As expected, the Lakewood Vaad tonight endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor, giving him the support of enormously influential religious leaders from the Orthodox Jewish community as he seeks to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy in the November 4 general election.

“Ciattarelli has been clear with our leadership that he understands and shares our community’s values and concerns – including ensuring our children continue to get busing and services, ensuring New Jersey residents can get benefits from federal tuition assistance, addressing the urgent infrastructure needs of our roads and electric power grid, and addressing state policy issues and funding priorities that affect the tax burden of our residents,” the Vaad said in a letter that is being hand-delivered to every residence in the township.

Endorsements also went to Assemblymen Avi Schnall (D-Lakewood) and Sean Kean (R-Wall) in the 30th legislative district and Republican candidates in Ocean County, including Sam Ellengogen, who would become the first Orthodox Jew to serve as a county commissioner.

If Ciattarelli has a path to win the governorship, it could be through high voter turnout among Orthodox Jewish voters in the Lakewood area and across the state.

Donald Trump carried Lakewood with 88% of the vote last year and a margin of roughly 32,000 votes.

In 2021, the Lakewood Vaad endorsed Murphy, but Ciattarelli won the township by about 4,700 votes, roughly 62%.  Lakewood’s population is exploding: it’s grown from 52,000 voters in 2021 to around 64,000 right now—a 23% increase in voters in just four years.

Four municipalities that border Lakewood – Jackson, Manchester, Toms River, and Wall – have another 16,000 Orthodox Jewish voters.

The Lakewood Vaad also voiced its appreciation to Trump “for his extraordinary efforts to benefit our Mosdos and support of the safety of Yidden in Eretz Yisroel.”

“For his friendship to our community, and for his efforts to expose and fight anti-Semitism in our country, we remain forever thankful to him,” the Vaad letter stated.

The organization also praised Sherrill’s military service and her support of the social safety net, which includes some programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, that could lose funding during the federal government shutdown.

The Lakewood Scoop first reported the upcoming endorsement last week.

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Newsweek is recognizing the top health care facilities in the U.S. in its America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2026, released Oct. 22. 

Of the more than 6,000 hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 800 made this year’s ranking. Of those, 11 are in New Jersey. 

In partnership with data firm Statista, Newsweek evaluated hospitals based on: 

• Peer recommendations from medical professionals 
• Hospital quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other public data sources 
• Patient experience scores 
• Accreditations and certifications from recognized organizations

Those that made the ranking “consistently demonstrate excellence across medical specialties, safety, and patient satisfaction,” according to the publication. 

“Health care decisions are deeply personal, and patients deserve reliable information when choosing where to seek care,” said Alexis Kayser, Newsweek health care editor. “The hospitals recognized on this list represent the very best in patient-centered care, combining medical expertise with compassion and innovation to improve lives in their communities.” 

Care close to home 

According to Newsweek, New Jersey’s Best-in-State Hospitals for 2026 are: 

• No. 1: Morristown Medical Center, Morristown | Atlantic Health System 
• No. 2: Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood | Englewood Health 
• No. 3: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick | RWJBarnabas Health 
• No. 4: Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack | Hackensack Meridian Health 
• No. 5: Overlook Medical Center, Summit | Atlantic Health System  
• No. 6: Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick | Saint Peter’s Healthcare System 
• No. 7: Cooper University Hospital, Camden | Cooper University Health Care  
• No. 8: Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro  
• No. 9: Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch | RWJBarnabas Health 
• No. 10: The Valley Hospital, Paramus | Valley Health System  
• No. 11: Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck 

Last year, 10 hospitals in New Jersey made the list. Holy Name was the addition to the 2026 ranking. U.S. News & World Report released its own list of best hospitals in July, with some repeat honorees to Newsweek’s.

Health care kudos

Englewood Health shared its hospital’s results in an Oct. 23 announcement, noting its No. 2 ranking in the state and highest in Bergen County. 

“We are honored to once again be recognized among the very best hospitals in New Jersey,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team—physicians, nurses, and staff—who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and an outstanding experience for every patient, every day.”

New Jersey is a great place to have a romantic dinner, and now a major food website has named one restaurant the Garden State’s most romantic.

The Most Romantic Restaurant In New Jersey

In New Jersey, the only thing we take more seriously than romance is the food we eat, and when you combine the two, you make us very happy.

We love food, and we love love, and one of the most well-known food websites has crowned one of New Jersey’s incredible restaurants the most romantic in the state.

Lovefood took on the challenge of naming the most romantic restaurant in every state in America, and if you’ve never been to the one they chose for New Jersey, put it on your bucket list soon.

Where Is New Jersey’s Top Romantic Restaurant?

So, how far will you have to travel to experience romance and dining in a perfect combination?

Read More: New Jersey Restaurant Scene Gains National Attention

The place that earns the top spot for romance in New Jersey is a gorgeous restaurant with one of the best views in America.

Chart House in Weehawken overlooks the New York Skyline, and the only thing that rivals the breathtaking view is the amazing food.

New Jersey’s Most Romantic Restaurant

Many New Jersey residents have dined at this elegant restaurant, and the reviews, like the view, are exceptional.

If you have never been to Chart House, get to Weehawken soon. You and the love of your life will be glad you did.

Jersey Shore Restaurants That Have Been Around A Long Time