside the NYPD as incidents unfold. The tour offered the city’s ‘top-cop’ a rare behind-the-scenes look at the sophisticated operations of Williamsburg Shomrim.

Yisroel R.

Williamsburg is set for a dry and pleasant weekend, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures gradually trending cooler from Friday through Sunday.

Friday will be partly cloudy, with a high near 86 degrees and a low of 68 degrees.

Shabbos will remain partly cloudy, with a high around 81 degrees and a low of 65 degrees.

Sunday will turn noticeably cooler, with partly cloudy skies and a high near 75 degrees. Temperatures will fall to around 62 degrees at night, bringing a crisp and comfortable finish to the weekend.

photos: Abraham McNatt/White House 

Yisroel R.

A historic meeting unfolded at the White House Thursday afternoon as President Donald J. Trump welcomed a distinguished delegation of leading Admorim and Rabbanim for a discussion on the needs and concerns of frum communities across the United States and around the world.

The invited delegation included the Bobover Rebbe, both Satmar Rebbes, the Vizhnitz Monsey Rebbe, and Rav Malkiel Kotler, Rosh Yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. The Skverer Rebbe, who was unable to attend due to personal matters, sent his eldest son, Rav Aharon Mendel Twersky, shlita, to represent him at the historic meeting.

Upon arriving at the White House, the Rabbanim first gathered together in a room with members of the Trump administration, where they discussed a range of important topics and concerns affecting frum communities across the country.

In an unexpected moment during the gathering, Vice President JD Vance entered the room to personally greet the Rabbanim. The Vice President spent time with the delegation as they discussed a number of important issues, adding another significant dimension to the historic White House visit.

Following the initial gathering, the Satmar Rebbe (Monroe) was brought in for a private meeting with President Trump, spending several minutes alone with the President.

Afterward, the full delegation of Admorim and Rabbanim entered to meet President Trump together, creating a phenomenal and memorable sight inside the White House. The atmosphere was exceptionally warm, with the Rabbanim speaking directly with the President and engaging him on the important matters they had come to Washington to discuss.

During the meeting, the Satmar Rebbe recited the special bracha said upon seeing a world leader, “Shenasan mikvodo l’basar vadam.” The powerful moment added a deeply meaningful note to a meeting already carrying tremendous significance for frum communities across the country.

Although the meeting was held behind closed doors and was not open to local press, reports from inside the Oval Office indicated that President Trump received the Rabbanim with exceptional warmth. The reception reflected the close ties he has maintained with the Orthodox Jewish community for many years, dating back to his time as one of New York’s most powerful real estate moguls, long before he entered politics. The discussion addressed numerous important issues affecting Orthodox Jewish communities in America, giving the delegation a rare opportunity to bring the concerns of frum kehillos directly before the world’s most powerful leader.

Congressman Mike Lawler, whose New York 17th Congressional District includes some of the region’s largest heimish communities, was also present alongside other major government officials and community leaders. As one of President Trump’s key Republican allies in New York, Lawler’s participation helped forge a closer link between the White House, the Rabbanim, and the thousands of frum families he represents back home.

The historic day began early, with the Admorim adjusting their morning schedules and davening early to allow enough time for the journey to the nation’s capital. The Bobover Rebbe and the Satmar Rebbe departed together aboard a private flight from Teterboro Airport in Bergen County, while the Vizhnitz Monsey Rebbe left from the same airport on a separate private flight. The Satmar Rebbe Shlita departed from the New York Stewart International Airport, located a short distance from his home in Kiryas Joel.

The Bobover Rebbe was accompanied by his eldest son, Rav Chaim Shulem Halberstam shlita. The Satmar Rebbe was accompanied by his eldest son, Rav Mendel, the Satmar Rav of Williamsburg. The Vizhnitz Monsey Rebbe brought along his eldest son, Rav Yakov Yosef, while the eldest son of the Satmar Rebbe, the Siget Rav, accompanied his father.

Airport delays affected the delegation’s schedule, but the change was handled smoothly in coordination with the White House, which arranged for the meeting to begin at 2:00 p.m. The Rabbanim began arriving at approximately 1:30 p.m., passed through security, and entered the West Wing of the White House ahead of the historic gathering.

Beyond the historic events of Thursday afternoon, the meeting carried a powerful connection to an iconic White House gathering nearly half a century ago. During Chanukah in December 1979, President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States received a delegation of leading Rabbanim in the White House in what was described at the time as the first meeting between an American president and such a delegation.

That 25-minute 1979 meeting included the Berach Moshe of Satmar, the Bobover Rebbe Rav Shlomo Halberstam zt”l, and the Vizhnitz Monsey Rebbe zt”l among other leading Admorim V’rabbanim. The Berach Moshe opened the gathering, while the Bobover Rebbe zt”l recited the special bracha reserved for encountering a world leader whose authority is comparable to that of a king, which was then translated to President Carter.

The encounter took place during the Iran hostage crisis, a deeply difficult period for the Carter administration. The Rebbes offered their brachos and expressed support for the president as he confronted the crisis, creating an image that would remain etched into the history of American Yiddishkeit.

Thursday’s meeting brought that history back to life 47 years later. The sons and successors of the same Rebbes who stood before President Carter that Chanukah returned to the White House together, this time to sit down with the 45th and 47th President of the United States, President Donald J. Trump, and once again carry the voice of their kehillos into the highest office of the land.

Nearly five decades separated the two gatherings, but the sight of leading Admorim and Rabbanim standing together inside the White House created another historic moment in the relationship between the American presidency and the leaders of its frum communities.

photo: Shuttetstock

Yisroel R.

New York City restaurants will now be able to keep roadway outdoor dining setups in place throughout the entire year, after Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed legislation Monday making year-round outdoor dining a permanent part of the city.

The new law ends the seasonal requirement that forced restaurants participating in the Dining Out NYC program to remove roadway dining setups between November 30 and March 31. 

The legislation was sponsored by Councilman Lincoln Restler, who represents Williamsburg and surrounding neighborhoods, as outdoor dining has become a popular destination for many New Yorkers in the district.

Under the new system, restaurants will be allowed to keep roadway dining setups in place through the winter months. The NYC Department of Transportation will develop new rules in the coming months outlining how those setups can be temporarily winterized while still meeting city standards.

Mayor Mamdani said the previous rules placed an unnecessary burden on small businesses by forcing restaurant owners to dismantle and rebuild their outdoor setups each year.

“Outdoor dining transformed our city once before, and now we are making sure it has a permanent place in New York City,” Mamdani said, adding that the change will make it easier for neighborhood restaurants to plan ahead and continue serving customers in every season.

Restler said the previous seasonal restrictions and other regulations had made it more difficult for restaurants to participate in the program, and said the new law will give businesses more flexibility while keeping outdoor dining active across the five boroughs.

The change means roadway dining setups that once had to come down each winter can now remain in place year-round, giving businesses a more permanent outdoor option and making outdoor dining an even more established part of the neighborhood streetscape.

photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Yisroel R.

If this summer felt unusually wet across New York City, the numbers back it up. The city just finished its rainiest summer in five years, with repeated downpours, flooded streets, and storm warnings becoming an almost routine part of the season this year. 

Central Park recorded 16.92 inches of rain from June through August, about 3.5 inches above normal. August alone accounted for more than half of that total, with 8.64 inches falling during the month, making it the wettest stretch of an already soggy summer. 

Rain showed up often enough that roughly 40% of all summer days were wet, while heavy storms repeatedly overwhelmed parts of the city. Flooding of more than a foot was reported nine times across the five boroughs, and rainfall totals topping four inches were recorded dozens of times. 

Queens took some of the hardest hits, recording 13 Flash Flood Warnings, 12 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, and even a Tornado Warning during the summer. Some neighborhoods dealt with repeated flooding, leaving residents repairing damage more than once in just a few months. 

The wet weather did not mean the summer was cool. New York still endured a heat wave and even recorded its first 100-degree day in 14 years, giving residents a season that managed to deliver both extreme heat and unusually heavy rain.

Williamsburg residents have until today, Wednesday, September 2, to apply for an affordable housing lottery offering six newly constructed apartments at 229 Wythe Avenue.

The apartments are part of a new six-story, 30-unit development rising at the former site of the well-known Wythe Diner. The lottery includes three one-bedroom apartments renting for $1,574 per month and three two-bedroom apartments renting for $1,798 per month.

The rent-stabilized apartments are available to households of one to five people earning 60 percent of the Area Median Income, with qualifying annual household incomes ranging from $62,606 to $109,920.

Apartments include air conditioning, dishwashers, in-unit washers and dryers, and energy-efficient appliances. The building will also feature a fitness center, rooftop terrace and bicycle storage, although some amenities may carry additional fees.

The development is located near the East River and includes ground-floor retail space in addition to its residential units.

Applications for the 229 Wythe Avenue housing lottery close today, September 2, and eligible residents can apply through NYC Housing Connect.

photos: Shloime B.

Yisroel R.

A three-year unfinished street redesign stretch in Downtown Brooklyn, has finally been completed, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city Department of Transportation announcing that the last missing part of protected bike lane on Ashland Place is now open.

The project closes the final gap in a 5.5-mile protected bike corridor stretching from Sunset Park to DUMBO, located near the heimishe neighborhoods of Boro Park and Williamsburg now creates a continuous route through some of Brooklyn’s busiest neighborhoods and toward connections into Manhattan, North Brooklyn, and western Queens.

NYC DOT first began redesigning Ashland Place in 2022, but work stopped before it could be finished. For years, newly installed traffic signals remained covered with bags while the incomplete intersection earned the nickname “Crashland” from advocates frustrated by the stalled project.

That changed this week, when the city removed the coverings, activated the signals, and completed the protected bike lane. The redesign also shortens pedestrian crossing distances and is intended to calm traffic around the heavily traveled area near Atlantic Terminal and Barclays Center.

“For years, ‘Crashland’ has been a symbol of broken promises and safety put on the back burner. Today, we finish the job,” Mamdani said, calling the completed redesign an example of how city government can make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

Transportation officials and local lawmakers said the project is important not only because of the single block that was finished, but because it reconnects a much larger protected bike network. Council Member Lincoln Restler said additional redesigns are also planned on nearby streets, including portions of Fourth Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, as the city continues expanding protected cycling routes across Brooklyn.

Yisroel R.

Retired NYPD Inspector Mark DiPaolo, who previously served as commanding officer of the 90th Precinct in Williamsburg, has passed away following an illness, marking the loss of a longtime police leader who spent more than three decades serving New York City.

DiPaolo served with the NYPD for more than 31 years, holding several major leadership positions during a lengthy career that took him across Brooklyn and Staten Island. For Williamsburg residents, he is particularly remembered for his time leading the 90th Precinct, which covers Williamsburg and surrounding neighborhoods.

His career later included serving as commanding officer of the 84th Precinct in Brooklyn Heights, as well as commanding officer of the Detective Borough Staten Island, placing him in charge of major investigative and policing operations during different stages of his service.

DiPaolo retired from the NYPD in early 2021 after more than three decades in law enforcement. Those who worked alongside him remembered him as a dedicated leader and colleague who spent much of his career overseeing officers and serving communities throughout New York City.

His passing has prompted tributes from members of the law enforcement community who knew him throughout his career. Funeral and memorial services are being held this week as family, friends, and former colleagues gather to pay their final respects.

YS GOLD 

A serious fire broke out Monday evening inside a Lorimer Street apartment after a dryer became engulfed in flames, causing significant damage to the laundry room and filling the area with smoke.

Chaveirim volunteers responded to the scene as the FDNY was dispatched to battle the fire. The dryer was fully engulfed when emergency personnel arrived, with flames spreading through the laundry area.

FDNY firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the apartment. 

The fire was ultimately contained to the laundry area, although the room sustained significant damage.

Firefighting operations also left a substantial amount of water in the laundry room and surrounding area. After the fire was extinguished and the scene was secured, Chaveirim volunteers remained at the apartment to assist the residents with the cleanup.

Volunteers worked to remove water left behind by the firefighting operation, clean the affected areas and air out the apartment. Fans were brought in to help clear the lingering smoke odor and improve ventilation.

While the laundry room and dryer sustained significant damage, the quick response prevented the fire from spreading further into the home.

Yisroel R.

Over the past several years, temporary storage containers have become a familiar sight outside stores across Williamsburg in the weeks leading up to Yom Tov, giving businesses extra room to handle the large increase in seasonal merchandise.

The containers are often used to hold everything from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur merchandise to Sukkos decorations, Sukkah-related items, and other seasonal products brought in for the busy Yom Tov shopping period.

For many stores, the extra space has become especially useful during the weeks when shelves fill quickly and regular storefront storage is no longer enough to keep up with demand.

This year, however, the New York City Department of Sanitation is taking a much stricter approach, with crews cracking down on containers placed in public spaces without the proper permits and are towing away unauthorized units.

The stepped-up enforcement means store owners planning to place a container outside their business should make sure the required permit is secured beforehand. Containers placed without authorization could be removed even if they are only intended for temporary use during the Yom Tov season.

The crackdown comes just as local stores are beginning one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, when additional inventory and seasonal items are arriving in large quantities.

Business owners hoping to continue using temporary containers are therefore being urged to arrange the proper permits in advance, rather than risk having a container towed once the Yom Tov rush is already underway.

YS GOLD 

A pall of sadness descended over the Dushinsky chassidus with the arrival of the painful news of the passing of a young talmid chacham, Rabbi Refael Binyamin Schicha, z”l, one of the prominent members of the Dushinsky kehillah in Beit Shemesh. He passed away at the age of just 37, after years of difficult medical challenges and suffering. Despite his many hardships, his joy and warm smile never left his face.

He spent the last year and a half undergoing difficult treatments in America and was embraced by the Williamsburg community. 

As a child, he learned in the Dushinsky Talmud Torah and Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. There, he acquired a love of Torah and devoted himself to its study. Throughout his life, he maintained regular sedarim for learning with great hasmadah and dedication. Even during his most difficult periods, he remained wholeheartedly committed to learning and avodas Hashem.

Following his marriage, he lived in Yerushalayim and served as a melamed of young children in the Dushinsky Talmud Torah, where he was devoted with heart and soul to the children of future generations. 

Later, he moved with his family to Beit Shemesh, where he served as a melamed in the Toldos Aharon Talmud Torah. He was devoted to his students with boundless love, and many of them remained deeply attached to him long after they had left his classroom.

Following the passing of the previous Dushinsky Rebbe, Reb Refael Binyamin became deeply devoted to his son and successor, the present Rebbe. Even in his youth, he enjoyed a special closeness and affection from the Rebbe. As a bachur, he was privileged to learn together with the Rebbe as a chavrusa. During his years as a bachur, he also assisted the Rebbe’s attendants in every way he could, particularly in preparing for the Rebbe’s tischen. 

In Beit Shemesh, he played a central role in establishing the Dushinsky shtiebel in the neighborhood of Ramat Beit Shemesh B, becoming one of its driving forces. He announced the aliyos and managed the children's masmidim program for children. Whenever his assistance was needed, he was always ready to help, with generosity and an open heart.

He devoted himself wholeheartedly to raising his children according to the path of his parents and holy Rebbes, giving them his complete love and attention.

Approximately a year and a half ago, after his condition worsened, he was flown to the United States for medical evaluation and treatment. Doctors there recommended that he undergo another liver transplant. From that point onward, he continued to face numerous serious medical challenges. Yet those around him said that one could hardly discern the extent of his suffering. He bore his difficulties with remarkable courage and quiet dignity, while maintaining his characteristic joy and warm smile.

Throughout his illness, he would not make a decision without first consulting his Rebbe, the Dushinsky Rebbe, may he be well. Even during the most difficult stages of his illness and in his final period, he sought the Rebbe’s guidance and blessing regarding every medical procedure and decision.

For his final two days, he fought for his life as his family gathered around his bedside and prayed fervently for his recovery. On Monday morning, to the profound grief of his family, friends, and countless acquaintances, Reb Refael Binyamin Schicha returned his soul to his Creator, leaving behind his wife and four young children, as well as his mother, siblings, extended family, and a vast circle of friends and students who mourn his untimely passing.

The Levaye will take place in Williamsburg 11am at the Dushinsky Bhm"d 135 Ross Street, followed by Kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

Yisroel R.

Williamsburg will begin the week with a quiet and warm Monday before more unsettled conditions move in, with several chances for showers and thunderstorms from Tuesday through Thursday as September gets underway.

Monday will be partly to mostly cloudy, with a high near 83 degrees and a low of 72 degrees.

Tuesday will be partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms possibly developing during the afternoon. Some storms may produce strong, gusty winds. The high will reach around 80 degrees, with a low of 73 degrees.

Wednesday will remain warm with potential of scattered thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon. The high will reach around 84 degrees, with a low of 73 degrees.

Thursday will feature variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms possible, with a high near 84 degrees and a low of 70 degrees, wrapping up an unsettled but warm start to September.

President Donald Trump has invited a group of prominent Rabbonim from New York for a historic meeting set to take place on Thursday, September 3, at the White House, where they are expected to discuss important issues facing the Jewish community across the United States.

Official White House invitations were presented to the Admorim of Satmar, Bobov, Viznitz-Monsey, and Skver, along with other prominent leaders.

The Satmar Rebbe addressed the invitation while conducting the Tish with the Bochurim in Kiryas Joel on Friday night, expressing his desire to attend the meeting and discuss important issues facing the Jewish community.

Photo: Shutterstock

Just several months after the historic division of the Satmar yerusha, another significant division of the inheritance of the Berach Moshe of Satmar, zt”l, took place today, this time involving the Rebbe’s valuable and treasured silverware.

The silver pieces were divided equally among all seven children of the Berach Moshe, including the three daughters.

The division once again took place at the Monsey home of R’ Lipa Friedman, with children representing the various heirs in attendance, along with gabbaim and meshamshei bakodesh of the respective Rebbes.

All of the silverware was carefully divided into seven equal packages, with each portion then assigned to one of the seven children. The first package went for the Satmar Rav of BP, the second one for the Satmar Monsey Rav, third for the Satmar Montreal Rav, the fourth for the Satmar Rebbe, the fifth for the oldest son the Satmar Rebbe, the 6th for the Zenta Rav, anf 7th for the Satmar 15 Rav.

The gathering marks another chapter in the division of the treasured yerusha of the Berach Moshe, following the historic division held several months ago, when the priceless inheritance was similarly divided equally among his children.

Yisroel R.

Williamsburg is in for a pleasant late-summer weekend, with plenty of sunshine, warm daytime temperatures, and mostly dry conditions expected from Friday through Sunday.

Friday will be partly sunny with a high near 84 degrees and a low of 66 degrees, with only a slight chance of passing showers.

Shabbos will feature mostly sunny skies with a high around 82 degrees and a low of 66 degrees, keeping conditions comfortable throughout the day.

Sunday will turn a little warmer while remaining partly sunny, with a high near 85 degrees and a low of 73 degrees. Overall, the weekend will stay warm, dry, and pleasant, with nighttime temperatures bringing some early fall season reminders.

The year was 1897, and the Williamsburg Bridge was only one year into its construction. Its completion in the year 1903 would bring a torrent of immigrants, but the handful of Yidden then in Williamsburg came together to found the Beis Hamedrosh Hagodol of Williamsburg on Moore Street, where many of the Yidden of Williamsburg then resided.

Over the years, it would be one of the Williamsburg’s most important spiritual outposts, with a number of prominent Rabbonim serving as its leaders. Here, we give a brief historical overview of this storied congregation.    

Backdrop

The origins of the Beis Hamedrash Hagodol are intricately intertwined with the influx of immigrants to this country, and later to Williamsburg, and we read about some of this early history in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle:  

“In the eighties, Russia’s persecution of the Jews sent many over to this country. Those who came to Brooklyn settled along Ewen (now Manhattan), Moore, Seigel, Varet, and the neighboring streets (notably, this area is further east from the Williamsburg Bridge than where the Jewish community of Williamsburg is located today). 

The Beth Hamidrash Hagodol 

A few years later was organized Beth Hamidrash Hagodol, now at 46 Moore Street. This congregation is intensely orthodox. In its early days it set the standard in religious practices and thought for a new community. At an early date, it was fortunate in securing the services of an able Rabbi Samuel (Shabsi) Rosenberg. His sermons attracted a large number of hearers, old as well as young. 

An article in the Times Union from the year 1911 gives us a glimpse into the prominence of this congregation: “The Sixteenth Ward had many congregations. One of the oldest, and in many respects the most important congregations in the borough is Beth Hamidrash Hagodol, at 46 Moore Street. This congregation is a landmark in the development of the community. Although it does not occupy a spacious or imposing dwelling, its influence on the older generation has been a determining factor in molding its growth.” 

“Rival Synagogue Built” 

As often occurs, the bliss of the founding years of the congregation were not to last long, as we continue to read in the Eagle. “Dissension, however, soon arose among the members. Some including Rabbi Rosenberg, seceded and organized a new synagogue, Beth Hamidrash Kether Torah, at 50 Moore Street, with Jacob L. Werbelowsky as president. 

“More than half of the members of the original congregation went with Rabbi Rosenberg—now two synagogues stand side by side on Moore Street. Exciting times during the recent festivals. The unusual sight of two rival synagogues standing side by side is now presented to anyone who happens to pass through the lower part of Moore Street in the Sixteenth Ward. Both synagogues are built exactly alike, expecting that the last one erected is constructed almost entirely of brick, while the other one is a frame building. From across the street, however, both synagogues look alike, for the trustees of the old house of worship have painted the front so that it conforms with that part of the new synagogue facing the street. 

“Just why the new synagogue, which was opened and consecrated last week, was built, is difficult to say. There are a hundred different stories told. It appears from what could be learned that the old synagogue at 44 and 46 Moore Street has for years been the most prosperous Jewish Schule in that quarter of the eastern district and that every member of the congregation was satisfied with the leadership of Rabbi Rosenberg until about a year ago when something happened that displeased them…. Rabbi Rosenberg had a great many followers in the old congregation and they went with him. 

The two shuls stood side by side for a quarter century, until Kesser Torah moved to new, grander quarters in 1923. Beis Hamedrosh Hagodol continued to stand at its original location at 46 Moore Street until at least as late as 1940. 

Yisroel R.

Nearly two decades after the petirah of the Berach Moshe of Satmar, zt”l, another major chapter in the historic division of his inheritance is set to unfold Thursday, as a vast collection of treasured silver and gold items is divided equally among his seven children.

The latest stage follows the first major division several months ago, when the Berach Moshe’s priceless manuscripts and other chafzei kodesh were distributed among the family. That process, arranged through the efforts of R’ Lipa Friedman, brought together all of the Rebbe’s children for a division that had remained unresolved for approximately 20 years following his petirah.

With that first stage successfully completed, attention then turned to the Rebbe’s extensive collection of valuable gold and silver belongings. The collection includes items inherited from his holy ancestors, personal belongings that remained with the Rebbe from earlier years, and many pieces purchased by chassidim and presented to him as gifts throughout the decades.

Altogether, the collection being divided consists of 302 individual items, with their combined value estimated at more than $3 million. Among them are bechers, Kos Shel Eliyahu cups, candlesticks, trays, menorahs, plates, esrog boxes, wine and liquor bottles, netilas yadayim cups, silverware, Shabbos knives, salt containers, besamim boxes, fruit bowls, mayim acharonim holders, tobacco boxes, candle-lighting utensils, honey containers, Megillah cases, watches, and numerous additional pieces.

Before the division could take place, experienced appraisers carefully evaluated each item individually. Based on those valuations, the entire collection was organized into seven separate packages, with an effort made to ensure that each one would contain a comparable mixture of the three main categories: family heirlooms inherited by the Rebbe, his own personal belongings, and items given to him during his years as Rebbe.

Each of the seven packages contains approximately 40 to 50 items and carries an estimated value of around half a million dollars. Rather than assigning the packages directly, a goral will determine which one is received by each of the seven children, including the Rebbe’s sons and daughters.

The goral is set to take place Thursday at the summer home of R’ Lipa Friedman, the same location where the earlier division was held. Grandchildren of the Berach Moshe, together with gabbaim and representatives from the Satmar kehillos, are expected to participate, marking another significant step in the long-awaited division of the treasured belongings left behind by the Berach Moshe of Satmar, zt”l.

Yisroel R.

New York City is under a Travel Advisory today as heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to move through the city, bringing the threat of flash flooding and damaging winds.

A Flood Watch will be in effect from noon through 11 p.m., with periods of heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms expected during the afternoon and evening.

Some storms could produce major downpours, localized flash flooding, and damaging wind gusts. While the greatest flash-flood risk is expected north and west of New York City, officials warned that heavy rain and flooding could occur anywhere within the watch area.

Residents are being urged to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, avoid unnecessary travel when possible, and stay away from flooded roadways. Those living in basements or below-grade spaces should be prepared to move to higher ground quickly if conditions worsen or a warning is issued.

New Yorkers are encouraged to continue monitoring weather conditions and emergency alerts throughout the day as the storms move through the region.

A comprehensive Yom Tov security meeting was held with the NYPD’s 79th Precinct, as preparations get underway to ensure the community is fully covered throughout the upcoming Yom Tov season.

The meeting was attended by 79th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Arsenio Camilo, Community Affairs Clergy Liaison Rabbi Abe Lichtenstein, and representatives of Shomrim.

Participants went through the upcoming Yom Tov calendar in detail, discussing the unique security, traffic and logistical needs expected throughout the holiday season.

A major focus of the meeting was the continued rise in antisemitism and hate crimes and the importance of maintaining a strong police presence around shuls and other Jewish institutions. Plans for increased patrols and security coverage throughout Yom Tov were discussed.

Officials also reviewed traffic needs during the busy pre-Yom Tov shopping season, including the deployment of traffic agents  in heavily traveled shopping areas, as well as preparations surrounding Tashlich and other large community gatherings.

Officials said the 79th Precinct is fully preparing for the upcoming Yom Tov season, with the meeting serving as a detailed review of the calendar and the extensive security and logistical planning needed for the weeks ahead.

Despite the unrelenting rain, Rabbanim, askanim, and supporters gathered last Thursday, August 20, at Har Shalom Cemetery in Monsey to mark the dedication of Knafayim’s newly acquired chelka.

Knafayim walks alongside families facing the devastation of pregnancy loss, stepping into some of the most painful and overwhelming moments a family can face. Its dedicated team and volunteers walk alongside them through the days that follow, offering comfort, clarity and support through some of their darkest hours. The new chelka allows Knafayim to be there for families through one of the most sacred and difficult moments following a loss: ensuring these precious neshamos a dignified resting place, while giving their families the comfort and peace of mind of knowing that everything was handled with dignity and care. 

Event chairman Harav Shmuel Yitzchok Pfefferkorn, shlit"a, menahel of Yeshivas Karlin-Stolin in Lakewood, opened the event by comparing Knafayim’s volunteers to a bird that flies straight into a storm. This, he said, is the koach of Knafayim: when a family is caught in a  storm, Knafayim  flies  toward them.

R’ Meir Shalom Gertner, director of Har Shalom, expanded on that message, speaking of Knafayim’s tov v’hameitiv, giving these neshamos tehoros the kavod of a proper burial. Harav Tzvi Hirsch Rabinowitz, shlit"a, AB”D Kochvei Yitzchok Bobov Monsey, described this chesed as twofold: yekara d’shachvei for the neshamos, and yekara d’chayei for the families who must carry on without them. The neshamos, he added, will be melitzei yosher for all who support this sacred work.

Harav Pfefferkorn expressed heartfelt hakaras hatov to those who make Knafayim’s work possible, specifically the attending doctors, Dr. David Lubel, Dr. Yaakov Abdehlik, and the many other medical professionals whose dedication to Knafayim has touched countless families. 

Next Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, shlit"a, shared through tears his own firsthand experience with pregnancy loss. He spoke of the importance of having a place to mourn, and of the responsibility we carry as a community never to remain indifferent to a Jewish family's suffering.  

Harav Zusha Ausch, shlit"a, Rav of Knafayim, explained the meaning behind the organization’s name, citing a Midrash about a broken bird finding comfort in its beautiful wings. In moments of deep brokenness, he said, Knafayim’s volunteers are those wings. We cannot always change what has happened. But we can always make sure a family isn’t left to carry it alone.

The rain continued to fall as the gathering came to a close with a moving Kel Malei Rachamim for the nefulim a’h, led by a renowned chazan R’ Yechezkel Brecher. But the message of the evening was unmistakable; even in the moments that cannot be changed, there is still chesed to be done, kavod to be given, and a family that should never have to stand alone. 

The maamad concluded with a heartfelt tefillah that the new chelka should see as little use as possible, and that we should soon merit the day when there will be no more pain or sorrow with the coming of Moshiach and techiyas hameisim, bimherah beyameinu, amen. 

Yisroel R.

This week’s Dee Voch brings readers another packed issue filled with major events from across the heimishe world, fascinating personalities, dramatic history, business, important insight, and plenty for the entire family.

In Dee Voch, readers will find extensive coverage from the gathering of leading Admorim and Rabbanim at the chanukas habayis for the massive new offices of Ezra V’Yyiutz in Yerushalayim, established to strengthen and preserve Chareidi Yiddishkeit amid the ongoing gezeiras giyus bnei hayeshivos.

The issue also features the Sanz-Klausenburg Rebbe during his visit to Eretz Yisrael, the Pidyon Haben for a great-grandchild of the Belzer Rebbe, the Satmar Rebbe visiting Machanos Rav Tov of Satmar, the Bar Mitzvah of a grandson of the Rachmastrivka Rebbe, and coverage marking the yahrtzeit of the Yeshuos Yaakov of Skulen zt”l.

This week’s Shrift, “The Scam Hunter,” features a dramatic conversation with energetic askan R’ Itche Jialowski, who heads one of the most popular heimishe news lines in Eretz Yisrael. He takes readers behind the scenes of his intense operations against the countless scammers operating across the country, shares critical advice on how people can protect themselves from fraud, and reveals some of the secrets behind the popular news line.

Also in Shrift, “The Forgotten Hijacking: Chaos in the Air” revisits a terrifying incident nine months before the 9/11 attacks, when a man stormed the cockpit of a British Airways flight traveling from London to Nairobi, Kenya, attacked the lone pilot inside, seized the flight controls, and sent the aircraft carrying nearly 400 people into a frightening descent. The feature looks back at the largely forgotten incident that chillingly foreshadowed the dangers the world would later witness on 9/11.

In Business Shrift, “Daas Baal Habayis,” R’ Hershel Mendelson tells the nearly 60-year story of Mendelsohn’s Pizza, which has been serving the same familiar foods to customers for three generations.

This week’s Fink, “The Refrigerator Mother,” explores a disturbing chapter in the history of autism, when psychologists wrongly blamed mothers for causing autism in their children because of an alleged lack of warmth. The false theory left countless parents carrying tremendous guilt and led families toward unnecessary therapies, until researchers eventually established that autism is rooted in biological development and is not caused by flawed parenting.

And in Kinder Shrift, “The Turks in Eretz Yisrael,” young readers will get a fascinating look at the period when Eretz Yisrael was under Turkish rule, exploring an important era in the history of the land and what life was like during that time.

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

Yisroel R.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is moving to tackle one of New York City’s most persistent streetscape frustrations, announcing a new crackdown aimed at getting long-standing sidewalk sheds and construction scaffolding-style protective structures removed faster while pushing forward less intrusive designs for those that still need to remain.

Under newly finalized Department of Buildings rules, property owners will have to show clear progress on the repair work that originally required a sidewalk scaffolding to be installed. These covered structures are commonly placed over sidewalks during façade repairs or construction to protect pedestrians below. Rather than receiving automatic yearly renewals, owners will now need to renew permits every 90 days and provide updated reports detailing what work has been completed and what remains.

The new system is intended to prevent sheds from simply lingering for years with little visible activity. If a property owner fails to make meaningful progress, the city can begin issuing monthly fines and penalties after 180 days, with fines increasing based on the size of the shed and how long it remains in place.

The Mamdani administration says the effort is already moving in the right direction. As of August 17, there were 7,427 permitted sidewalk sheds across the five boroughs, more than 1,000 fewer than at the same point last year and nearly 10% fewer than when Mamdani took office in January.

For the sidewalk sheds that do remain necessary, the city is also pushing to make them less dark, cramped and disruptive. DOB has proposed six new designs aimed at allowing more light onto sidewalks while improving visibility and giving pedestrians more room to move.

The city is also changing how much shed coverage is required at large properties, including complexes, hospitals, universities and other multi-building sites. New guidance will generally limit the required coverage to no more than 40 feet from a building, reducing the massive stretches of sidewalk that can sometimes remain covered even where additional protection may not be necessary.

City officials say the goal is not to get rid of sidewalk sheds altogether, since they remain an important safety tool during façade work and construction. Instead, the new rules are designed to strike a better balance between pedestrian protection and the quality-of-life problems caused by sheds that block light, narrow sidewalks and remain in place long after residents expect them to come down.

The crackdown marks a broader effort by the Mamdani administration to change the way sidewalk sheds are managed across New York City, with shorter permit cycles, tougher enforcement and new designs. The city is aiming to keep sidewalks safe without allowing temporary structures to become permanent dark fixtures.

Monsey marks the next step in Thryve’s growing community-based mental health network

Leading Rabbonim representing Monsey’s kehillos joined elected officials, askonim, healthcare leadership and community leaders last Thursday for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Thryve Wellness at Lev Health, marking an important step forward for trusted and accessible mental health care in Monsey.

The opening comes just six months after Thryve launched its first psychiatry program in Williamsburg, bringing its community-based model into Monsey through a trusted local healthcare setting.

Families already turn to Lev Health for pediatrics, women’s health, primary care and acute medical care. Adding Thryve’s psychiatry program creates a direct connection between physical and mental health care, giving families a familiar place to turn when additional support is needed.

Lev Health is led clinically by Temima Levine, FNP, Clinical Director, together with Dr. Shari Hirsch, a respected pediatrician and member of the community.

“As pediatricians, we often see the first signs that a child or family may be struggling long before they arrive in a mental health setting,” Dr. Hirsch said. “When families already have a place they trust for their healthcare, being able to help them find the right next step can make an enormous difference.”

That next step is where Thryve’s model begins.

A concern may first be noticed at home, by a rav, in school, in therapy or during a medical visit. Too often, families are then left trying to find the right psychiatrist, determine insurance coverage and wait for care.

Thryve was built to close that gap.

At Lev Health, Thryve provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management and ongoing follow-up, with rapid appointments, Medicaid and most insurances accepted, and both in-person and telehealth care available.

The program is led clinically by Dr. Leah R. Steinberg, MD, Thryve Wellness’ Medical Director, a board-certified adult psychiatrist and member of the community.

“Families should not have to wait until a situation becomes a crisis before mental health care becomes accessible,” Dr. Steinberg said. “As both a psychiatrist and a mother in the community, I understand how important it is for parents to know that when something begins to concern them, there is a confidential, professional and accessible place to turn.”

On the community side, Chaim Tuchinsky, LCSW, Thryve Wellness’ Director of Outreach and Programming, works to strengthen the relationships and referral pathways connecting families with appropriate care.

The strong turnout at the opening reflected the need for that approach, bringing together rabbanim and community leadership, healthcare organizations and elected officials, including New York State Assemblymember Aron Wieder, for the ribbon cutting and opening of the new program.

For Thryve, Monsey is the next step in an expansion already underway.

Williamsburg was the beginning. Monsey is now open, with additional communities being developed as Thryve continues building local points of mental health access across the Hudson Valley and across New York State.

The goal is not simply to open more clinics. It is to build around trusted local healthcare in each community, strengthen the connection between families and care, and make mental health services easier to reach before a concern becomes a crisis.

The opening of Thryve Wellness at Lev Health brings that model directly into Monsey — combining Lev Health’s trusted place in the community with Thryve’s growing mental health network and creating a clearer path into care for local families

Chavivim has announced a new phone number for residents seeking assistance, with the organization’s previous number no longer in service.

Residents are encouraged to save or write down the new number now, ensuring they have it readily available whenever Chavivim’s assistance may be needed.

Those who previously saved the organization’s old number should update their contacts, as calls to the previous number will no longer reach Chavivim.

Residents are also encouraged to share the updated number with family members and others who may need Chavivim’s services in the future.

The new number is: 718-400-2200.

Yisroel R.

Broken playground equipment, worn-out basketball courts, damaged fences, and other everyday problems at New York City parks could soon be getting fixed much faster under a new initiative launched Monday by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The city’s new “Renew Crew” is a team of 24 painters, electricians, plumbers, and other trade workers who will be deployed to playgrounds, recreation centers, and sports courts across the five boroughs to tackle smaller repairs that can often linger for months. The goal is to complete each project in three weeks or less. 

Rather than waiting for a park to deteriorate enough to require a major capital overhaul, the new crew will focus on the smaller improvements people notice every day. That can include repainting chipped playground equipment and fences, repairing park amenities, replacing protective playground flooring, restoring play equipment, and handling general wear and tear. 

Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura kicked off the program Monday with a large repair effort at Dry Harbor Playground in Queens. Crews there are repainting and repairing two basketball courts, playground equipment, benches, fencing, a drinking fountain, the park house exterior, and several other parts of the park. Workers are also removing dead trees, pruning, mulching planting beds, and making improvements around the park’s 9/11 memorial. 

The rollout is already stretching beyond Queens. Similar work is underway at Fort Four Playground in the Bronx, American Playground in Brooklyn, Annunciation Playground in Manhattan, and Old Town Playground on Staten Island. City officials say Renew Crew is expected to complete as many as 30 projects each year, with each one targeted for completion within three weeks. 

“The only thing worse than waiting for your turn on the swings is waiting for the swing to be fixed,” Mamdani said while announcing the program, arguing that New Yorkers should not have to wait months for basic repairs at neighborhood parks. 

The initiative was first included in the city’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which set aside $2.3 million annually for the Renew Crew program over the next three fiscal years. The idea is to create a middle ground between routine maintenance and the lengthy, expensive capital projects that can take years to complete.

For New Yorkers, the change is designed to be simple: when a court needs patching, a playground needs repainting, or a park amenity breaks, the city wants a dedicated crew ready to arrive and get it fixed before a small problem turns into a much bigger one.

photos: Y. Stein

Yisroel R.

After years of debate over what to do with one of Brooklyn’s most important and aging highways, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday morning that New York City is moving ahead with a massive $4 billion plan to repair and rebuild the city-owned portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Mamdani revealed the plan in a video released early Monday morning, saying the city is “done kicking the can down the road” on BQE Central, the 1.5-mile stretch running between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. The section includes the well-known triple cantilever beneath the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which has become one of the biggest concerns along the aging expressway. 

The numbers help explain why City Hall says the project can no longer be delayed. The BQE Central infrastructure is already around 20 years beyond its original design life, which was originally designed to withstand approximately 50 years of structural service, but is now 70 years old, 20 years beyond its expected lifespan and carries more than 130,000 vehicles every day. Although the city says the structure remains safe, officials acknowledge that it requires extensive and increasingly costly maintenance while a permanent solution remains unfinished. The city says it is currently spending approximately $160 million each year maintaining the aging structure. 

Actually rebuilding the highway without creating a traffic nightmare will be a project of its own. Under the new plan, the city would construct temporary bypass roadways so traffic can continue moving while the existing BQE is repaired. One two-level temporary roadway would run along Furman Street below the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, while another elevated bypass would carry traffic farther north across the Brooklyn Bridge approach. Once the main highway work is completed, the temporary structures would then be removed. 

The full project is expected to take roughly ten years, with major construction currently projected to begin around 2030. When completed, officials say the overhaul would extend the life of the BQE Central section by approximately another 40 years. Before construction begins, the city will have to move through environmental and land-use reviews and other planning steps. 

The BQE has been the subject of repair proposals and redesign discussions for years, with previous NYC mayoral administrations considering different ways to rebuild the deteriorating highway while limiting the impact on nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods. Mayor Mamdani’s plan now represents the latest move to actually begin repairing the highway that City Hall says is running out of time.

Will he be the first to actually do it? Time will tell.

Drivers using the Williamsburg Bridge should prepare for lane closures this coming Wednesday and Friday as the NYC Department of Transportation continues maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge.

According to an NYCDOT notice, rolling single-lane closures will take place on both the inner and outer roadways of the Williamsburg Bridge, with only one lane being closed at a time. 

The first closures are scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. The second round will take place during daytime hours on Friday, August 28, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. 

The work is part of NYCDOT's ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation of the Williamsburg Bridge. Motorists traveling between Williamsburg and Manhattan during the scheduled work periods should allow additional travel time and be prepared for possible delays.

NYCDOT says questions or concerns regarding the work can be directed to the project's community liaison, while general inquiries regarding city construction projects can also be made through 311.

Yisroel R.

Williamsburg will see a warm and mostly sunny start to the week, with temperatures in the low 80s bringing a late-summer feel while comfortable mornings offer a hint of early fall. The quiet weather will continue through Wednesday before thunderstorms bring a more unsettled change on Thursday.

Monday will be mainly sunny, with a high around 81 degrees and a low of 65 degrees. The sunshine and comfortable temperatures will make for a pleasant start to the week.

Tuesday will remain mostly sunny, with a high near 81 degrees and a low of 65 degrees.

Wednesday will stay generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. The high will climb to around 83 degrees, with a low of 71 degrees, making it the warmest day of the weekly forecast.

Thursday will bring a noticeable change, with thunderstorms likely and a high near 80 degrees. The low will be around 71 degrees, with around a 70% chance of rain, bringing a humid and unsettled end to the weekly forecast.

Yisroel R.

Frustration over the repeatedly disappearing G train spilled onto the streets of Greenpoint on Thursday morning, as local residents, business owners, and community leaders rallied against the ongoing string of service shutdowns that have disrupted travel through the neighborhood.

The rally came after months of repeated closures along the G line, leaving riders to rely on shuttle buses and other alternatives whenever service is suspended. For Greenpoint, where the G is the neighborhood’s only subway line, the shutdowns have become an especially sore point for both commuters and local businesses.

Business owners have argued that the closures do more than complicate a weekend trip. With fewer people easily able to reach Greenpoint, stores and restaurants say they have seen noticeable drops in foot traffic and sales during shutdown weekends. A recent survey of 36 Greenpoint businesses found that 91% reported lower sales during the shutdown periods surveyed, with an average decline of roughly 22%.

The G train’s troubles are not entirely new. As previously reported by BoroPark24, the line has been among the subway routes affected by service disruptions in recent months, adding to frustrations for riders who depend on it to travel through Brooklyn and into Queens.

Thursday’s rally brought those frustrations together in one place, with community members pushing for the MTA to find a way to complete necessary work without repeatedly cutting off weekend train service. Local advocates have previously called for more work to be shifted to overnight hours and for stronger alternatives when shutdowns cannot be avoided.

 The MTA, meanwhile, says the repeated shutdowns are tied to major long-term upgrades along the G line. The work includes replacing the line’s more than 90-year-old signal system with modern technology, upgrading aging switches and tracks, and making accessibility improvements at several stations, including new or planned elevator access. The agency says the work is ultimately aimed at making G train service faster, more reliable, and easier to use once the upgrades are completed.

For riders and businesses in Greenpoint, the message was simple: they understand that the G train needs work, but after one shutdown after another, they want a better way to get that work done without repeatedly leaving the neighborhood without its subway lifeline.

Yisroel R.

Williamsburg will see a mix of clouds, rain, and potential thunderstorms this weekend, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s.

Friday will feature a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a slight chance of rain. The high will reach around 79 degrees, with a low of 68 degrees.

Shabbos will be overcast with rain showers at times. The high will reach around 76 degrees, with a low of 70 degrees and around a 50% chance of rain.

Sunday will start off mostly cloudy before thunderstorms develop later in the day. The high will reach around 81 degrees, with a low of 66 degrees, making for an unsettled end to the weekend.

Yisroel R.

Chaverim of Williamsburg officially celebrated the grand opening of its newly completed state-of-the-art headquarters Wednesday afternoon, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by elected officials, community leaders, askanim, law enforcement officials, and representatives of numerous local organizations and city agencies.

The new headquarters, located at 98 Lorimer Street, has already been serving as Chaverim’s base on a limited scale in recent months. With several newly completed sections now opened, the facility is set to function as the organization’s full-time headquarters going forward.

The center includes a central equipment warehouse stocked with machinery and tools used by Chaverim members when assisting the public, as well as a dedicated training room where members can take part in ongoing trainings.

The new facility also features a dispatch command room equipped with advanced communications equipment, along with a number of executive offices to support the organization’s day-to-day essential operations.

Among those in attendance were New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell and Assistant Commissioner Ira Tannenbaum; FDNY Chief Joseph Duggan, Brooklyn Borough Commander; NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Alden Foster; the commanding officers of the NYPD 79th, 90th, and 94th Precincts; and NYPD Detective Kenny Melendez, representing Brooklyn North Commander Chief Velasquez. Representatives of the New York City DEP, DSNY, NYC DOT, and the Mayor’s Office were also present, along with NYC DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione.

Also attending were Jake Adler, representing the New York State Governor’s Office; Sara Marcus, Jewish liaison to New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli; Pinny Hikind, Jewish community liaison for New York City Comptroller Mark Levine; Yoel Lefkowitz, Director of Jewish Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James; Jacob Eisdorfer, Senior Advisor and Jewish Community Liaison in Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s office; Reverend Kim Council, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President; Miranda Augustine, Chief of Staff to New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher; First Vice Chair of Community Board 1 Simon Weiser; and Rabbi Aaron Yitzchok Kohn, founder of Brooklyn Chaverim.

Community askanim and organizational representatives in attendance included Rabbi David Neirdrman of UJO, Rabbi Moishe Indig of WJCC, Rabbi Moshe Weiser, Rabbi Abe Liechtenstein, Rabbi Manila Weiser, Pinny Ringol, along with representatives of Hatzolah of Williamsburg and Shomrim. Prominent law enforcement liaison Rabbi Joel Friedman served as the master of ceremonies for the Williamsburg Chaveirim grand-opening event.

The grand opening marks a major milestone for Chaverim of Williamsburg, giving the organization a fully equipped home base designed to support its volunteers, training, dispatching, and emergency-response work across the entire community.

photos: Yossi Goldberger, Shot the Dot

YS GOLD 

The Williamsburg community lost a precious gem with the passing of Reb Meir Dovid Winkler, z"l. He was 75 years of age, and had been close to the tzaddikim of Williamsburg and warmed by their glow. 

Reb Meir Dovid was known for his warm smile, gracious manner, and genuine concern for others which left an impression on all who knew him. He was a Yid with a perpetual smile, a kind word always ready, and a sincere interest in those around him. His warmth was not something he put on for others; it was simply who he was.

One of the many causes to which Reb Meir Dovid devoted himself was R' Meir Baal Hanes, for which he worked with tremendous dedication and mesirus nefesh. He did not merely support a cause; when something mattered to him, he gave himself to it. His efforts on behalf of others were performed quietly and sincerely, without seeking recognition.

His davening was likewise a thing of legend. He was known to daven with great warmth and fervor, especially in the Batei Midrshim of Spinka and in the shul of Rav Chaim Mertz. 

He would also expend great effort in bringing joy to Yidden at their weddings and simchos, and his children continue in this mission through their song and badchanus. 

His passing leaves behind a void that is difficult to fill. The people who knew him will remember not only what he did, but how he made them feel. They will remember the smile, the warmth, the kind words, the simchos, the causes to which he gave himself, and the quiet goodness that characterized his life.

The levaya took place in front of the Klausenberger Shul in Williamsburg on Thursday morning. 

Yehi zichro baruch.

Yisroel R.

Keep the umbrella close Thursday afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the region later in the day, bringing the potential for heavy downpours and flash flooding in some areas.

The National Weather Service says the greatest threat for flash flooding will come during the late afternoon and early evening, mainly between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Rainfall totals are generally expected to reach between half an inch and one inch, although isolated locations could see close to three inches. Rain could fall particularly hard at times, with rates of one to locally two inches per hour possible.

The heavy rainfall could lead to isolated or scattered flash flooding, particularly in urban areas, locations with poor drainage, low-lying areas, and along streams that respond quickly to heavy rain. The highest risk is expected across New York City, parts of New Jersey, and the lower Hudson Valley. The National Weather Service says damaging wind gusts cannot be ruled out.

A Flood Watch could be needed for portions of the area as conditions develop. Residents should keep an eye on the weather through the afternoon and evening as the storms move through.

Yisroel R.

Hundreds of New Yorkers have been unable to reach emergency operators Tuesday morning after a major failure at one of New York City’s two 911 call centers.

The problem affected one of the city's emergency call center for roughly seven hours, from around 3:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. During that time, approximately 1,700 calls failed to properly connect, accounting for about one-third of the calls routed to the call center.

City officials estimated that as many as 400 people may actually have been unable to connect with 911, with the larger number of failed calls also including automated alarms and repeat attempts from callers who tried again after not getting through.

In many of the affected calls, the caller and 911 operator were unable to hear each other, creating a serious problem for anyone trying to report a medical emergency, fire, crime, or other urgent situation.

New York City operates two emergency call centers, one in the Bronx and its primary center in Downtown Brooklyn. The Bronx facility is intended in part to serve as a backup, though it was not immediately clear whether affected calls were successfully redirected to the Brooklyn center.

Officials have not yet determined what caused the failure. The incident has raised concerns over the reliability of the city’s emergency communications system, where even a short delay in reaching 911 can become critical. The incident remains under further  investigation.

Yisroel R.

This week’s Dee Voch brings readers another packed issue filled with major events from across the heimishe world, fascinating personalities, history, business, inspiration, and plenty for the entire family.

In Dee Voch, readers will find extensive coverage and photos from the massive “Mekadshei Shimecha” gathering for thousands of Viznitz Chassidim, along with the Hachnosas Sefer Torah to the Satmar Yeshiva Gedolah in Kiryas Joel.

The issue also features the Satmar Rebbe’s visit to Machanos Rav Tov, including the special Hanachas Even Hapinah ceremony, as well as coverage marking the yahrtzeits of the Spinka Rebbe zt”l, the Noam Eliezer of Skulen zt”l, the Tosh Rebbe zt”l, and the Rachmastrivka Rebbe zt”l.

Also featured are the bris for a grandson of the Bobov Rebbe at Camp Kerem Shlomo, the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe davening at the tziyun of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, the Bobov-45 Rebbe visiting the Satmar Rebbe in Kiryas Yoel, the Viener Rav visiting Camp Adas Yereim Vien, the Kossover Rebbe davening at Mishkan Shiloh, and the Skulen-Lakewood Rebbe’s visit to Eretz Yisrael.

This week’s Shrift, “Al Har Woodridge,” takes readers for a Shabbos inside Woodridge, the oldest Jewish Catskills community, exploring its rich history and colorful year-round residents. The feature includes a special conversation with Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi Yitzchok Lebowitz shlita, Gaavad Woodridge, and a look at the village’s heimshe mayor’s approach to solving the local housing crisis.

In Business Shrift, “Daas Baal Habayis,” readers meet askan R’ Boruch Yitzchok Weiss and discover the story behind how he built his well-known businesses, Mr. Clean cleaning company and Fast Act restoration company.

This week’s Fink, “Shuvu Bonim,” tells the remarkable story of Mrs. Pinter, who leads a program helping young Russian Jewish girls growing up in assimilated surroundings reconnect with their Jewish roots. Through the seminary experience and the warmth of Shabbos spent with frum families, the girls discover a new world of Yiddishkeit, with the program’s success today reflected in the beautiful Torah homes built by many of its former students.

And in this week’s Kinder Shrift  young readers will learn something they encounter almost every day: Why does every area have a different telephone code? Why do callers use 845 for Monsey, while Williamsburg uses 718? The feature explains how area codes work and why different places received different numbers.

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

Several local residents have recently shared encounters with a particularly sophisticated form of online scam, in which fraudulent messages appear to come from the real email accounts of clients, customers, or business contacts they regularly deal with, making them extremely difficult to recognize as scams.

Unlike traditional scam emails from unknown senders or suspicious-looking addresses, these messages can arrive from an email account the recipient already knows and trusts. The sender may be a client or business associate with whom the recipient has communicated many times before, leaving little reason to suspect that anything is wrong.

The fraudulent email may include a document or link that appears entirely consistent with the type of correspondence normally exchanged between the two parties. Because both the email address and the person behind it are familiar, recipients can easily assume the message is legitimate and open the attachment without a second thought.

Opening a harmful document or following its instructions can expose passwords, business information, financial accounts, or other sensitive data. In some cases, victims may not immediately realize that anything has gone wrong.

People and businesses are urged to be especially cautious with documents they did not request, even when they appear to come from a legitimate email address belonging to someone they know and regularly communicate with. If something seems unusual, recipients should contact the other party through a trusted method, such as a known phone number, to confirm that the document is legitimate, or consult with a business cybersecurity expert.

With scammers increasingly able to make fraudulent messages appear as though they are coming from trusted contacts, the old rule of simply watching for poorly written emails, unfamiliar senders, or obviously suspicious addresses may no longer be enough. Taking an extra moment to verify an unexpected document, or checking with a cybersecurity professional when in doubt, can prevent a seemingly routine business email from turning into a costly scam.

MONTEBELLO, NY - Following a strong turnout in Pomona last month, candidate for State Senate Joe Rand will continue his community outreach in Montebello tomorrow night, August 19th, with a Meet & Greet for local residents.

The event will be held at the Stern Residence, 12 Zeck Ct, Montebello, at 9:00 PM. Residents will have the opportunity to meet Rand, ask questions, and discuss issues facing their families and community. Light refreshments will be served.

The gathering is part of a series of neighborhood events, with additional outreach scheduled next week in Grandview. The events follow last month's well-attended meet-and-greet in Pomona, where residents engaged on affordability, public safety, education, and child care.

Yisroel R.

New Yorkers who receive SNAP benefits can take advantage of a city program that gives shoppers matching money toward fruits, vegetables, and beans at participating supermarkets across New York City.

The program, called Get the Good Stuff, is run by the New York City Health Department. For every $1 spent using SNAP/EBT on eligible fruits, vegetables, and beans, shoppers receive another $1, up to $10 per day, to use toward a future purchase of eligible foods.

The matching money is placed on a special pink Get the Good Stuff card, which is scanned at the register before payment. Eligible items include fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, certain frozen fruits and vegetables, canned or jarred produce, beans, lentils, and dried fruits and vegetables without added sugar, salt, or fat.

Many locations across the city are participating in the program, including several in Brooklyn. Two locations are situated right near the heimishe community, including 3 Guys From Brooklyn at 6502 Fort Hamilton Parkway, located in Boro Park, and Green Corner Fish and Farmers Market at 801 Flushing Avenue, right near Williamsburg.

Other Brooklyn locations include Pure Farmers Market at 1242 Liberty Avenue and Sea Town Fish and Meat Market at 328 Linden Street. Participating stores are also located throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, with stores joining or rejoining the program on a rolling basis.

To sign up, SNAP users can visit the customer service desk at a participating supermarket or tell a cashier that they would like to receive a Get the Good Stuff pink card.

The program gives SNAP users an additional way to stretch their grocery budget while purchasing fresh and healthy foods, with several participating locations within easy reach of the heimishe neighborhoods.

New York City’s congestion pricing program has not led to increased air pollution across the city, including in neighborhoods where concerns had been raised that drivers avoiding Manhattan tolls could create additional traffic, according to a new city study.

The New York City Health Department released what it described as its first comprehensive evaluation of the Congestion Relief Zone tolling program’s effect on neighborhood air quality, finding that pollution levels either remained stable or improved slightly during the program’s first year.

Researchers examined air quality both inside Manhattan’s congestion pricing zone and in environmental justice communities near major highway corridors where officials had been concerned about potential increases in traffic.

Those areas included neighborhoods along the Major Deegan Expressway, Cross Bronx Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Staten Island Expressway, FDR Drive and Trans-Manhattan Expressway.

According to the study, none of those communities experienced an increase in air pollution attributable to congestion pricing.

The analysis focused on four traffic-related pollutants — fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide and black carbon. Researchers used air-quality data beginning a full year before congestion pricing took effect and continuing through its first year of operation.

The study also accounted for other factors that can affect pollution readings, including weather, seasonal changes and regional wildfire smoke.

The findings come amid a longer-term improvement in New York City air quality. The city’s Community Air Survey has tracked neighborhood-level pollution for nearly two decades and has recorded significant improvements across all neighborhoods during that period.

Officials have nevertheless said traffic-related pollution remains a concern because of its connection to asthma, heart disease, stroke and other health problems.

Congestion pricing revenue is also being directed toward environmental and public-health programs. More than **$120 million** is being invested in related initiatives, including cleaner-truck programs and measures targeting communities that have historically faced higher pollution levels.

The study comes as congestion pricing remains one of New York’s most closely watched transportation policies. While the report did not find major changes in overall air pollution attributable to the program, its findings indicate that fears of increased pollution in communities outside the tolling zone have not materialized during the program’s first year.

City officials said air-quality monitoring will continue as they track the program’s longer-term effects.

photos: Avrumi Berger

photos: Avrumi Berger

Subway riders faced major disruptions Monday morning after a signal problem near Carroll Street in Brooklyn caused severe delays and significant service changes on the F and G lines. 

The trouble forced the MTA to reroute a number of F trains and turn others around before completing their usual routes.

Some Manhattan-bound F trains were operating express between Church Avenue and Jay Street-MetroTech, while others were being sent over the D line between Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue and West 4th Street-Washington Square. Downtown F trains were terminating at 2nd Avenue before returning uptown. 

G train riders were also affected, with some Church Avenue-bound trains terminating at Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and turning back toward Court Square. 

The MTA advised riders traveling between Brooklyn and Manhattan to consider the A, B, C, D, N, Q, R, J, L and M lines as alternatives. Riders can also transfer between the F and the B, D and M trains at West 4th Street. 

The disruptions were also expected to cause delays on uptown D trains as they shared tracks with rerouted F trains.

photos: Moshe Nuchem 

Yisroel R.

New York State cannot reliably determine how much waste is actually being recycled because of widespread gaps and inaccuracies in the information collected from recycling facilities, according to a new audit released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. 

The audit examined the Department of Environmental Conservation’s oversight of recycling facilities between 2021 and 2023. During that period, 406 recycling facilities operating across the state were required to submit annual reports detailing how much recyclable material they received, processed and ultimately recovered. 

Auditors found that 341 of the 1,065 required annual reports, or nearly one-third, were not properly submitted to the DEC. Even among the reports that were received, nearly two-thirds were missing information needed to determine how much material was actually recycled and how much ended up being discarded. 

The problems went beyond missing paperwork. Auditors said many facilities could not provide records backing up the recycling numbers they submitted. In the facilities reviewed, documentation could support only about 21% of recyclable material reported as received, 9% of material reported as recovered and 6% of residue headed for disposal. 

The audit also found significant gaps in inspections and enforcement. Of 389 registered or permitted recycling facilities listed in the state’s system, 138, or 35%, were not inspected at all during the three-year period. Meanwhile, 33 facilities failed to submit any annual report during the period, but violations were issued to only three of them. 

The findings could make it difficult for New York to measure progress toward its waste and environmental goals. The DEC estimates that the solid waste sector accounts for approximately 12% of statewide greenhouse gas emissions, while the state has set a goal of reducing the amount of waste sent for disposal by 85% by 2050. DiNapoli said reliable information is necessary for the state to know whether its recycling efforts are actually working. 

In response to the audit, the Department of Environmental Conservation said it generally accepted the findings and would take appropriate action to improve data collection, reliability, inspections and oversight, while also arguing that the comptroller’s report overstated some of the reporting problems and disputing parts of how the deficiencies were characterized.

Tina Kim, deputy comptroller of the division of state government accountability Said, “ You want to maximize the level of recycling and ensure the people who are doing this work are doing what they're actually supposed to be doing, you can't successfully manage a program without basically having complete and accurate data.”

The MTA is calling on photographers, content creators and everyday riders to submit their best transit photos ahead of World Photo Day on August 19.

The agency announced that it is looking for creative photos taken throughout the New York transit system, ranging from trains and buses to station scenes, scenic platform views and photos of riders with friends.

Submissions can also include outfit photos taken inside stations and other creative shots highlighting New York’s transit system from a rider’s perspective.

Those interested in participating can email their photos to [email protected] and include their social media handles so the MTA can provide credit.

The MTA plans to select its favorite submissions and feature them across the agency’s social media channels on August 19 in celebration of World Photo Day.

Yisroel R.

Williamsburg will see a warm start to the week on Monday, while temperatures remain in the mid to upper 80s through the middle stretch of the week. A mix of sunshine and clouds is expected, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible on Thursday.

Monday will start off a little hot, with temperatures reaching around 87 degrees and a low of 71 degrees. The humidity will make it feel hotter at times, with heat index temperatures reaching into the low 90s.

Tuesday will feature partly cloudy skies, with a high around 85 degrees and a low of 71 degrees. Temperatures will feel a little more comfortable compared to Monday.

Wednesday will bring plenty of sunshine along with some passing clouds. The high will reach around 86 degrees, with a low of 74 degrees.

Thursday will begin with some clouds before scattered showers and thunderstorms become possible during the afternoon. The high will reach around 87 degrees with a higher index, with a low of 70 degrees. Some storms could bring strong, gusty winds, bringing unsettled conditions to end the weekly forecast.

photos: Shmuel Deri

Yisroel R.

Following the sudden petirah of the Beis Shmuel Tzvi Spinka Rebbe, zt”l, his sons and brothers, the Admorim shlita, are sitting shiva this week, as chassidim and mispalelim continue mourning the untimely loss of the Rebbe zt”l.

Nichum aveilim is taking place at Kahal Beis Shmuel Tzvi Spinka, located at 77 Walworth Street in Williamsburg. The aveilim will receive visitors each day from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and again from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Shacharis will take place at 9:30 a.m., Mincha and Maariv will be held at 8:30 p.m. The women are sitting shiva nearby at Yeshivas Viznitz, located at 88 Walworth Street in Williamsburg.

This Shabbos, the Admorim shlita were at the Spinka Beis Medrash in Woodridge, located at 13 Mark Street. Following Shabbos, nichum aveilim is taking place there until 12:00 midnight.

The aveilim will remain in Woodridge on Sunday as well, with nichum aveilim taking place during the regular hours of 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., as the Rebbe’s family, chassidim, and mispalelim continue mourning over the tremendous loss.

Among the great Rabbonim, poskim, and marbitzei Torah in postwar Williamsburg was Rav Shimon Zev Miller, the Rov of Arad, Romania, not far from the Hungarian border. 

Rav Miller was a ga’on who was well-versed in all areas of Torah, and spent his life learning with superhuman hasmodoh. He impacted thousands of talmidim as a marbitz Torah in the Satmar Yeshiva and summer camp. Here is his story. 

Nagysomkút

Rav Miller was born in the year 1918 in the Romanian town of Shamkut (known as Şomcuta Mare, 70 km southeast of Satu Mare). His father was Rav Tzvi Moshe Miller, a Dayan in the town. He was raised by his father in the ways of Torah and yiras Shomayim, and was sent a small distance from home to learn in the yeshiva in a town called Érmihályfalva (Mihalifolva), under the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Chaim Shmuel. He later entered the yeshiva of the Satmar Rov—and became known for his incredible hasmodoh, learning eighteen hours a day. 

He married Rochel Breif who hailed from an illustrious family, and continued learning with great diligence after his wedding, being supported by his father, who also trained him in the ways of hora’ah, and he eventually became a dayan in his own right in Shamkut. 

Then came the great Churban, and he lost his wife and children, his parents and friends, and millions of Hungary’s Yidden in the flames of the Holocaust, remaining virtually alone in the world. 

But Rav Miller was determined to rebuild. He returned to Shamkut where he married Rebbetzin Rochel, the daughter of Reb Moshe Klein of Bania, Romania. They remained in Shamkut, where he served as a Rosh Yeshiva for dozens of bachurim who had likewise survived the war. 

Arad

Rav Aharon Tzvi Brisk was a ga’on from prewar Romania who served as the rov of the towns of Tcheka and later Arad, Romania. Following the war, he returned to Arad, where he continued to lead his Yeshiva Beis Moshe. In 1951, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of alighting to Eretz Yisroel, settling in Netantya, where he reestablished his yeshiva with many of his talmidim from Romania. He was niftar suddenly in the year 1959.

Taking his place as Rov and Rosh Yeshiva in Arad was Rav Shimon Zev Miller of Shamkut.

Volumes could be filled with the efforts that the Arader Rov invested into his community, and on behalf of so many broken Yidden in the postwar era. He was a loving marbitz Torah to the bachurim, broken survivors who were left alone in the world, and he infused them with Torah and yiras Shomayim. Many of them went on to become Rabbonim in their own right, including Rav Chaim Sholom ABD Grosswardein Staten Island, Rav Benzion Deutch ABD Bucharest, and others who went on to rebuilt beautiful Torah homes thanks to his influence. 

The droshos that he would deliver to his community were filled with warmth and fervor for the Ribbono shel Olam and His Torah—exhorting his listeners to remain faithful to the ways of their parents. Simultaneously, he suffered greatly from the local government on account of his activities, and was even arrested under harsh circumstances for spreading Torah and Yiddishkeit.   

Countless people from the surrounding region streamed into Arad, recognizing the caliber of this great Torah leader who cared for each and every one of them. 

Williamsburg

In 1963, he finally made it out of Romania, arriving in America, and settling in Williamsburg. Here, he was reunited with his rebbi, the Divrei Yoel of Satmar who had arrived here a few years previously. Upon the instruction of the Rebbe, Rav Miller was appointed as a marbitz Torah in the Satmar Yeshiva, where he would go on to shape and mold hundreds of bachurim in the ways of Torah and yiras Shomayim.

The Arader Rov was a giant in all three pillars upon which the world stands; Torah, avodah, and gemilus chassodim. 

He toiled greatly in Torah with herculean effort—dedicating himself to his talmidim who drank thirstily from his Torah. He had mastered all four sections of Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries by heart, and his hasmodoh was unique. It is said that he knew entire masechtos by heart, and could repeat the lashon of many a Shach and Taz verbatim, with a phenomenal recall!

In gratitude to the Ribbono shel Olam for the gift of Torah, the Arader Rov took upon himself to learn with others—and this was a promise that he fulfilled throughout the years, including the times that he learned aleph bais with newly-arrived Sephardic boys. He also had a special place in his heart for the weaker bochurim…seeking to infuse in them too a cheishek for learning, and he derived tremendous nachas seeing his talmidim grow and develop. His talmidim, in turn, loved him as much as he loved them. 

His tefillah and his avodas Hashem was always with great deveikus and fervor. He was always known for his incredible humility, making nothing of himself. He would stand in the back of the beis Medrash, like one of the simple folk. His patience with others was likewise sterling, and he had a sense of hachna’ah and bittul for everyone, and in his veins flowed yiras Shomayim….kol ma’asav l’sheim Shomayim, all his actions were solely for the sake of Heaven. He would spend his summers in the Satmar Camp in Dairyland, and this is where his talmidim could witness his true mesirus nefesh for hasmodoh b’Torah and his avodah. 

His dedication to his Torah and his talmidim went on until his last day on this earth. It was in Elul of 1986, and Rav Miller was preparing for the upcoming zeman, inquiring with his bochurim whether they had a summer of growth…He felt unwell, and was taken into the hospital where he was niftar a few days later, leaving behind and incredible legacy of Torah and yiras Shomayim in Williamsburg of yore. 

Motorists should expect overnight road closures near Broadway and South 8th Street later this month as crews carry out work related to an MTA contract.

North Shore Neon Sign LLC is scheduled to fully close portions of Broadway and South 8th Street from August 24 through September 4, with work taking place nightly between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

On Broadway, the closure will affect the roadway between Roebling Street and Havemeyer Street. South 8th Street will also be closed between Roebling Street and Broadway.

Crews will use a crane, man-lift and knuckle boom to remove and install concessions and billboards as part of MTA Contract R50804.

The closures will be limited to the overnight work hours, with drivers advised to plan for alternate routes while work is underway.

photo: Google Maps

photos: Avrumi Berger

A new practical travel handbook designed to help visitors navigate a trip to Israel is being distributed free with this week’s Dee Voch package for Parshas Shoftim.

The special Dee Voch-Shrift project, titled “Vegvaizer,” brings together practical information and resources for travelers in one convenient guide, covering many of the details visitors may need before and during a stay in Israel.

The handbook includes detailed listings with addresses and phone numbers for a wide range of services and destinations, including minyanim, mekomos hakedoshim, rabbanim and admorim, drivers, apartments, mikvaos, grocery stores, restaurants, attractions and museums.

In addition to its directories, the guide features practical instructions and informative articles intended to help travelers prepare in advance and better understand what to expect during their visit.

Detailed maps of major heimishe neighborhoods are also included, giving visitors a convenient way to familiarize themselves with local areas and find important destinations.

Readers can also take advantage of special discounts offered by participating local businesses featured in the handbook.

YS GOLD 

Indescribable pain and mourning has now descended upon theworld of Torah and chassidus with the arrival of the bitter news of the passing the Rebbe of Beis Shmuel Tzvi–Spinka, zt”l, Harav Hatzaddik Rabbi Yosef Meir Horowitz, zt”l, who left this world Wednesday night to ascend the World of Truth at the young age of fifty-eight.

“The sun has set before its time” is the fitting expression for this terrible loss, as we mourn the untimely passing of the Spinka Rebbe, zt”l, who exerted a profound influence of Torah and Chassidus upon Jewish people. He was an exalted personality who warmed the hearts of Yidden toward their Father in Heaven, continuing the beautiful chain of holiness of his saintly ancestors of the Spinka dynasty. Tragically, he was torn from us so young, at the height of his avodas hakodesh.

The Rebbe, zt”l, was the eldest son of the Rebbe, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Berish of Spinka, zt”l, author of Dover Meisharim, and the beloved grandson of the Spinka Rebbe, the Rebbe Hershele, zt”l, who held him with exceptional affection. He grew up during his formative years on the lap of his illustrious grandfather, learning Torah and Chassidus from him, basking in his radiant light and absorbing the many treasures that he imparted to him.

On the seventeenth of Tammuz, 5728 (1968), the Rebbe, zt”l, was born in Williamsburg, the eldest son of his father, the Spinka Rebbe, the holy Rabbi Berish, zt”l, and his mother, Rebbetzin Bluma Sarah, a”h, who tragically lost her life in a terrible accident, rachmana litzlan, twenty years ago. She was the daughter of the gaon and tzaddik, Rabbi Elazar Meislish, zt”l, ABD Uhel.

With a magnificent lineage reaching back to the tzaddikim and kedoshim of earlier generations, the talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov Hakadosh and their talmidim, he was a true benon shelkedoshim. 

As a grandson of the Spinka Rebbe, zt”l, he was raised in an elevated atmosphere, aspiring to excel in the ways of Torah and yiras Shamayim, with hasmadah in Torah and refined middos—qualities in which the Rebbe, zt”l, distinguished himself throughout his life. He was renowned for his nobility, refinement, and delicacy in every respect.

As a child, the Rebbe, zt”l, learned in the Spinka Talmud Torah in Williamsburg and was deeply beloved by his grandfather, the holy Rabbi Hershele, zt”l. Upon reaching marriageable age, he was chosen as the son-in-law of, yibadel l’chaim, the Rebbe of Kretchnif, shlit”a, who resides in Rechovot. Together with the distinguished Rebbetzin, t’lit”a, the Rebbe established his beautiful home, blessed with children and grandchildren. 

Already as a young man, the Rebbe embarked upon his rich career of harbatzas haTorah. He served as the Spinka Rosh Kollel where he was a great marbitz Torah. Through his extraordinary dedication to every individual and his rare warmth toward every Jew, he succeeded in elevating many Yiddentoward their Father in Heaven, drawing them closer to their Father Above, step by step.

With the passing of his revered father, the Spinka Rebbe, the holy Rabbi Berish, zt”l, author of Dover Meisharim, during Chol HaMoed Sukkos 5768 (2007), the Rebbe, zt”l, as the eldest son, was appointed to succeed his father in the leadership of the chassidus.

The Rebbe took upon himself the crown of leadership with great devotion, influencing his chassidim and admirers with the full measure of his abilities, and bringing Torah and Chassidus to them on a broad and powerful scale.

Tragically, the Rebbe, zt”l, was taken from this world at the height of his flourishing. More than a year ago, a terrible illness, R”l, was discovered in the Rebbe. Despite looking forward to a complete recovery and hoping that the Rebbe would overcome the illness, his condition deteriorated greatly, R”l, particularly over the past several days. 

Wednesday night, the Rebbe returned his pure soul to his Creator at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, surrounded by his children and members of his family.

The Rebbe leaves behind a truly illustrious family who will remain a credit to him, and a beautiful legacy of instilling Torah, chassidus, and Yiras Shomayim into the hearts of countless Yidden. 

The levaya will take place in Williamsburg at the Rebbe’s beis medrash at 12:00 today, and kevurah will take place at the Spinka Beis Hachaim in New Jersey. 

Yehi zichro baruch. 

Yisroel R.

A major new battery energy storage facility is set to be built in Bushwick, just outside Williamsburg, as part of an effort to strengthen the electrical grid across North Brooklyn and help prevent blackouts during periods of high electricity use.

Battery company NineDot is expected to break ground later this year on the 4.9-megawatt facility at 421 Bushwick Avenue, across from the Bushwick Houses. The facility is expected to begin operating in 2027 and will be capable of storing enough electricity to power approximately 5,000 nearby homes when demand on the electrical grid is at its highest.

The facility will store electricity during overnight hours, when demand is lower, and send that electricity back into the grid when it is needed most. During the summer, the Bushwick facility is expected to operate for several hours each afternoon, when air conditioners and other electrical equipment place significant pressure on the city’s power system.

North Brooklyn has experienced blackouts and reductions in electrical voltage during periods of extreme summer heat, when the grid struggles to keep up with demand. Supporters of the project say adding stored electricity during those critical hours could help prevent outages, which can create particular difficulties in large residential buildings where elevators and other essential equipment depend on electricity.

The project is also part of New York’s broader push toward battery storage as the state moves toward cleaner sources of energy. New York is aiming to have 6,000 megawatts of energy storage operating statewide by 2030, including approximately 1,000 megawatts in New York City. The storage facilities are also intended to reduce the need for high-polluting power plants that are switched on when electricity demand reaches its highest levels.

Battery storage facilities have faced opposition over concerns about fire safety. However, supporters of the Bushwick project said there has been broad support locally following outreach to nearby residents, including those living at Bushwick Houses. Battery facilities built in the city are required to meet safety requirements overseen by the Department of Buildings and FDNY.

photo: NineDot

Yisroel R.

This week’s Dee Voch brings readers coverage of major events and happenings throughout the heimishe world, including the yahrtzeit of the Belzer Rebbe zt”l; the yahrtzeit of the Satmar Rebbe zt”l; the Bobover Rebbe spending Shabbos at Camp Mesivta Eitz Chaim D’Bobov; noted philanthropist R’ Yoel Landau visiting the Gerer Rebbe, where a special fund was established to assist the broader yeshiva world; and the Bobov-45 Rebbe visiting the Bobov-45 Machina L’Yeshiva summer camp.

This week’s Shrift features “Ginzai Meromam,” a fascinating conversation with antique dealer and researcher R’ Yudel Breuer, who shares how learning a Chassidishe sefer sparked his passion for antiques and eventually led him to establish the Chassidish museum “Heichalos” this Bein Hazmanim. He discusses how Gedolim came to trust him with priceless items worth millions, how experts determine whether an artifact is authentic, the difference between rare objects and manuscripts, a million-dollar deal he turned down, and the remarkable story behind the kappel of the holy Baal Shem Tov.

The Business Shrift features “Daas Baal Habayis,” the moving story of R’ Ezra Solomon, who left behind his previous lifestyle and went on to develop special protective bags designed to shield Sifrei Torah and tashmishei kedushah from fire and extreme heat.

Also included free in this week’s Dee Voch package is the special “Vegvaizer” handbook, a practical guide covering everything needed for a visit to Eretz Yisroel. The handbook includes detailed lists of addresses and phone numbers for minyanim, mekomos hakedoshim, Rabbanim and Rebbes, drivers, apartments, mikvaos, grocery stores, restaurants, attractions and museums, along with useful guidance, informative articles, detailed maps of heimishe neighborhoods, and valuable discounts at local businesses.

This week’s Fink offers readers meaningful stories about family, home, health, and everyday life. Each issue features heartfelt interviews, practical advice, and inspiring experiences that inform, encourage, and connect women through topics that matter most.

The Kinder Shrift is packed with exciting adventures, fascinating facts, puzzles, stories, comics, and hands-on activities that make learning fun. Every issue takes young readers on a new journey filled with creativity, giving children something to enjoy from the first page to the last.

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

Yisroel R.

New Yorkers will have the rare opportunity to witness a partial Likui Chamah/solar eclipse, this afternoon, as the moon passes in front of the sun and covers nearly 10% of it during an approximately 90-minute event visible across the city.

The eclipse will begin at approximately 1:07 p.m., as the moon begins moving across a small portion of the sun. It will reach its maximum at around 1:54 p.m., when approximately 9% to 10% of the sun will be covered, before gradually moving away and ending at approximately 2:38 p.m. Because only a relatively small portion of the sun will be covered, the eclipse is not expected to noticeably darken the sky, although those looking up at the sun with proper eclipse protection will still be able to enjoy this amazing nifloas haborei.

While only a partial eclipse will be visible here, today’s event is a much larger phenomenon across other parts of the world. A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small section of Portugal, where the moon will completely cover the sun for a brief period. Much of Canada, Europe and parts of the United States and Africa will also see varying levels of a partial eclipse. 

The last major solar eclipse seen from our area was on April 8, 2024, when residents across New York gathered outdoors with eclipse glasses as approximately 90% of the sun was covered. Areas farther north and west were inside the path of totality, where the sun was completely covered. That eclipse was the last total solar eclipse visible anywhere in the contiguous United States until 2044. 

The next major solar eclipse visible from the United States will not arrive for another 18 years, on August 23, 2044. That eclipse will bring totality to portions of the United States, although the path of totality will be limited to areas including Montana and North Dakota. 

New York City Emergency Management said in a message ahead of today’s eclipse that those planning to watch it should only do so using certified eclipse glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer, stressing that ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Eclipse glasses should also be checked for damages before being used.

Officials also warned against viewing the sun through cameras, binoculars, telescopes or other optical devices unless they are equipped with a proper solar filter. Those without eclipse glasses can use an indirect method such as a pinhole projector, while motorists are being urged to keep their eyes on the road and not stop or attempt to photograph the eclipse while driving.

Residents in the area of Flushing and Washington avenues should not be alarmed by emergency activity on Wednesday, as a simulated water rescue is scheduled to take place as part of a media production.

According to Notify NYC, the simulation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, from 1:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. near Flushing Avenue and Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.

The NYPD will be on site during the production.

Residents and motorists in the area may notice police activity and what appears to be an emergency water rescue during the eight-hour production window. The activity is planned and is part of a simulation, according to the city notification.

Notify NYC issued the advisory in advance to make the public aware of the planned activity and police presence.

photos: Avrumi Berger

A delegation of New York elected officials and law enforcement leaders visited the Satmar Boys Camp in the Catskills on Monday, joining community leaders for a tour organized and led by longtime Satmar askan Rabbi Moishe Indig.

Among those taking part were Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, David Klestzick, Deputy Chief of the Trial Division at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler, Sullivan County District Attorney Brian P. Conaty, Sullivan County District Attorney Chief Investigator Scott Kinne, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, Bill Liblick, chair of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission and New York State Democratic Committeeman for Sullivan County, Kurt Labuda, president of the New York State Police Investigators Association, Rabbi Joel Friedman, prominent law enforcement chaplain in New York and New Jersey, Liaison for Brooklyn District Attorney and NYPD Liaison Moshe Weiser, and Yoel Lefkowitz, senior adviser to the New York State Attorney General’s Office, along with representatives from state and local law enforcement agencies.

The officials were joined by askonim as they toured the camp and spent time with campers, getting a firsthand look at the large Satmar summer camp and the community it serves during the busy Catskills summer season.

Hundreds of Thousands of heimishe children spend the summer months in the Catskills, making the summer season an important opportunity for community leaders, elected officials, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen relationships and maintain open lines of communication.

Rabbi Indig, who led the visit, welcomed the delegation and thanked the officials for their ongoing cooperation with Jewish communities throughout the year, as well as for their efforts to help ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors, particularly during the bustling summer season.