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With a profoundly heavy heart, Matzav.com reports the tragic petirah of Elchonon Fasten z”l, a 19-year-old bochur from Lakewood, NJ, who was niftar early this morning following a devastating crash and subsequent vehicle fire on the Garden State Parkway in Old Bridge, NJ.

The tragic incident occurred near Exit 120 as Elchonon was traveling from Boro Park back to Lakewood.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the injuries were unfortunately unsurvivable.

In the aftermath of the accident, askaním worked tirelessly, maintaining constant communication with state and local authorities to ensure kavod hameis was upheld in every respect.

Those who knew Elchonon describe a lichtiger bochur whose very presence brightened a room. He carried himself with a quiet sweetness, a gentle temimus, and a sincerity that endeared him to everyone he encountered. Whether in the beis medrash, at home, or among friends, there was a purity to his demeanor, a natural goodness that needed no announcement.

Elchonon was well-liked by classmates and rebbi’im alike, known for his thoughtfulness, his easy smile, and the genuine respect he showed to others. Friends speak of his reliability, his warmth, and the way he made everyone feel valued. His middos tovos were not loud or dramatic; they were steady, consistent, and real.

In learning, too, Elchonon applied himself with quiet determination. He cherished the sweetness of the beis medrash, appreciating every moment he could spend immersed in Torah. His sedarim were important to him, and he approached his learning with the same sincerity that marked every part of his life.

At home, he was a source of pride and nachas, a chiyus, a warm presence, and a beloved son and brother whose caring nature touched those closest to him. His family and friends recall a young bochur with a refined heart, a calm spirit, and a deep appreciation for the people around him.

Levaya details will be released as soon as they are finalized. Kevurah is expected to take place in Monsey.

Elchonon leaves behind his grieving parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and chaveirim, along with a community shaken by the sudden loss.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

Construction sites across Charlotte look more like ghost towns amid ongoing immigration operation.

A new study from Johns Hopkins University suggests that smoking as few as 100 cigarettes over an entire lifetime may be enough to significantly raise the risk of heart disease and premature death. Researchers tracked more than 300,000 adults for nearly two decades and found that men and women who smoked as little as two […]

Saudi authorities on Wednesday permitted Saad Almadi, a US citizen from Florida, to finally leave the kingdom and return to American soil — marking the end of a four-year ordeal that began when he was jailed over a series of restrained social-media posts critical of Riyadh.

News of his release broke just as President Trump delivered remarks highlighting the strength of the American–Saudi partnership during a packed schedule of events in Washington with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who serves as both prime minister and the kingdom’s dominant decision-maker.

The Almadi family shared their relief immediately, issuing a heartfelt message saying, “Our family is overjoyed that, after four long years, our father, Saad Almadi, is finally on his way home to the United States!”

In their statement, the family made clear whom they believe deserves credit for the breakthrough. “This day would not have been possible without President Donald Trump and the tireless efforts of his administration. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Sebastian Gorka and the team at the National Security Council, as well as everyone at the State Department.”

The message — drafted by Almadi’s son and leading advocate, Ibrahim Almadi — also expressed appreciation for The Post’s “courageous” reporting that kept the case in the public eye, and acknowledged the backing of several advocacy groups and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), all of whom worked to advance the elder Almadi’s release.

{Matzav.com}

Gedolei and tzaddikei hador gathered to celebrate the wedding of the son of HaGaon HaRav Yechezkel Esrog Shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollelim of Migdol Oz. The joyous occasion marked the vibrant Torah empire of Migdol Oz, which includes hundreds of outstanding avreichim across multiple kollelim throughout Eretz Yisroel, as well as the large Migdol […]

At the Siyum on Seder Nezikin taking place tonight in Yerushalyim. Hagaon HaRav Dovid Cohen R”Y Chevron came out for the Kovod Hatorah of R’ Sruly Bornstein and the entire DBS Chabura celebrating the Siyum.

TRUMP: “We were like a bunch of stupid people. We had a president that couldn’t get up and talk, couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs, we had people that didn’t know what the hell they were doing.”

LANDLORD LOAN COLLAPSE: Steven Croman, long known as the “Bernie Madoff of landlords,” has defaulted on nearly $170 million in loans tied to about 35 Manhattan buildings, according to new lawsuits. Flagstar Bank, which holds the loans, cites major defaults including $12.4M on a Kips Bay property and $21.4M on West Village buildings. Court records […]

Elchonon Fasten z”l, a 19-year-old bochur from Lakewood, was tragically niftar following a crash and vehicle fire on the Garden State Parkway in Old Bridge, NJ, early Wednesday morning. The crash occurred near Exit 120 as Elchonon z”l was driving from Boro Park to Lakewood. Askanim were in contact with state and local authorities to […]

China is replacing its diesel trucks with electric models faster than expected, potentially reshaping global fuel demand and the future of heavy transport. In 2020, nearly all new trucks in China ran on diesel. By the first half of 2025, battery-powered trucks accounted for 22% of new heavy truck sales, up from 9.2% in the […]

A sweeping financial crisis is closing in on Steven Croman, the landlord long branded “the Bernie Madoff of landlords,” as newly filed cases reveal he has stopped paying nearly $170 million in debts and is now staring down foreclosure on dozens of Manhattan buildings, the NY Post reports.

The notorious real estate operator — infamous for his Rikers Island jail term and his long trail of legal troubles — is now caught in a fresh storm, this time in civil court, where a fast-growing stack of lawsuits claims he stopped paying an enormous slate of loans.

According to filings in Manhattan Supreme Court, Croman has allegedly fallen behind on a staggering $168 million in property loans, a sum spread across about 35 buildings scattered throughout the city.

Flagstar Bank, which inherited Croman’s mortgages after acquiring New York Community Bank in 2022, says the landlord has gone months without making required payments on multiple assets. In several cases, the bank claims the arrears have ballooned into the millions.

Before this latest mess, Croman already had a reputation for aggressive and dishonest tactics. Prosecutors noted that he controlled a vast portfolio of 140 buildings when he was charged in 2016 with submitting falsified documents to secure tens of millions in illegal loans.

It was then–Attorney General Eric Schneiderman who famously labeled him “the Bernie Madoff of landlords,” alleging that Croman even relied on an ex-NYPD officer to intimidate tenants into vacating their apartments so rents could be hiked for unsuspecting newcomers.

Croman admitted guilt in a mortgage fraud case the following year and ultimately spent a year incarcerated on Rikers Island.

Only last week, Crain’s revealed that Flagstar had taken him to court over what was then described as $71.5 million in unpaid loans attached to five buildings.

But the situation has deteriorated sharply since then. Court records now show approximately $100 million more in alleged defaults, bringing the total to about $168 million across 20 separate foreclosure suits filed in recent weeks.

Among the properties in trouble is 209 E. 25th St., a Kips Bay building with 44 apartments where rent can approach $5,500 a month. On that loan alone — $12.4 million — the bank says Croman is two months behind, owing $493,845, much of it late fees and penalties.

Flagstar is also seeking repayment of the full $10.37 million loan attached to 346 E. 18th St. in Gramercy Park, where units fetch between $7,500 and $10,000 monthly. Records say the October payment wasn’t made, leaving him owing $362,332 with fees.

The biggest chunk of the alleged defaults involves two buildings on Christopher Street in the West Village, where the outstanding debt totals $21.4 million. In that case, filings say payments stopped in August, leaving $1.2 million overdue by the end of October.

Crain’s also noted earlier this year that Croman was already fighting several other foreclosure efforts, representing another $45.5 million in alleged unpaid loans.

Attorneys for Croman and for Flagstar — which is pursuing these actions through an LLC known as Orange Owner — did not return requests for comment.

{Matzav.com}

The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) announced that the 1,000th aircraft of its large-scale logistics operation landed in Israel on Wednesday. Operated by Challenge Airlines IL and carrying extensive military supplies, the aircraft was welcomed by IMOD Director General Amir Baram (Maj. Gen. Res.). Launched immediately following the outbreak of war, the airlift and accompanying […]

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The anticipation is palpable across the olam haTorah. In batei medrash from Lakewood to London, Bnei Brak to Brooklyn, lomdim are counting down the final blatt of Maseches Chagigah, the culmination of an unprecedented six-year journey. The dream that began with a single amud is now reaching its magnificent climax: the historic Oraysa Siyum on Seder Mo’ed.

This is your chance to take part in a maamad kavod haTorah that will go down in history — a celebration of perseverance, of hasmadah, and of the eternal message that Yisroel v’Oraysa v’Kudsha Brich Hu chad hu.

A Revolution in Limud HaTorah

When Oraysa was founded just six years ago, it immediately transformed the way thousands approach limud haTorah. Its unique amud-v’chazara structure — learning one amud a day, reviewing consistently, and mastering masechtos in their entirety — brought clarity, retention, and excitement back into countless daily sedorim.

The results have been nothing short of revolutionary. Today, tens of thousands of lomdim across the globe participate in the Oraysa cycle, uniting baalei batim, yungerleit, and talmidei yeshivos in a single melody.

Kehillos across Lakewood, Monsey, and Chicago to Yerushalayim, London, and Antwerp now have established Oraysa chaburos. Each day, the same amud reverberates across continents, connecting Yidden of every background through the timeless words of the Gemara.

Now, for the first time in history, these lomdim will complete an entire Seder of Shas together — Seder Mo’ed — marking a monumental milestone for Torah v’lomdeha the world over.

A Siyum Like No Other

This will not merely be a siyum. It will be a majestic maamad kavod haTorah and a celebration of the power of hasmadah and the unbreakable bond between Klal Yisroel and the Torah.

Gedolei Yisroel and Roshei Yeshiva from across the Torah world will grace the event with their presence, including Rav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, Rav Shraga Shteinman shlit”a, Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum shlit”a, Rav Avrohom Gurwicz shlit”a, Rav Malkiel Kotler shlit”a, Rav Aharon Dovid Goldberg shlit”a, Rav Yosef Elefant shlit”a, and Rav Dovid Ozeri shlit”a — along with many other prominent Rabbanim, Roshei Chaburos, and of course, thousands of lomdei Oraysa from around the world.

Under this one roof, talmidei chachomim, baalei batim, and families will gather to celebrate this momentous siyum, embodying Klal Yisroel’s achdus through Torah.

And as one Seder concludes, another begins: Seder Nashim. The simcha of the siyum will flow directly into the start of a new phase of learning and growth, inviting even more participants to join the Oraysa revolution.

Your Invitation to Be Part of History

If you’re reading this, you’re invited to join and be a part of history !

The asifa will take place in Cure Arena, located at 81 Hamilton Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey on 3 Kislev/November 23, 2025. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m.

The evening will feature stirring divrei chizuk, uplifting niggunim, and heartfelt shiros v’sishbachos led by Hershy Weinberger and Shloime Daskal.

With groups flying in from across the globe to be part of this unforgettable maamad, the window to secure your spot at this unparalleled maamad kavod haTorah is closing fast.

Don’t Miss This Once-in-a-Generation Maamad!

Every amud, every daf, every line of Gemara learned by thousands around the world has led to this moment. The Oraysa Siyum on Seder Mo’ed will be a living testament to what can be achieved when Klal Yisroel learns together, chazers together, and grows together.

Now, it’s your chance to be part of it.

And as Oraysa turns the page from Seder Mo’ed to Seder Nashim, now is the perfect time to join the movement that has transformed the landscape of being koveia ittim l’Torah.

Experience the simcha and sippuk that come from clarity, mastery, and consistency at a pace that works. Because with Oraysa, every amud is not just another page. It’s another step in a lifelong journey of aliyah, another layer of understanding, and another connection to Torah that will uplift your day and transform your life.

Be part of the simcha. Be part of the legacy. Be part of Oraysa.
Visit OraysaSiyum.org or email Siyum@Oraysa.org

Oraysa will begin Seder Nashim this coming Wednesday November 26th. For more information, or to set up or join a shiur or chaburah in your neighborhood, please contact Oraysa at 914.8.ORAYSA or email info@oraysa.org.

With just weeks before he steps into office, NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has launched an online push urging New Yorkers to chip in toward the cost of his upcoming transition. He explained that, while the campaign period brought in sufficient funds, the transition itself is not eligible for the city’s matching program, leaving a significant financial gap.

In a video message to supporters, Mamdani noted that his team has brought in $1 million thus far but must reach a total of $4 million to cover the full scope of transition operations. “We have less than 50 days until we take office, and we have a lot to do. We have to vet the 50,000 resumes we’ve received,” Mamdani begs. “We have to keep paying our incredible team … and we have to plan not just our inauguration, but our policy implementation.”

He stressed that many incoming administrations lean heavily on major donors at this stage, a route he insists does not reflect his campaign’s values. As he put it, “that’s not us.”

According to Mamdani, the people powering his transition so far number around 12,000, with an average contribution of $77. He pointed out the contrast with Mayor Eric Adams, who “received $1,219 in average donations from 884 donors to fund his transition.”

Mamdani argued that the additional funds are essential so that “January 1 can be the day we start to deliver, not start to prepare.”

{Matzav.com}

Mexico’s president on Tuesday ruled out allowing U.S. strikes against cartels on Mexican soil, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was willing to do whatever it takes to stop drugs entering the U.S. “It’s not going to happen,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. “He (Trump) has suggested it on various occasions or he […]

President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order that includes, among other items, an exemption to the reciprocal tariffs on “bread…used for religious purposes” (e.g., Matzah) and on the Arba Minim – the plant species used by Jews during the holiday of Sukkos.

As the overwhelming majority of these products come from Israel and other foreign countries, tariffs would have threatened access and increased costs of religious observance. This accommodation builds upon the precedent of other exemptions to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for certain religious items and is consistent with the Trump administration’s focus on protecting religious freedom.

“Thank you to the Trump administration for once again accommodating religious practices by exempting the Arba Minim and Matzah from reciprocal tariffs and making it easier for Jewish families to celebrate their holidays,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel’s national director of government affairs. “We appreciate that the White House took the matter seriously when we and others brought up these issues and worked with the relevant agencies to find a solution.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is confronting one of the sharpest political downturns of his second term, as a new poll shows his approval rating sliding to its lowest point since returning to the White House — and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files controversy emerging as an unexpected flashpoint inside his own coalition. A Reuters/Ipsos […]

Former hostage Eitan Mor will reportedly give President Trump a dreidel and a letter from his father, Tzvi Mor, who wrote: “I hope you spin the dreidel with your grandchildren and pass on the joy of family, the love shared across generations, and the reminder that our greatest victories—past and present—come from hope for our […]

A new review of Palestinian Authority textbooks — the first in four years — shows that despite promises to the U.S. and EU, the PA has made no revisions to remove incitement, antisemitism, or violence-promoting content. The study, conducted by the IMPACT-SE institute, found that current-year textbooks still portray Jews as corrupt, manipulative, or enemies […]